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Living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope

At Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, you’re never just a patient. You’re so much more. Our award-winning services are built to help you experience everything life has to offer. Together, our team of compassionate and talented caregivers proudly serves Mendocino County with quality and patient experience at the heart of what we do — every visit, every connection and every moment.

• Allergy
• Aromatherapy
• Bariatrics
• Behavioral Health
• COMPASS Street Medicine Program
• Cancer Treatment and Infusion Center
• Diabetes Education
• Emergency Services
• Family Birth Center
• Family Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Lab Services
• Medical Imaging
• OB / GYN Care
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedic Care
• Outpatient Pavilion
• Pain Management
• Pediatric Care
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Respiratory Care
• Rheumatology
• Surgical Services
• Urology
• Women's Health

Wound Care

An experience made for you

Every mother and child has different preferences and needs. Your dedicated maternity care team will work with you to create the individuated birth plan you have always imagined, while keeping both you and your baby safe.

Our team will work with you to identify the best maternity care team for you and your family. Your team will include an experienced physician and medical resident, together they will help you welcome your precious miracle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, as of 2018, 122 million people in the U.S. have diabetes or prediabetes. The rate of diabetes among children and teens is increasing. These statistics are sobering.

Diabetes is a serious condition. In severe cases it can lead to heart and kidney disease, stroke, amputation, blindness and even death. Adventist Health is committed to helping you avoid diabetes where possible and manage it successfully when necessary.

Diabetes affects your body's ability to either produce or properly use insulin and is categorized into three variations: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational.

• Type 1 Diabetes: Predominantly found in children and adolescents, Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body has a difficult time producing insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot convert sugar to energy, which is why people with diabetes must receive insulin injections.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adulthood. This type of diabetes increases your body’s resistance to insulin. Patients with Type 2 diabetes have to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and live a healthy lifestyle.
• Gestational Diabetes: This is the only known temporary form of diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually ends shortly after. However, if you had gestational diabetes than you are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and should take preventative measures.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Diabetes

When a doctor wants to confirm or rule out a diabetes diagnosis, they usually order a Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This is a blood test that can measure your average blood sugar levels from the past two to three months. If the test comes back with a high level of hemoglobin, this is usually confirmation that you have diabetes.

Diabetes management needs to begin as soon as you receive a diagnosis. The earlier you learn how to treat diabetes, the easier it will be to carry those lessons through the rest of your life and prevent serious complications.

The most important elements of diabetes treatment include:

• Monitoring blood sugar
• Receiving insulin therapy
• Taking medication to produce insulin or break down carbohydrates
• Receiving a pancreas transplant in severe cases where it is difficult to control diabetes

If you have prediabetes, there is still a chance you can prevent the onset of full diabetes. You and your care team can create an exercise and diet plan that will help your body delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Importance of regular checkups

There’s a lot to do to manage diabetes, from daily self-care to lab tests and visits with your health care team. Here are some of the regular checkups you may need:

Every three-six months

Visit your provider: You should see your provider every three to six months for an exam. Your provider will monitor your blood sugar and change your medications if needed. He or she will also ensure that you are up-to-date on your care. It is OK to ask your provider to check your feet at each visit.

Get a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): A Hemoglobin A1C lab test tells your provider what your average blood sugar has been over the last three months. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with diabetes should aim to have an HbA1C of less than 7%. Discuss with your provider what your target number should be.

Twice a year

Visit your dentist: People with diabetes have increased risk for dental problems, so plan to get a dental exam every six months.

Once a year

Get a lipid panel: This test measures your cholesterol levels. Diabetes can lower your “good” cholesterol and increase the “bad” cholesterol, so monitoring your levels is important for your heart health.

Get our eyes screened: People with diabetes are at risk for serious eye problems. Plan to visit your provider and get your eyes checked once a year. In many of our primary care clinics, you can also have your eyes screened using the RetinaVue® camera when you visit your primary care provider. If you have eye problems because of diabetes, you will likely see your eye health provider more often.

Get a foot exam: Your provider should check the pulses in your feet and your reflexes at least once a year. Your provider should also check your feet for calluses, infections, sores and loss of feeling. (If you have had foot ulcers before, you need to see your provider more often for foot exams, about every three to six months.) Check your feet often at home as well. Use a mirror to see the bottoms if needed.

Get kidney function tests: Over time, diabetes can affect the kidneys ability to clean the blood properly and remove extra fluid. These tests will tell your provider how well your kidneys are working and if there are any signs for concern

Benefits of diabetes education

Scientists have not yet determined the cause of diabetes, but both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle play a part in the development the disease.

Studies show that people with diabetes live healthier lives when they have education and support from a healthcare team. Adventist Health’s certified diabetes educators work with you and your doctor, providing the services and support you need so that together we can help control your disease.

We believe knowledge is power. Our hospitals offer courses that teach new skills and give you vital information to help you better manage your condition. Having your diabetes under control allows you to live a healthier and fuller life with fewer complications.

Our group classes also connect you with others who are living with diabetes. This means in addition to lifesaving education, you will get personal motivation and support from people who really understand what you’re going through.

Our Family Birth Center, located in Ukiah, offers an intimate setting where expectant mothers can feel pampered in their very own private birthing suite. Our rooms are designed with your comfort in mind, offering labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care all in the same room.

Our dedicated nurses have spent their careers supporting women through labor and postpartum care and are here to help you on your special day. We want your birthing experience to be exactly how you have always envisioned it and encourage all of our expecting moms to share their birthing plans with us upon arrival.

To learn more about our Family Birth Center or to schedule a tour, call (707) 463-7550.

Full-service labor and delivery

• Private birthing suites
• In-room Jacuzzi tubs
• Breastfeeding support
• Anesthesiologist on call 24/7
• Special care nursery (Level II Nursery)

Advanced care

Our Level II Nursey is equipped to care for babies as early as 34 weeks or with additional medical needs. Our pediatricians and nurses have advanced training in neonatal care and are experts in helping babies in their first few days so they can safely go home.

Schedule a tour

Touring our Family Birth Center can help you feel more prepared and confident when you arrive for your delivery. We offer in-person tours by appointment or you can watch our video tour.