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News Release

Interviews: New Year’s Eve Health & Safety With Dr. Anne Toledo, Urgent Care Chief -12/27/24

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 27, 2024) ~ As New Year's Eve approaches, emergency rooms prepare for an uptick in patients, and doctors brace for the chaos that often accompanies the holiday. From alcohol-related accidents to injuries caused by fireworks or festive mishaps, health care professionals know that the celebrations can quickly turn into medical emergencies.

"While the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also bring about unexpected injuries and accidents," says Dr. Anne Toledo, Chief of Urgent Care for Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore. “From alcohol-related accidents to injuries caused by fireworks or festive activities, we always see a surge in patients on this night and we want our community to be prepared and stay safe while ringing in 2025."

Top tips for a safe, healthy New Year’s Eve

1. Keep safety in mind with alcohol:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious risk during the holiday season, and alcohol-related crashes increase significantly around New Year’s. Dr. Toledo urges partygoers to designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service to avoid putting themselves and others in danger.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to accidents and health issues such as alcohol poisoning or falls. Dr. Toledo encourages moderation and the importance of drinking water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

2. Prevent accidents and injuries at home:

In the rush to celebrate, accidents can happen in unexpected ways -- whether it’s a slip in the kitchen or an injury from party decorations. To prevent injuries at home, make sure to clear walkways of obstacles, secure heavy items, and take extra care when using kitchen appliances or sharp tools. Simple steps like keeping your space organized and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent many accidents.

3. Watch out for fire safety hazards:

If you’re planning to light candles, hang lights or cook a big meal, it’s essential to keep fire safety in mind. Never leave candles unattended, and ensure your smoke alarms are functioning. For those hosting a large gathering, double-check that all electrical cords and decorations are set up safely and have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

4. Prepare for Health Emergencies:

While most of us hope the night will pass without incident, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected medical situations. Dr. Toledo recommends keeping a first aid kit handy and knowing where the nearest urgent care center or emergency room is located.

5. Be mindful of fireworks safety:

While fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, they also carry risks of burns, eye injuries, and other accidents. Kaiser Permanente advises using only legal fireworks, keeping them away from flammable materials, and wearing safety gear when handling them. Always follow local safety guidelines, and never light fireworks indoors or near crowds of people.

As we count down to 2025, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and to prioritize safety, so we can all start the new year with good health and happiness.

Interviews available
Dr. Anne Toledo, Chief of Urgent Care for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews with media on Monday, Dec. 30 from 9-11 a.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Toledo is prepared to discuss:

  • Most common New Year’s Eve injuries seen at urgent care
  • Health and Safety tips for New Year’s Eve
  • When should someone call 911?
  • When to go to urgent care vs. when to go to the emergency room


ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

Interviews: As Flu Cases Surge, Dr. Kathryn Glassberg Offers Healthy Holiday Advice -12/18/24

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 18, 2024) — With flu on the rise in Oregon and Southwest Washington, and respiratory viruses like cold, COVID-19 and RSV continuing to circulate, now is the time to prepare for a healthy holiday season. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and practicing healthy behaviors is especially important during the holidays, as people spend more time indoors and gather in groups to celebrate.  

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has been tracking respiratory viruses closely, and flu cases have shown a marked increase in recent weeks, while COVID-19 and RSV remain less prominent but still circulating. Addidionaly, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just reported that as of Nov. 30, just over a third of U.S. kids — 37% — had gotten flu shots, down from 43% at the same time last year.

"COVID-19 is now a year-round virus, and although we can’t predict future patterns with certainty, we do know that it continues to circulate," said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg, Medical Director for Quality with Kaiser Permanente in Portland. "Fortunately, we have strong protections available through the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which can prevent severe illness and hospitalization. These vaccines are critically important for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions.”

“We also need to remember the importance of basic health habits like hand-washing, covering coughs, wearing masks when necessary, and staying home when feeling unwell,” said Dr. Glassberg. “We’re seeing flu cases begin to tick up, and with the virus circulating alongside COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, it’s vital to stay proactive about our health to protect yourself and your loved ones this season.”

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Available

Kaiser Permanente is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at locations throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, and members can conveniently schedule their appointments online. Flu season typically peaks in late December or January, so now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. The updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines are tailored to protect against the most current strains of the virus. Check with your health plan, your local public health department, or visit “vaccines.gov” for more information. 

“Vaccines are not just for your own health but for the health of your community,” said Dr. Glassberg. “Getting vaccinated helps prevent the spread of illness, especially to those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.”

Healthy Behaviors for the Holidays

In addition to vaccinations, everyday practices can help reduce the spread of illness:

  • Hand-washing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face.
     
  • Stay home when sick: If you're feeling unwell, especially with symptoms like a cough, fever or congestion, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
     
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
     
  • Boost your immunity: In addition to vaccines, maintain a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and manage stress to keep your immune system strong.

“While it’s easy to focus on the joy of the season, staying healthy is the best way to ensure you can enjoy all the festivities and quality time with loved ones,” said Dr. Glassberg. “By taking small steps now, we can make a big difference in protecting ourselves and others this holiday season.”

Interviews Available

Dr. Kathryn Glassberg is available for interviews from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. Please contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Glassberg is prepared to discuss:

  • The rising flu activity this season and how to protect yourself.
  • The importance of staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Healthy behaviors to reduce the spread of viruses during the holidays.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org

Kaiser Permanente Portland Hospitals Named Best Hospitals For Maternity Care -12/10/24

[PORTLAND, Ore.] – December 10, 2024 —  U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Kaiser Permanente’s Sunnyside and Westside medical centers as 2025 high performing hospitals for maternity careThis is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.

The Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside and Westside medical centers earned the high performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as severe unexpected newborn complication rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial and ethnic disparities, among other measures.

“We are thrilled to have both Kaiser Permanente hospitals recognized once again for their outstanding maternity care,” said Elizabeth Melendez, M.D., chief of obstetrics and gynecology for Kaiser Permanente in the Northwest. “It is our honor, and a great responsibility, to care for pregnant patients and their babies during this special time in their lives.

“Through November of 2024 we have delivered 3,205 babies, serving thousands of families who entrusted us with their care,” Dr. Melendez said. “This award highlights our integrated hospital and maternity team’s daily commitment to high standards and quality measures, ensuring that our patients receive compassionate, high-quality care throughout their pregnancy journey.”

U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States. Only half of all hospitals evaluated for U.S. News’ 2025 ratings edition have been recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

“The hospitals recognized by U.S. News as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care showcase exceptional care for expectant parents,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “These hospitals demonstrate significantly lower C-section rates and severe unexpected newborn complications compared to hospitals not recognized by U.S. News.”

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and reporting on racial and ethnic disparities, among other measures.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and use #BestMaternityHospitals on Facebook, InstagramTikTok and X.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.