Washington Township Medical Foundation and Washington Urgent Care are presenting another Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic this Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Conveniently, the clinic will be at two locations: WTMF Nakamura Clinic, 33077 Alvarado Niles Blvd. in Union City; and at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave., in the parking lot across from our Emergency Department. Our specialists will be administering the vaccine while you remain in your vehicle for social distancing. Face masks are required, per Alameda County order. No appointments are necessary, and as a courtesy, we will bill insurance. The self-pay option is $35 per vaccine (credit cards only). The vaccine is mercury/preservative free, and is first come, first served––with supplies limited. This Friday, Oct. 2, we are also offering a walk-in flu clinic at our WTMF Danielson Clinic, 6236 Thornton Ave. in Newark, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. #WHcares #mywtmf #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
Our next free Live Facebook event is focused on Fall Prevention, and it happens Tues., Sept. 29, at 3:30 p.m. Weakness or problems with equilibrium are conditions that may lead to falls. Ash Wadhawan, DPT, a physical therapist at our Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, will discuss conditions that could impact balance. We hope you’ll tune in on our Facebook page. This presentation and all of our Live Facebook events are also available on YouTube at youtube.com/whhsInHealth.
Our next free Live Facebook event is focused on Fall Prevention, and it happens Tues., Sept. 29, at 3:30 p.m. Weakness or problems with equilibrium are conditions that may lead to falls. Ash Wadhawan, DPT, a physical therapist at our Washington Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, will discuss conditions that could impact balance. We hope you’ll tune in on our Facebook page. This presentation and all of our Live Facebook events are also available on YouTube at youtube.com/whhsInHealth.
Fall Prevention
Here’s an important update. Due to the current North Bay wildfires, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has extended its current Spare the Air Alert through Friday, Oct. 2, for fine particulate matter. This means that it’s illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to burn wood or manufactured fire logs in fireplaces, woodstoves and inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits, or any other wood-burning devices. High levels of particulate matter pollution are harmful to breathe, especially for young children, seniors and those with respiratory and heart conditions. Protect your health by staying indoors, if temperatures allow, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. You can receive up-to-the-minute air quality information for your zip code at www.airnow.gov. If you have trouble breathing, contact your doctor immediately, as health problems can start early––or, visit your local emergency department. More at www.sparetheair.org. #sparetheair #WHcares
Last week we told the community about our 34th annual Top Hat celebration, which happens Sat., Oct. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. It’s complimentary for all to join this virtual event––an entertaining, informative and fun way to show support for our health care heroes. Speaking of fun, there’ll be a Live Auction with some amazing trips and food, plus a Facemask Challenge. Free registration is available by emailing Tophat@whhs.com with your name and cell phone number. (Send us your most creative Facemask Challenge pics, too.) Find out more about this special evening in the attached postcard, or visit whhs.com/foundation/events. #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve #WHcares
It happens tomorrow––Sat., Sept. 26––from 9 a.m to 12 noon.
Washington Hospital Healthcare System
September 23 at 8:02 AM ·
Last Saturday, Washington Township Medical Foundation held a very successful Drive-Thru Flu Clinic for all age groups 6 months and older. This Saturday, Sept. 26, we’re doing it again. Scheduled for each Saturday through Oct. 10, our specialists will be administering the flu vaccine while you remain in your vehicle for social distancing. Face masks are required, per Alameda County order. This Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Washington Urgent Care specialists will be providing the vaccine at Washington West, 2500 Mowry Ave., in the parking lot facing our Emergency Department. Locations for the following Saturdays are in the attached flier. No appointments are necessary, and as a courtesy, we will bill insurance. The self-pay option is $35 per vaccine (credit cards only), and the vaccine is mercury/preservative free. If one of the next three Saturdays don’t work for your schedule, we're also offering a walk-in flu clinic at our Danielson Clinic in Newark this Friday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More information in the attachment. #flattenthecurve #beatcovid19 #WHcares
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. Washington Township Medical Foundation is offering its final Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine Clinic this Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at the WTMF Nakamura Clinic, 33077 Alvarado-Niles Blvd., Union City. Our specialists will be administering the vaccine to people ages 6 months and older while you remain in your vehicle for social distancing. Face masks are required, per Alameda County order. No appointments are necessary, and as a courtesy, we will bill insurance. The self-pay option is $35 per vaccine. The vaccine is mercury/preservative free, and is first come, first served. If you are unable to make it Saturday, you can schedule your flu vaccine with a WTMF provider at mywtmf.com/appointments. #mywtmf #WHcares #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
The prostate gland—part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the urethra near the bladder—can become enlarged as men age, and about 1 in 41 men will die of prostate cancer. Mark Saleh, MD, urologist at Washington Township Medical Foundation, said, “Most of the symptoms men face as they age are due to benign enlargement of the prostate. For prostate cancer, we don’t want to wait until there are symptoms. We want to catch it when it’s asymptomatic and more treatable.” According to Bogdan Eftimie, MD, medical co-director of the UCSF - Washington Cancer Center, the majority of men who get prostate cancer will never have symptoms or even know they have it. “Most get a low-grade type of prostate cancer that grows very slowly," he explained. "Depending on the age and health of the patient, the best treatment may be watchful waiting.” Men who are 55 to 69 should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of testing, unless they have a strong family history or other risk factors. Those at high risk should get tested. “Routine PSA testing is not recommended for men 70 or older, unless they are in good health and expect to live more than 10 years,” Saleh added. “Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly, so a false positive could create more health problems than the cancer.” Find out more about our high-quality urology care at mywtmf.com/urology. For information about the top-rated UCSF - Washington Cancer Center, visit www.whhs.com/cancer. #WHcares #flattenthecurve #beatcovid19 UCSF Medical Center
This week, Oct. 19-23, is National Health Information Technology week––a time to recognize the power and importance of information and technology in transforming health. Pictured are some of our Washington Hospital Information Services staff in a recent Zoom meeting. These team members, and all 75 in the group, lead the way in the safe and secure maintenance of data and information related to patient care. We could not deliver our high-quality services without their skills, and we are happy to raise awareness of their work. #WHcares #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve #HealthIT
Despite the pandemic, Washington Hospital continues to present entertaining, educational, and informative events on both medical and health-related subjects our community should be aware of. Due to COVID-19, these are being presented virtually. Just this past week, on Live Facebook and You Tube Live, we held our annual breast cancer awareness event, Think Pink. Additionally, we presented a talk on shoulder pain, plus our 34th annual Top Hat celebration. These and all of our virtual events remain available for view on our Facebook page videos tab, or on the Washington Hospital InHealth channel at youtube.com/whhsInHealth. #WHcares #beaatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
The Emergency Nurses Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020, has marked Oct. 11-17 as Emergency Nurses Week. At Washington Hospital, our Emergency Nurses have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in battling a global pandemic, and while not losing sight of everyday crises. They’ve made a difference in the lives of thousands of patients, and we thank them for their talent, compassion and heroics. #ENWeek #WHcares #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
Put your pink on and join us on our Facebook page for a one-hour event featuring experts on breast cancer treatment options, navigating health changes during a pandemic, and the diagnostic advancements made at the Washington Hospital imaging center. And of course, there’ll be a fun food demonstration!
Phillip McKenna of Fremont is getting back to his favorite activities, such as riding a mountain bike. That’s because he has completed successful treatment for an enlarged prostate. “I give thanks to Dr. Mark Hsu and his entire team,” said Phillip, who underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate––a surgery commonly called TURP. At Washington Hospital and Washington Township Medical Foundation, Dr. Hsu and also Mark Saleh, MD, have built one of Northern California’s preeminent urology programs. They offer a broad range of treatment options for genitourinary system issues faced by men, women and children. “Dr. Hsu carefully explained everything about the procedure and was really clear about the whole process,” said Phillip, who highlighted Dr. Hsu’s deep experience. “From scheduling to surgery to recovery, I was in very good hands.” Find out more at www.whhs.com and mywtmf.com/Urology. #mywtmf #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve #WHcares
How to stay healthy in 2020. It’s something on all our minds. We thank Fremont Bank for fully addressing this topic, and all things COVID-19, in a recent video event for Fremont Bank members. In the video, you’ll hear from Washington Hospital experts Kadeer Halimi, DO, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine; and Dianne Martin, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist––both of whom are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle. Drs. Halimi and Martin discuss eating out safely; in-person learning; the latest on vaccines; Hospital protocols and many other related topics. They also answer several important questions from community members. We thank Kim Burdick, Helen Liu and other Fremont Bank Executives for organizing the virtual event and producing a video that contains so much essential information. On YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=gooEXOtF9sY. Fremont Bank #WHcares #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
YOUTUBE.COM
Staying Healthy in 2020
Thank you to the community members and organizations who provided food and dessert donations to Washington Hospital during October. We greatly appreciate the ongoing recognition of our health care heroes. If you would like to make a food donation to our staff, please email foundation@whhs.com and include “Food Donation” in the subject line. Thank you! #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve #WHcares
Traditionally, the holiday season may be a happy and joyous time. But this year, more than ever, the holiday season may bring feelings of depression, loneliness or anxiety. From the convenience and privacy of your home, join psychiatrist Catalina Villa, MD, to learn wellness strategies to navigate through the holiday season. You can submit questions in our comments section before or during the event. Join us on Live Facebook @washingtonhosp. We will also broadcast Dr. Villa’s presentation on YouTube at youtube.com/whhsInHealth.
Starts at 3:30pm. Hope you can join us.
Washington Hospital Healthcare System
November 2 at 11:18 AM ·
This Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 3:30 p.m., we will present a very timely event on Live Facebook. Traditionally, the holiday season may be a happy and joyous time. But this year, more than ever, the holiday season may bring feelings of depression, loneliness or anxiety. From the convenience and privacy of your home, join psychiatrist Catalina Villa, MD, to learn wellness strategies to navigate through the holiday season. You can submit questions in our comments section before or during the event. Join us on Live Facebook @washingtonhosp. We will also broadcast Dr. Villa’s presentation on YouTube at youtube.com/whhsInHealth. More information in the attached image. #WHcares #beatcovid19 #flattenthecurve
Traditionally, the holiday season may be a happy and joyous time. But this year, more than ever, the holiday season may bring feelings of depression, loneliness or anxiety. From the convenience and privacy of your home, join psychiatrist Catalina Villa, MD, to learn wellness strategies to navigate through the holiday season. You can submit questions in our comments section before or during the event. Join us on Live Facebook @washingtonhosp. We will also broadcast Dr. Villa’s presentation on YouTube at youtube.com/whhsInHealth.
Emotional Wellness During the Holidays
This is exciting news. Recently, Washington Hospital Healthcare System launched a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship program in affiliation with U. C., San Francisco. UCSF is recognized for excellence in advanced physician training in a variety of clinical specialties—always under direct supervision. “UCSF has an impressive record of producing distinguished leaders in cardiothoracic surgery,” said Ramin Beygui, MD, Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington Hospital and a UCSF faculty member. “This program will provide these surgeons with exposure to a high volume of cardiothoracic surgeries performed in a community hospital setting,” he added. “At the same time, the affiliation will elevate the quality of care for our local patients.” www.whhs.com UCSF Medical Center #maskup #beatcovid19 #whcares
Happy New Year! And with the new year brings our January – June Health & Wellness Catalog. You can view it online at whhs.com/catalog. Printed versions, using recycled paper, are being mailed to the community this week. Inside the catalog is a two-page, easy-to-hang, six-month calendar that allows the schedule to easily be viewed. Keeping with COVID-19 precautions, most of the classes and seminars are conducted remotely through Facebook, YouTube and Zoom. Visit whhs.com/events or call 800.963.7070 to find out which format we're using for each of these programs. #WHcares #maskup #beatcovid19
First-time mom Leena P. is thrilled. She has a new baby girl, born last Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 6 pounds, 12 ounces. “Dad and I are extremely excited for such a happy, healthy and hungry baby,” mom said. Giving birth at the Washington Hospital Birthing Center had special meaning for Leena. “I was born at Washington Hospital myself in 1982,” she explained, “and delivered by Dr. Gene Barrie, my mom’s OB-GYN.” Dr. Barrie has since retired, but Leena has carried on a family tradition through his daughter-in law. That’s Stacey Barrie, MD, of Washington Township Medical Foundation’s Women’s Health Specialists, pictured here with Leena and family. She led mom’s care through pregnancy and delivery. “I really love Dr. Barrie and her staff,” Leena said. “The care is always superb, and it really feels like home.” Congratulations to mom, dad and baby––and we’re impressed that you still have that Washington Hospital onesie from 1982. From the pics, it looks like it’s still coming in handy. mywtmf.com/obgyn #mywtmf #WHcares #maskup
Meet Janel of Union City, who earlier today became the first 2021 baby born at Washington Hospital. Mom Jan delivered Janel at 12:48 a.m. This special girl entered the world at 5 pounds, 4 ounces. Together with dad Ruel, Jan praises everyone at the Birthing Center. As our first birth of 2021, Washington Hospital presented the family with a gift basket filled with all sorts of items a newborn can use. Congratulations! whhs.com/birthingcenter #WHcares #maskup #beatcovid19
Happy 2021. What a past year this has been! Washington Hospital salutes the community members who showed us incredible support. It has been an honor to care for all our patients. As we move forward with hope that we can combat this pandemic, please remind everyone to stay safe. #maskup #SocialDistance #WashYourHands #GetVaccinated #BeatCovid19 #WHcares
Despite the pandemic and an unbelievably tough year, we were proud to continue our Washington Hospital Employee of the Month announcements in 2020. Each person acknowledged is someone recognized by peers as a true professional, and one who puts the patient at the center of all we do. Thank you to all our 2020 recipients. We look forward to highlighting more health care heroes in 2021. #maskup #whcares #beatcovid19