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The concept of having “good nutrition” does not have to be an all or nothing endeavor. It doesn’t have to be hard. If you make small changes — bit by bit and bite by bite — it adds up to living well and having a positive relationship with food. Nutrition isn’t just for one demographic—food is vital to everyone, no matter our age, creed, or culture, and we can all focus on eating well to feel well.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Although I always enjoy communicating with all of you, I was not particularly looking forward to writing this week’s letter, because there isn’t much good to report on the COVID-19 (“Covid”) front. I suppose “the good news is that the bad news isn’t that bad” (that sounds like Yogi Berra!).

Just a few months ago, the Centers for Disease Control reported that the number of routine childhood vaccinations was dropping because parents were not returning to their doctors for well-child visits due to fears of contracting COVID-19.

Congratulations to Dr. Anne Rodriguez on being honored as a Congressional Woman of the Year.

Dr. Rodriguez, who sees patients at Lompoc Health – North Third Street – was chosen by Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, as one of six winners. Other honorees were Kathleen Baushke from Santa Barbara, Tracy Beard from Solvang, Noha Kolkailah from Arroyo Grande, Pandora Nash-Karner from Los Osos and Biz Steinberg from San Luis Obispo.

Effective July 13, 2020,

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, the California Department of Public Health and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department have implemented new hospital restrictions regarding visitors at all area hospitals.

The arrival of the novel coronavirus has introduced a cascade of concerns into modern-day society. At the forefront of these concerns is how to keep yourself safe while trying to navigate the new landscape of the world.

If you are an employer with a COVID-positive or suspected positive employee, there are actions you can take to limit the spread of the virus.

Employers can prepare and respond to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 by taking the following actions:

When Darth Vadar walked through the doors at Lompoc Health - Hematology-Oncology, the staff knew it wasn’t going to be a typical appointment for the man behind the mask.

The Lompoc Valley Medical Center Medical Staff recently presented two colleagues with plaques recognizing special care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the monthly Med Staff meeting, Dr. Christopher Taglia and Dr. William Pierce were honored for their roles in the hospital’s response to the global pandemic.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

California and Santa Barbara County are in the midst of a second wave of COVID-19. The Lompoc Valley Community has, for the most part, been exempted from this second wave. However, with COVID-19, the situation seems to change on a dime, for better or for worse. So, as we are hopeful that the second wave crashes and fades away, we must all be diligent in doing everything we can to help make that happen. But, for this weekend, let’s put COVID-19 in the back of our minds and celebrate Independence Day, and the amazing County in which we live!

Lompoc Valley taxpayers will see a savings on property tax payments for years to come, following the recent refinancing of LVMC general obligation bonds. The refinancing comes 10 years after Lompoc Valley Medical Center relocated on June 29, 2010 to the newly constructed hospital at 1515 East Ocean Ave.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the opening of Lompoc Valley Medical Center hospital at 1515 East Ocean Ave., hospital staff, physicians, current and former Board members, and Lompoc Hospital District Foundation trustees celebrated with the installation of a time capsule on Monday, June 29, 2020.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Those of you who pay close attention to these weekly updates (if any!) might notice that I changed the heading from COVID-19 Community Update, to just Community Update. That is because, beginning with this edition, I have included updates on some matters in addition to COVID-19. I know we are all looking forward to a time when COVID-19 no longer consumes us. Although it may not seem like it now, I firmly believe that time will be upon us sooner than we think.

In this time of social distancing, Lompoc Valley Medical Center offers one-on-one TeleVisits with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Virtual lactation support provides the opportunity to address questions and concerns related to infant feeding, without having to leave your home. Using a cell phone, tablet, or computer, our IBCLC provides "face-to-face," individualized attention using a secure platform that does not require patients to sign-in or download an app. 

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Today, I will provide some analysis of COVID-19 statistics, based upon Santa Barbara County Public Health Department data.  All of the figures below exclude data pertaining to the Federal Correctional Complex. For those who are getting “COVID-19 Fatigue,” next week I plan to include updates regarding other “happenings” at LVMC.