Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center

Westlake Physician to Receive Honors at Cancer Support Community Gala

Paul Miller, M.D., a leading radiation oncologist and member of the Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group, will be recognized by the Cancer Support Community (formerly The Wellness Community) at the “Evening of Hope” Celebration of Life Gala.  The event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village on Friday, May 3 from 6:00 p.m. until midnight.  The gala is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the Cancer Support Community.

Dr. Miller, who practices at Coastal Radiation Oncology, will be the Celebration of Excellence honoree. Dr. Miller is being recognized for his essential expertise and leadership as a member of the CSC Professional Advisory Board.

After earning degrees in Chemistry, Psychology and Chemical Engineering at the University of Kansas, Dr. Miller worked briefly as a research engineer in the aerospace field in Southern California working on the development of the space shuttle. Dr. Miller then worked in a genetics research lab at the University of Kansas where he later attended medical school and completed training in radiation oncology.

Board-certified by the American College of Radiology, Dr. Miller spent over 17 years as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA School of Medicine.  Dr. Miller has also participated in multiple clinical trials through the years and previously held the position of principal investigator at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, for the Southwest Oncology Group, a national cancer research organization funded by the National Cancer Institute, in cooperation with UCLA.  He has published research on high-grade brain tumors, and has actively participated in studies on breast cancer, lung cancer, and brain tumors.

The Coastal physicians and staff would like to congratulate and recognize Dr. Miller for his contributions to cancer treatment and research, as evidenced by this unique honor from the Cancer Support Community.

About Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group
For over 35 years, Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group has provided expert, compassionate cancer care in communities throughout the central coast of California. With a team of 11 board-certified radiation oncologists and eight locations, Coastal Radiation Oncology is able to provide minimally invasive, life-saving cancer treatment, without requiring patients to leave their neighborhood. At Coastal Radiation Oncology, world-class cancer care has a local address.

For more information, please visit www.coastalradiationoncology.com. 

A Look at the Treatment of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a relatively common condition that affects women of reproductive age, causing symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, abnormal menstruation, and infertility. There is no specific cause that has been linked to this condition, but there are treatments available to keep symptoms under control and help affected women achieve their family planning goals. You can compare some of the treatment options available from Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center below.

Medication
Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows on other structures in the lower abdomen. This tissue is affected by the presence of female hormones, so it may be gradually eliminated through the use of hormonal medications. These drugs will cause the endometrium to thicken, which will ease the breakdown and bleeding of this abnormal tissue. Medication might also be prescribed to manage the pain that endometriosis typically causes.

Lifestyle Changes
It may be possible to manage endometriosis holistically with habits that can alter the balance of hormones in the body. Changes that may be beneficial include healthier diet, exercise, and the use of heat to relieve pain. These solutions might be used exclusively or in combination with medical therapies, but you should discuss them with your doctor before making a decision about your treatment. 

Surgery
When more conservative therapies have failed or treatment is being used to restore fertility, minimally invasive surgery might be the right choice. With da Vinci Robotically Assisted Surgery, removal of unwanted endometrial tissue is a low-risk procedure with predictable results and generally positive outcomes. If symptoms are severe and fertility is not a factor, da Vinci Hysterectomy may be used to remove the uterus completely.

If you are living with the painful symptoms of endometriosis, the Women’s Care team at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center can help you find relief. We will provide you with complete, compassionate care whether you choose conservative or surgical therapies for your treatment. You can schedule a consultation with a physician at our hospital through our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746. Our website offers more information related to our da Vinci Robotic Surgery program and women’s health services.

Why You May Be Mistaken About the State of Your Heart Health

It is easy to underestimate your need for cardiovascular care, because the risk factors for heart disease do not tend to show symptoms. Therefore, you should maintain a schedule of regular check-ups to better understand your total health along with any potential risks to your heart.

This video from the American Heart Association demonstrates that your personal perception of your heart health may be inaccurate, so it is wise to seek a second opinion. Just as you may think you are a better dancer than you actually are; you might think your heart is healthy when it is not.

At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, we can reveal the truth about your heart health with comprehensive cardiac care fit for patients of all ages. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or schedule your next heart checkup today by calling (877) 888-5746.

Ways to Better Understand Your Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal (colon) cancer is recognized throughout the month of March as patients are encouraged to learn about this disease and schedule preventive screenings to celebrate Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. If you have never had a colorectal cancer screening or you want to increase your knowledge of your risk, Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center can offer you the guidance and medical care you need to stay well. Here is a look at some of the steps you might take with us to assess your risk.

Examine Your Diet
Poor diet is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals who eat a higher concentration of fresh foods—particularly those containing fiber—are at a lower risk of colon cancer. Alternatively, those who regularly eat processed foods, animal fat, and processed meat carry a higher cancer risk.

Learn Your Family Health History
As with many other cancers, family history of colorectal cancer does increase an individual’s risk for this disease. Personal or family history of chronic bowel disease can also contribute to colorectal cancer risk, so it is important to discuss your history of these conditions with your physician. It is possible to lower your risk even when uncontrollable factors such as family cancer history are present.

Schedule a Screening 
Colorectal cancer screening is unique in that it can actually prevent the development of cancer rather than simply identifying it early. Colonoscopy is the most thorough colorectal cancer screening procedure available today, and it will identify polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon before they become malignant. If you are over the age of 50 and you have never had a colonoscopy, it may be time to schedule one with your physician.

At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, we make it easy to schedule cancer screenings and other specialized healthcare services through our 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (877) 888-5746. If you would like more information about our nationally accredited Cancer Center, follow this link to our website.

A Look at Heart Disease Risk in Hispanic Women

The American Heart Association has made great strides in improving women’s knowledge and awareness of heart disease, but there are still a significant number of women with no insight into their risk. As this video explains, Hispanic women have an even higher heart disease risk that they may not be aware of. This risk can be reduced by following the American Heart Association’s Simple 7. Watch the whole video to understand each of these seven steps for better heart health so that you can get started on including them in your life.

If you are uncertain of your heart disease risk, schedule a visit with one of the cardiologists at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center. You can also increase your heart health awareness by attending our American Heart Month events throughout the month of February. You will find the schedule for these events on our website, and you can schedule your hospital visits by calling (877) 888-5746.