Attacking Arthritis

Patients with complex arthritis and autoimmune diseases need special treatment and care to maintain a quality of life. That’s what they receive from Melissa Schoenwetter, D.O., who leads NorthBay Healthcare’s Rheumatology program.

After serving 11 years with the U.S. Air Force, she established her practice with NorthBay Healthcare at her VacaValley Health Plaza office, 1010 Nut Tree Road, Suite 200, in Vacaville.

Many of her patients have various forms of arthritis, from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to psoriatic arthritis. Other conditions she treats include lupus, gout, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.

“Listening carefully to my patients is an important part of diagnosing and treating their disease,” said Dr. Schoenwetter. “I also take an active role in educating my patients to help them manage their medical conditions.”

For more information or to book an appointment, call (707) 624-8530.

Managing Diabetes

NorthBay Healthcare offers a team of specialists to support patients with diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine system, such as thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, polycystic ovarian syndrome, osteoporosis and menopause.

The team of endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators and a dietitian help patients manage hormonal imbalances and diabetes so they can enjoy healthier lives. And, because patients with diabetes often find it more feasible to manage their disease with group support, a comprehensive group diabetes class offers an encouraging, supportive environment.

NorthBay diabetes specialists can provide “Walk and Talk” appointments using the indoor track at HealthSpring Fitness, which is in the same building, the VacaValley Wellness Center, 1020 Nut Tree Road. After the appointment is over, patients have full use of the facility for the rest of the day. Call (707) 624-8230 for information.

 

Breath of Fresh Air

Pulmonologists at NorthBay Healthcare specialize in treating patients with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, shortness of breath, chronic cough, and pulmonary hypertension. A sleep specialist helps patients suffering from sleep apnea or conditions such as insomnia, sleepwalking and restless leg syndrome. NorthBay pulmonologists are located in Fairfield at 1860 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200, and in Vacaville at 1010 Nut Tree Road, Suite 100B. For more information, call (707) 646-4180.

 

Rehab is a Team Sport

NorthBay Rehabilitation Services, with offices at 2500 Hilborn Road in Fairfield and 1020 Nut Tree Road in Vacaville, takes a team approach to rehabilitation that supports restoring function, reducing pain, promoting independence and preventing disability.

NorthBay’s therapists work closely with patients to design treatment plans for their specific needs, laying the foundation for comprehensive care and swift improvement.

Physical Therapy: In order to restore general mobility, strength and function to impaired portions of the body, physical therapists focus on rehab through exercises designed to increase strength, improve range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance and motor function. This may be done through aquatic therapy, balance exercises and more.

Occupational Therapy: Geared to help patients regain the ability to perform everyday tasks in their workplace and at home after accidents or illnesses interfere with mobility. Occupational therapists show patients special techniques to help them with personal care and home chores.

Hand Therapy: Merges occupational and physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Certified hand therapists help restore function in patient’s hands and arms.

Speech Therapy: Designed for patients with communication, cognitive or swallowing disorders, whether acquired at birth or as the result of injury or illness.

Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab: Designed to help patients strengthen their heart and lungs after heart attacks or heart surgery, it can also help those with chronic lung or heart disease increase stamina and breathe easier.

Pelvic Floor Rehab: This program features a team of therapists who provide women of all ages with tools to regain strength and function of the muscles that support the bladder, urethra and other organs within the pelvis. Some of the conditions treated include: bladder and/or bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and symptoms resulting from pregnancy or postpartum. For information, call (707) 646-5599.

Focus on Infections

Influenza is one of the biggest recurring challenges for Gregory Warner, D.O., whose involvement spans the spectrum. Not only is he epidemiologist for NorthBay Healthcare’s two hospitals, and medical director for NorthBay’s Infection Prevention program, but he’s also medical director of NorthBay Infectious Disease.

His planning team determines how much to vaccine distribute, how to track compliance and educate staff. On the other end, he also treats patients who suffer with extreme complications of the flu. “It stretches from the administration side to the bedside,” he said.

Dr. Warner, who has been with NorthBay Healthcare since 2010, has been a strong advocate of Health at Home for patients with diseases or infections that require long-term IV antibiotic care.

“In the past, these patients had to spend weeks in the hospital or skilled nursing facility. By working with Health at Home, they’re able to go home and continue their complex treatments or receive infusions at our outpatient facilities,” he said.

Patients with bone/joint infections or heart valve infections, for example, can require months of treatment.

NorthBay Infectious Disease also treats complex cases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Valley Fever, complex soft tissue and bone/joint infections. He sees patients in both hospitals, as well as at his office, 1010 Nut Tree Road, Suite 100B in Vacaville. For information, call (707) 624-7999.

Treating Urologic Issues

No one likes to talk about problems with their urologic system but there is no reason to suffer in silence, say NorthBay urologists. NorthBay Urology, 1860 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 200, in Fairfield, cares for male and female patients with urinary tract conditions and diseases affecting the male reproductive organs. Board-certified experts employ a variety of treatments, from medications to minimally invasive and complex surgery to treat such urologic conditions as overactive bladder, kidney stones, urinary tract infection, enlarged prostate and more. Call (707) 646-4180 for information.

 

Help with Healing

NorthBay Wound Care is the only civilian location in Solano County to offer Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy for patients suffering from diabetic wounds or other chronic, difficult-to-heal injuries. HBOT patients lie in a glass cylinder and breathe 100 percent oxygen, which helps all body tissues—even those in areas with reduced or blocked blood flow—to stimulate new growth and increase circulation, which reduces the risk of amputation and increases the healing of wounds. NorthBay Wound Care is in the VacaValley Health Plaza, 1010 Nut Tree Road, Suite 100. For more information, call (707) 624-7979.