
Blog
Lompoc Valley Medical Center's publishes health news, personal stories and expert advice meant to guide and inspire healthy diets, relationships and lives.

Surviving and Thriving in the Newborn Days
A Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Self Care
The birth of a new baby brings tremendous joy as a family grows and welcomes new life into the world. Just as a baby is born, so too is a mother, and the postpartum period marked by so much happiness can also be a time of intense transition.

Be Sun Safe and Check Yourself for Spots
Almost 5 million people are treated annually for skin cancer in the U.S. On “Melanoma Monday,” the American Academy of Dermatology is making a special effort to increase awareness about skin cancer.

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress
Are you feeling worried or angry? Irritable or depressed? Are you unable to focus? You may find that you are suffering from stress.

Understanding Meningitis
The bacterial or viral infection known as meningitis can kill within 24 hours, so recognizing the

Consider the Risks Associated With Excessive Drinking
Excessive drinking can greatly increase a person’s risks of injuries, drowning, liver disease, some types of cancer and violence.

Crispy Cheddar Fish Sticks
If you’re looking for ways to eat healthier, consider leaving behind the tried-and-true frozen fish sticks for this fresh and flavorful dinner.

Where to Go, Urgent Care or ER
When you’re not feeling well, or have a sudden illness or injury, you may be confused about your best options for medical care. In those times, you might be wondering whether you should go to the Emergency Department, or Urgent Care, or wait to see your primary care physician.

Making Play a Part of the Treatment Plan for Pediatric Patients
When I first moved to Lompoc, I had a new experience at Lompoc Valley Medical Center. I had already spent years working as a Certified Child Life Specialist in a children’s hospital, but moving here with my family and then 2-year-old son, I had my first experience in the hospital as the mom of a child having minor surgery.

Clearing the Air on ‘Vaping’
Earlier in my medical career, I was a retained expert to testify against RJ Reynolds, Philip Morris and the American Tobacco Corporation in a federal lawsuit on the subject of the effects of cigarette smoking. In other words, this is a topic for which I have more than a passing familiarity.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Get Screened
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important for those older than age 50 to understand the various methods, frequency and pros, and cons of screening tests.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – Get Screened
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important for those older than age 50 to understand the various methods, frequency and pros, and cons of screening tests.

Protecting Yourself From the Common Cold
You know how it starts – a child in the family, or a coworker, is coughing or sniffling. Soon, you may find you have a sore throat or runny nose. Say hello to the common cold.

Cheddar Spinach Egg Bites
With just six ingredients, these fast-and-easy egg bites are great not only for breakfast but for lunch or snacks any time. You can even try serving them alongside a salad or bowl of soup for dinner.

Using Healthy Eating Habits to Guide Your Life
Most Americans do not have enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. According to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study in 2015, only 12 percent of adults ate enough fruit and only 9 percent of the adult population ate the recommended amount of vegetables. The numbers are even lower for adolescents.

Broccoli-Cheese Tots with Cheddar Onion Sauce
Certainly, most people have heard of tater tots. But what about broccoli tots? Here’s a recipe that combines cheese and broccoli into easy-to-eat tots. Try them as they are, or dip them in the accompanying cheddar onion sauce.