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Why Gamma Knife

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Gamma Knife Perfexion

The future is here for patients suffering from brain tumors and other neurological brain disorders.

At PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Gamma Knife Center, you will find Gamma Knife Perfexion -- incision-free treatment available for select brain conditions.

Advanced technology, combined with our leading expertise, helps us to achieve even better outcomes and overall patient experience:

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Short recovery time
  • Minimal pain or discomfort
  • Precise targeting (spares healthy surrounding tissue)
  • Single treatment session

 

A physician guides a patient through the gamma knife process
 
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Learn about Gamma Knife

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Birthing Lane County

It's your moment
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Birthing Lane County

It's your moment

From the moment you learned you were pregnant; the moment you felt that first kick; the moment you saw your baby for the first time.

Let the caregivers at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend be with you for the moment you say “It’s time”. With private suites and safe, soothing, family-centered care, our dedicated team will be there to coach, comfort and celebrate you at one of the most important moments of your life.

This is your moment. Let us help you make it one you’ll cherish forever. 

When it comes to your pregnancy, you’re already an expert. You know what size fruit your growing baby is now, and you’ve already registered for all the baby gear. But you also know that no book or app can totally prepare you for what’s to come. So let us help you cover all the basics with a personal conversation with one of our birth nurse navigators.

Complete the form to get a callback from our Birthing Nurse Navigator and our free birthing brochure download.

Knee and Hip Risk Assessment Quiz

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Take the first step to less joint pain and better overall health.

Joint pain is common, especially as we get older. Did you know about two of every five American adults over age 64 have joint pain?

If you’re one of the millions with a “hitch in your giddy-up,” take our quiz as the first step in your journey to better health.

A person in dark leggings and bright pink running shoes stops to feel their knee as if in pain.

Welcome New Neighbor

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A woman carries a moving box into a light-filled room.

Welcome New Neighbor

Peace of mind, close to home.

As you discover your new community, it's good to know that convenient care is right around the corner. From life-threatening conditions to everday illnesses and injuries, PeaceHealth is here when you need us. 

Select the location nearest you to find care.

Opioids

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Get Informed About Opioids

Opioids can be the right prescription for pain, but they carry risks. Anyone can develop problems from using opioids. Learn how to manage your pain safely.

A family walks through a field of freshly cut grass in the early evening.

What You Need To Know About Your Prescription

Illustration of yellow circle with pills and capsules inside, with the words "Prescription opioids"

You may have an opioid prescription and lots of questions. Read below to learn more about opioids, how we use them, and why they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

What pain pills are opioids?

Opioids are powerful medicines that help you manage your pain so it is tolerable. Some common opioids are:

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • OxyContin®
  • Vicodin®
  • Percocet®
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Fentanyl

Check with your doctor to find out if you have an opioid prescription.

What are opioids for?

Opioids provide short-term relief of extreme pain. They are strong medicines that block your brain from feeling pain. Opioids do not heal the source of pain.

Opioids are effective for short-term pain, like the pain you feel as you recover from surgery, or a recent serious illness or injury. However they are also highly addictive. The longer you use opioids, the more your body will need opioids to make the pain go away and just feel normal. This is called dependency and can lead to addiction. This is one reason why it's important to avoid using opioids for a long time.

How does pain work?

When we have an injury, our bodies send messages through the nervous system to the brain. The brain knows that something hurts and sends signals through the body to take action and protect you. Feeling pain is important, but it doesn't always equal harm.

Feeling pain is normal, and the goal of pain management is not to eliminate pain. The goal of pain management is to control your pain so it is tolerable.

How do opioids help with pain?

Opioids do not cure the source of the pain, they only decrease the intensity of the pain. When you take an opioid, it affects the area in the brain that receives pain signals from the rest of the body. In other words, they mask the pain from your brain.

This helps people who are recovering from acute (short-term) pain, like after surgery or a recent illness or injury.

What are the risks with using opioids?

Prescription opioids can be taken safely if their use is limited in dose and amount of time. But taking too much, or for too long, can lead to:

  • Dependence 
    Dependence is when your body relies on a medication, like opioids, to feel “normal.” Our bodies can quickly build a tolerance to the effects of opioids, which means we need more of the opioid to get the same pain relief. Dependence can develop in as little as 5 days of use.
  • Addiction
    Addiction is repeatedly craving , looking for, or taking drugs even when you know it's not good for you. Because opioids are so strong, we can easily become addicted. It might be hard to believe that addiction could happen to you or someone you love, but the truth is, ANYONE can become addicted to opioids because they are so strong. In fact, the majority of people who use heroin started with prescription opioids [Source NIH: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin]. Addiction can develop in as little as 7 days of use.
  • Overdose
    Overdose is when you take too high of a dose, which slows your heartbeat and breathing. Our bodies need oxygen from the air we breathe in order to work properly. This can lead to loss of consciousness, coma, and death. This can happen if we take too much of an opioid, like if we take too many pills, or if we mix opioids with other depressants, like alcohol or benzodiazepines, also called "benzos," (for example, Xanax®). And if you drink or use benzos with opioids at the same time, the dangerous effects they produce dramatically increase. 

Managing Your Prescriptions Safely and Responsibly

Opioids are very powerful medications that can be the right treatment for pain, but they come with risks. Here are easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Illustration of a person being massaged

Limit your use

Unlike antibiotics, you do NOT need to take all opioids prescribed to you. Stop taking opioids as soon as your pain is tolerable. The less you take, the safer you are from negative consequences like dependence, addiction and overdose. Ask about non-addictive alternatives. There are many ways to treat pain without opioids, such as physical therapy, non-opioid medicines and compresses.

Non-opioid alternatives

Alternatives to opioids may be covered by your insurance provider. These commonly include: 

  • Non-medication options, like ice, heat, massage, gentle exercise, meditation, acupuncture, stretching, yoga. 
  • Non-opioid medicines (oral and topical), like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cyclobenzaprine, lidocaine ointment. 
  • Therapy to modify emotional and physical triggers of pain and stress.

Many of these pain treatment options can be used at the same time. 

Illustration of a locked box or vault

Safely store

Keep your prescription out of reach of children, like in a locked container. It might seem extreme, but locking up your prescription opioids is the best way to keep children or other loved ones from accessing your pills and will prevent them from accidentally overdosing. Be sure to keep them out of common areas like kitchen or bathroom counters, coffee tables, or on top of nightstands.  Don’t share. Your prescription is meant for you only. Do not share with others. Remember, your prescription is meant for your specific needs and a dose that is safe for you could be dangerous for someone else. 

Illustration of crossed out toilet and garbage can

Get rid of leftovers quickly

Do not keep opioids for future use. If your pain returns, it means you have not fully healed and may require another type of treatment. Keeping your pills may provide access to others and put them at risk.  Safely dispose by returning leftover pills to a safe disposal site near you. Help keep our water systems and landfills clean by NOT throwing them out or flushing them down the toilet. Find more information on how to dispose of your pills in OregonWashington, and Alaska.

Illustration of smiling stick figure type person with disembodied hand holding a pill

Parents use precaution with children who are prescribed opioids

If you are a parent of someone prescribed opioids, it is especially important to follow these precautions. Dispense medicine to your child EXACTLY as prescribed. It can be hard to say no to a child in pain, but opioids are risky and giving them more than prescribed can put them at risk.  Do not take opioids yourself and store in a secure place to prevent anyone else from taking them. 

Illustrations showing a person being weighed down by opioid addiction

What Happens When Opioid Use Becomes a Problem?

Opioids are very powerful, and problem use can happen very easily. Anyone can have a problem using opioids, so it’s important to learn the warning signs and take action immediately. 

Who is at risk?

Using opioids, even as prescribed, can lead to problems like dependence and addiction if a person isn’t careful. Misusing opioids, like taking more than prescribed or taking with alcohol, can seriously increase the likelihood of an overdose. Even people with no history of substance use can develop a dependency and addiction to opioids (Opioid Use Disorder). It can only take a few days.

How will I know there's something wrong?

Common signs of dependence or addiction you should look for in others are: 

Unexplained change in: 

  • Attitude 
  • Appetite 
  • Sleep patterns 

Personality, such as:

  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Angry outbursts 
  • Sudden changes in social behaviors, like friends, favorite hangouts or hobbies.
  • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
  • An unexplained need for money. 
  • Common signs of dependence and addiction to look for in yourself include:
  • Craving more of the substance, even after your pain goes away.
  • Experiencing headaches, nausea or sweats if you have not taken opioids in several hours.

If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s opioid use, take immediate action. It is important to act quickly before things get worse. Remember, anyone can have a problem with opioid use. Seeing the signs of a problem early and taking action is the right thing to do and can save a life. 

Talk to your doctor immediately. They are there to help keep you healthy and safe, and can help you find non-opioid alternatives to manage your pain or get support.

Emergency? CALL 911

An opioid overdose can look just like sleeping. If someone is unresponsive and you suspect an overdose is happening, call 911 and administer naloxone (Narcan®), a life-saving medications that can reverse an overdose, according to directions.

Signs of an overdose include:

  • Not breathing, slow/shallow breathing
  • Unresponsiveness, unconscious
  • Blue lips and/or nail beds
  • Snoring, choking, or gurgling sounds
  • Small “pinpoint” pupils Pale or blue, cold, sweaty skin

Strides for Social Justice

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Strides for Social Justice

Take a journey through local Black history by downloading this free, family-friendly app.

A person holds a phone with the image of a historic house and description

Racism is pervasive throughout our country. We invite you to be a part of the solution.

Strides for Social Justice – a PeaceHealth initiative developed in partnership with the Eugene Marathon – is designed to be a free, inclusive, family-friendly program that will engage and educate participants on the contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents of Lane County, and also highlight the injustices many have faced. Together we can stop the cycle of racism, building a more inclusive culture in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. It is only through awareness, understanding and action that we can truly be part of the solution. And, only by looking back can we move forward.

Our Mission

To engage and educate participants on the landmarks demonstrating the history, contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents while also promoting health and wellness.

Our Vision

To influence and effect change that enhances community health and contributes to a socially just and unified Eugene/Springfield.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 
-Nelson Mandela

 

About the app

App-based and available on both iOS and Android app stores, Strides for Social Justice guides participants on routes to various landmarks, creating a journey that provides a view into local Black history and the powerful influence of Black residents in our community.

This free app also aims to encourage physical activity for people of all abilities and fitness levels, while generating financial resources in support of the NAACP and other organizations focused on social justice initiatives.

How it works

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Download the app.

Download the app on either the iOS or Android App stores.

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Pick a route.

Choose from several routes to learn about local Black history.

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Explore and learn.

Navigate your selected route by walking, running, biking or rolling from landmark to landmark.

Ready to get started?

Strides for Social Justice is available on both the iOS and Android App stores.

Apple app store logo Google Android app store logo

Get involved

Are you interested in taking additional steps to promote social justice within our community? Here are a few options for you to consider:

Donate

Support Black-owned businesses

Share experiences on social media

  • Explain how your journey along one or more of the Strides for Social Justice routes impacted you
  • Post a photo of your journey
  • Invite others to participate in Strides for Social Justice

Learn more

Thank yous

Strides for Social Justice would not have been possible without the 16-member Steering Committee comprised of community members with varied backgrounds. The members advised PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon and were influential in developing this program.

Thank yous also go to the following organizations, which also helped shape this program:

In the news

2022 

2021

The Bottom Line (Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter)

KEZI

KVAL/KMTR

KLCC public radio

City Club of Eugene via KLCC

KKNU 

Lane County Medical Society (Medical Matters Magazine) 

  • April: PeaceHealth and Eugene Marathon make Strides for Social Justice (No link available)

Catholic Health World

Contact us

Media
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist,  Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org

Organizations or individuals looking to get involved
Contact Sherri Buri McDonald, Communications Specialist,  Marketing & Communications, PeaceHealth Oregon
SBuriMcDonald@peacehealth.org

Technical issues or concerns with the app
Contact Ian Dobson, Race Director, Eugene Marathon
ian@eugenemarathon.com

General questions or concerns
Contact PeaceHealth Public Affairs
publicaffairsPHOR@peacehealth.org

MitraClip Procedure

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MitraClip Procedure

Take your life back from mitral regurgitation with this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

 
A PeaceHealth provider discusses the TAVR procedure with a patient in a clinical setting

What is MitraClip?

PeaceHealth takes pride in introducing minimally-invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, including this advanced procedure that helps patients take their lives back from mitral regurgitation.

The MitraClip procedure repairs leaky heart valves. It may allow patients to avoid medication or open-heart surgery. Patients who undergo the MitraClip procedure typically return home from the hospital within two days of the procedure and fully recover in about a week.

Photo of happy woman and text for Mitraclip Download guide

Take your life back from mitral regurgitation

Learn about the MitraClip procedure.

How does the MitraClip procedure work?

A small incision is made in the upper leg, and the MitraClip is inserted into a vein. A surgeon then guides the MitraClip up to your heart, and clips it to your mitral valve. The procedure typically takes 3-4 hours. The length of your stay in the hospital may vary, but could be as little as one day depending on your recovery and overall health. Full recovery time also varies, but usually happens within one week.

Is MitraClip right for me?

Your first step should be scheduling a visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your care team will develop a personalized care plan to determine if MitraClip is right for you, and if not, explore a range of treatments from medication management to open-heart surgery.

Choose PeaceHealth for your MitraClip procedure

You won’t miss a beat when you choose PeaceHealth for your MitraClip Procedure.

The trusted choice

Your heart is in good hands when you pick PeaceHealth. Our cardiac teams that perform MitraClip have an average of 34 years of surgical experience, and are extensively trained on the procedure.

Quality care

The MitraClip procedure can be performed at locations in Washington and Oregon, so you can get the care you need without traveling far. And you can schedule an appointment with a PeaceHealth cardiologist more quickly than any of the leading heart care providers in the communities that we serve.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial Fibrillation

Find out how PeaceHealth can help you take your life back from atrial fibrillation.

A PeaceHealth cardiology provider examines a patient in a clinical setting.

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart rhythm disorder that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. While it is possible to live a normal life with mild atrial fibrillation, more severe cases can lead to serious issues like stroke or congestive heart failure if left untreated.

Treatments

The treatment plan for atrial fibrillation depends on the severity of your condition and personal health characteristics. Treatments may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Lifestyle modifications to achieve healthier habits
  • Medication management, including blood thinners and heart rate and rhythm medicines
  • Minimally or non-invasive procedures, such as Watchman (an alternative to blood thinner medications) and catheter ablation 
  • Open heart surgery, such the Maze and Convergent 
An older happy couple on the cover of the download watchman guide cover

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation

Learn more about our Watchman procedure.

Choosing PeaceHealth for your atrial fibrillation care

PeaceHealth cardiologists average more than 23 years of experience treating atrial fibrillation and treat an average of 10,000 AFib patients every year. We have the experience to help you manage your condition and lead a full healthy life, so you never have to miss a beat.

Quality care close to home

You don’t have to wait to get the care you need. With more than 50 heart specialists across Alaska, Washington and Oregon, you can conveniently and promptly get an appointment close to home.

Trusted expertise

PeaceHealth is consistently recognized for providing safe, effective, and high-quality cardiac care. Recent recognition has come from the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the Foundation for Health Care Quality, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Innovative treatments

We take pride in introducing minimally invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities. Today's advanced heart procedures are designed to help you recover quickly and so that you can return to your normal life.

Personalized care plans

We understand every patient has a different story. Our cardiac teams will partner with you and your primary care physician to evaluate your condition and ensure you get connected with a treatment pathway that best fits your needs.

Symptoms and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation

You should make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Rapid and irregular heartbeat
  • A fluttering or thumping feeling in the chest
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath and anxiety
  • Faintness or confusion
  • Sweating
  • Fatigue while exercising
  • Weakness
  • Chest pain or pressure*

*PLEASE NOTE: Chest pain or pressure may be a medical emergency. If you are experiencing this symptom call 911 immediately.

Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is typically done through one or more tests conducted at your appointment. This may include electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), Holter monitor, echocardiogram, blood tests, stress tests, and/or chest X-rays.

Find a PeaceHealth cardiologist

Schedule an appointment today if your atrial fibrillation is unmanaged, or you aren’t satisfied with your current treatment plan.
 

Watchman Procedure

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Watchman Procedure

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation with this innovative, minimally invasive procedure.

A PeaceHealth provider discusses the TAVR procedure with a patient in a clinical setting

What is Watchman?

PeaceHealth takes pride in introducing minimally-invasive heart technologies and surgical techniques into our communities, including this advanced procedure that helps patients take their lives back from atrial fibrillation.

Watchman helps prevent blood clots caused by atrial fibrillation. This ground-breaking procedure may allow patients to say “goodbye” to a lifetime of blood thinners and get back to normal life quickly.

An older happy couple on the cover of the download watchman guide cover

Take your life back from atrial fibrillation

Learn more about our Watchman procedure.

How does the Watchman procedure work?

A small incision is made in the upper leg and the Watchman device is inserted via a tube. The device is about the size of a quarter and shaped like a parachute. Your surgeon guides the Watchman device up and into your heart’s left atrial appendage. The device blocks off the appendage to prevent blood clotting.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour. Patients often stay overnight in our hospital for observation and leave the next day. Full recovery time also varies, but patients are usually back to normal life within a week.

Is Watchman right for me?

Your first step should be scheduling a visit to your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your care team will develop a personalized care plan to determine if Watchman is right for you.

Choose PeaceHealth for your Watchman Procedure

You won’t miss a beat when you choose PeaceHealth for your Watchman Procedure.

The trusted choice

Your heart is in good hands when you pick PeaceHealth. Our cardiac teams that perform Watchman have an average of 23 years of surgical experience and are extensively trained on the procedure.

Quality care

The Watchman procedure can be performed at locations in Washington and Oregon, so you can get the care you need without traveling far. And you can schedule an appointment with a PeaceHealth cardiologist more quickly than any of the leading heart care providers in the communities that we serve.