January is Cataract Awareness Month Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision. Most cataracts develop slowly overtime and cloud the normally clear eye lens. As the eye lens’ transparency is lost, vision becomes clouded, similar to trying to look through a fogged window. The cataract’s cloudiness can vary in pattern and size making it difficult to read, drive, and see at night. Cataracts affect as many as 70 percent of Americans over the age of 75 and it is estimated that nearly 400,000 new cases will occur each year in the U.S. alone. Although there is no clear cause for cataracts, there are a variety of factors that contribute to cataract development. Fortunately, cataract removal is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, as well as one of the safest and most effective. Common symptoms include: Painless blurred vision Glare and light sensitivity Poor night vision Double vision in one eye Fading colors Contributing factors to cataract development can include: Diabetes Long-term use of steroids Age Family history Eye injury Excessive exposure to sunlight Cigarette smoke If you think you may have a cataract, contact your health care provider. If you do not have a primary care physician or are looking for an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataracts at California Pacific Medical Center or within the Sutter Health system, please search our Physician Locator Directory. Read more about California Pacific’s Ophthalmology Department and Services, or about cataracts.   Free Heart Health Fair - February 5, 2005 February is American Heart Month Do you think you might be at risk for heart disease? Join us on Saturday, February 5th, 2005 in the California Pacific Medical Center Conference Center for free cholesterol panel, blood glucose, body fat, blood pressure, and hemoglobin screenings. Fasting recommended and refreshments are available for after your screening. Free heart health information, as well as educational talks on diabetes, cardiac rehabilitation, and nutrition will be taking place. The health fair is free and fun. Heart Health Fair February 5, 2005 9:00 to Noon 2333 Buchanan Street Level - A Conference Center San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 923-3155 for more information   African American Breast Health Program California Pacific Medical Center is pleased to announce a new program geared toward helping identify and prevent breast cancer in the San Francisco African American Community. Nearly 10% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases each year will affect African American women. Getting women in earlier for first time screenings and annual mammograms, raising awareness through outreach education in the community, and ongoing collaboration with other community groups are the primary focuses of this program. Learn more about the African American Breast Health Program.   Women and Heart Disease Women's Heart Advantage cpmc.org/services/cardiac/wha.html A majority of women in Northern California have one or more risk factors for heart disease (high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking), but many of them do not consider themselves to be at risk for a heart attack. Read more about the Women's Heart Advantage program.   Events You Don't Want to Miss... Check our calendar of events for a complete listing www.cpmc.org/events/calevents.cfm Body Love Are you tired of yo-yo dieting? Are you constantly getting down on yourself when your clothes feel tight? Do you overeat when you are stressed? Join the Women's Health Resource Center for this 10-week program. Wednesdays 6-9 PM from November 17, 2004 - January 19, 2005. Call(415) 600-0504 for more information. New Family Forum For parents of babies newborn to eight months of age. An informal drop-in group for new parents and their babies to share the joys and challenges of parenting. Groups meet twice a week to discuss topics of interest including "Reducing Chemical Exposure in the Home", "Nutrition for the Family", "Postpartum Fitness", "Choosing Childcare", "The Childproofer" and more. Additional classes and support groups helping you keep healthy throughout the year: Blood Pressure Screening FREE every Thursday Support Group for Women with Eating Disorders Palliation of Cancer Symptoms   Copyright 2004 by California Pacific Medical Center. All rights reserved. All health-related information provided via our newsletter is intended to educate and inform you about illnesses and ways to maintain optimum health. It is not intended to diagnose your personal physical condition and is not a substitute for consulting with your own personal health care provider. Your e-mail address, and any responses to our e-mail newsletter surveys, will be kept private and confidential. You have the option to unsubscribe to our newsletter at any time. HOME California Pacific Health Education Initiative Learning About Your Health http://www.cpmc.org/learning/ California Pacific Health Education Initiative (CPHEI) is an on-going program to expand and improve education for patients and their families receiving care at California Pacific Medical Center. More than 280 physicians, staff and volunteer advisors at the Medical Center have collaborated with CPHEI staff to produce a searchable web library that allows anyone to access, view and print hundreds of patient education resources. Search our learning resources. [PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION] LETTERS There are no letters for this article. 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