What's New on the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Website

Introduction to Colorectal Cancer

2009-02-25T13:50:00.001-08:00

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal (colon/rectal) cancer may not be at the forefront of people's minds like other types of cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer. However, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Learn more about colorectal cancer and PAMF guidelines for colon cancer testing...

What is Heart Failure?

2009-02-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Heart failure is a condition that develops when the heart's muscle becomes weakened. Nearly 5 million people have heart failure. In most cases, heart failure cannot be cured. However, with careful management by both the health care team and the patient, it can be controlled.

This Web site is part of PAMF's comprehensive heart failure program that helps patients with this condition live longer, more fulfilling lives. PAMF also offers a series of classes and lectures for people with heart failure. Read more about highlights of the program...

Brain Cancer Care

2009-01-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.pamf.org/braincancer/

Brain cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. These growths are often called tumors. Not all tumors are cancerous; they can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Unlike other cancers, brain cancers do not spread to other areas of the body (metastasize).

Learn about Brain Cancer Care at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Robotic Surgery at PAMF

2008-12-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

"We now use minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) for most kidney cases instead of traditional (open) surgery," said Dr. Keith Lee, PAMF Urology Department. "With the robot, we can operate on more challenging cases without having to make an open incision." This is important because patients undergoing laparoscopic, robotic-assisted surgery typically have less pain, less blood loss, fewer complications, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities. Learn more about robotic surgery at PAMF...

Get Back in the Game...

2008-12-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Sports Medicine Department of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation specializes in the comprehensive care of injuries in active individuals. The department's physicians are highly skilled and fellowship-trained in the fields of sports medicine.

Our goal is to provide the highest quality care to all our patients to help them recover quickly from their injuries and return to their active lifestyles. Learn more about our innovative treatments, facilities and medical staff and prepare to get back in the game...

A Healthy Weight: HMR Weight Management Program

2008-11-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Since 1989, Camino Medical Group's (now known as Palo Alto Medical Foundation) HMR Program for Weight Management™ has helped thousands of people lose weight while learning the skills needed for long-term weight maintenance. The program's multi-disciplinary team of physicians, registered nurses, registered dietitians and behavioral health educators work together to support the patient. Learn more about HMR features, programs and products. And watch a video of people talk about why they joined the program...

Diabetes Care

2008-11-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

More than 21 million people have diabetes. A third of those people do not even know that they have it. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease, usually occurs in people who are 45 years of age or older. However, the rate of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is increasing. Read more about diabetes, diabetes risks, educational services and classes, community resources and more.

Integrated Prostate Cancer Care

2008-10-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), our highly qualified team of urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, physicists, technicians, nurses and pathologist work together to provide compassionate, integrated prostate cancer treatment. Your treatment will be coordinated by our clinical nurse specialist and "prostate cancer navigator," who will lead you through each step of your treatment. Learn more...

Your Partner in Breast Cancer Care

2008-09-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

PAMF Launches New Breast Cancer Care Web Site

We know that a cancer diagnosis can be difficult and confusing. With this in mind, it is our goal at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) to provide you with the information and individualized support you need to ease your fears ― along with the highest quality care, delivered with compassion in a healing environment.

Visit PAMF's new Breast Cancer Care Web site to learn more about breast cancer, treatment options, our medical team, resources and more.

Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility

2008-09-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Compassionate Care in an Understanding Environment

If you are having problems conceiving a baby, you are not alone. Between 10 and 15 percent of all couples in the United States are infertile. At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), we understand the anxiety and stress that accompany fertility treatments. Getting the right information and treatment can provide hope and peace of mind. That's why we're committed to providing individualized care that meets each patient's unique medical and emotional needs.

Learn more about PAMF's wide variety of diagnostic services and state-of-the-art fertility treatment options.

Continuing our Tradition of Research Excellence

2008-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

The mission of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) Research Institute is to be a center of excellence for biomedical, clinical, health care and public health research, as well as research training. We strive to improve health and health care in our community and around the world.

Who We Are

The PAMF Research Institute was created in 1950 as a center for clinical research. From a converted Victorian house in downtown Palo Alto, it has grown to a state-of-the-art research facility operating out of a new building on PAMF’s Palo Alto campus. Here its tradition of excellence continues.

Read more about the PAMF Research Institute.

Cosmetic Surgery at PAMF: Five Decades of Innovation

2008-09-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

A New Image From a Name You Can Trust

Since its founding in 1961, PAMF's Cosmetic Surgery Department has worked diligently to earn its reputation for unparalleled innovation, service and excellence. Using current and emerging surgical technologies, the practice has a distinguished history of meeting and exceeding patients' expectations.

Before you have cosmetic surgery it is important to get all the facts you'll need to make an informed decision about the procedure, the surgeon and the surgical facility. Palo Alto Medical Foundation is pleased to present information to help you make the right decision.

Learn more about cosmetic surgery at PAMF, our surgeons and clinical staff, and whether cosmetic surgery is right for you.

Essure - Permanent Female Sterilization

2008-09-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Essure procedure is a permanent female sterilization procedure to prevent pregnancy. This procedure is different from the traditional method of surgical tubal ligation because it does not involve cutting into the body. Rather, during the Essure procedure, your doctor inserts spring-like coils (micro-inserts) into your fallopian tubes via your body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix and uterus). The procedure can be performed in your doctor's office without general anesthesia.

Learn more about the Essure procedure and the physicians at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation that perform it.

PAMF Cancer Care Center Web Site Launched

2008-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

New Site Features Online Social Networking Tool for Patients

Living with a cancer diagnosis is challenging enough – finding the right information and resources shouldn't be. That's why PAMF now offers two new online tools (www.pamf.org/cancercare and CarePages™), to help individuals with cancer learn about their cancer, find out about treatment options, become more familiar with PAMF's Cancer Care Center providers, learn about local resources and support groups, communicate with their friends and family, and so much more.

Read the full story about the new Cancer Care Center Web site and information that individuals with cancer and their families need to know:
http://www.pamf.orgnews/2008/0908cancercareweb.html

Exciting, New, More Conservative Alternative to Total Hip Replacement

2008-08-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Hip Resurfacing Program at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's Center for Total Joint Replacement offers an exciting alternative to total hip replacement -- Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR).

The BHR system is a technologically advanced surgical procedure that resurfaces rather than replaces the end of the femur (thigh bone). This allows patients to participate in more strenuous physical activity with an implant that is potentially more stable than traditional total hip replacements.

Learn more about this exciting, new and more conservative alternative to total hip replacement:
http://www.pamf.org/hipresurfacing/

Three Trimesters of Fitness: Pregnancy Exercise Tips

2008-08-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Whether it is your first or fourth pregnancy, fitness and weight gain are common concerns for mothers. Staying in shape during pregnancy is a great way to help the nine months go by smoothly and quickly.

"In the past, doctors recommended limiting pregnancy workouts to walking. Now we encourage various forms of exercise, such as yoga, Pilates and modified weight training," says Aarti Srinivasan, M.D., an Internal Medicine physician in the West Valley Center. "All of your exercise should be moderate and according to your level of fitness."

Read the full story and learn pregnancy exercise tips:
http://www.caminomedical.org/news/2008/0808pregnancyexercisetips.html

Injured Doctor Gives Tips for Getting Emergency Help

2008-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

This January as he climbed up a ladder to take down the Christmas lights and decorations he has displayed at his home each season for the past 25 years, PAMF Los Altos Center family medicine physician William Straw, M.D., lost his balance and plunged head first off of his roof and onto his front yard.

"Fortunately, I didn't lose consciousness. However, I quickly realized that my face was bleeding, something was wrong with my right eye, and I had severe pain in my lower chest and upper back, said Dr. Straw. No one was home, and we live on a quiet cul-de-sac, but I did have my cell phone in my pants pocket!"

Read the Dr. Straw's full story and his tips for individuals who need emergency assistance:
http://www.pamf.org/news/2008/0908emergencytips.html

What You Need to Know About the HPV Vaccination

2008-08-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

By Mary Parman, D.O.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the Unites States, and studies have shown that women and men in their late teens to early 20s are at greatest risk. In fact, 40 percent of HPV infections occur in people who have only been sexually active for two years. HPV is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact and is strongly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. There are approximately 40 HPV strains that can infect the genital tissues of men and women.

How does this relate to my child?

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine Gardisil for the prevention of cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts. Experts on the vaccine recommend that it be given to girls/women between the ages of nine and 26 – with the target age being 11 to 12 years..... Learn more by going to our Web site for the entire article

http://www.pamf.org/children/newsletter/2008/0608hpv.html

The Sutter Difference: Satisfied Employees Give Top-Notch Patient Care

2008-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

At Sutter Health, every patient matters, and every patient deserves our best. It’s our commitment to providing patients with quality, compassionate medical care plus personal attention to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Percy Williams, director of Radiology at Santa Cruz Medical Foundation, is one manager who has made special efforts to improve employee morale and job satisfaction to achieve the highest level of patient satisfaction.

After a series of meetings and reviewing the results of the Experience of Work survey, he responded to his staff’s needs and worked with them to ensure that every employee understood how important their role was in the “big picture.” Now the group has a stronger sense of purpose and teamwork and all are committed to giving patients a positive experience when receiving X-rays, sonograms, mammograms, etc.

Now Showing: See it with your own eyes!
Watch this inspiring story here at http://sutterhealth.org/annualreport

Insurance for Young Adults: Frequently Asked Questions

2008-07-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is an exciting time for many PAMF patient families as they prepare to send their young adults off to college, internships or new jobs in other areas of the country. To help ensure these young people will continue to receive quality health care after they have left the nest, PAMF encourages parents to review insurance options now.

Click on the link below for several common questions about health insurance for young adults.

http://www.pamf.org/news/2008/0708insurance.html

Flying and Vacationing Safely with Children

2008-07-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Families are already busy planning summer vacations -- and that means PAMF pediatricians are starting to get a lot of questions about traveling with children. Rebecca Fazilat, M.D., a pediatrician at PAMF's West Valley Clinic, has these recommendations for how to make flying and vacationing with children more safe and comfortable.
"Always be prepared," Dr. Fazilat said. "Carry all the child's essentials with you -- particularly if your child is on a special diet or medication."

Read more about how to travel with children including a list of safety tips.

Cancer Care Survivor Story -- Susie Brain

2008-06-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation launched its Cancer Care Clinic site last week which includes stories of cancer survivors and what they are doing to help others in the Patient-Focused Cancer Care Committee. Here is Susie Brain -- breast cancer survivor.

"I feel my role is to help and empower people. I am active as a survivor. Although I am saddened when I see young mothers and women with breast cancer, thankfully, I know treatment is so much better today. As a result, patients are surviving longer. However, they still need to deal with issues that occur once active treatment is over, and that is why our committee focuses on survivorship."

Read the rest of her story...

Robotic Prostate Removal Surgery: Fewer Side Effects, Faster Recovery

2008-06-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Robotic-assisted prostatectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery for men with localized (not having spread to other organs) prostate cancer who need to have their prostate removed. Compared with traditional surgery and even some of the newer minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgery typically involves less blood loss and pain, lower risk of complications and side effects, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

During the surgery, Dr. Yao sits at a console and looks into a binocular eyepiece lens system that provides a three-dimensional view of the patient’s vital organs and structures. The lens system offers up to 15 times greater magnification than the human eye, which means Dr. Yao can actually see the surgery site better than he could in a normal surgery.

Read more:
http://www.pamf.org/news/2008/0608prostaterobotic.html

Cancer Care Clinic

2008-06-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Cancer Care Clinic, we know that cancer challenges not only the body but also the mind and spirit. That's why we partner with you during each stage of your care process, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, and provide you with comprehensive, integrated, world-class care. We are dedicated to providing you with the support you need to overcome the challenges that cancer presents to your health, your life and those you love.

http://www.pamf.org/cancercare/

Help Keep Physicians in Our Community and Preserve Access to Care For Our Seniors

2008-06-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Congress plans to cut payments to all Medicare providers by more than 10% in addition to continuing a longstanding Medicare reimbursement policy that pays doctors in Santa Cruz County substantially less than their colleagues in other counties. This policy contributes to a critical shortage of primary care services as physicians leave the county and new physicians establish practices elsewhere.

To make your voice heard, contact your legislator and urge them to prevent Medicare cuts and make Medicare reimbursements comparable to physicians 'over the hill.'

Learn how you can help....