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Population Health Study Goes Statewide and Opens Enrollment
The study could expand to a quarter million people, making Nevada the only state in the U.S. to offer such a program. Las Vegas, Nev. (May 2, 2019) – The Healthy Nevada Project, a first-of-its-kind, community-based population health study combining genetic, clinical, environmental and social data, is expanding enrollment to Las Vegas. The Project aspires not only to offer genetic testing to every Nevadan interested in learning more about their health and genetic profile but ultimately, to develop and expand the Project for communities across the United States to drive positive health outcomes nationwide. Adding 25,000 Study Volunteers in Southern Nevada The Healthy Nevada Project is announcing a statewide expansion – opening 25,000 testing slots in Las Vegas. With southern Nevada welcoming the study, the Healthy Nevada Project will offer no-cost genetic testing through a simple spit sample to 25,000 study volunteers. Study volunteers will take Helix’s clinical-grade DNA saliva test and will receive their ancestry and traits, at no cost, through the My Healthy Nevada Traits app. Participants will then be given a chance to answer a follow-up health survey from Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI), and upon survey completion, will be entered to win an iPhone. In addition, study participants can agree to be notified about genetic test results that could impact their health, and which could be used to improve their medical care. This return of clinical results, plus genetic counseling and other genetic services as appropriate, will be provided by Genome Medical, the leading network of clinical genetics specialists. Healthy Nevada Project’s Evolution & Ongoing Expansion With more than 35,000 study participants enrolled in just over two years, the Healthy Nevada Project has become the fastest-enrolling genetic study in the country. The Project was created by Renown IHI – a collaboration between Reno, Nev.-based not-for-profit health network, Renown Health, and the world leader in environmental data, Desert Research Institute (DRI). Leveraging Renown’s forward-thinking approach to community health care and DRI’s data analytics and environmental expertise, Renown IHI has grown its capabilities to lead a larger, more complex research study of significance that will analyze and model public health risks in Nevada and serve as a national model for future population health studies working to improve overall health through clinical care integration. During the Project’s pilot launch in September 2016, more than 10,000 community members signed up for DNA testing in just 48 hours. In March 2018, phase two offered full genomic sequencing through a simple spit test from Helix to northern Nevadans. In October 2018, the Project announced the return of clinical results for study participants, notifying them of their risk for CDC Tier 1 conditions including familial hypercholesterolemia, BRCA positive 1 and 2, and Lynch syndrome, a precursor to colon cancer. These conditions affect more than one percent of the population and are inherited so they impact family members as well. Now, the Project announced its next phase – expanding enrollment to 25,000 people in southern Nevada. Serving as a National Model This expansion to Las Vegas truly makes this the “Healthy Nevada Project” with a statewide impact making Nevada the only state in the U.S. to offer such a program. “Nevada was ripe to advance population health goals because, sadly, our state ranks near the bottom in health outcomes. The Healthy Nevada Project is working to change that,” said Anthony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health and president of Renown IHI. “Our researchers are working on a number of clinical programs and scientific studies to determine why in Washoe County, the county in which Renown Health is located, Nevada’s age-adjusted death rates for heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease are 33 percent higher than the national rate. Imagine if we can gather more data like this on a national scale and use it to change the future of health and health care? That is what the Healthy USA Project is looking to do in the years to come.” “The Healthy Nevada Project is committed to providing study participants clinically actionable data that will help improve their health,” said Joseph Grzymski, Ph.D., associate research professor at DRI, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project and chief scientific officer for Renown Health. “We are providing this information at the individual level so study volunteers can make lifesaving changes to reduce their risk. We’re also doing it on the community level to develop leading-edge research on health determinants for entire neighborhoods, states and eventually, the country.” Expanding to Become the Healthy USA Project The accelerated speed of the Project is made possible thanks to the ever-decreasing cost of sequencing. Today, Helix is able to sequence an entire exome – which allows reporting on most actionable genomic knowledge – for a fraction of what it would have cost just 10 years ago. Additionally, advances in digital health mean Helix and Project researchers can capture unprecedented amounts of health data digitally, making significant contributions to advancing precision health. The partnership has managed to remove the traditional barriers of population health studies, including the difficulty in recruiting participants, establishing quality high through put lab systems, and scaling interpretation and return of results. This development will be key as other health systems around the country join the Project. “We are thrilled to see the constant, fast-paced evolution of this Project with Renown IHI,” said Justin Kao, CoFounder of Helix. “In less than a year, we have sequenced the DNA of thousands of study participants and are now preparing to offer this incredible study in other states. Combining environmental, clinical, social and genetic data allows us to discover risk factors within communities and help people take action to live longer, healthier lives. That’s what makes the next step of the Healthy USA Project so exciting for all of us. ”Full details on study’s evolution and southern Nevada enrollment will be revealed at a press event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 7 at 3 p.m. Renown Institute for Health Innovation Renown Institute for Health Innovation is a collaboration between Renown Health - a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California; and the Desert Research Institute - a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. Renown IHI research teams are focused on integrating personal healthcare and environmental data with socioeconomic determinants to help Nevada address some of its most complex environmental health problems; while simultaneously expanding the state’s access to leading-edge clinical trials and fostering new connections with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at https://healthynv.org/. Helix is a genomics company with a simple but powerful mission: to empower every person to improve their life through DNA. Our affordable, turnkey population health solution enables institutions to quickly scale projects that engage communities and accelerate research and discovery, ultimately allowing every person to benefit from the power of genomics. We've also created the first marketplace for DNA-powered products where people can explore diverse and uniquely personalized products developed by high-quality partners, providing powerful tools to increase engagement and speed the pace of population-scale genomics. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has an office in Denver, Colorado and operates a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited next-generation sequencing lab in San Diego powered by Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) NGS technology. Helix was created in 2015. Learn more at www.helix.com. Helix, the Helix logo and Exome+ are trademarks of Helix Opco, LLC. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Additional Media Contacts: Tracy Bower DRI 702-862-5404 media@dri.edu Eric Schubert Seismic for Helix 415-939-4366 press@helix.com
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Forest Bathing and Your Mental Health
As a society that often feels dominated by the “rise and grind” culture and is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of stress, anxiety and depression have risen in recent years. As reported by the American Psychological Association, one-third of adults across the country said they feel completely stressed out no matter what they try to manage it. 36% of adults don’t know where to start regarding stress management. One way to help bring yourself (and your mental health) peace is by embracing the miles upon miles of nature and forested lands we are fortunate to have right here in northern Nevada. A practice that has gained significant attention in recent years is the Japanese notion of Shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as “forest bathing.” What is Forest Bathing? Forest bathing involves spending time in a forest or wooded area while engaging with nature using your accessible senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and hearing. It’s all about being present and mindful in the environment, letting go of distractions and allowing the natural surroundings to “wash” over you (hence the “bathing” part of the name). Slowing down and reconnecting with the earth are two central principles of forest bathing, from breathing in fresh air and basking in the sun to listening to the sounds of the trees and observing light through the leaves. Forest bathing doesn’t even necessarily have to happen in a forest. Any local park or garden you have access can offer similar mental health benefits. What is the Link Between Forest Bathing and Mental Health? The practice of being in nature and focusing on your surroundings can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. According to Harvard Medical School, spending time in nature and participating in activities like forest bathing for 20 minutes daily can enhance overall well-being. When we spend time in nature, our cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) lower, leading to increased feelings of relaxation. In fact, Harvard Medical School suggests that “exposure to natural tree oils” can help improve mood, reduce blood pressure and relieve anxiety. The calming, restorative effect of nature can be compared to mindfulness meditation. This practice can help reduce negative thought patterns and improve mental health. How Can I Practice Forest Bathing to Enhance My Mental Health? Forest bathing is simple; however, it requires an effort to slow down, be present and engage your senses. Below are some tips from the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation for enhancing your forest bathing experience: Find a natural space. Whether it’s a forest, a park, a nature reserve or a garden, the key is to be in a space where you can engage with nature. Slow down and breathe deeply. Let yourself be engrossed in the environment. Engage all your accessible senses. Take time to observe the details of your surroundings. Turn off your electronic devices. This is a time to disconnect from technology and be truly present in the moment. Practice gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the beauty around you and give thanks for the experience. Need ideas for where to start your forest bathing journey? Visit ForestBathingFinder.com to find an ideal location near you. Photo by Stephen Leonardi, courtesy of the National Association of State Foresters
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5 Health Benefits of Spending Time Outside
Spending time in the great outdoors is undoubtedly beneficial for our physical and emotional health. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, getting outside and experiencing “green space” is linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease or even death. Living in northern Nevada makes it easy to enjoy time outside. Reno was voted the happiest place to live by Outside Magazine in 2023, partly because of our easy access to the outdoors. In fact, Outside Magazine reported that 76% of Reno residents live within a 10-minute walk of one of our city’s 87 parks. The Nevada Division of Forestry and Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation encourage every Nevadan to engross yourself in the beauty – and positive health effects – of nature and to enjoy time outdoors responsibly. Below are five benefits you may experience by spending at least a few minutes a day outside: 1. Improved Mental Health Being in nature helps lower the body’s stress hormone, otherwise known as cortisol levels, and increases feelings of relaxation and well-being. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, hiking along one of northern Nevada’s many trails or simply sitting in a garden, being surrounded by green spaces has been shown to elevate mood and reduce mental fatigue. 2. Boosted Immune System Exposure to fresh air and natural environments can improve your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are what helps your body fight infections. Spending time outside can easily increase your exposure to sunlight, and in turn, your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function and the prevention of certain chronic diseases. 3. Better Sleep Sleep issues are a common concern among adults across the country. By taking some time to get outdoors every day, your sleep quality may actually improve at night. Being exposed to natural light during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that controls sleep and wake cycles. 4. Stronger Social Connections Socializing in outdoor environments such as a walk with a friend, participating in an outdoor group workout class or attending one of Reno’s many community festivals. can strengthen your bonds with others. Outdoor activities create opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, helping to improve overall emotional well-being. 5. Better Heart Health Spending time outdoors, especially while engaging in physical activities such as cycling or hiking, has a direct impact on heart health. Regular outdoor exercise can lower blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. As an added heart-healthy bonus, the relaxing and stress-reducing effects of nature can also act as a key prevention piece against heart disease. In the Reno-Tahoe region, the outdoor possibilities are endless. Head over to VisitRenoTahoe.com for more ideas on how you can experience the expansive nature that lies within our region.
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Meet Gabby, Renown Regional ER Nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada
Renown Health is proud to embrace the Reno-Sparks culture that makes our community stand out, which is why we sponsor the Reno Rodeo, an early summer staple with roots in the community as deep as our own. One of our many ties with the Reno Rodeo includes Renown Regional’s own emergency room nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022, Gabby Szachara. A Reno native, Gabby developed a love for the Reno Rodeo at a very young age. “I loved watching the girls on the Reno Rodeo Flag Team when I was little and knew I wanted to be part of the Reno Rodeo someday,” said Gabby. “As I got older, I started to make connections and build relationships with some people in the rodeo scene, and they generously lent me their horses so I could participate in the Reno Rodeo Flag Team.” Gabby was on the flag team for three years before being crowned Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022 last year. Before joining the Reno Rodeo Flag Team, Gabby was a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a member of the women’s volleyball team. In December 2017, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health. At first, Gabby was interested in a career in sports medicine – it made sense with her background in athletics. But, after working in the medical field as a certified nurse assistant and an emergency medical technician, she grew passionate about patient care and decided she wanted to become a nurse. “I’ve always loved teamwork and helping others,” said Gabby. “It’s important to me to be there for others, especially when it might be their worst day.” In December 2021, Gabby graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College with a nursing degree and joined Renown Health this February. “I love Renown for various reasons. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, and there is a great team dynamic,” said Gabby. “And I love that Renown’s main color is purple because that is my favorite!” When Gabby isn’t in her scrubs and caring for patients, she is in western wear and carrying out her duties as Miss Rodeo Nevada. “I do a lot of traveling across the country to attend other rodeos,” said Gabby. “I enjoy meeting so many wonderful people and experiencing the culture of different states.” Gabby’s main goals as Miss Rodeo Nevada are to promote the western way of life, agriculture, rodeo and community benefit. In addition, she visits local schools to talk with kids about how they can get involved in these areas and inspires them to turn their dreams into reality. Gabby has a special place in her heart for the Reno Rodeo. “Reno is my home, and the Reno Rodeo is the heart and soul of summer in northern Nevada. Everyone comes together and dusts off their boots to have fun and also contribute money to important causes in our community,” said Gabby. “I love the comradery, the friendly and healthy competition and the great people.” If you’re going to the Reno Rodeo this weekend, watch for Gabby and her horse, “Torque.” And if you see Gabby in the halls at Renown Regional, give her a high-five for all her hard work as a nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada!
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