Elizabeth Smigiel, 88-years-old, “I have a care provider that helps me with everything. And she’s from the Fiji Islands. Well, we get along great and I like her. We have our little arguments every now and then but we laugh them off too. ‘We had our argument for the day,’ we say. And she’s still with me.”
In this episode we bring you stories from throughout San Joaquin Valley about people improving their lives and the conditions of their communities. First we go to Stockton where one program is working to improve the rate of breastfeeding in San Joaquin County – currently one of the lowest in the state. We will stay in Stockton where we’ll meet midwives who are struggling to
California Health Report, Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Weintraub interviews UC Davis Assistant Professor, Dr. Amy Barnhorst about her work with patients in acute psychiatric crisis.
Judy Zlatnik, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Age 75, “Many of the people that need Meals on Wheels are unable to drive. Some of them are unable to get out of a chair. A few are bedridden. But for some reason they aren’t able to get out of the house, they aren’t able to go shopping. And if they’re offered transportation they’re still not able to provide the meals.”
In this story we go to Stockton where midwives are struggling to meet the high demand for their services. In California there is a shortage of Medi-Cal providers across the board, but especially for expectant mothers. In many areas of the state families are waiting weeks, maybe months before seeing a doctor for the first time in their pregnancy. Many turn to midwives who have to turn them away because they are not allowed to accept Medi-Cal patients. New legislation could change all that.
In this story we go to Stockton where one program is working to improve San Joaquin County’s breastfeeding rate — currently it has one of the lowest in the state.
In this story we go to Oakland where we spoke with seniors experiencing the benefits of regular Tai Chi practice. Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that many now turn to for exercise. Research shows that Tai Chi reduces stress and benefits people with many age-related diseases.
By 2050, one fifth of the US population will be 65 years or older. As the aging population continues to rise, poverty, hunger, and the need for long term care are just some of the issues they increasingly face. Particularly in Silicon Valley, where the cost of living is quite high, the demand for resources for senior citizens continues to grow. However, one organization has an innovative program that provides assistance to older adults, helping to keep them living independently for longer.
In this story we go to the small cities southeast of Los Angeles which have among the highest childhood obesity rates and the fewest parks in the state. The region has been notorious for poverty, pollution and dirty politics. But, now as reform-minded politicians take over some local city halls, young people are pushing for change. One group of high school students is learning to lobby for green space and greater play opportunities for the area’s youngest children.
In this story we go to South Los Angeles where an innovative program is improving oral health by bringing dental care to schools, nursing homes and residential facilities, virtually.