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Saving More Lives; Renown Expands Breast Cancer Care, Adding Two Best-In-Class Breast Surgeons
Renown Medical Group is thrilled to welcome two distinguished breast surgical oncologists, Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD and Michelle K. Chu, MD to the team. These highly skilled breast surgeons will solely focus on providing breast care and therefore play a pivotal role in Renown Health’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute’s commitment to provide subspecialized care to the people living in our community and beyond. Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy is a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgical oncologist with an impressive background in breast cancer surgery. Dr. Priddy was born at Washoe Medical Center (which later became Renown Regional Medical Center) and grew up in Susanville, CA before attending Stanford University for her undergraduate studies. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. "I am thrilled to return to Reno to help increase access to world-class surgical breast cancer care,” said Dr. Priddy. “My focus is to provide exceptional care, particularly for young people with breast cancer. I am excited to continue my mission here in northern Nevada." Dr. Michelle K. Chu, a board-certified general surgeon, brings her extensive experience in advanced breast cancer treatment to the Renown team. Dr. Chu received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Chu specializes in oncoplastic breast conserving surgery and nipple sparing mastectomies. "I believe in tailoring treatment options to each patient's unique needs,” Dr. Chu said. “Whether it's preserving the natural shape of the breast or supporting the 'Going Flat' movement, our team strives to provide the best possible outcome for every patient." The newest addition to the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Breast Surgery Care provides comprehensive breast surgery care at 1500 E. 2nd Street in Reno, adjacent to the Renown Regional Medical Center campus. "Breast cancer accounts for approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Washoe County, with roughly 520 new cases annually, establishing it as the most prevalent cancer type within our community,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “We are proud, as the community’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, to invest in cancer prevention and early diagnoses, including mammography screening and genetic research. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, Renown now offers two superb breast surgeons specializing in breast preservation surgery, and a breast surgery center providing comprehensive, compassionate care. Our goal is to save women’s lives, save families and ensure better care and better outcomes. This is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and our community.” As part of this expansion, Renown is assuming operations of Reno Surgical Advocates, a respected private practice in Reno. "Access to expert breast cancer care close to home is crucial, and our dedicated team at Renown Breast Surgery Care will work tirelessly to provide the highest level of care to patients while working closely with our other cancer specialists," said Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Institute for Cancer. “With the exceptional expertise of Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy and Dr. Michelle K. Chu, coupled with our state-of-the-art facility; Renown Health is a true partner in the fight against breast cancer in northern Nevada.” "People are increasingly relocating to northern Nevada, and in fact, Washoe County experienced a 2.1% population growth from April 2020 to July 2022. Consequently, although northern Nevada does not exhibit an above-average cancer rate, we are observing a rise in cases at our facilities," said Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. "Renown Health is positioned to meet this growing demand, and we take pride in consistently adding nationally renowned healthcare providers to our team to save the lives of women in northern 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.
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As 70,000+ People Congregate for Burning Man, 100 Miles Northeast of Reno, Renown Health’s Emergency Teams and Hospitals Prepare to Serve
Burning Man is an annual event inspired by the values reflected in the Ten Principles and united in the pursuit of a more creative and connected existence in the world. As over 70,000 congregate this week, between Aug. 27 to Sept. 4, in the high altitudes of the hot and windy Black Rock Desert, Renown Health’s emergency and clinical care teams are ready to care for Burners who may find themselves ill and in need of additional urgent, emergent care or hospitalization. This year, people from across the world are expected to make the journey in RVs and cars brimming with tents, food, water, artwork, and costumes, temporarily turning Black Rock into the state’s third largest city. “The Burning Man Project has done an excellent job preparing participants to have a safe, healthy, and wonderful time building Black Rock City and living on the playa for nine days to nurture the distinctive culture emerging from that experience. However, bringing over 70,000 people together in a high altitude, desert environment with limited access to water, food, and sanitary conditions- always presents a challenge,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Renown Health and an experienced emergency medicine physician. “Having excellent care on the playa and plans in place back here in Reno helps to mitigate that risk and ensure the health and safety of all participants.” “We welcome every Burner to northern Nevada,” says Bret Frey, MD, the board-certified emergency medicine physician who heads up the largest Emergency Department at Renown Regional Medical Center; which has the highest-level trauma center for 100,000 miles, located in Reno, NV. Dr. Frey has 23 years of experience in the medical field, and 23 years of experience treating people who have experienced Burning Man. “Burning Man is a fascinating event, and most people have a great time. However, if things go wrong, they are fortunate to have the BlackRock City Emergency Services Department, 24/7, to help. Back here in Reno, we serve as their ‘back up,’ providing care as needed, for the ill and injured and supporting clinical teams when they’re feeling overwhelmed.” Renown Health is home to three 24/7 Emergency Rooms that provide the highest level of emergency and trauma care in the region: Renown Regional Medical Center is the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Located near downtown Reno, this Emergency Room has several helipads and ambulance banks for patients requiring emergency and trauma care. Renown Children’s Hospital at Renown Regional Medical Center is home to the only Pediatric Emergency Room in the region designed just for kids. This location is staffed by pediatric specialists and provides child-sized equipment and family-friendly areas. Renown South Meadows Medical Center includes South Reno’s first 24/7 Emergency Room. Located just off I580, this location is designed to treat patients who need immediate attention for emergencies. These locations are designed to assess and care for emergency situations, including: Heart attack symptoms Stroke symptoms Broken bones Shortness of breath Seizures Severe bleeding Head injuries Chest pains Severe pain Venomous stings and bite All of Renown’s emergency rooms are staffed by Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians, including pediatric specialists and physicians who have completed fellowship training in specialty areas such as sports medicine, ultrasound and emergency medical services. A few interesting medical conditions (Playa Foot and Playa Lung), are associated with Burning Man. The Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada is part of the lakebed of the ancient Lake Lahontan, a deep lake that existed 15,000 years ago. Lake Lahontan left fine sediments on the lake bottom to form the extremely flat surface. Playa dust is made of both larger and smaller particulate matter. The Playa dust is in the air, on the ground, and on everything in Black Rock City. People combat the dust with masks, bandannas, and colorful respirators to keep the chalky dust out of their mouths and nostrils, but the effort is often futile. Playa Foot is a malady unique to the Black Rock Desert caused by the alkali dust that makes up the desert. It is, in essence, a chemical burn. The best prevention is keeping feet covered as much as possible, applying a moisturizing skin lotion before bed and wearing socks and closed shoes each day on the playa. “Playa Lung, where the particulate is breathed into the lungs, may cause coughing, throat pain and loss of voice in the short-term,” says William Graham, MD, a specialist in Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine at Renown Health. “The dust can cause health issues for smokers, children and elderly and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD. The best prevention is to get a mask that’s comfortable with n99 filters, wear the mask as much as possible and change the filters often. Be sure to drink lots of water and take protection from windstorms. A doctor visit is recommended if any effects of breathing in dust persist beyond a week or two.” Dr. Derek Beenfeldt is the Chief Medical Officer for Renown’s not-for-profit insurance arm HometownHealth, and has been a frequent participant in the Burning Man experience over the years. In the interest of wanting every person to have a wonderful experience while here- especially since over half of the participants live outside the U.S. health care system, he reminds people of the number of free and low-cost on-site health care and testing resources provided on the playa at Black Rock City. “It is important for Burning Man participants to know that without US health care insurance coverage, the costs can be significant for transportation off the playa for a medical evacuation, hospital emergency department care or hospitalization. Even for people who have insurance, in the past, some have faced some significant out-of-pocket expenses for the flight or transportation to Reno-area hospitals or emergency departments.” He shares the following information; On Site Medical Response A community of EMTs, paramedics, nurses, medical students, and physicians are on site at Black Rock City in RVs to provide emergency response and urgent care to participants as needed. Local Hospital Response Since 2011, the Burning Man organization, has contracted with Humboldt General Hospital in Winnemucca, Nev., to staff and equip Rampart Urgent Care, a field hospital that offers X-rays, ultrasounds, a hand-held head scanner, lab tests and a pharmacy. The single-room wooden structure is easily seen- it is painted pink and yellow. The hospital’s 40 beds are located in adjoining tents. At Rampart, when possible, patients are treated on site. EMTs, medics and nurses are empowered to practice medicine to the fullest ability their licensing and credentialing allow. Patients are not charged for Rampart Urgent Care services, which is covered as part of their ticket fee. The Nevada State Health Division, Bureau of Health Protection Services is also on the playa. You will know them by the Nevada State Health Division logo on their shirts. All Renown’s physicians remind people that if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, they should go to the closest emergency room (ER) to get needed medical care. Delaying care for a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, can be life threatening or lead to serious complications. 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. For more information, visit renown.org.
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Renown Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - E 2nd.Renown Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation - E 2nd.Hours
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Alzheimer’s Disease – How to Spot the Signs
Alzheimer’s disease is not normal forgetfulness as we age. Instead, it is a specific form of mental decline. And according to the Alzheimer’s Association it accounts for nearly 80 percent all dementia cases. Natasa Dragicevic, MD, PhD., behavioral neurologist and Alzheimer’s disease specialist with Renown Institute for Neurosciences, weighs in on diagnosing it and the importance of early medical action. How to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease In general, the signs of Alzheimer’s disease occur slowly, getting worse over time. For example, forgetfulness is a daily search – for shoes, keys and other misplaced items. Not only is memory affected, but also speech patterns and behavior. There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. “Specifically, a neurologist should be the one to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease given differences in presentation,” clarifies Dr. Dragicevic. “And ideally a behavioral neurologist (Alzheimer’s sub-specialist) will be managing the treatment,” she adds. Brain Imaging Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease involves multiple approaches and medical providers. In short, medical history is reviewed along with a physical exam, lab tests and other diagnostic testing. “A medical workup includes a variety of tests. These include MRI and other brain imaging, as well as neurological and psychological testing. Furthermore, a lumbar puncture is performed to look for markers of the disease,” she states. What Causes Alzheimer’s disease? Although no one knows the cause, researchers think many factors play a role. Uncontrollable risk factors include your genetics and having a family member with the disease. However, the controllable risk factors include: reducing the risk of head injury and keeping your heart healthy. It’s important to realize that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and diabetes play a role in brain health. Blood loss to the brain causes vascular dementia, leading to long-term blood vessel damage. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease Generally speaking, the signs of this disease differ in each person. Yet noticeable behaviors include: • Losing the way to familiar places • Forgetting to pay bills • Trouble finding the right words when talking • Repeating questions • General confusion • Social withdrawal Alzheimer’s Disease – Benefits of Early Diagnosis Equally important, spotting Alzheimer’s disease early allows more time to benefit from medications and possible clinical trials. Likewise, nutrition and exercise changes can be made, increasing blood flow to the body, and perhaps delaying symptoms. Early diagnosis also allows for personal health decisions and quality-of-life conversations to take place. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these benefits include: 1. Medical advantage 2. Emotional and social comfort 3. Time to plan ahead 4. Cost savings A Brain Supporting Lifestyle “At the present time, treatment is limited,” explains Dr. Dragicevic. “Usually Alzheimer’s is a progressive ongoing disease – any management at this time is purely symptomatic.” However, she states the following lifestyle changes can help support brain health: • New hobbies such as painting, pottery, music classes or learning a new language • Crosswords, puzzles and playing games, such as Scrabble • Brain challenging mobile apps, such as Luminosity • 30-45 minutes of mild to moderate physical activity per day, such as walking • Eating a Mediterranean diet (primarily plant based foods)
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Ladies! Get Screened for Breast Cancer
Early detection is a significant piece of the breast cancer puzzle. Susan Cox, Renown Health Director of Cancer Operations, discusses what you need to watch for and how the latest technology can help detect potential cancer sooner. When should women start getting breast exams? It depends on risk factors: Average-risk women: Most medical organizations recommend the first mammogram between 40 and 44. Higher-risk women: Dependent on their high risk, which will dictate when they start screening, but generally around the age of 30 and not before 25 years old.
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Alzheimer's Safety Tips for Caregivers to Know
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At Renown Health, we know that Alzheimer's safety for your loved one is a priority, as the symptoms can sometimes lead to unsafe situations. We asked Dr. Jonathan Artz – a neurology physician with Renown Health and an assistant professor of clinical neurology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine – for tips on keeping loved ones safe and secure. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease affects safety in various ways, specifically due to body and brain adjustments. These changes can include: Judgment, including forgetfulness Sense of place – getting lost on the way home Behavior – being suspicious or fearful Body difficulty – losing balance Sensing ability – noticeable sensitivity in hearing, seeing or temperature Dr. Artz gives us four major tips to ensure your loved one’s safety as you both navigate this disease together. Watch for Wandering Those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease tend to wander and get lost. Try the following tips to reduce the risk of wandering: Get your loved one an ID bracelet and have them wear it at all times. You can also enroll your loved one in “Wandering Support.” Install door chimes so you know when exterior doors are open. Ask neighbors to call you if they see your loved one out alone. Go with your loved one when they insist on leaving the house. Don’t argue or yell. Instead, use distraction or gentle hints to get them to return home. Discourage Driving Driving can be unsafe for someone with this disease. With this in mind, ask a doctor whether it’s safe for your loved one to drive. For example, on a case-by-case basis, there are certain situations where doctors are required to report individuals with particular cognitive impairments, wherein a form of a driving assessment will be recommended. Limit access to the car. Keep the keys with you or lock them away. Ask an authority figure, such as an insurance agent or a doctor, to tell them not to drive. Adult-Proof Your Abode A simple living space is a safe living space. This means reducing clutter and removing any issues that may pose a safety concern. You may also want to get advice from an occupational therapist (home safety expert). Keep in mind that some changes may not be needed right away. Focus on major safety concerns first. Try the following tips: Add lighting (or glow-in-the-dark tape) to brighten dark areas, including stairways and halls. Use color contrast or texture indicators for dials, knobs and appliance controls. Remind your loved one not to carry items while walking to avoid a fall. Remove sharp objects from drawers and countertops. Avoid using small throw rugs or doormats, as they are easy to trip on. Move frequently used items so that they are easy to reach. Lock away alcohol and tobacco products, as they are not recommended for dementia patients. Install handrails in the shower, tub and near the toilet. Bathroom falls are especially common. Adjust the setting on your hot water heater so water does not scald. Those with Alzheimer’s can lose their sensitivity to temperature. Move and lock up hazardous chemicals and cleaning supplies, such as bleach and insecticides. Disable and remove guns or any weapons. Supervise any medication taken by your loved one. Promote a Positive & Healthy Lifestyle Continually emphasize the strengths of your loved one by promoting participation in meaningful activities, wellness visits and healthy habits to help them improve their well-being. Here are some ways to keep them physically and mentally active: Maintain regular vision and hearing screenings and make necessary adaptations. Establish a routine for daily activities. Encourage participation in self-care and leisure activities. Work with your loved one’s doctor to establish a healthy diet. Ensure proper hydration. It may help to set reminders for your loved one to drink fluids. Encourage regular exercise. Exercise delivers oxygen to the brain, improving brain health. Promote good sleep habits. Good quality sleep can increase overall brain health and has been associated with improving memory, attention and concentration. Resources and support are available with the Renown Memory Disorders Program. Providers within this program are specifically dedicated to treating several different memory-related disorders. Memory Disorders Resources & Support.
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Department Spotlight: Acute Care Rehab Therapy
Being admitted to the hospital is never easy. Being admitted for a traumatic injury can be even harder. Whether it's learning how to walk again or powering through a new speech therapy routine, recovering from an injury that may affect the course of your life can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be, thanks to the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team at Renown Health. The smiling faces of the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team at both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center will make you see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your dedicated physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists are here to serve you and place you back on the right path to recovery and function. The Role of Acute Inpatient Therapy The Acute Care Rehab Therapy team comes in at a critical juncture in a patient’s care process after hospital admission. As one of the primary rehabilitation partners on a care team, these dedicated therapists are here to maximize every patient’s safe and independent living before they set off back home – all while reducing the risk of hospital readmission. “As physical therapists, we address musculoskeletal deficits and assess a patient’s current function after acute injury or illness from their baseline and develop a plan for functional recovery,” said Kristie Eide-Hughes, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional. “We also use our clinical expertise to assist with the discharge process and make sure each patient has the best durable medical equipment the first time around, removing the guesswork.” “On the occupational therapy side, we work with patients to facilitate their independence with basic life skills, such as dressing, bathing and using the restroom,” added Jeanne Clinesmith, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. “In the pediatric setting, we help babies and kids get back to what they were doing before they came into the hospital,” continued Rhonda Yeager, Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. “In the NICU specifically, we support the development of babies, trying to prevent problems from worsening. It’s nice to be a source of positivity in an otherwise intimidating situation.” The role of therapy in this setting reaches all ages, from babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to adults approaching end-of-life care. Every therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to each patient. “Therapy is more of a habilitative approach for infants in the NICU, while it is more of a rehabilitative approach for kids and adults following injury or illness,” said Sara Carolla, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional. Each team member in the Acute Care Rehab Therapy department is dedicated to each patient, helping them make progress from start to finish and giving them the tools to succeed along the way. “I enjoy the variety of the patients we get to see and the ability to see them make gains from the wonderful treatment they get in the hospital from my team,” said Kelly Schwarz, Occupational Therapist at Renown South Meadows. “We provide education as each patient’s acute issues evolve,” added Nicole Leeton, Speech Language Pathologist at Renown Regional. “One of my favorite parts of my work is the patient and family education aspect, and that includes other healthcare provider education as well. It’s a moving picture.” Moreover, every team member gives each patient tools to learn how to be themselves again and empowers them to continue striving for the best possible result of their therapy “We get the opportunity to make a person’s bad experience in life better even by spending one session with them, giving them the keys to unlock something that they didn’t think they had the ability to do,” said Dana Robinson, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. On the Road to Independence Our dedicated therapists in the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team set the stage for a patient’s recovery process after trauma, showing them their potential for independence. With a multitude of patients coming into the hospital with many degrees of medical complexity, each day is different while the end goal is always the same: to optimize function as early as possible while overcoming any barriers and paving the way for a comfortable and effective quality of life. “Early intervention is a big piece,” said Nicole Leeton. “Us seeing patients early can get them recovered and independent more quickly and help prevent future illness and injuries. For example, in speech therapy, getting in early and facilitating communication skills for patients with impaired speech can make a huge difference.” Acute Care Rehab therapists dig deeply to see the whole picture of each patient’s situation to foster their independence – their history, social skills, support system and more. “Sometimes, we are the difference between independence and dependence,” said Dana Robinson. “We are the eyes and ears because we have so much time with the patients. Our team is extremely collaborative and develops a great rapport with patients, so they feel comfortable telling us everything going on with them.” “For kids, we teach parents ways they can help their kids by setting up their homes and the equipment they need to succeed,” added Rhonda Yeager. According to the team, one of the biggest keys to independence is repetition. A continual flow of getting up and trying again is crucial for recovery. “Repetition helps people regain their quality of life back sooner and control their recovery process,” said Megan Hough, Physical Therapist at Renown Health. “Helping people continue to get stronger and more independent makes my job so rewarding,” added Sam Brown, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional. Knowing that they have made a difference and help shape a patient’s overall development inspires each therapist to never give up, regardless of how difficult an injury presents. There is no set schedule for recovery, and the therapists are always in the patient’s corner. “This team has the most passionate, caring and dedicated individuals that I know,” said Kendra Webber, Manager of Acute Inpatient Rehab Therapy Services at Renown Regional. They give 110 percent to every patient every time to ensure they have what they need to regain function and independence.” “By tailoring therapy to the individual, the bounds are virtually limitless for what we can accomplish,” added Dana Robinson. It Takes a Village Since acute inpatient therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach, it truly takes a village for this team to move the mountains they do for patients every day. These teams are fact-finding masters, gathering all the necessary information from the patient, their family and their care team to figure out their precise needs. “We are a consistent presence for our patients, identifying a lot of different needs and meeting those needs to help patients grow in their treatment process,” said Kelly Schwarz. “By collaborating with each patient’s diverse care team, we are able to employ the clinical judgment to help patients overcome physical, emotional and environmental struggles and set them up with the proper resources once they leave our setting.” “Our team has steady communication with physicians, nurses, acute care technicians, respiratory staff, physician assistants, case managers and more to ensure the best possible care,” added Jet Manzi, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional. Constant communication and collaboration are also necessary beyond the acute treatment process. These skills are vital in order to facilitate discharge planning, and the Acute Care Rehab therapists are an essential resource in the discharge process alongside our Hospital Care Management team. “Often times, a patient’s family needs a lot of guidance in helping their loved ones determine the next level, and we help them navigate those steps and the resources available to them,” said Mark Stumpf, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. “And it’s all a team effort.” “Our therapists are the most committed, generous, hardworking people,” added Courtney Phillips-Shoda, Supervisor of Rehab Therapy Services at Renown Regional. “Despite being short-staffed, we come to work every single day and give everything to our patients. They are the priority.” If you take away one thing, know this for certain: Renown’s Acute Care Rehab occupational, speech and physical therapists will always be there to help patients continue on a positive trajectory to physical, mental and emotional recovery. “Whether you are a patient or a provider, if there is a problem, never hesitate to reach out to us,” said Nicole Leeton. “We are always receptive to anyone seeking our help.” With the Acute Care Inpatient Therapy team on their side, a patient’s journey to recovery is only just beginning.
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What it Means to be a Level II Trauma Center
When the sudden need for emergency or critical care arises, the level of a trauma center is an important designation that helps explain the types of resources available. Renown Regional Medical Center is proud to be the only Level II Trauma Center in our region, which is a critical service to provide. We spoke with Bret Frey, MD, an emergency care physician, to discuss what this means for our community. Requirements for Designation as a Level II Trauma Center To be a designated Level II Trauma Center, a hospital must have 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and multiple specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, emergency medicine and more. In addition, this hospital must provide trauma prevention and ongoing education for its teams and incorporate a comprehensive quality assessment program. “What it means for this community is nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. Frey, who explained that Renown has over 20 specialty physicians on-call and ready to provide trauma care. According to Dr. Frey, many communities of the same or larger size have fewer specialists ready and available to provide this level of care. Renown Regional Medical Center is located near downtown Reno. The Emergency Department has several helipads and ambulance banks to intake patients requiring emergency care. Patients can also receive emergency walk-in care. On the same campus is Renown Children’s Hospital, which is home to the only pediatric Emergency Room dedicated solely to pediatric patients. Emergency and trauma care is just one area in which Renown Health is the regional leader. When patients or families choose Renown during an emergency, they will have access to all the resources provided through the entire health network. This means access to the many specialists available to consult on different conditions or care situations, inpatient care if needed, referrals to other areas of the network and medications to go. “I’m very happy and proud to be a part of building something very special in this community,” said Frey.
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Head Injuries, Sprains and Broken Bones
Participating in sports and physical activities is enjoyable and beneficial for our health. However, the risk of injuries comes with the fun and excitement of sports. Sports-related injuries, including sprains, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones, are more common than we realize and can land you in the emergency room. Dr. Scott Shepherd, Emergency Medicine Physician, provides a wealth of information. Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Invisible Threat Traumatic brain injuries come in many forms. From “mild” brain injuries, concussions, to major brain injuries and bleeds. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference between a major injury and a minor injury because many of the symptoms are the same. Concussions Concussions are a type of “mild” traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the body that causes a transient alteration in mental function. They are particularly prevalent in contact sports such as football, soccer and boxing. A concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination. Typically, concussions are not life threatening and usually short lived. However, multiple concussions can lead to permanent disabilities. So, remember there is nothing “mild” about injuring your brain. Contusions The more serious brain injuries from brain contusions (actual bleeding in the brain material) and bleeding that presses on the brain are life threatening. These injuries are caused by the same blow to the head as a concussion and the symptoms are the same from memory deficits, loss of coordination to coma. Because of this, anyone who has a blow to the head and is not acting normal should be evaluated by a medical professional. Anyone suspected of having a severe head injury should seek immediate medical attention and follow a strict protocol for rest and a gradual return to play. It is important to note a person may not lose consciousness if they suffer a concussion; however, major consequences can occur if not properly managed. If you suspect you have an emergency that needs immediate medical attention, please call 911 or visit an emergency room near you. While it is impossible to prevent traumatic brain injuries altogether, the severity of the injury can be mitigated through proper helmet usage and knowing your skill level when participating in high-risk activities. The guidelines for picking a helmet for summer activities such as mountain biking, dirt biking and riding off highway vehicles are similar to those of picking a helmet for winter sports. Learn more about choosing the right helmet. Any blow to your head, neck or upper body can result in a major head injury Signs to watch for include the following: Headache Dizziness Blurred vision Difficulty with thinking, attention or memory Sensitivity to noise or light Ringing in the ears Changes in hearing Double vision Changes in behavior Balance issues Nausea/vomiting Sprains: The Annoying Twist One of the most common sports injuries is a sprain, which occurs when ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. Sprains typically occur in joints, such as the ankle, knee or wrist, and are often caused by sudden twists or impacts. Symptoms may include: Pain Swelling Bruising Limited range of motion Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are the initial recommended treatment, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
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What to do if you Experience a Summer Burn
As families spend more time outdoors to enjoy the summer temperatures, it's important to be aware of potential hazards that can lead to burns – be it sunburns, burns sustained while grilling or navigating the hot surfaces often found around pool decks and parks. All these burn types are not only painful but can also cause severe damage to the skin and require immediate medical attention. Ross Albright, MD, an emergency care physician, explores effective preventive measures to avoid burns during the summer and discusses when it's essential to seek medical care. Stay Sun Safe While soaking up the sun is a favorite summer pastime for many, it's important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburns not only damage the skin but also increase the risk of more severe burns. Follow these tips for staying safe in the sun: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours. Seek shade during peak hours of sun intensity, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeved garments. Fire and Hot Object Safety Summer is full of fun outdoor activities like BBQs, campfires and fireworks, all of which can pose a fire hazard if not handled carefully. To prevent burns caused by fires: Maintain a safe distance from open flames and grills and always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot objects. Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit readily available. Keep children away from hot objects and fireworks and educate them about the dangers of touching or playing with them. Hot Surface Safety Asphalt, metal slides and surfaces around the pool retain heat and are likely to be significantly hotter than other materials such as a wooden picnic table to grassy pathway (these can still be hot too!). So, it's crucial to be cautious around these materials to prevent burns: Use caution when near hot surfaces surrounding water sources, such as pool decks or metal slides. Always wear shoes when walking on hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and even sand. Ensure that playground equipment such as slides and swings are cool to the touch before your kiddos start climbing around. Recognizing Severity of Burns and Seeking Care Despite our best efforts, burns can still occur. It's essential to know when a burn requires medical attention: First-degree burns, characterized by redness, pain and minor swelling, can typically be treated at home with cool water and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Second-degree burns, which may cause blistering and more intense pain, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Third-degree burns, indicated by charring or blackened skin, deep tissue damage or burns that cover a large area, require immediate emergency care. Preventing burns during the summer is paramount to enjoying a safe and enjoyable season. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of burns and ensure prompt medical attention when necessary. Stay informed, stay safe and have a burn-free summer! If you or someone you know experiences a burn, it's important to seek immediate medical care.
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When to Seek Care for Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that brings individuals to the emergency room. We spoke with emergency physician Bret Frey, MD, to ask about when and where to seek care for abdominal pain. Dr. Frey advises that any time you feel something is developing inside your body that is substantially different from what is normal for you, understand that something is wrong. He further explains that warning signs of an acute medical situation include fever, vomiting or a rapid change in function and ability to move due to pain. These symptoms indicate that one needs to be evaluated by a medical professional. This evaluation will include the care team conducting an examination and asking a series of questions to determine if additional diagnostics, such as lab work or imaging, are needed. Be prepared to discuss where the pain is and what it feels like, in addition to how long it’s been bothering you and if it’s constant or intermittent. While appendicitis often comes to mind when thinking about abdominal pain, Dr. Frey says that this is not the bulk of cases that the Emergency Department sees. In fact, often the pain does not have a specific diagnosis, but our team of board-certified emergency physicians are experienced in assessing and caring for those experiencing the acute symptoms he described. “We often don’t come away with an answer about exactly what it is, but we substantially rule out life threats in a very methodical and systematic way,” said Frey. The abdomen includes many organs, including the stomach, liver, small and large intestines, gallbladder and pancreas. In addition, pain stemming from your chest, pelvis or back may be felt in the abdominal area. If you are experiencing abdominal issues that are persistent but not an emergency, talk to your primary care doctor about what you are experiencing, and be prepared to review the history of this pain, medications, allergies and diet. He or she will be a good partner to review conditions such as gas, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation or menstrual and ovulation pain. Drinking plenty of water is always an important part of supporting your health.
