Many of us are looking forward to bringing back family traditions and spending time with loved ones this holiday season. As we prepare to gather with friends and family, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing pandemic and make the right preparations ahead of celebrations and holiday travel.

National Handwashing Awareness Week (Dec. 1-7) is more important than ever as we’re continuing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best defenses against the spread of germs, bacteria and virus, including COVID-19. Son Dong, DO, a Family Medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group — North State, shares a few tips on how to most effectively sanitize and wash your hands to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Dignity Health Medical Foundation announced that Tristan Kouk has joined the organization as Vice President of Operations, Northern California.

Dr. Phuc-Son Dong, a family medicine doctor with Dignity Health Medical Group - North State, answers important questions about the measles below. If you believe you have been exposed to the measles virus, you should call your doctor immediately. Remember, do not physically visit the ER or your doctor's office if you believe you have been in contact with the measles virus, to avoid spreading the virus. 

Dr. Alaeddin Ayyad has joined Dignity Health Medical Group – North State in the Redding office as an Interventional Cardiologist. “Being an interventional cardiologist allows me to treat patients with medication, diagnosing cardiac issues, from chest pain to arrhythmias and even heart failure. We can also use methods such as catheterization, stenting and more. We’re even starting to think about doing valve procedures without having to open the chest,” said Dr. Ayyad.