ENERGY:

Urology Northwest, PS is pleased to be partnering with Puget Sound Energy and TriMechanical in the PSE Natural Gas optimization program.  This program will ensure that the natural gas portion of our HVAC units are working at their optimal level and will save annually over 1000 Therms.   Urology Northwest, PS is anxiously waiting for Snohomish County PUD to have their optimization program up and running for electrical services.   We continue to look for other ways to reduce our impact on the enviroment. 

PTHALATES and PCBs.

At Urology Northwest we strive to provide the higest quality care in the safest environment possible. Part of our commitment to our patients, community and planet involves regularly evaluating our practice for places our impact on individuals and the enviroment can be reduced.  There are many by-products of the medical industry which carry long lasting effects on health - local and global.  Urology Northwest is committed to regular surveillance and evaluation of the products we use.  We have been working with our supply vendors to ensure that medical and other supplies purchased and used in the clinic are free from pthalates and PCBs.   The medical community uses many supplies (catheters, tubing, irrigation solution bags, syringes, etc) that are made of plastic or were designed for "one time only" use.   Urology Northwest PS is committed to using supplies that are not harmful to the environment.

What is PTHALATE -

Pthalates are plasticizing and softening chemicals used in a wide varity of products, especially those containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride).  Though these chemicals have not been shown to build up in the body, exposure is fairly constant and therefore the presence is usually detectable at levels considered "elevated".  A study examining the toxic burden on 10 Washington state residents was recently published on the website "Pollution in People".  We have provided the link to this site.

MEDICAL NEWS: 

Urology Northwest, PS treats many patients who suffer from Interstitial Cystitis, Pelvic Pain, acute and chronic prostatitis.  These condition are frequently misunderstood by the person who is suffering with the condition as well as their family and friends.   The attached article provides good insight.   

Health and Wellness:

Beginning in 2010 patients establishing care with UROLOGY NORTHWEST will notice a new vital sign being taken.   Because we are committed to treating the whole person, Urology Northwest will begin to take waist circumference measurements.   Recent research shows that waist circumference is the best indicator (better than BMI) for risk factors such as High Blood Pressure which can lead to strokes, High Cholesterol which can lead to heart disease and High Glucose, which can lead to diabetes.  These diseases can have a negative impact on a patient's urological health and increases risk if the patient requires a surgical procedure.  Urology Northwest has also implemented a weight loss program that combines behavior modification, nutritional counseling and acupuncture services.  Our goal is to improve the total health of our patients, keeping them able to be active and youthful.