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Want to protect yourself from skin damage from the sun’s harmful rays? Dr. Angela Walker, dermatologist with Renown Medical Group, shares what you can do to prevent skin cancer. What can people do to prevent skin cancer while enjoying the outdoors? There are several steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun. “I caution all of my patients to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. I also encourage people to wear sleeves on cooler days. And don’t forget that we still need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days! UV rays can still cause sun damage on cloudy days. Preventing skin cancer also entails wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everyday.  Are hats also a good idea for skin protection? Yes, of course! Choose a wide-brim hat that shades the face as well as the back of the neck for extra protection against UV rays. When it comes to identifying skin cancer, what should people watch for? We use easy-to-remember letters when checking for spots on the skin; it’s called the ABCDEs: A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole or lesion doesn't match the other half. B - Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, or notched. C - Color variation: The mole has different shades of color or uneven color distribution. D - Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters) or is increasing in size. E - Evolution: Any changes in the mole over time, such as size, shape, color, itching, bleeding, or crusting. These guidelines can help in identifying potentially suspicious skin lesions, but it's important to consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of skin cancer.

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Cancer is challenging, but no one has to go through it alone. Patients and their loved ones can navigate the journey towards healing and recovery with the proper support and resources from Renown Health.  When faced with a cancer diagnosis, access to reliable and comprehensive cancer resources is key. These resources provide vital information, support, and guidance for patients, caregivers and loved ones throughout cancer treatment and recovery. Cancer Resources Breast Cancer Newly Diagnosed Orientation Class  Cancer Support Groups  Caregiver Support  General Cancer Support Group  Lymphedema & Physical Therapy  Men’s Prostate Cancer Support Group  Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop  Smoking Cessation  Spiritual Center Activities & Programs  Sterling Silver 55+ Club Facebook Group  At Renown and in collaboration with community partnerships, we offer a variety of resources and specialty care programs focused on improving the quality of life after cancer including:  Cancer support groups play a crucial role in providing emotional, psychological, and practical assistance to those affected by cancer   These groups often consist of individuals who have been through similar experiences and can offer guidance, empathy, and understanding.   They provide a safe space for individuals to share their feelings, concerns, and experiences with others who truly understand what they are going through.

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As we begin to enjoy the springtime weather in northern Nevada, are you finding your skin less than tip-top shape? Here’s how to add moisture back in easy, natural ways. You don’t need to be a medical aesthetician: Dry, cold climates can often wreak havoc on your body’s largest organ — your skin. These tips from Renown Dermatology, Laser & Skin Care will quickly put moisture back and relieve dry, chapped skin. 11 Miraculous Moisturizing Tips Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, even during winter months. Don’t forget to use an SPF lip balm, too. Heaters dry out your skin. Use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air. (And try these simple tips to make sure you’re keeping that humidifier clean.) If your skin is dehydrated, try using a nighttime moisturizer during the day. Use a hydrating mask or moisturizing mask twice a week. Don’t forget your hands and feet. Apply a rich cream to the hands and feet at night and cover them with gloves and socks to restore moisture while you sleep. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Try adding a hydrating serum to your morning and nighttime skincare routine to heal the skin. Use a gentle exfoliant to remove dry skin at least once a week, which helps your skin absorb your moisturizer. Apply body oil or lotion in the shower while your skin is still damp to trap moisture. Hot water dries out your skin, so turn down the temperature in the shower and bath.   A little pampering goes a long way, and Renown’s medical aestheticians are here to help. Trained in skincare and advanced therapies, our experts can transition your skin to look healthy, youthful and rejuvenated.

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The New Year is just around the corner, and many of us are making resolutions to better ourselves and improve our lives. But who says it's just for grownups? This January have some fun, and set a New Year's resolution with your child. Your children are bound to love ringing in the New Year with their very own resolutions. And there are lots of benefits to your child coming up with their own resolutions: Self-discipline, self-improvement, commitment and the value of making goals and following through. 1. Get the family involved Sit down together and reflect on the past year and discuss accomplishments and goals. 2. Make them specific Just resolving to “do better in school” probably won’t work. Set a specific goal. 3. Write them down Have each family member write down their resolution and post the list somewhere where it can be seen often. 4. Be a role model Come up with a resolution of your own. If your child sees you stick to your resolution; odds are they will too. 5. Pick a reward Having something fun to work towards can always be a good incentive. Just be sure you both agree on the reward ahead of time.

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Dr. Derek Beenfeldt first joined the Renown family in 2014 as a family medicine physician after graduating from University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine (UNR Med) in 2011. His son Davis was only 10 years old when Dr. Beenfeldt decided to change careers and attend medical school. Ten years later, Davis is following in his dad’s footsteps as a third year student at UNR Med. “I am proud of Davis for taking on the challenges and the commitment that I know goes along with attending medical school,” Dr. Beenfeldt said. “I also feel lucky that we have a medical school with such a great reputation and resources close to home.” The affiliation is a great source of pride for Dr. Beenfeldt. Not just because two important organizations in his life are joining forces, but he also sees it as both entities taking on an immense responsibility – the challenge to be better for incoming students, and subsequently to improve healthcare in Nevada. Davis is currently going through his rotations and spending countless hours a week at Renown Regional. His dad is right there by his side supporting him along the way. “It has been really interesting to have discussions about the UNR medical school with Davis, I recognize the names of many of the professors and courses from when I was a student,” Dr. Beenfeldt said. “I tried to be empathetic, as I can relate to how difficult and stressful this time is for him. Dr. Beenfeldt currently works as chief medical officer for Renown’s insurance arm Hometown Health, and Davis is still browsing specialties. “I don’t know what kind of medicine I want to focus on yet, but I feel lucky that I can attend medical school so close to home and have the option to continue helping my fellow Nevadans after I graduate.” UNR Med at a Glance UNR’s Medical School was established in 1969 Over the last 50 years, UNR Med has educated 3,900+ physicians More than 30% of UNR Med physician graduates continue to practice in Nevada UNR Med is the state’s oldest medical school

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Menopause is something that every woman experiences at some point in her lifetime. Learn what to expect and how you can help manage the symptoms and health risks. Most women don’t experience menopause until their 50s, but certain factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, glandular problems and chemotherapy can cause early menopause before the age of 40. No matter what your age, it’s a good idea be aware of the risks and treatments available to maintain a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. Health Risks of Menopause Two of the biggest health risks posed to women who have gone through menopause are bone density loss and risk of cardiovascular disease. Bone loss can be treated with bisphosphonate and estrogens. “Calcium with vitamin D and weight bearing exercise will also limit bone loss,” says Vickie Tippett, MD and OB/GYN at Renown Health. For cardiovascular risk, a healthy lifestyle is key. Discontinuing tobacco use, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and diet all help reduce a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Managing Discomforts of Menopause One of the most common complaints about menopause is the discomfort of hot flashes. “Hot flashes can be treated with systemic estrogen alone or in combination with progesterone or another agent similar to estrogen,” Dr. Tippett says. “Non-hormonal medications such as SSRIs and antidepressants also work.” Vaginal dryness, another common symptom of menopause, can also be treated with estrogen, estrogen-like compounds and personal lubricants. Pills, patches, creams and many other formulations are available to help alleviate discomfort. Knowing when, why and what to expect when it comes to menopause can help make the transition easier. Learn the facts about menopause in the infographic below.

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In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re working to spread the word about taking care of your breast health and encouraging the women in your life to do the same.  Heather Reimer is on a mission — a mission to educate women everywhere about breast tissue type. For women with dense breasts, knowing your breast tissue type is absolutely critical, as cancers embedded in dense breast tissue are not always detectable with a mammogram alone. Dense breast tissue requires a breast ultrasound screening to get a complete breast health picture. Whole Breast Ultrasound for Dense Breast Tissue Heather knows this firsthand. She has dense breasts, and in this video she shares her story about finding breast cancer during a breast ultrasound screening — cancer that went undetected with her mammogram screening alone. As a result of that experience, Heather founded Each One. Tell One. — a movement to encourage women to pass along this information to others and to prompt those with dense breast and implants to consult with their doctor to schedule a whole breast ultrasound screening. To schedule a mammogram or a whole breast ultrasound, call 775-982-8100.

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