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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

Southern California Medical Center

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Van Nuys, CA
Southern California Medical Center

Welcome to Southern California Medical Center. Our team of providers are here to serve you. Let us help you get well and stay healthy!

Wherever you are from, whatever your income, we are here to help you and your family get the best healthcare you can.

01/26/2026

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, and every minute counts. Knowing the warning signs helps you act quickly and get emergency care when it matters most.

Here’s an easy way to remember them:

🧠 F.A.S.T.
F — Face: Is one side drooping?
A — Arms: Can they raise both arms?
S — Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: Call 911 immediately.

Additional symptoms may include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side
• Severe, sudden headache
• Vision changes
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance
• Confusion or trouble understanding speech

A stroke is always a medical emergency, do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

01/23/2026

A headache might not mean stress, it might mean you’re dehydrated.
Dehydration headaches are common, especially in winter when people forget to drink enough water. When your body is low on fluids, your brain temporarily contracts from fluid loss, triggering pain and pressure often felt across the forehead, temples, or the back of the head.

Common signs your headache may be from dehydration:
• Dry mouth or increased thirst
• Fatigue or lightheadedness
• Dark urine or decreased urination
• Tight, pressing headache that improves after hydrating

The good news? These headaches usually improve with adequate fluids, electrolytes, and rest. But recurring dehydration can strain your body, impact focus, and worsen existing health conditions.

✨ If you experience frequent headaches or aren’t sure what’s causing them, schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you find clarity and relief.

01/21/2026

Sodium plays a key role in how your body balances fluids. When you consume too much salt, your body holds onto extra water, increasing blood volume and putting more pressure on your blood vessel walls. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Common signs you may be eating more sodium than you realize:
• Frequent bloating or swelling
• Headaches
• Feeling extra thirsty
• Blood pressure readings creeping up

Where most sodium comes from:
• Packaged snacks
• Canned soups
• Frozen meals
• Restaurant and fast food
• Certain breads and sauces

Small changes can make a big impact:
• Choose low-sodium versions when possible
• Flavor with herbs, citrus, pepper, or garlic instead of salt
• Read labels, sodium adds up quickly
• Aim for whole, unprocessed foods most of the time

Lowering sodium can help reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and support long-term wellness.

01/20/2026

SCMC is honored to be Great Place to Work® certified.
A strong workplace culture matters, it supports our team and strengthens the care we deliver to our patients and partners.

01/19/2026

Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting… but is it food poisoning or the stomach flu?
These two illnesses feel similar, but their causes (and timelines) are different.

🦠 Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)
• Caused by viruses like norovirus
• Symptoms start 12–48 hours after exposure
• Often includes fever, body aches, diarrhea, nausea
• Spreads easily from person to person
• Usually lasts 1–3 days

🍗 Food Poisoning
• Caused by contaminated food or water
• Symptoms often start quickly within hours
• More likely to cause severe vomiting or sudden diarrhea
• May affect only the people who ate the same food
• Typically improves within 24–48 hours

When to seek medical care:
✔️ Signs of dehydration
✔️ Vomiting for more than 24 hours
✔️ Blood in stool or vomit
✔️ Fever over 102°F
✔️ Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
✔️ Severe abdominal pain

Most mild cases improve with hydration, rest, and slowly returning to bland foods, but persistent or severe symptoms may need medical attention.

01/16/2026

A fever isn’t an illness, it’s a signal.
When your body temperature rises, it’s usually your immune system responding to an infection, inflammation, or another internal stressor. Understanding what a fever means can help you know when to rest at home and when to seek care.

What counts as a fever?
• 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a true fever
• Mild elevations can happen from exercise, stress, or dehydration

Why fevers happen:
• Your body is trying to fight off viruses or bacteria
• Higher temperatures make it harder for germs to multiply
• It’s part of a normal and helpful immune response

When fevers are common:
• Flu, colds, COVID, RSV
• Ear infections
• Strep throat
• Stomach viruses

01/14/2026

Ear infections are especially common in winter and often follow a cold, sinus infection, or congestion. Pay attention to these warning signs:

🔹 In Children:
• Tugging or pulling at the ear
• Increased fussiness or trouble sleeping
• Fever
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
• Balance issues

🔹 In Adults:
• Earache or pressure
• Muffled hearing
• Fluid or pus drainage
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ear
• Headache or fullness in the ear

When to seek medical care:
✔️ Symptoms lasting more than 24–48 hours
✔️ High fever or severe pain
✔️ Fluid leaking from the ear
✔️ Persistent hearing changes
✔️ Symptoms following illness that aren’t improving

Early evaluation helps prevent complications, especially for children who experience recurrent infections.

✨ If you or your child is showing signs of an ear infection, schedule an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

01/12/2026

Ever wonder why flu season hits hardest in January?
It’s not a coincidence, several factors come together this time of year to make the flu spread faster and infect more people.

Here’s why January is the peak:

❄️ 1. Cold, dry air helps the flu virus survive longer.
Low humidity allows viral particles to stay airborne and travel more easily.

🏠 2. People spend more time indoors.
Closed spaces, poor ventilation, and close contact increase transmission.

🎉 3. Holiday gatherings create rapid spread.
December travel and celebrations expose people to new germs, symptoms then show up in early January.

🛌 4. Immune systems are run down.
Stress, less sleep, colder weather, and irregular routines can weaken immunity.

👶 5. Schools resume after winter break.
Kids bring viruses home, contributing to community-wide spread.

The flu is most active from December to February, but January consistently remains the peak month.

✨ If you haven’t had your flu shot or you’re experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment. Prevention and early care make a big difference.

01/09/2026

Heart disease doesn’t develop overnight, but healthy habits can protect your heart starting today.
Small, consistent changes have a powerful impact on lowering your risk. Here are evidence-based habits that support long-term heart health:

❤️ 1. Move your body regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Even daily walks make a difference.

🥗 2. Choose heart-healthy foods
Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts.

🧂 3. Limit sodium
Too much salt raises blood pressure, one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

🩺 4. Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Regular checks help you stay ahead of it.

💤 5. Prioritize quality sleep
Poor sleep increases inflammation, stress hormones, and blood pressure.

🚭 6. Avoid smoking and va**ng
These directly damage blood vessels and accelerate plaque buildup.

⚖️ 7. Maintain a healthy weight
Even modest weight changes can significantly reduce heart strain.

🧘 8. Manage stress
Chronic stress impacts your heart more than you may realize.

💉 9. Keep up with labs
Know your cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels, they’re key to prevention.

Heart disease is one of the most preventable conditions when you understand the risks and take proactive steps.

01/07/2026

If you want your New Year goals to stick, start with better sleep. Quality sleep boosts motivation, sharpens focus, stabilizes mood, supports healthy eating, improves physical performance, and strengthens your immune system, all of which make it easier to stay consistent with new habits. Whether your goals involve fitness, nutrition, productivity, or overall wellness, sleep is the foundation that helps everything else fall into place. ✨ If you’re struggling with fatigue or poor sleep, schedule an appointment so we can help you build a healthier routine for the year ahead.

01/05/2026

Your annual checkup isn’t just another appointment, it’s one of the most important tools for protecting your long-term health. Regular visits help catch issues early, track key numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, update vaccines, and give you space to talk about sleep, stress, mood, hormones, or any new symptoms on your mind. Even if you feel “fine,” prevention is always easier than treatment. ✨ If you haven’t scheduled your yearly exam yet, consider this your reminder, book your annual checkup and give yourself a healthier start to the year.

01/02/2026

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is very common, but it can be serious for babies, toddlers, and young kids.

Here’s what to watch for:
⚠️ Cough that doesn’t stop
⚠️ Fast or labored breathing
⚠️ Wheezing or flaring nostrils
⚠️ Not feeding well
⚠️ Blue lips or fingernails (go to the ER)

It spreads fast through coughs, sneezes, and surfaces. Think colds… but with more risk for little lungs.

What helps?
✔️ Frequent handwashing
✔️ Avoiding close contact with sick people
✔️ Not sharing cups, pacifiers, etc.
✔️ Keep babies away from crowded places when possible

📞 Not sure if it’s RSV or just a cold? Contact our healthcare team, we’re here to help you make that call.

Address

14550 Haynes Street
Van Nuys, CA
91411

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 2pm

Telephone

+18339997262

Website

https://scmedcenter.org/

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