Mexicali burrito recipe, cervical cancer Q & A, new chronic heart failure education program, and more.
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This vegan recipe, from the Forks Over Knives cookbook, is low in fat and features a nice variety of vegan ingredients. Pinto beans, a core ingredient, is a good source of dietary fiber and protein. And using whole grain tortillas, as the recipe calls for, helps make this meal a healthy carbohydrate choice.

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Eating a low-fat, plant-based diet may help reduce your risk for cancer

Loading up on fruits and veggies and steering clear of saturated fat can help reduce the risk of diseases like Type 2 diabetes. But a growing amount of research suggests those same lifestyle choices may play an important role in preventing cancer.

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Having a home-base for your care could improve your health

A family doctor is an interpreter and guide on the path to good health.

At least that's the way Dr. Dan Murphy sees it. A family doctor at St. Charles Family Care in Redmond, Murphy said a family doctor's office should be a "one-stop shopping place" where a team of skilled providers is concerned with every aspect of a patient's health care.

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January is Cervical Cancer Screening Month and Cervical Health Awareness Month

Cervical cancer screening can save lives. Yet 11 percent of women in the U.S. report they don't have their annual Pap test, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

A woman who doesn't have her three-shot prevention vaccine, a regular Pap test and a HPV test — when recommended — significantly increases her chances of developing cancer. Every year in the U.S., about 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and around 4,000 women die from the disease.

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St. Charles launches new patient education materials for Chronic Heart Failure

Chronic heart failure affects about 5 million people nationwide

This month St. Charles Health System is launching a new education initiative for patients with chronic heart failure that focuses on providing clear, easy-to-understand discharge instructions.

A team of nurses from all three hospitals took on heart failure as a project because studies have shown that patients who receive clear discharge instructions on how to manage their condition are significantly less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for follow-up care.

According to the American Heart Association, chronic heart failure affects about 5 million people nationwide and its prevalence is growing. The condition leads to 300,000 deaths each year and costs billions of dollars in health care costs.

In order to achieve important quality measures and improve patient care, it is crucial that every chronic heart failure patient receives his or her discharge instructions.

Featured Class of the Month

Tai Chi

This eight-week class will help improve your balance and coordination, increase muscle strength and reduce stress. It is supported by the Arthritis Foundation for relief of arthritis pain and stiffness, and is taught by certified instructors. All exercises are slow and gentle. No experience necessary for this adult exercise program.

FYI: Tai Chi is on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at St. Charles Bend, Jan. 25 – March 14. Participants should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and light-weight supportive shoes. More information will be provided at the first class. The cost is $50. To register, click here.

Look for St. Charles at this upcoming event

Tour for the HeartTour for the Heart


Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m., at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center


Get wintergized for women's heart health!

Heart Center Cardiology and St. Charles Health System present the inaugural Tour for the Heart, a fun 5k cross country ski or snowshoe event to raise awareness of heart disease, the No. 1 killer of U.S. women.

An individual's risk for heart disease can be reduced by more than 80 percent by leading a healthy lifestyle — and exercise is key. Enjoy a beautiful route perfect for all cross country ski and snowshoe abilities. The event will also feature yummy treats, special clinics and a special drawing for group prizes. Costumes are encouraged, with awards for the particularly creative.

The event is sponsored by Horizon Broadcasting; Mt Bachelor Nordic Center; The Center for Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care/Research; Therapeutic Associates; Mt Bachelor Sports Education Foundation and numerous ski and snowshoe industry partners. The 2012 Tour is produced by the non-profit XC Oregon race team as a gift to our community. A portion of the course is located in the Deschutes National Forest.

Net proceeds benefit the Pacific Mountain chapter of the American Heart Association.

To register, visit TourForTheHeart.org.

Tai Chi class - Learn more