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Some still dabble in hard drugs after 50Komen backs off decision on funding cutsSupporters grapple with Komen fracas falloutCooked eggs recalled in 34 states for possible listeriaNew secret to resisting junk food: Just put it offIs social media spreading twitching hysteria? 
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New technique to remove kidney tumor better for patient
As a urologist I treat patients with kidney cancer. The treatment of this disease has changed radically in the past 20 years. And this week I performed a new technique that meant the patient left surgery with no tumor and a totally uncompromised kidney to show for it.
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MultiCare's mobile (and personal) approach to mental health care
Tim Holmes, Vice President of Outreach Services for MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, visited "New Day Northwest" on KING 5 TV to talk about how the hospital's innovative mobile outreach program is reaching people with mental illness who don't seek regular medical treatment.
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Chamber recognizes Good Samaritan Hospital for innovation
The Puyallup/Sumner Chamber presented the 2012 Business Innovations award to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital for the new family medicine residency training program at East Pierce Family Medicine.
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All MultiCare Urgent Care centers return to normal hours
Tuesday, Jan. 24 update: All MultiCare locations are open as scheduled today except for the MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care, 202 Cross St. S.E. in Auburn, which will open at noon today. Power has been restored to the building.
If you have questions, call 1-800-342-9919.
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MultiCare No. 1 integrated health system in state, No. 10 in U.S.
The Tacoma-based not-for-profit MultiCare Health System is the top-ranked health care system in Washington state in a list of the most efficient and integrated networks, coming in at No. 10 on the national list of top 100 integrated health care systems -- the fifth consecutive year that MultiCare has ranked among the top 10 in the United States.
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Mobile MyChart: Free app puts health in MultiCare patients' hands
The free MyChart app – which lets MultiCare patients access medical records, ask their doctor questions, review test results and more – is now available for iPhone and Android mobile devices.
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Doctor offers tips to avoid injury while skiing and snowboarding
By the end of a day on the mountain, most of us come home with aches that require little more than rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Yet skiing and snowboarding involve inherent risks. Here are some tips to help you avoid serious injury.
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After Dad's heart attack, doctor makes his own health a priority
Our lives have become overrun with schedules, emails, smartphones, work pressure and sports practices for our kids. Amid the stress, sometimes it takes a wake-up call to realize we need to find time to care for our own health and well being.
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Beware of 'button' batteries, other choking hazards for children
“At this time of year, there’s more opportunity and less supervision,” said Dr. Ted Walkley, an Emergency Department physician at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. “If it can be put in the mouth, a child will ingest it.”
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$1 million donation to provide holistic care at cancer centers
A $1 million donation from Norman and Barbara Simon will improve access to holistic care as part of cancer treatment at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center locations throughout the South Sound.
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Heart test that saved baby in Tacoma recommended for all newborns
A baby's heart defect was detected thanks to a painless test offered to newborns at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. "I feel very lucky that we decided to do the test. I feel very lucky that we were at Tacoma General," the boy's mother told KING 5 TV. "I think the stars aligned. Somebody was looking out for us, for him, and it essentially saved his life."
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Smile Factory modifies toys, other devices to fit special needs
A modified rocking horse is just one example of the hundreds of modified toys and other everyday items produced by the Smile Factory each year, part of the Assistive Technology Program at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital’s Children’s Therapy Unit.
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Donated hats, gloves, socks decorate Good Samaritan Giving Trees
This winter will be a little warmer for those in need, thanks to the generosity of employees at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. For the past month, employees decorated three Good Samaritan Giving Trees with new hats, scarves, gloves, mittens and socks.
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MultiCare.org honored with national website award
MultiCare Health System’s website was honored among the best health care Internet sites in the nation at the 2011 eHealthcare Leadership Awards.
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You still have time to get your flu shot
Have you gotten your flu shot this year? If not, you should. We know people have a lot of excuses. They all sound like feeble reasons when you are curled up in bed under five blankets unable to swallow, or when you or a loved one is in the hospital having trouble breathing.
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AMR gives ambulance to Good Samaritan Medical Explorers Post 905
MultiCare Good Samaritan Medical Explorers Post 905 received a donated ambulance from American Medical Response air medical division CEO Randy Strozyck, who himself was a medical explorer with Post 905 from 1972 until 1975.
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Stroke survivor who walked across America talks at Good Samaritan
Four-time stroke survivor Mycle Brandy walked across America last year. On Monday, he walked into MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, a quick stop on this year’s stroll from San Diego to Seattle to raise stroke awareness.
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Puyallup Tribe of Indians delivers generous $1 million donation
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians Tribal Council delivered a $1 million donation to the Emergency Departments of MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
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Dispose of unused medicine at prescription drug take-back day
To prevent prescription drug abuse, take advantage of this opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet and disposed of expired or unused medication. In the past 12 months in Pierce County, MultiCare Health System hospitals have treated 1,278 poisonings due to drugs, medicinal agents and biological agents.
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NFL Hall-of-Famer raises awareness about prostate cancer
An NFL Hall-of-Famer and a MultiCare doctor teamed up to encourage men to "Know Your Stats about Prostate Cancer," the second-leading cause of cancer death for American men.
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Award honors CEO's vision, leadership, dedication
The Washington State Hospital Association presented this year’s Joe Hopkins Memorial Award to MultiCare Health System President and CEO Diane Cecchettini, RN.
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Mary Bridge, Good Samaritan win WSHA 'Best Hands on Care Award'
Two MultiCare hospitals have earned the 2011 “Best Hands on Care Award” from the Washington State Hospital Association. Above, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White demonstrates the "gel in, gel out" hand-sanitizing technique while visiting patients in February at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center in Tacoma.
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Get answers to some common questions about diabetes
The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase. In the United States, the disease has become an epidemic with nearly 26 million children and adults afflicted. Dr. Ronald Graf, an endocrinologist with MultiCare Health System, answers some questions about the disease.
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Mary Bridge rolls out new initiative to combat childhood obesity
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in partnership with ACHIEVE introduces a new community-based initiative to promote healthy lifestyle choices for families and to help combat the increase in childhood obesity.
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MultiCare Health System successfully demonstrates health record
MultiCare Health System is among the first in Washington to show that its electronic health record, called MultiCare Connect, meets the requirements of a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service incentive program, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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Outdoorsman back on the trail after innovative heart procedure
Five months after undergoing an innovative heart procedure at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, a Puyallup man has regained the active lifestyle he thought he had lost forever. Now he hopes to build enough strength to someday summit Mount Rainier – a lifelong dream for the 61-year-old who grew up in the mountain’s shadow.
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Garden opens at Good Samaritan to honor community's support
A new Community Garden opened on the MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital campus in Puyallup. This garden is dedicated to our community who has supported the mission and vision of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital for many decades.
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Dale Ostrander update: 'Good Morning America' at Good Samaritan
Dale Ostrander's rehabilitation at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Wash., was the topic of a "Good Morning America" segment broadcast Tuesday. Dale's parents say their son's survival is nothing short of a miracle. Watch the video here, or read the full story at ABC News.
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Good Morning America films boy's rehabilitation at Good Samaritan
A “Good Morning America” crew visited MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital this week to follow the rehabilitation of 12-year-old Dale Ostrander, who was rescued after spending more than 15 minutes underwater. The segment will air Tuesday morning.
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New services, technology improve cancer patient experience
MultiCare Regional Cancer Center has been recognized by the Association of Community Cancer Centers with the 2011 Innovation Award for improving the patient experience.
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Boy's mother: 'He was dead, and now he's not'
Dale Ostrander, 12, of Spanaway, who nearly drowned in the ocean near Long Beach, is going through rehabilitation at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup.
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East Pierce Family Medicine opens, gains accreditation
MultiCare Health System’s newest clinic is now accepting patients, and will soon be recruiting physicians who have recently completed their degrees for a new Family Medicine residency training program.
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Nominate MultiCare's 'Amazing Nurses'
MultiCare's more than 2,000 nurses provide exceptional care for patients everyday. Here's a way to highlight their hard work on a national level.
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Flu shots now available at MultiCare clinics
Flu vaccines are now available for patients at MultiCare clinics in King and Pierce counties. Patients who would like the flu vaccine should make an appointment.
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MultiCare mobile unit vaccinates area youths
It’s summer time and of course, school is just around the corner. Families are likely out shopping for back-to-school clothes but what they may be putting off are those all important vaccination shots.
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Free vaccines offered for children, caregivers of infants
Whooping cough (pertussis) is on the rise in Pierce County, so it's a good time to take advantage of free vaccinations for children and teens, and for anyone caring for infants younger than 1.
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MultiCare among nation's 'Most Wired'
MultiCare Health System is honored for the third year in a row for its complete electronic health record that connects all hospitals and clinics..
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MultiCare cyclists bond over bikes with Mary Bridge patient
A repaired heart valve and an equally high-tech bicycle have put a Tacoma teen on the road to recovery.
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As whooping cough cases rise, free vaccinations offered for kids
After a health department warning this week that whooping cough is on the rise in Pierce County, it's a good time to take advantage of free vaccinations for children and teens, and for anyone caring...
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Mentally ill offered a healing hand
One solution to the state's struggle to care for its physically sick and mentally ill sits on six wheels in a Puyallup parking lot. The mobile unit is a joint effort between MultiCare Health System and OptumHealth Pierce Regional Support Network
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MultiCare providers named Top Docs by Seattle magazine
Thirteen physicians who work at MultiCare Health System hospitals were recognized last week as Seattle magazine’s 2011 Top Doctors. These doctors were nominated by their peers for this an...
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At Good Samaritan, artist installs garden's 1-ton centerpiece
Artist Ulrich Pakker was on site Thursday as his 1-ton steel-and-bronze sculpture was installed outside MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. Titled "Ringer, Interconnected," the ...
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MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital unveils Dally Tower
A celebration to honor Ray and Deanna Dally's generous support of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital culminated Tuesday with the unveiling of the name ...
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Camp Erin provides support, fun for grieving kids
For Maggie Newhouse, 11, Camp Erin was more than a place where she learned to canoe and earned the nickname “Miss Determined” for not giving up until she climbed to the top o...
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In honor of late mother, woman finds strength to run
Sometimes the physical test of a race is surpassed only by the emotional challenge of getting to the start line. One woman will attempt Sound to Narrows for the first time, and she’ll be wearing bib number 11844: the same number her mother wore in her final Sound to Narrows in 1999.
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Run, walk or crawl the Roman Meal Sound to Narrows race
Join your friends and neighbors for a Pierce County tradition. Register now online for the 39th annual Roman Meal Sound to Narrows race June 11 for runners ...
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MultiCare hospitals receive cardiac, stroke designations
As part of a statewide program to create an emergency cardiac and stroke system, MultiCare’s adult hospitals received their categories this week.
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7 tips to prevent children from falling out windows
In Pierce County, falls are the most common unintentional injury that requires a hospital stay for a child.
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MultiCare expands Research Institute, adds trials
MultiCare leaders decided they wanted the health system to play an increasing role in advancing medicine. In 2010, they opened the MultiCare Research Institute in Tacoma. Program Director Richard Shine recently discussed the new program.
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Doctor invents device to help stroke patients walk again
A medical device invented right here in Western Washington could dramatically improve the quality of life for stroke patients.
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At Family Birth Center, mother and baby come first
The approximately 40,000-square-foot Family Birth Center at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital has provided patient-centered care to the greater East Pierce County region since 2001.
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Space shuttle will carry artwork by MultiCare nurse
When space shuttle Endeavor lifts off on its final mission, the payload will include precious cargo: a space-themed glass bead created by Lara Lutrick, RN, who works at the MultiCare Covington Clinic.
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Celebration of Our Stars: A stage to let their skills shine
The fifth annual Celebration of Our Stars, held Saturday at Emerald Ridge High School on South Hill, featured the talents of more than 70 special-needs children, including clients at the Children’s Therapy Unit at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital.
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7 tips for parents who aim to stay fit while raising kids
After spending so much time and energy on their kids, many parents feel there is little time leftover to take care of themselves. Here are seven tips for eating right and staying active.
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Mary Bridge fructose intolerance study gets national TV attention
Dr. Daniel Lustig and Dr. Bisher Abdullah, pediatric gastroenterologists with Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center, presented a study last year on fructose intolerance and abdominal p...
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Reimbursement cuts, more charity care prompt layoffs at MultiCare
These are very challenging times in health care. MultiCare Health System is facing major cuts in reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, as are all health systems across the country. We als...
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Must-read tips for parents to ensure a safe summer for kids
By Laura MiccileSupervisor, Center For Childhood Safety at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center If you ask the folks who work in the Emergency Department at Mult...
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“I sounded drunk”: Fast stroke care at Tacoma General saves woman
Karen Hill sat in her bathroom getting ready to go to bed just after 1 a.m. in early January, when her fingers stopped working. She reached for her pajamas to put them on but couldn’t grasp th...
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The News Tribune: MultiCare CEO Cecchettini thrives on challenge
By John GillieThe News Tribune MultiCare Health System Chief Executive Diane Cecchettini thrives on challenge. Her appetite for problem-solving, for dealing with complexity and for improvi...
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3 MultiCare nurses honored with awards at NWONE spring banquet
MultiCare Health System’s nursing staff was well represented at the Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives (NWONE) Spring Medley banquet. Three MultiCare nurses received awards at the even...
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Q&A with John Long, retiring president of Good Samaritan Hospital
By C.R. RobertsThe News Tribune Long after John Long settles into a new life as an Arizona park docent, amateur astronomer and warm-weather golfer, the gift of his vision will remain at Puyallup&...
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New car seat guidelines could save childrens lives
By Cynde Rivers, RNEmergency Medical Services Coordinator Parents and even grandparents of children who ride in car seats should take note of new safety recommendations from the American Acade...
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Mary Bridge, Seattle Children's collaborate on cardiac care
Seattle Children’s Hospital and MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital today announced the formation of a new 10-year collaboration that will expand pediatric specialty services in the ...
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Health advice: Quick guide makes it easy to eat right with color
By Claire KjeldRegistered Dietitian, MultiCare Center for Healthy Living Want to eat better? Add a bit of color. That doesn’t mean reaching for a bag of Skittles or adding a lime to your beer....
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Editorial: MultiCare encourages good health in children, adults
From The Herald newspaper: In Pierce County, the fight to stem the tide of rising obesity among children and adults is on. As part of the Pierce County Gets Fit initiative, the MultiCare Center fo...
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We're Open: First patient treated in new tower at Good Samaritan
Arriving at 3:05 a.m., a baby with ear pain was the first patient to be treated in the new Emergency Department at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. "It's g...
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3,500 tour new tower at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
A week of grand opening celebrations culminated Sunday with a public open house at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital's new tower in Puyallup. More than 3,500 people got a sneak peek at the spacious ...
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President of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital to retire
MultiCare Health System has announced changes to the leadership at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup. John Long, President of MultiCare Good Samar...
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MultiCare approved to build new hospital in Covington
In a move that will increase access to quality health care in South King County, residents of Covington have won the right to a hometown hospital. MultiCare Health System’s application to...
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Washington state hospitals lead U.S. with flu vaccine policies
The Washington State Hospital Association announced today that MultiCare Health System’s four hospitals are among 94 hospitals in Washington state that have adopted policies that are dramaticall...
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The News Tribune: MultiCare Eatonville Clinic to grow at new site
By Sara SchillingThe News Tribune When people in Eatonville get sick, they don’t have to drive miles away to see a doctor. The town of ...
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MultiCare CEO wins Woman of Influence award
MultiCare Health System President & CEO Diane Cecchettini, RN, has been named a Woman of Influence by the Puget Sound Business Journal for her role in the state’s health care indust...
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The News Tribune: CyberKnife at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center
By John GillieThe News TribuneWhen Tacoma-area real estate broker Anthony Tognazzini learned he had prostate cancer, his urologist offered him several treatment choices. Most involved surgery of some ...
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Innovative tool for cancer treatment now available in South Sound
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Safeway Employees Support Our Hospice Program
Good Samaritan Foundation is excited to announce that Safeway, Pierce County District, has chosen Hospice for the second year in a row to benefit from their Annual Employee Giving Campaign! ...
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Get in Shape with the Biggest Winner Series
This twelve week program includes before and after health assessments, individual sessions with a Registered Dietitian and Health and Wellness Coach, nutrition and fitness classes, a twelve week exe...
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Updated Hospital Visitor Guidelines
During this year’s flu season we are working hard to do all we can to protect our patients and visitors from the H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus.Here is an update on some of our current guidelines fo...
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MultiCare Seeks Lifesaving Matches
(TACOMA) - The MultiCare Regional Cancer Center and MultiCare Tacoma Family Medicine are sponsoring a Bone Marrow Drive, Tuesday, October 20 from 10am-2pm in the Katterhagen Resource Center in Ta...
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MultiCare Launches Sports Concussion Program
In May 2009 the Zach Lystedt Law went into effect in the state of Washington. This law requires that ALL student athletes with suspected head injuries be removed from play until cleared by a licen...
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MultiCare Launches New Email Newsletter
As part of our ongoing effort to bring trustworthy health information to our community, MultiCare is pleased to launch our new Health e-Newsletter.Our Health e-newsletter is customizable, allowing you...
