Your Health

A guide to health and wellness programs

As a Brown & Toland member, you have a doctor who listens to your needs, respects your choices and provides you with the highest-quality care you can find. You also have access to some of the finest community health resources in San Francisco. Some of these classes are free, and others require a nominal fee or donation. Call the listed telephone number for more information.

Community Health Events

Sleep Well
This workshop will help you identify factors that may be getting in the way of having a restful night's sleep. You'll learn about the principles of sleep hygiene and how implementing these practical strategies can help you feel more rested and rejuvenated after a peaceful night's rest.
Wednesday, June 15, 3–4:30 p.m.
Community Health Resource Center at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC),
2100 Webster St., Room 106.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Psoriasis and Joint Pain
Do you have psoriasis? Are you experiencing joint pain? About 15 to 20 percent of people with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis. This lecture with an expert rheumatologist explores the link between psoriasis, joint pain and psoriatic arthritis. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatment options for psoriatic arthritis.
Tuesday, June 28, 3–4:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Lung Cancer: New Approaches, New Research, New Hope
We invite lung cancer patients, their families and caregivers, and healthcare professionals to attend this progressive update on lung cancer. A multidisciplinary team of experts from CPMC and the Beverly and George James Thoracic Oncology Center will discuss early detection, treatment strategies and current research. Participants are invited to attend a reception before the lecture.
Tuesday, July 12, 6–7:30 p.m.
Reception at 5:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a common problem that can have many causes. Join the director of neuromuscular research at the CPMC Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research Center for a comprehensive overview of peripheral neuropathy. Information on causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options will be provided.
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2–3:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are among the most common endocrine problems in the United States. Although the majority are benign, some require treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2009 there were about 32,700 new cases of thyroid cancer (27,200 in women and 10,000 in men). Join physicians from CPMC's Thyroid Center to learn about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for thyroid cancer.
Friday, Aug. 12, 3:30–5 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fitness and Exercise

Gentle Yoga for Women
This series teaches a gentle yoga practice to support overall wellness and healing. The class is intended for beginners and those with chronic health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis. Each sequence includes basic principles of movement, alignment and breathing awareness.
Cost is $60 for a six-week session.
Fridays, 10–11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.
CPMC, Women's Health Resource Center,
3698 California St., Lobby Level.
Please register at least two days prior. For more information or to register, call 415.600.0500 or visit www.cpmc.org/whrc.

Gentle Yoga for Gynecological and Breast Cancer Survivors
This series is intended to teach a gentle yoga practice to support overall wellness and the healing process. Each sequence includes basic principles of movement, alignment and breathing awareness.
Fridays, 11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
CPMC, Women's Health Resource Center,
3698 California St., Lobby Level.
Cost is $45 for a six-week session. Free for newcomers.
Please register at least two days prior. For more information or to register, call 415.600.0500 or visit www.cpmc.org/whrc.

Healthy Heart Exercise
Supervised exercise program for people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, as well as those who are obese or sedentary.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1–5:45 p.m. or Fridays, 1–4:45 p.m.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City.
Cost is $8 per session.
Call 650.991.6750.

Mall Walkers (FREE)
Join the St. Mary's Medical Center indoor mall-walker program at Stonestown Mall.
Meets in center court every Thursday, 9 a.m.,
Stonestown Mall,
3251 20th Ave.
Call 415.564.8848 or 415.750.5800.

WalkAbout/TalkAbout (FREE)
WalkAbout is Seton Medical Center's twice-weekly walking and fitness program for seniors at the Serramonte Shopping Center.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:15–9:30 a.m.
TalkAbout is a monthly health education program.
First Friday of the month, 9:30–10 a.m.
Call 650.991.5984.

Nutrition and Weight Management

What's the Buzz on Sugar? (FREE)
A registered dietitian will discuss the various types of sugar and ongoing research that investigates the impact and safety of sugar substitutes. Information about unhealthy foods, nutritious eating alternatives and recommended dietary amounts will also be addressed in this session.
Tuesday, May 24, 3–4:30 p.m.
Community Health Resource Center at CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Room 106.
For Brown & Toland members only. Preregistration required.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dietary Supplements
Eating foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients is the best way to give your body what it needs. However, if your lifestyle or a condition keeps you from getting the recommended daily value of vitamins and nutrients, a dietary supplement may be right for you. This lecture is geared toward individuals who are challenged in getting proper amounts of vitamins and nutrients, including the elderly, undereaters, strict vegetarians or vegans, pregnant women, those with medical conditions limiting food choices, and those on low-calorie weight-loss plans.
Tuesday, July 19, 3–4:30 p.m.
Community Health Resource Center at CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Room 106.
$10 suggested donation.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Savvy Choices for the Conscious Eater (FREE)
This lecture will challenge you to think about your food preferences and food choices considering freshness, nutrition, health, price, and social and environmental issues. What can we do through our everyday food purchasing decisions to support a healthy body and healthy planet? Join a registered dietitian for information and strategies for conscious eating. The information provided in this lecture is based on the book What to Eat by Marion Nestle.
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 1:30–3 p.m.
Community Health Resource Center at CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Room 106.
For Brown & Toland members only. Preregistration required.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nutrition Consultation (FREE)
If your physician has suggested that you see a nutritionist, or you have health concerns that may benefit from nutrition counseling, call the Community Health Resource Center at CPMC for a free consultation.
Free for Brown & Toland HMO members.
To schedule an appointment, call 415.923.3155.

BodyLOVE
BodyLOVE, a 12-week program with a nutritionist, teaches the physiology of weight loss and optimal eating and ways to manage cravings. Discover how to reduce stress-related eating, and take part in the women's discussion group.
Mondays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m.
CPMC, Women's Health Resource Center,
3698 California St., Lobby Level.
Fee: $40 a week.
Call 415.600.0502 for more info and the next start date.

Pregnancy and Parenting

CPMC Newborn Connections
A great resource for expectant parents. Newborn Connections offers a book and video lending library, support groups, baby boutique, and prenatal and parenting classes. Classes include labor preparation.
CPMC, Women's Health Resource Center,
3698 California St.
To register or for more information, call 415.600.2229 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Seton Medical Center
Seton offers classes for expectant parents. The Childbirth Education Series is a comprehensive six-week series that covers vital topics such as preparation for labor and delivery, newborn care, and breastfeeding techniques. The hospital also offers a four-week course on preparing for labor and delivery, a one-session class on baby care basics and a one-session class on breastfeeding. The Infant CPR and Child Safety class instructs parents and caregivers on how to perform lifesaving skills on their children.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City.
For more information on cost, dates and times, call 650.991.6345.

St. Luke's Women's Center
Award-winning services include the Centering Pregnancy program and childbirth preparation classes. Centering Pregnancy is a model of prenatal care developed by midwives to improve birth outcomes and foster a sense of community. Expectant mothers join a group of eight to 12 other women who are due the same month to share concerns and experiences in a supportive, friendly group environment.
The first four sessions are once a month; the remaining six sessions are every two weeks.
CPMC, St. Luke's Campus,
1580 Valencia St., 5th Floor, Suite 508.
Call 415.641.6996.

Aging Well

Maintain Your Balance: Education and Screenings
This class is intended for older adults who want to reduce their risk of falling and maintain their independence. A physical therapist provides an overview on the causes of loss of balance and outlines techniques, strategies and basic exercises to help prevent falls. With core muscle strengthening, supportive devices and modifications to the home, we can reduce the risk of fall injury. Participants can partake in several standard risk assessment tests.
Thursday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
CPMC, Davies Campus at Castro & Duboce streets, North Tower auditorium.
To preregister, call the Community Health Resource Center at CPMC at 415.923.3155 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Diabetes

CPMC Center for Diabetes Services
This American Diabetes Association (ADA)–recognized program provides classes and individual counseling sessions for adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The center also offers prevention classes for those at risk for diabetes plus support groups and counseling. Staff speaks English, Tagalog, Spanish and Chinese.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services,
3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes — Individual Education (FREE)
Individual appointments for diabetes education. Available for those needing specific counseling (for example, insulin therapy initiation) or for those with special needs (physical limitations, non-English speaking, etc.). The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This program is patient-focused and taught by nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker.
Referral required. Call for appointment.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services,
3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes — Prediabetes Education: Two-Class Series (FREE)
Two classes designed to teach the tools proved in research to prevent diabetes.
Referral required.
Classes are held at 3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
For dates and times, call CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, at 415.600.0506.

Type 2 Diabetes Education: Four-Class Series (FREE)
A series of four classes for people with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. The classes and one-on-one appointments are tailored to meet individual needs. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by an expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker. Call to confirm dates and times.
Class 1: Held most Mondays or Fridays, either 9 a.m.–noon or 1:30–4:30 p.m. Call for dates and times.
Classes 2, 3 and 4: Offered Tuesdays, 1:30–4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9–11:30 a.m.; or Thursday evenings, 6–8:30 p.m.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services,
3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes — Continuous Glucose Monitoring (FREE)
An advanced program that features real-time, continuous glucose readings. This information provides in-depth exploration of challenging glucose patterns to optimize control. Ideal for those taking insulin (both type 1 and 2), those with complicated diabetes medication regimens or individuals who experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). During the first session, participants attend a class and are placed on the continuous glucose monitoring device (Dexcom or Guardian). One week later, the device is removed, and information is downloaded and analyzed. Patients new to our center will need a one-hour, pre-class appointment.
Referral required. Free for Brown & Toland members.
Call for dates and times.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services,
3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes — Intensive Management Series: Two-Class Series (FREE)
An advanced insulin management program for people with type 1 diabetes and people who are interested in an insulin pump. Patients new to our center will need a 1½-hour, preclass appointment. Topics include carbohydrate counting, finding your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio and adjustment of insulin to meet your target goal.
Call for dates and times.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services,
3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor.
Call 415.600.0506.

St. Luke's Hospital: Diabetes Education Program (FREE)
ADA-recognized, the Diabetes Center at CPMC, St. Luke's Campus offers a multidisciplinary, caring, bilingual team that coordinates care with your physician. We educate you about diet and exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and medications. Individual consultations are available.
Appointments are scheduled from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.
CPMC, St. Luke's Campus,
3555 Cesar Chavez St., Room 230.
Call 415.641.6826.

St. Mary's Medical Center: Diabetes Services (FREE)
This ADA-certified education center has a nurse diabetes educator and a registered dietitian and offers individual appointments.
St. Mary's Medical Center,
2335 Hayes St.
Call 415.750.5513.

Living Well With Diabetes (FREE)
Diabetes educational classes that teach care for diabetes, what to eat and why to check blood sugar.
Mondays, 4–5 p.m.
St. Mary's Medical Center,
450 Stanyan St., Cardiology Conference Room, Level C.
Call 415.750.5513.

Support Groups

Breast Cancer Support Group (FREE)
Give and get support from women who have had breast cancer.
Tuesdays (for newly diagnosed) and Wednesdays (for those with advanced cancer), 5–7 p.m.
St. Mary's Medical Center,
450 Stanyan St., 6th Floor, Room 630.
Call 415.750.5775.

Breast Cancer Support Group (FREE)
A weekly breast cancer support group, facilitated by a nurse and psychologist. Open to women who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or posttreatment.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30–7 p.m.
CPMC,
3698 California St., Room 1882 (Library).
Call 415.600.2717 for dates, times and more information.

Breastfeeding Support Group (FREE)
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City.
Call 650.991.6345 for dates and times.

Cancer Buddy Program
The CPMC Cancer Buddy Program connects patients in the first year of a cancer diagnosis with trained volunteer cancer survivors. It is a forum for individuals to speak leisurely and honestly with someone who understands cancer from the inside, as no one else can.
To request a buddy or to volunteer, call 415.923.3155.

Gynecological Cancer (FREE)
Women with uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, peritoneal and/or vulvar cancer have the opportunity to talk with and gain support from other women who share similar experiences. Facilitated by an advanced practice nurse.
For dates, times and more information, call 415.600.0500.

Grief Peer Support Group (FREE)
This support group is for anyone experiencing grief and loss.
Mondays, 10–11:30 a.m.
St. Mary's Medical Center,
450 Stanyan St., Mercy Conference Room, Level C.
Call 415.750.5718.

Our Spouses Our Partners (FREE)
This group provides information and emotional support for spouses and partners of breast cancer survivors. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by CPMC.
Fourth Thursdays, 4–5 p.m.
2351 Clay St., Room 137.
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Melanoma Cancer (FREE)
Participants will join together for discussion and to give and receive support from others sharing similar experiences. Refreshments provided.
Third Tuesdays, 2–3:30 p.m.
2351 Clay St., Suite 137.
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Stroke Survivor (FREE)
This group is designed to aid the recovery of stroke survivors at any stage by providing a safe and supportive atmosphere where individuals are able to share their experiences. Refreshments provided.
First Thursday of the month, 1–2:30 p.m. CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Suite 119, Conference Room.
Call the Community Health Resource Center at 415.923.3155.

Health Education and Screening

Blood Pressure Screening (FREE)
More than one in three adults have high blood pressure, which may result in stroke, heart attack, heart failure and arterial aneurysm. It is also a leading cause of kidney failure. Keep track of your blood pressure at these drop-in screenings.
Third Friday of the month, 1–2 p.m.
CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Suite 100.
Call 415.923.3155.

Breast Health Education (FREE)
Free breast health consultation and information on breast health. By appointment only.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Ground Floor, Daly City.
Call 650.991.6502.

Living Well With Asthma
For adults and children.
Seton Medical Center,
1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City.
To schedule an appointment, call 650.991.6776.

Osteoporosis Screenings
One out of four women over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with osteoporosis. Schedule an appointment for screening with a bone densitometry ultrasound at the CPMC Women's Health Resource Center. Meet with our nurse practitioner to discuss prevention, management and treatment of osteoporosis.
Cost is $30 for ultrasound screening only; $30 for a half-hour osteoporosis consultation.
For an appointment, call 415.600.1957.