Scripps Health - All News

Scripps Helps Fans Track Health Scores to Gain Competitive Edge

2012-05-14T13:37:23-07:00

Big Leaguers are always looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition. As hitters, they analyze opposing pitchers for tendencies they can exploit. On defense, they study where batters most often hit the ball and position themselves in the field accordingly.

A keen eye for detail can also pay off when it comes to staying healthy. During the 2012 season, Scripps will bring its Mobile Medical Unit to select home games to offer fans free health screenings, including exams for blood pressure and body mass index.

“Knowing how your numbers compare with healthy ranges, and taking appropriate action, can help cut the risk of developing health problems down the road,” says Dr. Heinz Hoenecke, the team’s head doctor from Scripps Clinic. “These screenings are painless and only take a few minutes.”

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects one in three adults in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other serious conditions. For healthy adults, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80; a reading above 140/90 is considered hypertension.

The CDC reports that more than two out of three adults in the United States are either overweight or obese. Excess body weight is linked to heightened risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver failure, sleep apnea and some forms of cancer.

Body mass index (BMI) can help determine if a person’s weight is healthy, relative to height. BMI is calculated as a person’s weight in kilograms, divided by height in meters squared. A BMI between 18 and 24 is considered healthy; above 25 is overweight and above 30 is obese.

Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin says the Scripps health screening program is a smart idea. “Staying on top of your health scores is huge,” said the team’s 2011 MVP. “It’s important to know when issues first arise, so you can take care of things early.”

Padres fans will find important health resources at the Scripps Mobile Medical Unit. The vehicle also appears at community events around the county, including several in partnership with the Padres organization, which is a sponsor.

MMU schedule

Fans can visit the Scripps Mobile Medical Unit beyond the right field fence, next to the Park at the Park, on theses 2012 dates: May 19 and 20, June 2, June 7, July 16, July 21, Aug. 5 and Aug. 20.

Scripps has been the official health care provider to the Padres since 1981. To find a Scripps physician, call 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Scripps Manager Awarded University Scholarship

2012-05-14T11:49:18-07:00

Jancie Grover, patient care manager at Scripps Green Hospital’s gastrointestinal laboratory, has been awarded the Scripps and Grand Canyon University Scholarship for Leaders.

The scholarship is a product of Scripps’ ongoing academic partnership with Grand Canyon University; the university offers tuition discounts to Scripps employees who enroll in health care-related degree programs. Based on this successful partnership, the university offered Scripps a one-time tuition scholarship for a graduate-level program. The scholarship will help support leadership development at Scripps through advanced studies and performance excellence.

Grover, who joined Scripps in July of 2005, was selected from a pool of Scripps leaders who applied for the scholarship.

“I am passionate about learning anything and everything about leadership,” said Grover, who would like to hold an executive position within Scripps someday. “I have wanted a master’s degree in nursing forever, and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.

Dr. Anne McNamara, Dean of Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing, presented the scholarship to Grover at a ceremony on May 9, 2012 at Scripps’ administrative offices.

“I am so pleased that Grand Canyon University was able to offer this scholarship to Jancie,” said Dr. McNamara. “In meeting and talking with her, it was evident that she is highly motivated and very passionate about the field of nursing. I am excited for her and I will be rooting her on as she takes this big step in her educational journey and career.”

About Scripps Health
Learn more about Scripps Health.

Photo participants from left to right:
Joelle Cook, Learning Leader, Scripps Center for Learning & Innovation
Dr. Anne McNamara, Dean of Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing
Jancie Grover, Patient Care Manager, Scripps Green Hospital
Valerie Walsh, Vice President, Chief Nursing and Operating Executive, Scripps Green Hospital
Veronica Zaman, Scripps Corporate Vice President, Human Resources and Learning
Mary Ellen Doyle, Scripps Corporate Vice President, Nursing Operations

Scripps Doctors Study Novel New Device to Diagnose Irregular Heart Beat

2012-05-09T16:46:31-07:00

A study conducted at Scripps Health has found that a novel new heart monitoring device helped emergency room patients avoid unnecessary follow-up care. Scripps Health electrophysiologist Steven Higgins, MD, presented findings of the study, titled “Prevalence of Arrhythmias in Emergency Department Patients Discharged Using a Novel Ambulatory Cardiac Monitor,” today at the Heart Rhythm Society’s 33rd Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.

The study focused on the use of Zio Patch, a single-use ambulatory cardiac monitor that looks similar to a 2- by 5-inch adhesive bandage and sticks to a patient’s chest. The device can continuously monitor their heart rhythm for up to 14 days.

“The availability of this new heart monitor is exciting as it improves patient care. The patch is applied and when recording is done, the patient simply drops it in the envelope and returns it through the mail — it’s like the Netflix of heart care,” said Dr. Higgins, chairman of the department of cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and a lead investigator. “Because they are infrequent, heart rhythm problems are often difficult to diagnose, even though they can be quite serious. The Zio Patch is a new digital advance that will allow us to better diagnose challenging cases so we can provide our patients the best care.”

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla was the only hospital in Southern California to participate in the study. Other study locations included Stanford Hospital and Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas.

The study followed 285 patients who had presented to emergency departments across the country with symptoms possibly related to arrhythmias, such as fainting, palpitations, dizziness and others. Patients received the unencumbering, wire-free Zio Patch prior to being discharged from the emergency room and were instructed to wear the patch until it no longer adhered to their skin – up to 14 days duration. Devices were mailed back to iRhythm Technologies, Inc., the Zio Patch’s developer and service provider, using a pre-paid postage envelope, for analysis and reporting of results to the patient’s physician.

The researchers found that 59 percent of the symptomatic patients who presented to the emergency rooms did not have arrhythmia and may not require any further work-up. “Thus, the new device has the potential to save the health care system millions of dollars,” said Higgins. “We were also surprised to learn that there was 100 percent compliance by the patient with the process, which is an amazing finding for an emergency department study.”

Monitoring leads to possible lifesaving procedure

One patient who benefited from the Zio Patch is La Jolla resident Kenneth Curzon, who fainted while at work in March. Curzon continuously wore the Zio Patch for two weeks and then mailed it back to iRhythm, where the information was downloaded and formatted into a report for Dr. Higgins to review.

The recording showed Curzon was experiencing prolonged pauses in his heart rhythm of over three seconds as well as other episodes of rapid heart beats. On April 6, he received an implantable cardiac defibrillator to correct the problem and was back to his management job within five days.

“The Zio Patch allowed me to diagnose and determine the most appropriate therapy for Ken,” said Higgins.

“I like to think of the whole experience as an adventure,” Curzon said. “Most of the time I didn’t even realize I was wearing a heart monitor, and when I peeled it off, I just put it in an envelope and sent it off in the mail. It was a very simple process.”

Zio Patch vs. Holter monitor

In addition, Dr. Eric Topol is leading a new related study at Scripps Green Hospital examining whether the Zio Patch does a better job of detecting heart arrhythmias than the Holter monitor, which has been the gold standard for rhythm monitoring since the early 1960s.

The portable Holter monitor collects its data through a series of wired electrodes that adhere to the chest. Because the device can be difficult to wear and can get in the way of normal activities such as showering, exercising and sleeping, continuous use of the monitor is typically limited to one or two days. In contrast, the Zio Patch is a small, unobtrusive device that is indicated for up to 14 days of wear, and allows the patient to exercise and shower on their normal schedule, without the hassle of a bulky monitor and multiple wires.

“This is a great opportunity to compare these two side by side for use in diagnosing important heart rhythm disturbances,” said Dr. Topol, a cardiologist who directs the Scripps Translational Science Institute and serves as Chief Academic Officer of Scripps Health. “We are trying to determine if the Zio Patch will have an increased diagnostic yield.”

The study is currently enrolling about 150 Scripps Green and Scripps Clinic adult patients who have been seen by their doctors for arrhythmia. Each of the participants will wear a Holter monitor and a Patch for up to 48 hours and then continue wearing the Zio Patch for up to 14 days. More information about the study is available at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Dr. Topol and his research associates will compare the data gathered from each device and report their findings later this year.

Arrhythmias affect millions of Americans each year and, if left untreated, may lead to serious consequences including stroke or sudden cardiac death.

Both studies are an extension of Scripps Health’s leadership in heart care and research. Scripps is currently building the $456 million Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, a center for innovation that will bring together top researchers, physicians and staff. The institute will incorporate leading-edge wireless technologies and individualized medicine for the best in patient care when it opens in 2015. Annually, more than 55,000 patients receive their cardiovascular care from Scripps, making it San Diego County’s largest heart care provider. Scripps is the region’s only cardiovascular program consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the country.

About Scripps Health

Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif.

Scripps Doctor Discusses Heart Attack Prevention

2012-05-11T14:39:45-07:00

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer of both men and women; however, there is a lot a person can do to help prevent a heart attack. In a live, in-studio interview with KUSI, Scripps Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Suhar addresses measures you can take to help lead a healthier life.

As seen on KUSI-TV.

Is Your Diet Damaging Your Brain?

2012-05-04T15:28:38-07:00

Eating a healthy diet has been shown to improve energy levels and help maintain weight, but new studies have shown that it might even improve overall brain health. A recent study conducted in Manhattan, New York, found that eating a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to reduce damage to the small blood vessels in the brain.

“It is important to eat a healthy diet, which includes foods low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars, and foods high in whole grain fiber, lean protein, and a variety of fruits and vegetables,” says Mary Kalafut, MD, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. “This allows the body to be able to make new cells and create the energy needed to function well and fight diseases.”

A Mediterranean diet includes these principals for eating, basing meals off of the traditional cuisine from the countries boarding the Mediterranean Sea including Greece, Spain, Italy and France. It emphasizes eating few meats, cheeses and sugars and focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.

Many healthy eating plans center on reducing fat intake to fewer than 35 percent of total daily calories. What makes a Mediterranean-style diet unique is its emphasis on eating “good fats,” allowing for 35 to 40 percent of daily calories to come from the right types of fat.

Good fats and bad fats

There are four major types of dietary fats, and while they are all the same in terms of calories, some fats provide added health benefits while others contribute to cholesterol production.

“The bad fats are trans and saturated fats,” says Dr. Kalafut. “These fats raise the LDL or bad cholesterol and contribute to heart disease, stroke and a variety of other health problems.”

Saturated and trans fats are the types that come from fried and processed foods as well as animal products such as red meat and dairy. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, or the “good fats,” come from sources such as fish, olive oil, and some nut and seed oils.

“Good fats can lower your bad cholesterol,” says Dr. Kalafut. “Therefore by eating monounsaturated fats in moderation instead of trans or saturated fats, you can decrease the level of your bad cholesterol.”

In terms of benefits for the brain, lower levels of bad cholesterol can reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular problems such as stroke or heart attack. The Manhattan study also found that this type of diet might reduce the amount of hyperintensities seen in MRI scans of certain areas of the brain. These hyperintensities are often considered a normal part of ageing but have also been associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The study authors noted that further research is needed, but these results could indicate that reducing the small blood vessel damage to these areas could reduce hyperintensities and protect the brain later in life.

Protecting your brain starts early

Not all stroke and cardiovascular disease risk factors—such as heredity and age—can be prevented. However, there are many modifiable risk factors that can be reduced by lifestyle. In addition to a healthy diet, not smoking and regular exercise can reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall health by decreasing weight, decreasing the risk of diabetes, decreasing blood pressure, decreasing stress and improving mood.

For the maximum health benefits and to protect the brain from damage, it’s best to start developing healthy lifestyle habits as soon as possible.

“In most cases, once a cholesterol plaque is established in a blood vessel wall, it won’t go away. Therefore if we can establish healthy habits at an early age, we may be less likely to have unhealthy changes in the blood vessels that can result in stroke and heart attack,” adds Dr. Kalafut. “The earlier we can start a healthy lifestyle, the more likely we are to prevent vascular related diseases.”

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of stroke

Stroke can happen to anyone. Find out more at the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke seminar or call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

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Stop Skin Cancer at the Beach and in the Booth

2012-05-04T15:31:08-07:00

If you’re thinking of getting a jump-start on your summer glow this year by lying out in the afternoon sun or spending a few dollars (and minutes) on indoor tanning, you should probably think again.

“Tanning in general, and indoor tanning in particular, is one of the worst things you can do for your skin,” says Hubert Greenway, MD, a dermatologist at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. “Here in San Diego, we see four times as much skin cancer as the national average. That’s because at our latitude, the sun is far more intense than in much of the rest of the nation. And San Diegans spend a great deal of time outdoors. When you add indoor tanning, you’re piling on repeated, high-intensity radiation exposure—a perfect recipe for skin cancer.”

Soaring melanoma rates

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 1 million people use indoor tanning facilities every day, and most of them are younger than 30. Unsurprisingly, there has been a steady rise in the number of skin cancer cases in young people since the introduction of indoor tanning booths to North America in 1979.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found the incidence of melanoma in young adults has increased sixfold overall since 1970, with the number of young women (ages 18 to 39) diagnosed with melanoma having increased eightfold. And a 2010 study concluded that people who use indoor tanning equipment are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

In addition, a recent meta-analysis of other studies on tanning and cancer, published in the journal Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, suggests a strong correlation between the incidence of melanoma and use of indoor tanning equipment, concluding that indoor tanning should be strongly discouraged for everybody, and banned outright for people younger than 18.

The California teen tan ban

Heeding these guidelines, in 2011 California became the first U.S. state to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices for all children younger than 14, and requiring parental consent for those under 17 years old.

“As we learn more about the dangers of indoor tanning, we’ll be able to build a stronger case against this equipment in the future,” says Dr. Greenway. “In the beginning, we didn’t have evidence of how dangerous indoor tanning was. Now it’s coming in.”

Although melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, it isn’t the only type to be concerned about when you tan indoors. A 2002 study concluded that people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than those who don’t. Even people who have never tanned indoors can develop skin cancer due to daily exposure to the sun. Fair-skinned, fair- or red-haired, blue- or green-eyed Caucasians are among the most vulnerable to damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Protecting yourself from skin cancer indoors and out

Dr. Greenway has advice for everybody in our sun-kissed climate to help them avoid skin cancer.

Wear sunscreen on exposed skin every day. Dr. Greenway recommends at least 30 SPF, and says children should be allowed to choose their own sunscreen so they’ll be more likely to wear it. Concentrate on the head and neck, arms below the elbows, and if you wear shorts or skirts, the legs.
Protective clothing can also keep the rays away. Hats, scarves, sunglasses and sun-proof fabrics can all prevent damaging rays from getting to your skin.
Dr. Greenway warns that all forms of tanning will eventually make you look older, “like a weathered baseball glove.” That’s because a tan is actually skin damage—a sign of injury. He suggests using moisturizer every day to help keep skin hydrated, with sunscreen on top of it.
For special occasions like proms and weddings, artificial tanners in the form of sprays, wipes and lotions have come a long way since the early days. An even application is important, as is avoiding over application on rough skin like elbows, knees and heels.

Early detection and treatment are critical

“The key to surviving skin cancer,” Dr. Greenway says, “is early detection and treatment.” Suspicious moles and patches of discolored skin should be checked by a qualified dermatologist right away, and people more prone to skin cancer should have regular mole checks.

Find a dermatologist

If you need to find a dermatologist to help you care for your skin, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to talk to one of our physician referral specialists, or visit the Scripps Doctor Finder to search for a care provider that’s right for you.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

So You Need a New Primary Care Doctor. . .

2012-05-04T15:32:57-07:00

On the day you select a new primary care physician—whether you have moved geographically, changed jobs/health insurance plans or simply outgrown your previous doctor—you begin a relationship that will likely be one of the most important of your lifetime.

A strong primary care physician-patient relationship stands a very good chance of outlasting friendships and even jobs. As with any relationship, good primary care relies on open, honest two-way communication.

In 2008, the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey reported that 578 million annual medical visits (60.5 percent of all outpatient and non-hospital visits) were to primary care physicians, with general medical examinations being the most frequent reason for a visit. Through these yearly visits, you and your primary care physician get to know each other, develop trust and establish a basis to collaborate on your health and wellness.

“If I could tell my future patients one thing, it would be that I need their help to take good care of them,” says Dan Dworsky, MD, an internist at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. “Take advantage of the annual checkup, because that’s how we get to know you and understand your unique history, needs and concerns.”

Types of primary care physicians

There are a variety of primary care physicians who have expertise in different areas of your health. It’s important to find the right type of physician for your unique health needs.

Pediatrician
Specializing in children, pediatricians focus their practices solely on caring for infants and children, getting them through immunizations, illnesses and injuries until they reach the end of adolescence, somewhere between the ages of 14 and 18.
Family medicine physician
Physicians who specialize in family medicine are the generalists of medicine, trained to treat the entire family, from newborns to grandparents. They receive some training in both pediatrics and obstetrics (women’s health) during their education and can provide routine care for patients of all ages.
Internal medicine physician
Specializing in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in adults, internal medicine physicians are vital in helping patients manage chronic conditions. An internal medicine physician may choose to remain a generalist, or to further specialize in a wide variety of sub-specialties ranging from cardiology to sleep and sports medicine.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Many women of child-bearing age rely on their OB-GYN for routine screenings and care and, as such, receive the bulk of their primary care through the physician who specializes in fertility, childbirth and female health issues.
Geriatrician
Physicians who care for older patients exclusively (age 60 and older) are specially trained in the diseases and disorders associated with age.

Communication considerations

Your ability to communicate effectively with a primary care physician may involve several demographic factors. As you select a new physician, consider whether age, gender, or language or culture differences might affect what you choose to share with your doctor.

Sometimes women are more comfortable seeing women and men confide more in other men. Removing generational and linguistic barriers may also play a key role in successful communication.

Advice for new patients establishing care

Before your first visit with a new physician, gather your medical records from your previous doctor and bring them to your new provider. To help your new partner in health get up to speed quickly, bring a folder containing accurate and complete lists of:

Prior immunizations and dates
Results of health screenings from the past several years
Previous abnormal test results, surgeries and medical procedures you’ve undergone
Current medications and supplements you take, including dosages and frequency

Also know that the first visit is just the first step on a long journey together. “By all means, I want my new patient to come in with a list of questions and concerns,” says Dr. Dworsky. “But we may not have time to cover them all in one visit. We can prioritize together and make follow-up appointments if necessary to be sure we cover everything.”

Finally, two-way communication is critical. To help make sure you’ve heard and understood your new doctor’s advice, you should repeat back what they’ve said and make notes on important points. Some patients may bring along a family member to help make sure everything is understood; others may opt to record an office visit on their smart phone and transcribe important directions and advice to a safe, permanent place later in the day.

Find a primary care physician

Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to talk to one of our physician referral specialists, or visit the Scripps Doctor Finder to search for a care provider that’s right for you. You can search based on education, specialty, location and more.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

The Not-So-Sweet Health Effects of Drinking Soda

2012-05-07T11:07:30-07:00

Over the past few decades, soda has become a staple of the American diet. Every restaurant offers a variety of flavors, vending machines fill the lunch rooms of office buildings and schools, and every convenience store sells it by the bucket-sized cup. In fact, it’s hard to grab a quick meal without a soda being added as part of the price.

What most people don’t consider as they crack open a can of their favorite sweetened beverage is that this daily habit could be wreaking havoc on their health.

“The problem is high level of sugars in soda and consuming them every day,” notes Ken Fuijoka, MD, director of the Center for Weight Management at Scripps Clinic in San Diego.

Drinking beverages such as regular soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, juices and sweetened teas and coffee drinks could mean consuming anywhere between 90 to over 500 calories in simple sugars. Unlike more complex dietary carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables, simple sugars are metabolized quickly and stimulate the production of insulin. The continued production of high levels of insulin can lead to weight gain and obesity, which is linked to numerous medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, asthma, fatty liver disease and reproductive cancers.

Weight gain may not be the only hazard associated with drinking soda or sugary beverages daily. Recent studies have found that these drinks may have an impact on heart health. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that drinking just one of sugary beverage per day may increase the risk for heart disease in men by 20 percent.

Sugar-coated youth

“Sugary drinks can do a lot of damage to your health. And there is one group that drinking soda is becoming an increasing problem for: kids,” says Dr. Fujioka. “The number of kids that are becoming obese has increased dramatically over the past two decades and one of the biggest changes to their diet has been the amount of soda that they drink.”

Today, approximately 12.5 million American children are classified as obese. A report from the Centers of Disease Control noted that almost 25 percent of high school students drank a serving of soda at least once per day and 15 percent drank two or more per day. The study also found that as many as 62 percent of high school students drink some type of sugar-sweetened beverage at least once per day.

“Parents may need to deny their kids soda sometimes,” says Dr. Fujioka. “They should make sure it’s truly a treat, not an everyday thing.”

Alternatives to drinking soda

For many people, that daily soda is part of their routine and not having one every day may be difficult.

“People need to be aware how much sugar is in what they drink as well as what they eat,” notes Dr. Fujioka. “If they are getting more than 25 calories per serving, then it’s too high in sugar.”

Checking the label for serving sizes is also important since many containers contain 2 or more servings per bottle or can.

Water and low-fat or non-fat milk are both healthy ways to stay hydrated. For people who love the fizziness of soda, mineral water can be a good alternative. However, Dr. Fujioka doesn’t recommend switching to regular juice, since the high sugar content requires a lot of insulin to metabolize, just like soda. Juice without added sugars watered down to a quarter of the strength may help with the sugary drink cravings without being too high in calories.

“The best way for someone to get sugar is in fruit,” adds Dr. Fujioka. “People shouldn’t juice it though, they should just eat it. In that form, it’s a very safe and healthy thing to have.”

Learn more about weight management

If you’re looking for a doctor to help losing weight, contact the Scripps Clinic Center for Weight Management. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to get a physician referral from a member of our call center.

Get a regular dose of health news and information from Scripps

The Family Stone to Perform at Second Annual In Concert for Cancer Sept. 8

2012-05-09T10:01:07-07:00

Legendary recording artist The Family Stone — featuring original members of Sly and the Family Stone — will perform at the second annual In Concert for Cancer on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. aboard the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. Proceeds from the concert will benefit cancer survivorship programs at Scripps Cancer Center.

The Family Stone includes founding members of Sly and the Family Stone Jerry Martini on saxophone, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and Greg Errico on drums. The three Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and R&B Pioneer Award winners are renowned for blazing new musical territory by fusing soul, funk, rock and R&B genres.

The band will perform from its deep catalog of psychedelic funk hits, which includes “Everyday People,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Dance to the Music,” “Family Affair,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” “Sing a Simple Song,” “Thank You,” “Stand!” and “Everybody is a Star.”

Formed in 1967 in San Francisco, Sly and the Family Stone was the first major American band to have an interracial, multigender lineup. The integration shines through on the band’s uplifting, unifying and socially conscious music. The group’s innovative musical style has influenced a variety of artists over the years, including Herbie Hancock, Prince and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Today, The Family Stone continues to tour the world and earn critical praise for its live performances.

Sly and the Family Stone made an indelible mark on American music, with 17 singles making the Billboard Hot 100 – four of which reached No. 1 on the charts. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the group No. 43 on its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. The magazine also ranked two of the band’s records among the 500 greatest albums of all time – “Stand!” At No. 118 and “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” at No. 99.

Also performing as part of The Family Stone lineup on Sept. 8 will be Alex Davis on lead vocals and keys, Trina Johnson Finn on vocals, Nate Wingfield on lead guitar and Blaise Sison on bass.

Ticket sales begin today for the Sept. 8 In Concert for Cancer performance, at www.scripps.org/inconcertforcancer. General admission tickets are $50. Tickets for premium seating (rows two through six) are available for $75 and front-row seats are $100. Available for an additional $150 is a special preshow “meet and greet” with the band. The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

In Concert for Cancer is presented by Scripps Health and Cjazz, benefitting Scripps Cancer Center. Concert sponsors include the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, The Walrus 105.7 FM and the California Wine Club.

About Cjazz

Since 1994, Cjazz has promoted and presented recording artists of contemporary music. Cjazz was founded by Michele Abrams, an entertainment industry professional residing in Seattle, Wash. An accomplished special events producer, Abrams has created and produced music events for Grand Hyatt Hotels, the National Basketball Association, the YWCA of Kauai, Yamaha Music, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the Kirkland Performance Center and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Passionate about music and philanthropy, Abrams has a special interest in supporting cancer research organizations. She lost both parents to cancer, which was the impetus to using her experience in the music industry to support the fight against the disease. More information about Cjazz can be found at www.cjazz.com.

Scripps to Host Cancer Survivors Day Celebrations in June

2012-05-08T13:03:08-07:00

Scripps Cancer Center will host free public celebrations throughout the month of June for local cancer survivors, their families, friends and the community at large at each of its four hospitals across San Diego County, in conjunction with the 25th annual National Cancer Survivors Day.

The programs are open to all residents who have a history of cancer (and their guests), regardless of where patients received their treatment. Events will include presentations on the latest advancements in cancer treatments, inspirational stories of survival, refreshments and opportunities to connect with caregivers and fellow survivors. More information on events is available by calling 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Scripps Green Hospital – Sunday, June 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Valerie Timken Amphitheater, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, Calif. 92037. Register by calling 858-554-8533.

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla – Tuesday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schaetzel Center, 9888 Genesee Ave., La Jolla, Calif. 92037. Register by calling 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas – Saturday, June 23, 10 a.m. to noon. Scripps Encinitas Conference Center, 354 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas, Calif. 92024. Register by calling 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Scripps Mercy Hospital – Saturday, June 30, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our Lady’s Chapel, 4077 Fifth Ave., San Diego, Calif. 92103. Register by calling 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Cancer care at Scripps is provided through Scripps Cancer Center, a nationally recognized leader in cancer care, providing comprehensive care at Scripps’ four hospitals and various Scripps Clinic locations. With more than 300 affiliated physicians, Scripps Cancer Center seeks to provide the best possible treatment and cutting-edge research trials for patients by coordinating medical expertise in the areas of clinical cancer care, community outreach and clinical, translational and basic research.

Scripps is the only cancer care provider in San Diego to earn network accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Scripps Polster Breast Care Center at Scripps La Jolla, the Breast Care Center at Scripps Green Hospital and the breast care programs at Scripps Encinitas and Scripps Mercy Chula Vista have earned accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancer Centers (NAPBC). The radiation oncology department at Scripps Green Hospital has earned accreditation in radiation therapy from the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) and the American College of Radiology (ACR).