Northwest Health Magazine
Winter 2012 Northwest Health magazine

The following articles on fitness, nutrition, and prevention have appeared in recent issues of Northwest Health, our member magazine. All articles that appear in Northwest Health are reviewed by Group Health physicians and other health experts on staff.




WINTER 2012

FEATURE

Kids and Obesity: Are We Gaining Ground?Kids and Obesity: Are We Gaining Ground?
Kids are packing on the pounds, with serious health consequences. But we're learning how to help them slim down.

FEATURE

Oh, My Aching Head!
Almost everyone experiences the pain of a headache. Learn what triggers yours, what might prevent it, and what can help it go away.

CONQUERING ILLNESS

Are You Drinking Too Much?
There is effective help for those who abuse alcohol.

MEN'S HEALTH

The Middle Weight Problem
Disease risk goes up for men who carry extra weight around the belly.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Connecting Mind and Body
Meditation is calming and may have health benefits too.

NUTRITION

Avoid Diet Sabotage at Restaurants
A little planning can help you eat well when you eat out.

FITNESS

Getting Well After a Serious Illness
Being active can contribute to a speedy recovery.

Q&A

Dr. Rosemary Agostini, Medical Chief for Activity, Sports, and Exercise Medicine
Dr. Rosemary Agostini, MD, discusses her mission to help patients keep moving.

IN MY VIEW

A Message From CEO Scott Armstrong
MyGroupHealth services and tools available online and via our mobile app help you manage your health care anywhere.

NORTHWEST NOTES

Health Care Tips, Announcements, and More
Five things to do this winter for your health — Call for Board of Trustees candidates — Protect a baby by getting your pertussis booster — Health care reminders may be coming your way soon — Study finds yoga and stretching ease back pain — Do toning shoes really work?


FALL 2011

FEATURE

Diagnosis: Cancer
Our specialists and the latest cancer-fighting drugs and technology help with treatment.

FEATURE

Getting Even Better Day by Day
Look what's happened behind the scenes to improve patient health and the care experience at Group Health Medical Centers.

FEATURE

The Diet and Exercise Dilemma
Find out whether a proper diet or exercise is better for targeting a specific health goal.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Take One Pill With Water at Bedtime
Following instructions is just one step on the road to medication safety.

NUTRITION

Keep Foodborne Bacteria at Bay
Proper food handling can keep you from getting sick.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Are You Ready for a Baby?
Get your body in shape now before you get pregnant.

CONQUERING ILLNESS

Chronic Kidney Disease on the Rise
Diet, exercise, and a healthy weight are key to managing this disease.

Q&A

Dr. William Huff, Medical Director, Alternative Services
Dr. William Huff, MD, talks about bridging traditional and complementary medicine.

IN MY VIEW

A Message From CEO Scott Armstrong
We're working to improve Group Health for you.

NORTHWEST NOTES

Health Care Tips, Announcements, and More
Five things to do this fall for your health — Get your flu vaccine — Head lice are annoying but not harmful — Make a Mammogram promise — Download our phone app — Coping with sorrow during the holidays — Group Health recognized for LGBT care


SUMMER 2011

FEATURE

Taking Steps for Good Health
Even a little exercise can lower your disease risk. So what are you waiting for?

FEATURE

Sniffles, Itchy Nose, Hives, Headache
These are all symptoms of an allergy, but surprisingly, they may have other causes.

NUTRITION

Eating the Whole Thing
Learn easy ways to add unprocessed foods to your diet.

KIDS' HEALTH

Slimming Down Kids' Media Diet
Electronic devices tempt kids, but limits are important for good health.

MEN'S HEALTH

Gaining Strength for Better Health
A well-rounded fitness program should include muscle building.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Physical Symptoms May Signal a Panic Attack
While these can be frightening, there is effective treatment.

CONSUMER GOVERNANCE

Board of Trustees Elections
Register to vote, and learn more about the candidates.

PATIENT SAFETY

Taking a Closer Look at CT Scans
This powerful diagnostic tool is not risk-free.

Q&A

Dr. Eric Chen, Medical Chief for Cancer Care
Oncologist Eric Chen, MD, discusses why he's optimistic about cancer care.

IN MY VIEW

A Message From CEO Scott Armstrong
A small amount of exercise pays big health dividends.

NORTHWEST NOTES

Health Care Tips, Announcements, and More
Five things to do this summer for your health — Manage multiple conditions and medications with our Complex Case Management program — Plan for health needs before a trip — Children should ride backwards — Group Health's iPhone app is available


SPRING 2011

WHAT'S NEW
Get Moving With the Fitness Network
Group Health's new Fitness Network is sponsoring camps and activities to help get kids and adults moving.

FEATURE

Medicine in the Virtual World
Electronic tools are stretching how and where medical care happens.

FEATURE

Learn What's Behind the Vaccine Controversy
Vaccines save lives — so why are more and more parents choosing not to vaccinate their kids?

CONQUERING ILLNESS

New Tools Combat Eye Disease
A state-of-the-art scanner and drugs work together to improve vision.

NUTRITION

Fueling Up at Sports Camp
The right foods can keep your kids energized throughout the day.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Spotting an Unhealthy Relationship
Sometimes, the time spent with a friend or partner is more stressful than soothing.

FITNESS

Should You Go Barefoot?
Some runners are shucking their shoes, but it's not without risks.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

The Trouble With Fibroids
Several options are available for treating uterine fibroids.

Q&A

Dr. Paul Gast, Urgent Care Physician
Dr. Paul Gast, MD, shares why he enjoys working in urgent care.

IN MY VIEW

A Message From CEO Scott Armstrong
Tech tools help us manage health, not just health care.

NORTHWEST NOTES

Health Care Tips, Announcements, and More
Things to do this month for your health — Dangers of buying drugs online or in Canada — College scholarships for members — Should you get the shingles vaccine? — Have a Living Will? — Get the most from your doctor appointment — Options for colon cancer screening

Contact Northwest Health

If you are a member and are not receiving this magazine, or if you have a comment or question about a feature you've read or would like to see, contact Northwest Health at 206-448-5999 or nwhealth@ghc.org.

What Do You Think About Our Magazine?

Northwest Health magazine is looking for Group Health members to participate in focus groups in early 2012 to offer feedback about magazine design and content.

A focus group will take about two hours on a weekday evening, and participants will receive a small stipend to compensate for their time.

Focus groups will be held in the greater Seattle area, Spokane, and in the south Puget Sound region. Any Group Health member may volunteer to participate. If you know someone who might be interested, please spread the word.

To volunteer, fill out the short Get Involved form and submit it online. Or contact Northwest Health editor Virginia Smyth at smyth.v@ghc.org.