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New Renown Health Scholarship Supports UNR Med Students - The Next Generation of Physicians and Health Care Professionals
Clinical affiliation to create more access to care for Nevadans. View the original press release by the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Nevada continues to face a physician shortage ranking No. 45 in the United States for active physicians per 100,000 population and No. 48 for primary care physicians per 100,000 population according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2019 Nevada Physician Workforce Profile. A new clinical affiliation between the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health addresses the provider gap and increases access to care by developing new and innovative ways to train and retain the next generation of Nevada's health care professionals. A cornerstone of the affiliation is the Renown Health Scholarship, which was established by Renown to support UNR Med medical students and physician assistant students in their pursuit of a career in health care. The goal of the scholarship is to award $350,000 annually based on need and merit. In 2021-2022, the scholarship will be awarded to 20 first-year and third-year medical students, each receiving $15,000 for a total of $300,000; and five second-year physician assistant studies program students, each receiving $10,000 for a total of $50,000. "Students are at the core of what we do as a School of Medicine, and this incredibly generous scholarship is the best way possible for Renown Health to celebrate our partnership and support our students," says Melissa Piasecki, acting dean of UNR Med, a role that includes Chief Academic Officer at Renown Health. "We thank Renown Health for this gift that will benefit so many of UNR Med students on their journeys to becoming great doctors and physician assistants. "We are extremely proud to establish the Renown Health Scholarship with UNR Med providing annual support to students pursuing careers in health care," says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health." As Nevada's first integrated health care system, UNR Med and Renown are advancing health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community, our state and our nation, and supporting this first class of scholarship recipients is an important step in ensuring quality access to care for northern Nevada and the state in the future." The inaugural group of scholarship recipients epitomize Renown Health's and UNR Med's combined vision of A Healthy Nevada and mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve. The students chosen for this scholarship further represent UNR Med's commitments to excellence and to a culture of diversity and inclusion in support of their goals of becoming physicians and physician assistants. "This scholarship will contribute greatly to my becoming a physician that can later serve those from lower socioeconomic statuses. I am humbled and honored by the fact that Renown believes that my hard work and determination are worth rewarding, I know it will alleviate some of the mental stress that finances play in my life, and I hope to make these funds count through hard work and dedication to my studies," says Eunice Aiyuk, first-year medical student at UNR Med, who was born in Yaounde, Cameroon, in West Africa, and has lived in Reno since she was three years old. Aiyuk graduated from McQueen High School and from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience in 2018. Sergio Trejo, Jr., MPH, is a third-year medical student who grew up in Las Vegas and served as a Spanish interpreter at a community health center prior to earning his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019, which instilled in him his desire to pursue a career as a primary care physician in pediatrics. "I'm interested in a career in pediatrics since I can combine my knowledge of medicine and public health to not only influence the health of children, but also the entire family, as they are ones that ultimately dictate their child's health outcomes," Trejo says. "This scholarship means the ability to fund my dream of helping alleviate health disparities in underserved communities, especially those who endure language barriers. It will help reduce the stress of funding resources that will help me be successful in my clerkships and beyond." As a second-year Physician Assistant Studies Program student at UNR Med, Benjamin "Benjie" Portillo-Dominguez's path to becoming a physician assistant started at a young age when he attended his parents' doctors' appointments so that he could interpret. He recalls his family's excitement when a health care provider could speak Spanish. "It made a world of difference because it maximized communication and helped them receive the care they needed. This helped develop in me a strong desire to pursue a career in health care, says Portillo-Dominguez, who graduated from the University with a bachelor of science degree in community health sciences in 2018. "In less than a year I will become a Physician Assistant. This has been a long-time goal of mine, but as a first-generation college graduate, this has been the dream of my parents since I was born." "Receiving this scholarship benefits me in my training because it allows me more time to focus on my studies and opens up opportunities to learn from experienced providers. Becoming the best provider I can be, allows me to strengthen this community that I was born and raised in. Having this unique perspective and being in this program allows me to be a solution to the lack of primary care providers in this area, especially with those who speak Spanish." The UNR Med student recipients of the 2021 Renown Health Scholarship were based on merit and need. They include: first-year medical students Eunice Aiyuk, Dakota Johnson, Aisha Masud, Isabella Rodriguez and Raquel Wescott; third-year medical students Davison Beenfeldt, Sara Bertram, Kaileigh Bingham, Curtis Duncan, Brooke Gantman, Alex Harper, Erin Kelley, Regina Kurapova, Ngantu Le, Otto Maurer, Keanu McMurray, Eric Nguyen, Hao To, Sean Torres and Sergio Trejo; and second-year physician assistant studies program students Ali-Marie Lostra, Margaret (Meg) Patterson, Benjamin (Benjie) Portillo-Dominguez, Preston Reugebrink and Ryan Swanson. The UNR Med/Renown Health affiliation is between a 159-year old health care provider, the state's original land grant university and the state's oldest medical school. Over the last five decades, UNR Med has educated more than 4,000 physicians with over 30% percent practicing in Nevada, increasing access to care for Nevadans across the state. Equally rooted in the community, Renown's long legacy of service started in 1862 as a county hospital, Washoe Medical Center. Now, Renown Health, a charitable, not-for-profit organization, serves the community by providing care through hospitals, outpatient medical offices, institutes and a health insurance plan, Hometown Health. Media Contact: Julie Ardito, APR Senior Director, Advancement and Engagement Email: news@med.unr.edu Office: 775-784-6006 About The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada's first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Established in 1969, UNR Med is improving the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion.
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56 Anesthesiologists Join Renown Health to Provide High Quality Services to Area Patients and Surgeons
Innovative anesthesiology practice improves diagnosis, medical management and quality of life for patient. If you are preparing for a surgical procedure, you have probably given a lot of thought to the education, training and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure. But you may not have thought much about the physician anesthesiologist or the importance of his or her medical expertise in your procedure — before, during and after — to keep you safe and comfortable. "Our leadership team has thought a lot about physician anesthesiologists over the past year,” says Sy Johnson, MBA, President and Chief of Staff for Renown Health. “As the region’s only not-for-profit integrated healthcare network and trauma center, we are trusted and chosen by patients as the top provider of inpatient care, including surgeries, for northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. To serve the needs of hundreds of surgeons and thousands of patients with safe, high quality and effective anesthesia coverage, we now employ fifty-six anesthesiologists through our Department of Surgery and have established Renown Medical Group Anesthesiology, a new local practice for northern Nevada.” “Renown Medical Group anesthesiologists provide 24 hour surgical and procedural coverage based on clinical skill sets, surgeon preference and patient preference. Patients who choose Renown for their care can feel certain that they are receiving anesthesia care from a physician anesthesiologist who has attained board certification. Renown Health hospitals are pleased to provide patient care exclusively by physician anesthesiologists,” says Thomas Graf, MD, FAAFP, CEO, Chief Clinical & Quality Officer of Renown Health and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We are the doctors trained to administer and manage anesthesia given to a patient during a surgical procedure to ensure anesthesia care is as safe and effective as possible,” says Nariman Rahimzadeh, MD. Dr. Rahimzadeh serves as Medical Director and Chief of Staff for Renown South Meadows Medical Center, is a member of the new group and has practiced in Reno for fifteen years. “We also play a key role in taking care of patients who are having minor surgery or who may not require general anesthesia, such as women in labor who need to be awake and alert but require effective pain management.” “Our innovative anesthesiology practice is now staffed by fifty-six anesthesiologists. We are serving patients and surgeons at Renown Health hospitals with one fully integrated model of care to improve diagnosis, medical management and quality of life,” says Christos Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS; Chair, Department of Surgery and Vice President at Renown Health. “We strive to advance anesthesia through clinical excellence, education, innovation and people. Our nationally recognized medical staff and dedicated support team perform the majority of anesthesia procedures in our market, and evaluate, monitor, and supervise patient care before, during, and after surgery to deliver effective anesthesia and ensure optimal patient safety.” “Physician anesthesiologists have 12 to 14 years of education, including medical school, and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training,” adds Scott Parkhill, MD, FASA, who serves as a Medical Director and Vice Chief of Staff at Renown Regional Medical Center and is a member of the new group. “Physician anesthesiologists in the United States complete a four-year undergraduate college degree that includes satisfying pre-med requirements. Like other medical doctors, they must follow undergraduate education with four years of medical school. After medical school, a physician specializing in anesthesiology completes a four-year anesthesiology residency program. Following completion of a residency program, residents are eligible to sit for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exam. We are pleased that all of our Renown Medical Group anesthesiologists are board certified.” Adds Kelsey Larsen, MBA, Chief Operating Officer for Renown Medical Group, “We are thrilled to welcome and employ forty-two physician anesthesiologists who started with us on April 1. An additional nine physicians joined last week and five other physicians have requested to start over the summer for a total of 56 anesthesiologists that have joined Renown Health to provide services to patients.” Patients served include those at Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, and named #1 Hospital in the State of Nevada by U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings for 2021. Physician anesthesiologists will also provide services to patients at Renown South Meadows Medical Center, named #1 Best Hospital for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report; and to patients at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, northern Nevada’s only Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited hospital, specializing in the treatment of patients with brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke. Renown Health is integrated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Nevada’s first medical school, which serves to enhance the health of the community through increased access to care, innovative health care delivery, expansion of clinical research and training for the next generation of physicians and health care professionals. 51 ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WHO JOINED RENOWN IN APRIL 2022: Samuel Beck, MD Heber Becker, MD Peter Billharz, MD Kara Bjur, MD Brian Brewer, MD Brian Buehler, MD Carrie Buehler, MD Catherine Burton, MD Joshua Cartinella, MD Nicholas Cirac, MD Gordon Curry, MD Scott Dougan, MD JoAnn Ellero, MD Daryl Fenio, MD Dirk Fletcher, MD Tobey Gansert, MD Benjamin Garol, MD Jeffery Grudzinski, MD Keith Hanson, MD Min Hein, MD Mark Janes, MD Scott Jeannes, MD Kevin Lasko, MD Sarah Lim, MD Jay Markin, MD John Marshall, MD Eric Moody, MD John Mortensen, MD Jobin Nash, MD Mel Nutter, DO Scott Parkhill, MD Nariman Rahimzadeh, MD Suresh Raman, MD Shaina Richardson, MD Alan Sarabia, MD Heidi Sarabia, MD Mitch Seman, MD Daniel Sorensen, MD Ryan Stites, MD Aaron Wallace, MD Duncan Browne, MD Tyler Hartley, MD Jie Lan, MD Pamela Russell, MD Scott Reineck, MD Brian Landreth, DO Kara Sievert, MD Chiaki Nakanishi, MD Philip Phu, MD Matthew Sabatini, MD Robert Kyper, MD About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org
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Nationally Recognized Vascular Surgeons Join Renown Health
Two vascular surgeons bring a quarter of a century of experience to patients and community. As part of a continuing focus to bring comprehensive care to patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease across northern Nevada, Renown Health Department of Surgery and Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular announce that vascular surgeons, John C. Hansen, MD, FACS and Benjamin P. Jaquish, MD, FACS have joined Renown Health. "Recognizing the significance of preventing, diagnosing and caring for people with heart and vascular disease, which continues to be on the rise and taking far too many lives, is of critical important to us at Renown," says Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, VP, Chairman Department of Surgery at Renown Health. "Both Drs. Hansen and Jaquish are superb clinicians, skilled investigators, and effective educators. We are fortunate to have them helping to lead the growth of both the department and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery." Together, the vascular surgeons have more than 26 years of combined experience caring for northern Nevadans. Dr. Hansen has 20 years of experience in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of surgery at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and currently serves as medical director of vascular and endovascular surgery for Renown Regional Medical Center. "Since 2002, Dr. Hansen has led our region with his expertise and knowledge of aortic stents, grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aneurysms, as well as treating patients with carotid disease," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Hansen specializes in the comprehensive management of vascular disorders, including open and endovascular surgeries. He is meticulous, thorough, and compassionate in the extraordinary care he provides to patients. We are thrilled that he has joined the Institute for Heart & Vascular Health team at Renown." Dr. Hansen completed his fellowship in Vascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and completed his residency in General Surgery at the University of South Carolina, Greenville. He graduated with his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, and is board certified in both Surgery and Vascular Surgery from the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Hansen has an interest in complex and acute vascular surgery and is committed to expanding access to qualified vascular care in the region. His mission is to further develop and establish Renown as a premier vascular center in northern Nevada. "Dr. Jaquish has extensive experience in carotid artery disease, carotid endarterectomy, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and peripheral vascular disease," says Sam Obilie-Mante, MBA, MIS, RDCS, RVT, LBBP, VP Administrator, Cardiovascular Services. "Dr. Jaquish is intelligent, professional, conscientious, and always perseveres on behalf of his patients. How proud we are to have him bringing his time and talent to patients across Renown Health." Dr. Jaquish received both his B.S. in Biochemistry (2005), graduating Magna Cum Laude with his Doctor of Medicine (2009) from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Dr. Jaquish completed his fellowship in General Surgery at Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit and a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Texas A&M at Baylor, Scott & White Hospitals in Temple, TX. He is board certified in both General Surgery and Vascular Surgery. Dr. Jaquish currently serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery for UNR Med. Dr. Jaquish is bilingual in Spanish, proficient in American Sign Language and serves as an instructor for Advanced Trauma Life Support. Why Vascular and Endovascular Care Matters to You People with complex and serious conditions of the blood vessels and lymph system (vascular diseases) often find the help they need from Renown Health's vascular and endovascular surgical team. Renown's experts provide coordinated and comprehensive treatment to people of all ages. Renown's surgeons use advanced technology to perform vascular and endovascular surgery, including complex stenting procedures, blood clot removal and bypass surgery. Conditions treated include peripheral artery disease, aortic disease, mesenteric disease, nutcracker syndrome and carotid artery disease. "Our expert vascular and endovascular surgeons and staff treat problems that extend from mild to the most critical of emergencies," says Adnan Akbar, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Acute Care. "Specialized physicians including cardiologists, interventional radiologists, heart and vascular surgeons, emergency medicine and trauma surgeons, neurologists, radiologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, primary care providers, nurses and other clinicians work as a team to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. We encourage all patients to discuss with their primary care providers whether they should undergo formal screening for early vascular disease." "Renown's reputation as the region's vascular and endovascular care leader has been built over many years. We performed the area's first open-heart surgery, angioplasty, stent and valve replacements decades ago. Renown Regional offers incredible advancements like trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and trans-catheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip therapy, lifesaving alternatives to open-heart surgery for patients considered high-risk or inoperable," says Chris Nicholas, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Renown Regional Medical Center. "Offering the highest level of comprehensive care for patients experiencing cardiac and vascular disease, Renown developed its first division of cardiothoracic surgery dedicated to heart surgery patients in 2019." The Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health program now offers a Diagnostic Electrophysiology Lab; a Chest Pain Center using the D-SPECT® heart camera; multiple Interventional Labs; Heart Failure Program; several Cardiac Catheterization Labs; Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery when necessary; and the only Pritikin-certified Healthy Heart Program in the West, creating individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient's needs, so they can exercise safely, eat healthy, manage stress and cook nourishing, balanced meals, all while gaining a healthy mindset. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. The 2021-22 Best Hospitals rankings are drawn from a universe of 4,523 facilities, representing nearly all U.S. hospitals providing inpatient care. Hospitals are evaluated across a wide range of conditions and procedures, including 16 medical specialty areas of care. US News & World Report evaluated 58 hospitals in Nevada. Renown Health is Nevada's largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children's hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevada's first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.
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Get Moving: How to Exercise with Arthritis
An arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean your exercise routine has to end. In fact, a consistent routine can actually improve mobility. Although stiff and painful joints can make it difficult to keep moving, staying active is essential for easing pain. October 11 is World Arthritis Day, so we asked Michelle Higgins, MPT at Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab some advice about exercising with arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects one in five adults and 300,000 children. As a matter of fact arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Your joints certainly don’t need to suffer when you exercise. In general exercise is actually necessary for those with arthritis. Not only does it reduce joint pain, but it also increases strength and flexibility. Furthermore those adopting a regular exercise routine also have more energy, deeper sleep and find it easier to maintain a healthy weight. “Exercise is a necessary component to managing your arthritis,” says Higgins. “Consistent participation in an exercise program has been shown to promote long-term pain relief, increased body function and an improved quality of life. Alternatively, a lack of exercise can actually increase joint pain or stiffness and eventually lead to long term disability and suffering.” Exercising With Arthritis Exercise truly is the most effective non-drug arthritis treatment available for reducing pain and improving movement. And it can even include daily activities like gardening, dancing or walking your dog. Of course talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what exercises fit into your specific treatment plan. With this is mind, the four specific components below are important to an effective arthritis exercise program: Range of motion Moving joints through their full available range of movement is important. This frequently increases function and decreases joint stiffness and pain. For this reason, aim to complete these exercises daily. Examples include bending, straightening, and rotating specific joints, or static and dynamic stretching. Strengthening These exercises target muscles supporting and protecting our joints and bones. Strengthening is also necessary for weight control, so two-to-three sessions per week are recommended. In order to allow your body to adapt, begin with light resistance and start slow. Strength exercises include weightlifting and using resistance bands. Low-impact aerobic exercise Aerobic exercise is certainly necessary for overall well-being, weight management and heart health. Aim for two-to-three sessions a week. Low-impact exercises include walking, swimming, cycling, elliptical machine exercises and water aerobics. Balance Good balance is also vital for an effective arthritis program. On the positive side, solid balance prevents falls by increasing your ability to stay upright whether you are moving or sitting still. Likewise, it improves your confidence with walking and daily activities. In order to keep excellent balance, incorporate daily balance exercises. Examples of balance exercises include the use of an exercise ball, Tai Chi and exercises such as standing on one foot. Start Slow, Finish Strong As you begin your exercise program, remember to listen to your body. Start slowly – it can take several weeks for your body to adjust to exercise. Consult your doctor, or physical therapist, if you experience increasing pain or swelling which doesn’t go away with rest. Above all, incorporate fun and motivating activities so you’ll stick to them long term and improve your results. Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab 775-982-5001 Through outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy, Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab gives you hands-on, individualized treatment in convenient Reno/Sparks locations. We have the latest, most advanced physical therapy and rehab equipment, specialty services and treatments. Renown Physical Therapy & Rehab is now open on Robb Drive in addition to three additional locations in Reno and Sparks. Call 775-982-5001 or visit us online.
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Your 9-Step Guide to Prevent Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four adults aged 65 or older, fall each year. But less than half of those who fall talk to their healthcare provider about it. What’s more, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Senior Care Plus, a Medicare Advantage Plan by Hometown Health, and Renown Health Nurse Educator, Nicholas Mannering, worked together to provide a list with simple tips to help you prevent falls. 1. Exercise Exercise strengthens both your muscles and bones and improves balance which is a key factor to preventing falls. The stronger you are, the less likely you are to fall. And, if you do fall, you are less likely to be injured. 2. Vision Check Vision is an import part of fall prevention, have your eyes check by an eye doctor at least once a year. Update your vision prescription and replace your eyeglasses as needed. 3. Install Safety Equipment in Your Bathroom Installing grab bars in your home bathroom provides a way for you to help yourself in and out of challenging situations. It also provides support if you suddenly feel week or unstable. Having a grab bar to lean on or hold onto when you feel yourself falling or slipping can help prevent falls. Rubber mats eliminate slick surfaces that increase your risk of falling. 4. Helpful Items in Your Bedroom A light within reaching distance is an important item to have in your bedroom. One reason adults fall is because they wander through a dark room, often to get to the bathroom at night, and can’t see where they are walking. Having a light within reach that is quick and easy to turn on before walking around a room can make it safer and decrease your risk of falling. Having a bedroom that is organized and furnished in a way that is easy to navigate is also important. If your bedroom is cluttered and hard to walk around without tripping or running into things, it might be worth reorganizing the area to define a clear walking path. 5. Helpful Items in Your Living Room Similar to your bedroom, your living room should have a light that is easily accessible. Sofas with armrests are helpful for support when getting up and sitting down. Avoiding clutter in your walkways, rugs that are not secured down and unstable furniture are important to consider when preventing falls. 6. Actions to Avoid in Your Home There are other ways to fall besides slipping or tripping while walking. Never stand on chairs, boxes or other unstable items in your home. Walkways should be tidy and free of objects that you could trip on. Spills should be cleaned up right away to prevent slipping. 7. Wear Appropriate Footwear Wearing shoes with non-slip soles and closed toes can help prevent you from falling. Having shoes that fit properly, are made from hard rubber (like tennis shoes) and provide good support help prevent tripping and falling. Shoes with a collar that support the ankle and a well-padded tongue for the top of your foot can also help prevent injury to your feet. 8. Review Your Health & Medications at your Annual Health Check-Up It is important to review your health and medications with your healthcare provider so they can assess if you are at risk for falls. You should discuss your vision, heart health and blood pressure at your annual health check-up. These things can play a role in the risk of falling. Reviewing your current medications is also important. If medications are making you dizzy, talk to your provider about adjusting the dosage so you can feel more stable and balanced. When talking to your doctor about medications be sure to include your vitamins and supplements. Finally, Have your healthcare provider check your feet and discuss proper footwear yearly. 9. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Balance is important in preventing falls. Alcohol consumption negatively affects balance and increases your risk for falls and fractures. It also increases your risk for cancer, liver damage, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and strokes. Smoking is connected to frailty in older adults. It prevents the development of muscle tissue and breaks down healthy muscle tissue due to the lack of oxygen in your body.
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Reno Widow Inspires New Visitor Policy for Renown
Renown Health is one of the country’s first health systems to lift visitor restrictions for patients with COVID-19 and encourage the family to be at the patient’s bedside. Read Darlene and Dave’s story to understand why we’re updating our visitor policy. Dave and Darlene Randolph found joy in exploring antique shops and garage sales to find damaged or discarded vintage pieces. Dave would spend many hours scraping, cleaning, sanding, and refinishing items, transforming them into functional, beautiful pieces of furniture. Every piece in their home rekindles a memory and has a story to tell. On Thanksgiving, when Dave was too ill to gather around their antique dining room table, Darlene called the ambulance. Ailing with COVID-19 for two weeks, Dave had not been improving. When the EMTs reached her home and asked Darlene what underlying conditions he had, she said, “all of them.” David was seriously ill. Hospitalized for COVID-19, their communications options were limited. The only way Darlene could communicate with Dave was on a video call or by telephone. Dave spent 17 days hospitalized at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Darlene spent 17 days waiting by the phone for more information on his condition. Darlene said he had “up days and down days,” but thought he might be home, sitting at their antique dinner table for Christmas. Sadly, Dr. David Randolph lost his battle with COVID-19 on December 13, 2020, and died as he slept in a hospital bed. When Darlene wrote his obituary for the newspaper, she gave thanks to the “tremendous nurses and doctors at Renown Regional Medical Center, for providing his care during a time when the family could not be with him.” Taking Action to Inspire Change Darlene wished she could have been there. Over their 45-year marriage, she had always been there. Darlene said, “I had always been at his bedside, as his advocate, to help communicate and straighten things out.” As a registered dietician, she worked in hospitals, knew the protocol, and knew that Renown had a restricted visitor policy to stop the virus’s spread- to other patients, staff, and their family members. Still, she wished she could have spent more time with him. On Christmas Eve, she sat down and wrote to Renown leadership. “As the wife of a COVID patient who recently passed away in your hospital, I want to express my thanks to you and your staff for the care he received in the last days of his life. I am aware that the nurses and staff are working under dangerous conditions and risking their health and lives by caring for multiple COVID patients. The staff is gracious, concerned, and doing everything they can.” She continued, “I know procedures are changing every hour to try to stay ahead of this dangerous virus, and I am sharing my experiences, hoping they will be helpful when establishing policies that impact families.” Darlene explained that despite receiving assurances that Dave’s nurse or a doctor would call daily, sometimes they would forget. She explains in her letter, “how important it is, in these times when the family cannot visit, and has only infrequent communication and is anxiously waiting at home for information about their loved one, how much it means to get a call from someone caring for him at the hospital. If there is a way you can help assure nurses have time to make calls or assist patients in making calls because it is an important part of patient care.” A Person-Centered Visitor Policy After receiving her letter, Renown leadership called Mrs. David Randolph to thank her, offer his sympathies and ask if Renown could help in any way. Darlene asked if he might reconsider allowing families to visit hospital patients during treatment for COVID-19. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, the policy has as well. Renown hospitals and medical practices now encourage limited visitors for all patients, including those diagnosed with COVID-19. Renown also has extra safety measures to protect the health of patients, visitors and healthcare employees. Darlene is very pleased that her letter inspired this shift in visitor policies for patients with COVID-19. She says, “I have always tried to think of ways I could help other families. Especially those senior couples where one has been hospitalized and the other is home. My wish is to help others.” Renown Health Visitor Policy Renown Health patients may identify two healthy adult “patient supporters” to accompany them on their hospital stay. For more details, visit our Patient Supporter Guidelines page.
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40 Years of Exceptional Care
“In sickness and in health” are words we often hear when celebrating the momentous occasion of marriage with our friends, families and loved ones. For James Breckenridge, these words were the foundation of the love and commitment he and his wife Carolyn showed to each other during their 30 years of marriage. In health, James and Carolyn shared a love of traveling. Hopping in their van, driving across the continental United States and enjoying the views along the way will be a memory James cherishes forever. Unfortunately, their excursions would be cut short when Carolyn fell ill, rerouting to their local hospital, Renown Health. Carolyn has spent more time at the hospital than the average person – including recovering from COVID-19 at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. However, hospital admittance for Carolyn meant the same for James, providing support to his wife during her stay. Following more than 40 years of exceptional experiences with Renown and their most recent discharge from the hospital, James wrote a letter recognizing the efforts of the team members and healthcare providers who not only cared for Carolyn but also James. To Whom It May Concern James began his letter by applauding two Renown Regional nurses they got to know well during their recent visit. Tiffany and Ashley went the extra mile to care for Carolyn attentively. From simple tasks like gathering requested supplies to answering James’ questions in detail, they helped provide a comfortable environment for the couple. To these nurses, these tasks may have felt like another day at work. Still, James’ letter commends them for their acts of service, reminding us that every interaction we have with a patient can be a memorable one. Tiffany and Ashley weren’t the only team members who received recognition in James’ testimonial. He also took a moment to recognize the various nurses, certified nursing assistants, therapists and doctors they encountered during their care journey. All provided the excellent and helpful experience we aim for at Renown. Healing Memories James first brought Carolyn to Renown Regional Medical Center, formerly known as Washoe Medical Center, in 1980, but it was 1996 when things changed for him. Carolyn was admitted to the hospital for a procedure they originally anticipated would come with a difficult prognosis. To their surprise, doctors found the opposite. It was in that joyous moment that James’ perspective of hospitals shifted, now viewing them for what they truly are – a place people go to get better. “Every time I walk around Renown Hospital, I remember all the times Carolyn was healed there,” James wrote in the latter half of his letter. Healing Isn't Just for the Patient James took advantage of the many support resources accessible to family members during their time at Renown. These donor-funded hospital initiatives are a valuable mental health resource in difficult circumstances. Whether it was an afternoon stroll with his wife through Fianna’s Healing Garden or quiet time alone in the Spiritual Center, James never hesitated to turn to these resources in his time of need. “Although I know the Tahoe Tower is the modern, state-of-the-art part of Renown, I prefer the Sierra Tower because that is where most of my memories are.” Even a simple daily walk to the on-campus Starbucks was a notable part of his day – grabbing a cup of coffee for himself and often a treat for Carolyn. An Inspiration in Healthcare When asked to describe Renown in one word, James chose “inspirational.” His collective experiences with Renown, James said, “helped him to be a better healthcare advocate” when his wife received care at other hospitals. As a healthcare leader, we challenge ourselves to go above and beyond for the health of our entire community. Collaborating with our patients and their families is at the center of everything we do at Renown. Positive reviews mean the absolute world to us, and something about this handwritten letter feels even more special. We could not be more appreciative to James for sharing how our vision to inspire better health in our community was reflected in his 40 years of experience with Renown. We were saddened to hear of Carolyn’s passing during a recent meeting to thank James for his letter. We take solace hearing James’ beautiful memories of his wife and knowing that Renown Health was there in times of sickness and health. We offer our sincere condolences to James, Carolyn’s children and their family members.
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Women and Heart Attacks: Subtle Signs to Know
Heart disease is the number one killer of women – claiming one life every minute – yet many women don’t know that the signs of heart attack may not be the same symptoms they’ve learned about all their lives. In women, nearly 71% experienced unusual exhaustion in the weeks before, 50% had trouble sleeping and 42% suffered shortness of breath. Most importantly, about 43% had no chest pain. Women and Heart Attacks: The Subtle Symptoms In both men and women, the most common symptom is pressure or pain in the mid chest, but there are also more subtle signs. “Women can experience a heart attack without chest pain,” explains Letitia Anderson, M.D., cardiologist with Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. “It is not uncommon for women to experience extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting and pain in the abdomen or back as their primary symptom.” Other symptoms can include: Neck or jaw pain Fullness or pressure that goes away and comes back The feeling of a rope being tied around your body and squeezed Some doctors have reported seeing patients who just didn’t "feel right." One woman simply felt more tired than usual while cleaning, while another woman reported feeling winded carrying boxes to the basement. Admittedly these are symptoms many of us would shrug or sleep off versus going to the hospital for immediate care, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to the warning signs. “Women are good at being the caregiver for the rest of the family and writing off their own symptoms as something minor, like indigestion or a muscle pull,” says Dr. Anderson. “Remember that heart attacks have early warning signs, and if they are recognized and treated in time, a heart attack can be prevented and heart damage avoided.” When You Need to Call 911 Paying attention to your body is key. If you’ve experienced any unusual or flu-like symptoms, struggled to breathe or just don’t feel right – give yourself a gut check and ask if you’ve honestly felt this way before. If you’re worried at all, you need to seek emergency care. Do not wait – call 911 immediately Take an ambulance to the hospital if at all possible Try to stay calm and take deep, slow breaths until medical help arrives.
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Fighting Depression with rTMS Therapy
If you ask most people who suffer from depression what it's like, it can be difficult to fathom. We spoke with the courageous and fearless Kathryn, who has endured major depressive disorder (MDD) most of her life. She recollects what it was like, and how grateful she is for a new rTMS therapy treatment she recently completed. Kathryn is a local resident who shares her story to provide hope and support to others surviving depression. From her accounts of the grueling years she faced this disorder to how hard she fought to find treatment, Kathryn is a true hero. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. The disease causes people to experience sadness and helplessness, and in some cases, may prevent people from carrying out their daily routines. No two people are affected the same way, meaning there's no "one-size-fits-all" for treatment. Finding help is typically a long and exhaustive journey for most surviving depression. The Long and Confusing Road to Finding Help Kathryn is no different from most major depressive disorder (MDD) survivors, fighting for a better future. Her mental health treatment journey started as early as 12 years old; however, she wasn't diagnosed with depression until much later in life. In her late 20s, a friend told Kathryn she was depressed, but like so many individuals battling the illness, Kathryn didn't know what depression was. The waiting lists to get into mental health treatment was devastating. She found mental health resources scarce, an issue far too familiar throughout the U.S. After being prescribed more than twenty different depression disorder medications, she wasn't sure who she was or if she'd survive. Determination to Fight Kathryn's darkest moments lead to experiences that are unspeakable to relive. But in her persistence to not give up, she began researching a more promising treatment. “I was looking for an evidence-based therapy,” says Kathryn. “In my research, I found Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy to be most promising.” After a yearlong waiting list for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy in another state, Kathryn moved to Reno, Nevada, still searching for a location that offered this therapy. Thankfully, Kathryn's arduous journey led her to the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute at Renown. That is where she received news from her doctor, Gunjan Lehil, MD, that rTMS is offered for people looking for a new way to fight depression. How rTMS Therapy Works rTMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression – typically used when other depression treatments haven't been effective. This treatment involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses, referred to as repetitive TMS or rTMS. During an rTMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the person's scalp near their forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of the person's brain involved in mood control and depression. It's thought to activate areas of the brain that have decreased activity in depression. Though the biology of why rTMS works isn't completely understood, the stimulation appears to impact how the brain works, which seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood. On average, patients undergo rTMS treatments for four to six weeks, five days a week for about 40 minutes a day. A patient's doctor will determine a treatment plan that's best for the patient in all cases. Life After rTMS Therapy After completing six weeks of rTMS therapy, Kathryn feels as though she is coming back to life. She has noticed her posture is different, and she is more animated. She is also more interactive at work, and her coworkers are more perceptive and positive towards her. Life at home is also improving, as Kathryn's family is noticing a difference. She notes that while she still faces feeling depressed, it's so much different from it used to be. The difference is, she can better decipher a bad day and work through the challenging moments. She has hope - which she never felt before. rTMS Therapy has given Kathryn a chance at life, and she's excited to start living! The Future is Fearless Kathryn says the way to success is never to give up and to keep pushing herself forward every day. Currently a veterinarian technician in training, Kathryn is working on getting her license. She loves working with all animals, but her true passion is falconry and helping injured birds of prey. She loves falcons because they are utterly fearless, just like her. "It's time for me to be brave and show up. I couldn't do that before," says Kathryn. "I'm grateful to have rTMS treatment, and I share my story in hopes of helping others."
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Getting Your Child's Appointments Back on Track
If you’ve been putting off care for your child, know that Renown Health is prepared with updated processes and procedures to ensure safety for you and your little ones. Doctor Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Physician-in-Chief of Renown Children’s Hospital, is concerned there could be an outbreak of serious illnesses if parents continue to delay getting their children immunized. Dr. Coppes and team understand your anxieties when it comes to visiting your pediatrician, and would like you to know; not only are well visits important to assess your child’s overall health, crucial vaccinations are administered to guard your little ones against disease. Immunizations Immunizations protect children from communicable diseases. Other benefits include: Children that are unable to have vaccines due to age or illness are protected through herd immunity Vaccinations are at given at specific intervals, and missing an appointment may put your child behind schedule Elderly populations are protected where immunity may be decreased Dr. Coppes states, “What we have noticed nationwide, and also in Washoe County, is that the number of kids immunized has gone down by about two-thirds. If that goes on, we’re just waiting for chickenpox, measles, any of those childhood diseases that were eradicated to come up again.” 4 Easy Ways to Schedule an Appointment: Call Us: 775-982-KIDS (5437) Request Appointment Online MyChart Virtual Visits In-Person Wellness Visits/Checkups Maintaining your child’s health is important! Contact your pediatrician to schedule an in-office visit. When you call to make an appointment, you’ll talk to a specialist at our Customer Care Center who will screen you to make sure you and your child have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and ensure symptoms of a respiratory illness are not present. Virtual Visits When appropriate, many pediatric appointments are available through virtual visits. Please call 775-982-KIDS (5437) to request a visit with your child’s established provider. All virtual visits require a MyChart account. Don’t have a MyChart account? You can easily sign up online. If you need assistance with your MyChart account, please call 775-982-6686. Virtual visits are able to connect to an ASL interpreter (sign language interpreter), and 37 languages including Spanish.
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Free Virtual Event! Saving Money on Medications
According to a National Center for Health Statistics survey, about 8% of U.S. adults are not taking their medications because they can’t afford them. This means millions of adults aren’t taking their medication due to the high cost. Virtual Event with pharmacist, Adam Porath Thursday, July 23, 11 a.m. to Noon Attend Virtual Lecture 5 Ways to Cut Medication Costs Safely Cost might not be affecting your medication plan, but the following ways to save money on medication can help: 1. Questions to ask your prescribing provider Do I have to take this medication? This is particularly a good question when you’ve been taking a pill for some time and not sure if you should continue. Is there a way to combine my medications? A good example of this is for those who are taking blood pressure medications. Do I have to take this particular pill? Often there are generic choices in the same medication class. Can I get a larger supply? Basically, knowing the cost of a 30- vs 90-day supply is always a good idea. In other words, it could save you time and money. This generally works for medications you take long-term. Remember, asking questions can help you save money on medication, so communicate your concerns. 2. Research online Find the website for the medication and look to see if there are savings and support available through the drug company. 3. Consider a co-pay card Co–pay card programs offered by drug manufacturing companies are a direct way to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for eligible patients. The cards can patients pay for the medications they, or their doctors, prefer. If you don’t qualify for a co-pay card, then you can look into patient assistance programs. 4. Consider patient assistance programs Drug companies sponsor these programs by income and they are often hard to find. The best way to find a patient assistance program is by asking your pharmacist. 5. If you’re on Medicare, consider updating your plan Medicare plans can change from year to year, which often times includes the medication they cover and the co-payments or deductible amounts. Annual Enrollment takes place October 15 – December 7, 2020. Most important, review the options and shop around for the best plan. Visit Senior Care Plus for information on Medicare Advantage Plans available to you. Want to ask a pharmacist more questions on how to save on medication? Join us for a Sterling Silver Club virtual event on Saving Money on Medication. To learn more about the Sterling Silver Club, visit our club website.
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Virtual Visits – Healthcare You Need At Home
Virtual visits are basically secure, video conferencing visits with your health provider. Of course if you are sick, you want to avoid going outside of your house. With Renown Health’s virtual visit program, you can now see a provider from the comfort of your own home. As we work to keep all of our patients home and healthy, we’re here for any ongoing healthcare needs you have. There are two easy ways to access a virtual visit with Renown Health. If you need an urgent care visit, you can get in line using your MyChart account You can make a virtual visit with some Renown Health providers you see currently Virtual Urgent Care from a Renown Provider By using MyChart, you can now login and request to “Talk to a Doctor.” After filling in some information and confirming your healthcare concern, you will be put into a virtual line. The healthcare team will notify you by text or email when a provider is ready to talk to you virtually. Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages. Get To Know MyChart Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages, and can address: Common cold and cough symptoms Muscular, tendon or joint pains not caused by injury Allergy or sinus symptoms Pink eye Urinary discomfort Diarrhea without vomiting Rashes or skin sores Backache Nail problems Screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) Medication refills (not controlled substances) Symptoms for In-Person Urgent Care Visits Shortness of breath Chest pain Abdominal pain Numbness or weakness of any location that is new Traumatic injuries (including eye injuries or something in the eye) Severe pain of any other body location Dizziness or confusion Bleeding from any location High fever (greater than 102 degrees for all ages) Persistent vomiting Loss of vision Ear pain Substance abuse or psychiatric problems Virtual visits are open 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for Nevada residents. Renown Provider Virtual Visits Many primary and specialty care appointments for adults and children are now available virtually. If you have a provider with Renown Medical Group, call 775-982-5000 to see if you can have a virtual appointment from the comfort of your home. MyChart Assistance If you need assistance with your MyChart account, please call 775-982-6686. For all other questions about scheduling and appointments, please call 775-982-5000.
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