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What is a Breast Self-Exam? A breast self-examination is a technique used to check for early signs of potential breast health complications. This physical and visual examination typically only takes a few minutes. Performing monthly self-exams helps you become more familiar with the normal appearance and texture of your breasts, making it easier to recognize any changes during future exams. While monthly self-exams are helpful, it’s important to get an annual mammogram even if you don’t notice anything. Mammograms help provide a 3D scan of the breast tissues, detecting changes that may not be felt during a self-exam. Dr. Cristin Newkirk-Thompson, an MD with Renown Health, discusses the protocols and importance of self-breast awareness.  How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam Use the pads of your fingers and move them in a circular motion.  Cover the entire breast area from top to bottom, side to side—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.  Follow a pattern: circular, wedge, or vertical line, ensuring you cover all tissue.  Use varying pressure: light pressure for tissue just beneath the skin, medium pressure for the middle of the breasts, and firm pressure for deep tissue.  There are multiple ways to perform a self-breast exam including: Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips or to your side. This is when you look for any abnormalities or changes.  Lying Down: Lying down spreads the breast tissue evenly over the chest wall, making it easier to feel all areas. In the Shower: Many women find it easiest to feel their breasts when their skin is wet and slippery, so you might want to perform this step in the shower. What to Look For Changes in density, size, shape, or symmetry.  Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.  Nipple changes such as inversion or discharge.  Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.  When to Perform a Self-Breast Exam It’s recommended to perform self-breast exams monthly, a few days after the end of your period. For women in menopause or those who have irregular periods, the specific day isn’t as important, if it is consistent. What to do if You Find a Lump If you notice any new changes with your breasts, don’t panic; there can be several reasons why breasts have changed. It’s best to follow up with your provider to be as proactive as possible. Additional recommended screenings for further examination can be scheduled to have a clearer answer.

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Cancer changes everything; it takes, it challenges, and it reshapes lives forever. For Yvonne Murphy, a cancer survivor and development officer at Renown Health, the experience has been profoundly transformative. Recently, Yvonne and her husband, Murray Mackenzie, made a heartfelt donation of $10,000 to support the Conrad Breast Center at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute—a gift inspired by her own battle and in honor of those who have faced this disease. A Family’s Battle with Cancer Yvonne’s journey with cancer began with the death of her grandmother when she was a teenager, a shock that left a permanent mark on her family. "She was my friend, confidant, and angel," Yvonne recalls. "Losing her changed everything." In the years that followed, nine more of her family members passed away from cancer. These experiences highlighted the harsh reality that cancer invades every aspect of life, bringing grief and uncertainty to so many. For Yvonne, that reality grew even more personal when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, marking a pivotal moment in her life. A Fight for Her Life During the height of COVID-19, Yvonne noticed blood in her urine, a discovery that sent her rushing to the ER at Renown South Meadows. She received the devastating news: stage one cervical cancer. "When I received my diagnosis, it felt like the world stopped," Yvonne said. "But I knew I couldn't let this define me. I had to fight, not just for myself, but for all the people I've lost." Yvonne faced a grueling course of treatment, undergoing two major surgeries within just 60 days. The first was a hysterectomy, followed by the removal of 32 lymph nodes. Her treatment also included radiation therapy and a challenging recovery, all within a single year. Throughout this intense period, Yvonne drew strength from her faith. "I prayed every day," she said. "And I promised that if I survived, I would dedicate my life to serving others." This promise became her guiding force. It inspired her to make a profound impact through her work at Renown. A Gift of Hope True to her word, Yvonne reached out to the former CEO of Renown in 2021, exactly one year after celebrating her cancer-free milestone. She was determined to contribute in any way possible. This marked the beginning of her career at Renown Health Foundation.  Today, she works as a development officer, partnering with philanthropists, corporations, and fellow employees to raise funds for vital programs and services at Renown, a not-for-profit health system. Yvonne recently had her 18th scan and remains cancer-free, a testament to her strength and perseverance.

Read More About Why I Give: Yvonne's Story

In the book of life, everyone eventually reaches the final chapter. End-of-life isn’t often something a patient or loved one wants to think about. The end of someone’s life isn’t a final option – it's a privilege. At Renown Health, we have a compassionate team prepared to approach this privilege with kindness and care.    The Hospice & Palliative Care department at Renown is the best of the best. Their efforts go far beyond simply addressing physical pain; they also bring emotional and spiritual solace to patients and family members navigating the complexities of serious illness and end-of-life. This team provides crucial guidance and expert knowledge, comfort and care when it is most needed.  Bringing Dignity to the Final Days Contrary to popular belief, hospice and palliative care is not a “last resort” option for families. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. These caring professionals work hard to ensure a patient’s final days are free of pain and full of peace, rather than focused on the end. This type of care isn’t a death sentence – it's a living gift.  Each patient is involved in his or her own end-of-life process. They have a huge role in deciding on their own and with their family members how they want to live out their remaining days.  “Every team member’s daily work focuses on how to facilitate a good death for each patient,” said Tanya Prosch, Hospice Supervisor. “Ultimately, it is up to each patient’s family to be involved in this process. Every day, there is a lot of communication among team members as we prioritize the needs of our patients. As patients decline and their symptoms change, we continuously assess what topics we will discuss. This creates a beautiful back-and-forth dynamic among the team, patients and families.”  “Together, we come as a team to provide what they need, ensuring individualized care for each patient and family based on their safety and specific needs,” added Rachel Schneider, Transitional Care Specialist. “Our care plans are not cookie-cutter; they are tailored to fit each unique situation.”  The hospice team provides comfort and support to those in the final stages of a terminal illness. Hospice is focused on one main goal, which is enhancing quality of life for patients and their families.  “In general, hospice staff conduct home visits to see our hospice patients,” said Amy Nieminen, Manager of Home Health & Hospice. “We have an interdisciplinary team that includes nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers and volunteers. Together, we address both the physical and emotional, spiritual and social needs of our patients and their families at the end of life, ensuring they have a meaningful and peaceful experience. We do a lot of work with families and loved ones, providing follow-up calls and support for the patient’s caregivers after their passing. Our support extends for up to a year, with grief specialists available to help families through their loss. Additionally, we have rotating on-call nurses every night and weekend, so patients are never left without care.”  While palliative care shares similar duties to hospice care, it differs slightly. Palliative care can be involved at any stage of a serious illness, even during treatments.  “During in-home palliative care, we work with patients who may be physically ready for hospice but who are not yet psychologically, emotionally or spiritually prepared to make that transition,” said April Lennon, APRN for In-Home Palliative Care. “They may still be exploring treatment options and working with their specialists. We provide a lot of support, helping them understand the consequences and benefits of various treatments. Additionally, we focus on symptom management for patients experiencing significant pain or nausea, assisting them in managing these symptoms effectively.”  On both sides of this department, the team has the opportunity to be especially involved in their patients’ lives and in the lives of their families. Giving loved ones more time with their relative facing end-of-life is a duty that these team members take seriously.  “My job is to educate families about what’s coming next and what is happening now, as there is a lot that occurs during the death process,” said Katie Adams, Hospice Nurse Case Manager. “Families will never regret the time and effort spent during this process. We have only one chance to get this right. This is not just a random hospitalization that people will forget; it is a significant moment that everyone around the patient will remember.”  “Being able to connect more deeply with patients’ and families’ stories and their narratives about life is essential, as it provides a broader understanding beyond just the medical picture of what is happening,” added Libby Krayk, APRN for Hospice. “We explore their expanded value and belief systems to assist with decision-making, helping them make choices together. When patients are no longer distracted by pain or nausea, they can focus on their long-term desires and goals and spend more time with their families."  “Crisis intervention, social work, education, family conferences, and placement issues are all part of what we do, and it’s quite exciting,” added Donald Kamka, Social Work Care Coordinator. “You become fully invested in the lives of those you help, which is what makes this job so rewarding. This is a remarkable time in their journey, and it’s evident that everyone involved has a vested interest in it."  Naturally, many questions, worries and fears arise during this time in a patient’s life. The Hospice & Palliative Care team members are expert communicators and know exactly how to relieve some of those anxieties, prompting a more peaceful end-of-life. According to this team, it’s all about transparency and compassion.  “Our role involves helping patients navigate the healthcare system as they face death,” said April Lennon. “Home visits can range from one hour to three hours, depending on the needs of the patient and their family. We engage with entire families, including those who are out of town, coordinating care and working with many providers in the area. Our hope and goal for every patient is to ensure they understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, empowering them to make their own choices.”  “We often find ourselves addressing the most difficult information, which can sometimes be seen as the ‘elephant in the room’ that people tend to avoid,” added Libby Krayk. “I ask patients for their permission regarding what they want to know and who they would like involved in the conversation. This approach can help alleviate some of the challenges and stress they may be experiencing. Being honest and discussing matters in a way that they can understand is essential. I take the time to sit down with my patients and connect with them on a human level, rather than just a medical level.”  As a not-for-profit health system, volunteers are at the core of our mission delivery. They graciously dedicate hours out of their week to be a friendly source of help for patients. Renown’s Hospice Volunteers exude this level of kindness and more. Our employed team members attribute their volunteers as a major source of success for Renown’s hospice program.  “I believe that being a volunteer provides a role that patients perceive as non-threatening,” said Linda Derry, Hospice Volunteer. “As volunteers, patients feel more comfortable talking to us and sharing things. This dynamic allows them the freedom to express not only how they are feeling but also their fears and any other concerns they may have. It is in these moments that we can truly connect with them, as we are volunteering out of a genuine desire to sit and visit with the patients.  “When I see a patient, the focus depends on their specific needs,” added Luanne Geissler, Hospice Volunteer. “I often give family members some time to themselves to do whatever they need to do while I visit with the patient. Many of them are very talkative and eager to share their stories. For instance, one patient told me how to make a baked potato while out in the wilderness, which has become one of my favorite stories. Another patient shared her experiences about coming to America from Asia, discussing her church, her religion and her passion for baking. She would even bring bread to her doctor.”  “I have one patient whose main desire is to play chess; he has been playing for over 80 years and is still able to play very well,” added Hervey Ibarra, Hospice Volunteer. “When I visit another patient at his home, we engage in conversations about a variety of topics. Additionally, some patients ask me questions about the military and law enforcement. Whatever they want to do and discuss, that is what I focus on during our time together.”  Regardless of whether they are a provider, supporting team member or a volunteer, every person on the Hospice & Palliative Care team shares a primary focus: helping patients live their remaining days, no matter how long that may be, with dignity and comfort, surrounded by their loved ones.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Hospice & Palliative Care

Have you found yourself avoiding scheduling a mammogram because it sounds uncomfortable and maybe a little scary? Many people feel this way but knowing what to expect can help ease your worries. Follow along for a reassuring step-by-step guide on getting a mammogram from Melissa Dahir, Community Relations Liaison at Renown Health. Getting a mammogram is important to me because my mom is a Stage 3, double mastectomy breast cancer survivor. I began receiving annual breast health screenings at an early age, in addition to performing monthly self-exams. So far, all my appointments have gone well, and I hope that sharing my experience will encourage you to schedule this important screening today! Scheduling the Appointment Scheduling my appointment was very easy. I contacted the scheduling team for help with booking multiple appointments and they were very helpful in finding just the time I needed.

Read More About What it's Really Like to Have a Mammogram

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of three 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, Darlene Roberts, 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. Learn more about safety and medical equipment that are available through the Care Chest of Sierra Nevada. 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. Remember to speak up and talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risk and prevention 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. Stay up-to-date with resources, classes and workshops on falls prevention with UNR Med's Sanford Center for Aging.

Read More About Your 9-Step Guide to Prevent Falls

Located on the 5th floor of the Tahoe Tower, Renown’s newly updated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is decorated with colorful artwork on the walls, the lights dim for the newborns resting, and parents conversing next to the bassinet with nurses on their baby’s journey to health. In the quiet, shuffling hallways stands Mariah DaSilva, a Renown NICU Nurse, whose own birth story showed her true compassion and professional dedication to what it means to care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. From the Medical Floor to the NICU Mariah started her nursing career on the medical floor at Renown; however, after a year, she was excited to see her dream job open in the NICU and helping to provide compassionate care for the most fragile patients. “I’ve always known that I wanted to work with babies so being a NICU nurse was a dream of mine,” said Mariah. “I truly love what I do, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else than the NICU.” A high-stakes environment, the NICU is where babies are transferred to after birth when they require medical intervention. They care for babies as young as 23 weeks gestation, up to full-term babies. Any babies born less than 35 weeks are automatically admitted into the NICU for treatment. Other than prematurity, babies can be admitted to the NICU for respiratory distress, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cardiac anomalies, birth defects, seizures and other medical conditions that need treatment or assessment. A Day in the NICU: The Heart of Care A typical day for Mariah starts with reviewing her assignments and receiving a detailed report from the night shift. Preparing for the day involves scrubbing in and wiping down patient care areas to maintain a clean environment. Once everything is set, she begins a series of scheduled care tasks, which include performing assessments, feeding, changing diapers and facilitating parent involvement in their baby’s care “There are so many exciting ‘firsts’ that happen in the NICU; parents holding their baby for the first time, parents' first time changing their baby’s diaper, bathing their baby for the first time, first time breast-feeding or bottle-feeding, the baby’s first time taking a full bottle, watching a baby breathe on their own without any respiratory support, etc.,” said Mariah. “There are so many big milestones that happen in the NICU that I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of.” The NICU nurses work closely with neonatologists, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other specialists to deliver comprehensive care. This teamwork and collaboration ensure that each baby receives the best care possible for their health journey. Mariah shared a reflection on her team: “Our NICU team is amazing. Being a part of a team that is so compassionate and collaborative is amazing. We all work closely together to ensure we’re providing the best care possible for every single baby that comes to the NICU. We are all very protective of the babies that we care for in the NICU and truly want the best outcomes for them and their families. Taking care of such a vulnerable population comes with a lot of responsibility and we take pride in what we do each day.” As with all healthcare professionals, NICU nurses require immense strength and compassion to care for the youngest patients in a highly sensitive environment. “More often than not, we have really good days in the NICU, but we also have really hard days that affect every single person in the NICU,” said Mariah. “The loss of a baby, delivering bad news to a parent, an extended NICU stay and a baby withdrawing from drugs are all situations that we unfortunately deal with in the NICU. These situations are all very challenging, but we have to stay strong for the babies and their families.”

Read More About From Renown NICU Nurse to NICU Mom: Mariah DaSilva’s Inspiring Journey

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, it's not just pumpkin spice lattes that should be on your mind – it's also time to think about your health. Fall time also means it’s flu season and with new cases on the rise, we at Renown Health encourage you to do your part in keeping your Fall activities community safe. How can you protect your whole community you ask? Through something called Herd Immunity. We spoke with Renown Health infection prevention expert, Susanne James to talk about how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy and protecting your families and community.

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Did you know that being physically active can lower your risk of developing at least thirteen different types of cancer? Exercise plays an important role in preventing and recovering from a cancer diagnosis. Not only does it have a positive impact on building your body’s strength, but physical activity can also help you with your mental well-being and boost your quality of life. For the first time, the American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that U.S. cancer cases will surpass 2 million in 2024. With cancer cases on the rise, help reduce your risk by being proactive about your health. Below, discover how exercise can help you reduce your risk of cancer, assist you on the road to recovery when undergoing treatments, and move forward with a healthy, cancer-free future. How Exercise Helps Fight Cancer A healthy diet and lifestyle have a direct link to cancer prevention, and physical activity has been proven to lower the risk for several types of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that obesity and being overweight make up 40% of all cancer cases in the U.S. each year, increasing your risk for 13 different kinds of cancer. This accounts for more than 684,000 cancer cases in the U.S. each year. According to the ACS, physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of several types of cancer, including: Colon cancer (for which the link is strongest) Breast cancer Endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus) Bladder cancer Esophagus cancer Stomach cancer Physical activity might also affect the risk of other cancers, such as: Lung cancer Head and neck cancers Liver cancer Pancreas cancer Prostate cancer Ovarian cancer Research shows that exercise can help to prevent cancers by: Controlling weight and preventing obesity. Reducing sex hormones or insulin. Strengthening the immune and digestive system.

Read More About Can Exercise Really Help Prevent and Heal Cancer?

Start your day the healthy way with layers of creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and a whole lot of flavor! Our Berrylicious Parfait is the perfect balance of sweet and nutritious—packed with protein and texture and has less than 300 calories.

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Early detection is a significant piece of the breast cancer puzzle. Susan Cox, Renown Health Senior Director of Cancer Operations, discusses what you need to watch for and how the latest technology can help detect potential cancer sooner. When should women start getting breast exams? It depends on risk factors: Average-risk women: Most medical organizations recommend the first mammogram between 40 and 44. Higher-risk women: Dependent on their high risk, which will dictate when they start screening, but generally around the age of 30 and not before 25 years old.

Read More About Ladies! Get Screened for Breast Cancer

When it comes to your health, tests are not only common but often also required to receive the most ideal treatment plan. From your routine urinalysis to more complex hematology cases, these tests help open the doors to proper diagnosis. Thousands of patients are seen at Renown Regional Medical Center every year, which results in thousands of lab samples needing to be processed every day. So, who rises to the occasion?  Answer: The Core Laboratory team at Renown Regional. With the largest lab workload in our health system, the Renown Regional Core Lab is where compassionate care meets scientific excellence.  While under the care of the Core Lab Team, patients can rest assured that they are in the greatest of hands - literally and figuratively - with every scientist, technical specialist and lab assistant that serves in this department.  A Core Mission of Accuracy and Precision At Renown Regional, the only Level II Trauma Center in the region, the Core Laboratory works on a wide variety of lab tests to help providers diagnose, treat and monitor each patient’s condition. Those testing processes, known as “benches,” include: Blood Gas Chemistry & Immunoassay Coagulation Hematology & Differentials Urinalysis Working together in harmony, each member of the Core Lab team has an equally vital role in our health system, and all share a common goal.  “Our number one priority is to provide accurate results for our patients, ensuring that the providers have all the correct information they need to treat them,” said Lauren Anderson, Manager of Core Laboratory.  As one can imagine, there are several factors involved when it comes to ensuring those accurate patient lab results that Lauren mentioned above.  “Throughout the day in the core laboratory, there are many tasks to be performed for the accuracy and validity of our patient results,” said Jackie Blazquez, Sr. Medical Lab Scientist. “The medical lab scientists perform maintenance on the instruments daily while accommodating patient samples and releasing results. Our clinical lab assistants help the scientists with receiving samples, reviewing patient labels for any discrepancies, answering phone calls and assisting with the automated lab sample line.”  “The roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the bench assignment, but every bench will have one responsibility in common: performing preventative maintenance on our analyzers and running quality controls afterwards,” added Brittany Oliver-Stergiou, Medical Lab Scientist.  From start to finish, there is rarely a dull moment in Renown Regional’s Core Lab. In fact, this capable team can process up to 7,000 samples per day at this hospital alone.  "As a Medical Lab Scientist, for each instrument we use, we have to perform maintenance, calibration and quality control to ensure that the analyzer is ready for patient testing,” said Lauren Anderson. “Once the analyzers are ready for patient testing, we perform analysis on the samples, ensuring that the patient's results are consistent with their condition and no errors are found. Between our inpatient and outpatient centers, we run thousands of samples every day, prioritizing and juggling many tasks at once while producing accurate results.”  “Right when we get in, we are putting samples on the analyzers, reading results and calling critical alerts or recollects,” added Rosalina Lunsford, Medical Lab Scientist. “Our chemistry analyzers have all the analytes one can think of. Each individual chemistry test that the hospital uses is calibrated, quality checked and reviewed by our chemistry maintenance experts.”  Although there are many moving pieces when it comes to the work of our Core Lab experts, these team members work like a well-oiled machine in order to keep patient care at Renown Regional running efficiently.   “I start my shift by reviewing my pending worklist and verifying any outstanding STAT tests; then, I track all my untracked samples for easy retrieval, and I'll go through my pending worklist again to make sure that everything is on track for proper turn-around time,” said Lindsey Randle, Medical Lab Scientist. "I'll retrieve anything that may need further special testing, and before releasing results, I will check the sample for any interferences or contamination. This process is on a constant loop throughout my shift in addition to performing analyzer maintenance and quality control testing at timed intervals. This is all done to ensure that we are releasing precise and accurate test results so that patients can receive proper treatment.”  “We play a major role in keeping the hospital functioning,” added Rosalina Lunsford. “While the hospital doesn’t see us, we keep patient care moving. Core Lab is not stagnant; it is evolving each day. Tests are being added, machines are being updated and policies are changing. We see hundreds of patient results from different departments throughout the hospital. We analyze, question and conclude many times throughout the day and night.”  Think of discovering a diagnosis and monitoring a condition as an ongoing investigation. Our Core Lab professionals are key detectives in the investigation, playing an essential – and often life-saving – role in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of each patient’s condition.  “Oftentimes, we are the first to detect a patient's problem and escalate it to their provider,” said Lauren Anderson. “For example, looking under the microscope at a patient's white blood cells, Medical Lab Scientists may be the first to see a patient's leukemia and, with the collaboration of our pathologists, ensure that the next steps are taken towards diagnosis and treatment.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Core Laboratory at Renown Regional Medical Center

August is National Make-a-Will Month. We talked to Abbey Stephenson, Planned Giving Officer at Renown Health Foundation, to learn more about wills, trusts and estate plans and why you should feel motivated this month to get started. Why Make a Will There are so many reasons why it is difficult to make a will or put an estate plan in place. These include: Lack of time or money to prepare a plan The misperception that “only rich people need an ‘estate plan’” How intimidating legal documents can be General discomfort with planning for the future Given the barriers to making a plan, it’s not surprising that only 32% of Americans have a will or trust in place. But having a will or trust matters because these are the documents where you can say who will inherit your assets, who will manage your assets and estate, and who should be guardian of a minor or a child with a disability. Where to Begin If you have been thinking about putting together a will and don’t know where to begin, here are some next steps you can take. 1.  Learn the terms. If you have never created a will, trust, or an estate plan, the language can be hard to get used to. A few important terms to know include: Last will and testament (also known as a will): a legal document that describes how you would like your property and other assets to be distributed after your death. This is also the document where you can nominate a guardian for a minor or disabled child. Personal representative (also known as an executor): a person named in a will responsible for collecting your assets, paying your debts and final taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to those stated in your will. Personal representatives must be formally appointed by a judge and report certain information to the judge for review and approval. Living trust (also known as a revocable or family trust): a legal arrangement set up through a document called a trust instrument or a declaration of trust that gives someone called the trustee power to make decisions about the trust creator’s money or property held in the trust. Estate plan: a collection of documents that help organize what happens to you and your assets upon your disability and death. Your estate plan is comprised of documents such as a will, trust, and advance health care directive. If you want to learn more about these terms and estate planning in general, you are invited to attend a free one-hour estate planning education session on Aug. 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. or Oct. 21, 2024, at 11 a.m., hosted by Renown Health Foundation. Click here for more information and to register. 2.  Create a list of assets. Start by creating a list of your assets including real estate, investments, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business ownership interests, vehicles, life insurance, valuable personal property like jewelry or artwork, and any other significant assets. Click here and read our free estate planning guide. 3.  Put together a list of 2-3 people you trust. When you create your will, you need to name a personal representative who will collect all your assets, pay your debts, and work with the probate court to distribute the balance to the people and charities you name in your will. If you create a trust, you need to name a trustee to manage the trust assets under the terms of the trust document. It is a good idea to include at least two people who can take on these roles in case the first person becomes unavailable. If you do not have anyone you would trust as a personal representative or trustee, there are trust companies, banks, and other professionals and institutions who may be able to assist you. If you are the parent of a child who is under 18 or has a disability, you will also nominate a guardian in your will to care for that child if you and the other parent are gone.  4.  Start a list of who you would like to inherit your assets. Which people and organizations would you like to inherit the assets you own at the time of your passing? And which assets or how much would you like them to receive? You might want to consider who relies on you for support such as family members or charities, individuals and organizations that have made a difference in your life, or those you have a special fondness for. It is important to use the legal names of individuals you include as beneficiaries and the Tax ID number for any charity you include.  If you decide to make a gift to Renown as part of your will or estate plan and notify us, you will be included in the Renown Legacy Society. Legacy Society members enjoy invitations to exclusive events, special acknowledgments, and other unique benefits. Click here to learn more about the Renown Legacy Society. 5.  Put together a list of your professional advisors and enlist their help. Write down the names and contact details for any professional advisors you work with such as your accountant, financial advisor, investment manager, attorney, insurance agent, and planned giving officer.  You may want to seek their advice on how best to proceed and which assets are best gifted to which individuals and organizations from a tax standpoint. Collaboration among the professionals with whom you work can help your plan to run more smoothly when it is needed. Depending on your circumstances, it may make sense for you to introduce your trusted individuals to these professionals. 6.  Start drafting. Once you have these items in place, you will be in a good position to begin the drafting process. There are many capable estate planning attorneys in our community who can help you with drafting. There are other drafting resources available as well, but only a licensed attorney can provide you with legal advice. Click here to attend the free Family Estate Planning Series sponsored by Renown and presented by PBS Reno and the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada.

Read More About How to Get Started and Make Updates to Your Will