Healthcare

The Rocksport Bar and Grill, 4209 S.W. Alaska St., is hosting an evening of jazz to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society March 8, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

It's hosted by public radio host Paige Hansen with a suggested donation of $15 per person.

The event will feature:
TwoPlusTwo Jazz and Russ Harris, Denny Foreman, Kelly McLaughlin, and Paige Hansen, Vocalist
 
Special appearances by singer-songwriters Joel Hagman and Gina Belliveau, and blues artist Rick Gerth.
 
For questions, please e-mail: leilanit1987@yahoo.com.

To raise awareness of urgent health problems threatening babies, Seattle Storm and March of Dimes have collaborated to encourage mothers and future mothers to take preventative action.

A March of Dimes March for Babies Kick-off in Bellevue today was in celebration of the new partnership.

Karen Bryant, chief executive officer of the Seattle Storm, and Ashley Robinson, a center for the women's basketball team, have been named the 2009 March for Babies Official Spokeswomen.

The Storm recently announced it would be moving its headquarters to a facility in Interbay.

Bryant has experienced first hand the health problems that affect babies, as her daughter was born nine weeks early last April and spent two months in the neonatal intensive care unit at Swedish Medical Center.

“The March of Dimes was there when my family needed it through the NICU Family Support program,” said Bryant in a statment. “It’s important for me and the Seattle Storm to score big points for our fans and the community by making them aware of the pregnancy and newborn resources available to help them. The Seattle Storm is excited to be part of this important partnership.”

On Friday, Feb. 20, L.A. Fitness opened a 55,000 square foot Signature Sports Club in Ballard Blocks, it's 16th club in the Puget Sound.

The Irvine, Calif. based chain is one of several new franchise businesses coming to the new Ballard Blocks development, including a Trader Joe's, reported to open March 6, and a Chipotle Mexican Grill.

L.A. Fitness currently operates more than 285 clubs in 25 states and Canada, according to the company.

The club will feature full court basketball, a three-lane lap pool, a whirlpool, locker rooms, with separate studios for aerobic and stationary bike classes. It will also have 100 pieces of cardio equipment, 80 circuit training machines and free weight areas.

Yoga and aerobics classes will be offered and child-care is available.

Every New Year – more accurately every day – we tell ourselves to eat less and exercise more. We sign up for gym memberships and buy new workout gear. Months pass by, you never go, you feel guilty, and then cancel membership. Sound familiar?

Well, ladies, it’s time to head on over to your local Curves.

Founded in 1992 by Texan couple Gary and Diane Heavin, Curves is noted as being the fastest growing franchise in history, and the world’s largest fitness franchise. With over 10,000 locations worldwide, there are two to choose from right in your neighborhood.

Curves is a fitness and weight-loss facility designed for women.

Here’s the skinny: 30-minute workout, three times a week for maximum results. There’s no food deprivation; no need to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by bulky machines, big bodybuilders, and beautifully toned people who look like fitness models.

The best part about Curves is the fun, encouraging and completely non-threatening atmosphere. These are women with different body types, ages ranging from teens to 80s. You’re not being judged for how you look, how much weight you can lift, or how long you can run.

(Editor's note: This opinion piece was sent to this newspaper from Seattle City Council member Nick Licata as part of his Urban Politics Newsletter.)

On Tuesday, Feb. 17 the Seattle City Council affirmed their unanimous support for universal access to quality health care. In doing so, Seattle joined 24 other cities and counties and 18 states passing similar resolutions.

I authored and sponsored this resolution upon the request of the Washington chapter of Physicians for a National Health Plan (PNHP).

Resolution 31111 urges the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to establish and implement this right by adopting HR 676, the U.S. National Health Insurance Act, proposed by Representative John Conyers or HR 1200, the American Health Security Act, proposed by Representative Jim McDermott.  

Dear Editor,

When you write about “Death with Dignity” could you not use the word “dignified"? Each human life is the greatest awe that we know about in the universe. We want the right to end this life early. We want the right to call this dignified. I don’t think so.

Tim Carney
Ballard

The Seattle Department of Planning and Development has approved a land use application from Swedish Medical Center to allow a 109,000 square foot addition to its existing Ballard campus, at 5350 Tallman Ave. N.W.

An environmental impact review is not required.

The expansion of the campus is to add a new outpatient center and medical office.

The project includes 35,060 square feet of hospital and 74,263 square feet of office space. Parking for vehicles will be provided within the existing 510 stalls on campus. Also included in the project, a 62 by 12 foot skybridge.

The new facility will be five stories high with 109,000 square feet. The site is adjacent to the current Medical Plaza Building.

The the campus was originally the Ballard Community Hospital and was built in 1928.

Welcome to the first edition of the PSN Corner in partnership with Robinson News/specific Web site.  Our column will provide bi-monthly resources to help you build, sustain or strengthen your community through the creation of a Personal Safety Net.

What is a Personal Safety Net?
A Personal Safety Net (PSN) is an series of connected plans, systems, resources and (most importantly) people that will strengthen your life and assist you in addressing any of your life's changes or choices. You will enjoy this community of people in good times, and have it there in hard times. A well constructed PSN will add pleasure, security, and control in
your life.

We look forward to working with you to create your PSN and to hearing feedback on our column.  Please send us your questions or comments concerning particular topics you want us to cover.

Thank you,
PSN Team:  John, Judy, Linda and Nate

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for choosing not to use the term "assisted suicide" in your recent article regarding the End-of-Life choice. Proponents of aid in dying have continually asked that media sources stop using the biased and inflammatory language of "suicide." This word is misleading and also can be very hurtful to family members of those who have chosen a peaceful death over intolerable suffering.
Being in the medical profession for over 35 years, I know only too well the vital importance of making our own choices.
Carolyn Clark
Bremerton

Swedish Medical Center has announced significant layoffs and it is unclear how the Ballard campus will be affected by the downsizing, said Ed Boyle, a spokesperson for the hospital chain.

"At this point, the Ballard campus is not being effected to the extent of the larger downtown campuses," said Boyle. Boyle was not able to confirm as of yet whether there would be any job losses in Ballard.

Earlier this week Boyle said, "The restructuring changes announced yesterday are in non-patient-care areas and the changes did not directly impact the Swedish/Ballard Campus."

Swedish announced this week significant financial losses during the fourth quarter, due in large part to the national economic downturn that has hit the health-care industry particularly hard. Therefore Swedish has taken difficult steps this week toward the financial health of our organization, according to the release.

Swedish has eliminated four vice-president and 22 director positions from the organization. Most leaders currently in those roles will be leaving by the end of the week. The vice-president positions eliminated include: