Adventist Health is committed to the health of the communities it serves, and nowhere is this more evident than in the programs and services offered. From specialty health care for women to fabulous food service, Adventist Health puts a priority on programs that matter.

Community Health Comes First in the Napa Valley

Leaky pipes can be bothersome, but at St. Helena Hospital, women can fix their permeable pipes in more ways than one!

As part of SHH's unique approach to care, plumbing was paired with urinary health in a program called "When the Plumbing Leaks." Thanks to the expertise of a urologist and the help of a local hardware store, women learned about fixing household pipes and taking care of their internal "plumbing," as well.

In early 2006, the Women's Center at SHH joined leaky pipes creator Spirit of Women®, a national coalition designed to empower women to take charge of their health and the health of their families and communities. As the only "spirit hospital" in California, SHH is an invaluable resource for its community and beyond.

"The Spirit of Women® emphasis is health for mind, body and spirit," said Linda Schulz, director of the Women's Center. "It really resonates with our hospital mission."

Offering a variety of health education in Napa and Lake counties, the Women's Center boasts programs for every phase of a woman's life. "We're dedicated to providing health education for women, including promoting hospital services in our community," said Schulz.

Those services include free health screenings, partnerships with organizations like the American Cancer Society and the creation of a Latina Advisory Board to meet the needs of the Latino community in the Napa Valley.

Oahu Hospital Cafeteria Unlike Any Other

Who in their right mind looks forward to hospital cafeteria food? Anyone visiting Castle Medical Center in Kailua, Hawaii. CMC features the Pali Gardens Restaurant, a premier purveyor of vegetarian cuisine.

As director of Nutritional Services, Ruby Hayasaka, R.D., visits patients daily to get feedback about the hospital's food services. She believes meals are an integral part of patient care that greatly enhance the overall experience.

Hayasaka, who co-edited the 2006 Hawaii Diet Manual, is proud of the healthy and appealing meals served at CMC. "Giving patients a positive food experience during their hospital stay can go a long way in encouraging healthy diet choices when they leave our facility," she said.

Roseville Office Offers Food for Life

Food is not only important in patient care settings, it's important in every day life. And to encourage healthy eating for its employees, the corporate office of Adventist Health sponsored the Cancer Project's "Food for Life," a series of cooking classes designed to empower people with information to help survive and prevent cancer.

Adventist Health employee Charlie Bowman and her husband, Chuck, organized the classes, which taught participants how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage cancer growth.

"The single easiest and best thing you can do to prevent cancer is to eat right," said Bowman. "Our classes help make it easier by showing people how to make delicious, healthy meals and how to live a better lifestyle."