June 2005

Dr. Richard Jackson, State Public Health Officer, made a special visit to Stanislaus County before his resignation goes into effect at the end of June 30, 2005.

In a special presentation at the Modesto Center Plaza, sponsored by the Health Services Agency Foundation and the Stanislaus Health television show, Dr. Jackson called on communities to radically change their process of planning.

Citing numerous examples of major declines in health status over the past 15 years, Dr. Jackson drew a direct connection between personal health and how communities are built.

In his book "Urban Sprawl and Public Health," Dr. Jackson establishes links between mental health, physical health, traffic, supersizing of our culture, and numerous other factors.

Dr. Jackson was also interviewed for the Stanislaus Health television show and is scheduled to appear in the August edition.

I feel very privileged to move into the role of Program Director for the Stanislaus Family Medicine Residency. While the job represents a natural transition for me, I confess the true appeal of the opportunity was to continue my work with the tremendous group of residents, faculty and staff who make up the Health Services Agency.

A transition such as this is a good time to review our accomplishments, of which there are many. Our program can be very proud of its success; over 170 family physicians trained in the last 30 years, at least sixty of whom have stayed in the greater Stanislaus County area, a record of quality medical care that excels many standards, a mission of service to an underserved population without health care alternatives, and a legacy of community support that includes the Run for Health and YMCA outreach lectures. Accomplishments such as these can only occur through the combined efforts of many dedicated people aspiring toward excellence.

As I look toward the future of the residency, I see great opportunities to enhance our program and continue our heritage of training the best family physicians possible. We will have many chances to show off our quality and value to the community and the medical students who seek top caliber training in Family Medicine. These efforts become more important as we compete for the attention of students and scarce resources in a budget-strapped county. Having been a part of this county health system for 17 years, I know our strengths and commitment, and I am passionate about our work. Gratefully, my job for the next year has been made easier because of all the people who will join me in the creative work ahead.

Submitted by Dr. Peter Broderick

The scholarship committee of the Health Services Agency Foundation has just announced that Susan Estrada from the Pediatrics Department at the Medical Arts Building is the recipient of a $1000 nursing scholarship for an HSA employee. The committee was chaired by Dr. Steve Benak, an HSA Foundation board member and retired radiation oncologist.

Our congratulations to Susan, and our thanks to all of the outstanding HSA applicants for this nursing scholarship.

Mirella Alvarez, Ceres Medical Office
Dr. Peter Broderick, Residency
Brad DeLaCruz, Indigent Health Care
Nancy Lazar, PH / Immunization
Rosy Lopez, Family Practice
Karla Martinez, PH / Lead
Elizabeth Perez, Centralized Scheduling
Erika Perez, Laboratory
Ofelia Perez, PH / WIC
Gerald Pruitt, Housekeeping
Leticia Quiroz, PH / CCS
Elvia Tagre, Physical Therapy
Laura Torres, PH / Aids testing
Juanita Torres, GI Lab
Fernando Vasquez, PH / Immunization
Vlascovia Velasco, PH / STD
Terrie Vince, PH / Aids testing
Catherine Woodman, Housekeeping

Mary Ann Lee, Associate Director of Health Coverage and Quality Services, recently participated on a panel discussion at the El Concilio monthly meeting. Mary Ann discussed the impact of the state budget on the provision of local health services. She also discussed the status of HSA planning and budgeting and the impact on the Latino community and the entire Stanislaus County Community.

Jack Chimerofsky, President of the HSA Volunteers, gives a motivation speech to HSA volunteers during the officer installation luncheon. New officers for the Volunteers beginning on July 1 will be:

President – Jack Chimerofsky (serving a second, one-year term)
President Elect - Dennis Goodman
Treasurer – Jean Cunningham
Corresponding Secretary - Theresia Andrews
Recording Secretary - Virginia Partridge

HSA Volunteer Services provide over 15,000 hours of service to Health Services Agency programs and services on an annual basis and has donated $14,730 to HSA during this current fiscal year.

The volunteers are very excited to announce their most recent contributions to HSA.

"HSA is critical to our community," stated Betty Radcliffe of the HSA Volunteer Services. "The volunteers are proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. It is our pleasure to help in any way that we can."

In May, the volunteers approved $9,865 in funding for the following clinics:

PMO
2 spot Dinamaps $1,500 each
Fax machine $2,125

FPC
1 scale to weigh pts over 300 lbs. $1,500

CMO
1 Welch Allyn BP maching w/Pulse Oximeter $1,500

Speciality Clinic
1 dozen pillow for chemo patients $240

MAB-OB/GYN
1 spot Dinanalysis w/stand $1,500

Submitted by Kathy Phillips

Stanislaus County - The June edition of the Stanislaus Health television show will examine a number of current health issues impacting the public. The show will cover osteoporosis and what people can do to help prevent or slow the effects of this disease. The show goes inside a hospital operating room to look at a breakthrough spine surgery procedure being done in the central valley. The importance of water safety is explored as families start to enjoy the outdoor water activities that come with warmer weather. And, finally, the show examines the mystery of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and what can be done about it.

The locally written and produced show is presented by the Health Services Agency Foundation and the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.

The June edition of the show airs five days per week through the month of June. The program airs on Channel 7 on the Comcast system and Channel 19 on the Charter system.

Show times are every:
Monday 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 7 p.m.

For more information on asthma and allergies, you can also visit the program's web site by going to www.stanislaushealth.com

HSA cash collections in May for BAR was the highest ever, $1,787,259. Last time HSA came this close was August of 2004 at $1,780,685. Add PDX collections and once again, we have almost hit the $2,000,000 mark! Thanks to everyone for your dedication and hard work. A big thank you to all of the HSA staff that work so hard to collect the money we earn. You keep us going!

Are you a Stress Eater?
So you've put a long day in at work, you have deadlines to meet and errands to run. You are feeling stressed. What do you do? Bite your nails or devour that bag of chips? If stress makes you over eat, know your weaknesses and try to avoid them. Here are some guidelines that can help stop this unhealthy habit:
- Keep yourself nourished. Eat regularly to maintain your energy levels. Skipping meals while under stress prompts you to eat more later.
- Practice waiting. Postpone instant gratification when hunger strikes. Wait 15-30 minutes before you eat. Cravings may disappear when you become distracted.

Submitted by Rocio Huerta

Customer Service

Surprise irate customers with courtesy

When government customers become irate, they expect that you will respond in kind. To disarm them, the best thing you can do is quickly communicate respect.

Why? It's almost impossible for someone to be angry with you once you've shown them respect.

Phrases that help convey respect include: "Thank you for pointing this out to us"; "Thank you for your patience"; "I will check into this immediately"; and
"I apologize for any inconvenience."

Keeping Your Cool

Put your health first in order to enjoy the summer.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. This adds protection from damaging sun exposure too. A hat should protect the neck, face and ears.
• Carry a source of water with you. Take drinks frequently-every 15 minutes.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in a cool environment during the hottest times of the day.
• Wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15.
  

Information Technology Tips

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Board Agenda Items

5-03-05
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH THE STATE DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHLAMYDIA SCREENING PROJECT (CLASP)

5-10-05
APPROVAL TO PROCLAIM MAY 2005 AS WOMEN'S HEALTH MONTH IN STANISLAUS COUNTY

APPROVAL OF THE STANDARD AGREEMENT FOR THE STATE'S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES APPROPRIATION FOR FY 2004-05 FOR STANISLAUS COUNTY AND APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE STANISLAUS FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL CARE TO PROCESS THE EMERGENCY SERVICES PHYSICIANS' CLAIMS

5-17-05
APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS FOR PHYSICIAN & RELATED SERVICES FOR MEDICAL CARE, PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIVITIES, AND FOR THE INDIGENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM FOR FY 2005-06

APPROVAL OF PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR FY 2005-06