Your Health

A guide to health and wellness programs

For a more complete listing of health education classes and events, visit the following Web sites: California Pacific Medical Center / Comunity Health Resource Center Chinese Community Health Resource Center Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Seton Medical Center St. Luke’s Campus of CPMC St. Mary’s Medical Center

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

Heart Rhythm Problems
Heart rhythm abnormalities are common, with wide-ranging symptoms — from skipped beats and persistent racing heart, to fainting episodes and even cardiac arrest. Learn about the latest therapies and technology.
Thursday, Feb. 3, 5–6:30 p.m.
California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC),
2100 Webster St., Room 106.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Managing Stress
Identify stressors in your life and get support in creating and strengthening healthy coping strategies. You will learn to reduce negative effects of stress with research-based techniques, tips and exercises.
Tuesday, March 1, 2:30–4 p.m.
CPMC,
2100 Webster St., Room 10.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Colorectal Cancer
Join an expert medical oncologist and get current information on colon cancer, a leading cause of U.S. cancer death. Learn about the symptoms and causes of colon cancer, as well as current research and treatment options. A robotics surgery expert will discuss state-of-the-art technology for urologic conditions.
Tuesday, March 8, 6–7:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Back Pain
Are you living with chronic back pain? Want to find out about options to treat and manage this condition? Join a CPMC neurological surgeon for an overview of back pain: acute vs. chronic, causes, symptoms, treatment options.
Wednesday, April 6, 3–4:30 p.m.
CPMC Pacific Campus,
2333 Buchanan St., Enright Room.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fitness and Exercise

Gentle Yoga for Seniors
This is the perfect class for seniors and those who are new to yoga.
Thursdays, 1:30–3 p.m.,
St. Mary’s Medical Center, 2255 Hayes St., Room H2-7.
Call 415.750.5800.

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: $60, 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 CPMC's Women's Health Resource.

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. Seton Medical Center, 1900 Sullivan Ave., Daly City. Mondays and Wednesdays, 1–5:45 p.m. or Fridays, 1–4:45 p.m. Fee: $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

Weight Loss: What Does It Take?
Go beyond simple calorie counting and learn physiological functions of the body. This presentation with a registered dietitian addresses emotional and physical factors affecting weight management. Individuals gain practical tips for losing weight in a healthful way.
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2:30–4 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Room 106.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Vegetarian Diet
Join a registered dietitian to explore the benefits of a vegetarian diet, as well as how to prepare vegetarian meals and snacks.
Tuesday, March 15, 3:30–5 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Room 106. $10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Healthy Kitchen
Looking for healthy and simple meal plans? Need tips on creating a kitchen that’s ready to go with healthy ingredients on hand? A registered dietitian will inspire you to think about various aspects and components of food and how to be organized, prepared and mindful in your eating habits.
Tuesday, April 12, 3–4:30 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Room 106.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nutrition Education for Kidney Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease, this program offers the chance for you to meet in appointment with a registered dietitian for nutrition therapy. You’ll receive individual attention, ongoing health screening and a customized program to help you feel your best and prevent further progression of the disease.
Free for Brown & Toland HMO members; $60 per consultation for other participants.
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, 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 next session’s 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 CPMC.

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 and 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: Fall Prevention Awareness and Balance Screening
Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. This class is intended for older adults who want to reduce their risk of falling and maintain their independence. A physical therapist will provide an overview on the causes of loss of balance, and techniques and strategies to prevent falls. Participants can take standard risk assessment tests given by physical therapists.
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
CPMC Davies Campus, Castro and Duboce streets. South Tower, Level 1, Gazebo.
$10 donation suggested.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Advance Health Care Directives
Take time now to understand and determine your choices for end-of-life care. Class size is limited to six persons.
Monday, March 14, noon–1:30 p.m.
CPMC, 2100 Webster St., Suite 100.
Fee: $10.
To preregister, call 415.923.3155 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Diabetes and Self-Mangement

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 proven in research to prevent diabetes. Referral required.
Class 1: Feb. 14, March 14, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Class 2: Feb. 23, March 23, 3:30–5 p.m.
Call for additional dates and times.
CPMC, Center for Diabetes Services, 3801 Sacramento St., 7th Floor
Call 415.600.0506.

Diabetes — Type 2 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 series of classes and one-on-one appointments are tailored to meet individual needs. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by our expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker.
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, data are downloaded, and the information is analyzed. Patients new to our center will need a 1-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, pre-class 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 cancers), 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 post-treatment.
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.

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

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.
For more information, call 415.923.3155.

Health Screenings

Blood Pressure Screenings (FREE)
More than 1 in 3 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., Daly City, Ground Floor.
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
Peripheral screening of the ankle for bone density.
By appointment on weekdays.
CPMC, Women’s Health Resource Center, 3698 California St.
Call 415.600.0500.