MultiCare Health System

03/19/2026

Colorectal cancer — often referred to as colon cancer — is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when numbers for men and women are combined. However, you can take steps to help lower your risk and prevent colon cancer from developing.

https://multica.re/4qGCXtg

03/18/2026

Approximately 3 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with anemia during their lifetimes.

Anemia is a condition characterized by lower-than-normal red blood cells, which are responsible for circulating iron-rich blood throughout the body. Low iron levels make it harder for your body to create those red blood cells.

“Iron deficiency can sometimes be confused with dehydration, cardiovascular or thyroid disease and depression because of the similar symptoms. A blood test is the only way to verify if it’s iron deficiency or if there’s something else going on,” explains Natalie Robinson, ARNP, an obstetrics and gynecology provider at MultiCare Women’s Center – Puyallup.

Women are more susceptible to iron deficient anemia, often because of periods and pregnancy, but you can prevent and treat low iron levels.

03/18/2026

Our relationship with sugar is complicated. It’s often part of routines and celebrations, but we may feel guilty about eating sugar and hear conflicting advice about its place in our diet.
Is it better to use natural sugars than refined sugars? What about using artificial sweeteners? Should you try to avoid sugar altogether?

A registered dietitian and nutritionist at MutiCare separates sugar facts from fiction, so you can make realistic choices that support your health: https://multica.re/3Oln0v7

03/17/2026

Women have been making profound contributions to the fields of science and medicine for generations, often overcoming gender bias and smashing stereotypes to do so.

In honor of their ongoing contributions, we share the stories of five women whose achievements — from refining cancer treatments to engineering new biotechnology to advocating for the most vulnerable — have saved countless lives and inspired future generations of trailblazers.

Women have been making profound contributions to the fields of science and medicine for generations, often overcoming gender bias and smashing stereotypes to do so. In honor of their ongoing contributions, we share the stories of five women whose achiev...

03/17/2026

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we asked MultiCare employees to share their thoughts and the ways they recognize the observance. https://multica.re/4s4cl7c

03/16/2026

How old were you the first time you thought about your weight? For many, it’s likely a lot younger than you realize.

“From a very young age, we’ve inadvertently been taught to put a lot of value on body size and shape,” explains Andrea Donalty, MD, MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Pediatrics. “There is so much pressure for young girls and boys to look a certain way.”

As society and medicine move forward, health care professionals want to reshape how people define and talk about what it means to be healthy through the practice of weight inclusivity.

Discover how weight-inclusive care helps kids and families feel good in their bodies -- at any size or shape.

03/13/2026

MultiCare’s Indigo Urgent Care Fellowship is a 14-week program that brings in physician assistants and nurse practitioners who have recently graduated or are new to urgent care. They work as full-time employees, side-by-side with experienced urgent care clinicians, to learn the ins and outs of the clinic.

MultiCare's Indigo Urgent Care Fellowship offers hands-on training, mentorship, and peer support to help new PAs and NPs thrive in urgent care settings.

03/12/2026

Ever been told to “eat more fiber”? It’s common advice from health care providers, but most of us fall short.

Only about 5% of men and 9% of women meet daily fiber intake recommendations, according to the American Society for Nutrition. Not getting enough dietary fiber means missing out on a nutrient vital for long-term health.

March is National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to look at you and your family’s eating habits and maybe even find some creative and fun ways to make healthier food choices. https://multica.re/4jBjvfE

03/11/2026

Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have been on the rise the past few decades

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when numbers for men and women are combined. Luckily, when detected early, colorectal cancers are treatable. In the United States alone, there are more than one million colon cancer survivors.

Learn more about prevention and screening options: https://multica.re/4qGCXtg

03/10/2026

If you’re dealing with persistent shoulder pain that’s affecting your sleep and daily activities, you might be surprised to learn that shoulder replacement could be an option for you.

“I hear it all the time,” says Rufus Van D**e IV, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with MultiCare Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “People tell me, ‘I didn’t even know you could replace a shoulder.’”

Although not as well-known as hip or knee replacement — which most people are familiar with through friends or family members who have had one — shoulder replacement is equally transformative.

MultiCare orthopedic surgeon Rufus Van D**e, MD, discusses when shoulder replacement surgery is appropriate, how it works and what recovery looks like.

03/10/2026

MultiCare is committed to cultivating, sustaining and evolving a genuine culture of belonging — an environment where all people feel valued and welcome for who they are. Celebrating and uplifting cultural and historical observances that reflect our workforce and community is a key part of that.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we asked MultiCare employees to share their thoughts and the ways they recognize the observance. https://multica.re/4s4cl7c

Here’s what they had to say.

03/09/2026

Have you noticed your child squinting to see people or objects in the distance? If so, they may have myopia.

Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is increasing among both children and adults. “Today, much of what we do is both within arm’s reach and digital. We spend a lot of time on our computers, tablets and phones, and less time outside, and those lifestyle factors play a role in the development of myopia as well as how quickly it progresses,” says Nate Biancardi, OD, a board-certified optometrist at MultiCare Rockwood Eye & Optical Center – Downtown.

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is increasing. But there are treatments that can slow its progression and support long-term eye health.