March 12, 2010 | filed in: State of Health
Kaiser Permanente makes the Fast Company World’s Most Innovative Companies list
For helping pave the way for change in the health care industry, Kaiser Permanente was named the fifth most innovative health care company in the world by Fast Company magazine.
In the publication's annual 2010 Most Innovative Companies issue, we were recognized for pioneering a shared electronic health record system with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as for the cutting-edge research being done at our Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center.
The shared health record system with the VA
The pilot program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs enables clinicians from the VA and Kaiser Permanente to share patient data, such as medical history and medication and allergy information, to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health.
This groundbreaking program is the first to tackle the challenges of sharing data across different electronic health information systems. With the ultimate aim of improved quality of care, patient safety, and overall efficiency, the program could become a model for information exchange among medical institutions nationwide.
The Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center
Opened in 2006, the Garfield Center is a one-of-a-kind testing ground for the development of new technologies, practices, physical environments, and clinical operations in health care.
Bringing our doctors, nurses, and volunteers together in a common research setting—which includes the unprecedented Digital Operating Room of the Future—research at the center identifies promising new products and practices to be piloted in the clinical environment.
Current and past initiatives have included an award-winning medication error reduction program, simplified exam room and mini family clinic concepts, a handheld computer tablet for nurses and physicians, and a knowledge exchange program for nurses that allows for more efficient data transfer between nursing shifts.
Making the list
In selecting those companies worthy of the "world's most innovative" designation, Fast Company’s editorial team analyzes information on thousands of businesses across the globe. Beyond revenue growth and high profit margins, they seek to recognize companies with creative models and progressive cultures that define innovation across the business landscape.
March 10, 2010 | filed in: Mind Body Spirit
Groove with us on Pandora
Taking time out of your day for a little jam session can do wonders for your mind, body, and spirit. That's why we've created two custom stations on Pandora — the free Internet radio service that you can personalize based on your favorite artists or songs.
If you're looking for a boost to your workout or just a rocking soundtrack to keep you going all day, tune in to Kaiser Permanente Fitness Radio.
Stressing at work? Kids driving you nuts? Ease your tension with the chill sounds of our soothing Kaiser Permanente Relaxation Radio.
Whether you've got brain drain or boogie fever, the right music can be the perfect prescription. So what are you waiting for? Plug in those headphones, turn those speakers up, and enjoy your daily dose.
February 26, 2010 | filed in: Healthy Kids
We’re helping the first lady tackle childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious problem across our nation. Fortunately, help is coming, with the first lady herself joining the fight.
Michelle Obama was recently named honorary chair of the newly formed Partnership for a Healthier America. Founded by six leading foundations and nonprofits, including Kaiser Permanente, this organization was formed to combat childhood obesity.
The four pillars of the first lady's plan
Earlier this month, Michelle Obama laid out the four pillars of her nationwide initiative to fight childhood obesity. Her "Let's Move" campaign will address the issue in the following four ways:
- offering parents the tools and information they need to make healthy choices for their kids
- getting healthier food into our nation's schools
- ensuring that all our families have access to healthy, affordable food in their communities
- increasing opportunities for kids to be physically active, both in and out of school
Good health is in our DNA
"In every community we serve, Kaiser Permanente works to fight obesity, reduce health disparities, and make healthy food and physical activity a part of everyday life," said Raymond J. Baxter, PhD, Kaiser Permanente's senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy.
From extending access to public pools and providing swim lessons for thousands of Southern California families through Operation Splash to sponsoring farmers' markets in local communities across the country, we've long supported healthy eating and physical activity as part of our integrated approach to combat childhood obesity.
Ultimately, our biggest partner in this battle is you. Visit our Healthy Kids section for a collection of helpful posts, including how to determine the appropriate weight for your child by calculating their body mass index.
To read our full statement on this important issue, visit our News Center.
February 23, 2010 | filed in: Healthy Kids
Mix fresh, frozen, and canned in your winter menu
In different parts of the country, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables can be limited in the winter. So what's the best way to keep you and your family eating healthy throughout the season? Try a mix of fresh, frozen, and canned produce.
"Fruits and vegetables provide your body with the nutrients you need to stay healthy and fiber to maintain your digestive system," says Terri Simpson-Tucker, RN, MSN, assistant administrator of support services and executive sponsor of the farmers' market at our San Jose Medical Center.
During the winter, when sweets and high-calorie snacks are plentiful because of the holidays, maintaining a balanced diet is more important than ever. Simpson-Tucker offers these tips to help you mix in these three produce options.
Fresh
The healthiest option, of course, is locally grown produce picked at the peak of the season. In-season fruits and vegetables are also good for the pocketbook because when produce is abundant, prices are usually lower.
But many farmers' markets close for the winter, and large chain grocery stores tend to stock mostly imported produce, which can be more expensive. Now might be a good time to explore independent or ethnic grocery stores near you for fresh greens, reds, and yellows. These stores often carry produce from smaller suppliers, so the prices are often competitive. You might even discover something new for the menu.
Frozen
According to a 1998 report by the Food and Drug Administration, frozen fruits and vegetables are nutritionally comparable to their fresh counterparts. However, variety can be limited. Frozen green beans are plentiful, but bok choy might be a little harder to find.
So why not enjoy a taste of summer when the weather outside is frightful? Frozen summer berries and peaches (look for no sugar added) can be defrosted for a healthy snack or blended for smoothies. You can also experiment in the kitchen by replacing fresh ingredients with flash-frozen ones for your favorite dishes. Look up great seasonal recipes and see what ingredients you can swap out with produce from the frozen food aisle.
Canned
Like frozen produce, canned fruits and vegetables are picked and packed at their peak. The heating process in canning destroys some vitamins, but the majority of nutrients remain. In fact, the process of canning can release higher amounts of certain nutrients in some foods, like lycopene in tomatoes, than if they were eaten fresh.
When shopping for canned goods, look for veggies without added salt, and fruits canned in natural juices. Canned beans are a great protein-packed option over dried beans if you're short on prep time: simply drain and rinse well to remove most added salt. Try this recipe featuring canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) to spice up your winter.
Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, make sure you eat two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day. Keeping a balanced diet this way might even help you keep the winter weight at bay.
