By Nicholas Samaniego
Special to the News-Press
Maximizing health and well-being was the topic explored at the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation’s annual Advancing Healthcare Symposium, held Tuesday at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens.
According to officials, more than 200 attendees at the fundraising event heard meaningful discussion on early diagnosis and treatments for cancer, followed by keynote speaker Dan Buettner, who presented the impact of the Blue Zones movement on longevity. Also showcased were the hospital’s physician leaders and state-of-art capabilities for early detection and minimally invasive techniques that save lives.
In the first panel, specialists Dr. Arin Aboulian and Dr. Saeid Safaee spoke about minimally invasive care for the most critically ill patients, including those in shock or requiring ventilation. Their discussion included first-hand accounts of lifesaving care for recent heart and brain surgical cases.
Next, Adventist Health Glendale President Alice Issai unveiled the hospital’s plans for developing an Advanced GI (gastroenterology) program, anchored by the expertise of Dr. Armen Gregorian (general and colorectal surgery) and Dr. James Tabibian (interventional gastroenterology). Gregorian and Tabibian spoke on advanced, robotic-assisted, and interventional treatments for patients experiencing complex digestive issues.
The presentation was capped with a keynote presentation from Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author. As in his Netflix documentary series, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” Buettner highlighted five locations around the world as hubs for longevity, lifestyle, purpose and community and he shared simple and accessible wisdom for healthy living.
“Educating and encouraging individuals to live longer, happier lives brings me such joy,” Buettner said. “It was exciting be part of Adventist Health Glendale’s Advancing Healthcare Symposium and hear how they are doing their part to enhance their patients’ quality of life. Seeing this hospital out in the community is an important step in building a stronger, healthier community.”
— Nicholas Samaniego is the marketing and communications manager at Adventist Health.
First published in the May 4 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
