Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1444896
4 | Health Matters: Providence St. Jude Medical Center Paws-itively Amazing Did you know a celebrity works at Providence St. Jude Medical Center? He's a trained actor, has starred in the musical Annie and is debatably the hospital's most photographed caregiver. Named after the Los Angeles Angels' star baseball player, Ohtani is a sheepadoodle (old English sheepdog and standard poodle) and a beloved member of the Providence St. Jude family in the Pet Therapy Program. Ohtani is one of eight therapy dogs in the program, which includes various dog breeds and sizes, from a miniature poodle to a Great Pyrenees. The therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers are seen walking the hospital hallways at all times of the day and night, putting smiles on the faces of caregivers and patients and providing comfort and care to those in need. Not only do these furry friends reduce depression and loneliness, but pet therapy is also scientifically proven to have significant health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing overall physical pain and improving cardiovascular health. The requirements for a dog to join the Pet Therapy Program are intense training, certification, evaluation and approval. The dog must have the right temperament, adapt easily to changing and new environments, master a long list of obedience skills and, of course, love being petted. For additional information on how to join the pet therapy program or to request a visit from a therapy dog in the hospital, call the Volunteer Program at 714-992-3000 ext. 2878. Curing the Painful Grind of Foot and Ankle Arthritis (webinar) Tuesday, March 8, 6–7 p.m. Millions of Americans live with pain from arthritis in the foot and ankle—and the options for treatment only continue to grow. Join Damien Richardson, MD, a Harvard-trained foot-and-ankle orthopedic expert at Providence St. Jude, to learn more about available options: from approaches to preventing or slowing joint deterioration to treatment choices for end-stage arthritis, including fusion and joint replacement. A Q&A period will allow you to get answers to your specific questions. Explore Mindful Eating on a Deeper Level (webinar) Wednesday, March 9, 6–7 p.m. Join registered Dietitian Taylor Rickrode, who specializes in mindful eating, hormone and gut health, for a free webinar through the Providence St. Jude Wellness Center. She will share healthy eating habits and provide helpful tips and tricks to curb cravings and keep your nutrition goals on track. Better Options for Treating Glaucoma (in person) Thursday, March 10, 6–7 p.m. New treatment options are changing how glaucoma is managed and improving outcomes—from in- office laser treatments and extended-release medications that remove the burden of daily eye drops to minimally invasive procedures that are replacing traditional glaucoma surgery. During this informative class, Igor Bussel, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and expert in glaucoma and cataract treatment, will explain new options for protecting your sight, as well as what questions you should ask your ophthalmologist and when a second opinion can be helpful. Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD: Preventing the Progression to Cancer (in person) Tuesday, March 15, 6–7 p.m. Heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, cough and wheezing (often mistaken for asthma) are all common symptoms of acid reflux, or GERD. Left untreated, acid reflux can damage the esophagus and significantly increase your risk of esophageal cancer. Medications—the first line of treatment—often don't work well and do nothing to slow the progression toward cancer. Join Nikolai Bildzukewicz, MD, FACS, one of Southern California's leading experts on new, minimally invasive treatments for GERD, and learn what approaches are proving most successful in eliminating symptoms and preventing esophageal damage. Not Your Father's Back Surgery Wednesday, March 16, 6–7 p.m. (webinar) Wednesday, April 6, 6–7 p.m. (webinar) If you have a back condition that might require surgery, please join Erick Westbroek, MD, a Stanford- and Johns Hopkins–trained spine surgeon at Providence St. Jude, to learn about new minimally invasive and robotic options that are dramatically reducing the pain and recovery associated with spine surgery. Dr. Westbroek will discuss what conditions can successfully be treated robotically and typical patient outcomes, as well as answer questions. Come learn why robotic surgery is transforming back surgery and how it may help you. Picking the Best Lens for Your Lifestyle with Cataract Surgery Thursday, March 17, 6–7 p.m. (in person) Tuesday, March 29, 6–7 p.m. (webinar) Modern cataract surgery is safer, and results are more precise and predictable than ever before, thanks to advancements in techniques, technologies and intraocular lenses. Cataract surgery today can help improve your quality of life while restoring visual clarity. Come learn about the latest advancements and new lens implants from Igor Bussel, MD, a board- certified ophthalmologist and expert in state-of-the-art cataract surgery that allows patients to customize their vision outcomes. Please Join Us for a Free Community Class No matter what your goals are, we're ready help you live longer, better and healthier with these informative lectures. To register for our free online webinars and in-person presentations, call 844-925-0944 or go to providence.org/stjudeevents.