Live Well and Thrive

Welcome to the third and final special episode of Live Well & Thrive - Silver Lining Playbooks. Listen in for a beautiful tapestry of stories from our Kaiser Permanente Northern California caregivers reflecting on how they learned and grew along with the enduring hope they carried throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a special edition of Live Well and Thrive: Silver Lining Playbooks. I'm your host, Carrie Owen Plietz. In our first special episode, it was incredible to hear caregivers' stories about the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teams fought a novel virus which sometimes defied treatment. They faced overwhelming odds and their own fears. So how did caregivers find the strength to provide the compassionate care patients and families needed? In this second episode, we'll hear stories of sadness and loss, but also of joy and laughter, and how our teams found strength in the support from their communities, their families, and each other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a special series of Live Well & Thrive - Silver Lining Playbooks, The Beginning. In early 2020, when COVID-19 first hit, there was fear, challenges, confusion, and just overwhelming odds. But then came learning, and hope, and stories we can't forget. We invited a cross-section of our care team to tell us about their first encounter with a COVID-19 patient along with some of the lessons they learned from each other and their patients over the three-plus year pandemic. Over the course of three special episodes, we'll hear what our frontline caregivers experienced from confusion and fear to mutual support and some silver linings. Let's go back to the beginning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're continuing to dig into the show archives and highlighting past episodes that each embody why we launched this program in the first place. When we started this podcast three years ago, we wanted to acknowledge the shared experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and its deep impact on our Kaiser Permanente health care workers. We also set out to explore how to take better care of our community... and ourselves. The episode we are highlighting this week is Soul Snacks. If you're new to Live Well and Thrive, we hope you enjoy your first time listening to these three quintessential episodes. We hope you take the time to listen again -- as we have. Here's a bit of a spoiler, keep checking this feed, we're about to release a three part special that you won't want to miss. You'll hear more about it here and elsewhere at KP. Thank you and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we mentioned last week we're digging into the show archives and highlighting past episodes that each embody why we launched this program in the first place. When we started this podcast three years ago, we wanted to acknowledge the shared experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and its deep impact on our Kaiser Permanente health care workers. We also set out to explore how to take better care of our community... and ourselves. The episode we are highlighting this week is Frontline Workers in Their Own Words. If you're new to Live Well and Thrive, we hope you enjoy your first time listening to these three quintessential episodes. We hope you take the time to listen again -- as we have. Thank you and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be digging into our show archives. We'll highlight three past episodes that each embody why we launched this program in the first place. When we started this podcast three years ago, we wanted to acknowledge the shared experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and its deep impact on our Kaiser Permanente health care workers. We also set out to explore how to take better care of our community... and ourselves. The first episode we are highlighting is Searching for Hope and features our incredible KP chaplains. If you're new to Live Well and Thrive, we hope you enjoy your first time listening to these three quintessential episodes. We hope you take the time to listen again -- as we have. Thank you and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don't have to be a news junkie to know that we are a deeply divided nation when it comes to politics. We've become polarized and estranged from one another over issues large and small. As we approach another contentious election season as well as the Thanksgiving holiday, we're going to explore productive ways to bridge the divides between us. Spoiler alert: it involves something called “courageous listening.” And it doesn't necessarily involve changing anyone's mind!Navigating polarization? We've got your back! Join the @Greater Good Science Center's 7-Day Campaign for Connection Challenge, starting Monday, 10/28, to learn skills that promote understanding and connection across our differences. Reserve your spot today: tinyurl.com/7DayChallenge2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Breast Cancer Awareness month we're talking with two female leaders on the Kaiser Permanente Northern California team – both with unique perspectives on breast cancer prevention and early detection. Dr. Monica Kendrick, physician-in-chief, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco medical center and an OB-GYN. Dr. Kendrick is also an expert on women's health and is passionate about supporting women's life-long health. Debra Flores, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente Greater Southern Alameda area. She is also a registered nurse and a breast cancer survivor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in a hyperconnected world. So many of us use our phones or other digital devices to access news and information, to stay connected to one another, and to just do our jobs. But at this point, it goes without saying, there is a dark side to digital dependence. To help unravel this conundrum we turn to Dr. Michael Rich, who refers to himself as a Mediatrician. He is also a parent, a pediatrician, a child health researcher, and children's media specialist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*This conversation will contain reference to substance abuse and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call the national suicide prevention hotline, 988.*Have you ever felt moved – or even healed – by coming across a particular poem, song lyrics, or story at a specific time in your life? Or maybe you've written some lines in a journal as a way to process difficult emotions or experiences? Today we are talking about the healing power of poetry. Some mental health providers even prescribe it to their patients. It's a practice called poetry therapy. This episode's guests both work at the intersection of poetry and mental health.Organizations discussed in the episode:National Association for Poetry TherapyInternational Expressive Arts Therapy AssociationHawaii Girls CourtSonoma County Juvenile Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At KP we are continually innovating to create new tools and resources to support employee well-being, including programs addressing personal burnout. Today we'll learn about the Thrive Series, a set of workshops and resources specially designed for our KP team to minimize burnout and to improve their physical health and mental well-being – both inside and outside of work. Check out the Thrive Series for you or your team: https://hrconnect.kp.org/wps/portal/hr/benefitsandwellness/wellness/healthyworkplace/managerresources/thriveboss/thriveboss_default Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're looking at the important work Kaiser Permanente is doing around environmental stewardship; how climate change is impacting people's health; and how we can contribute to slow the pace of a warming planet. Joining us is Seema Wadhwa, KP's Executive Director of Environmental Stewardship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear two heartwarming stories about sexuality and gender identity from leaders in Kaiser Permanente, both of whom experienced the profound supportiveness of the organizational culture and are thriving in their leadership roles while supporting others on their teams. This episode's guests include Grace Firtch, Physician in Chief, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center and Jeff Collins, President, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're talking all things curiosity and how continually seeking new knowledge and understanding can reshape your perspective and, in fact, your life with Scott Shigeoka, author, Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.” Kaiser Permanente employees will receive a 20% discount on purchasing Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World between June 6 – 13, 2024 using the discount code “LiveWellThrive.” Follow this link to purchase the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/scott-shigeoka/seek/9781538740804/?lens=balance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Kaiser Permanente Northern California employees who want to speak with an EAP counselor immediately, please call the 24/7 line at 877-801-5751*In recognition of May being National Mental Health month, we're highlighting KP's most valuable resource for employee mental health – the Employee and Physician Assistance Program or EAP. We have three KP employees here with me to explore our EAP from different vantage points: Jerry, O'Keefe, National Director, Employee and Physician Assistance Services, Kaiser Permanente; Tanya Fernandez, Emergency Dept Manager; Huyen Friedlander, LMFT, EAP Consultant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I have the special privilege of speaking with two of our KP Northern California Extraordinary Nurses: Rachel Wyatt and Bernice Yale. They have both been recognized with 2024 Extraordinary Nurse Leader of the Year awards. I'm delighted to have them with me today to learn about their “North Stars” or their “why,” and how having a strong sense of purpose keeps them centered in both their professional nursing practice and personal growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have been listening regularly, this year, we've been on a bit of a journey together, where we're exploring happiness and mental well-being from a number of vantage points. Today we'll continue this journey exploring how volunteerism, something we can do individually and as organized groups, can help add significantly to our sense of well-being. To discuss this important topic is Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley and Lanie Tranchina, Staff Nurse, KP South Sacramento Medical Center.A note for our listeners: April is U.S. National Volunteer Month. Visit KPCares.org today for an easy way to find, share, and participate in volunteer activities in the communities where you work and live. And thank you for giving back!To learn more about the Greater Good Science Center and view their free online, self paced courses and events please visit: https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A warning to podcast listeners: This episode contains discussion of severe depression and suicide which some people may find triggering or disturbing. Remember, for anyone having thoughts about self-harm or suicide, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately for help. While thoughts of Spring often bring to mind longer days, warm sunshine, and blooming flowers, seasonal depression is also a very real part of the change in season for many of us. Today we're here to talk about the realities of Spring depression and explore its causes and triggers. We are joined by Supria Gill, PhD, Assistant Director, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Mental Health Training Program and Counseling Centers. Resource links:Calm (calm.com): The number one app for sleep and meditation — designed to help lower stress, anxiety, and more.Headspace Care (headspace.com): Text one-on-one with an emotional support coach anytime, anywhere. Support is just a text message away. myStrength (https://mystrength.com/): Build a personalized plan to strengthen your emotional health whenever, wherever you need to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. While happiness is a seemingly simple concept, personal well-being and contentment takes different shapes and forms for each of us – so not always so straight forward, yet an important topic to explore as we look to support each other's well-being and life journeys. Today we are joined by Demond Hill, a PhD candidate in the Department of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley to discuss black joy and happiness – and his research behind mental health and emotional well-being of Black youth, their families, and communities. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Grief binds us together as human beings; it's something we all experience, and, in healthcare, encounter both professionally and personally in the work we do to serve others. Unfortunately, left unacknowledged and unsupported, grief can lead to addiction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and poor physical and mental health. Today I'm happy to be joined by Leah Hellerstein, LCSW, MPH Hospice Social Services Manager, Volunteer and Bereavement Services Coordinator and Carley Rencher Chen, Title, Etc. for a conversation on grief. They will help us unpack what grief is and why it is important to acknowledge. They'll also give us a better understanding of the grieving process and how it can help a person's well-being. Additionally, we'll learn about the valuable Kaiser Permanente resources available to help support our team when it comes to managing and overcoming grief.See the important work of our guests below:https://hospice-ncal.kaiserpermanente.org/support/after-your-loss/sf/Kaiser Permanente NorCal Hospice: DROP-IN ONLINE GRIEF SUPPORT SERIESJanuary – April 2024All Classes offered at No ChargeOpen to Kaiser Permanente Members and the Community at LargeSponsored by Kaiser Permanente Hospices of Northern CATHURSDAYS AT 12:00-1:00TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE- Links for both shared in weekly invites, No RSVP needed, may join either group when desired.OPTION 1: Educational Information, optional sharing in the chatOPTION 2: Small group discussion and sharing on the same topicFor Questions or Invitation to the Teams Meetings, Contact:Jessica Lawrence: 925-229-7817 or jessica.m.lawrence@kp.orgRina Breakstone: 510-752-4076 or rina.x.breakstone@kp.orgCarley Rencher Chen: carley.r.chen@kp.orgLeigh-Ann Santillanes-Delgado at: leigh-ann.x.santillanes-delgado@kp.orgAttend one or more- as desired- NO registration needed.Bereavement Support Education Groups are held both online by video or call in, and in person. To register for any of these groups, or for further information about Kaiser Permanente Bereavement Services, please email sfobereavement@kp.org or call (415) 833-3173. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today we're here to learn about self-compassion or the art of being kind to ourselves. This episode focuses on being more gracious to ourselves as we go about our daily lives. I have been thinking about this concept a lot and I was struck by a recent article in the Washington Post by Christopher W.T. Miller, MD. His article emphasizes cultivating self-compassion as a key mental health goal. I'm delighted to have the article's author with us on Live Well & Thrive. Christopher W.T. Miller, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst practicing at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. I challenge all of our listeners to consider how bringing a little “blue sky” thinking can help you to thrive – both inside and outside of work. Thinking differently can be hard though…it's challenging to break out of routines and look at our work and the world with fresh eyes. Today we're here to learn about a concept called “Blue Sky Thinking,” what it is, how it works, and how you can apply it with your team. Our guest is KP's own, Gayle Chin, Creative Director for the Northern California Multimedia Communications Group. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today were going to turn the tables on me, which means I'll be the person who's being interviewed. With me here today to play host – or ask the questions - is Pamela Spain, Care Experience leader, KP South Sacramento medical center. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Today we're here to record our last episode of 2023. We have an incredibly special guest, Dr. Miroslav Volf, a Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology, and Founding Director, Yale Center for Faith & Culture. We're here to talk about Dr. Volf's new book A Life Worth Living, and how we can distill some of the key wisdom from his book for our day-to-day lives. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Today our topic is health disparities among certain communities we serve at KP. We will be discussing our Asian, Latin American, and African American communities in particular. Our purpose today is not to lump these communities together - far from it - but rather to address each community through the eyes of a seasoned provider to assemble insights into how we can better serve each community in different ways, meeting them where they are. Guests: Doctors Jeffrey Velotta, Thoracic Surgery, KP Oakland Medical Center; Brandy Williams, KP Woodland Hills Medical Center; and Sergio Gonzalez, Family Medicine, KP San Jose Medical Center to our podcast for this important discussion.As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming.Additional resources:The Joint Commission on Health Care Equity (https://www.jointcommission.org/our-priorities/health-care-equity/): Advancing health care equity. Belong@KP (https://equityinclusionanddiversity.kaiserpermanente.org/knowledge/belong-kp/): Resources to help you on your journey to foster inclusion and social justice in everything we do. Health Equity Portal (https://sp-cloud.kp.org/sites/KPHealthEquityPortal): A repository of internal and external resources to advance equitable care.https://www.ktvu.com/video/1226412 https://www.ajmc.com/view/digging-into-the-increasing-lung-cancer-rate-for-female-asian-never-smokers-dr-jeffrey-velotta Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Happiness is such a loaded word. We all say we want to achieve it; we all have different definitions of what it means and, so often, happiness can seem elusive and fleeting. Today we're going to talk about happiness – and the fundamental role gratitude plays in helping each of us find daily contentment. I'm personally grateful to be continuing the conversation around gratitude from previous episodes – such an important topic.Today I'd like to welcome Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center to help me introduce our listeners to research on how developing a gratitude practice can help to not only bring us more --- but an enduring sense of happiness. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Live Well and Thrive, a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host, Carrie Owen Plietz. We all read the numerous unfortunate headlines in the media about the growing number of people effected by addiction, only fueled by the opioid crisis and the pandemic. Addiction is an illness which touches so many of us both up close and from afar. Today were absolutely delighted to have Erika Aguirre-Miyamoto, LCSW, Director of Operations, Behavioral Health from KP Southern California and Linda Cortez, who helped user test the videos to help me introduce our listeners to a valuable new resource, the Just Five Addiction Support video series. Just Five is now available to our Kaiser Permanente team to not only help remove the stigma associated with addiction, but to help guide anyone who is personally dealing with the challenges of addiction navigate treatment for yourself, for your team members and for your loved ones. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming.Check out the Just Five, Addiction care support resource videos here: https://mykp.kp.org/en/content/hr/workforce-well-being/mental-health-resources.html?kp_shortcut_referrer=kp.org/employeementalhealthSee MyKP story for additional context: https://mykp.kp.org/en/news/national/why-should-you-learn-about-addiction.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Aspects of this conversation may be triggering for some listeners, if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988*Welcome to Live Well and Thrive, a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host, Carrie Owen Pletz. Were absolutely delighted to have Dr. Stuart Buttlaire with us today, a highly respected expert with over 30 years of experience. Currently, he serves as the Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine at Kaiser Permanente. We're going to discuss third party or vicarious trauma. Something that's touched us all in different ways, be it through the news, stories shared by friends, or our own work experiences. It's been something I've wanted to talk about for a long time. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Kaiser Permanente employee well-being resources:https://hrconnect.kp.org/wps/myportal/hr/benefitsandwellness/wellness/healthyworkforce/!ut/p/z1/rZFNT4QwEIZ_DUcy3fKxcEQTg-iGxHWV9mK6pSxVaFloYPn3do3Gg1mMiXOaSeadeecZoFAAVWyUB2akVqyxNaHhC47vUernKI3u4huUXGX548M29xAO4PmjAV2IBAFd1j8BBcqV6UwNpJ3r3kGiqwZphIPOxV4oUUkzMFVOommUGAYHfWe1YI2p50n3b5XuuThP67gsgXAUsViEvrv3_dL1VyhwI4xLl68jjleB52ERfrpfsEeXjyNWv76ov7ULRikm2Cndt5bm9o_2UgTZbwDth3C_ud4c7GRmaleqSkPxRQiKH4SsQL4ejzSx3LUy4mSg-AfwXbtrI292STZO8ykg700KkAc!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/ Employee Assistance Program:https://hrconnect.kp.org/wps/myportal/hr/benefitsandwellness/wellness/healthyworkplace/employeeassistanceprogram/eap_default/!ut/p/z1/lZBBT4NAEIV_Sw-cjJmFQqHHamIQTUistbKXZsoOsHFZNuwK4d9LjYmnYpzTTGa-vHkPOLwD1zjIGp3sNKp5LvjmFGyfWRrmLE2etg9sd5flry_7fM2CCI7fB-xK7RjwZf4NOPBSO-MaKNqp6T1GprLSkccuw5k0VdJZ1GIkpTRZ67HfriFUrpnGrv8wCssZotaobiJCa6V1qEsyfVf32M4rNCdBFX4qd1E1pRRQiCQSomIsrMLkHGCYoB8LpMgPfCz9Kv5xuGCBLwdQzHx8lX_cwHGQNMJBd307J77_x2spg-yvgI_3s_4o-M0I3AfTHtpkPd0W2TBO9Wr1BRR_r6A!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Welcome to Live Well & Thrive, a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today I have a very special guest joining me, Dr. Maria Ansari. In addition to being my physician partner for Kaiser Permanente Northern California region, Maria also serves as the CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group and president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and is also the Co-CEO of The Permanente Federation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today we're going to wrestle with a difficult topic – wildfire and disaster preparedness. Wildfires have touched us all, including today's guests in both personal and professional ways. We are in a new reality where wildfires will occur with increasing severity and frequency. How can we be proactive to make sure our families and communities are prepared so that we can care for others? This is a learning curve we are all on together and today's guests will help illuminate this question with their deep experience. I'm delighted to have Dr. Mary Meyer, ED physician at Walnut Creek who also earned an MPH later in her career. Mary has a wealth of experience, has worked internationally and is currently bridging her work in the emerging department with her public health background to help KP better prepare our employees and facilities. We are also joined by Shakiara Kitchen, Regional Practice Specialist in Emergency Management, at KP. Shakiara works to ensure our operations and clinical needs are met simultaneously in any eventuality. As always, I invite you to share what's on your mind, ask a question or suggest a topic or guest. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. And whether you're listening on your commute or during a down moment, keep those comments coming. Additional Resources:American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist:https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/Chapters/Division_1_-_Media/Denver/Denver_-_PDFs/EmergencyPreparednessChecklist.pdfNixle Alert System: https://www.nixle.com/ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT):https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/individuals-communities/preparedness-activities-webinars/community-emergency-response-teamEmergency Education, Exercises, Drills, and Training (kp.org):https://kplearn.kp.org/Saba/Web_spf/NA5P2PRD001/app/me/learningeventdetail/cours000000000087635;spf-url=common%2Fledetail%2Fcours000000000087635 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Live Well & Thrive a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today, we're here to talk about travel. Research shows we sometimes enjoy the lead up to a trip more than we actually enjoy the trip itself. The same is true about memories of a trip, hope for the future is essential to our well being. At the same time, the US Travel Association reports we collectively leave 768 million vacation days, days unused each year. This is a huge missed opportunity for new experiences and important time spent with loved ones. Today we're going to explore how travel, special occasions and new experiences are encoded differently by the brain, and how we all could benefit from spending a little more time awakening our senses. I'm delighted to have Kim Grant, veteran travel writer and founder of SlowDownSeeMore.com, celebrating day-long itineraries in the West. Kim frequently explores the connection between travel and workplace well-being. We are also joined by Dr. Kathryn Wetzler, regional director of the mental health training programs, counseling centers and staff development in Northern California to help us understand how travel and special occasions activate different parts of the brain and help our overall well being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Live Well & Thrive a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Today, we're here to talk about Pride Month, its history and how it has become a joyful celebration of all the beautiful identities within the LGBTQ+ community. We'll also discuss how societal winds are rapidly shifting, bringing with it challenges threatening the basic human rights of this wonderful collection of people. joining me for today's conversation are the two co leads of the KP pride business resource group. I'm delighted to have Theophilus Little Director of Facility Engineering back to Live Well & Thrive. We are also joined by Dr. Marcos Siqueiros, Adult and Family Medicine Physician and Leader Transgender Healthcare Services at Santa Clara Medical Center. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the unfortunate outcomes of the pandemic and the many ways we had to remove ourselves from normal, everyday social situations to stay safe and healthy has been loneliness. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently reported we're suffering from an epidemic of loneliness and isolation as a country. And the effect of extended loneliness is now contributing to a range of health risks. Just consider, extended loneliness can have the same impact to a person's health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Today, Jessica Johnson, Behavioral Health Manager at the Walnut Creek medical center is here with me to talk about this epidemic of loneliness – what it looks like, how it's effecting the patients she works with and how she's coaching people in friendship-making to overcome social isolation and loneliness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. In today's episode, we'll dive into the world of Soul Snacks, a grassroots program fostering emotional vulnerability, spiritual well-being, and a sense of community for our local team in the Marin/Sonoma service area. We have with us Raymond Dougherty, Spiritual Care Director, Marin/Sonoma; Karen Hulsey, MSN, RN, Service Director Marin/Sonoma; and Abraham Daniels, Senior Process Improvement Consultant; to tell us how Soul Snacks got started and is helping to build a stronger community among the local team. Soul Snacks recordings: https://marin-sonoma.kp.org/msa/soul-snacks/soul-snacks-liveGinger App: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/digital Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well & Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host, Carrie Owen Plietz. Today we'll explore the vital role nutrition plays in patient care with Patricia Kaba. Our conversation will focus on understanding the role nutrition plays not only in our patients' roads to recovery, but to everyone's daily well-being. Patricia Kaba is our Director, Food & Clinical Nutrition Services at the San Jose Medical Center and a distinguished honoree in the 2023 Friends of Nursing, which recognizes direct care partners and inter-professional colleagues who work alongside our nurses, as part of the annual Extraordinary Nurse Awards program we're celebrating this May.Kaiser Permanente Northern California farmers markets Nutritional resources: Kaiser Permanente Eat RightCenter for Disease Control and PreventionWebMD: Better information. Better health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. Caring for patients every day is no ordinary task. Providing extraordinary care – as the three nurses we are speaking with today are being recognized for as part of the annual 2023 Extraordinary Nurses program – requires a special level of mental and physical preparation – or self-care -- every single day. Today we'll have the pleasure of hearing from them about the underpinnings of their success from a sound family life to mediation. We'll also talk about how they are there for their teams – extending lessons in their own self-care to create a safe and healthy work environment. First a little about KP's Northern California's Extraordinary Nurse Award Program. It is an annual award designed to recognize and honor nurses who exemplify professionalism, compassion, teamwork, excellence, integrity, and patient- and family-centric care in their practice. This year 32 awards were given out in 16 categories – and there were over 900 nominations. My warmest congratulations to all of the 2023 honorees. I'm delighted to have these three wonderful human beings here today to tell us about their secret sauce when it comes to how they practice self-care to ensure they can truly be extraordinary supporting their patients and their teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. We just marked the three-year anniversary of the pandemic. So, no wonder I've been thinking a lot about our teams' resilience, on-going recovery, and, ultimately, fostering a healthy culturefor our team in Northern California. In those three long years, we compromised time we would've spent with family and loved ones. We put our patients and our community first. And too often we put our own needs, last. What helped get us through these three years… was your resilience, which we celebrate in this episode with our “Culture of Health Manager Champions.” Today, we speak with Maria Dee, Executive Director of Workforce Well-being and Jim D'Alfonso, an RN and Executive Director of Professional Excellence, Regional Patient Care Services in Oakland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz. How can we be better allies for one another for our families and in our community? Today, as we celebrate Black History Month, we have not one but two fantastic guests to talk about allyship, what it is and why it's important: Dr. Nicole Barnett, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing executive at KP's Richmond Medical Center and Dr. Erwin DeLeon, Chief Diversity Officer at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host Carrie Owen Plietz, coming to you live from our Walnut Creek Medical Center. During the pandemic, we had no choice but to “live in the moment.” And while these three years have tested our resilience, it also led many frontline employees to leave their jobs due to burnout. So, as we rebound, the question we all face is, how can we reduce stress, build resiliency, and get fulfillment from our jobs? One way is through our program called HeartMath, which is fitting, given today is Valentine's Day and there's no better day to share a special gift to help you on your journey to self-care and well-being. Today we have three guests to talk about HeartMath and how our frontline employees use it. Guests: Sheva Carr, Co-Director of HeartMath Healthcare; Linda Ackerman DNP, RN, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Caring Science Director; Amealya Blake, RN, BSN, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan HeartMath resources and session schedule: https://sp-cloud.kp.org/sites/MindfulHub/SitePages/HeartMath.aspx

Welcome to Season Two of Live Well and Thrive, a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host, Carrie Owen-Plietz. Ever go to a show or a movie and get lost in the plot? Like you forget you're in the theater and you're so pulled into the story. Well, live theater is being used to help our frontline employees struggling through stress. And if you're feeling that way, you're not alone. 52% of workers feel burnt out. And it impacts them both at home and at work. That's what makes our own organizations' National Educational Theatre Program, the best kept secret within Kaiser Permanente, so important. It provides workshops to our teams to help create a community of caring, and to provide a forum to talk about mental health issues without the stigma. Joining us to talk about how it works is Brendan Simon, Supervisor of our National Educational Theatre and director of the WIRE workshops.

Welcome to Season Two of Live Well and Thrive, a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. I'm your host, Carrie Owen-Plietz. How are you doing on your New Year's intentions? If you're like me, you know how hard it is to adopt and apply new mindsets into your daily lives. But here's an idea. Develop an attitude of gratitude, to kick off your new year to feel better about yourself and the world around you. In this episode, we'll explore how gratitude scientifically improves our happiness. Joining us is Cosette Taillac, recently retired National Mental Health and Wellness at Kaiser Permanente.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Dr. Susan Birne-Stone, a licensed clinical social worker who has counseled frontline nurses throughout the pandemic. "Once we've done everything in our control, that anxiety becomes destructive. And we want to know when we make that shift into what's no longer helpful, and then stop it." - Susan Birne-Stone Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Sarah Villarreal, labor and delivery nurse educator at KP Santa Rosa Medical Center and her husband, Justin. "We all are used to really looking outward you know, what is our patient feeling and doing, what of our families needing, the Calm app brings the ability for you to take ownership of it and give yourself a sense of peace to look inward for a moment." - Sarah Villarreal How many times have you been given the advice to just live in the moment? In this episode we meet a KP nurse educator and her entire family: hubby Justin and four kids ranging from eight to 15, who have taken to the Calm app to find the kind of inner peace which can help lead you to being able to live in the moment. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Trina Histon, PhD, Senior Principal Consultant in Prevention, Wellness, and Digital Health at Kaiser Permanente's Care Management Institute Jody Frame, our staff RN, labor delivery at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center. We delve into an app called Ginger which is offered alongside Calm and MyStrength to form a continuum of real time support for KP Northern California employees. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Live Well & ThriveTips for Getting Your Body Moving – from morning to the end of your day Waking up Lying in bed, think about three things you're grateful for - setting the tone for a positive day ahead. Once seated at the edge of your bed, think about waking up your neck with 5 neck circles in each direction. Neck Circles:  Big inhalation through the nose, as you exhale drop left ear to left shoulder, next slight head roll back, continue circling right ear to right shoulder and next slightly tuck chin in and down as you roll your head forward. Repeat five times in each direction. Making mental note if one side is tighter than the other. If you're schedule and timing permits, try to step outside for some sunrise light to help regulate your circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Commute time Start by scooting your hips all the way back in your carseat to support lumbar spine. Shoulder shrugs:  Inhale sweep shoulders towards ears briefly as you exhale drop your shoulders away from your ears and squeeze shoulder blades together -- finding openness across the front of your chest. This works on postural alignment between the shoulders and hip. You can, also, slightly press head back into head rest and tuck chin in to prevent forward head posture that is common during commute. Team HuddleDepending on the format /time frame and location of your huddle you can thread in one of these options:Trunk Twists: Start with wide base of support -- feet greater than hip width apart. Tighten through abdominals and keep hips facing forward throughout the twists. Inhale as you exhale twist upper torso to the left, as you inhale come back through the middle, re-engage abdominal and exhale to the right.Repeat 8-10 times in each direction. This is a spinal mobility exercise and recruits the upper/lower core complex. March in place: Place hands out in front of you, palms facing down at hip height. Gently lift one knee towards hands as you press your opposite heel into the ground - pulling up on the knee lifting and a press down into the stabilizing foot. Make this a nice fluid motion. Repeat 8 times on each side. Make it a walking huddle, if time permits. 20 -minute break or lunch hourIf at all possible, opt for a walk outside.  Biophilia means love of life or living things. When we are around outside, in nature it naturally elevates our mood.Working from home or working in a chair all dayMake sure you're not sitting consistently for an hour or more - set an alarm to remind yourself to get up and walk around/stretch/give your eyes a break from the screen.  Stay hydrated and you will likely have to get up to use the restroom once an hour. If you live or work where there are stairs, go to the restroom up or downstairs EVERY time. If no stairs, then go to the furthest restroom.  It adds up over the course of the day! Commute homeGlute Squeezes or primary mover activators. Merely squeezing your seat tightly -- contracting the muscle and releasing. Repeat as many times as you want over your commute.  Meal PrepFocus on a deep breathing exercise -- inhaling through the nose, exhaling through the mouth as if you're slowly blowing out birthday candles.  Big inhalation to the count of four, hold for four and exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat this four times as this is a nice transition between your workday and taking time for yourself and your family. After DinnerGrab your favorite person and or furbaby and step outside for a five minute out and five-minute back walk. This will aid in digestion and, if around sunset, help to set your circadian rhythm. Before getting into bedScan your body and if you feel tension in any of your muscles, spend time slowly stretching into the muscles that might feel like they worked during the day.Example:  If hamstrings or lower back feel tight,  extend one foot out in front of you with your chin off your chest and a flat back, reaching your chin towards a flexed foot. Move towards point of tension, not pain. Avoid any bouncing. Use your breath to go deeper into the stretch. Repeat five breath cycles on each side. Remember – Be patient with yourself Think about starting where you are and gently increasing over time.  Progress over perfection. Every step counts and small steps add up into big change. 

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we have three amazing guests and how their multicultural Business Resource Groups are a valuable resource for their members in dealing with the social challenges facing us today. Guests: - Belinda Luu, Strategic Leader of Data Management and Governance Senior Counsel, serves as the strategic advisor on the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Asian American and Pacific Islanders Association board - Gloria Wilson, an ethics and compliance leader and past President of the Kaiser Permanente African American Professional Association - Theophilus Little, Facilities Service Director and the co-chair of KP Pride, a business resource group supporting the LGBTQI+ communities "I've heard some of my Black BRG (Business Resource Group) members say when there are incidents of racism, I cannot deal with this. Why is this happening? When does it end? I don't have the answers," says Gloria Wilson, an ethics and compliance leader and past president of the Kaiser Permanente African American Professional Association. "So the best thing I can do is listen, let people know they are heard." Get involved with one of our Business Resource Groups: https://sp-cloud.kp.org/sites/BRGHub Learn more about "MindfulHub"- a volunteer collective which shares mindfulness activities throughout KP: https://sp-cloud.kp.org/sites/MindfulHub Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Gino Mortillaro, MD, youth mental health clinician from KP SCAL, lead clinician advisor for the Presence of Mind initiative and an active e-gamer. "I actually encourage people, you know, if you're angry, don't punch a wall because it punches back. Why don't we get like a punching bag, but this is the same thing? Don't take it out on other people. But if that cathartic release in that video game helps you out, great." - Dr. Mortillaro Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Dr. Inderpreet Dhillon, TPMG Regional Director for Mental Health Virtual Care Programs. Dr Dhillon: Talk about mental health, talk openly about mental health. It's all about educating, educating and educating. Create an inclusive, supportive environment where everybody feels comfortable, safe, asking for help. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors Steve Kerr: I just want to say thank you to everybody in Kaiser who's on the frontlines working so hard to help people during this really difficult pandemic and all of the After Effects. You have so many people they're literally putting their lives on the line trying to help so many others. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.

Welcome to “Live Well and Thrive,” a podcast recognizing the hard work, dedication, and diversity of our team at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In this episode, we're joined by: Ann Williamson, Regional Chief Nurse Executive at Kaiser Permanente; Donna Ocampo, RN and Clinical Quality Director at Kaiser Permanente; and Jody Frame, Staff RN in Labor and Delivery at Kaiser Permanente's Santa Clara Medical Center If you're a nurse or know of one, you know nurses exhibit an inner strength like no one else. But where do they get this inner-strength, and what can it teach the rest of us going forward. In our first two episodes, we went searching for hope. And it resonated with our listeners. One wrote, love the podcast, mindfulness is the forerunner of every aspect of life. Another wrote, awesome, uplifting podcast. Thank you for those comments. In this episode, we hear from those on the frontlines who give so much of themselves, often at the expense of their own well-being. Share your thoughts, ask a question, or suggest a podcast topic, in writing or in a short audio clip. Send it to LiveWell&Thrive@kp.org. You never know, we may use your comment or audio snippet in an upcoming episode.