Your health is vitally important to you … and to us. That’s why we launched this news site, Vitals, in December 2020 right in the middle of a pandemic.

We wanted to give Northern Californians a venue for accurate, reliable health news, with stories written and researched by seasoned journalists and communicators that included expert advice from some of the most experienced physicians and medical professionals in the nation.

The topics we covered ranged from timely news on COVID-19 and vaccines to the latest research and newest technology in the fight against cancer, strokes, heart disease and many other ailments. We focused on three top-of-mind issues facing our nation and the world today: health equity, mental health and digital health. And we told you about some amazing success stories of Northern Californians whose lives were saved or changed due to their will to live and the medical care they received.

The Vitals editorial board chose some of our first year’s best stories, some of which you may have missed and others that are worthy of a second read. I guess you can call this a Vital Recital:

Act 1 – We told stories of COVID sufferers who survived:

• Boy with Cystic Fibrosis Is Home After COVID Scare
• Mom Gives Birth, Fights for Own Life After Diagnosis
• COVID Vaccine Convert Tells Cautionary Tale

Act 2 – We reported on efforts to fight vaccine hesitancy and bring the COVID vaccine to underserved neighborhoods:

• COVID Hotspot in Sonoma Targeted by Community Vaccine Clinic
• Clinics Fight Vaccine Hesitancy in Russian-Speaking Communities
• How Doctors, Staff Brought Education, Vaccinations to Those Hard-to-Reach

Act 3 – We introduced you to Northern Californians who have a new lease on life thanks to advanced medical services:

• No Long Distance: Athlete Gets New Heart in 4 Days
• Young Man’s Impact Lives on Through Organ Donations
• Siblings Breathe New Life Thanks to Innovative Valve

Act 4 – We wrote about some of our healthcare heroes:

• Nurse Channels ‘Inner Warrior,’ Meets Steph Curry
• A Daughter’s Pride, a Father’s Joy
• Mom, Your Stroke Made Me a Better Daughter

Act 5 – We showed how the latest innovations and research are improving patient care:

• New Research Shows the ‘Drive’ Behind Better Stroke Care
• Study: Long-acting HIV Prevention Drug Shows Promise
• Trial Offers Bridge of Hope for Lung Cancer Patients

Act 6 – We looked at the growing mental health crisis and efforts to help those living with addiction:

• Scout: A Lookout on Life’s Path for Young People
• She Gave Countless Second Chances, Now She Has Her Own
• New Approach Helps Those Struggling with Drug Addiction

Act 7 – We reported on how digital advances are transforming patient care:

• How Electronic ICU Helps Save Lives as Patient Surge Continues
• Autism Expert Prefers Video Visits to See What Goes on at Home
• Online Patient Advisory Groups Growing Movement in Healthcare

Act 8 – And we delved into health equity, promoting equitable healthcare for everyone:

• Equality vs. Equity: Do You Know the Difference?
• New Tool to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Equity for Communities of Color
• Strokes Hit Blacks More; Bay Area Specialist Working to Change That

Encore – Ending strong with some of our favorites:

• Meet the First Couple of Heart Transplantation
• Hospital Doyenne Retiring After 75 Years
• Inspired by Mr. Rogers, Pediatrician Sees Flu Shot as Act of Caring
• Stroke at 3,000 Feet: Hike Becomes an Emergency
• 30 Weeks Pregnant, Sick with COVID: ‘If Only I’d Been Vaccinated’

As we launch into our second year, we will continue to bring you up-to-the-minute news, the latest breakthroughs and the occasional feature that will tug on your heartstrings. Check your Vitals often … and sign up for our newsletter by clicking on the “SUBSCRIBE” button on the upper right of this page.