LaSalle News

Time for your Flu vaccines and a check up. For more information about the seasonal influenza vaccine, or to make an appointment, call LaSalle’s Pediatric clinics in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in (909) 823-4454 and in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St. (909) 887-6494.

LaSalle’s family clinics are located: in San Bernardino at 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091 and in Hesperia at 16455 Main St. (760) 947-2161.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The time has come to say goodbye to summer. The changing of the season brings on many familiar occurrences, such as kids going back to school, the falling leaves from neighborhood trees or even feeling a new crispness in the air.  These are all indicators that its time to visit your doctor for your seasonal flu shot.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, occurs annually from October through May and is spread by coughing, sneezing or a runny nose.  Getting vaccinated will help avoid or lessen the symptoms of the flu, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.

“The benefit of flu vaccines have been proven over and over,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “With the three strains of flu that are circulating in many parts of the world today, chances are you will come down with one of them if you do not get vaccinated.”

The Center for Disease Control and Dr. Arteaga recommend a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protection against the flu. Vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is also available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.

Flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. As a result, it is extremely important that you get vaccinated or a booster shot each year, as a new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the current flu season.

Contrary to what some might think, the virus in the flu shot is inactive. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.

While young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are especially at risk of complications from the flu, it is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community. photo by Carl Dameron

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 100 doctors.

LaSalle Medical Associates celebrated its 27^th anniversary recently, having seen its first two patients on June 13, 1984.

“For 27 years we have been doing good things,,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Number one, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”

Dr. Arteaga has built his practice with a philosophy that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.

As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s Inland Empire clinics, Dr. Arteaga set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”

A recent survey of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100 percent of those surveyed believed their doctor and other staff had listened carefully, explained things and treated them with respect.

In his 27 years in business, Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman. Treating patients (customers) with respect helped him build a solid customer base, which in turn has recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family, and some of whom now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.

Dr. Arteaga has also focused on keeping expenses low. And he has helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will foot the bill.

Since Dr. Arteaga’s practice was pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr Arteaga quickly realized there were even greater community needs.

With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from Dr. Arteaga’s “obligation to “help whenever I can.”

Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award for 2008,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.

For his efforts to provide healthcare services to the Inland Empire’s children, Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.

Inland Empire Health Plan selected the clinics as one of San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare providers, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County.

The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga the Resolution Award for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low- to middle-income families.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle employees mourned the loss of one of their long-term patients in January. But, with the help of two of their own, this patient died with a peace of mind she hadn’t seen much of in the last few months of her life.

“For the rest of her life, Cheryl Garcia and Renae Marquez were a great source of support for this patient,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga. “When she died in mid-January, her husband called the Mt. Vernon clinic that same day, to thank them for making his wife so happy in her final days.”

Before she died, the two women got to know this patient because of her frequent need of health care from LaSalle Medical Associates. Around the holidays, they noticed this patient was especially struggling.

“She was very ill, she was not doing well emotionally, and she had some serious financial challenges,” said Dr. Arteaga.

Cheryl, who works in the Medical Records department at the Mt. Vernon clinic, and Renae, who handles patient referrals, wanted to help. So, just before Christmas they bought the patient several gifts, including new sheets for her bed. They not only bought the gifts with their own funds, they took it upon themselves to deliver the gifts to her home while they were off duty.

“I am very proud of Cheryl and Renea for the help they provided this patient at the end of her life,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Both of these women have their own financial struggles, so I know they sacrificed to help a patient, and what they did came from their hearts. I know they made a difference in this patient’s life.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Senior citizens (and disabled people) on Medi-Cal in the Inland Empire are moving into managed care, choosing from plans offered by Inland Empire Health Plan and Molina Health Services. Managed care will help doctors keep better track of their patients’ health care needs, while at the same time lowering the overall cost of this care.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seniors and people with a disability wth Medi-Cal may soon face a change in their health care plan because of new federal legislation.

This legislation allows 12 California counties, including San Bernardino and Riverside to require most Medi-Cal patients who are seniors (age 65 and over) or who have a disability to enroll in Medi-Cal Managed Care. These 12 counties began moving their Medi-Cal patients into managed care plans on Wednesday, June 1.

In managed care plans, patients must select a primary care physician, such as one of the doctors at LaSalle Medical Associates. The primary care physician must approve all treatments and refer patients to specialists or hospitals when necessary.

“Managed care plans make it easier for you to get the best care possible,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Within both of the managed care plans available to our patients, there are programs to help you stay healthy no matter your age or disability.”

In the Inland Empire, the managed care plans are Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. Affected Inland Empire patients have a choice between these two managed care programs to participate in, but if they do not pick one of the plans, Medi-Cal will make the choice for them.

There are some exceptions also. Those who receive Medicare, have already been diagnosed with a long-term illness or have other health insurance won’t be able to join a managed care plan, nor will foster children with disabilities.

Most young, Medi-Cal recipients without a disability have been required to choose a managed care plan since 1997, according to Consumers’ Union. Elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients have until now had a choice.

The option no longer available is “fee-for-service” or “Straight Medi-Cal”.

“Fee-for-service has several disadvantages,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Most importantly, if a patient sees many different health care providers, none of them have a complete idea of the patients’ medical history. Knowing this history is very important in preventing small problems from robbing you of your independence.”

“Going to the emergency room for colds and sniffles is like turning on a fire hose to water your house plant,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Using a watering can works better for most house plants. Seeing a regular doctor works best for people, unless they have broken bones or some other serious health condition requiring immediate attention. Even in some of those cases, managed care can help them become aware of a potential problem before it becomes a life-threatening condition.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates and Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management have aligned to streamline operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates' ability to provide patients quality health care. Photo by Chris Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. recently selected a new health care management company, MedPoint Management.

“Together with MedPoint Management we will streamline our operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates’ ability to provide patients quality health care,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.

“MedPoint Management meets health care providers’ needs with a personalized approach to health care management,” said Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management. “We combine the use of advanced technology with the vast health care experience of our employees to help providers meet the challenges of serving a diverse population in the rapidly changing health care environment.”

MedPoint Management assists Independent Practice Associations, more often known in the health care field as IPAs, with management services. These services include processing of insurance claims, resolving grievances, verifying credentials of health care practitioners, advising health care providers about new policies of the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) they work with, evaluating the quality and outcomes of patient care (and, when necessary, making recommendations for improvement), and tracking services provided to those with certain health conditions.

MedPoint Management will work not just with LaSalle Medical Associates’ four clinics in San Bernardino County, but with other practices in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Joaquin Valley that are members of the LaSalle Medical Associates Independent Practice Association.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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LaSalle Medical Associates can provide students entering grades 7-12 a free Tdap immunization if they have Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or no health insurance. Tdap covers pertussis, for which all students in these grades must be immunized before starting school. Call today to schedule this immunization and others these and younger children may need. Photo by Chris Sloan

(San Bernardino, Calif.) – August is the month many Inland Empire children head back to school. Many of them, especially in grades 7-12, need to make sure they have all the necessary back-to-school immunizations.

New this year is a state of California requirement all children in grades 7-12 be immunized against whooping cough, also known as pertussis.  Before starting classes, children in these grades must show proof of having been immunized after their 10^th birthday.

“Most children were immunized against pertussis before they started kindergarten,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “But the immunization weakens over time, so the new law makes sure adolescents are still adequately protected against this disease.”

This state law came after an epidemic of pertussis cases in 2010, affecting more than 9,000 people and causing 10 deaths, including two infants in San Bernardino County. Vaccinating older children not only keeps them healthy, but also prevents the disease from spreading from adolescents to infants and preschoolers, who are at greater risk of serious complications.

Dr. Arteaga urges parents to schedule appointments for their child’s back-to-school examinations as soon as possible. With most Inland Empire children starting school in only a few weeks, a delay could result in children missing school.

Finances need not be a concern.

“Children in families who receive either Medi-Cal or Healthy Families will not be charged for these vaccines,” Dr. Arteaga said. “And for families with no insurance, we can offer this immunization for free through the California Vaccines for Children program.”

The California Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program. Children who have insurance, but whose insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the vaccine, may also be eligible.

Children starting kindergarten also need immunizations, including a pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria vaccine designed for young children called DTaP. They also need proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and Varicella (chicken pox.)

“If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations are needed for kindergarteners,” Dr. Arteaga said. “However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get caught up.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Families like the Rodriguez-Murillo family will be off to a healthly start in 2011 by following 10 tips for better health, offered by LaSalle Medical Associates and the Center for Disease Control.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “The new year is a time to celebrate and make resolutions for better health,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates.
The Center for Disease Control offers 10 tips that almost everyone can follow to make their new year a great one.

1. Wash hands often.

“Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if they are not available use a hand sanitizer or similar alcohol-based product.”
2. Stay warm and dry.

“Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults,” said Dr. Arteaga. “In inclement weather, people should take special precautions to stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
“While this may not seem to be a big problem in Southern California, the recent rainy weather proves precautions are necessary,” Dr. Arteaga noted. “We also sometimes must contend with frost, and even snow in the higher elevations of the Inland Empire.”

3. Manage stress.

“The holiday season is often a time of over-commitment and over-spending,” Dr. Arteaga noted. “Now that they are over it is a good time to resolve for more balance between work, home and play. Keep a relaxed and positive attitude, and if you are struggling to find that balance, get help from family, friends or a physician.”

4. Travel safely.

“Whether traveling across town or around the world, stay safe,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Don’t drink and drive. Don’t travel with a driver who has been drinking. Fasten your seat belt, and if you are traveling with children, make sure they are buckled into a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt, as appropriate for their size and age. Infants should be in rear-facing car seats if they are less than 1 year old or weigh less than 20 lbs.”

5. Be smoke free.

“Avoid smoking and don’t breathe others people’s smoke,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Talk to your LaSalle doctor or other health care provider if you need help quitting.”

6. Get check-ups and vaccinations.

“Exams and screenings can help find problems before they start, or at least early, when the chances for treatment and cure are better,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Vaccinations can help prevent diseases.”
Dr. Arteaga recommends scheduling a consultation with your LaSalle doctor or other health care provider to determine what tests and screenings are needed, as they vary based on a person’s age, lifestyle, medical and family health history and even plans for travel to foreign countries.

7. Watch the kids.

“Children are at higher risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability, so keep a watchful eye on kids when they’re eating or playing,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items and other items out of kids’ reach.”

8. Prevent injuries.

“Injuries can occur anywhere, anytime,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Many occur in winter months, and most residential fires occur during winter months. Prevent fires by never leaving fireplaces, stoves or candles unattended, and don’t use generators, outdoor grills or other gasoline or charcoal burning devices inside your home.
Dr. Arteaga also recommends every home have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, which residents test monthly and replace batteries in twice yearly, at the start and end of daylight savings time.

9. Handle and prepare food safely.

“Keep you and your family safe from food-related illnesses,” Dr. Arteaga said. “This is another reason washing hands is important. It’s also important to keep food preparation surfaces clean, and avoid cross-contamination by keeping eggs and raw meat, including poultry and seafood, away from other food preparation and eating surfaces. Foods should be cooked to the proper temperature, and that which isn’t consumed immediately should be refrigerated promptly, at the very latest within two hours of cooking.”

10. Eat healthy, and be active.

“Choose fresh fruit instead of candy,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Find fun ways to stay active for at least 2.5 hours a week. Kids and teens should be active at least one hour a day.”
For help in making any of the above tips a part of your new lifestyle for 2011, contact a health care provider such as LaSalle Medical Associates.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Every year, children may need new immunizations. Winter can be an excellent time to schedule them.

“In the fall, we get very busy with immunizations required for children who are starting a new school year, and with flu immunizations,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO and President of LaSalle Medical Associates. “But many immunizations can and should be given after a child’s birthday. If children don’t have the immunizations required for their age, or if they have a birthday coming soon, we encourage parents to call us to schedule an appointment.”

Four booster immunizations are needed for all kindergarteners before entering school for the first time, said Dr. Cheryl Emoto, director of medical services. These immunizations can be given to 4- and 5-year-olds at any time of year.

“Before they start kindergarten, children must receive boosters for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and Varicella (chicken pox),” Dr. Emoto said.  “Fortunately, there is a combination vaccine that is available that allows for only three injections instead of four

If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only the above booster immunizations are needed. However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get “caught up.”

”If you start the vaccines long before school starts, the child does not have to receive all necessary injections at one time,” Dr. Emoto said.

New for 2010, says Dr. Emoto, was an updated pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 13).  This vaccine includes added protection as compared to the older version (Prevnar 7) and all children between 15 months and 5 years of age should have one additional dose of the newer Prevnar, “even if your doctor previously told you that your child was up-to-date.”

When children turn 11, they should receive the meningitis vaccine for the first time, and a tetanus booster (Tdap), Dr. Emoto said.  The Tdap vaccine is particularly important because not only does it help prevent tetanus, but it also includes additional protection for pertussis (the “p” part in Tdap).

“Pertussis causes whooping cough and there has been a steep increase in the number of cases of whooping cough this year,” Dr. Emoto said.

Parents should schedule these vaccines shortly after the child’s 11^th birthday, but they also can be given to anyone, even those over 18.

“Children older than 11 who have not received these vaccines should also come in to get them,” she said. “And if you have a teenager who will start college in 2011, planning to live in a dormitory, and hasn’t been vaccinated for meningitis, they should be vaccinated now.”

In addition to the meningitis vaccine and Tdap, young people (boys and girls) ages 9-26 should receive a vaccine against the human papiloma virus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease that infects the genitals, and can cause cancer in either sex, but is especially likely to cause cervical cancer in women. 2010 is the first year it has been available to males.

While giving this vaccine to children in elementary school is not without controversy, many doctors, including those at LaSalle Medical Associates, are highly in favor.

“The HPV virus is the main cause of cervical cancer in women,” Emoto explained. “It is important that a person receive three doses, which are given over a six-month period, before their first sexual encounter in order for the vaccine to be fully effective. Both young men and women can benefit from this vaccination, especially if they receive it before becoming sexually active.”

The key, Emoto said, is to have the vaccine before any sexual activity, and while parents might think their children will wait till they are older, statistics show that almost half of teenagers report at least one sexual encounter during high school.  “Prevention, prior to exposure, with the HPV vaccine will prevent disease and save lives.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Stay healthy. Get a flu vaccine. Call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407 to schedule yours today!

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The H1N1 pandemic is over, but there is only one way to make sure flu doesn’t come back into your life – get a flu shot every year.

“The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates. “This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will protect you against H1N1 and two other types of flu viruses.”

“These three viruses are circulating in many parts of the world, and without immunizations, chances are you will come down with one of them,” Dr. Arteaga said.

“The H1N1 virus was especially powerful, causing many hospitalizations and deaths” he said. “It had never been detected in humans prior to 2009, which meant no one was immune.

“Now, many people are immune, but the best way to be sure is to have the vaccination,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Even if you have developed immunity to H1N1, you still may be susceptible to one of the other viruses that are making the rounds. They can be just as deadly.”

“Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated,” Dr. Arteaga said. “But even if half of the population is immunized, there will be significant protection. That half of the population may prevent their neighbors from getting the flu as well. And if 75 percent of the population is immunized, we can stop the flu dead in its tracks.”

Dr. Arteaga urges parents to have their children (and themselves) vaccinated against the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.

“Children are especially at risk, because they have more opportunities to be exposed to the virus,” he said.

Even though adults may be at somewhat less risk, it is now recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination, Dr. Arteaga said. Those who imply flu vaccines are unnecessary and harmful, he said, are irresponsibly making light of the subject.

“The benefit of flu vaccines has been proven over and over.”

Flu vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.

To limit the spread of flu, Dr. Arteaga urges anyone with symptoms to stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a health care provider, especially if worried about the symptoms.

Everyone should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, he said. Also, healthy people should, to the extent possible, avoid contact with those who have flu symptoms.

“Every time we wash our hands, and take precautions when we cough, there is less flu to go around,” Dr. Arteaga said.

For more information about all types of flu, contact the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. or by calling 1-800-236-4636, or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov or 1-888-865-0564.

The San Bernardino County Public Health Department also can provide information on its toll-free number, 1-800-782-4264, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.

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Dr. Jill Biden recently announced new federal regulations requiring most private health plans to cover preventative medical services.

Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, encourages Inland Empire residents to take advantage of the preventative health care services that will soon be covered by private insurance, by scheduling appropriate health screenings. To do so at LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.

(San Bernardino, Calif.) –New federal regulations require new private health plans taking effect on or after Sept. 23, 2010 to cover most preventative medical services without co-payments or other fees.

The United States departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued these new regulations recently. The new rules will provide for free access to preventative services such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; pre-natal care; and regular wellness visits.

That’s good news to Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. For more than 25 years, Dr. Arteaga has advocated making going to the doctor no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.

“People should be able to come see the doctor before they get sick,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We want to make sure we catch things as early as we can so that we can start interventions before they cause serious health problems.

One of the United States’ most well-known physicians, Dr. Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) also sees making preventive services affordable to all as a necessity.

“One of the best ways to improve the quality of life – and control health care costs – is to prevent illness in the first place,” said Dr. Biden, who announced these regulations for the three federal departments that created them. “Focusing on prevention and early treatment makes more sense than trying to play catch-up with a potentially deadly disease.”

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality care to more than 245,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.

LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group Banning Medical Group, and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital.