
Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Millikan
Written by LVMC Staff on
Julie Millikan’s daughter, Natalie, was the motivation for getting her out of the house and volunteering at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

LVMC Hosts Free Calcium Challenge Event in June
Written by Nora Wallace on
Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) is teaming up with American Bone Health for a “Calcium Challenge,” on June 27.
This free, interactive event will help participants get on the path to a stronger and healthier lifestyle.
If you are frequently fatigued, suffer from dry skin, have numb or tingling fingers or get muscle cramps, you may not be getting enough calcium in your diet.

Tearing and Repairing your Meniscus
Written by LVMC Staff on
Imagine you’re on the basketball court or soccer field. You’re moving the ball, hoping to score for your team. You make a tight pivot, twisting your knee and you feel a popping sensation and sudden sharp pain in your knee.

The Art of Caring. The Science of Care.
Written by LVMC Staff on
At Lompoc Health, the registered nurses see themselves as patient advocates. With more than 1,000 cancer patients treated by Dr. Donna Walker, those nurses help coordinate the myriad aspects of care needed for each individual patient. At the center of patient care at Hematology-Oncology, RNs Kari Cox, Jessica Lopez, and Jae Dial are celebrated in May for Oncology Nursing Month.

Patient Story: Shirley Holston
Written by Nora Wallace on
After a disabling stroke, an independent Shirley Holston found herself needing an assisted living environment. After a few locations, she has now settled into the Comprehensive Care Center where one of the residential cats, Mirage, has adopted her and visits regularly.

National Skilled Nursing Care Week
Written by Nora Wallace on
In recognition of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, we honor the foresight of voters 43 years ago for approving a $1.5 million bond for the construction of what was called the Convalescent Care Center.

Volunteer Spotlight: Andy Staiano
Written by LVMC Staff on
For a number of years, Andy Staiano cared for his ailing wife, who suffered from numerous medical issues. He was her caregiver, and took her to Lompoc Valley Medical Center: Hospital for numerous surgeries.

Celebrating National Healthcare Volunteer Week
Written by Nora Wallace on
In 1974, then-President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer week as a way to recognize and celebrate the efforts of all volunteers. For the past 44 years, charities, hospitals, and communities have taken this time in April to recognize volunteers and foster a culture of service.

Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer
Written by Jeremy Farnum on
The numbers may seem staggering – more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. While it’s a frightening number, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Public Health Investigating Valley Fever Cases
Written by Nora Wallace on
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and LVMC are informing residents that there has been a recent increase in the number of clinical cases of Valley Fever observed in Santa Barbara County residents, particularly those in the North County.

Protecting Yourself From the E. Coli Outbreak
Written by Nora Wallace on
A recent, and now deadly, outbreak of E. coli infections has consumers on the alert about the safety of romaine lettuce and other foods. The Centers for Disease Control wants to educate people that most types of E. coli are harmless, but others can make a person sick, or even die.

A Lasting Donation
Written by LVMC Staff on
Longtime Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) labor and delivery nurse Kay McKenzie Gustafson spent much of her retirement attending craft fairs, selling teddy bears wearing various outfits under the guise of “Kay’s Collectibles.”

Be Aware of Stroke Symptoms and Causes
Written by Ryan Stevens, RN on
Stroke is the leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease and all forms of cancer combined. According to recent accounting, stroke kills approximately 140,000 Americans each year. If you put that into a context that we can more easily understand, that means that 1 out of every 20 deaths in our nation is attributed to stroke.

Staff Spotlight: Michelle Romero
Written by LVMC Staff on
Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) Dietary Technician Michelle Romero has held jobs in the food service industry for years, including stints at Yogurt Creations in Lompoc and El Rancho Market.

Patient Story: Larissa Ybarra
Written by LVMC Staff on
Larissa Ybarra’s first experience with childbirth didn’t go exactly as expected. Her little baby boy was due Sept. 10, 2017 and she planned for him to be born in Santa Barbara. But little Lucca had other plans. He arrived Aug. 4 and came in with an exuberant entrance.