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Nearly 1,000 dogs sick from jerky treats nowDeath rate drops among Americans with diabetesNo routine PSA tests for men, panel rulesBagged lettuce recall expands across nationScientists turn skin cells into beating heart muscleExec's Lyme infection shows need for quick treatment 
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MultiCare Profiles: Teen plays 'music for the soul' at Allenmore
Soft piano notes float through the main lobby and drift down hallways, greeting visitors as they approach the reception desk. This warm and welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of Nordstrom or a boutique hotel, is actually at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital, courtesy of a 16-year-old volunteer.
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Support 'community immunity': get a whooping cough vaccine
Washington State is currently experiencing epidemic levels of whooping cough, or pertussis. Whooping cough is a life-threatening disease for infants, so it is extremely important that everyone who “shares air” with a child under a year old be immunized for whooping cough.
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Poison alert: Kids ingesting colorful pods of laundry detergent
An alert from the Washington Poison Center warns parents and caregivers of toddlers about the potential dangers of children ingesting a new form of concentrated laundry detergent that comes in single-use packs, also known as "pods."
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Losing weight, not perspective, in the Pierce County Matchup
Brett Murphy, Purchasing Agent, MultiCare Materials Management, is the team leader for Waist Management #1, one of the five-person teams participating in the Pierce County Match Up weight-loss contest. Brett’s team goal is to lose 80 to 100 pounds as a group. This is her second blog entry about her experiences with the contest, which culminates at the Sound to Narrows on June 9, 2012.
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Rapid response: Coordinated reaction saves stroke patient
Ken Smith’s stroke happened without warning. But the South Hill man says his life was saved by the urgent response to his stroke at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, followed by surgery at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital.
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Award recognizes MultiCare for reducing C-Section infections
MultiCare Health System was recognized today for innovation in reducing infection in patients who had a C-Section at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. The Washington State Awards of Excellence in Healthcare Quality are presented by Qualis Health.
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Tacoma General earns 'Gold Plus' for highest level of stroke care
Only one hospital in Pierce County has been recognized for providing the highest level of stroke care.
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MultiCare opens West Tacoma Family Medicine & Urgent Care Clinic
The new MultiCare West Tacoma Family Medicine and Urgent Care Clinic opened this week at 2209 N. Pearl St., Suite 100, in a building with Windermere near Joeseppi's Restaurant.
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MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care now offers appointment scheduling
At MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care, we’re improving ways you can make an unplanned visit to the doctor more convenient. That's why we’re excited to offer Urgent Care scheduling at the MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care.
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Register now for 40th Roman Meal Sound to Narrows run/walk June 9
Feeling retro? Just one month to go until we celebrate the 40th running of the Roman Meal Sound to Narrows, a Tacoma tradition since 1973. The MultiCare event takes places Saturday, June 9 at Vassault Park in Tacoma.
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Team In Training: Many face a journey much harder than a marathon
Over the past few months, 17 MultiCare staff members have been training for the Vancouver, B.C., Marathon as part of Team In Training, which benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Leading up to the May 6 marathon, we’ll share some of their stories about why they run.
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Doctors, therapists volunteer to help children in China
An innovative model of treatment developed at the Children’s Therapy Unit in Washington state is now helping children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders in underserved areas of China, thanks to a group of local volunteers called the China Partners Network.
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MultiCare to purchase Auburn Regional Medical Center
MultiCare Health System, a not-for-profit health system, has announced plans to purchase the hospital and clinic assets of Auburn Regional Medical Center from Universal Health Services Inc. The sale is subject to regulatory review, which is expected to take place by late summer.
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Team in Training: After dad's death, I run to fulfill a promise
Over the past few months, 17 MultiCare staff members have been training for the Vancouver, B.C., Marathon as part of Team In Training, which benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Leading up to the May 6 marathon, we’ll share some of their stories about why they run.
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Tacoma General kicks off yearlong 130th anniversary celebration
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital's yearlong 130th anniversary celebration kicked off today with a ceremony that paid tribute to the hospital's roots. In the hospital's main lobby, staff members unveiled a history display that charts Tacoma General's evolution from the founding of Tacoma's first hospital on April 29, 1882.
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Fannie's dream, 130 years later
In 1880, Fannie C. Paddock of Brooklyn, New York, was making ready to move to faraway Tacoma, Washington. Her husband, John Adams Paddock, was set to become the new Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Washington Territory. In addition to preparing their household for the long journey west, Fannie also took on another important task: raising funds to build Tacoma’s first hospital.
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Video: On the front lines of Washington's whooping cough epidemic
For a news story about Washington state's whooping cough epidemic, TVW reporter Jessica Gao visited the MultiCare Mobile Health Services clinic that provides vaccinations inside South Hill Mall.
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Team In Training: 'The journey is the part that changes you'
Over the past few months, 17 MultiCare staff members have been training for the Vancouver, B.C., Marathon as part of Team In Training, which benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Leading up to the May 6 marathon, we’ll share some of their stories about why they run.
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'Why do I pee when I sneeze?' Find answers at Women's Health Expo
Why do I pee when I sneeze? It’s a question many women have but don’t want to ask. We’re here to help.
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Patient praises Good Samaritan Emergency Department, cardiac care
Chloe Taylor had no reason to think that she was suffering from a heart condition when she collapsed at home and was rushed to MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. “How lucky we are to have a state-of-the-art hospital here in Puyallup, staffed with very capable and caring people,” Chloe says. “I couldn’t have gotten better care anywhere else.”
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MultiCare opens clinic in Frederickson
The MultiCare Frederickson Clinic opened its doors this week at 176th Street and Canyon Road.
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Digital x-ray services available at MultiCare Eatonville Clinic
Digital X-ray services are now available at the MultiCare Eatonville Clinic, thanks to a generous community fundraising effort that brought in more than $254,000 in donations.
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MultiCare Covington Emergency Department opens for first patients
At 7 a.m. today, the illumination of a red "Emergency" sign announced the opening of the MultiCare Covington Emergency Department. "Gives us goosebumps," said one employee. Not much later, the first patients began to arrive for treatment.
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Amid whooping cough epidemic, ensure immunizations are up to date
Whooping cough (pertussis) has reached epidemic levels in Washington, the state DOH announced today. Find out where to get free immunizations for children and caregivers of infants.
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Celebrate Covington's first Emergency Department at open house
Covington’s first Emergency Department will open to patients at 7 a.m. April 3, but you can get a sneak peek during a community celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31.
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MultiCare GI labs recognized for promoting quality
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized MultiCare Health System’s gastrointestinal labs as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy. MultiCare Health System is one of 400 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition.
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Donations bring imaging equipment to MultiCare Eatonville Clinic
A public open house from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, will celebrate the unveiling of new imaging equipment at the MultiCare Eatonville Clinic, 118 Washington Ave. N.
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The 'Workout Queen' Takes on a New Challenge
Brett Murphy, Purchasing Agent, MultiCare Materials Management, is the team leader for Waist Management #1, one of the five-person teams participating in the Pierce County Match Up weight-loss contest.
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Over 1,200 people begin Pierce County Matchup weight-loss contest
Only in a weight-loss contest will you find teams proudly named "The Fat and the Furious," "The Not-So-Thin Blue Line," "No More Man Boobs" and "The Hunger Games."
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Survivor-singer-songwriter Charlie Lustman plays at Cancer Center
With his colorful acoustic guitar and hope-filled tunes, Charlie Lustman performed this week for visitors at the MultiCare Regional Cancer Center at Tacoma General Hospital. The cancer survivor-singer-songwriter from Hawaii is on a 28-city tour.
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NBC's Parenthood Brings 'A-fib' symptoms into prime time
In a recent "Parenthood" episode on NBC, the patriarch character was diagnosed with “a-fib” and tried to keep the news from his family. For many viewers unfamiliar with a-fib, the diagnosis may have sparked some curiosity about how the character and family will be affected. For viewers affected by a-fib, the fictional diagnosis hit close to reality.
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'Get Your Plate in Shape' during National Nutrition Month
Before you eat your next meal, take a moment to look at the food on your plate. Do you have a few food groups on there? Is at least half of your plate full of fruits and vegetables? If you’re like most Americans, your plate could use a little shaping up.
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Don't Sacrifice Sleep When You Spring Forward for Daylight Saving
Are you ready? It will be time to "spring forward" and change from standard to daylight savings time on March 11.
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5 questions about colonoscopy and how one could save your life
Few health care interventions can reduce the risk of dying from a disease by more than 50 percent. As a patient, I'd like those odds of survival, even if it means slight discomfort.
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How to Avoid Running Injuries Preparing for Sound to Narrows
Since Frank Shorter won the Olympic Marathon in 1972 and inspired millions of Americans to run, we have learned a lot about its benefits and pitfalls.
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Leap Day birthdays: MultiCare welcomes 19 babies born on Feb. 29
For the 19 babies born at MultiCare hospitals yesterday, Feb. 29 always will be a special day -- even if it means their "first" birthday technically will be four years from now. But we're sure these Leap Day newborns and their families will celebrate more often that that.
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Day care leader Miss Marilyn remembered as loving teacher, friend
Marilyn Gustafson, manager of MultiCare's New Adventures Children's Center, will be remembered as a loving teacher, manager, mentor and friend. She died Thursday morning after a brave fight with cancer.
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Tokyo Healthcare University students tour MultiCare Health System
A group of 12 students and two staff members from Japan's Tokyo Healthcare University spent Friday touring the facilities and programs of MultiCare Health System.
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Airlift NW helicopter drops by for show-and-tell at Mary Bridge
An Airlift Northwest helicopter dropped by on Thursday for a show-and-tell session with clinicians on the rooftop helistop that serves MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Tacoma General Hospital.
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Surgeon gives young patient a hands-on lesson with da Vinci robot
A young hospital patient who dreams of becoming a doctor received a hands-on lesson in robotic-assisted surgery at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. The News Tribune was here to cover the visit: "Puyallup teen goes from gown to scrubs and robots."
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Patient's Kind Act Inspires Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist witnesses her disabled patient perform an act of kindness for another patient and is reminded of her own loving, disabled sisters.
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MultiCare Chaplain Gives Opening Prayer at Legislature
Tiji McClendon, a chaplain at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and in the National Guard, had the privilege of giving the opening prayer for the Washington state Legislature on Feb. 3.
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TOA Provides Valentine's Lunch at Tree House
Tacoma Orthopedic Association's Chamber Creek Guild members dedicated their monthly meeting to providing the families at MultiCare's Tree House: A Place for Families a special Valentine's lunch and activities.
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'Green' Dally Tower is first hospital in state to earn LEED Gold
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital's Dally Tower is the first inpatient hospital facility in Washington state to receive the Green Building Certification Institute's LEED Gold award.
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World's Youngest Person Born
It's true, the world's youngest person was born Sunday at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital -- until an even younger person was born somewhere else on this planet. On average, a baby is born every 4.2 seconds, according to world population statistics.
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Share These Healthy Heart Tips With Your Valentine
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women. Often it is a silent disease that you may not understand until damage has been done. But you can take steps to keep your heart healthy as possible with some simple changes that include eating better and getting more exercise.
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Mary Bridge recognized for low infection rate
MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital has been working hard to keep kids in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit safe from infections.
That work was recognized recently when the Tacoma hospital received the highest rating of any pediatric hospital in Washington in a Consumer Reports story about preventing infections in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
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Enter Our Healthy Living Magazine Recipe Contest
Do you have a famous, healthy dish that your friends and family always request? Enter it in the Healthy Living Magazine™ recipe contest!
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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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Photos: Seattle Mariners bring smiles to children at Mary Bridge
A moose on the loose delighted young patients -- and a few grownups as well -- on Thursday at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center in Tacoma.
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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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Longtime MultiCare Physician Dr. Craig DeSelms Passes Away
Dr. Craig DeSelms, a longtime MultiCare Health System physician, died Wednesday after living many years with prostate cancer. Dr. DeSelms provided care to patients at the MultiCare Maple Valley Clinic.
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Covington Urgent Care Center Now Offers Appointment Scheduling
Exclusive to Covington Urgent Care, if you need care for a less serious injury, illness or other medical condition, you can now schedule your appointment the same day.
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Construction of Covington Emergency Department nears completion
The construction site for the new Emergency Department at MultiCare Covington Medical Center still is covered with dust and crawling with construction workers. But the building will be finished in about a month and open to the public in early April.
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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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Photo gallery: Snow and ice around MultiCare Health System
View a collection of images from around MultiCare after a winter storm Jan. 18-20 brought snow and ice to Western Washington. If you'd like to share a weather-related photo from a MultiCare location, email it to cole.cosgrove@multicare.org.
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Author says eating healthy requires willingness to try
Cooking great food doesn't mean you have to create elaborate meals. Often the tastiest, most nutritious meals are very simple.
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At Tacoma General, cardiac patient 'just knew I would be OK'
When tests revealed that Tim Carter was suffering from multivessel coronary artery disease, "I started thinking this could be the end of my life." After he was transported to the MultiCare Regional Heart & Vascular Center at Tacoma General Hospital, "I just knew I would be OK."
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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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Busting Myths About Clinical Trials
Clinical trials can seem confusing or even a little scary, but that's because they're often misunderstood. Let's just clear up a few common myths about clinical trials.
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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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Updates at Tacoma General and Mary Bridge will improve care
Responding to increasing demand for services, MultiCare Health System will remodel and update the areas that serve women, newborns and children at Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital beginning next summer.
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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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Lakewood Clinic Hours Unaffected By Car Crash
A car smashed into the MultiCare Lakewood clinic on Saturday night, causing serious damage to the clinic's urgent care waiting room. However, business hours and services are unaffected by the incident.
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7 Healthy Resolutions For Busy Women
If you're like some women, you may put other people's needs ahead of your own. Yet taking time for your health is worth it. Make 2012 the year you take charge of your health—starting with these seven healthy resolutions.
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How To Manage Diabetes During The Holidays
The holidays are a tough time of year for anyone to stick with a healthy diet. For the estimated 24 million Americans with diabetes, it can be an even greater challenge.
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4-year-old battling leukemia plays Santa for kids at Mary Bridge
VIDEO: Mary Bridge Children's Hospital was filled with Christmas spirit on Friday night, all thanks to one little girl, a four-year-old who is quite familiar with the hospital. Her only wish was to play Santa's helper and give gifts to children who won't make it home for the holidays.
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8 Tips for Holiday Depression
Many people feel stressed or depressed during this season. You may be alone and lonely, you may have lost a loved one, or you may feel overwhelmed by stress and obligations during the holidays. The range of holiday emotions varies, but there are resources available to help you.
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The holiday season is a time for helping others
Dr. Chad Krilich reflects on family, charity and his personal perspectives about Christmas as a husband, father and physician.
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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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After heart procedure, Gig Harbor man regains active lifestyle
For the first time in years, 63-year-old Bill Stuenkel can walk nonstop from the Gig Harbor waterfront up to his house on Peacock Hill. In May, Stuenkel underwent a cardiac ablation procedure by Dr. Tariq Salam at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. The procedure corrected his heart rhythm problems, and Stuenkel has been pleased with the results.
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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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Mary Bridge kids find gifts for parents, siblings at Holiday Shop
"I'm going to get a big hug for this!" said 6-year-old Cameron McKeever after he wrapped up a gift that he picked out for his mother. Cameron was one of 50 young patients at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital who picked out gifts for their parents, brothers and sisters Thursday at a special Holiday Shop inside the Tacoma hospital.
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Through video chat, Santa brings cheer to children at Mary Bridge
Thanks to video chat equipment normally used for telemedicine visits between doctors and patients, Santa Claus greeted young patients in their hospital beds Tuesday at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.
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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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Wait times at MultiCare Urgent Care centers now available online
We know that reading lobby magazines isn't your top priority today. That's why the current wait times at MultiCare's eight Urgent Care centers are now available online and on our mobile site.
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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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'The girl who lived is the girl who gives'
"Blitzed by glitz at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Festival of Trees Designer Day, you might not have noticed Cameron Wyman. Tall, slim and quiet, the 12-year-old Gig Harbor girl was on task Tuesday as a member of her mom's tree-design team. ... Cameron was the artists' apprentice, and their inspiration. She is the girl who lived."-- By Kathleen Merryman in The News Tribune
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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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Festival of Trees: Designer honors law enforcement
Theresa Wolland lost a neighbor and a friend - and the community lost a protector - two years ago when Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Kent Mundell was killed in the line of duty. In his honor and in honor of the thousands of other law enforcement workers in Washington, Wolland designed a Christmas tree called "A Thin Blue Line" for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Festival of Trees.
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All decked out for a good cause
KOMO 4 TV reported Wednesday that the 25th annual Mary Bridge Festival of Trees is under way at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. More than 70 decorated trees are on display through Sunday.
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Help fulfill 4-year-old's wish to bring Christmas to Mary Bridge
Some special friends have teamed up to help 4-year-old Iley Puloka fulfill her wish to bring Christmas to children at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, where Iley spent last Christmas.
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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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At 11 A.M. on 11-11-11, lucky newborn arrives at Tacoma General
At exactly 11 a.m. on 11-11-11, a lucky baby girl was born in the Family Birth Center at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital.
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For Gig Harbor mom, cancer care close to home 'saved my life'
Cancer survivor Jennifer Taylor stayed near her young kids for treatment, while her doctors stayed connected to the latest and best medicine. "They saved my life," she said. "They made it possible for me to be here for my kids."
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October construction update for Covington Emergency Department
In Covington, construction continues on MultiCare's freestanding, 24,000-square-foot Emergency Department, which is expected to open in early 2012.
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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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MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital wins Consumer Choice Award
Consumers in Pierce County have once again chosen MultiCare Tacoma General as a top destination for receiving health care, according to the largest and most comprehensive consumer study of U.S. health care.
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Bonney Lake Medical Building celebrates grand opening
Community members celebrated the grand opening of the Bonney Lake Medical Building with a community open house Oct. 1.
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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 initiative to support healthy lifestyles
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in partnership with ACHIEVE introduces a new community-based initiative to promote healthy lifestyle choices for families.
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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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MultiCare Allenmore Hospital welcomes public to open house
Get a free seasonal flu shot, bone density screenings and other health checks during the annual MultiCare Allenmore Hospital Open House and Health Fair on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Under-the-sea mural brightens MultiCare Westgate Clinic
An undersea mural makes patients feel like they are on a tropical snorkeling vacation at the MultiCare Westgate Clinic in Tacoma. A volunteer painter spent 27 days this summer transforming the white wall into a vibrant seascape.
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State award honors lifesaving newborn heart screening program
For their pioneering work in screening newborns for heart defects, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital's Family Birth Center and the MultiCare Mary Bridge Pediatric Heart Center have been chosen to receive the 2011 Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care
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After World Cup, U.S. soccer player visits Mary Bridge patients
Fresh off the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final and followed by an ESPN TV crew, U.S. national soccer team member Stephanie Cox visited young patients Thursday at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center.
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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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NASCAR driver Kurt Busch visits Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
NASCAR driver Kurt Busch was generous enough to take time out of his busy schedule to spend Wednesday afternoon visiting with young patients at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Wash.
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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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Two MultiCare physicians named 'Best Doctor' by KOMO
What do Pacific Grill, Top of Tacoma, The Grand Cinema and MultiCare's Dr. Daniel Ginsberg have in common? In addition to being stylish and smart, they're also among the "Best of Tacoma." Additionally, MultiCare's Dr. Daryl Austin was named "Best Doctor" in Auburn. -
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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Dr. Krilich honored among Business Examiner's 40 Under 40
Dr. Chad Krilich, a Regional Medical Director for MultiCare Medical Associates, was honored this week as one of the Business Examiner newspaper's "40 Under Forty."
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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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Tacoma General honored for Cardiac care
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital has received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines Gold Performance Achievement Award for its commitment to a higher standard of cardiac care.
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2,000th robotic-assisted surgery at MultiCare
MultiCare Health System surgeons reached a South Sound medical milestone when they performed their 2,000th robotic-assisted surgery.
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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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Patriot Award honors Allenmore's support for military service
Just in time for Independence Day, staff members (pictured above) in the Inpatient Pharmacy at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma received the Patriot Award in recognition of their support.
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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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Must-read tips to ensure a safe summer for kids
Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children 14 and younger. These tragic accidents may appear to be random and outside our control, yet they tend to follow predictable patterns and often are preventable.
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Student-crafted rocking horses bring joy to cancer patients
Surrounded by wooden rocking horses at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center, 5-year-old Emilye Flick strutted in her pink cowboy boots to select the one she felt was just right for her.
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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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“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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I sounded drunk. Tacoma General stroke care 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 them.
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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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Magazine features Healthy Reflections Medical & Day Spa
"Local spas affiliated with medical centers and clinics find the sweet spot between pampering and providing hospital-level care," says Seattle Magazine's story that features MultiCare's Healthy Reflections Medical & Day Spa.
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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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Tacoma General honored for stroke care
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award.
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Preparing parents for months of baby's tears
Little Rose Bonnicksen wasn't hungry. She wasn't too hot. She wasn't too cold. And she didn't have a dirty diaper. But she was crying. And her mother, 21-year-old Jamie Bonnicksen, didn't know what else to do for her 1-day-old daughter.
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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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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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Video: PLU students go bald for Mary Bridge
Thank you to Pacific Lutheran University students who shaved their heads to raise money for MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. The "Save it or Shave it?" fundraiser raised more than $4,200.
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Tacoma General's Kathy Scheffer is ARIN Nurse of the Year
Kathy Scheffer, MN, RN, CRN, nurse manger in Imaging at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, was awarded the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) 2011 Radiology Nurse of the Year Award.
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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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Program educates all new parents to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome
In an effort to reduce the increasing incidence of abuse and Shaken Baby Syndrome in Pierce County, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Center have...
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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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MultiCare Family Medicine Center to move to Tacoma General campus
MultiCare Family Medicine Center is excited to announce that we will be moving to a new location as of Monday, April 4. As of April 4, the clinic will move from our Union Avenue location to the Bake...
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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
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. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are a key component of a healthful diet, but too often our meals are monochromatic.
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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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Shaun White impresses at MultiCare 'Do Something Healthy'
Shaun White, the gold-medal winning snowboarder, captivated a sold-out audience of more than 1,000 people at MultiCare Health System's 11th annual "Do Something Healthy" celebration and fitness fair.
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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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11 ways to be healthier in '11
As another year rolls around, many of us stand determined to tackle another New Year's resolution related to our health and well-being.
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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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MultiCare Medical Imaging at Baker Center is Moving
To better utilize our staff and services and provide the best care to our patients, we are transitioning MultiCare's Medical Imaging services from the Baker Center to the Tacoma General and Ma...
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MultiCare moves step closer to new hospital in South King County
MultiCare Health System will break ground on the new Covington Clinic Emergency Department on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. The new freestanding Emergency Department, scheduled for completio...
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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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Tacoma General Hospital wins "Consumer Choice Award"
TACOMA - Only one hospital in Pierce County stands among the nation's top medical centers, according to the largest and most comprehensive consumer study of U.S. health care. ...
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Door-to-door salespeople don't represent Mary Bridge
Mary Bridge Children's Foundation is advising South Puget Sound residents to beware of fundraising scams that claim to benefit kids at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma...
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Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Emergency Departments Open Today
MultiCare Health System opened the new MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Emergency Departments today. The first patients came in the doors shortly after 7 a...
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Allenmore Hospital Adds Interventional Radiology Services
Allenmore Hospital has opened a new interventional radiology suite, which offers a range of interventional radiology services for both inpatients and outpatients. The new suite significantly ex...
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Tacoma General Hospital Providing Newborn Screenings
In February 2008, the Pediatric Heart Center at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and the Women and Newborn Center at Tacoma General Hospital launched a pulse oximetry screening program for all ...
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1 Philip Entrance Change Effective March 1
Beginning March 1, patients will no longer be able to access Tacoma General or Mary Bridge hospitals through the 1 Philip entrance (formerly called 1L). The 1 Philip entrance will become the main...
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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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Website Launched for New MultiCare Covington Medical Center
We recently launched a new website to provide details on the new MultiCare Covington Medical Center. Check it out to learn more about our plans to build a hospital in Covington. You can show your supp...
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Holiday Traditions at the NICU
Traditions around the holidays are important. By definition, tradition is "the handing down of customs from generation to generation." So how was that tradition celebrated in the Neonatal I...
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MultiCare Plans to Expand Services in Covington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: November 23, 2009Contact: Marce EdwardsPhone: 253.403.1716Email: marce.edwards@multicare.org After nearly 20 years serving the community, MultiCare Health S...
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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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New Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Visitor Protocol
During this year's flu season we are working hard to do all we can to protect our patients and visitors from seasonal and H1N1 (swine flu) flu viruses.Young children are especially likely to g...
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Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available
Free seasonal flu vaccine and other childhood immunizations are available through the Mary Bridge Mobile Immunization Clinic. See schedule for details and locations. NOTE: The Mobile Immunization ...
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Rockettes Visit Mary Bridge
The famous Radio City Rockettes stopped by Mary Bridge Children's Hospital for a visit yesterday. They delighted the patients by teaching them their signature high kicks.View more photos from their ...
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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...
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