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

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© Africa Images via Canva.com Do you find yourself struggling to stay awake during the day or having no energy? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a full-time employee, a student or retiree, that “I’m tired” feeling comes in all shapes and sizes. What’s even more frustrating is not knowing the source of your exhaustion.  Dr. Brandon Flores, a sleep medicine physician with Renown Medical Group, breaks down nine key reasons why you may be feeling so fatigued.  You did not get enough sleep, or your quality of sleep is poor. This may seem obvious, but in today’s “rise and grind” culture, sleep can be considered a luxury rather than what it really is: a necessity. Ensuring you get adequate hours of sleep between 6-9 hours and quality sleep is essential. You may not be breathing well during sleep. Interruptions to your breathing, such as snoring, can decrease airflow at night causing your sleep to be less restorative. This is often due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA can lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness and can also impact other chronic health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, acid reflux, migraines and heart rhythm. You are not getting enough regular exercise, or you are exercising too much. Incorporating at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity can help keep you energized throughout the day. It has also been shown to increase deep slow wave sleep, which is often associated with feeling rested. On the other hand, getting too much exercise can tire you out more easily and heighten stress levels. You drink too much caffeine. This one may seem counterintuitive – caffeine is supposed to keep you awake, right? Well, overdoing it with your favorite coffee or soda could affect your sleep quality. Pay attention to your caffeine limits and have a cut-off time, as most caffeine should not be consumed past noon. You have a food allergy or intolerance. If you find yourself feeling especially tired after eating a lot of a certain food, you could have an allergy or intolerance to it – and vice versa. Consider speaking with your primary care provider (PCP) about a food allergy test or being referred to an allergist. You’re drinking too many alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a depressant, which as the word implies, can make you feel especially tired during the day. It can also affect your breathing at night and disrupt your sleep cycle. Cutting back on alcoholic drinks may be beneficial to your overall health. You are anemic. This is the leading cause of fatigue in women but can affect people of all genders. It can be associated with low iron. Eating foods high in iron, including leafy greens and many different meats, can help your iron levels. A blood test ordered by your PCP can help you understand if you are iron deficient. You are experiencing depression or anxiety. Emotional exhaustion can be just as taxing as physical exhaustion. Prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, nervousness or panic can be signs and symptoms of depression or anxiety. Speak with your provider about the many resources available to help you. You have an underactive thyroid. Feeling fatigued can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, which affects your metabolism and energy levels. Medication can help get your thyroid back to normal. Your PCP can order a blood test to determine your thyroid levels.  If you experience severe exhaustion that lasts six months or longer, worsens after physical or mental exertion and does not get better after resting, it could be a sign of myalgic encephalomyelitis, otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other causes must be ruled out. While there are no tests that detect CFS, your provider can order blood and urine tests to rule out other causes of your fatigue and help develop a care plan.

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COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive lung condition often mistaken for typical aging signs, like shortness of breath and coughing. While smoking and pollution can contribute to its development, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage its progression. Diagnosis typically involves lung function tests, chest X-rays, or CT scans, with treatments available through a pulmonologist or primary care provider. Renown’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program offers insights into living with COPD. What is COPD? According to the COPD Foundation, it is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including: Emphysema: Damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). Chronic Bronchitis: Irritation and swelling of bronchial tubes, causing shortness of breath and coughing for long periods of time. Asthma (non-reversible): When asthma medications cannot reduce swelling in the airways. COPD Risk Factors Smoking is the most significant COPD risk factor, and the American Lung Association (ALA) says it accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases. If you are a smoker, it is essential to seek help and quit. Other COPD risk factors include: Air pollution Genetics Second-hand smoke Chemical, fumes or dust in the workplace How Can You Protect Yourself?  Stop smoking Renown Health provides support offering 4-week Smoking Cessation Virtual Classes, free of charge! Sign up today. Use natural cleaning products Many household chemicals, especially those containing bleach, can irritate the lungs – a condition called, chemical pneumonitis. Stay away from all types of smoke This includes smoke from fireplaces. Likewise, plan to stay indoors when it is smoky outside, or air quality is poor. Get active Of course, it’s never too late to start an exercise program. When exercising your heart pumps, circulating your blood and sending oxygen to every part of your body. Notably it strengthens your lungs, making it easier to breath. Talk to your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to begin exercising. Eat a healthy diet Surprisingly what you eat can affect your breathing. The American Lung Association encourages those with COPD to watch their sodium intake, eat smaller, more frequent meals (instead of three large ones), limit high fat foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid scented products Perfumes, aerosol sprays and plug-in air fresheners can trigger flare-ups. Get a flu shot Did you know chronic lung conditions, as well as, heart disease, cancer and diabetes, can be made even worse by the flu? Now is the time to get your flu shot for the season if you haven’t already. Renown’s Pulmonary Rehab staff is certified through the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).  Recently, Renown Regional Medical Center successfully completed a disease specific COPD certification survey by The Joint Commission. For two accreditation cycles in a row, the COPD Program has had zero findings during the rigorous survey.

Read More About COPD Explained: Protecting Your Lungs and Managing Symptoms

Did you know certain medications can interact with everyday food and drink? We asked VP of Pharmacy Services Adam Porath how to take these important medications safely. One in five Americans between the ages of 40 and 75 are currently taking a statin drug to reduce their cholesterol level or to prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Many others also take anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming, which can increase the risk of stroke. Adam Porath, VP of Pharmacy Services at Renown Health, explains how to safely take these medications. What is a statin? A statin is a drug that can lower cholesterol by helping your body absorb cholesterol or by blocking a substance your body needs to make it. The American Heart Association cites a global study reporting the benefit of statins to help reduce heart attacks and strokes. Common statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Which foods or drinks should be avoided while taking statin drugs? Grapefruit juice is the only food or drink that has a direct interaction with statins. Statins do not directly interact with any food but people taking statins should moderate their intake of saturated fats to help lower their LDL cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease. What is a blood thinning drug? Blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixiban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) and edoxaban (Savaysa), are used to prevent stroke. Which foods or drugs should be avoided while taking blood thinning drugs? If taking warfarin, alcohol and cranberries (including juice) should be avoided. Patients taking warfarin should be aware of foods that contain Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) and try to maintain a consistent diet of these foods. Warfarin interacts with many over the counter and prescription medications. Patients should consult a pharmacist when starting, stopping, or changing doses of any medication when taking warfarin. Also, patients taking any blood thinning medication should avoid over-the-counter pain relievers (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) How do I know whether to take my medication with food or not? Consulting with a pharmacist is the best resource to determine if a medication should be taken with or without food. In general, all statins and blood thinners can be taken with or without food. The only exception is Xarelto (rivaroxaban), which should be taken with the largest meal of the day If you are a Renown patient you can also review your prescriptions online, request a refill or ask a question via MyChart. With MyChart, you can access all your healthcare information securely 24/7.

Read More About Foods to Avoid When Taking Heart Medications

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in America and doctors face many challenges treating this and associated heart and vascular conditions. Renown is hosting a three-day conference to discuss the latest in cardiac care. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine Doctors and healthcare providers across the region are gathering for the 33rd Annual Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine Conference Nov. 3rd – 5th at the Everline Resort & Spa in Olympic Valley, California, hosted by Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health and the Nevada Academy of Family Physicians. The three-day conference educates primary care providers, nurses and all other physicians and healthcare personnel interested in the most recent advances and current established guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and diseases or problems associated with heart disease. It is also a chance for medical providers to ask first-hand questions on a variety of trending topics ranging from the practical evaluation and management of obesity to interpreting echocardiograms in primary care.  The conference objectives include: Identifying clinical clues suggesting a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.  Gaining a better understanding why the differential diagnosis and patient history is key to evaluating patients with syncope.  Assessing the accuracy and effectiveness of various tests and tools used in atrial fibrillation screening.  Determining the appropriate diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.  Describing the evolving lipid management landscape.  For a complete conference schedule, more information or to register for this conference, visit: renown.org/trends.

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In the United States, electronic cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco product used among high school students. Approximately 21% of Washoe County area high schoolers report current use of e-cigarettes, higher than the national average of 14% reported in the most recent national data. While often viewed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette use, e-cigarette use, commonly referred to as vaping, exposes users to nicotine and harmful chemicals that stunt brain development, results in lung damage and harms overall health. In partnership with Reno area school principals and nurses, the Renown Health – UNR Med Clinical Research Office was able to provide this year’s World Lung Day Anti-Vaping Program to Galena High School, Robert McQueen High School and Sage Ridge School, reaching hundreds of high school students.

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Heart failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a variety of symptoms and potential complications. Although there has been progress made in the treatment of many forms of heart disease, heart failure continues to be a prevalent and life-threatening condition – nearly 6.2. million adults in the U.S. have heart failure. Recognizing the signs of heart failure is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. We talked to Ruth Skinner, APRN at the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, about recognizing common signs and symptoms of heart failure. Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of heart failure may be subtle and can be mistaken for normal signs of aging. Common symptoms of heart failure are due to extra fluid or congestion – typically starting with congestion of the lungs, then moving to different parts of the body. Common heart failure symptoms include:  Breathing Difficulties (Dyspnea): One of the hallmark symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath during daily activities and having trouble breathing when lying down.  Fatigue and Weakness: Because heart failure can lead to reduced blood flow to the body’s tissue, patients may find themselves becoming tired and weak even during routine activities.  Swelling (Edema): Fluid retention in the body can cause noticeable swelling. Weight gain along with swelling of the feet, legs, ankles or stomach is often a key sign of worsening heart failure. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Heart failure can disrupt the heart's electrical signals, causing irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) or a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). These can be felt as palpitations or fluttering sensations in the chest. Persistent Cough or Wheezing: Fluid buildup in the lungs triggers a persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by pink or white mucus.  Loss of Appetite or Nausea: Heart failure can affect blood flow to the digestive system, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite and nausea. If you or a loved one experiences any of the above signs and symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Read More About 6 Signs of Heart Failure

Renown Health, the region's leading cardiology care provider, is offering a clinical trial for eligible patients struggling to control their high blood pressure. Nearly half of adults (119.9 million) in the United States have hypertension, or blood pressure that is higher than normal. Hypertension can put you at risk of other life-threatening disease, such as a heart attack or stroke. There are methods that cardiologists use to manage high blood pressure, but only 1 in 4 adults with hypertension (27.0 million) have their blood pressure under control.* Some patients with high blood pressure experience resistant hypertension, which does not respond well to multiple antihypertensive medications given at the same time. This means that there are many important opportunities for healthcare professionals to explore new ways to treat hypertension.  At Renown Health, we lead the region in cardiology care with our technological expertise and patient-centered approach. That is why our cardiology team is partnering with the Renown Research Office to offer the RADIANCE Continued Access Protocol (RADIENCE CAP) clinical trial to eligible patients. RADIANCE CAP is a non-randomized study designed to allow for continued access to ultrasound renal denervation therapy via the Paradise System, and to allow for the on-going collection of safety and effectiveness data in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite the prescription of antihypertensive medications. The body’s complex communication system between the brain, heart and kidneys can sometimes become overactive, increasing your blood pressure through messages in the nervous system. Renal denervation is a minimally-invasive procedure which reduces activity from the nerves in your kidneys to lower blood pressure.  This is the third in a series of renal denervation clinical trials Renown Health has offered to patients with resistant hypertension over the last several years, with over 40 local participants.  “All the participants that I have had the pleasure to work with on these studies are very excited and grateful to have this option for helping control their blood pressure” states Lisa English, Lead Clinical Research Coordinator for Cardiology studies at Renown Health. “I love getting to know each one of them and helping on their healthcare journey. We have an amazing team of providers and staff at Renown that go out of their way to make patients experiences positive and the studies successful.” Dr. Michael Bloch, Cardiologist and Principal Investigator for the RADIANCE CAP study at Renown Health’s Institute for Heart and Vascular Health adds, “Despite lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise and the widespread availability of effective and well-tolerated medications, approximately 50% of all people with hypertension have inadequate blood pressure control putting them at risk for stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. As a one-time durable procedure, renal denervation with the Paradise endovascular system from ReCor Medical, Inc. may help millions of patients improve their blood pressure control without necessarily needing to increase their medications.” Our teams of expert providers and researchers are here to support you on your healthcare journey. Talk to your provider about the RADIANCE CAP clinical trial at your next appointment to see if participation may be right for you.

Read More About Managing Your Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

June offers an official welcome to summer and the height of outdoor activities in northern Nevada such as hiking, camping, days spent at the lake and embracing long days and warm evenings with friends and family. Enjoying all that the summer season has to offer may not be as easy for those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which effects more than 15 million Americans. What is COPD? COPD is a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis that result in airflow blockages from the lungs. People may experience frequent coughing and shortness of breath among other symptoms. COPD typically impacts adults ages 65 and older and is becoming increasingly more common among women. Although smoking plays a key role in the development of COPD, air pollution and indoor air quality, and respiratory infection also contribute to disease development. While there is no cure for COPD, limiting progression of disease and managing symptoms can be achieved through lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. Tips for Living with COPD This Summer, and Always Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is extremely important for people with COPD, especially during the summer. Not drinking enough water can make breathing more difficult because it increases respiratory symptoms. Make sure to always keep a water bottle with you and aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Be Mindful of Temperature: COPD symptoms can be exacerbated by hot weather. It is best to participate in outdoor activities during the cooler times of day, like the morning or evening. Check Air Quality Before You Go: Before engaging in outdoor activities, be sure to check the air quality index and plan your activities accordingly. Pace Yourself: Exercising can be difficult for people who have COPD. To make the most of your summer, try not to push yourself too hard and take breaks when you need them. If you start to feel out of breath or tired, take a break in a cool, shaded area until you feel better. Take Matters Into Your Own Hands To address the needs of community members living with COPD, the Renown Health Research Office has teamed up with Pulmonary Medicine to provide patients who are former or current smokers and have a history of frequent exacerbations with an option to participate in the ARNASA study. "COPD exacerbations have a huge negative impact on patient’s lung function” states Dr. Farah Madhani-Lovely, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at Renown Health and Assistant Dean of Clinical Research at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We have had inhalers and prednisone for decades but patients are still having exacerbations. Now we have a new pathway we think will prevent exacerbations which is what this clinical trial is designed to prove.” This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of astegolimab compared with placebo in participants 40-80 years of age with COPD. “This study in particular is so exciting because of the enthusiasm from the sponsor’s end” says Katie Buckley, Lead Clinical Research Coordinator working on pulmonology studies at Renown’s Clinical Research Office. “Often times sites aren’t assigned particularly passionate or engaged personnel who aid in carrying out these studies, but you can tell Roche Genentech’s team truly cares about the success of the study, the safety of their participants, and proving the efficacy of the investigational agent. Working on a study like this takes a village, and when the individuals on all ends share similar mindsets and work towards success as a collective unit instead of as individual moving parts, it’s amazing to see everything we’re able to accomplish.” Renown’s team of expert pulmonologists and researchers are available to join patients with COPD in support of their healthcare journey. If you are interested in learning more about this clinical trial option at Renown Health, talk to your pulmonologist at your next appointment or contact us at 775-982-3646. At Renown Health, our goal is to make it easy for patients to access clinical research as a care opportunity where patients can access a variety of standard care treatment options for their health condition or choose to participate in a clinical trial. For more information about clinical trial opportunities available to you or to ask any questions, contact the Renown Research Office at Renown-CRD@renown.org or 775-982-3646.

Read More About Living with COPD? How to Maximize Your Summer Experience

It’s true that a road trip can change your life, and it did for Sergeant Brandon Ott, just not in the way he was expecting. For nine years, Brandon worked alongside his friend, Denton Tipler, at the police department in Florence, Oregon. To break the monotony of the COVID-19 lockdown, they planned a ‘guy’s trip’ - a pandemic safe, motorcycle adventure traveling through Idaho and Washington. On the morning of July 22, 2020, they set out on their journey. But by 8 p.m., they ran into rough weather - with wind, poor visibility and heavy rain as they rode into Nevada. Four miles from their destination, on a desolate stretch of Highway 140, a gust of wind hit Brandon. Denton watched in disbelief as his friend bounced, tumbled and ultimately came to a stop after sliding over 100 yards. He flagged down the next vehicle, a semi-truck, and the driver did traffic control while another passerby drove to get cell service and call 911.  A Distressing Call  About 10 p.m. the same night, Angie Brog, Brandon’s partner, picked up her phone at the Florence police station. A Nevada highway patrolman let her know Brandon was in a motorcycle accident and had been taken to a hospital in Winnemucca, NV. From there he took a life flight to Renown Regional Medical Center.  Angie immediately called Brandon’s parents and told Addison, their 9-year-old daughter, the news. They quickly packed their bags and drove to Nevada. On the drive to Reno, an ER doctor called Angie to give her Brandon’s status, “I can’t thank him enough. I was so worried. He even gave me his personal cell phone number.”   Upon arrival, she ran to see Brandon in the trauma ICU. “His face was shattered, he had a collapsed lung, a tube was down his throat and something was in his head to relieve pressure from his swelling brain,” she remembers. “He was not expected to live.”  While Brandon was in a coma for three days, Angie was by his side, trying to come to grips with a new normal. “The doctors did not sugarcoat it,” she recalls. “They told me to prepare myself if he pulled through.”  It was a rough week in the ICU with Brandon heavily sedated, so he could heal. From there he was transferred to the neurology floor, where he slowly improved. While there, his daughter Addison got to see him for the first time. Angie says, “When Addison saw her daddy for the very first time, she was relieved, happy she could hug him, and that he was alive.” Miraculously his legs were not broken and he was able to hold simple conversations and walk a few steps.    As the days went on, Brandon’s dad returned to Oregon, and the Inn at Renown became the family’s new home. “It was such a blessing to be so close to Brandon,” Angie observes. “It allowed us to relax a little being in the same building and let us settle in.”  The Comeback Brandon’s first memory after the accident was waking up in the Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, 16 days after his accident, not knowing where he was. (Brandon experienced amnesia due to his brain injury and doesn’t remember the days prior to his rehab stay.) He recalls looking around the hospital room and seeing the photos Angie posted of their family on the walls and wondering, “How did they get pictures of my family?” Immediately after learning that Brandon was awake, Angie raced back to the hospital, went outside his window and talked to Brandon on the phone, reassuring him that they were there for him and everything was going to be ok.  The next morning, he saw Addison for the first time that he remembered since his accident. They each put their hands to the hospital window “touching” each other in an emotional reunion. During the pandemic, each rehab hospital room was designated with an animal, so family and friends could visit outside safely.  Brandon was in the ‘moose’ room. “Whoever thought of that was a genius,” notes Brandon.  A new phase of Brandon’s recovery began at the rehab hospital. "He worked so hard while he was there,” Angie shares. With a minimum of three hours of daily therapy sessions, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. Angie participated in every aspect of his therapy, “I learned so much from the therapists; they included me in everything,” she recalls. “The compassion and patience they have is amazing. It takes a special type of person to do this job. I cannot say enough good things about the Renown Rehabilitation Hospital staff. If he would have been anywhere else, I’m not sure he would be alive,” she says.  It wasn’t easy. Brandon had a brain injury that required a bolt in his skull to relieve the pressure, and a broken left collar bone and left eye socket. His entire face had to be reconstructed. He remembers his face hurting and thinking he looked like Freddy Krueger. When he saw himself in the mirror for the first time, he was surprised to find he only looked thinner, with a gauze pad on his temple.   Prior to the accident, Brandon weighed 300 pounds, but had just finished a year-long fitness journey losing 119 pounds, by doing CrossFit and overhauling his diet. During rehab his weight dropped to 160 pounds and he was known as “the double portion” guy, eating extra food to gain weight.   Shaun Stewart, Therapeutic Recreational Therapist, recalls Brandon riding the recumbent cycle during his recovery. “I remember him saying he didn’t know if he was ever going to be able to ride a bike again and was appreciative when adaptive sports were discussed. He was very willing to participate and excited to be able to get on a bike again. He had a positive attitude and always was willing to get up and get back on the bike.”  Better Together Although Angie and Brandon were in a committed relationship for almost 11 years, they were not legally married at the time of his accident. “In our minds, our lives were perfect,” Angie asserts. “We had lived together for so long and have a child together.” However, because of COVID-19 restrictions, Angie had to lie and tell the medical staff that they were married so she could be by his side. When Brandon woke up from a coma, she told him, “No matter what I’m your wife.” He asked, “What do you mean, you are my wife?” After hearing Angie’s explanation, Brandon said, “Then, let’s do it.”   “We realized when faced with death that the benefits far outweighed the negatives in becoming husband and wife,” Angie discloses. “The rest is history.”  On Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Brandon and Angie were married underneath the trees behind the rehab hospital. Their family, friends and several staff members attended the ceremony. “I think that’s a first for us,” declares Dr. Gavin Williams. “I cleared him for capacity to make decisions, and we had a COVID-friendly wedding on our back lawn before he went back home to Oregon.”  The next day, Brandon officially left the hospital. “I felt good. Like ‘he’s gonna make it,’ but I was also scared,” mentions Angie. The family stayed in town for a couple of days to make sure everything was ok and then traveled home to Oregon.

Read More About Love Endures: A Remarkable Recovery Leads to a New Future

When it comes to our heart, keeping this vital source of life in tip-top shape is of utmost importance. Echo technologists or echocardiographers, otherwise known as "echo-techs," are charged with that mission, providing critical information that leads to life-saving interventions to keep our hearts beating strong.  Adrianne Little, echocardiographer at Renown Health, breaks down the echo-tech's role in the health system, the educational path it takes to get there and the unique perks that come with the profession.  What does an echo tech do?  “Echo techs play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients,” said Adrianne. “We are members of the cardiovascular imaging team that perform ‘heart ultrasounds’ or echocardiograms. Although we are most commonly known as echo techs, our official title is either ‘cardiac sonographer’ or ‘echocardiographer.’”  Echo techs use imaging technology and sophisticated ultrasound equipment to produce images of the heart. These images show how well the heart functions, as well as the valves, chambers and blood flow. Echocardiograms are used to diagnosis and treat a variety of heart conditions such as murmurs, arrhythmias and heart failure.   At the end of the day, the main goal of echo techs is to help our cardiovascular team provide the quickest and most accurate diagnoses to help with patient management and help them receive the highest standard of care.  “When it comes to looking at the heart, we are part of the front-line team," said Adrianne. “We provide real time critical information that leads to life saving interventions down the road.”

Read More About What Is an Echo-Tech?

Becoming a caregiver or playing a more active role in another’s healthcare is a big responsibility. At some point, almost all adults will support an aging parent or a loved one in need. Keeping track of their needs and wellbeing, while also prioritizing your own can become overwhelming. It’s important to know: you are not alone, and help is available. Read on for 11 tips to help you manage your time, your own wellbeing and your loved one’s care. Self-care comes first. When your main priority is the person in your life who needs care, it’s easy for your own needs to take the backseat. Give yourself time each day to focus on your personal wellbeing. It’s hard to give a loved one the care they need if your own needs are not met. Prioritize the Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Make a note of what ADLs your loved one can do alone, what they need help with and what activities require the most help. This will help you work through the day with them, as well as plan out how the day’s activities will go. Do a home safety audit. Do showers, bathtubs and steps have safety grab bars? Look around the house for additional tripping hazards, like rugs or electrical cords. If your loved one struggles with day-to-day navigation of the home, consider scheduling an occupational therapy appointment. This type of therapy helps a person develop or maintain the motions required to accomplish daily tasks. You might also qualify for a referral to in-home healthcare, such as Home Care. Have the hard conversation. The best time to discuss views about end of life care and to learn what choices are available is before a life-limiting illness or crisis occurs. With advance care planning, you can help reduce the doubt and anxiety related to decision making at the end of life. Completing an Advance Directive is a great tool to sort out all these decisions before they’re needed. Attend a free workshop to learn more and complete this important document. Identify when you need respite. Respite care involves receiving a short-term break from caregiving. Organizing in-home care for your loved one will allow you to step away and tend to your needs. By identifying what kind of respite care you are seeking, you can find the right person to provide you with that much-needed break. Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed, plan ahead. Write down insurance contact information. Have a direct connection to the right insurance professional for support and advice. If your loved one is eligible Medicare, this is a good opportunity to review their current selections and if they would benefit from a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Insurance. Seeking out expert advice or information on Medicare options is a great way to navigate this. Consider calling a broker, or attend a free educational seminar with Senior Care Plus. Gather legal and financial information. Make a list of all existing legal documents and financial accounts that your loved one has. These might include a will, advance directive, power of attorney, bank accounts or investment accounts. If you have questions about how to manage them, or need assistance in setting up additional framework, reach out to a lawyer, legal service, financial adviser or bank representative. Create an inventory of medical information. Identify where all of your loved one’s medical records are, as well as a list of providers or healthcare practices where they have received care. Consider if you should have your loved one give you Proxy Access in MyChart, which allows you to access all the features in MyChart on their behalf, including viewing upcoming appointments, viewing test results and emailing a doctor on their behalf. Make a list of what others can do. Think about all the little (and big) things that need to happen, and write down tasks that others could take care of you. When someone says “let me know what I can do” you’ll be ready with a pre-written list of items they may be able to assist with. Tasks could include tackling around-the-house repairs, scheduling lawn work, helping to walk the dog, taking a car for an oil change and cleaning. Find programs and events for social enjoyment. If and when possible, seek an activity outside of the home. Look for community centers that have programs for seniors, recreational activities or meals that you can patriciate in together. If leaving the home is not an option, arrange for visits or in-home activities, such as movie nights, card games or time to visit with family. Research long-term options. If you will be considering a nursing home or assisted living, make a list of amenities that you and the person you are caring for would like. Take this list with you when visiting potential locations to make sure you don’t forget to ask about each item.

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