Dear Sonoma Valley Community,
As we step into November, we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month—a time to highlight the impact of Type 2 diabetes and encourage proactive measures for health. We are proud to partner with the Sonoma Valley Community Health Center and La Luz to increase awareness and promote preventive lifestyle changes through initiatives like “You Are So Sweet: Diabetes Initiative.” With diabetes posing risks such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications, it’s crucial that we work together to foster a healthier community through education and support.
Prevention is key to community health. Alongside our diabetes initiatives, I’d like to emphasize the importance of vaccinations, especially during flu season. If you haven’t yet, please speak with your provider about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines. Protecting yourself and others through preventive care is one of the most impactful steps we can take to safeguard our community’s well-being.
This month, we’re also excited to introduce a new feature in our newsletter: “Meet the Team.” Each edition, we’ll spotlight the dedicated staff who make Sonoma Valley Hospital an invaluable part of our community. This month, we’re proud to profile Kelli Cornell, our Director of Perioperative Services, whose journey from an Air Force surgical tech to leading our perioperative team brings invaluable experience and commitment to SVH.
Thank you for being part of our Sonoma Valley family and for your unwavering support of Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Warm regards,
John Hennelly
CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital
Feature Article: Managing Type 2 Diabetes: A Focus on Prevention and Care
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes in Sonoma Valley
Type 2 Diabetes affects many individuals in our community, and its impact is profound. As it progresses, Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. By recognizing the challenges and making proactive lifestyle changes, we can work together to manage and prevent further impacts of this condition within Sonoma Valley.
Lifestyle, Medication, and Diet: Tools for Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Managing Type 2 Diabetes often requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments, medication, and dietary improvements. Many people can achieve better blood sugar control by maintaining an active lifestyle, following a balanced diet, and working closely with their healthcare providers on effective medication plans.
Exercise and Nutrition Tips for Those with Type 2 Diabetes
Exercise: Walking, swimming, and cycling are all excellent options.
Nutrition: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods that support steady blood sugar levels.
Consistency: Keeping meals and exercise regular can help stabilize blood sugar and improve overall well-being.
Get to Know Us: Profiles from Sonoma Valley Hospital
Welcome to “Get to Know Us,” a new series where we spotlight the remarkable individuals who make Sonoma Valley Hospital a vital part of our community. Over the coming months, we’ll introduce you to some of the dedicated staff members behind our hospital’s compassionate care, sharing their stories, journeys, and what working at SVH means to them. As a community hospital, every staff member and patient hold a unique place in our hearts, and we’re excited to give you a closer look at the people who bring our mission to life.
Featured Profile: Kelli Cornell, RN, Director of Perioperative Services
Tell us about your journey to Sonoma Valley Hospital.
“I started my career as an Air Force-trained surgical tech, which laid a solid foundation for my path forward in healthcare. I returned to school to become an operating room nurse and have been working in surgery for 21 years. After my military service, I worked at The Ohio State University, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, The Presidio Surgery Center in San Francisco, and even a small community hospital in South Carolina. I’ve always been a bit of a wanderer rather than a traveler, exploring opportunities across the country before finding my place here at Sonoma Valley Hospital.”
Can you describe your role and the work of your department?
“I’m currently the Director of Perioperative Services here at Sonoma Valley Hospital. I was hired nine years ago as a clinical coordinator in the operating room, then promoted to manager, and now director about a year ago. Our department cares for a wide variety of surgical patients, performing orthopedic, gyn, general, ophthalmology, and endoscopy procedures, as well as providing a busy outpatient infusion service. We have a diverse team here, including scheduling, nurse navigation, pre-op, OR, post-op, and sterile processing staff. I’m often in the middle of the day-to-day problem-solving within our department—basically, I’m a ‘chaos coordinator’!”
What does a typical day in the perioperative department look like?
“We care for a diverse range of patients undergoing procedures like orthopedics, gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmology, and endoscopy, along with a busy outpatient infusion service. Our staff is incredibly versatile, stepping in where needed to provide the best care for each patient. The atmosphere is one of collaboration and adaptability.”
What do you find most rewarding about your work at Sonoma Valley Hospital?
“Working at a small community hospital offers unique opportunities to make an impact across the organization and community. You get to wear many hats, which means you aren’t confined to one role, but rather contribute to shaping the culture of our hospital. I love being able to promote from within. I’m here today because someone saw potential in me, and I try to do the same for my staff. Many team members here have progressed through various roles, like EVS to anesthesia tech, to sterile processing, and on to unit clerk or even surgical tech and nursing positions. Recently, we promoted two RNs to coordinator/charge roles, which was a proud moment.”
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Sonoma Valley?
“I’m originally from a small town in rural Ohio, so living in Sonoma Valley feels just right. It’s a small town where everyone knows each other, which feels safe and familiar for my children, but we’re still less than an hour from the city, the beach, and the mountains. I’m incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and to work for a hospital that is truly committed to serving the community I’m a part of.”
Hospital Updates: News You Can Use
MRI Update: Advanced 3Tesla MRI Now Available
Sonoma Valley Hospital’s state-of-the-art 3Tesla MRI (3T MRI), a pivotal addition to our diagnostic suite, is up and running with scans happening daily. As one of the few Bay Area facilities equipped with this advanced technology, SVH can now offer many procedures locally that previously required travel to San Francisco. Talk to your provider about sending your order to SVH.
Health Alert: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccinations
With flu season upon us, we encourage everyone to speak with their provider about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations. Protecting yourself and others through vaccination is especially important for vulnerable groups.
Vaccines are available locally at:
- CVS
- Adobe Drugs
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
- Sonoma Valley Community Health Center
Check individual websites for scheduling information.
Sonoma Valley Hospital Flu Vaccine Clinics:
Friday November 15 & Friday November 22
10am – 12pm
Vintage House, 264 1st Street East, Sonoma
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