Highline Medical Center announced Friday (Sept. 9) that it will be opening two new ‘urgent care’ facilities this fall, in West Seattle and Des Moines.

Both new facilities will be open seven days a week, with the West Seattle one scheduled to open Oct. 3rd and the Des Moines clinic Nov. 1st.

Highline Medical Center Urgent Care will open in West Seattle in the space adjacent to Highline’s West Seattle Family Medicine in the Alaska Junction. It will offer comprehensive urgent care services, including x-ray, and will be open on weeknights until 9 p.m. and weekends until 5 p.m.

The Des Moines clinic is set to open on Tuesday, November 1, adjacent to Des Moines Family Medicine on Marine View Drive. The urgent care center is open from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sundays.

Urgent care centers typically treat a variety of minor illnesses and injuries, from colds and flu to sprains and strains. Urgent care isn’t a replacement for your regular doctor. But if you don’t have a doctor, or yours isn’t available, and you want to be seen right away, it can be a great solution.

If it is a life-threatening emergency, remember to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest ER. Highline’s state-of-the-art ER in Burien provides emergency services around the clock.

Highline Medical Center has posted a list of when to go to the emergency room and when to go to the urgent care on its website. To learn more, visit www.HighlineMedicalCenter.org.

“We are geographically separated from the rest of Seattle,” said West Seattle resident Aiko Stanley. “Being able to get care right here, without crossing the bridge, is huge – particularly on the weekends or during rush hour.”

Larson Medical Aesthetics has a very exciting coupon for our readers who want to recapture their youthful look. The coupon is $25 off 20 units of Botox – with this coupon it’s just $175. Just click on the coupon below, or on the “Coupons” link in the upper “Nav Bar”:

Click image to Print Coupon.

Larson Medical Aesthetics is headed up by Burien’s own Margaret L. Larson, ARNP.  She’s a talented health care professional who graduated from the UW with a BSN and PLU with  a master’s in healthcare administration, care management and family nursing practice. Margaret is certified in Family Practice and cosmeseutical procedures such as Laser/AFT and Botox Cosmetic and a multitude of filler treatments. In addition to providing cosmetic procedures to help bring back youthful, healthy looking skin, Margaret is a primary care giver in the Larson Family Medicine practice.

Margaret L. Larson, ARNP

Margaret’s father and partner Dr. Roger K. Larson has been practicing in the Burien area since 1965.  It’s not often that a Doctor celebrates 50 years in one community. Let’s give a big B-Town shout-out for Dr. Larson! In these past 50 years Dr. Larson has developed a successful family practice model and excellent reputation for high quality, and thorough primary care and surgical services.  Approximately 40 years later in 2006, as a newly certified ARNP, a lifelong dream came true for the Larson’s when Margaret joined the medical practice to work with her dad.  Margaret is carrying this practice philosophy forward. ? ? It was at that time that Larson Family Medicine was expanded to include Larson Medical Aesthetics.  Elements of this arm of the practice include medical level aesthetic services like laser skin rejuvenation and hair removal, Vivite` Glycolic and ViPEEL chemical peels, Botox Cosmetic and a variety of fillers to optimize your appearance. Additional anti-aging services include the FirstLine Therapy Program, a lifestyle changing and medically guided weight loss program. Margaret has also opened Medical Aesthetics locations in Bonnie Lake and Auburn. Her current skin-care patients include people from all races, both sexes and ages between 26 and 86.

“Aging and environmental assaults such as sun, hormones, stress and pollution affects not only the way you look and feel but your skin health. Your skin is the largest organ that you have and  a reflection of your health. An unhealthy life style equals unhealthy skin,” Margaret explained about her interest in anti-aging procedures.

Margaret and her staff of medical and anti-aging professionals are all living proof that her minimal non-invasive really works. “It is important to us to provide quality skin care products and laser and radio frequency technology from the global leaders, Obagi and Alma Lasers, respectively. Obagi Medical Skin Care products are the number one market leader in physician-dispensed RX aesthetics while Alma Laser delivers new laser, light-based, and radio frequency technologies used to provide skin rejuvenation, permanent hair reduction, skin tightening and cellulite treatment”, she said.  Some well known products available include:

• Obagi Medical (http://www.obagi.com)
• Laser360 Non-Surgical Facelift (http://www.laser-360.com/ )
• Pixel Perfect Skin Resurfacing (http://www.pixelperfect.com/ )
• Accent Your Body, Body Sculpting & LipoLysis (http://www.accentyourbody.com/ )
• Laser Hair Removal (http://www.painfreehairfree.com/ )
• Juvederm Filler (http://www.juvederm.com/)
• Botox Cosmetic (www.botoxcosmetic.com/home.aspx)
• ViPeel  (http://www.vipeel.com)

If you’d like to explore the use of Botox or any of the other anti-aging products provided at Larson Medical Aesthetics, Margaret will consult with you on what product is best for your skin needs. You can reach Larson Family Medicine & Medical Aesthetics at 206.244.5477. They’re located at:

14212 Ambaurm Blvd. SW, Suite 201
Burien, WA

206.244.5477

www.LarsonFamilyMedicine.com

“Like” them on Facebook here

Call today….and save money with that coupon!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The B-Town Blog's own Sales Diva, Janet Grella, had a ViPeel after she quit smoking to shed and correct what she called "that cigarette skin" dull look and other aging problems. She doesn't exactly look like a kid again, but her skin looks brighter and better!]

Although he's legally blind, Brian Aston still plays pool. Here he is at the April 29th fundraiser at Goodtime Ernie's in Burien. Photo courtesy D. Banks Photography: http://dbanksphotography.smugmug.com

Brian Aston, the young man who went blind at age 20 (read our previous coverage here), will be leaving June 12th for a gene therapy study in Miami using money raised at an April 29th benefit at Burien’s Goodtime Ernie’s.

Aston, a graduate of Highline High School, was diagnosed with a disease called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which left him with no central vision, as well as limited peripheral vision with color abnormalities. In the past seven years there has been no hope of a cure or even research on this rare disease.

He’s using part of the over $4,000 raised at the April 29th fundraiser to participate in this cutting-edge gene therapy study at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

“This study shows great progress towards the treatment and cure for not only LHON by also other mitochondrial disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s,” said Brian.

Aston will return June 17th, and here’s an update from his Facebook Page:

“Miami ill c u on my birthday baby!! i leave june 12th and come back on the 17th! Gene therapy study here I come!! i cant beliece only 3 months ago I basically knew jack about my disease now im starting a path of vitamin therapy and Idebenone treatment and on my way to Miami to join a study that may end up simply being a damn CurE! unbelieveible! DTC!”

We’d like to send our best wishes and most positive, healing and helpful thoughts to this young man, and we hope he finds much success in this cutting edge new treatment!

Here are some relevant links:

• Brian’s online fundraising page is here, and donations are still being accepted through Paypal.
• LHON Website Brian created is here.
• Brian’s 4/29 Fundraiser Event Page is here.
• KING-5′s news coverage of Brian’s story is here.
• Christy Aston-Rose, Brian’s mom’s Facebook page is here.
• Brian Aston Facebook page is here.
• Good Time Ernies Facebook page is here.

Dr. Elie Levy

Highline Medical Center (BTB Advertiser) announced that Dermatologist Dr. Elie Levy recently received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation for the number of volunteer hours he provided during 2010.

“Dr. Levy donated time and services to the patients in his community including free skin examinations, skin cancer screenings and more,” reads the announcement.

In 2003, President Bush created The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. With the recognition, Dr. Levy also received a letter from President Barack Obama acknowledging his commitment to his community and thanking him for his devotion to service.

Dr. Levy has been in practice since 1997 and has been a member of Highline Medical Center Medical Staff for 13 years. He teaches at the University of Washington, as he excels in state-of-the-art therapies. He tailors his treatment to the individual and focuses on prevention.

According to his website:

Dr. Levy was born in Paris, France. He left at age three months to San Francisco. There, his father completed a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at UCSF. Dr. Levy’s father recently finished 40 years of research.

In 1970, Dr. Levy moved to Seattle, where he attended private school until he began his studies at the University of Washington. There he majored in Near Eastern Languages and Civilization, while pursuing his pre-med program–a heavy load! There he also focused on learning languages: Hebrew, Arabic and French. Dr. Levy is also fairly fluent in Spanish.

For medical school Dr. Levy attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He spent six months at the prestigious New York University Skin Cancer Unit working with Drs. Kopf and Bystryn, who are leaders in skin cancer research. This partnership then lead to publishing two papers on Melanoma and one on Basal Cell Carcinoma. Dr. Levy graduated medical school with a special degree in Cutaceous Oncology, skin cancer. This is quite a feat for a medical student!

For the next three years, Dr. Levy completed a full residency in Internal Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. There he met his lovely wife, Miriam, now mother of seven (all theirs!).
Dr. Levy moved up north a bit to Montreal, Quebec, Canada for his dermatology residency. His two best friends were Canadians living in New York at the time.

Dr. Levy underwent special training in MOHS Skin Cancer Surgery under Dr. Bernstein at the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Billick at the University of Miami. There, Dr. Levy published monthly articles on all forms of skin disease in a local medical journal and presented rare cases at Quarterly meetings.

Dr. Levy began his practice in Burien in November of 1997. He was the first to bring the technique of Mohs Surgery to South Seattle. This provides a 99% cure rate for skin cancer.

In 1999, Dr. Levy began teaching future dermatologists at the University of Washington Dermatology Division and enjoys doing so to the present. He continues to educate and teach dermatology by going to many conferences annually. It is important to maintain one’s knowledge. Dr. Levy has no spare time for hobbies-his life’s goal is to do only good to others. He is very generous to his staff and community.

The city is sponsoring its second annual “Burien Wellness Fair,” a community health fair on Saturday, Sept. 11th, from 10am – 4pm at Burien Town Square Park, at SW 152nd Street & 5th Place SW.

Local medical service providers and other health and wellness organizations will be on hand to let the public see what services they offer.

The fair is free, and there will be a lot to see and do.  Attendees can expect to find:

• Free medical screenings
• Advice on preventative health care for all ages
• Healthy cooking demonstrations
• Give-a-ways and samples
• Drawings for prizes at many exhibitor booths
• Entertainment for kids
• First 300 attendees receive a digital thermometer

In addition, the Puget Sound Blood Center will be on-site with a bloodmobile to collect donations.  If you’d like to make an appointment to donate blood, call Janet at 206-248-5508.

Burien's 2nd annual Wellness Fair will be Saturday, Sept. 11th at Town Square Park.

Puget Sounds Skills Center, Health Sciences and Human Services High School, and Highline Community College will also be on hand to talk to students of all ages who are interested in pursuing careers in the health care field.  They will have information on the programs available in their facilities.

Major sponsors of the fair include:

• Burien Group Health
• City of Burien
• Highline Medical Center
• Navos Mental Health Solutions
• Schick Shadel Hospital

Other sponsors:

• Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
• King County Library System

Exhibitor information Letter and Registration Form are available here.

More information on the Burien Wellness Fair here.

Here’s the details:

In April of this year, Highline Medical Center opened a new state-of-the-art ER right in the heart of the B-Town. Thousands of people visited during its grand opening celebration –– and thousands more have been there since to receive care. The response from the B-Town community to the new facility has been a resounding “Thumbs Up!”

Equipment in the two large trauma rooms is overhead, putting everything close at hand in a major emergency

In fact, in June of 2010, Highline ranked in the top 1% for patient satisfaction when compared to nearly 500 hospitals nationwide!

Highline’s new ER is three times larger than its old one and packed with sophisticated technology, from electronic medical records to a high-speed, 64-slice CT system. It’s also designed to make a trip to the ER quicker and a lot more comfortable. For instance, registration is handled at the bedside, allowing patients to be taken directly to their own private treatment room. Doctors use hand-held wireless “tablet” computers or workstations on wheels (WOWs), enabling them to view a patient’s medical record right at the bedside and instantly receive lab results and imaging reports. And every one of the 32 private rooms is equipped to handle any emergency.

Every treatment room has a computer, putting vital information at the bedside

The good news is that you don’t have to be sick or injured to get a good look at B-Town’s new ER. Just click here to see a behind-the-scenes video tour with Grant Goodeve from Northwest Backroads. You’ll not only get to check out the advanced technology and beautiful facilities, you’ll meet the dedicated people who have made Highline’s ER tops in the nation for patient satisfaction.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The Grand Opening Celebration for Highline Medical Center’s New ER and Patient Care Unit is coming Saturday, April 10th from 10am – 3pm at the main campus in Burien.

Along with tours of the new facility, there will be a cool “Blood & Guts” exhibit by Pacific Science Center, workshops, a book signing, mini massages (NOT for MINI Coopers), ambulance and fire truck tours, limited free bike helmets for kids and much more.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Grand Opening celebration of Highline Medical Center’s New ER and Patient Care Unit.

WHEN: Saturday, April 10th from 10am – 3pm.

WHERE: Highline Medical Center’s main campus in Burien (Enter from Sylvester Road for Event Parking).

INFO: Here’s a schedule of events:

Limited Seating On First Come, First Serve Availability.

• 10am: Pacific Science Center presents “SENSE-ational” an entertaining exploration of your senses and how we perceive the world around us.
• 11am: “Are You Ready?” Fitness expert Bob Harper, from The Biggest Loser speaks on finding the motivation to get fit.
• 12pm: Bob Harper signs his book, “Are You Ready! Take Charge, Lose Weight and Change Your Life Forever.” Copies available for purchase.
• 1pm: “Use Your Head.” Grant Goodeve from Northwest Backroads shares his story of a parent’s worst nightmare.
• 1:30pm: Pacific Science Center presents “SENSE-ational” again for those who missed it.

Here’s some info from a flier:

TOURS OF OUR NEW ER & PATIENT CARE UNIT ~ FUN & INFORMATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:

• Blood and Guts, a Pacific Science Center Exhibit
• Acupressure Demonstrations
• Ambulance & Fire Truck Tours
• Wellness & Health
• Risk Assessments
• Mini Massages
• Free Health Screenings
• Bike Helmet Fittings for Kids
• Cupcake Lady
• Health Information Booths
• Senior Health & Wellness
• Safety Booths and Information

SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS:

• 150 free kids’ bike helmets, personally fitted to each child and free Child ID Kits while supplies last. And more.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Bob Harper

Bob Harper has become one of the nation’s most sought-after motivational experts. Now entering his ninth season as a fitness trainer on NBC’s worldwide hit The Biggest Loser, his optimistic outlook, practical advice and gregarious demeanor have earned him fans all over the country. And his “inside-out” approach to making lasting lifestyle changes has led to countless success stories. Harper is also a regular on The Dr. Oz Show and has appeared on Oprah, Larry King Live, CNN Live and Ellen. He has been featured in magazines, including “Oprah,” “Entertainment Weekly,” “TV Guide” and “People”. His book, “Are You Ready! Take Charge, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Change Your Life Forever?” was published in 2008. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase and signing at the event, with proceeds to benefit the Highline Medical Center Foundation.

Grant Goodeve

Grant Goodeve, host of KING TV’s Northwest Backroads, has been a star of television and film for more than 35 years, with leading roles on Eight is Enough, Northern Exposure and One Life to Live, plus dozens of guest roles including Murder She Wrote, Dynasty and 7th Heaven. After moving to the Northwest with his family, Goodeve became a local favorite as a contributor to KING TV’s Evening Magazine and host of the popular series Northwest Backroads. As a father, he experienced a parent’s worst nightmare, when his son Mac had a serious accident while mountain biking. He’ll tell their story and share what every parent should know about bicycle safety.

More info available at Highline Medical Center’s website.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Temporary Occupancy Approved For Highline Medical Center’s New E.R.
• Highline Medical Center’s New Emergency Dept. Set To Open April 9-10

King County Public Health on Wednesday (Dec. 9th) announced that starting this Saturday, Dec. 12th, the H1N1 influenza vaccine will be provided to everybody six months of age and older in King County, with the nearest available at SeaTac HealthPoint, which is located at 4040 South 188th Street.

However, depending on the demand, supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.

The county is taking this next step in widening H1N1 vaccine eligibility because many health care providers in King County are now reporting that they are able to meet the demand for their highest risk patients and vaccine supplies are increasing and expected to continue to rise steadily.

“We’re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that we have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.”

As of Dec. 4, an estimated 380,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza, and an additional 58,000 doses of vaccine are on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county.

Vaccination continues to be particularly important for people at highest risk for H1N1, including pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, people between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, and healthcare and emergency workers.

New clinics and vaccine availability 
H1N1 vaccine is available from local health care providers and pharmacies; see availability at pharmacies. 
Additionally, some health centers are offering free H1N1 vaccination to people who cannot afford to pay.

Clinics will be held from 9am – 3pm on:

• Saturday, Dec. 12th
• Wednesday, Dec. 16th
• Saturday, Dec. 19th

At these HealthPoint clinics:

• SeaTac HealthPoint: 4040 S. 188th Street, Suite 201;Phone: (206) 277-7200
• Kent HealthPoint: 403 E. Meeker
• Auburn HealthPoint: 126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400
• Redmond HealthPoint: 16315 NE 87th Street, Suite B6

Public Health will also hold five free H1N1 clinics this Saturday and next Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These same sites, except for Eastgate Public Health Center, will also have clinics on Wednesday, December 16 from noon to 7 p.m. at:

• Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th Street
• Federal Way Public Health Center, 33431 13th Place South
• Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center, 4400 37th Ave South
• Seattle: North Public Health Center, 10501 Meridian Ave North
• Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way

Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a designated time later that day to return and receive their vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be informed as soon as they arrive.

For more information on future clinics and other H1N1 updates, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

You can also call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions about H1N1 influenza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

King County Public Health announced Monday (Nov. 30th) that it is opening up four free H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning this Saturday, Dec. 5th, then again on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay.

The nearest clinics will be in Renton or Federal Way, with 4,000 doses total (distributed to all 4 sites) available on Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 5pm and 1,000 doses total on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, from Noon to 7pm; here’s the list:

• Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St., Renton)
• Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)
• Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S., Seattle)
• North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N., Seattle)

Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

According to a press release:

More H1N1 influenza vaccine continues to arrive every week, and most vaccine is still going to local health care providers for at risk patients. Local pharmacies are also receiving limited ongoing allocations.

“As more vaccine comes into the community, we’re continuing to allocate limited amounts to people without insurance or who can’t afford to pay,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We encourage people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if insurance covers it.”

An estimated 280,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have already been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza and an additional 90,000 doses of vaccine is on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive.

The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

Most of the vaccine arriving to King County continues to be allocated to health care providers so that they can vaccinate patients who are most at risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Healthcare and emergency workers

People who are recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine should continue to seek it. Vaccine supply is gradually improving each week, and it is expected that eventually there will be enough vaccine in King County for anyone who wants it.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

It’s not quite as controversial as drive-thru “sexpresso” stands with bikin-clad baristas, but members of Group Health can now get flu shots in their vehicles as their Burien Medical Center is providing drive-thru flu shots!

The Burien Group Health Center is located at 140 SW 146th Street, just north of the Safeway shopping complex.

Please note that these shots are just for seasonal influenza, not H1N1. While the drive-thru clinic is meant for G.H. members, they will not turn residents away; however, there is a fee for non-members.

Here’s the schedule for the remaining drive-thru shots:

• Monday, Oct. 26
• Tuesday, Oct. 27
• Saturday, Nov. 7
• Wednesday, Nov. 11
• Saturday, Nov. 14

For more information, visit their website here, or call 206-901-2400.