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Dana and Mark Combs met through mutual friends and had a long friendship before they became a couple in 2009. They were married in 2011 in a private ceremony at a small Reno chapel, and a few months later had a big celebration with their family and friends.   Encouraging Others to Succeed  Over the years, the happy couple has spent much of their time volunteering and giving back to others in their community. Twenty-six years ago, Mark became a bilateral lower limb amputee. For the past 10 years, he has been a prosthetic consultant, helping other amputees learn how to cope with various challenges and encouraging them to keep living life to the fullest. “Mark is great with helping people,” said Dana.   Dana also does a lot of rewarding work through a Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O). She is an advocate for raising money to help women ages 18 and up gain an education. Dana also enjoys tutoring English as a second language.   Enjoying Quality Time, Hobbies & Travel When Dana and Mark aren’t helping others, they are spending time with their family and friends, their dog Mia (a 3-year-old Maltipoo) or enjoying one of their many hobbies. Some of Mark’s favorite things to do include playing Solitaire and strumming on his guitar.  “I love to garden and play crossword puzzles and word games,” said Dana. “I’m really looking forward to the springtime to spend more time in the garden.” She loves to work out and has a membership at the UFC gym in Reno through her Senior Care Plus gym benefit. Dana also has her own online Etsy store, where she sells homemade jam jars, candle holders and vintage dolls. “Last summer I sold my first edition Barbie that I got when I was 9 years old,” said Dana. “I made quite a profit on it.”

Read More About Sterling Silver Club Shining Stars: Mark & Dana Combs

Managing lymphedema effectively is essential for enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by this condition. Katherine Bunker, a Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist (PT, DPT, CLT) at Renown, has expertise in this area and her insights offer valuable strategies for managing lymphedema.  Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling in one or more limbs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. This condition can result from cancer treatments, surgery, infection, or can sometimes be congenital. While it can be challenging to live with lymphedema, understanding the condition and adopting specific lifestyle changes and strategies can significantly improve the quality of life.   Understanding Lymphedema Educating yourself about lymphedema is crucial. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential complications can provide you with the tools to manage the condition proactively. Lymphedema can lead to discomfort, decreased mobility, and in severe cases, infections such as cellulitis. Therefore, recognizing the early signs and knowing when to seek medical advice is essential.   Medical Management  Consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in lymphedema is critical. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist trained in lymphedema management can tailor a treatment plan for you that can include the following: Compression Therapy - Wearing prescribed compression garments can help move the lymph fluid and reduce swelling. It’s essential to get fitted by a professional and understand how to use these garments correctly.   Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) a gentle massage technique that encourages the movement of lymph fluid out of the affected limb. It’s typically performed by a trained therapist but ask about self-massage techniques you can do at home.

Read More About Life after Lymphedema Diagnosis: What to Expect

Enjoying the fresh air through an open window is one of the many ways to enjoy the weather. However, open windows can pose safety risks, including injury or fatalities for young children aged two to five. We spoke with Jorge Montano-Figueroa, Pediatric Injury Prevention Specialist at Renown Children’s Hospital to understand how window falls can be prevented through safety devices and practicing careful habits. Use these tips to keep your children safe from window falls.  Supervise Young Children: Always keep an eye on young children, especially when they are near windows. Supervision is the first line of defense against accidents.   Keep Windows Closed and Locked: When possible, keep windows shut and secure. Locked windows prevent children from opening them and potentially falling out. Open Windows from the Top: If your windows allow, open them from the top down rather than the bottom up. This reduces the chance of children reaching the opening. Ensure that the opening is limited to four inches or less to prevent accidental falls. Install Child Safety Devices: For windows six feet or more above the ground, child safety devices such as window stops or guards are a must. These devices are readily available at hardware stores and for purchase online. They are designed to be easy for an adult to release in an emergency but secure enough to prevent a child from opening the window too wide. • Window Stops: These devices prevent windows from opening more than four inches, significantly reducing the risk of falls. • Window Guards: For windows that need to open more than four inches, window guards provide a barrier to prevent falls while allowing ventilation. Keep Climbing Hazards Away: Move furniture and other items that children could use to climb away from windows. Items such as chairs, beds, and couches can be stepping-stones for curious children. Establish a Safety Zone: Make it a household rule that children should play at least two feet away from windows. This safety zone helps keep them keep potential hazards out of reach. Childproof When Visiting: When visiting homes that may not be childproof, take extra precautions. Close and lock windows during your visit and watch your child closely to ensure they stay safe. Remember: Window Screens Are Not Safety Devices: Window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not children in. Screens can easily pop out if a child leans or pushes against them, leading to falls. Always use proper child safety devices instead of relying on window screens.  By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of window falls and keep your children safe. A few simple steps and some vigilance can make a big difference in preventing these potentially tragic accidents.  For more information and to learn more, visit Pediatric Injury Prevention.

Read More About Childproof Your Windows - 8 Tips to Avoid Falls and Ensure Safety

Today's school lunch is an opportunity to create a healthy, colorful midday meal, far from the days of soggy PB&Js. Here are simple tips, a week of lunch ideas, and a shopping list to help you pack a lunch your child won't want to trade. Packing lunches ensures your child gets a well-balanced meal, and making it a team effort by having kids help can save time by packing the night before. Nutritious Ideas Main dishes Lunch meat and low-fat cheese roll ups English muffin pizzas Sandwich wraps – meat, cheese and veggies in a whole grain tortilla Pita pockets stuffed with grilled chicken and vegetables Soup Chef salad with spinach, veggies, cheese, lunch meat and dressing Tuna or chicken salad on a mini bagel Snacks and sides Fresh or dried fruit Natural apple sauce Baked tortilla chips and salsa Veggie sticks and hummus Cheese slices or string cheese with whole grain crackers Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds and raisins Pudding Homemade fruit roll ups Popcorn (add different toppings such as salt, garlic, cinnamon, sugar or cayenne pepper) Drinks Water If you child doesn’t like plain water, try adding a few slices of fresh fruit (strawberries, lime, lemon) for more flavor. School Lunch Menu: Day-By-Day We’ve put together a week’s worth of colorful, fun and healthy school lunch ideas your kids will love. And we’ve also created a shopping list to help you easily locate all the ingredients on your weekend shopping trip. Monday: Turkey BLTA Roll-ups Roll-up Ingredients Turkey, cold cuts Bacon Avocado Tomatoes Side Dish Choices Blueberries Cucumbers Carrot sticks Tuesday: Bacon & Cucumber Sandwich Sandwich Ingredients Whole wheat English muffin Cucumber Bacon Side Dish Choices Apples slices Strawberries Vanilla yogurt mixed with sprinkled cinnamon Wednesday: DIY Lunchables  Lunchables Ingredients Crackers Turkey, cold cuts Cheese Side Dish Choices Blueberries Carrots Cucumber Thursday: Veggie Grilled Cheese Veggie Grilled Cheese Ingredients English muffin Cheese Tomato Spinach leaves Avocado Side Dish Choices Apples slices Strawberries Vanilla yogurt mixed with sprinkled cinnamon Tomatoes Friday: DIY Pizzas DIY Pizza Ingredients 2 toasted English muffins Pizza sauce Cheese Turkey pepperoni Side Dish Choices Celery Black olives Shopping List (under 20 items) Cold section: Dairy 1 large container of vanilla yogurt 1 package of your favorite cheese  Cold section: Deli meats 1 package of turkey pepperoni 1 package bacon 1 package turkey cold cuts Inside aisles Whole wheat English muffins 1 can of whole black olives 1 jar of pizza sauce 1 box of whole wheat or multigrain crackers  Produce department 1 cucumber 1 stalk of celery 2 apples 1 container of strawberries 1 avocado 2 tomatoes 1 bunch of spinach leaves 1 container of blueberries 2 carrots

Read More About Think Outside the Box: Healthy, Creative School Lunch Hacks

Snowshoeing is an excellent winter workout that can help burn calories, strengthen muscles and boost cardiovascular health. Explore the top 8 snowshoeing spots and experience this ultimate workout adventure! Significant Health Benefits: Exceptional cardiovascular workout – burn up to 1,000 calories per hour! Low-impact muscle building Endurance building Balance strengthening and agility Improves your sense of well-being by connecting to nature Prepping for Your Adventure There are some crucial details to think about when it comes to snowshoeing, especially if you are a beginner. Make sure to pick the right kind of footwear to go on top of your snowshoes; a pair of comfortable waterproof boots are a great choice and remember to wear lots of layers. Several local places rent snowshoes if you aren’t sure about spending money on a pair. Check out Bobos Ski and Board Patio or our local REI Co-Op. Check out REI’s Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing for reference. 8 Cool Snowshoeing Spots 1. Galena Creek Park Close to Reno, this beautiful, low-altitude park offers several trails. You’ll find various creeks and streams under cover of pristine ponderosa pines. From beginner to advanced, the differing trail systems provide a challenge for everyone! Head west on State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) for about seven miles until you see the park sign on the right side of the highway. 2. Tahoe Meadows – Chickadee Ridge This local favorite not only gives fantastic views of Lake Tahoe but the best part? – friendly little chickadees will eat seeds right out of your hand! Be sure to pack plenty of sunflower birdseed, as that seems to be their favorite. From the trailhead parking lot, head southeast into the open meadow. Then follow the ridgeline to your right (southwest). Continue southwest up toward the top of the ridgeline to the west, and you’ll get to Chickadee Ridge in just under two miles. 3. Spooner Lake Trail The easy 2.5-mile loop around Spooner Lake is excellent for all skill levels. This alpine lake is surrounded by aspen trees which house varied bird species, so bring your binoculars! Dogs are allowed on a leash, and all-day parking is $10. 4. Kirkwood Ski Resort You’ll need a trail pass, but this South Lake Tahoe resort has various routes from beginner to advanced, with roughly 50 miles of terrain. Nighttime snowshoe treks during the full moon are also available throughout the winter. Kirkwood is located on Highway 88, close to Carson Pass. 5. Camp Richardson Heading north, you can find this well-established and favorite local snowshoeing spot. If you’re up for an adventure, you can trek up to Fallen Leaf Lake. It’s located off Highway 89 and near Fallen Leaf Road. 6. Dry Pond Loop This moderate, 6.5-mile loop near Washoe Valley has impressive views of Carson Valley, Washoe Lake, and the Mt. Rose Wilderness. If you like the sound of rushing water, most of the trail meanders along White’s Creek. This area is dog-friendly and kid-friendly, which makes it a family favorite. 7. Royal Gorge Soda Springs is home to this resort, which is well known for its cross-country skiing trails. Enjoy extensive trails leading deep into the trees with spectacular views. Find Royal Gorge from the Soda Springs exit on West Interstate 80. 8. Ash Canyon Creek Tucked away in the Carson Valley, these trails are filled with mountain bikes in the spring and provide excellent snowshoeing trails in the winter. Find it from Interstate 580 by taking the Highway 395 Business exit to Winnie Lane.

Read More About The Unmatched Health Benefits of Snowshoeing

Fishing can be great for relaxation, and it’s a great family activity. Here are five suggestions for great local fishing spots, plus a recipe for trout if you wind up catching one! There are many ways to unwind in the great outdoors in our beautiful region, and fishing can be easily added to that list. The benefits of casting a line are many. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, fishing was compared to yoga for its links to stress relief. The study notes that fishing brings out the relaxation response that slows down breathing, reduces blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. So, get out there and find some fish. There are many lakes of many styles to practice this ancient art, but here are the five that keep coming up in local conversation, virtual or otherwise. If you want to explore more options, the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s fishing guide can fill you in (and then some!). One thing to note about two of the areas we’ve chosen, Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River. Winter flooding has led regional officials to make necessary repairs to both areas, and there may be restrictions to access, including roads that lead to some of the fishing areas in both of these large bodies of water. Be sure to check first at the sites below before heading out, and you can also go to the flood advisory page for our region on water.weather.gov to check on flooding advisories throughout the summer as snowmelt continues. Five Great Regional Fishing Spots Boca Reservoir Location: Stampede Dam Road, 2 miles north of the Boca exit on Interstate 80 Two types of fish: rainbow trout, kokanee salmon More details: One of the more reliable year-round spots, Boca Reservoir even hosts ice fishing once (or if) the body of water freezes over. It’s located in the beautiful Tahoe National Forest. Donner Lake Location: Take the Donner Pass Road exit from Interstate 80, turn onto South Shore Drive Two types of fish: brown trout, mackinaw trout More details: A great scenic lake at the edge of Donner Memorial State Park, this fishing spot includes a public pier, while its China Cove on its southeast end is also a good place for mackinaw in the fall. Paradise Park Ponds Location: Take US Highway 395 to the Oddie Boulevard exit, follow it about a mile to the corner of Oddie and Silverada boulevards Two types of fish: rainbow trout, channel catfish More details: The Reno-Tahoe area has several urban lakes ripe for fishing, including this longtime spot for anglers. There are two large and two small ponds for a fun experience no matter your skill level. It’s also open year-round. Pyramid Lake Location: Interstate 80 to the Fernley exit, then take the Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake ramp to State Highway 447 Two types of fish: cutthroat trout, Sacramento perch More details: This is one place everyone talks about for fall fishing, as the season, which opens on Oct. 1, is very popular. The lake is run by the government of the Paiute Tribes and has distinctive rules for those who choose to fish here. Truckee River Location: Along Highway 89 and Interstate 80, between Tahoe City limits and Reno city limits Two types of fish: rainbow trout, mountain whitefish More details: This portion of the Truckee is where most of the fishing takes place, although the Reno-Sparks Recreation and Visitors Bureau notes that “this is not a river to fish to death in one spot. There is plenty of room and one should keep moving until one finds some agreeable fish.”

Read More About Get Reel: Top 5 Fishing Spots in the Truckee Meadows

Everyday, Renown salutes its more than 150 active military and veterans on staff. Becca Gilbert, a Renown trauma nurse, is an example of the many outstanding service members at Renown who are serving both their country and their community. Becca Gilbert, BSN, RN, wears many uniforms. When she’s not wearing scrubs in her role as a trauma nurse in the intensive care unit of Renown Regional Medical Center, she’s wearing fatigues as a first lieutenant in the Nevada Air National Guard. “Service is huge,” says Becca Gilbert, RN, of her role in the Air Guard. “It’s something that is ingrained in me and a big part of who I am as a person. I find a lot of pride in being a part of something that is bigger than what is going on in my world.” Renown Health was named one of 15 recipients across the nation — and the only health system in the U.S. — for the Department of Defense’s highest employer award, the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, for exceptional support of its military employees. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves and Renown held a ceremony June 29 to recognize the award and to honor representatives of Renown who currently serve in the Guard and Reserves. With her Air Guard background, Gilbert is preassigned veteran patients at the Renown ICU. She says she’s able to relate to the veterans and their families and create a quick bond with them. “I’ve been assigned patients who are guard members with traumatic injuries — it’s good but hard,” Gilbert explains. “But I really love working with patients who are veterans.” Gilbert’s first career was as a veterinarian technician. Then enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard in August 2008 — following in her father’s footsteps — and trained to serve as an EMT. While she was a medic, she went to nursing school for her second bachelor’s degree and was able to commission as an officer after graduation. Serving Our Community Gilbert says her work in the guard offers benefits that help with her job responsibilities at Renown, where she’s worked for four years. “At Renown, we are really a team and rely on each other to make sure there are good outcomes,” she says. “In the guard, officers are often put in charge, which teaches you a lot of things — organization, decision making and thinking of others. I think all of those things go hand-in-hand with my role as a nurse, especially in the ICU. People in the guard count on you as an officer and leader, and that is really important in the ICU when patients are counting on you for a positive outcome.” Gilbert’s responsibilities in the guard vary, including training for disaster relief missions and ensuring service members are fit and healthy enough to perform their jobs. “Training is a large part of the military — trauma training, physical fitness training and staying current on certifications,” she says. Locally she also leads the Self Aid Buddy Care program, a United States Air Force program that encompasses basic life support and limb-saving techniques to help wounded or injured personnel survive in medical emergencies until medical help is available. With the guard, Gilbert has also been involved in a bleeding-control program for volunteers in the community. She teaches community groups how to stop bleeding if they are a bystander to a car accident or other type of event, and is working with Renown trauma surgeon Marty Bain, M.D. to implement the program at Renown as well. Making a Difference Abroad In January, Gilbert was presented with an opportunity through the Nevada Guard State Partnership Program to travel outside the United States to the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific and work at the Women and Children Crisis Centre, which assists families who are dealing with domestic violence. Gilbert praised the women who work at the center for their efforts towards change, as she says domestic violence is common in Tonga. “The women who work at the Women and Children Crisis Centre are pioneers,” she says. “They are trying to make changes by documenting what is going on and providing statistics to the lords and kings of Tonga. Some of it still isn’t accepted, but they continue to help the women and children of Tonga. They are helping so many people.” Renown Health salutes Gilbert for her tireless service to her country and her community here at home.

Read More About Air Guard RN Makes an Impact in Community and Beyond

Thanks in part to the care provided by Renown’s award-winning team of ICU nurses, Tony Mowatt is alive, thriving and engaged. Read his story — and learn about the exclusive Beacon Award of Excellence — below.  The open road. The growl of the engine. The feeling of freedom. That’s what Oakland resident Tony Mowatt was enjoying as he drove up Highway 88 toward Reno for the semi-annual Street Vibrations event. But he wasn’t expecting to hit the diesel truck — or to fly off of his bike over 100 yards, skidding onto the side of the road. He was severely injured and in the midst of rural Nevada. He had crashed just outside Centerville, Nev., and was miles away from any critical care hospital. Having the only trauma center equipped to treat his serious injuries, Tony was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).   ICU Nurses Treat Patient, Support Family  Tony’s girlfriend, Tasha Klubock, was notified by his friend that he had been taken to the hospital. She immediately drove from Oakland to Reno to see Tony at Renown. Her first night there was overwhelming and scary — nobody knew if Tony was going to survive. But the nurses helped Tasha cope with the initial shock. Caring for the patient isn’t their only job — they also care for the family. “They [the nurses] just kept coming in and checking on me,” she said. “Angela was so amazing that first night. I really just bonded to her, and I remember when the shift switched, I panicked thinking about who was coming on and wanting to meet the next nurse … But they all came to talk to me — I had updates from everybody. It was just amazing.” ICU Nurses Became Family Tony spent 32 days in Renown’s Sierra ICU, surviving a serious head injury, all with Tasha by his side. He and Tasha still stay in touch with Renown nurses. “Even though this was literally one of the most hideous, craziest things to go through,” Tasha said. “There was so much hope and they became such a family to me and I still think of that time fondly because of the nurses.” “I’m alive because they wanted me to be,” Tony said. And Tony and Tasha are now happily engaged and planning their wedding. Exceptional Care: Renown ICU Nurses Win Awards Renown’s ICU nurses provide care like this every day to countless patients — it’s so second nature to them that they forget how exceptional it truly is. But it’s certainly care like Tony’s that has earned them national recognition. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses awarded the Beacon Award of Excellence to the Sierra, Cardiac and Roseview ICUs. These are the only ICUs in Nevada to obtain this honor. The Beacon Award recognizes critical care nursing teams who exemplify excellence in areas like leadership, process systems, quality care, knowledge, learning and development, excellence in patient care and superior patient health outcomes. “I couldn’t have been more proud of what we’ve done to accomplish this,” said Nick Dovedot, Cardiac ICU nurse. “It represents who we are. Just a great group of individuals who all work together as a team to make our patients get better.”

Read More About One Patients Story of Survival

Most people don’t even realize their blood sugar is higher than normal on a daily basis. This condition means they are on the borderline of having Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about what it means to have prediabetes. Also learn risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and how it can be prevented. ‘Prediabetic’ is a term you may have heard before, but few understand what it means. Fewer still understand how to prevent the subsequent diagnosis of “diabetic.” Here are three things you need to know. 3 Facts About Prediabetes One out of three U.S. adults has prediabetes, yet don’t know it. Prediabetes means your blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. When you have prediabetes, your body still produces insulin, but the insulin is not as efficient at removing the sugar in your blood. So your overall blood sugar remains high — causing insulin resistance. People with prediabetes are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If you become diabetic, there are further complications to your kidneys, feet, eyes and skin. Risk for diabetes increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among adults ages 18-44, only 4 percent have diabetes. For ages 45-64, 17 percent have diabetes, and among those ages 65 years and older, 25 percent have diabetes. If prediabetes goes untreated, it often leads to Type 2 diabetes within five years. Current estimates indicate 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes. Being overweight is risk factor for diabetes. Other risk factors include having high blood pressure, having high cholesterol, being inactive and giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds. You can prevent Type 2 diabetes with healthy changes to your daily nutrition and activity levels. Have Prediabetes? Here’s Help To reduce the impact of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, the CDC established the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), which provides the framework for Type 2 diabetes prevention efforts in the U.S. “The Diabetes Prevention Program is a program for people with prediabetes and is based upon a large study done by the CDC that showed that lifestyle changes are more effective in preventing the development of prediabetes to diabetes than medication alone,” says Stephen Compston, RD, LD, CDE, Renown Health Outpatient Dietary Educator. “This is a program where participants will learn lifestyle changes to improve their health and decrease their risk of developing diabetes in the future. The goal is for participants to lose 5-7 percent of their weight in the first six months, which was shown to decrease the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent in the future.” Renown Health is offering this CDC-approved, 12-month program. Our lifestyle coaches will help you develop healthy eating habits, increase your physical activity and keep you motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes. Participating in the program will help you: Learn the skills needed to lose weight, be more active and manage stress Connect with a lifestyle coach for guidance and encouragement Gain support from other members sharing your goals

Read More About Do You Have Prediabetes? Three Things to Know

As the Healthy Nevada Project expands to 50,000 study participants, researchers are sharing the health insights gleaned from the pilot phase of the project.   Air pollution is a major health factor affecting northern Nevadans, according to data gathered by researchers in the pilot phase of the Healthy Nevada Project, one of the largest population health studies in the country. Today, the project — which began 18 months ago as a partnership between Renown Health and the Desert Research Institute — is expanding to add 40,000 additional participants bringing total enrollment to 50,000 Nevadans. “We are thrilled to share the first insights from our 10,000-person pilot phase and discuss how we will begin using those results to improve patient care,” says Anthony Slonim, M.D., Dr.PH., FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health and president of Renown Institute for Health Innovation, a collaboration between Renown and DRI. Healthy Nevada Project Pilot Phase — and What Happens Next The pilot phase of the Healthy Nevada Project proved Nevadans are excited to know more about themselves and want to contribute to research that could improve health outcomes for the entire state. The pilot phase enrolled 10,000 participants in less than 48 hours and DNA sample collection from each participant was completed in just 69 working days. Based on pilot phase data, researchers have seen increased use of regional healthcare services correlated with fluctuations in air quality and so-called “bad air events” such as wildfires and atmospheric inversions. In phase two, Renown IHI will evaluate possible links between genetics and increased susceptibility to respiratory ailments. Study researchers also announced care providers and scientists will begin working on a number of clinical programs and scientific studies focused specifically on Washoe County’s high age-adjusted death rates for heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease. Collectively, these conditions among local residents stand at 33 percent above the national rate. In the coming months, Renown IHI will begin providing advanced calcium score screenings to pilot phase participants at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. This will allow researchers to examine the link between genetics and calcium buildup in the heart. Researchers are also evaluating future studies focused on age-related macular degeneration and breast cancer risks in northern Nevada.   Pilot Phase Insights Fifty percent of pilot study participants responded to a comprehensive, socioeconomic survey, which revealed: High rates of lower respiratory disease in northern Nevada and co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension suggest air pollution in northern Nevada is a confounding and significant factor in health. Study participants had parents who died from cancer and heart disease at a higher rate than the age-adjusted national average. Study participants exercised less than recommended by the American Heart Association and expressed interest in receiving help with behavior modification using diet/nutrition and weight loss tools. In phase two, if study participants choose to complete a follow-up survey, they will have the chance to pick an additional health and wellness app specific to their individual genetic results. Learn More To see if you are eligible to participate in the study, to sign up for study updates and for full details on the Healthy Nevada Project, please visit HealthyNV.org.

Read More About Healthy Nevada Project: What We've Learned

Learn more about a Renown Health nurse who formed a nonprofit to help other families through loss. After the unexpected loss of her young husband, a Renown Health nurse turned her grief into helping other families navigate the loss of a family member. Jen Walker, RN, MSN, director of clinical excellence, lost her high school sweetheart and husband of eight years when he passed away in October 2015, while their two boys, age 7 and 9, lost their father. Walker, a nurse at Renown since 2003, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she received from the Reno community. It inspired her to want to help others in the same situation. “After Travis passed, the community did some amazing things for me,” Walker says. “I got really motivated to do the same thing and to give back, so that’s when I came up with starting The Journey Within.” The Journey Within organization provides support and resources for young families who have lost a close family member. Before officially starting her organization, Walker used some of the money she received after her husband passed and personally donated to three families. And with the help of four board members, Jen officially started The Journey Within in February 2017, and they have helped six families so far. One of the board members is her sister, Anny Goff. “She thought of creating this foundation in the darkest time of her family’s life,” Goff says. “She knew there would be other families that would need help and support and immediately wanted to help others. It showed incredible strength and courage to keep moving forward.” Nursing Careers at Renown Health Nurses at Renown Health demonstrate a commitment to patients and their families through the integration of care, clinical expertise, education, evidence-based practice and the pursuit of quality patient outcomes. Learn more about our mission, vision and values and the benefits of a career in nursing at Renown Health today. Explore Nursing at Renown Walker’s organization supports families through financial donations, which she funds through two yearly fundraisers. The Travy Tourney is a golf tournament held in memory of Travis, and the “Let’s Toast to Travis Fundraiser” event raffles prizes and merchandise. Along with financial support, The Journey Within helps families connect with other community resources, such as counseling and grief therapy services. Walker hopes to expand her nonprofit’s fundraising and support for families beyond the Reno-Tahoe community. Because of her outstanding work at Renown and in the community, Walker recently received a 20 Under 40 award from the Reno-Tahoe Young Professionals Network. She has also received a Women of Achievement award, a Leader of the Quarter award and has been nominated four times for Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement. “She is strong and resilient and cares a lot about people,” says Jen Richards, chief nursing officer, acute care services. “She never settles for the status quo and is always pushing our team to do better.” In navigating her own loss and starting a nonprofit to give back, Walker has learned a lot about the community. “I’ve gained a tremendous amount of respect for the community as a whole, but especially for the young community,” she says. “Seeing the young people in the community who have been willing to give back and live really selflessly has been amazing to me.” As someone who lost her husband, helping young families who have gone through the loss of a close loved one can hit close to home for Walker, but that doesn’t stop her — it fuels her. “That’s one of the hardest parts about doing this — it takes you back a little bit,” she says. “But it’s just a very good reminder of ‘why.’ Because when I get to talk with these families, I realize that now I am that person who is there to listen. I just want them to know that they’re talking to someone who’s been through something similar.”

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Maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits: among those is improved heart health. If you’re trying to eat right as well as become healthier, nutrition experts say you might want to consider a plant-based diet. Plants provide air to breathe, beauty in our surroundings — and just may be a viable solution to your weight-loss goals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more Americans than ever are overweight: Today, 7 in 10 Americans are classified as “obese” or “overweight,” and childhood obesity rates are growing rapidly. So experts encourage would-be dieters to look to plants as a source of daily inspiration. “When you slowly and consistently expand your daily food choices to include more plant-based options, you will feel fuller, have more energy and lose weight,” says Lynice Anderson, director of Renown’s Healthy Heart Program. But according to a recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 1 in 10 adults eats enough vegetables and only 12 percent get the recommended amount of fruit daily. The same study notes that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily can help reduce the risk of many leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity. Plant Foods = Foods with Fiber One of the overwhelming health benefits of plant-based foods: fiber. A study published in a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that something as simple as aiming to eat 30 grams of fiber each day can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure and improve your body’s response to insulin just as effectively as a more complicated diet. Fiber contains no calories and comes in two forms: soluble, which dissolves in water, and insoluble, which doesn’t dissolve. Both are important for different reasons. The soluble fiber found in oats, fruits and beans forms a gel-like substance and helps to lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber found in fruit skins, green beans and cauliflower goes through your intestines relatively intact providing “bulk” and improving bowel-related health problems. “My fiber champion is chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans,” says Renown Chef Chris Wyatt. “They are high in fiber, low in fat, low sodium and have zero cholesterol. Not only do they not contain any cholesterol, chickpeas work to remove cholesterol from your body. It’s a win-win.” Snacks That Are Part of a Plant-Based Diet Looking for the best sources of fiber from the plants and trees in your life? Here are the best options, according to this CDC fact sheet: Fruits Raspberries, 1 cup: 8.0 grams of fiber Pear, with skin, 1 medium: 5.5 grams of fiber Apple, with skin, 1 medium: 4.4 grams of fiber Strawberries (halved), 1 1⁄4 cup: 3.8 grams of fiber Banana, 1 medium: 3.1 grams of fiber Orange, 1 medium: 3.1 grams of fiber Veggies Artichoke, cooked, 1 medium: 10.3 grams of fiber Peas, cooked, 1 cup: 8.8 grams of fiber Broccoli, boiled, 1 cup: 5.1 grams of fiber Turnip greens, boiled, 1 cup: 5.0 grams of fiber Sweet corn, cooked, 1 cup: 4.2 grams of fiber Brussels sprouts, cooked, 1 cup: 4.1 grams of fiber Potato; with skin, baked, 1 medium: 2.9 grams of fiber Carrot, raw, 1 medium: 1.7 grams of fiber Renown Health Improvement Programs | Appointments: 775-982-5073  Renown Health offers a number of educational and support programs to help people overcome the challenges presented through various health conditions and to aid in creating and adopting a healthy lifestyle. To get an assessment of your dietary needs, schedule a consultation with one of Renown’s registered dietitians, who can help with: Diabetes Programs Medical Weight Management Nutrition Programs Make an Appointment

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