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TUCSON, AZ (Feb. 20, 2023) – The American Heart Association (AHA) added two items to its Life’s Essential 8 heart health checklist: Getting enough healthy sleep and avoiding vaping/exposure to secondhand smoke. First : Sleep is essential for cardiovascular health (as well as optimal brain function and a strong immune system) but 35% of U.S. adults don’t get enough. Sleeping the recommended seven to nine hours a night can reduce the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, dementia, and de... ... Read More

TUCSON, AZ (Jan. 25, 2022) – Patrick Chiasson, M.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with Northwest Healthcare’s Bariatric and Foregut Surgery, is one of only a few doctors – and the sole bariatric surgeon in Arizona – now performing a brand-new procedure known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or ESG, which was approved by the FDA last year. This outpatient endoscopic procedure – commonly known as the “accordion procedure” – does not involve incisions or removal of any part ... ... Read More

If you think you might have a groin or abdominal hernia, please register for our free hernia screening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Northwest Medical Center Houghton, 2200 S. Houghton Rd. Please note : Space is limited. Three time slots are available at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. You must register in advance, as walk-ins will not be accepted. Patients must be aged at least 18. General surgeons will present a brief overview about hernias and their treatment and then provide a free, qui... ... Read More

TUCSON, AZ (Jan. 23, 2022) – January symbolizes a time for change, but adopting better health habits isn’t limited to just one time of year. In fact, 77% of people who make New Year’s resolutions break them within just a few weeks. One key to success: Keep your changes small and manageable. Here are a few things to try: Eat well : Incorporate nutrient dense whole foods into your diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish. Limit processed foods and sugar-sweetened drinks which are linked t... ... Read More

TUCSON, AZ (Jan. 12, 2023) – Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month – a time dedicated to increasing awareness about cardiac health and taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle. In the nearly 60 years since, heart disease has become a bigger challenge in America. A few quick facts: Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States (and, increasingly, across the whole world). About 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack every year. An American dies every 34 secon... ... Read More

TUCSON, AZ – Northwest Healthcare’s local hospitals recently honored four exceptional nurses with its Nursing Excellence Award for 2022. The peer-nominated award was created to honor the critical role nurses have played in treating patients throughout the pandemic. Eligible nominees included RNs and LPNs working in direct patient care who consistently demonstrated characteristics of nursing excellence: outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation. They must also have shown commitment to being a ... ... Read More

TUCSON, AZ (Dec. 9, 2022) – When we think of cancer prevention, we typically think of breast or lung cancer. But colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine and lower part of the digestive system) is expected to cause more than 52,000 deaths in America in 2022. It is increasingly more common in younger adults. Early detection, however, dramatically increases the survival rate in people of all ages. If colorectal cancer is found before it has spread to other areas of the body, the five-year survival... ... Read More

  Welcome back to “Facts and Fiction,” a blog brought to you by Northwest Healthcare providers. In this edition, urogynecologists and reconstructive pelvic surgeons Gina Cliett, M.D., FMPRS, and Anthony “Tony” Gaddi, M.D., FPMRS, address a frequently-asked, important question: “Is bladder discomfort, weakness, overactivity, or incontinence a natural part of the aging process?” The answer? Yes, these problems are common – affecting more than 13 million Americans – but no, they aren’t normal. And the... ... Read More

Northwest Medical Center received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction celebrates Northwest Medical Center’s achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors. NMC was the only hospital in Tucson to receive an ‘A’ grade. “I am incredibly proud of the team at NMC and the unrelenting focus they place on patient safety and quality care,” said Brian Sinotte, market chief executive officer at Northwest Healthcare. “This is the fourth rati... ... Read More

Use Your 20,000 Daily Breaths to Spread the Word Most of us are used to breathing easily – on average, we take 20,000 breaths a day without giving it much thought. But, for the 236,000 Americans living with lung cancer (the second most common type of cancer), inhaling and exhaling are constant challenges. The disease is most common in people over the age of 65 who smoked tobacco (or were exposed to tobacco smoke, other carcinogens, or radon) for years. “The most important thing to remember: Smoking is t... ... Read More