Health Literacy

Archive for January, 1970

I am pleased to hear that our patients have truly benefited from a visit to one of our medical consultation centers. Since 2005, we have offered several different ways for patients to discuss their diagnosis and symptoms whether over the phone or at a seminar. Our new medical offices offer a different dynamic to the Laser Spine Institute consultation for chronic back and neck pain sufferers. In July 2008, we entered our first consultation market in beautiful San Diego, which is truly one of my favorite places to visit. Please allow me to share the LSI San Diego story with you.

Dr. Richard C. Richley, our managing physician in California, has been practicing in San Diego as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and pioneer of minimally invasive spine surgery for over 34 years.  After his service in the U.S. Army Security Agency and four years of playing football for The Ohio State University, where he graduated from medical school, Dr. Richley came to San Diego for his residency at the University of California San Diego.

In 1976, Dr. Richley started his practice before opening his Point Loma office in 1991. Nestled in the historical seaside community of San Diego, Dr. Richley grew his orthopedic practice through community involvement, love for local sports teams and philanthropic work on the Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors. He also served as a doctor with the Chargers and team physician for the Padres and U.S. Olympics. In the early 90’s, Dr. Richley focused on new laser technology used in orthopedic medicine. He invited surgeons to learn new laser procedures and traveled the world to help apply the techniques within their practice.

In 2008, we were fortunate to add Dr. Richley to our medical team and adapt his practice to our first medical center. He now heads the LSI San Diego and Beverly Hills medical offices as well as travels the western U.S. and Canada to educate back pain sufferers on the anatomy of the spine, treatment options and Laser Spine Institute advanced procedures.

When you meet Dr. Richley, he will conduct a thorough medical examination and orthopedic assessment to understand the pain you’re experiencing. Then, he will review your MRI films or CT scans to pinpoint the causes of your suffering, and explain how our advanced approach will get you relief. As he often reminds me about San Diego, “there’s a little bit of ocean breeze and a lot of sunshine, not to mention the caring staff that has been with me for years offering patients a comfortable and engaging environment.” And I have to agree it is one of the best places on Earth.

Source: Admin

I think it is safe to say we expect the healthcare industry to provide the best care available. With higher insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses and prescription drug costs, why shouldn’t we also expect the best service by our chosen healthcare providers?

Taking into consideration my personal medical and surgical experiences, I have made a commitment to deliver the best service and exceed expectations of our patients here at Laser Spine Institute. Not only do we treat our patients and their loved ones like family during their journey with us but we remain in constant contact after they return home.

Our patient services team is devoted to each patient keeping an eye and ear open throughout their recovery for weeks to years after their procedure. This dedicated team provides support to patients who have post-operative questions about anything from caring for their incision area to returning to the activities that they love. Their goal is to help each and every patient achieve a successful recovery and get their lives back. We are proud to share in each patient’s experience every step of the way.

Source: Admin

It is amazing how fast a year goes by. This time last year, Laser Spine Institute made a medical donation to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to assist NFL legends without disability coverage, pension benefits or financial means to afford individualized care. Supported by more than 150 retired NFL players and coaches, Gridiron Greats is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and social services to retired NFL players with dire needs.

Last Friday before the Super Bowl in Miami, Gridiron Greats held a Night of Champions dinner and recognized many organizations involved with the fund. Dr. Michael Perry and I were pleased to receive the honor of Medical Partner of the Year on behalf of Laser Spine Institute.  As a young boy, I dreamt of being an NFL football star like Johnny Unitas, Raymond Barry or Bart Starr. We were grateful for the award but the best part of the night was being surrounded by the retired players and coaches like Mike Ditka, Mark Clayton, Tony Dorsett, Eric Dickerson and Carl Eller, all of whom I admire.

It is no surprise that these former players, coaches and organizations support the fund because no one ever thought NFL legends would suffer as they have from the game they love. It is unbelievable that former professional athletes don’t have the medical support they need after long successful careers in the NFL. Many of us at LSI share the love of the game and decided to donate our time, talents and resources to get these heroes their lives back.

Over the past year, we have helped retired players such as Jim Marshall from the Minnesota Vikings and Edwin Beckman from the Kansas City Chiefs. Mr. Marshall told us, “I feel better than I have the past 20 years” after his procedure. When speaking with Ed Beckman, he said, “When I was younger I could deal better with the pain, but as you age the body deteriorates.  The pain worsened each year after I retired from the NFL.  It got to where my legs would get numb and I would start falling down.” After attending one of our seminars, we pointed him to the Gridiron Greats. Ed underwent a cervical and lumbar procedure at LSI and feels great. Thanks to our surgeons who help others get their lives back every day.

Source: Admin

Hallmark Card and Kay Jewelers commercials on TV are a reminder that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching.  It is so important to tell your loved ones how much you care about them, however, it is equally important to take care of yourself. 

I would like to remind everyone that this month has another important focus – February is American Heart Month.  Laser Spine Institute is known for relieving chronic back and neck pain.  But we’re big fans of heart health too.

The American Heart Association has developed this simple, seven-step list to help you live a long, productive healthy life:

1.    Get active
2.    Eat better
3.    Control cholesterol
4.    Manage blood pressure
5.    Reduce blood sugar
6.    Lose weight
7.    Stop smoking

This is a great list to live by and I am making strides on many of these steps every day.  Show your family you love them this month not just for Valentine’s Day but every day by taking care of yourself and staying heart-healthy.

Source: Admin