October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Regular breast exams and mammograms are the best tools for early detection, which increases survival.

Prospect Medical is offering highly competitive hiring incentives to recruit registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified nursing assistants, clinical laboratory scientists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to its comprehensive network of five acute care hospitals and two behavioral health hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

The stress of the pandemic and economic challenges has taken a toll on the emotional and physical health of many. Caring for your cardiovascular health is an important way to counter stress. This includes paying attention to your cardiovascular health.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood welcomed new Chief Nursing Officer Marie Aragon on Sept. 1. Aragon obtained her master’s degree in nursing leadership and administration at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.  “Marie has held vital nursing and operational leadership roles within our organization,” said Southern California Hospital at Culver City Interim CEO Omar Ramirez. “Her dedication to our patients, our staff and the community is essential to fulfill our mission of providing patient-centered care.” Aragon was the interim CNO for three months before the September appointment, and her clinical specialties include cardiac catheter lab, clinical informatics, and biotechnology.

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In other words, it’s your body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection.

The antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) at Alta Hospitals (Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood, Culver City and Van Nuys; Los Angeles Community Hospitals at LA, Norwalk and Bellflower; and Foothill Regional Medical Center) will be highlighted at the 2022 Vizient Connections Summit this month. Vizient is a community hospital healthcare improvement company.

Follow these six tips to help prevent chronic disease and have a healthy summer: move more, wear sunscreen, keep cool, eat healthy, drink wisely and don’t use tobacco. Learn more details from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood were named among the top 5 percent in the nation for Patient Safety Excellence in 2022 by Healthgrades for the fifth year (2018-2022). During the study period (2018 through 2020), 170,231 potentially preventable patient safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals. Healthgrades found that just four patient safety indicators accounted for 74% of all patient safety events.

In an emergency, hospitals need to maintain operations and keep patients and staff safe. Ensuring that the six Prospect Medical hospitals in Los Angeles are prepared is Stephen Cuthbertson, regional director of Environmental Health and Safety and Regional Safety Officer for the Los Angeles Community Hospitals in LA, Norwalk and Bellflower, and Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood, Culver City and Van Nuys.

Infectious Diseases Medical Director Dr. Salam Alkasspooles discuss COVID in 2022.

Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City are 5-star rated in 2022 for cardiac, orthopedics, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and critical care outcomes according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions.

Valentine’s Day is a great day to think about your heart health and making this year a life-changing year for you and your heart. If you have children, keep in mind that diet and exercise habits started in childhood can start a lifetime of heart health.  For adults, the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The division is committed to addressing barriers to health equity in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.

Staff at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood were recognized by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for achieving 90 percent employee influenza vaccine compliance for the 2020-2021 flu season. Senior Director Shahbaz Salehi, infection prevention and control, accepted the Healthy People Certificate of Achievement in Preventing Influenza on behalf of the hospital. Congratulations to Team Hollywood!

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others. This article has facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can’t be physically together, to improve your heart health. 

Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood, Culver City and Van Nuys announced the 2022-2023 Medical Staff Leadership team.

Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City are 5-star rated for Hip Fracture Treatment and Pacemaker Procedure outcomes in 2022, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. This analysis shows that patients treated at hospitals receiving a 5-star rating have a lower risk of mortality and a lower risk of experiencing one or more complications during a hospital stay than if they were treated at hospitals receiving a 1-star rating in that procedure or condition.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services for the third year in a row (2020-2022) and a recipient of the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, according to new analysis by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.  Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions. Healthgrades then recognizes hospitals with superior performance in specific specialty lines and specialty focus areas.

To be successful in achieving New Year’s resolutions is to determine what motivates you, which differs from person to person. For example, did you complete a marathon because you had a spouse or training partner depending on you?  Or did you launch that business because you wanted to prove others wrong? It’s all about making your resolutions—be they health, financial, educational or relational—a priority, and then taking action that aligns with your daily habits and schedules.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, the holiday season is month-long food marathon. Sure, we visit with family and friends, but what do we do there? EAT! These subtle tricks and tips help avoid the temptation to overindulge this holiday season.

Life can be quite hectic. When 24 hours isn’t enough time to complete the day’s tasks it makes sense that fatigue sets it. But if you feel like you’re doing everything right and getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night and still feel tired, there might be something else to blame. The feeling of fatigue could be a symptom of anything from poor diet to a gut infection that you may not be aware of.

TV Det. Harry Bosch has solved his final case on Amazon Prime Video, but he'll be back on a rival network for a new spin-off show, according to Newsweek. A scene from the as-yet-untitled spinoff was taped at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood in July.

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy being with friends and family. From swimming to boating to picnics in the park, it’s a time for fun in the sun. But with more time outside and around water, there are some important things to be mindful of to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Take the quiz!

Intermittent fasting and time restricted eating are techniques to help people lose weight, improve their overall health, and some say simplify their lifestyles. Intermittent fasting (sometimes referred to as IF) and time restricted eating (sometimes referred to as TRE) are becoming increasingly popular so you are likely to hear about them more and more.

Summer is here and the temperatures are rising. As the days get hotter, cooking is less appealing than binging on ice cream or a cold berry mojito. But have no fear. Here are some healthier recipes for cold treats and snacks that can satisfy your sweet tooth.

Our hospital is pleased to announce that its contract negotiation with Anthem Blue Cross has been completed. Effective June 1, 2021, our hospital contract will renew on a multiple-year term. Both parties are satisfied with the outcome which resulted in a fair and sustainable contractual language and rate term agreement going forward.

Over the last year, the pandemic has given people a small glimpse of the vital role of EMS professionals. The sacrifice and dedication of EMTs, paramedics and other EMS practitioners has rightfully earned them admiration and gratitude in their communities. Calling us heroes sometimes obscures the fact that—behind those masks—are people who, every day, take on many crucial roles: Healthcare professional. Emergency manager. Social worker. Crisis counselor. Consoler. Caregiver. This week, we celebrate our EMS colleagues.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood announced today they have been recognized as 2021 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient for the fourth year in a row. This distinction places the hospitals among the top 5 percent in the nation of all acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades. “The importance of hospital quality is now at the forefront of consumer’s minds, especially as we continue to navigate COVID-19,” said Dr. Brad Bowman, Healthgrades’ chief medical officer. “We congratulate Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City for their ongoing commitment to upholding the highest quality standards for their patients and communities.”

National Hospital Week (May 9-15) provides an opportunity to look back at the past year and appreciate the pivotal importance hospitals play in our communities. It’s also a time to reflect on the invaluable role Southern California Hospital at Hollywood caregivers and employees fill within our hospital, and the sacrifices you make every day to deliver care to those who need it. This year, National Hospital Week theme is inspiring Hope Through Healing. Today, we celebrate the many ways you do just that by providing quality healthcare with compassion, commitment and resilience.

During National Nurses Week (May 6-12), we salute our nurses for their service to our community 365 days a year. Our nurses are to be applauded for their innumerable contributions to the care of our Hollywood patients. While we have always had deep appreciation for the profession of nursing, during this past year they have truly inspired us.

Our nurses have demonstrated tremendous commitment and resilience. We know it has not been easy. We realize not all of our facilities could participate in last year’s Nurses Week due to the pandemic, so this year provides an opportunity to doubly express our gratitude. We thank them for facing the many challenges and long hours stemming from this public health crisis with extraordinary courage.

Our hospital has implemented extra safety precautions for more than one year now to ensure you remain safe while seeking vital medical care. Delaying important screenings and treatment for chronic conditions can be dangerous and may lead to worsening conditions. Follow these four tips to get the treatment you need:

With the development of COVID-19 vaccines, healthcare staffs are among the first to receive the vaccines, thereby protecting themselves, patients, communities, and their loved ones. In this video, our caregivers share reasons they chose to get the vaccine, and why they're encouraging colleagues and others to do the same.

February is American Heart Month and knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit is a powerful way to prevent heart disease and improve your overall health. Use the steps below to work toward a more heart-healthy diet. Here are 6 easy ways to eat smart for your heart.

Burning more calories than you eat in a day is referred to as a “calorie deficit” and is the basis of many weight-loss equations. The idea is daily calories in minus daily calories out = caloric deficit.

The first thing you need to understand is that one pound of fat is made of about 3,500 of extra calories. To lose one pound of fat, you need to create a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories. For example if you wanted to lose one pound a week divide 3,500 calories by seven to get 500; that means negative 500 calories a day overall.

Santa and his elves left the cold of the north pole for sunny Southern California to partner with our hospital’s care coordinators for a drive-through Christmas. The team passed out Christmas bags filled with blankets, socks, slippers, robes and pajamas to more than 50 nursing homes, assisted living and board-and-care facilities, along with scrumptious to-go lunches. The decorated tunnel drive-through event was held at Bellflower Behavioral Health Hospital.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood is among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care for 2 Years in a Row, according to new research by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.  In addition, the hospital achieved the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award for the second year and is 2021 five-star recipient for treatment in 10 clinical categories. Each year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data, and all-payer data from 16 states for bariatrics and appendectomy procedures.

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic impacted virtually every healthcare organization in the world. Prospect Medical Holdings, which operates 17 hospitals in five states—including Los Angeles Community Hospitals in LA and Norwalk—as well as 165 outpatient centers and 28 medical groups, found its hospitals at the center of the crisis.

A growing national healthcare system, Prospect quickly leaned on its core values amid the crisis and took decisive action to help mitigate the impact on its communities, facilities, staff, and patients. To do that, Prospect relied on the same grit, determination, and vision that guided its actions during its origin.

A combination of eating fewer calories and exercising to burn more calories is the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off. Here are three tips on how to burn more calories than you're eating.

Nothing is more important than patient safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our community can take comfort in the fact that Southern California Hospital at Hollywood is among the top 5% in the nation for Patient Safety Excellence in 2020.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood received national clinical recognition in pulmonary and GI care, heart attack, COPD and other conditions, which should give peace of mind to Hollywood residents.

Prospect Medical clinical leaders across the nation have stories of sacrifice, encouragement and thanks from the front lines of care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Southern California Hospitals at Hollywood and Culver City are named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care in 2020, according to a national study by Healthgrades. In addition to the GI care recognition, the hospitals were recognized with more than 15 clinical achievements in 2020.

Every year, we celebrate National Nurses Week. This year, at this exceptional time, our Prospect Medical nurses’ sacrifices, dedication, and compassion have an even deeper meaning. I thank all our nurses for the tremendous work they do every day to care for our patients, especially during this pandemic.

March 30 is National Doctors’ Day across our nation. Many of our physicians are on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, so today we recognize our talented and committed doctors. Regardless of their specialty, the COVID-19 pandemic brings unique challenges to our doctors requiring sacrifice, dedication and compassion. 

Prospect Medical leaders at every level of our organization, clinical and non-clinical alike, are working around the clock to be responsive and proactive in the fight to identify and treat those infected by the virus, and protect those who are not from the threat.  Teams are meeting several times a day to assess the evolving situation, particularly its impacts on our employees and providers, patients and their families, hospitals and other facilities, communities, and those we are proud to serve.

March 8-14 is National Patient Safety Awareness Week, which is an annual recognition event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about healthcare safety. During this week, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement seeks to advance important discussions locally and globally, as well as inspire action to improve the safety of the healthcare system—for patients and the workforce.

Patient safety is a top priority at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood, which is why the hospital leadership is committed to becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO).

To mark American Heart Month, NHLBI, one of the National Institutes of Health, is inviting people across the country to team up and join #OurHearts, a national heart health initiative that encourages people to improve heart health together.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is a critical part of maintaining general health. Blood pressure is the force blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. This force is primarily a function of how hard your heart is pumping and how much resistance to that blood flow your arteries are exerting. Resistance can come from the narrowing of arteries as we age or as a function of poor diet, inflammation, and other factors. 

February is American Heart Month! Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we join forces with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others in the Hispanic/Latino communities.

Sometimes grocery shopping can be a dangerous task. We tend to go to the grocery store when we are hungry, ready to scoop up all the delicious-looking, ready-made food or sweets from the bakery.

Next time the sensation to grab the first box of cookies you see takes over, think about your heart! Did you know that each year about 800,000 people die from heart disease? It’s up to you to keep your heart healthy, and you can start by making sure your fridge and pantry are stocked with heart-healthy foods.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Despite increases in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is the No. 1 killer, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many believe it’s cancer, yet heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined.

For this reason, The American Heart Association created the Go Red for Women awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both women and men. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news is that healthy choices can help manage or prevent heart disease. Many of us set up a New Year’s Resolutions in January related to lifestyle improvements, such as eating healthier, exercising more, and reducing stress. These lifestyle changes not only help you, but creates a framework that your children will take into adulthood. February Heart Month provides another opportunity to keep those positive lifestyle changes.

There is a reason that National Heart Month falls in February—the same month that Valentine’s Day is celebrated. As Valentine’s Day is all about the heart, this is a good match. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both American men and women; almost one in every four deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. African-American men are especially susceptible.

Knowing which foods to eat more of and which foods to limit is a powerful way to prevent heart disease and improve your overall health.  Use the steps below to work toward a more heart-healthy diet. Here are 6 easy ways to eat smart for your heart.

You just joined a gym as part of your New Year’s Resolution to get into shape, and maybe feel a little intimidated by the whole new environment. Congratulations on taking the first step toward fitness. You may feel confused and conspicuous the first few times you walk in the gym. However, the best place to begin is with the new member orientation.

It’s official!  You’re the proud owner of shiny new fitness tracker as part of your New Year’s Resolution to walk 10,000 steps a day. Sure, you can hit that number when it’s gym day, but it can be a bit more difficult on your off days. This hurdle can be overcome by making a few little changes in your daily routine.

Does your back give you pain? Well, you are not alone. About 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. So, when should you be concerned that your back pain is too severe to cope with on your own? Read on to see if surgery or other interventions are right for you.

Learn More about Back Treatment Options

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Uncontrolled cases can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and other serious conditions.

Before diabetes is diagnosed, there is a period where blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This is known as prediabetes.

It's estimated that up to 70% of people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, progressing from prediabetes to diabetes isn't inevitable.

It's time again for your annual checkup. What your doctor does during your yearly exam will vary to some degree based on your age, changes in your health, and other variables. Different doctors may also check different things simply because exam protocols vary. Also, if there is something specific you need to have examined, it could require a specialist to diagnose the problem properly.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recognized Southern California Hospital at Hollywood and its sister hospital in Culver City for meeting or exceeding the Healthy People 2020 target of 90% influenza-vaccination coverage for healthcare personnel.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood received five-star ratings for “Treatment of Heart Attack and Heart Failure” for the fifth year in a row by Healthgrades (2015-2019). Heart failure occurs when your heart is damaged and too weak to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.

The rate of type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing around the world. Over 80% of people have prediabetes, which means high blood sugar and/or high A1C with the high risk for developing diabetes.

Keeping your joints healthy should be a top priority. Beyond avoiding the significant pain of injured or inflamed joints, healthy joints enable you to live life fully.

Malissa had waited more than 25 years for her dream to come true: to feel fully content in her own body. Thanks to modern medicine and advanced surgical techniques, Malissa, 52, is now comfortable  with her new self after undergoing gender confirmation surgery with Beverly Hills-based Dr. Alexander Sinclair at Southern California Hospital at Hollywood.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded Southern California Hospitals (SCH) at Culver City and Hollywood an impressive four out of five stars for high-quality health measures.

Whether it’s a cat, dog, horse or iguana, pets can improve your overall health and happiness. We know they enrich our lives in many ways, but you may be surprised to learn how many health benefits our furry friends encourage.  Research suggests that the bond and companionship pets offer contribute to improved mental health, not to mention the exercise you get from walks and playtime. Read on to learn the many ways your pet can boost your health.

As an increasing number of people turn to gluten-free diets to soothe gastrointestinal problems, it’s worth considering that the cause of some of this distress could be “leaky gut.” The term refers to the increased permeability of the gap junctions between the intestinal cells, which allows food particles to pass from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

Summer is the time of year everyone seems to look forward to! School is out, and family time and vacations are planned and enjoyed. However, summer creates a set of dangers and issues we should all be aware of and prepare for.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood received the 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades, putting the hospital in the top 5% in the nation among acute care hospitals for patient safety for the second year in a row. This is the fourth year the hospital has achieved this distinction (2015-16, 2018-2019).

Ah yes, spring is in the air—along with all the sneeze-inducing pollen! Seasonal allergies are extremely common, but no need to suffer this year. Numerous strategies can help reduce or prevent your symptoms before they start.

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood is a national recipient of the Healthgrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ 14 Years in a row (2005-2018), which makes it among the top 10% in the nation for pulmonary care.

Southern California Hospitals at Culver City and Hollywood are recognized with five stars—the highest rating—in five clinical areas for 2019, according to Healthgrades.