Lydia Ruiz, CHE

	Joined Jul, 2002 Department: Health Education Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) [Map] Title: Ob/Gyn Clinical Health Educator Interests: kayaking, drumming, hiking, sustainable (green) living Languages: Spanish Practitioner Homepage
Bio I work in the Ob/Gyn Department, Suite 210/230, in the West Medical Office Building. As a Clinical Health Educator, I provide helpful pregnancy tips to families expecting a baby. I provide"TLC" both in Spanish and English. In the traditional sense of the acronym TLC, I do my job with tender loving care for each and every Kaiser member. But additionally, here at Kaiser, "TLC" stands for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes. I assist members in their own journey to discover what they want to change, how they want to go about achieving the change, and how to celebrate their effort and successes. I assist with creating healthy patterns, routines that are tailored for each individual member. I see my role as a change agent and health activist. You can self-refer to see me by calling the appointment and advice line or my direct phone number: (707)393-4402. I also can do phone consults.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: I graduated from the School for International Training in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in International Studies and Cross-Cultural Communications and a minor in Spanish. I began working at Kaiser teaching classes in 1994, and as a Clinical Health Educator in 2002. Prior to this I worked 15 years in community health clinics in Sonoma and Napa Counties as a childbirth educator and lactation consultant. Here at Kaiser Santa Rosa I teach pre-natal classes for the maternal-child health program, and work in the Ob/Gyn department providing education to pregnant women and their families. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant ICEA certified Childbirth Educator Current projects or research: Multi-Cultural Health Care Council; Staff Liaison for Kaiser Latino Council (a Patient Advisory Council) Great health resources that I refer to: March of Dimes web site has valuable up-to the minute information on pregnancy. Go to: www.marchofdimes.com Dr. Sobel's (a Kaiser physician) research on mind-body connection of health. Read his great book: The Healthy Mind Healthy Body Handbook. It is available for loan or purchase in our Health Education Center. The Balance Within: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions by Esther M. Sternberg www.breastcancerfund.org www.cancer.org www.americanheart.org www.ucsusa.org www.foodnews.org	Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field: Artwork from Mexico where I did my undergraduate internship
Interests
I run daily with my dog, Steve-O. I ran my first 5K in San Fransisco in Novemeber, 2007. (I finished in 37 min 22 sec). In May I will be running the Bay to Breakers. I love percussion and play the conga and jembe drums. My favorite thing to do is to kayak on Tomales Bay with my family on a sunny morning. Every year I hike up Mt Tam with the Breast Cancer Fund to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer prevention. Currently reading: Spirtuality and Health Magazine; The Namesake My favorite book or author: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron Great movie: Motorcycle Diaries	Hobby Photos & Links: Artwork from Mexico where I did my undergraduate internship To remind me to breathe... The Palisades Mts - my backyard in Napa county Mt Tam redwood forest Tomales Bay annual hike up Mt Tam for breast cancer research
Family & Friends
People in my life: I have two sons, aged 17 and 21, and a Brazilian foreign exchange student is now living with our family. I was born and raised near Chicago, Illinois, daughter of a high school science teacher and a bookkeeper.	Photos of my Family & Friends: my family

Travel
One of my recent trips: Big Sur coast	Trip Photos: Big, beautiful Sur