Help detect colon cancer with free screening April 10 - 03/19/10 >Salem — Find out if you're at risk for colon cancer at a free screening on April 10. If you are at least 50 years old, without insurance or unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free colonoscopy.
Mid-Valley resident Roger Sargent was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after receiving a free screening through this program last year. He had no symptoms or concerns prior to the screening. Thanks to the screening his cancer was found early and treated.
"My colon screening was painless and it saved my life," said Roger Sargent, now a patient of the Salem Cancer Institute.
The free screenings will take place by appointment only at Salem Hospital, Building C and must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Please call 503-562-4321 for more information. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission and Capitol Streets.
The free colon cancer screening is sponsored in partnership with the Salem Cancer Institute, Salem Gastroenterology Consultants and Pacific Pathology Associates, Inc.
The Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Help detect skin cancer with free screening April 10 - 03/19/10 >Salem — To help with early detection, the Salem Cancer Institute and the Dermatology Clinic, PC, are working in partnership to offer a free skin cancer screening on Saturday, April 10.
If you are without insurance or unable to afford important health screenings, you may qualify for this free skin screening by local dermatologists. You'll also learn ways to prevent skin cancer and how to do monthly self exams at home.
The free screenings will take place by appointment only at Salem Hospital, Building C and must be scheduled in advance. Space is limited. Please call the Salem Cancer Institute at 503-562-4321 to schedule an appointment or for more information. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission and Capitol Streets.
According to the Oregon State Cancer Registry, an average of 1,977 cases of melanoma and skin cancers are diagnosed each year in Oregon. Additional people are diagnosed with basal- and squamous-cell cancers every year. When found early however, these cancers may be completely cured with treatment.
The Salem Cancer Institute and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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CHEC offers Training Camp for New Dads April 12 - 03/18/10 >Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital will be offering Training Camp for New Dads on Monday, April 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Designed for expectant dads or dads with babies up to three months old, the class lets the guys get together — along with a skilled facilitator and an experienced dad and baby when possible — to talk about what it's like being a dad. This class will leave you more confident in your ability to be a great dad!
The class will be held at the CHEC located on the Salem Hospital campus, 890 Oak St. SE, Building D, first floor. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost of the class is $20 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Hospital SHAPES clinic announces new weekend hours - 03/17/10 >Salem — To make wise use of health care resources, Salem Hospital's SHAPES clinic has announced new weekend hours, effective immediately.
SHAPES is now open Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients who need daily treatment or have a clinical necessity to be seen on a Saturday or Sunday can make appointments during this time.
The clinic reorganized weekend care to offer patients the treatments they need while being as financially responsible as possible. Previously SHAPES was open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday hours are unchanged, with SHAPES open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SHAPES staffers are contacting current patients to explain the new hours and help them change appointments if needed.
SHAPES specializes in caring for patients with certain types of illnesses that require intravenous or other medical therapies, many of which used to require hospitalization. The clinic also provides a full range of wound care services.
Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality health care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Media advisory: Mock crash to provide inside look at Oregon's rural trauma system, March 31 at 1 p.m. - 03/15/10 >What: Mock crash of two motor vehicles with eight victims (played by five live actors, two pediatric simulators and a mannequin); extrication of victims; triage; transports via Life Flight helicopter and Polk County/Dallas emergency medical services; treatment at West Valley Hospital and Salem Hospital.
When: Wednesday, March 31, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 1895 Riddle Rd., Dallas; ask for crash site PIOs Sean Condon, City of Dallas Fire, and Neal Olsen, Polk County Fire District #1
Why: Exercise to push a rural trauma system to the limit provides opportunities for self-evaluation and immediate process improvement. Participants will practice on-scene stabilization, rapid transport and emergency treatment for multiple pediatric trauma victims. This exercise concludes a two-day seminar on pediatric trauma care for first-responders and trauma clinicians. Training is sponsored by a collaboration of state- and federally funded programs. Similar training will occur in Cottage Grove, Hermiston and Baker City later this year.
Interviews available:
— Crash scene
Robert Leopold, director, Oregon Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems
Holly Love, RN, outreach manager, Life Flight Network
Mike Mayfield, EMS chief, Polk County Fire District No.1
Todd Brumfield, EMS coordinator, City of Dallas
Robert Deuhmig, communications director, Oregon Office of Rural Health
— West Valley Hospital—Dr. Rebecca Lucas, Emergency Department medical director
— Salem Hospital—Dr. Nicole Van Der Heyden, Trauma Services medical director
Photo/video opportunities:
— High-tech, high-fidelity computerized simulation mannequins for pediatric trauma
— Crash scene extrication and triage
— Transport to area hospitals via ambulance and Life Flight helicopter (filming of landing on Salem Hospital tower available)
— Simulated treatment of traumatic injuries in dedicated trauma room at Salem Hospital
Background:
Trauma remains the leading cause of death and serious injury among children living in Oregon and nationally. In 2008, the Oregon trauma registry reports that of the ten leading causes of injury to children from birth to 18 years old, 28 percent were occupants in a motor vehicle crash.
To improve the skills of providers and the system of care for pediatric trauma victims, a pilot training program for emergency medical systems and hospital personnel in rural communities is being developed through a collaboration of state- and federally funded programs. Collaboration is necessary to fund and staff a project of this size. Organizations include:
— Oregon Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems Office
— Life Flight Network
— Oregon Department of Transportation, Transportation Safety Division
— OHSU/Emergency Medicine
— Office of Rural Health
The project will provide pediatric-specific training to EMS staff and hospital clinicians using high-fidelity simulation pediatric mannequins. Pediatric patients have unique needs, and skills gained in pediatric training are transferable to care for adult patients. Training will be provided at Salem Hospital on March 30 and West Valley Hospital on March 31, culminating in the simulation of a two-car crash in Dallas.
Oregon's Emergency Medical Systems and Trauma Systems Office works with agencies and providers statewide to ensure that all Oregonians receive the best care possible in emergency situations. When emergency services providers are properly trained and equipped, lives are saved. Many of Oregon's emergency responders don't have the local funding they need to get specialized training.
Oregon is gaining national recognition for its innovative approach to providing pediatric trauma training and education to rural hospitals and EMS providers through its use of high fidelity simulation. State programs around the nation are looking to Oregon as a model for this type of program.
Even though traffic fatalities have decreased in Oregon in the last few years, there are still far too many crashes, injuries and deaths. Oregonians can prevent crashes by driving safely and cautiously.
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Media advisory: Mock crash to provide inside look at Mid-Valley's trauma system, March 31 at 1 p.m. - 03/15/10 >What: Mock crash of two motor vehicles with eight victims (played by five live actors, two pediatric simulators and a mannequin); extrication of victims; triage; transports via Life Flight helicopter and Polk County/Dallas emergency medical services; treatment at West Valley Hospital and Salem Hospital.
When: Wednesday, March 31, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 1895 Riddle Rd., Dallas; ask for crash site PIOs Sean Condon, City of Dallas Fire, and Neal Olsen, Polk County Fire District #1
Why: Exercise to push Mid-Valley trauma system to the limit provides opportunities for self-evaluation and immediate process improvement. Participants will practice on-scene stabilization, rapid transport and emergency treatment for multiple pediatric trauma victims. This exercise concludes a two-day seminar on pediatric trauma care for Mid-Valley first-responders and trauma clinicians. Training is sponsored by a collaboration of state- and federally funded programs.
Interviews available:
— Crash scene
Susie Werner, trauma manager, Oregon Emergency Medical Systems
Holly Love, RN, outreach manager, Life Flight Network
Mike Mayfield, EMS chief, Polk County Fire District No.1
Todd Brumfield, EMS coordinator, City of Dallas
Robert Deuhmig, communications director, Oregon Office of Rural Health
— West Valley Hospital—Dr. Rebecca Lucas, Emergency Department medical director
— Salem Hospital—Dr. Nicole Van Der Heyden, Trauma Services medical director
Photo/video opportunities:
— High-tech, high-fidelity computerized simulation mannequins for pediatric trauma
— Crash scene extrication and triage
— Transport to area hospitals via ambulance and Life Flight helicopter (filming of landing on Salem Hospital tower available)
— Simulated treatment of traumatic injuries in dedicated trauma room at Salem Hospital
Background:
Trauma remains the leading cause of death and serious injury among children living in Oregon and nationally. In 2008, the Oregon trauma registry reports that of the ten leading causes of injury to children from birth to 18 years old, 28 percent were occupants in a motor vehicle crash.
To improve the skills of providers and the system of care for pediatric trauma victims, a pilot training program for emergency medical systems and hospital personnel in rural communities is being developed through a collaboration of state- and federally funded programs. Collaboration is necessary to fund and staff a project of this size. Organizations include:
— Oregon Emergency Medical Systems and Trauma Systems Office
— Life Flight Network
— Oregon Department of Transportation, Transportation Safety Division
— OHSU/Emergency Medicine
— Office of Rural Health
The project will provide pediatric-specific training to EMS staff and hospital clinicians using high-fidelity simulation pediatric mannequins. Pediatric patients have unique needs, and skills gained in pediatric training are transferable to care for adult patients. Training will be provided at Salem Hospital on March 30 and West Valley Hospital on March 31, culminating in the simulation of a two-car crash in Dallas.
Similar training will occur in Cottage Grove, Hermiston and Baker City later this year.
Oregon's Emergency Medical Systems and Trauma Systems Office works with agencies and providers statewide to ensure that all Oregonians receive the best care possible in emergency situations. When emergency services providers are properly trained and equipped, lives are saved. Many of Oregon's emergency responders don't have the local funding they need to get specialized training.
Oregon is gaining national recognition for its innovative approach to providing pediatric trauma training and education to rural hospitals and EMS providers through its use of high fidelity simulation. State programs around the nation are looking to Oregon as a model for this type of program.
Even though traffic fatalities have decreased in Oregon in the last few years, there are still far too many crashes, injuries and deaths. Oregonians can prevent crashes by driving safely and cautiously.
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New visitor guidelines for newborns in intensive care - 03/11/10 >Salem — To offer its tiniest patients the support of family and friends while protecting them from exposure to illness, Salem Hospital is announcing new visitor guidelines for its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), effective immediately.
Visitors to patients in neonatal intensive care must be at least 18 years of age, and free of symptoms of illness. An exception to the age limitation is made for siblings of the patient, who may be of any age. Parents can designate four additional people who may visit without the parents present. A total of four visitors may visit an infant at one time.
Previously visitors were limited to people over age 12. Changes to visitor guidelines in the NICU were recommended by the unit's medical director, Dr. David Goodwin, along with the unit's clinical specialists. Salem Hospital staffers are advising patients' families of the new guidelines, and signs are posted at the unit entrance.
The neonatal intensive care unit at Salem Hospital is one of seven in Oregon to care for newborns of 26 weeks gestation and older with health problems at birth. In 2009, Salem Hospital clinical staff cared for 445 of these tiny patients.
Salem Hospital is a part of Salem Health, which includes the Community Health Education Center, West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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LHC Group signs definitive agreement to acquire Salem Hospital Home Care, transition planned for March 31 - 03/10/10 >Salem — LHC Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: LHCG), one of the largest home health care providers in the U.S., announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement with Salem Hospital to acquire the assets of Salem Hospital Home Care, the largest provider of home health services in the mid-valley area.
The purchase is expected to close on March 31, and the new service will be known as Salem Home Care, LLC.
"Salem Health conducted extensive reviews of the quality of care and customer service provided by potential buyers of our home care service," said Cheryl Nester Wolfe, chief nursing officer and a senior vice president of operations for Salem Health. "LHC Group has provided high-quality care for its patients in other areas of the country, which was a primary consideration in making this agreement."
Home Care patients should experience a smooth transition to Salem Home Care, LLC, which plans to employ many of the same staffers currently providing home care services for Salem Hospital.
Keith G. Myers, chief executive officer of LHC Group, said, "It is with great pleasure that I welcome the employees from Salem Hospital Home Care into our growing LHC Group family. We are proud to be part of Salem and the surrounding communities. As always, our commitment is to help people in these communities by providing the highest quality home health services available to the patients and families in these areas."
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Local chef to demonstrate signature recipes March 22 - 03/08/10 >Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will be hosting Chef Jesse Tomaino from local restaurant Prudence Uncorked on Monday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen.
Insisting on serving only fresh, simply prepared perfection, Chef Tomaino will be demonstrating a range of culinary surprises. The menu will include many delicious recipes including seared ahi tuna salad with fat-free lime vinaigrette, cumin scented carrot puree, herb and balsamic marinated chicken breast, wild mushroom bread pudding, and red wine poached pear with kiwi sorbet. After the demonstration, you'll be able to sample the food and take home the recipes to try in your own home.
Chef Tomaino is an alumnus of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Calif., and has worked at various restaurants throughout the country.
Part of the CHEC's Chef Showcase series of cooking classes, the class will take place in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
The cost of the class is $20 and advance registration is required. To reserve a seat, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Class to help siblings prepare for birth of a baby March 20 - 03/05/10 >Salem — The birth of a new baby is a life-changing event and one that affects all members of the family. On March 20, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) is offering a class to help big brothers- and sisters-to-be and their parents plan for the baby's birth.
Big brothers and sisters will learn what to expect when the baby arrives and will design a onesie shirt for the new baby. A tour of the Mother/Baby Unit is included.
The Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling class will take place on Saturday, March 20, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the CHEC, located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast.
The cost of the class is $15 per child and advance registration is required. Parents are asked to attend the class with their children. There is no charge for parents. To register for the program, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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West Valley Hospital Auxiliary scholarship applications due April 9; Two students will receive $1,000 each - 03/05/10 >Dallas, Ore. -- West Valley Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for its annual student scholarship award. College students and graduating high school seniors from Polk County pursuing medical or health-related fields may apply. This is the first year the annual scholarship will be awarded to two students. Applications must be received by West Valley Hospital no later than Friday, April 9.
Full- and part-time students are eligible. While applicants must be from Polk County, their educational institution does not have to be in Polk County. Scholarships will be made payable to the recipients' college and winners will be notified within two weeks of the award.
Applications are available online at westvalleyhospital.org, can be picked up at West Valley Hospital, or can be requested by contacting Pat Cozad, volunteer services coordinator, at 503-623-7323.
West Valley Hospital Auxiliary is a long-standing group of citizen volunteers who partner with the hospital to engage the community through activities and helps support future healthcare professionals through auxiliary scholarships.
West Valley Hospital, located at 525 SE Washington Street in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical-access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.
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Amr Hegazi, MD, joins the Comprehensive Pain Center ; Hospital in-patient pain management services now available - 03/04/10 >SALEM — The Comprehensive Pain Center, a part of Salem Health, welcomes Amr Hegazi, MD. Dr. Hegazi will join the pain management team providing medication management and comprehensive and interventional pain management services.
"In our first year, the demand for pain management services has exceeded our expectations," says Ahmed Ebeid, MD, medical director for the Comprehensive Pain Center. "We are very fortunate to attract someone of Dr. Hegazi's caliber to join our team. It will make getting pain appointments easier for patients and enable us to respond to referring physician desires to provide hospital in-patient consultations, as well as out-patient services."
Dr. Hegazi worked for more than five years at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, in anesthesiology and pain management. Prior to that, at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, he completed his pain management fellowship, as well as his surgery intership and anesthesiology residencies. While at Texas Tech, Dr. Hegazi received awards including outstanding fellow, outstanding senior resident, outstanding researcher and best teaching resident. He received his medical degree from Alexandria University School of Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt.
"The philosophy of the Comprehensive Pain Center serves patients well," says Dr. Hegazi. "Looking at the many aspects of pain helps tremendously in solving complex pain cases. There is rarely a ‘one-size fits all' solution and being part of a team that takes a broader view, instead of just a standard approach, is what is important."
Dr. Hegazi loves hunting, camping, sports and fishing. He moved to Salem with his wife and three children.
New hospital in-patient pain management service
The Comprehensive Pain Center is now offering pain management consultations to hospitalized patients at Salem Hospital based on requests from treating physicians.
"We've had a few dozen requests from physicians over the last six months that we've been able to cover," says Dr. Ebeid. "Now that Dr. Hegazi is here, we have the ability to serve patients at our office, as well as at the hospital when requested."
The Comprehensive Pain Center provides medication review, interventional pain management, implantable solutions, and Multi-D (multidisciplinary) services, in addition to the new in-patient pain management service.
For more information, please call 503-562-6002.
The Comprehensive Pain Center is part of Salem Health. Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners, and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Palliative care: New program helps seriously ill patients improve quality of life - 03/01/10 >Salem — Many people living with illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or kidney failure experience hard-to-control physical symptoms and emotional distress related to their diseases and treatment.
Now Salem Hospital's new palliative care program can help people with serious illnesses improve their quality of life. The care team includes physicians, nurses, social workers and chaplains, with support from dietitians, physical therapists, pharmacists and complimentary medicine practitioners. Together they help patients understand and find relief from disease symptoms.
Initially, the palliative care program is seeing patients through the Salem Cancer Institute. An $84,600 grant from the Salem Hospital Foundation is funding a clinical nurse educator for the program and providing materials that give patients and families new ideas for managing serious illnesses. A $17,600 grant from The Regence Foundation is providing money for planning and implementation, as well as staff training at the Palliative Care Leadership Center in Portland.
"The assistance provided by the Salem Hospital Foundation and The Regence Foundation has been absolutely essential," says Becky Ruppert, RN, palliative care nurse. "Palliative care changes lives of patients and families for the better, and these Foundations have made that happen."
Learn more about Salem Hospital's new palliative care program by calling Becky Ruppert at 503-561-3133. To learn how you can help the Foundation support services like palliative care, call 503-561-5576.
Keep your brain healthy and youthful, class begins March 1 - 02/23/10 >Salem — The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) at Salem Hospital is offering a seven-week Brain Agility program beginning on Monday, March 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. and continuing Mondays through April 12. The Brain Agility program is designed to help you keep a healthy and youthful brain. Weekly presentations on brain health are combined with a unique program designed by a psychologist to enhance your brain's ability to remember, stay focused, be aware, and be alert. Enjoy daily mental exercises covering a number of cognitive functions with increasing levels of difficulty to continue challenging your brain as it improves.
The brain agility class will be held at the Community Health Education Center located on the first floor of Building D on the Salem Hospital campus, 939 Oak St. SE. Parking is available in the visitor parking garage on the corner of Mission Street Southeast and Capitol Street Southeast. The cost for the Brain Agility program is $35 and it is open to anyone in the community. Space is limited, however, and advance registration is required. To reserve a spot, please visit http://salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432).
The Community Health Education Center and Salem Hospital are each a part of Salem Health, which includes West Valley Hospital and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley.
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Enjoy dinner and learn how to prepare heart-healthy culinary delights - 02/22/10 >SALEM—On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) and the Salem Cardiovascular Center host an educational and culinary class as the final Heart Month community event. From 6 to 8 p.m., Cardiac Surgeon Tom Winkler, MD, and Ken Kudla, a former Salem Hospital cardiac patient, will prepare a heart- healthy meal to be enjoyed by all while emphasizing the importance of heart-healthy cooking. Held in The Gehlar Wellness Kitchen at the CHEC, the cooking class is $20 and pre-registration is required.
"A healthy diet and lifestyle are the most powerful weapons in fighting heart disease," says Lori James-Nielsen, RN, director of the Salem Cardiovascular Center for Salem Health. "We're excited that Dr. Winkler and Mr. Kudla are willing to showcase their talents to help the community see how easy it is to keep heart-health at the forefront."
Dr. Winkler graduated from the University of Colorado and completed his internship at the University of California, Davis. He is board-certified by the American Board of surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons for vascular, cardiac and thoracic surgery. Dr. Winkler treats patients at The Oregon Clinic and does his cardiac surgeries at Salem Hospital.
Ken Kudla, Salem Health's chief information officer, recovered from a successful quadruple heart-bypass surgery. With a family history of heart disease, Kudla now reads labels, monitors his sodium and saturated fat intake, and loves to cook with heart healthy principles in mind.
To pre-register, go to salemhospital.org/chec or call the Community Health Education Center at 503-814-CHEC (2432).
Salem Health includes Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, the Community Health Education Center and other affiliated healthcare organizations offering quality care to people in and around Oregon's Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital ranked number one in Oregon for cardiac surgery four years in a row (2007-2010) and for overall cardiac services in 2009 by HealthGrades.®
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