RENOWN NEWSROOM

The library will have 24/7 access for UNR Med students and Renown Health employees. Today, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Renown Health announced the opening of a new satellite location of the Savitt Medical Library at Renown Regional Medical Center. This new space will serve as a valuable resource for UNR Med students and Renown Health employees and physicians. The Savitt Medical Library's new satellite library will be accessible 24/7 to all Renown employees, physicians and UNR Med students who possess valid badges. The space features four computers—two connected to the Renown network and two to the UNR Med network—requiring appropriate credentials for login. “The Renown Health and UNR Med academic affiliation advances our mission of supporting the health of the people and communities we serve by advancing medical innovation, expanding upon clinical research and improving access to quality care,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “The Savitt Medical Library at Renown Regional Medical Center highlights the value of the academic affiliation by providing Renown employees and physicians access to leading-edge resources and education within the heart of Renown Regional Medical Center.” In addition to its digital resources, the library offers a small collection of print books for in-library use. The facility will be staffed part-time by a librarian who is available to assist with reference questions and in-depth literature searching. These services are extended to all Renown employees, clinicians, and members of the Renown educational community. “We are thrilled to expand our resources with the opening of the Savitt Medical Library satellite at Renown Regional Medical Center,” said Paul J. Hauptman, M.D., Dean, UNR Med. “This new facility embodies our commitment to enhancing medical education and research while fostering collaboration between UNR Med and Renown Health. By providing 24/7 access to essential resources, we are ensuring that both our students and Renown Health professionals have the tools they need to advance medical knowledge and patient care.” For those times when a librarian is not present at the satellite library, patrons can email savitt@med.unr.edu to schedule an appointment at their convenience. The library's resources include access to freely available and credible online databases such as PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cancer.gov, and MedlinePlus. The Savitt Medical Library, established in 1978, is the academic medical library for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. In addition to the new satellite location at Renown Regional Medical Center, the library operates a second satellite at the UNR Med Moana Clinic. The main library, named in honor of Sol and Ella Savitt, was initially known as the Life and Health Sciences Library and has a long history of supporting medical education and research. 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 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org. About UNR Med: 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.

Read More About UNR Med's Savitt Medical Library Expands with Additional Location at Renown Regional Medical Center

Training respiratory therapists as part of a healthcare team to help diagnose, treat and manage conditions to help restore or maintain lung and breathing function. Applications due Oct. 31, 2024 Great Basin College and Renown Health are partnering to bring the first Respiratory Therapy training program to educate new healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of the community.   With the generosity of grant funders, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Health Resources and Services Administration, Great Basin College will launch the first and only available program of its kind in support of several rural northern Nevada communities. According to project leads, the program and the trained respiratory therapists will bring great value to the community and healthcare system.  “Great Basin College is thrilled to join forces with Renown Health to launch this new program and be a critical contributor to advancing the respiratory care profession for our community,” says Interim GBC President Dr. Amber Donnelli.  The program is an accelerated 18-month program resulting in an Associate of Applied Science in Cardio-Respiratory Care Science degree. It's incredibly high-tech, uses leading-edge training equipment, and provides real-world experience to students.  In-person classes will be offered at GBC campuses in Elko and Winnemucca and at Renown Health in Reno. Applications will open this June and are due October 31, 2024. The first program courses will begin in the Spring of 2025. There are very specific prerequisites for the program and students can visit the program page for more information.“Investing in the training of new respiratory therapists is crucial to meeting Renown’s mission of providing essential services for our community,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, CEO & President, Renown Health. “These professionals help patients manage respiratory conditions and their expertise makes a difference in the lives of others. By equipping them with the latest knowledge and hands-on experience, we ensure that our patients receive the best possible care during their most crucial moments. Respiratory therapists are important members of the critical care team, which is why we are proud to partner with Great Basin College to establish the first training program for our region."According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “employment of respiratory therapists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.” GBC sees the incredible potential for growth and has worked hard to bring this opportunity to Nevada’s health care workforce.  “This vital program will support our health care systems through innovative teaching strategies geared towards developing the highest caliber respiratory therapist,” says Jason Farnsworth, GBC Respiratory Therapy Program Director and Director of Respiratory Care Services at Renown Health. The Associate of Applied Science Cardio-Respiratory Care Science program will be offered at Great Basin College at the Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno locations and is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. However Great Basin College can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690 (817) 283-2835. Accreditation is presumed to be finalized around November 2024.      About Great Basin College Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State,” offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown and Great Basin College Launch 18-month Respiratory Therapist Training Program

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation technology (ECMO) for patients with severe heart or respiratory failure is now available locally thanks to a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust  Renown Health, the Level II Trauma Center for the region and the leader in offering the most innovative treatments for critically ill adults and children, is now home to northern Nevada’s first and only comprehensive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program.  The ECMO machines arrived at the Cardiac ICU at Renown Regional Medical Center this week, and the multidisciplinary team of highly specialized physicians, Critical Care intensivists, Cardiovascular surgeons, perfusionists, registered nurses and therapists are ready to provide minute-by-minute support for patients receiving ECMO treatment. The multidisciplinary ECMO team includes pharmacists and respiratory therapists who are ready to receive their first patient. “At Renown Health, we are constantly investing in our clinicians, essential services, and medical innovations to help keep care local. Access to health care—both preventive care and advanced treatment—is critical for a community’s well-being and optimal health,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO for Renown Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust and their $3.5-million grant to help establish the first ECMO program for the region at Renown. ECMO saves lives. Neighbors in need of ECMO life-support can now stay close to home and loved ones, and no longer need to be transported to facilities outside our area for this type of advanced care.” What is ECMO? “ECMO is a life support technology for patients with the most severe heart and lung illnesses,” explains Richard King, MD, FACEP Division Chief- Critical Care Medicine at Renown Health and Co-Medical Director of the ECMO program. “At Renown, our technology allows a patient's heart and lungs to heal and recover from illnesses, diseases, and injuries the body has sustained. The ECMO machine is a portable life-support system used for severe cases of heart and lungfailure. The ECMO procedure provides minimally invasive heart-lung bypass support outside of the body. The machine then removes carbon dioxide from the patient’s blood and adds oxygen. Basically, ECMO serves as your heart and lungs, supplying blood with oxygen and pumped back into the body, allowing your own organs to rest and to help the impaired function.” Why is ECMO important in saving lives?  “This state-of-the-art procedure can save lives in cases that otherwise would offer little chance of survival and can act as a bridge to those needing heart or lung transplants,” says Dr. Kimball Knackstedt, Cardiovascular surgeon, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, and Co-Medical Director of the ECMO program. “ECMO can be a game changer and a last resort for patients with severe heart and lung conditions. The procedure isn’t for everyone. ECMO requires anticoagulation, so a common complication is bleeding. This makes the therapy complex for trauma patients who often have life threatening heart and lung failure but due to severe bleeding, cannot utilize ECMO. We look forward to providing care for patients who are too unstable for transport and who could die before receiving needed care.” "Renown Health serves more than one million patients in a 100,000-square mile reach across Nevada, Lake Tahoe and eastern California. The Helmsley Charitable Trust grant to the Renown Health Foundation will help give severe respiratory distress and cardiogenic shock patients a greater chance of survival and lessen the need for risky and lengthy transfers out of the community,” said Taralynn Bassham, BSN, Director of Nursing, Critical Care. “This investment in critical life support technology enables the best chance of survival for our patients suffering severe heart and/or lung failure during their most critical moments. This is truly a gift of life for many.”  ECMO programs growing across the U.S.  ECMO technology was developed in the late 1960s by a team led by Robert H. Bartlett, MD. Its main purpose was to serve as a long-term “bypass machine” to support the lungs or heart, which was not feasible at that time with conventional bypass machines. ECMO was first used successfully in 1971 by a patient with severe lung dysfunction after a motorcycle accident. In 1976, it was also used successfully for a baby who had severe lung injury from meconium aspiration, which led to increased use in the pediatric population. In 2009, ECMO was used worldwide in the treatment of severe lung failure during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. More than 100 new ECMO programs were launched in the U.S. in the last 3-5 years. Today, there are 6,120 hospitals in the U.S. and only 300 to 400 with ECMO programs according to the American Medical Association.  “We are launching our ECMO program with the capability to support up to 2 patients simultaneously for the first 1-2 years and aim to eventually perform 40 cases annually,” said Rob Blamire, Enterprise Project Manager for Renown. “Initially, we will focus on adult patients and later expand to include pediatric care. Depending on a patient’s needs, ECMO support varies from several days to weeks. The entire Renown team takes immense pride in introducing this leading-edge life support technology to our community, benefiting area patients and their families.”  What conditions may ECMO support help treat? There are several conditions extracorporeal life support can aid in treating, such as: Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Burns (smoke inhalation); Cardiogenic shock; Heart attack; Respiratory failure; Myocarditis; Pulmonary embolism;Sepsis; and as a “bridge” to transplant. Supported by Innovative ECMO Concepts  “We appreciate the partnership with the team at Innovative ECMO Concepts, a leading provider of ECMO who specialize in providing support for launching and refining ECMO programs,” said Bill Plauth, MD, MMM, CPE, Chief Medical Officer for Renown Health, and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. "From initial consultation to working bedside, staff training, and ongoing program evaluation, IEC’s comprehensive approach has ensured seamless integration and optimal outcomes for patients. “We are proud to help set a new standard in patient care and safety in northern Nevada through Renown’s ECMO program,” comments Dr. John Mehall, Chief Medical Officer at IEC. “This achievement is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for patients requiring ECMO therapy.” Thank you to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust "This life-support procedure would not be possible without the generosity of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The Trust's ongoing support for Renown Health and our community helps us further our healing mission," said Greg Walaitis, Chief Development Officer, Renown Health Foundation. If you are a hospital or referring provider and want more information about our ECMO program, please contact the Renown Operations & Transfer Center.  For media interviews, contact news@renown.org or 775-691-7308. About Renown Health  Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center for adults and children, 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. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Groundbreaking Historic Milestone: ECMO Program for Region's Critically Ill Patients Now Available at Renown Health

Only hospital in northern Nevada to receive national recognition for patient safety and quality Renown South Meadows Medical Center in south Reno has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization that serves as a voice for health care consumers and purchasers, using their collective influence to foster positive change in U.S. health care. Leapfrog is the nation’s premier advocate of transparency in health care—collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data to inform value-based purchasing and improved decision-making. This national distinction recognizes Renown Health’s national accomplishments in ensuring safe, high-quality hospital care for patients. The Leapfrog Group is an independent, nonprofit organization that upholds the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.  Leapfrog sets their standards using peer reviewed literature and expert opinion, peer comparisons, and alignment with existing national standards or performance targets. “We are very proud to recognize physicians, nurses, clinicians and the entire team at Renown South Meadows Medical Center for achieving exceptional Leapfrog performance in Patient-Centered Care, Critical Care, Nursing and Bedside Care for Patients, Patient Safety, Medication Safety, and Care for Total Joint Replacement and Elective Outpatient Surgery Patients,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President and CEO, Renown Health. “As the only locally governed not-for-profit academic healthcare network in the region, Renown’s success is shared with our patients and community. We celebrate and thank our physicians, nurses, and caregivers for their continued dedication to making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve.” “Everyone who works at Renown South Meadows Medical Center should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president, and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Renown South Meadows Medical Center’s leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for patients and their safety.” “We are proud of our affiliated physicians and teams who give their best every day, to ensure that every patient’s care and safety is their top priority,” said Sam Weller, MHPA, CEO, Renown South Meadows Medical Center. “We recognize that when you choose a hospital, you could be making a life-or-death decision. Not every hospital is the same. Performance on things like infection rates, surgical errors, or patient injuries varies considerably—and matters greatly. It’s important for consumers to know and consider these things when choosing what physicians, hospital, or Emergency Room to select for their care. We are very excited to be recognized as the only hospital to achieve this designation in northern Nevada, and only one of two in the state (the other being in Las Vegas).”   To see Renown South Meadows Medical Center’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and via The Leapfrog Group newsletter.   The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. Renown Regional Medical Center received a B score for Fall & Spring 2023. For more information on the Leapfrog Group and the Spring 2023 scores, please visit: hospitalsafetyscore.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,400 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. For more information, visit renown.org.  About The Leapfrog Group Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

Read More About Renown South Meadows Medical Center Earns Highest "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Renown Health is proud to announce the certification of its pulmonary rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification is recognition of Renown Health’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms, long COVID-19) recover faster and live healthier. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD impacts 16 million people across the United States, and 1 in 13 adults (7.5%) have “long COVID” symptoms, defined as symptoms lasting three or more months after first contracting the virus, and that they didn’t have prior to their COVID-19 infection. "We are thrilled to receive this certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for our pulmonary rehabilitation program at Renown South Meadows Medical Center. This recognition underscores Renown Health's unwavering dedication to providing the highest standards of care and improving the lives of our patients, no matter what life throws at them,” said Sam Weller, MHPA CEO of Renown South Meadows Medical Center and Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of our programs, and this certification reinforces our ongoing mission to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people of northern Nevada." To earn this accreditation, Renown Health’s pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies. Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. "At Renown Health, our pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed with our patients in mind. Our focus includes physical exercise, extending to education, counseling and support for both patients and their families,” said John Lynn, Manager of Respiratory Services at Renown Health. “This AACVPR certification is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication in ensuring that individuals with pulmonary conditions receive the best possible care to enhance their quality of life." In 2018, AACVPR moved to an outcomes-based process with performance measurements that represent more meaningful outcomes. Therefore, AACVPR-certified programs are leaders in the cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation field because they offer the most advanced practices available and have proven track records of high-quality patient care. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years. About Renown Health 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 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 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®. About AACVPR Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Read More About Renown Health Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Certified by American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Renown Health, Lander County and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Battle Mountain Recreation Center. The Fitness Court, located at 560 Altenburg Ave, will open on Tuesday, August 15 at 10AM with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  This Fitness Court was developed by Renown Health, Lander County and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. Lander County is one of five outdoor Fitness Courts in a series of Fitness Courts presented by Renown Health that have been funded in healthy communities that are prioritizing health equity and world class outdoor fitness. The Fitness Court is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.  Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users may also download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally supported wellness experience. “Proximity to exercise opportunities, such as parks and recreation facilities, has been linked to an increase in physical activity among residents,” said Brian Erling, MD, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Regular physical activity has a wide array of health benefits including weight control, muscle and bone strengthening, improved mental health and mood, and improved life expectancy. We are proud to bring additional access to exercise opportunities - at no charge, to everyone in our community.” “For over 50 years, Battle Mountain General Hospital has provided access to quality healthcare. We have up-to-date technology and medical services so you can receive your healthcare close to home, in your own community,” said Jason Bleak, FACHE, President and CEO. “We are pleased to partner with Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, which provides the highest level of Trauma Care, is home to the region’s only children’s hospital, robotic surgery institute, comprehensive heart, cancer, orthopedic and neurology services---and provides us access to some of the brightest medical specialists in the country.” “It never ceases to amaze me when Nevada businesses and the County partner up to do amazing things for their communities,” said Kaydra Stewart, Executive Director of the Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce. “This Fitness Court is such a wonderful addition to the Battle Mountain Recreation Center, and I know that so many members of the community are going to benefit from it.” “The Lander County Recreation Department is committed to serving all residents of Lander County, by providing recreation and leisure activities, events, and other services that promote health, relaxation, and learning in a safe environment. We believe that recreation and leisure are important to the overall quality of life and the social well-being of our individual citizens and our community as a whole,” said Lander County Recreation Department. “National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Lander County to the campaign as a leader in health and wellness for their residents. We look forward to their continued partnership and investment as a healthy community in Nevada,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign.  Residents are invited to attend the launch event on August 15th at 10AM to try the Fitness Court. For more information visit BM Rec Center facebook page or contact Danielle at Recreation Center 775-635-9209. For more information on Renown Health’s support of NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/nevada. 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. About National Fitness Campaign Founded in San Francisco in 1979, National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm that provides programs and services to cities, schools and sponsors with the mission to build healthy communities. NFC delivers an integrated wellness initiative, centered on the world’s best outdoor gym: The Fitness Court®. The Campaign is planning its 500th Healthy Community, uniting the country’s largest public-private partnership in support of wellness with the goal of building a Fitness Court within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Follow us on social media @NatFitCampaign and #Fitnesscourt.

Read More About Lander County, Renown Health and National Fitness Campaign Make Fitness Free for Community

Renown Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) are excited to announce Shaylie Edwards as the 2023 Champion Child. A fighter from a young age, seven-year-old Shaylie has overcome many challenges in her short life. In 2019 when she was three, Shaylie was hit by a car while using a crosswalk with her father. She was admitted to the Wilbur D. May Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Renown Children’s Hospital and stayed there for three months. A video introducing Shaylie and her journey can be found here.  Shaylie’s mom, Erica Edwards reports that as a result of the accident, Shaylie has been treated by Renown Children’s Hospital physicians, nurses and team for a broken neck in two places, a broken jaw in two places, a fractured sacrum, a broken femur and three small brain bleeds. She has been in outpatient therapy for the last three years and continues making strides daily. “Shaylie’s perseverance, dedication and joy inspires all of us at Renown Children’s Hospital,” said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP Physician-in-Chief, Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine,” (pictured right with Shaylie). “It has been an incredible joy to witness her progress and to care for Shaylie and her family. We are thrilled she has been chosen to share her story with the world.”  The New England Journal of Medicine cites preventable injuries as the number one leading cause of death among children. This includes motor vehicle accidents, firearm injuries, drowning, poisoning, burns and suffocation. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, an average of 155 children under the age of 10 die every year as a result of pedestrian injury, with 64% of those involving motor vehicles. Across the U.S., due to distracted driving, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes. Most drivers feel they can safely take their eyes off the road for 0-2 seconds, but a car can travel the length of a football field in 5 seconds at 55 MPH. Shaylie’s family and the team at Renown Children’s Hospital urge drivers to be fully aware and eliminate distractions while driving.  “We were in the Wilbur D. May PICU for three months and the first five days were very iffy. We did not know if she would come out of her coma, but Shaylie is a fighter. The care team at Renown Children’s Hospital made me feel at home and like we were all going through this together,” said Shaylie’s mother, Erica Edwards. “Shaylie’s recovery was a collaboration between doctors, nurses, and our family. Together we were there to support Shaylie, who has proven to us repeatedly that she has a greater purpose in life.” “It was heartwarming to meet Shaylie and her family,” said Dr. Brian Erling, MBA, CEO of Renown Health. “Shaylie is truly a champion! She and her family have faced life's unanticipated events with strength and resilience. Despite the struggles, they have carried on with hope and determination. They find joy in life every day and inspire us all. We have much to learn from their example.” Through Renown Children’s Hospital, Shaylie and 100,000 area children now have access to more than 60 pediatricians, including those specializing in adolescent medicine; anesthesia; cardiology; craniofacial surgery; dentistry; ear, nose and throat conditions; emergency medicine; endocrinology; gastroenterology;  general pediatrics; hospitalist medicine; intensive care; neonatology; neurology; oncology; ophthalmology;  orthopedics; psychiatry; psychology; pulmonology; surgery; urology and other subspecialties previously lacking in the community, as well as a pediatric emergency room, pediatric ICU and contemporary healthcare services at Renown Children’s Hospital. Prior to 2016, about 30% of all pediatric patients had to leave northern Nevada to receive the specialty care they needed. Now, thanks to donor support, Renown estimates that 97% of all pediatric patients and their families can receive both general and specialty pediatric care locally. The next nearest children’s hospital in the state is 7 hours or 438 miles away in Las Vegas. Renown Children’s Hospital is proud to be the only CMNH hospital in northern Nevada, one of only 170 premier children’s hospitals in North America. Shaylie will serve as Renown Children’s Hospital’s CMNH Champion Child for the next year, shining as the face of the hospital in the community and sharing her inspiring story. Renown Health Foundation oversees the local CMNH programs and its fundraising. One hundred percent of all funds raised by CMNH partners stay local to support children and families in our community. Your generous support affords much-needed items to help our littlest patients cope with the potential stressors associated with hospitalization and illness. To donate, visit www.renown.org/donate. About Renown Health 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 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 locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is hiring people like you. Visit us at www.renown.org/careers.  About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at www.renown.org/CMNH.

Read More About Renown Children's Hospital Announces 2023 Children's Miracle Network Champion Child

Meet Eleazar, the first baby born in the Reno-Sparks area in 2023 Reno's first baby of 2023 was born in the Labor and Delivery Childbirth Center at Renown Regional Medical Center. Gricella Grajeda gave birth to Eleazar Grajeda at 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Baby Eleazar weighed 5 pounds, 3.4 ounces and was the first 2023 birth at any of the region's hospitals. Baby Eleazar is also welcomed to the world by Yesinia Valazquez. More than 4,040 babies were delivered at Renown Health in 2022. Renown Health offers exceptional family-centered care with complete prenatal services designed for the health and well-being of every patient and their new baby. About Renown Health 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®

Read More About Renown Welcome Area's First Baby of 2023

Pictured left to right: Erin VanKirk, MSN, RN, Renown Health Director of Nursing Education; Mitch Krebs, Program Director at Helmsley Charitable Trust; Dr. Graf, Renown Health CEO; Greg Walaitis Renown Health Chief Development Officer. Renown Health will use the grant to build the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center to improve the health system’s training abilities The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has granted $3.1 million to Renown Health for construction of a new simulation and innovation center that will greatly expand the health system’s ability to train healthcare providers throughout northern Nevada. The new center will be named the Helmsley Simulation and Innovation Center. Expected to open in April 2023, the center will feature three simulated patient rooms, classroom space, computer labs and a conference center, allowing trainers to run current and future healthcare professionals through real-life acute, outpatient, telemedicine and specialty care scenarios. The new center will let Renown Health train substantially more nurses, physicians, community clinical partners, medical students and rural providers while improving medical and nursing expertise to support staff throughout northern Nevada. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust is excited to fund this new simulation center, which will provide healthcare professionals across rural Nevada with state-of-the-art training in a variety of situations they’ll encounter,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “The project fits with our goal to level the playing field by giving rural residents access to top-notch healthcare, regardless of their ZIP code.” “Simulation education has become standard practice for many of our healthcare personnel,” said Erin Van Kirk MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education. “This lab will provide expanded opportunities in a controlled setting where physicians, nurses, and students can gain valuable experience in providing the best care possible.” Renown Health has outgrown its current simulation lab, which opened in 2016 in Renown Regional Medical Center. The new, larger, state-of-the-art simulation and innovation center will increase Renown Health’s training capacity from 1,500 to 2,500 each year. The new facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art simulation mannequins and other equipment that includes a telemetry monitor, IV and epidural equipment, a code cart, a defibrillator, a balloon pump, ventilators and a cooling machine. The center will also support Renown Health’s recently established partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, expanding training modules focused on rural health and virtual care through telemedicine. “The facility will help Renown Health respond to our region’s growing population by allowing us to support the training and competency necessary for our care providers to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, MBA, Chief Nursing Executive at Renown Health. “This generous grant for the new simulation and innovation center from the Helmsley Charitable Trust is truly an investment in the bright future we envision for Renown, our care teams and the community.” 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. About the Helmsley Charitable Trust The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $3 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $500 million to organizations and initiatives in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Nevada. For more information, visit helmsleytrust.org.

Read More About Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $3.1 Million to Renown Health

Three-day medical education conference advances research, education, prevention and treatment. Physicians and medical professionals from throughout the Mountain West will soon be convening in Lake Tahoe to explore emerging treatments, the most recent advances and new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and heart disease. Hosted by Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health and the Nevada Academy of Family Physicians, the three-day Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine conference will bring together national experts to explore challenges and solutions to cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. "Our mission is to advance health in America. As Nevada's first integrated health system, with our University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine affiliation, we are advancing health and health care through world-class medical education, clinical research and patient care for our community, our state and our nation," says Anthony D. Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO, Renown Health. "And, we have so much work to do. In 2019, 9.5% of Nevadans reported being told by a health professional that they had angina or coronary heart disease; which is significantly above the national average of 8.4%. As public health and health care providers, we can do more to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to keep their heart healthy and help prevent heart disease through the Healthy Nevada Project®, where people can understand their genetic risks at no-cost." "The driving force behind this collaborative event is the shared missions of all our organizations, across the country, to advance progress in cardiovascular research, education, prevention and treatment," says Jayson Morgan, MD, FACC, Director Cardiovascular Services at Renown. "We will be joined by colleagues from Johns Hopkins, Cedars-Sinai, Scripps, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, University of Utah, Medical College of Wisconsin, the Metabolic Institute of America and locally- with experts from Renown's Institute for Heart & Vascular Health/UNR Med, St. Mary's and Barton Health - to discuss contemporary trends in providing excellent cardiovascular care and prevention." New research will be presented each day, including: “Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes – The Hidden Epidemic: What the Clinician Needs to Know” Michael J. Blaha, MD, MPH, FACC, Professor of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director of Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Baltimore, MD “Optimizing Glycemic Control in the Inpatient Setting” Kendall M. Rogers, MD, CPE, FACP, SFHM, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM “Perioperative Medicine Update”                                                                                                                                                                                             Barbara A. Slawski, MD, MS, SFHM Professor of Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Chief, Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI “Understanding hATTR Amyloidosis: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Landscape” Jignesh K. Patel, MD, PhD, FACC, FRCP, FAST, FAHA, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Medical Director, Heart Transplant Program, Director, Cardiac Amyloid Program, Director, Heart Transplant Research, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA “Coronary Artery Calcium in 2021: Guideline-Endorsed and Ready for Prime Time” “The Evolving Landscape of Obesity Management – A 2021 Update” Ken Fujioka, MD, Director of the Center for Weight Management, Director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center, Scripps Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrine, San Diego, CA “The Evolving Landscape of Obesity Management – A 2021 Update” Ken Fujioka, MD, Director of the Center for Weight Management, Director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center, Scripps Clinic, Department of Diabetes and Endocrine, San Diego, CA “Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Where We Are; Where We Are Headed” Matthew A. Cain, MD, Electrophysiologist, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, Renown Medical Group, Reno, NV "The Story of a Murmur” Abhilash Akinapelli, MD, Cardiac Valve & TAVR Program Director, Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, Renown Medical Group, Reno, NV "Update on the Cardiovascular Effects of COVID-19” Siddharth Singh, MD, Assistant Director, Echo Fellowship Training Program, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA “Antibiotic Stewardship: How to Improve Our Prescribing for Now and Later”                                                                                                                            Valerie M. Vaughn, MD, MSc, FACP, FHM, Assistant Professor, Instructional Track Director of Hospital Medicine Research, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT "Emerging Trends in the Clinical Management of VTE”                                                                                                                                                                Victor F. Tapson, MD, FCCP, FRCP, Director, Clinical Research for the Women’s Guild Lung Institute, Director, Venous Thromboembolism & Pulmonary Vascular Disease Research Program, Associate Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA “Contemporary Approach to the Management of Diabetes as a Cardiovascular Disease”                                                                                               Yehuda Handelsman, MD, FACP, FNLA, FASPC, MACE, Medical Director & Principal Investigator, Metabolic Institute of America, Tarzana, CA The Arthur J Lurie, MD Memorial Dinner and Keynote Presentation, sponsored by the charitable Renown Foundation and the Lurie Family, is an evening ceremony to honor and memorialize the devotion and innovation of the lake Dr. Arthur J. Lurie, who personified humanitarian, medical and community service. Dr. Lurie devoted modernized heart surgery and was steadfast in his commitment to introduce new and groundbreaking techniques cardiovascular techniques to Nevada. He promoted and inspired life-changing research and advancements in heart surgery, as well as cancer research, until his passing in 1996. Medical professionals are invited to attend the 31st Annual Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine conference will take place at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, CA from Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Those interested in registering or learning more may visit www.renown.org/trends. The clinical team at Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health is the recipient of a number of national awards for outstanding clinical care and service, including: In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings for 2021, Renown Regional Medical Center - #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. Renown Regional Medical Center is High Performing, its highest rating possible, for Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Awarded by the American College of Surgeons for the Renown Regional earned America's 100 Best Hospitals for Critical Care Award (2021) for Superior clinical outcomes in treating pulmonary embolism, respiratory system failure, sepsis, and diabetic emergencies. Regional also earned the Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ (2021), for superior outcomes. Designated Level II Trauma Center. For the 30th year, Renown Regional Medical Center is northern Nevada's only designated level II trauma center. Renown Regional awarded The Get with the Guidelines - Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement award for continually ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, as well as AHA's mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving honor for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. American College of Cardiology's NCDR Chest Pain-MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award. Renown Regional Medical Center is one of only 225 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes Renown's success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Renown has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.  To make an appointment with a provider at Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, request that your primary care provider make a referral. For more information on Renown's Institute for Heart and Vascular Health, visit renown.org/Health-Services/Heart-Care.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Leading Experts Convene in Tahoe to Focus on Scientific Advancements and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, the #1 Cause of Death Globally

Stage 2 Air Quality Index and alarming research studies from DRI, Renown Health and the Washoe County Health District leads to public health advisory- seek care if needed For people who suffer from asthma, wildfire smoke is more hazardous than other types of air pollution, according to a study from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI) and the Washoe County Health District (WCHD). The study published in the journal Environmental Health examined associations between airborne particulate matter (PM) from sources such as wildfire, transportation and industry, and medical visits for asthma at Renown Health’s emergency departments and urgent care centers in Reno, Nev. during the six-year period from 2013-2018. In places like Reno, where wildfire events occur regularly during parts of the year and are expected to become more frequent in the future, an accurate understanding of the impacts of wildfire smoke on population health is critical. We have an exceptional process in place through our urgent care sites, Renown Medical Group offices and hospital emergency departments to screen, diagnose and treat members of our community who come to us for care related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other upper respiratory diseases that may be exacerbated by wildfire smoke. At the same time, we continue to develop and refine, in real-time, the data that supports our predictive analytic models. We are using every tool and resource-including scientific data and clinical reporting, to ensure that we are meeting both the health and healthcare needs of the people we serve. In the study, researchers found that air quality in the Reno area was affected by wildfire smoke on a total of 188 days during the study period. A total of 18,836 asthma-related emergency room and urgent care visits occurred over the same five-year period of time, indicating that the influences of wildfire smoke and other types of air pollution on this medical condition are important to understand. The Washoe County Health District – Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued a Stage 2 Air Pollution Warning due to smoke from area wildfires. Air quality in the Reno-Sparks area is now “Very Unhealthy” with an Air Quality Index of 247. The Stage 2 warning means that all residents should stay indoors and reduce activity levels due to the susceptibility of increased health risks. To see current air quality in Reno-Sparks, click here. Brion Hill, MD who practices at the Renown Urgent Care - Los Altos location warns, “This is an important health advisory, exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain. Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy. Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider,” says Dr. Hill. “If you do not have a health care provider, we have 11 conveniently located Renown Urgent Care offices with providers ready to see you 7 days a week." Dr. Joseph Grzymski, a research professor at Desert Research Institute, a corresponding author on the study and Chief Scientific Officer, Renown Health, says, “This air is very bad for your health. Given today’s Air Quality Index in Reno, being outside and breathing this air for a day equals about smoking half a package of cigarettes.” Additional Information: The full text of the article “Particulate matter and emergency visits for asthma: a time-series study of their association in the presence and absence of wildfire smoke in Reno, Nevada, 2013–2018,” is available from Environmental Health: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-020-00646-2 To learn more about the Renown Institute for Health Innovation, please visit: https://www.dri.edu/renown-ihi/ Renown Urgent Care provides treatment for a wide range of minor injuries, illnesses and medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, that require same-day medical attention and avoid the long wait times and high prices of the emergency room at 13 convenient sites, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, USA Parkway, Fallon and Fernley. You can walk-in or book ahead online. The Washoe County Health District offers online health information on its Be Smoke Smart website, including fire information, daily air quality information, fire and smoke maps and how to protect yourself.     About the Desert Research Institute The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied interdisciplinary research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe. Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge, supported Nevada’s diversifying economy, provided science-based educational opportunities, and informed policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education. For more information, visit www.dri.edu. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Wildfire Smoke More Dangerous Than Other Air Pollution for People With Asthma

Renown Urgent Care team prepares you to stay safe this season and is available seven days a week at 11 locations across northern Nevada Millions of people across the West live in areas where air pollution can cause serious health problems. Local air quality can affect our daily lives. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Plumas County, to notify the public of the possibility of poor air quality conditions resulting from the Beckwourth Complex Fire in addition to other wildfires in northern California. In addition, there is the potential for wind shifts to carry smoke to other parts of Plumas County from the Beckwourth and several other regional wildfires.  Air quality is expected to vary greatly depending on fire behavior and weather conditions, with smoke settling in low areas at night and in the early mornings as long as these fires are active. The advisory mentions, “Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.” Kouros Farro, MD, a physician with Renown Urgent Care advises that there are people who are more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level. People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People who have heart disease or high blood pressure. Children and older adults. People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors. “Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy. Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider,” says Dr. Farro, who is board certified in family medicine and practices at Renown Urgent Care at 975 Ryland St in Reno. “If you do not have a health care provider, know we have a Renown Urgent Care office on almost every corner, with providers ready to see you.” Dr. Farro advises the following: Take it easy and listen to your body. Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level. If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires. If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD make sure you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you. People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider to be sure you have an asthma action plan. “Even just one hour of smoke exposure can affect our lungs and hearts, and these consequences can reach people far beyond the direct area endangered by the fire. Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, communities of color, economically disadvantaged communities, and people with preexisting chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and obesity are all especially vulnerable to the air pollution that wildfires cause," says Dr. David Lemak, Division Chief of Urgent Care at Renown. Renown Urgent Care provides treatment for a wide range of minor injuries, illnesses and medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, that require same-day medical attention and avoid the long wait times and high prices of the emergency room at 11 convenient sites, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, USA Parkway, Fallon and Fernley. You can walk-in or book ahead online. You can get the latest fire and smoke information at the Washoe County Health District’s Be Smoke Smart webpage.  It includes information about air pollution levels and how to protect yourself from the smoke. An on-line subscription page allows you to sign up for EnviroFlash, notifying you about air quality.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region’s largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Where There is Smoke; There May Be More Headaches, Nausea and Coughing