‘A Real Hoot’: Hospital Doyenne Retiring After 75 Years
Clayton Warren and Monique Binkley Smith contributed to this story Talk about loyalty! One amazing Berkeley native is retiring having worked 75 years for the same East Bay hospital. Ninety-five year old Elena Griffing has broken records, charmed everyone she...
Quarantine Baby Boom? Increase in Births Starting to Show
Even for San Francisco’s busiest labor and delivery unit, nearly 40 babies born in 48 hours is a “flurry of activity,” says Yuan-Da Fan, M.D., chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Van Ness Campus...
Young Man’s Impact Lives on Through Organ Donations
While Nathan Streeter’s time on Earth was brief, he leaves an impact that will be felt for many years to come. The 31-year-old loved filmmaking, baseball, traveling by plane and having books read to him. He also had several chronic health diagnoses, including cerebral...
Editor’s Picks
Suffer from Hay Fever? How COVID Face Masks Help
Many people don't wear face masks when outside and no one else is around. However, with the allergy season in full bloom, they may want to keep that mask on. Two Northern California allergists say wearing masks that are helping protect everyone from COVID-19 also...
COVID Vaccine Efficacy: What the Numbers Mean
Approved COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in tens of thousands of people in Phase 3 clinical trials before being issued for emergency use in the United States. The clinical trials assess the vaccines’ efficacy and safety. Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug...
Push for Equity Is Focus of New Maternal Care Analysis
Medical breakthroughs benefit millions of Americans every day —from vaccines that help prevent illness to therapies that treat disease. While our understanding of how to better care for individuals has grown, gaps remain for racial and ethnic groups. The...
Fully Vaccinated? Here’s What You Can and Can’t Do Now
It’s been two weeks since your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Congratulations! You’re considered fully vaccinated with great protection from the virus. But what now? While the emotional burden of living without any protection has likely...
Dive Deeper
Dog Makes Kids’ Hospital Stays a Little Less ‘Ruff’
Dogs bring all sorts of health benefits and levity to our lives. They encourage physical activity, have been shown to lower blood pressure and act as emotional support on our most challenging days as humans. Outside their role as pets, highly trained assistance...
Trial Offers Bridge of Hope for Lung Cancer Patients
Bob Murphy, 68, uses walking poles to aid his stroll over the Bay Area’s Dumbarton Bridge. When he first began a battle with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016. the 2-mile walk aided by his wife was peppered with rest stops every 50 yards. Now Murphy walks the bridge with...
Right Choice: Ricky Gets Hole in Heart Fixed, But No ‘Zipper’
Jessie and Jason Anderson’s baby, Ricky, was born with a severe congenital heart defect that would require surgery within months of birth. The Citrus Heights, Calif., couple were given a choice that most parents in their situation aren’t even offered: Have a...
Mobile Stroke Unit Shows Brain-Saving Results
A better future is on the horizon for survivors of one of the most common medical emergencies in the United States. New research released in March at the American Stroke Association’s international conference found that people treated on a Mobile Stroke Unit...
Closer Look
Mom Gives Birth, Fights for Own Life After Diagnosis
Bird’s Eye View: Sutter’s Large-Scale Vaccine Clinics
Do I Need the Vaccine if I Already Had COVID?