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Testicular cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. It is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34 years, and it can usually be cured.

“Wash your hands before eating dinner!” is something many of us grew up hearing from our parents. We may have grumbled, but we learned from an early age the importance of washing our hands. But what we may not have learned is exactly why hand hygiene is so important.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

You are probably aware that the Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer issued an Order indicating that effective today, businesses in the following classifications may reopen, if they have implemented the required infection prevention measures: Family Entertainment Centers; Hotels, Lodging, and Short-Term Rentals for Tourism or Individual Travel; Childcare Programs and Providers; Zoos, Aquariums, and Museums; Campgrounds, RVs, and Outdoor Recreation; Cardrooms, Satellite Wagering Facilities, and Racetracks; Music, Film, and TV Production; Professional Sports; Gyms and Fitness Centers; Restaurants, Wineries, and Bars; Day Camps; Schools and School-Based Programs; and Higher Education.

National Cancer Survivors Day is commemorated today as a celebration for those who have survived through a cancer diagnosis and as a way to outreach to the community about key cancer issues. 

Most Americans are hunkering down and staying home as much as possible due to the novel coronavirus in order to stay safe and healthy. But even with stay-at-home orders issued by state officials, essential errands such as trips to the grocery store are still an important and unavoidable part of life for those of us living in Lompoc Valley and throughout the country. 

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

This week, Coronavirus has taken a back seat in the 24/7 news cycle. Although serendipitously, the timing coincides with the slow return to normal for the Lompoc Valley Community and Santa Barbara County. Personally, this week I had three dine-in meals, partially to support our local restaurants, and partially because I can’t cook! The restaurants were not crowded and there was plenty of space to social distance. I felt very safe, and I think you would, too.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Below, please find an update regarding the COVID-19 situation from the Lompoc Valley Medical Center perspective. 

This has been a rather “slow news week” in regard to Covid-19 in the Lompoc Valley Community, but I will update you on a few items.

Beginning at 5 pm on Tuesday, May 26, the City of Lompoc will be joining the rest of Santa Barbara County in mandating most community members to wear face coverings in public.

Dear Lompoc Valley Community:

Below, please find an update regarding the COVID-19 situation from the Lompoc Valley Medical Center perspective. 

With the appearance of the novel coronavirus at the end of 2019, daily life began to change for many people around the globe. For some communities, these changes were gradual, but for others, they were more rapid.  As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to spread, and the COVID-19 pandemic landed on our shores, it completely disrupted our daily routines. The current pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of life for many Americans, including access to medical care. Unfortunately, many Americans have become ill with a COVID-19 infection, and many more may become ill in the future.  

After a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 was taken off a ventilator after 14 days, the LVMC Critical Care Unit (CCU) and Respiratory Therapists team applauded the milestone. Days afterward, the patient was doing well and breathing on his own. 

What may begin as one bad day, turns into several in a row. And a month or two later, you may realize that those “sometimes blues” have started to become your new normal. Depression can come and go, or it can hit you all at once like a freight train. It’s really different for everyone.

LVMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Popkin has joined a group of local leaders and community organizations in a campaign encouraging the public to “Protect. Respect. Wear Your Mask” in public spaces in order to support local economic opening efforts and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

There are many things that can raise your risk for heart disease. Some of them you cannot control, but there are many that you can control. Healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Exercise is important for good health at any age. Exercise can help maintain proper body weight and help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels to make the body more efficient.