Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Winter 2018-19

2 DignityHealth.org/central-california | Winter 2018–19 We hope you enjoy this issue of HelloHealthy . Comments about this publication can be directed to the Marketing and Communications Department: DIGNITY HEALTH – St. Joseph’s Medical Center SJMCinfo@DignityHealth.org or 209.467.6348 HelloHealthy is published by Dignity Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2018 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Be inspired Follow @humankindness on Twitter for more kindness inspiration from Dignity Health. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/ StJosephsStockton for health tips, information about upcoming events, and an extra dose of inspiration. Facebook “f”Logo You do the healing. We’ll do the rest. Get help for your journey. Call a patient navigator at 209.547.5700 or visit StJosephsCares.org/Navigator . Patient navigators Guiding patients through difficult diagnoses When faced with a diagnosis of a serious health condition, the journey ahead can seem full of uncertainty. That’s why St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers a free patient navigator service to help guide patients to resources to assist in their treatment and recovery. Patient navigators specialize in providing patients and their loved ones with support and education regarding an array of health concerns, including cancer, heart conditions, stroke, joint pain, and diabetes. “When a person first learns about a diagnosis or health condition from their doctor, they may not think about questions until they’ve left the doctor’s office and had time to process their thoughts,” says Jim Linderman, one of the patient navigators at St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute. “Sometimes it’s as simple as explaining terminology. No question is insignificant.” A new or chronic health condition can change a life in an instant. If you or a loved one ever encounters a tough diagnosis while traveling along this journey of life, know that a compassionate patient navigator is here to help. Getting connected to a patient navigator is easy. Patients, caregivers, or anyone with questions can simply call 209.547.5700 to get in touch with a patient navigator.