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Looking to lower your blood pressure?

About half of all adult Americans have high blood pressure. Keeping it at a healthy level can lower your risk for conditions that affect your heart, kidneys, vision, memory and nervous system.

Whether you take blood pressure medication or not, there are everyday habits you can adopt to manage it.

Food allergies or intolerances

Even the most delicious foods can cause mild to severe reactions. Here's what to know if foods upset your system.

Common concerns and what to do >>

Help kids feel less anxious

Long breaks. Sick days. Snow days. These can increase anxiety in children when it's time to go back to school or daycare. Review these tips to ease their worries and yours.

Watch for these signs >>

Now's the time to plan for health

If you have big plans this year, check in with your doctor or other healthcare providers. Getting the care you need can keep you feeling your best for whatever's ahead.

Use this list to get started >>

Recipe: clam chowder

Clam chowder is a crowd favorite for good reason. It’s hearty and warms you up from the inside. This healthier version of New England clam chowder is just as flavorful as the original.

Get the recipe >>

Provider Spotlight

Robert W. Cooney, MD

Internal Medicine

Robert Cooney, MD, joined PeaceHealth’s Family Medicine clinic in Sedro Woolley in 2023. Dr. Cooney’s practice interests include diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and his research focus has been on metabolic health. He thrives on opportunities to assess challenging medical situations that drive personal-best performance. More about Dr. Cooney >>

Kendra Judd, PA

Neurology

PeaceHealth’s neurology department welcomed Kendra Judd to Bellingham in 2023. She is a board-certified physician assistant with a passion for neurology. “I want every patient to achieve the highest quality of life they desire. I work to help them figure out the plan and path to get there,” she says. More about Kendra >>

Amy l. Kalisek, NP

Cardiology

Amy Kalisek, ARNP, joined our Bellingham clinic in 2023. Her medical interests include heart failure, general cardiology, preventive care, valvular disease, arrythmias and coronary artery disease. “I want to ensure my patients have a clear understanding about their condition and that they feel heard,” she says. More about Amy >>

Michael J. Maidan, DO

Family Medicine

Michael Maidan, DO, joined PeaceHealth’s Family Medicine clinic in Burlington in 2023. His practice interests include mental health and trauma-informed care and research on bipolar disorder and brain function due to liver failure. “My goal as a physician is to help alleviate suffering in the lives of my patients and their families,” he says. More about Dr. Maidan >>

Bellingham

Mended Hearts

Feb. 3, 10 a.m. Mended Hearts meeting features Karla Hall, PeaceHealth St. Joseph director of care management. Karla will clarify the differences between inpatient observation and outpatient stays in the hospital and how insurance affects each type of stay.

In person at St. Luke's Health Education Center (HEC), Room A, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham.

On Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84468535997

On YouTube: Tap "Live" and search MH Chapter 382 Bham

The Young Mended Hearts group (55 and younger) meets 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the Physicians Dining Room at PeaceHealth St. Joseph's main cafeteria.

Centering Pregnancy Program

If you're expecting a baby, consider joining the Centering Pregnancy Program at the Cordata South clinic in Bellingham. The prenatal care program combines expert healthcare with group support in 10 fun, interactive group appointments with others who are pregnant too. Ask your OB/GYN about the Centering program so you can find your community today.

Sedro-Woolley

The following classes are offered by United General Hospital District #304

Strengthening Families Program for Parents & Youth 10-14

There’s no manual for raising pre-teens & teens, but there is the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program for parents and youth aged 10-14. Meet with other local families over seven evenings to enhance communication, have fun, and build a healthy future together as a family. Dinner & childcare provided.

Tuesdays, Feb. 13 – Mar. 26 | 5:30 – 8 pm at Cascade Middle School | 905 McGarigle Rd., Sedro-Woolley (No class on March 19)

Wednesdays, Feb. 7 – Mar. 20 | 5:30 – 8 pm at Anacortes Middle School | 2202 M Ave, Anacortes

Click to sign up.

WIC Breastfeeding Class

This free online class happens 4 p.m. in English and 2:15 p.m. in Spanish on Thursday, Feb. 15. It's open to anyone age 16 or older in Skagit County.

Mental Health First Aid Class

This hybrid class is for anyone 18 years or older. It's intended to help people experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. The in-person class happens 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15 at Skagit Valley Herald at 1215 Anderson Road in Mount Vernon. Cost is $35. Learn more.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

This hybrid class teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges in people ages 13-18. The in-person class happens 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26 at Howard Miller Steelhead Park Clubhouse, 52804 Rockport Park Road in Rockport. Cost is $15. Learn more.

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Virtual

Advance Care Directive Classes

Now is a good time to complete or update your advance directive. You can use this plan to let others know ahead of time the kind of care you want to receive should you not be able to speak in the future. Watch the on-demand video or call 360-752-5267 to ask about in-person classes near you.

Childbirth Center Tour

Tour the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Childbirth Center from the comfort of your home. Watch the video to learn what to expect and how to prepare for the arrival of a little one.

Virtual Cancer Support Group

If you have cancer, you're not alone on this journey. Drop into this weekly virtual support group at 10 a.m. every Monday for emotional and practical support. For more information, call 360-788-8232 or email sclough@peacehealth.org.

Note: Classes and events may be subject to change.

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