Member stories
With heredity pointing to heart disease, Jorge Hernandez changes his lifestyle
Jorge Hernandez of San Leandro, California, had an epiphany when in late 2007, his grandfather died of heart failure. He saw five of his uncles at the funeral, most of whom were suffering from diabetes or a heart condition. At 5'10" and 270 pounds, Jorge recognized that he shared their genetic predisposition. "That hit me hard," says Jorge. "I didn't ...
Rhonda Kennedy thanks Dr. Shin for saving her life
In May 2010, doctors told 40-year-old Rhonda Kennedy she only had hours to live. What seemed like simple flu-like symptoms turned out to be a nightmarish list of health complications: an enlarged heart, heart vegetation, staph infection, failing kidneys, and she was on the brink of a stroke. Her chances of survival were less than 20 percent. Rhonda was immediately...
Healthy Eating Active Living in action in Southern California
Healthy communities foster healthy people. That is why Kaiser Permanente supports programs that teach, inspire, and encourage the creation of healthy communities. From education about better food choices to advocacy for more green space for exercise and play, our vision is healthy living for everyone.
Centenarian Catherine Newman gets the care she needs at Kaiser Permanente
Catherine Newman, 102, of Torrance, California, has been a member of Kaiser Permanente since 1973. Since 2005, Alan Toben, MD, at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, has helped Catherine stay healthy. "He's just like part of my family. I feel very comfortable with him," says Catherine.
Kaiser Permanente and HEAL grantees partner for healthier communities
In June 2011, just prior to the 6th Biennial Childhood Obesity Conference in San Diego, California, a roomful of Healthy Eating Active Living leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities they experience in doing HEAL collaborative work in their communities.