(San Bernardino, CA) Breast cancer screenings go a long way toward prevention. That’s why during the month of October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – LaSalle Medical Associates and Eric Lefkofsky will offer free mammograms at two of its locations in San Bernardino County.
The free screenings will take place Oct. 12 and 26 at LaSalle Medical Associates’ Mt. Vernon clinic in San Bernardino, 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., and Oct. 11 in Hesperia, 16455 Main St.
Interested individuals are urged to call ahead for an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.
“A mammography can save lives if it catches breast cancer early enough which is a reason we promote screenings to our patients daily and not just the month of October,’’ says Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle.
“We have a mobile mammography unit out to both of our family practice sites on a monthly basis to be sure that we are screening as many women as we can. We take advantage of every opportunity to educate patients on the importance of regular, preventative screenings,’’ said Graber.
In addition to free breast cancer screenings, LaSalle Medical Associates’ practices throughout the month of October and the Inland Empire is offering free educational materials on breast cancer to women, and men, throughout the Inland Empire. Opportunities for free and or reduced-cost mammograms are available through LaSalle, Graber says.
“As often as possible we try to use the members’ insurance and, if uninsured, we try to find a program that they may qualify for such as the Cancer Detection Program or the Family PACT program, both of which cover mammograms. The Cancer Detection Program also covers any interventions needed if the screening comes back with a positive result,’’ Graber says. “If they do not qualify for any programs, there is a reduced cash rate that is charged but for the most part we work with our patients to ensure they get the screening.”
A mammography is a screening tool that uses X-rays to create an image of the breast. These images, called mammograms, are used to find early signs of breast cancer such as a dense mass or clusters of calcium. A mammogram is considered the best screening tool for breast cancer today. It is capable of identifying cancers in their early stages, when they are too small to be felt, and most responsive to treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women of all races.
And, although breast cancer is rare in men, it does happen. According to the CDC, in 2012 an estimated 2,190 new cases of breast cancer will occur among men.
“Mammograms take just a few minutes, they are safe, and they are reliable,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “We believe all women, especially in the Inland Empire, should have access to low-cost mammograms and our staff is working hard to insure those women who need them, get them. The more women we see the greater the chance we have of saving lives.”
For more information about the free mammograms, call (909) 884-9091for LaSalle’s Mt. Vernon clinic or (760) 947-2161 for its Hesperia office. About LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 patient visits in Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in California.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) More than ten thousand people throughout the Inland Empire received flu vaccinations this past year, thanks to the efforts of the staff at LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
The new flu season starts September 1, 2012 with flu vaccines available at all LaSalle clinics. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, occurs annually from October through May and is spread by coughing, sneezing or a runny nose. Getting vaccinated can help avoid the flu or lessen its symptoms, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.
Last year Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, was selected as California’s first-ever CDC Childhood Immunization Champion for LaSalle’s work in immunizations. He was one of only 39 doctors in the United States receiving the prestigious honor.
Advocating precaution to protect yourself and those around you from the flu, LaSalle provided a total of 10,676 flu vaccines this season. Operating a total of four clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and San Bernardino, this annual effort goes a long way in making a difference in curbing the spread of the flu for everyone.
“I cannot stress how important it is to get your annual flu vaccine,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “The benefits of flu vaccines have been proven over and over. It is the best tool we have in preventing the spread of the virus.”
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including: pregnant women, older adults and young children. New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses.
“The seasonal flu vaccine are available in September 1, before the start of flu season,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Getting vaccinated now is a great way to avoid the flu. If you do get the flu, to limit the spreading of the virus, anyone with symptoms should stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a doctor or clinic, especially if they are worried about the symptoms.”
LaSalle has the High Dose flu vaccine for seniors, the intradermal flu vaccine is a shot that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle, and nasal flu mists for children and adults.
For more information about the seasonal influenza vaccine, or to make an appointment, call LaSalle’s Pediatric clinics in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in (909) 823-4454 and in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St. (909) 887-6494. LaSalle’s family clinics are located: in San Bernardino at 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091 and in Hesperia at 16455 Main St. (760) 947-2161.
For more information about this season’s vaccine selection, from the CDC visit Vaccine Virus Selection for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Fresno, Kings, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
LaSalle Medical Associates, suggest that patients bring any new prescriptions to their doctors visits. Informing your doctor of your current prescriptions helps to determine what medications will work best with your current treatment. It also can ensure that your doctor knows every medication you are taking and that each patient gets the best care possible for the recommended treatment.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) What if your doctor prescribes a new medicine that reacts badly with a prescription you received from a recent emergency room visit, it can happen, sometimes with disastrous results. How can you prevent this?
“Bring all of your prescriptions with you to every doctor visit, especially those you have given by another doctor or emergency room visit” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
Informing your doctor of your current prescriptions helps to determine what medications will work best with your current treatment. It also can ensure that your doctor knows every medication you are taking and that each patient gets the best care possible for the recommended treatment.
“If you take a prescription regularly for an ongoing condition, your physician needs to be aware of it,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Dr. Arteaga encourages every patient to make their physician aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications they are taking, as well as any vitamins and herbal supplements.
Medications come in different Shapes, sizes and contents. Make sure your doctor knows about all of medications you are taking.
By providing this vital information, your doctor is able to determine if you are taking any medications you no longer need or taking more than one drug to treat the same condition. Your doctor will also be able to tell if the reason for your visit is a side effect of your current medication and reduce the risk for any future adverse drug interaction.
Dr. Arteaga also points out that when you bring your prescriptions to your scheduled doctor visit, you may be able to minimize your out-of-pocket costs as well. In fact, there may be a less expensive variety of the same medication.
“Remember, newer isn’t always better,” said Dr. Arteaga. ”Some older drugs may work just as well for you and cost you a lot less.”
Dr. Arteaga cautions that ultimately, the medications you take should always be ones that your doctor feels are best for you. However, a talk with your doctor about the cost of treatment and your ability to pay may result in substantial savings as well as a better health outcome.
For more an appointment or more information call LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. at (909) 890-0407. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
