An apple day. An ounce of prevention. A trip to Adventist Health?

Since Ellen White founded the first sanitarium, Adventist health care has focused on wellness and prevention. At Adventist Health, the mission is still the same today. From smoking cessation, to CPR classes, to "lifestyle medicine," the 18 west coast hospitals find unique ways to bring wellness to their community and employee families.

Centering on Health in the Wine Country

Nowhere is this more apparent than the Center for Health. This wellness oasis is nestled in the picturesque vineyards of the Napa Valley.

The center is located on the campus of St. Helena Hospital which was founded as a rural health retreat in 1878 and is now regarded as one of Northern California's most reputable and effective medical facilities.

The Center for Health applies a multidisciplinary approach to each of its programs. Teams of experts in fields such as medicine, psychology, nutrition, exercise, recreation and stress management collaborate to address each participant's unique needs and goals. They consider all aspects of lifestyle, including family, career, diet and interpersonal relationships. The staff members work to develop comprehensive treatment plans, including follow-up after the program to ensure lasting change.

More information about the Center for Health is available at www.sthelenahospital.org/center or 800-358-9195. With the Transformations weight-loss program, The Center for a Smoke-Free Life and One, a personal health experience for busy executives, the facility offers something for almost everyone.

Kissing Cigarettes Goodbye in Northern California

Ed Mills might say the same thing about Ukiah Valley Medical Center's smoking cessation classes. Last year Mills, a volunteer at the Ukiah Senior Center, found himself at the hospital to overcome severe heart problems caused by years of smoking.

A cigarette smoker for 50 years, Mills faced an uphill battle, but found strength in his marriage and the hospital's medical staff.

"Dr. Portnoff told me my heart was in trouble, and that I was living on borrowed time," Mills said. "I knew then, it was time to stop."

After completing smoking cessation classes, Mills has been smoke-free since Nov. 1, 2007. His wife, Mary, said that after 42 years of marriage, "[Ed] has never looked so healthy and is now full of energy."

See www.uvmc.org or call 707-462-3111 for more information.

Strides to Prevent Stroke in Glendale

In early March, Glendale's Brand Boulevard was transformed into a special place of celebration and remembrance. Stroke experts from the Glendale Adventist Medical Center Neuroscience Institute teamed up with DowntownGlendale.com to hold the first Downtown Dash, a 5K Run/Walk with proceeds supporting GAMC Stroke Services.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of adult disability. Yet, it's also the most preventable catastrophic condition. Two FDA-approved treatments exist for strokes, both which greatly improve a patient's chance for survival and lessen the extent of potential disabilities according to GAMC experts. The key is to get to an emergency room quickly after experiencing symptoms.

Stroke symptoms include numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking or dizziness; or a severe headache with no known cause.

To learn more about stroke or other services at GAMC, visit www.glendaleadventist.com or call 818-409-8000.

Dining with Doctors in Paradise

Want face time with a physician? Community members in Paradise, Calif., have that chance with Feather River Hospital's "Dinner with the Doctor" program. This monthly health education experience features catered vegan meals and presentations from doctors in different locations throughout the Paradise area.

"One of the most important parts of this program is that we hold it in different community venues each month," says Rick Mautz, PT, director of Lifestyle Medicine at FRH. "Churches have been much more receptive to our hospital and programs because we are involving them, not just asking their members to come to our church for programs." Indeed, FRH offers hosting church members discounted tickets to the program.

"Our physicians are clamoring to get on the list to speak next," said Mautz. "With the limited time doctors have with their patients today, people are pleased to get their questions answered."

See www.frhosp.org or call 530-877-9361 for more.