“Robert is passionate about education and its role in strengthening communities,” said Attorney Timothy Prince, Esq, President of the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.– Robert Garcia, the Democratic candidate for California’s 50th Assembly District, is the featured guest speaker at the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club’s July 12th Noon meeting at Juan Polo Restaurant in San Bernardino.
The 50th Assembly District includes the communities of Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Bloomington, Colton, Ontario, Loma Linda, San Bernardino, Rialto, and Redlands.
Garcia is the son of immigrants and a career educator who was the first in his family to graduate high school. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from UCLA and a master’s in public policy from USC. He taught high school math and science for many years and then moved up to his current position in school administration.
In 2016, voters elected Garcia to the Etiwanda School District Board of Trustees and reelected him in 2020 with 70% of the vote. He served as President of the Board, and during his tenure, the school district earned the California Exemplary District Award twice and National Blue-Ribbon School status for five schools. Robert, his wife Samantha and their three children live in Rancho Cucamonga.
“Robert is passionate about education and its role in strengthening communities. His campaign platform includes fighting to ensure safe neighborhoods, fully funding schools, investing in homelessness reduction, creating good-paying job opportunities while building a sustainable economy, and supporting small businesses across the Inland Empire,” said Attorney Timothy Prince, Esq, President of the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club.
San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club meetings start at noon at Juan Pollo Restaurant, 1258 West 5th St., San Bernardino.
For more information or to speak at the San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club, contact them online at sbdems.com/?page_id=14.
Established in 1993, the Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino is the most prominent and dynamic Democratic club in the Inland Empire. Our meetings convene most Fridays at Juan Pollo Restaurant, 1258 West 5th St. in San Bernardino, and we extend an open invitation to the public. Each gathering hosts a distinguished speaker who shares compelling news and crucial updates on matters impacting the broader San Bernardino area. Visit our website at sbdems.com for further details.
The San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club will host San Bernardino Parks & Recreation Director Lydie Gutfeld at its June 28th meeting on Fridays at 12:15 p.m. at Juan Pollo Restaurant,
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. — The San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club hosts San Bernardino Parks & Recreation Director Lydie Gutfeld at its June 28th meeting on Fridays at 12:15 p.m. at Juan Pollo Restaurant, 1258 W 5th St, San Bernardino, CA 92411.
Gutfeld started her position on January 3, 2023, coming from Mission Viejo, where she served as that city’s Community Services Manager.
An experienced professional with over 30 years working in parks, Gutfeld is also a past president of the California Park and Recreation Society, a state association of over 4,000 parks and recreation professionals.
Gutfeld oversees youth, adult, and senior programs, activities, and sports at San Bernardino’s 33 parks, spanning approximately five hundred acres of open space and developed land, as well as community events such as Operation Splash, Inland Empire Senior Games, the Veteran’s Day Parade, and Winter Wonderland.
In 2019, she received the Helen Pontius National Merit Award, the highest recognition given by the Women in Leisure Services, Chi Kappa Rho, Inc. organization, for her extensive efforts and service to women in the profession. Gutfeld holds a BA in child and adolescent development and a master’s in public administration from Cal State Fullerton.
Club President Timothy Prince, Esq., says, “We have speakers from various backgrounds that help our members keep abreast of current and trending civic, cultural, and governmental issues. Our members like to hear about all kinds of news, not just politics.”
About the Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino
Founded in 1993, the Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino (DLCSB) is the Inland Empire’s largest and most active Democratic club. The club holds meetings most Fridays at San Bernardino area eateries, and the public is invited to attend. Each meeting provides attendees with a speaker who offers interesting news and updates on issues that affect the greater San Bernardino area.
For more information, contact Timothy Prince at tprince@tprincelaw.com or (909) 888-1000.
“This is our second year offering this prevention education and training, and we know it’s an effective way to combat opioid deaths,” said Salvation Army Director of Programs Naomi Goforth.
This life-saving medication can reverse opioid overdoses. Naloxone is an antidote for treating heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid overdoses.
REDLANDS, CA. — With opioid abuse on the rise, the Salvation Army is responding to the challenge by once again offering prevention education regarding opioid overdose and training on the use of Naloxone. This life-saving medication can reverse opioid overdoses. Naloxone is an antidote for treating heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid overdoses.
In February, U.S. News & World Report published an article headlined ‘Fourth Wave’ of Opioid Epidemic Crashes Ashore, Propelled by Fentanyl and Meth. Based on a study by Millennium Health testing labs, the article points out how common polysubstance abuse has become. In fact, “…an overwhelming majority of fentanyl-positive urine samples—nearly 93%—contained additional substances.”
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health online dashboard shows 58 to 61% of fentanyl overdose deaths in the county for the years 2022 through 2024 had methamphetamine present. The dashboard also indicates fentanyl overdose deaths increased from 260 in 2020 to 432 in 2023, with 108 more as of May 2024.
“Our workshop led by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health helps raise awareness of trends in opioid abuse and how Naloxone can be used to treat overdoses. The workshop also includes prevention training. With overdoses on the rise, concerned residents can learn how to combat abuse,” says Naomi Goforth, the Salvation Army Director of Programs.
Over 100 people received education and training at last year’s program, and Goforth hopes for a similar turnout this year. The public is invited to the program, which will be held at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ administration building at 838 Alta St. in Redlands. The session starts at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18.
“This is our second year partnering with Public Health to offer this program,” says Goforth, “and we know it’s an effective way to combat opioid deaths.” She adds that the program will also be conducted at the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House and Path to Prosperity facilities for program participants.
For more information, call (909) 792-6868.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may provide emergency services, including food, lodging for homeless or displaced families, clothing and furniture, assistance with rent or mortgage, and transportation when funds are available.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church that offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the world’s largest charitable and international service organizations, The Salvation Army has existed since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by 1-(800) SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.
Brian Fraser New CFO at LaSalle Medical Associates
“LaSalle is poised to take advantage of great opportunities.” — Brian Fraser, CFO, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — Brian Fraser has joined LaSalle Medical Associates as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Fraser brings more than 30 years of financial management experience, including more than 15 years as CFO of EPIC Management Services, where he worked alongside LaSalle’s current CEO, Duane Whittington.
“LaSalle has a long and rich history of serving patients in the community. I am thrilled to join LaSalle and look forward to working with Duane and Dr. Arteaga to advance the growth and diversification vision of the organization,” says Fraser.
Fraser will be a key part of the leadership team at LaSalle, working closely with Whittington and LaSalle’s founder, Dr. Albert Arteaga, on key strategic measures to expand LaSalle’s existing business and diversify into new and complementary lines of business.
Fraser brings a broad range of financial management experience to LaSalle, including public accounting, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing and cultural resource management. Fraser is a Certified Public Accountant and received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Redlands.
“LaSalle is excited to add yet another seasoned professional to our executive team as we position ourselves to expand LaSalle’s footprint,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. Mr. Fraser’s history and experience will further support the organization’s vision and mission to deliver patient-centered care to all.
For more information, contact the LaSalle corporate office in Redlands by calling (909) 890-0407 or visiting their website, LaSalleMedicalAssociates.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 360,000 patients in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
Health Challenges In Seniors And Practical Strategies to Manage Them
Redlands, Calif.. – Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, making us more susceptible to specific health challenges. Older adults often face multiple issues that can impact their quality of life. However, understanding and overcoming these challenges can significantly improve well-being in the golden years. Let’s explore 12 common health challenges in senior adults and practical strategies to tackle them.
12 common health challenges in senior adults
Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that can make your joints hurt and feel stiff. Exercising regularly, protecting your joints, and taking medications can help you handle arthritis better. Activities that are gentle on your body, like swimming or tai chi, can make you feel better if you have arthritis. Actions like these can help relieve joint pain and discomfort.
Osteoporosis: Our bones deteriorate with age, putting older adults at an increased risk of fractures. Seniors need enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet to help keep bones strong and prevent fractures. These nutrients help maintain bone strength. Along with a good diet, exercises that make your bones work harder, like walking or dancing, can also help keep bones strong.
Heart Disease: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health challenge for seniors. It is a significant cause of illness and death for older adults. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and managing blood pressure are essential. Regular checkups help catch issues early and help keep them in check so they don’t worsen.
Diabetes: Managing diabetes is a common challenge for many seniors. To effectively handle this condition, it’s essential to focus on a few key aspects: eating right, staying active, keeping an eye on blood sugar levels, and following the medications prescribed by the doctor. These elements work together to help seniors manage their diabetes and lead a healthier life. It’s essential to stay committed to these practices as they are crucial in keeping diabetes in check and promoting overall well-being.
Cancer: Cancer risk significantly increases with age, making regular checkups for seniors vital. Routine screenings can detect cancer at early, more treatable stages. Early detection helps with successful treatment, ensuring a longer, healthier life. Don’t underestimate the importance of proactive healthcare for seniors.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: As people age, cognitive decline is a natural expectation, but seniors can take proactive steps to keep their minds sharp and vibrant. Engaging in mental exercises and acquiring new skills can be remarkably beneficial. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables contributes to brain health.
Staying socially active through interactions with loved ones and community involvement are crucial. Furthermore, challenging oneself with new hobbies and activities reduces the risk of cognitive decline and promotes overall senior well-being, offering a fulfilling and enriched quality of life.
Depression and Anxiety: Seniors often encounter mental health issues because of changes in their lives or health conditions. It’s essential to seek help from friends, family, or professionals. Enjoying hobbies and staying connected with others can be helpful. Being around people and doing things you love can brighten your mood and make you feel better. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust or seek advice if you’re feeling down.
Vision Problems: As we age, certain eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma become more common. Seeing an eye doctor regularly is critical to spot any problems early on. Furthermore, shielding our eyes from dangerous UV rays by wearing sunglasses or hats when out in the sun can help us maintain excellent eye health. These simple steps can help keep our eyes in good condition as we age.
Hearing Loss: Prioritizing good hearing health is essential for seniors. Regular checkups for your ears are a proactive step in catching issues early. Avoiding loud noises is equally crucial, as they can harm your hearing gradually. If needed, hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life by improving your ability to hear. Caring for your ears ensures a vibrant connection with the world throughout your golden years, making every moment engaging and fulfilling.
Respiratory Issues: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing hard. It’s essential to quit smoking, exercise regularly, and take medications as prescribed by your doctor to control breathing issues better. By quitting smoking, staying active, and following your prescribed medications, you can effectively manage respiratory problems associated with COPD. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure you take the proper steps to manage your condition effectively.
Obesity: Seniors often encounter weight issues because their bodies have a slower metabolism. This means they might gain weight more quickly. They must eat a balanced diet and keep moving regularly to manage this. Seeking help and guidance from a healthcare professional can help. These experts can offer personalized advice for each person’s unique needs and health situation. Remember that even modest changes to your lifestyle may have a significant impact on how you feel!
Chronic Pain: Seniors often face persistent pain for many reasons. Seeking advice from a doctor, getting physical therapy, or trying alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy can help reduce this discomfort. Finding the proper treatment that works best for you is essential, so don’t hesitate to explore different options until you find relief. Consulting with healthcare professionals is critical to managing and finding solutions for ongoing pain.
Albert Arteaga, M.D., President of LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is Improving Health Outcomes In Seniors
Join LaSalle Medical Associatesin empowering seniors toward better health! It starts with a holistic approach: staying active, eating well, and prioritizing regular checkups. Let’s rally around seniors—encouraging them to engage socially, join clubs, and connect with healthcare professionals to combat loneliness and stay mentally sharp.
At LaSalle, we emphasize the importance of routine health checkups. Help seniors stay ahead by advocating for regular visits, ensuring early detection and timely care.
Small changes yield significant results! Promote a healthy lifestyle—guide seniors to add more fruits and vegetables, take short walks, and practice relaxation techniques. Let’s make these changes together for a vibrant life.
Encourage seniors to embrace these changes for an enhanced quality of life. Stay informed, seek support, and adopt a holistic approach to health. Together, we can ensure seniors lead fulfilling and vibrant lives in their later years. Join uson this journey to better health!
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
“I get asked two questions all the time by all kinds of people: Am I going to retire and is LaSalle Medical for sale?” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — As the company looks forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in June, the answer is “No,” says Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “We are the largest private, Hispanic-owned healthcare organization in the Inland Empire, and we are growing. Why would I want to stop?”
Dr. Arteaga opened his first solo practice with his wife Maria in Fontana in May 1984, after completing his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Funding for LaSalle came from Operation Second Chance, a Small Business Administration program created to train people of color and fund business start-ups, led by civil rights pioneer Francis Grice.
From that humble beginning, LaSalle has grown, adding facilities and a network of specialists, to the point where today there are five open clinics, two in San Bernardino and one each in Fontana, Hesperia, and Rialto, with plans to reopen the Victorville location that had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. The practice employs more than 110 healthcare professionals.
“I would say that our crowning achievement is our emphasis on outreach, getting people to come in for regular checkups that focus on prevention,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Treating people who suffer from illness is fine, but being able to spot warning signs in advance and ensuring that patients don’t need to undergo more intensive and lengthy treatment is LaSalle’s priority.”
In 1995 Dr. Arteaga established the LaSalle Independent Practice Association (IPA), “…a business entity organized and owned by a network of independent physician practices.”
Today, the LaSalle IPA includes members in Southern California’s San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties, as well as Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties in Central California. The LaSalle IPA serves more than 360,000 patients statewide.
LaSalle’s Corporate Headquarters in Redlands, CA
Dr. Arteaga goes on to say, “We recently changed our healthcare management services provider, hired a new CEO, Duane Whittington, eight months ago, and just added a brand new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Brian Fraser. They both left one of the Inland Empire’s biggest healthcare organizations to come to work for us at LaSalle.
“Duane and Bryan have relieved me of a lot of administrative responsibilities and freed me up to focus on future growth prospects.”
LaSalle’s expansion plans include growing the IPA. “Our Independent Practice Association helps doctors focus on treating their patients while we do the paperwork and negotiate contracts with insurance companies, and companies that provide medical services including imaging, blood testing, and other services. We make it easier for doctors to be doctors,” said Dr. Arteaga.
The IPA is expanding the number of doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants for current and future locations. “If you are looking for a career serving patients with The Gold Standard of Care, LaSalle is looking for you,” said Dr. Arteaga, who is also looking to grow the number of clinics through mergers and acquisitions.
Selling or retiring is not an option for Arteaga. “Most retirees go ahead and retire for one of two reasons—they’re either tired or there’s something else they want to do. In my case, neither of those apply. So, is LaSalle for sale? My answer is no!”
Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
BRIEF: 275 words
Is LaSalle Medical Associates for Sale?
Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
“I get asked two questions all the time by all kinds of people: Am I going to retire and is LaSalle Medical for sale?” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — As the company looks forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in June, the answer is “No,” says Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “We are the largest private, Hispanic-owned healthcare organization in the Inland Empire, and we are growing. I don’t want to stop?”
Dr. Arteaga opened his first practice in Fontana in May 1984. Since then, LaSalle has grown, adding facilities and a network of specialists. Today, there are two clinics in San Bernardino and one each in Fontana, Hesperia, and Rialto, with plans to reopen the Victorville location that had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. LaSalle employs over 110 healthcare professionals.
“Our crowning achievement is our outreach program, getting people to come in for regular checkups that focus on prevention,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Treating sick people is fine, but being able to spot warning signs in advance so patients don’t need to undergo more intensive and lengthy treatment is LaSalle’s priority.”
In 1996 Dr. Arteaga established the LaSalle Independent Practice Association (IPA), a network of independent physician practices that reduces overhead while pursuing opportunities with employers, accountable care organizations and/or managed care organizations.
Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
The LaSalle IPA serves more than 360,000 patients statewide. “Our IPA helps doctors focus on their patients while we do the paperwork and negotiate contracts with insurance companies and companies that provide medical services. We make it easier for doctors to be doctors,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Selling or retiring is not an option for Arteaga. “Most retirees go ahead and retire for one of two reasons—they’re either tired or there’s something else they want to do. In my case, neither of those apply. So, is LaSalle for sale? My answer is no!”
(San Bernardino, CA) The Salvation Army has been active in the San Bernardino area since the late 1880s. Steve Pinckney with the San Bernardino Corps talks about the many year-round programs and services offered to address hunger, poverty, homelessness and addiction in our community, and the need for donations and volunteers. Learn more at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org or call (909) 792-6868.
The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1888. They support those in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army serves the cities of Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, other mountain communities, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Mentone, Redlands, and San Bernardino.
Carrots and applesauce make a sweet treat that’s good for your eyes.
“Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye health.” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — During April, we celebrate International Carrot Day. The old saying about carrots being good for your vision is true. Carrots have nutrients that help eye health in several ways. Chief among them is Vitamin A.
“Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is known to improve eye health,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, President of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the largest privately owned and operated healthcare organizations in the Inland Empire.
The 2023 Digital Health Award-winning Internet site, All About Vision, says that the Vitamin A in carrots provides several benefits, including:
Impeding the progression of Stargardt’s disease (early onset central vision loss)
On the other hand, vitamin A deficiency can cause:
Dry eyes
Night blindness
Vision loss
“Parents who have children who don’t like the taste of raw or cooked carrots by themselves may be able to get their kids to eat them by combining carrots with other foods that are rich in Vitamin A and add sweet-tooth-pleasing flavors, such as mangoes, cantaloupes, sweet red peppers, and sweet potatoes,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Carrots also contain beta-carotene, which is what gives red, orange, and yellow vegetables their color. Once eaten, your body converts it into retinol, another name for vitamin A. Healthline points out that research shows that beta-carotene is also good for your skin and may even improve cognitive health, although more research is needed about that.
Dr. Arteaga adds one caution: If you eat too many beta-carotene-rich foods, your skin may start to turn yellow. “All things in moderation,” he says.
“It is recommended that both children and adults undergo an annual check-up. At LaSalle, the checkup includes a comprehensive blood workup that can identify any vitamin deficiencies. This enables doctors to provide tailored suggestions regarding medicine, diet, and exercise that are specific to the needs of each patient,” explained Dr. Arteaga.
For an appointment at one of the six Inland Empire LaSalle clinics, please visit LaSalleMedicalAssociates.com or call 1-855-349-6019.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
When youngsters get enough sleep, they are less impulsive, stressed, depressed, anxious, and aggressive, and can keep their cognitive functions working to their full capacity, like these award-winning young scholars. Shaila and Shiane Dameron are happy healthy LaSalle patients.
“Children and teens, especially, need adequate sleep for proper growth and development.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga
REDLANDS, Calif. — Sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being throughout your life, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “The quality of your waking hours largely depends on what happens while you’re asleep.”
“For proper growth and development, children and teens require 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Therefore, parents are encouraged to do their best to ensure that their children get enough rest,” said pediatrician Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the Inland Empire’s largest private healthcare organizations.
Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, California now requires all high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and an 8 a.m. or later start for middle schools this school year.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that pre-teens who slept less than nine hours per day had differences in brain structure and more problems with mood and thinking than those who got adequate sleep. Improving sleep leads to better mental health and behavior from pre-adolescence on.
NIH researchers “found that children in the insufficient sleep group at the start of the study had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who got sufficient sleep. These included impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and thinking problems.
“The children with insufficient sleep also had impaired cognitive functions such as decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. Differences between the groups persisted at the two-year follow-up.”
After awakening, the body releases hormones that increase alertness. With developing pre-teens and teens, hormones act while sleeping in pulses that signal the body to release testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Those essential developmental hormonal pulses get bigger with the onset of puberty.
Adults as well as youngsters are subject to many of the same problems in the absence of adequate sleep. These problems include hunger control, responsiveness to insulin, a decline in physical activity, and what is known as metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase one’s risk “…of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic and Dr. Arteaga suggest six ways to improve one’s sleep. First, stick to a regular schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. “For adults, seven hours is the minimum and eight is recommended,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Second, avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Avoid midnight snacks and late-night alcohol. Nicotine is another no-no.
Third, the bedroom should be comfortably cool, dark, and quiet. “It is difficult to fall asleep after being exposed to blue-light-emitting sources like computers, smartphones, and other devices,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Fourth, “Napping during the daytime needs to be limited, as too many or too long naps will interfere with nighttime sleep,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Fifth, don’t be a couch potato. “It is recommended to engage in some form of physical activity every day. However, it is not advisable to exercise right before bedtime as it can be counterproductive,” said Dr. Arteaga.
And finally, learn to cope with stress and anxiety. “Rehashing daytime troubles is guaranteed to keep you from the restful sleep you need to cope with them the next day. You can use a notebook or planner to list things you need to pay attention to the next day and that lets your mind disengage from them at bedtime,” said Dr. Arteaga.
He added, “If you or your children are having sleep problems anyway, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. They can suggest additional practitioners or prescribe medications to help.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
Shiane, Shaila, Carl, and Malaika Dameron all enjoy the Gold Standard of Care at LaSalle Medical Associates.
“We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.
REDLANDS, CA. — A 2022 study by Pew Research finds that most Black Americans feel good about the quality of health care they have received recently. But the findings are mixed, with 47% saying outcomes have gotten better over the past 20 years, 31% saying they’re the same and 20% feel things have gotten worse.
On March 29, 2023, the Kaiser Family Foundation released a study, “Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity” that noted, “While inequities in access to and use of health care contribute to disparities in health, inequities across broader social and economic factors that drive health, often referred to as social determinants of health, also play a major role.”
Social determinants include “socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care.” Several initiatives within and outside of the healthcare system are working to address these factors.
Nonetheless, two things not mentioned in these studies need to be pointed out. Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, the Inland Empire’s largest independent healthcare provider, said, “We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly.”
Dr. Arteaga points out that it is only natural that Black patients will feel more comfortable being treated by a Black physician.
A 2021 study from the National Library of Medicine found that 5.8% of family medicine doctors are Black, 7.8% of internal medicine specialists, and 7.3% of pediatricians.
Blacks make up 13.6% of the U.S. population, so the number of Black physicians is under-represented.
Dr. Arteaga adds that a key factor in patient satisfaction with their healthcare provider is trust. “At LaSalle,” commented Dr. Arteaga, “we address this in several ways.
“One is that when we open a facility, it stays open in the same location. Our Black and Hispanic patients know that the LaSalle clinic they visit is going to be in the same place for the long term. Our patients trust that their LaSalle facility isn’t going to move. We opened our first clinic in Fontana in 1984 and it’s still in the same location,” he continued.
LaSalle employs a diverse staff who all provide a Gold Standard of care for their patients. Part of that lofty standard includes communicating effectively and openly with patients. The old saw about “bedside manner” includes the style of a person’s communication with others, per Merriam-Webster, and LaSalle’s staff are skilled at providing a good bedside manner.
“Another thing our patients can count on is that their health care provider won’t change. We don’t believe in transferring staff from one location to another. The relationship a LaSalle patient has with their doctor won’t be interrupted because of some HR policy that moves providers around.
“Lastly, our facilities are scrupulously clean. We maintain a Gold Standard of cleanliness in all our clinics that match our Gold Standard of care for all patients, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.”
Dr. Arteaga emphasized, “We encourage anyone who feels uneasy about communicating with their health care provider to contact their insurer and ask for a different doctor. Good communication is so important a part of good healthcare, no one should be going without it.”
For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
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B R I E F: 291 words
How to Eliminate Black Disparities in Healthcare
“We not only need more Black physicians, but we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates.
REDLANDS, CA. —A 2022 study by Pew Research finds that most Black Americans feel good about the quality of health care they have received recently. But the findings are mixed, with 47% saying outcomes have gotten better over the past 20 years, 31% saying they’re the same and 20% feel things have gotten worse.
A 2023 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation noted, “While inequities in access to and use of health care contribute to disparities in health, inequities across broader social and economic factors that drive health, often referred to as social determinants of health, also play a major role.”
However, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, points to two things not mentioned in these two studies—the need for more Black doctors and better communication between doctors and patients. “We not only need more Black physicians, we also need both doctors and patients to communicate more openly,” he said.
LaSalle provides a Gold Standard of care to all its patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. This includes communicating effectively and openly with patients. A good “bedside manner” includes communication style with others, per Merriam-Webster, and LaSalle’s people practice a good bedside manner with everyone they see.
Dr. Arteaga emphasized, “I encourage anyone who feels uneasy about communicating with their health care provider to contact their insurer and ask for a different doctor. Good communication is so important a part of good healthcare, no one should be going without it.”
For more information call 1-855-349-6019 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.
