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In 2021, Renown Health partnered with the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to construct outdoor “Fitness Courts” in public spaces across the state. The partnership was formed to fight obesity, improve quality of life and create equitable access to outdoor exercise programs for communities around the state – bringing community wellness programs and free digital workouts to thousands of people. The Renown Health and NFC Campaign in Nevada is delivering outdoor wellness infrastructure to help communities stay active across the state and to change health outcomes. Out of Nevada's 16 counties, Fitness Courts® are now open in three. A Complete Bodyweight Workout at Seven Exercise Stations 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 for people ages 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 Dr. Brian Erling, 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.” Renown-Sponsored Fitness Courts Across Northern Nevada Rancho San Rafael  1595 N Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89503 South Valleys Regional Park 15650 Wedge Parkway, Reno, NV 89511 Ardmore Park 1200 12th Street, Sparks, NV 89431 Angel Park W Sage Street, Elko, NV 89801 Elquist Park 561 Altenburg Ave., Battle Mountain, NV 89820 To learn more visit Nevada Fitness Courts.

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In the fast-paced world of healthcare, productivity is always a focus. Care teams need accurate and timely information to make decisions that directly impact our patients. However, without a reliable system to analyze and deliver complex data, noticing areas for improvement and making impactful changes can become overwhelming. This is where the power of data and analytics comes into play.  Renown Health’s Enterprise Data & Analytics (EDA) department are the leaders of this transformation. This team cares for the caregiver by delivering key data and insights with thorough analytics. Their data-driven approach ensures we are moving towards consistent progress and excellence in patient care, creating a better healthcare experience for everyone.  Dedicated Data Deliverers From patient volumes to quality-of-care metrics, our EDA department drives a lot of decisions that directly affect our patients and caregivers. A day-in-the-life as an EDA team member is where creativity meets science.  “Data is the lifeblood of the department and my role,” said Clayton Pettit, Senior Data Analyst. “Every day, I'm working with data – figuring out how to get certain pieces of data, visualizing it to provide users with clear insights and helping users of the data glean those insights and analyze the data.”  “We are builders of data tools, collaborating with team members and IT teams,” added Michelle Ebesu, Data Analyst. “We problem solve and design the most efficient way to deliver data. We work on large projects, small report requests and answer reporting related questions. We investigate and research daily.”  According to this team, every day brings a blend of exploration, engagement and discovery. Their role within our health system is central to turning data into useful ideas that drive meaningful change for all.  “A day on the Enterprise Data & Analytics team involves responding to diverse requests, some well-defined and others more open-ended, requiring exploratory collaboration with stakeholders,” said Kevin Crofton, Senior Data Analyst. “We harness the vast institutional knowledge within our organization to inform our analytics projects. This collaborative approach not only enhances our insights but also extends their impact across various groups within the organization.”  “Each day in EDA is fast paced,” added Ryan Fernandez, Manager of Data Analytics. “Our days are filled with a variety of different tasks ranging from data wrangling, building visualization to tell a meaningful story, responding to urgent business questions with analysis, training other team members on how to use analytical tools, and constantly learning more about the different clinical service lines and how to interpret their data.”  No two days are the same in EDA. In fact, every day brings a new challenge. And the best part? They’re never alone. This team thrives on working together, emulating Renown’s cultural commitment of Collaboration to a tee.  “Every day is different,” said Susan McDonald, Senior Data Analyst. “On larger projects we collaborate together, with each person taking a piece. We'll meet daily to gauge progress, exchange ideas and assist each other when needed. We'll sometimes have to troubleshoot issues that may come up with some reports. We often meet with our end users to get further details on their needs or to present their requested reports.”  “Up until the last couple of months, my day-to-day was creating, updating and fixing reports for all aspects of Hometown Health,” added Ryan Zinck, Data Analyst. “For the past two months we have begun the development of what will be an extensive reporting system in PowerBI that's intended to serve most groups within the company.”  Working with digital healthcare information that impacts how a health system operates and makes needed improvements can be complicated, since information is entered in various ways like calculations, statistics or measurements. Susan McDonald said it best: “It’s like solving puzzles every day.”   “We are Business Intelligence,” said Michele Warner, Data Analyst. “We answer questions the business proposes. We write queries and design reports/dashboards. We dig into the tables that store the data that is input by everyone at Renown through EPIC and other applications. We tell a story that will help the business be more efficient, make better decisions, solve a problem or report to government agencies.”  “We dive deeper into the front-end data and analyze it to get more detailed information and insights regarding the performance and certain project,” added Boqun Yin, Data Analyst. “Then, our colleagues working at the front line can utilize it when making strategic business decisions.”  EDA takes the definition of trendsetting to a whole new level. With the unique ability to predict future trends, this department can provide crucial information that helps care teams on the floor care for their patients to the best of their ability today, tomorrow and forever.  “I deliver data on all sorts of topics for Renown,” said Clayton Pettit. “With this data, I help Renown see where we are and where we need to improve. Beyond that, the data I provide can help us see how we can improve, what things we need to focus on and processes we need to change.”  “Our organization needs up to date robust data to ensure quality and integrity so that it’s reliable, secure and accurate,” added Uriel Duran, Data Engineer. “We also provide analytics and insights that can provide/predict patient outcomes and trends. For our patients, improving patient care is critical – and that can be done with data.”  Making Your Lives Easier As stated by Brian, Howell, Manager of Data Engineering, “we’re here to make everyone’s lives easier.” And Brian is exactly right – the EDA department’s work impacts the people who care for patients. Their data analysis and engineering skills help our care teams answer questions, give them information they can make decisions with and inform them statistically about well they are doing, along with showing opportunities for growth.  “EDA professionals like to think of themselves as the ‘wizard behind the curtain,’ a nuance from the ‘All Knowing’ Wizard of Oz; we are custodians of the company's data and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Dr. Justin Coran, Chief Analytics Officer. “When we partner with our clinical or administrative counterparts, we can help evolve decision-making from emotional to rational. The shift to rational decision-making allows the company to understand cause and effect of their business or clinical decisions.”   “I work directly with our customers on a daily basis to determine how our department can help them achieve their goals,” added Brian Howell. “I have been involved in data for over 20 years and love the technology, ever-changing landscape and challenges.”  The proof of their influence is in the numbers and the words they hear from our front-line care teams, from a significant financial impact to words of enthusiasm from providers. This reinforcement encourages the EDA team to continue going above and beyond.  “My goal is to make life easier for our clinicians and staff who do provide direct care,” said Helen Bahrke, Senior Data Analyst. “I feel accomplished if my work helps other staff reduce their time spent running reports or finding the data they need. Some providers have their own research questions they are studying in their patient population. Helping them get the data they need so they can provide better and more efficient care makes me happy.”  “Though we may not be the most visible department at Renown, the work we do and content we output drives decision making at the highest level,” added Sean Gollos, Data Analyst. “We make it easier for physicians to track patients, provide key employee data to the HR department and help ensure our organization is compliant with several requirements set by our industry.”  “I have seen my work bring in millions of dollars so that Renown can provide better care where it’s needed,” added Sean Richards, Senior Data Analyst.  Both patients and providers can lean on the EDA department for support in helping unravel data that may seem complex to the everyday eye, which has a direct impact on productivity and care quality.  “We take care of those who take care of patients,” said Mark Templeton, Manager of Data Analytics. “From descriptive analytics to measurements and dashboards, we provide a lot of support to those who manage patient care and productivity.”  “Our team provides critical datasets and insights into specific medical data that informs decision making stakeholders, which indirectly impacts patient quality of care,” added Sergio Pascutiu, Senior Data Engineer.  The impact of this team’s expertise can be felt beyond the hospital floor. Renown Health Leadership relies on the EDA to deliver data that affects important decisions at the top organizational level.  “A typical day for me revolves around data integration and extract, transfer, load (ETL) operations,” said Ken Vogel, Data Engineer. “The data and reporting that we provide to our end users and Renown leadership drive the decisions that impact the organization as a whole, which in turn impacts our patients.”  “Renown Leadership has business experience and training in order to navigate the challenges and opportunities that constantly present themselves,” added Michael Jesser, EDA Project Manager. “EDA helps them test their proposals with real data. This has been the meat and potatoes for our department if you've got a question about any process then we'll find the data that helps you form a reasonable answer.”   "We provide timely information to Renown leadership so that they may optimize our operational efficiencies that allow for improved patient outcomes,” added Todd Nicholas, Data Engineer.  This team thrives on challenges. Ryan Fernandez explains it beautifully: “I love challenges and learning new things, which is what happens almost every day being an analyst in healthcare, and that is what keeps me in this industry.”  Fighting the Good Fight for Today and Tomorrow Throughout the past year, the EDA department has been hard at work with many transformative projects that have improved several processes at Renown. What many may not know is just how large of a role these team members played in several of these endeavors, from a time-keeping platform upgrade for our employees to creating a one-stop-shop data warehouse.  As one can likely imagine, many of these projects are a large source of pride for this department, and deservedly so: “I am most proud of the Renown Regional Medical Center wall board conversion project, converting the patient lists that previously displayed to an Epic dashboard that displays data that is pertinent to the staff taking care of patients. The new wall boards provide at-a-glance information requested by nursing leadership.” - Michelle Ebesu “The last 12 months within EDA has been transformational. In May 2023, the data needed to run operations was scattered across 200 source systems and files, 20,000+ SQL tables and thousands of columns of data. Led by the vision of our executives, the team onboarded the technology (Microsoft Azure) and completed the development of a foundational Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) within 8 months, when the process usually takes 1.5-2 years. EDA produced Renown's first in-house developed risk stratification algorithm to optimize care for our Hometown Health members and produced a brand-new state-of-the-art reporting system for primary care.” - Dr. Justin Coran  “Our team contributed to the integration with the new UKG enterprise resource planning (ERP) system which comprises of a multi-tenant integration package that sources data from the UKG system.” - Sergio Pascutiu “I'm proud of the role our department has played in migrating from Kronos to UKG. It was a project that took over a year from planning to implementation, but our team had a key role that I think really opened people's eyes to how much they rely on the data that our team maintains.” - Sean Gollos Since this team’s work involves a large collaborative effort between the clinicians and themselves, according to them, the work that our care teams do generates “a gold mine” of health services data for them to dig through and answer crucial questions to create solutions, such as “What has happened in the past?” “What is currently happening?”  While figuring out the answers to those questions that will affect the future of healthcare at Renown, one solution often comes to the forefront: artificial intelligence.  “Under the direction of our new Chief Analytics Officer, the tool sets that EDA uses will expand into machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI),” said Michael Jesser. “We'll be answering questions about what is likely to happen or what data could influence an answer that we don't normally associate with the question. This is big – and getting bigger. EDA will put Renown at the forefront of this powerful future.”  “The new data science team that will onboard in 2025 will be able to utilize AI and machine learning (ML) applications that may impact patient care directly,” added Dr. Justin Coran. “EDA is looking forward to partnering alongside our clinicians and nurses to create the future in AI / ML healthcare products.”  Virtually everyone in the EDA department was excited about a career in high tech. To make matters even better, many of them had a passion for healthcare and the non-profit world.  “My healthcare experience led me to an understanding that there was a need for someone that understood healthcare workflows in the IT field, so I joined as an Epic analyst to help design those workflows and eventually found my way onto the EDA reporting team,” said Raffi Kilejian, Data Analyst. “The work-life balance, along with the fact that I work for a non-profit that gives back to the community are my main reasons for working for Renown.”  Other team members didn’t originally intend to use their technical talents in healthcare but are glad that they ended up taking the road to Renown. From the department’s strong culture to our health system’s impact on the community, this team consistently reports enjoying the work they do every day for Renown.  “I chose to work at Renown because of its stellar reputation as a leader in community-focused healthcare and the sense that individual contributions could genuinely drive change,” said Kevin Crofton. “Although I hadn't originally planned a career in healthcare, I've found a profound synergy in this department, where multiple disciplines converge to address diverse challenges. This welcoming and collaborative atmosphere has been key to our success. My transition into healthcare has been immensely rewarding, allowing me to apply my skills in ways that meaningfully impact our community's health and well-being.”  Finding “better ways to do things,” as the EDA team puts it, transcends the backend data. That philosophy also feeds into their departmental culture, always finding ways to bring each other together and uplift one another’s accomplishments and ambitions.  “I'm proud that we've been able to bring back some former valuable Renown employees,” added Brian Howell. “It is a testament to the culture at Renown that people recognize the meaningful work we do. I love working for a healthcare organization that makes a difference in people's lives."  “I was referred to Renown by a good friend during job hunting; since I started to work for Renown, I've seen the changes and effort that the EDA leadership has put into the development of the team,” added Boqun Yin. “I am glad to be part of this journey. That's why I choose to stay.”  “Renown also offers great benefits which I have taken advantage of, such as tuition reimbursement for my online MS in Analytics program I am currently enrolled in,” added Ryan Fernandez.  As proudly stated by Michelle Ebesu, “I believe in the values we have here at Renown.” And at the end of the day, this is what matters most to all who work in EDA.  “The opportunity to drive meaningful change and contribute to a mission that goes beyond profit—to truly focus on improving people’s lives—continues to inspire and keep me deeply committed to our cause,” closes Kevin Crofton.

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Why are timely vaccinations important? Childhood vaccinations are scheduled and vaccines are administered when young bodies require immediate protection or need to build immunity for diseases and illnesses we may encounter throughout our lives. Delaying recommended vaccinations puts children at higher risk for diseases that can affect them more harshly, like pertussis (whooping cough), which is especially dangerous for babies. Vaccination Benefits Vaccinations save the lives of 1,000s of children (and adults) every year Vaccinations protect us from illnesses that can lead to cancer, hospital stays, life-long health issues & even death Vaccinations help protect those who receive the vaccines and, through herd immunity, also help protect the unvaccinated and seniors whose immunity may have waned. What’s the recommended vaccine schedule for children? In the U.S., we follow the CDC’s vaccine schedule for children and teens up to 18 years of age. The schedule also provides notes regarding missed or late vaccine doses and how to properly “catch-up.” If your child is missing one of the vaccinations listed below, is not quite on-schedule with the recommended timeline or you have any questions regarding vaccines or timings, please reach out to your child’s provider. Vaccine Schedule Birth to 4 Years: Birth – First vaccine for hepatitis B and may receive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)* vaccine 2, 4 & 6 months of age – Vaccines/boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP), polio (IPV), haemophilus influenza type B (HiB), pneumonia, hepatitis B and rotavirus 6 months to 4 years of age – COVID-19 vaccine, 1-2 doses* 1 year of age – First dose of measles, mumps, rubella with varicella for chicken pox (MMRV) vaccine and boosters for hepatitis A, HiB and pneumonia 15 months of age – 4th dose of DTaP 18 months of age – 2nd dose of hepatitis A 4 years of age – Final dose of MMRV, TDaP and IPV vaccines *Conditions apply. See your child’s provider.  Vaccine Schedule 5 Years & Older: CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommend the following vaccine schedule for children as they grow: Prior to starting middle school – TDaP and meningitis vaccines/boosters 9-12 years of age – AAP suggests children (and those up to 26 years of age who have not been adequately vaccinated) receive the HPV vaccine to help protect against developing certain cancers as adults Children up to 18 years of age & adults – COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, especially for those with medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes For more vaccination information, please refer to the CDC recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule. Any tips on preparing my child for a vaccination? Many parents worry about side effects like pain and fever for their children after getting vaccinations. Studies have shown that giving Tylenol prior to vaccines can decrease their effectiveness. That’s why providers recommend parents and caregivers wait until after vaccines are administered before giving Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and then only if symptoms develop. Do vaccinations wear off? Many vaccinations provide life-long immunity while others may wear off over time. Vaccines are given to children when they are at most risk for contracting diseases as well as when they are at the highest risk of severe complications from a disease. So even if immunity fades over time, it is important receive vaccinations on time to protect children during these high-risk windows. Doctor's Advice: Ensure Your Child's Health with Timely Vaccinations A child receiving a vaccination can be a scary thing for some parents and misinformation about vaccines on social media and the internet can make things confusing. It is important for parents to discuss any questions they have about vaccines with their child’s health care provider. As medical providers caring for children, we all have the common goal of keeping children the healthiest they can be – and vaccines are an important part of that. To schedule an appointment with a Renown provider, please go here and click here to learn more about Brittany Lemons, MD.

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Is a man in your life struggling with depression? Many men find it difficult to acknowledge when they need help. Recognize their unique warning signs of depression with insights from psychologist Dr. Herbert Coard. Over 6 million men are diagnosed annually, often displaying symptoms like anger and aggression instead of sadness. Learn how to support them and understand these often-misinterpreted indicators. Behavioral Signs of Depression in Men High levels of the hormone cortisol are released during stressful situations affecting the neurotransmitter, serotonin (a feel-good hormone), contributing to depression. You can identify depression or suicidal tendencies by paying close attention to the following behavioral changes: Anger, irritability, or aggression Avoiding family or social situations Losing interest in family responsibilities, passions and hobbies Lack of sex drive Becoming controlling/abusive in relationships Risk-taking behavior such as; unsafe sex, overspending or gambling Not being able to concentrate or remember details Excessive drinking or drug use Having frequent thoughts about death Talking about suicide Attempting suicide Factors That Lead to Depression in Men Life Events Work stress or long-term unemployment can be huge contributing factors relating to depression. This type of life event can be overwhelming, making it impossible for a man to cope. Changes in Relationships The loss of a relationship can be a significant contributing factor to the emergence of depressive symptoms and past experienced physical, sexual, or emotionally abusive relationships. With this in mind, counseling can often help individual to overcome this type of trauma. Grief and Loss Overwhelming sadness due to the loss of a loved one can trigger depression. Although normal, each person goes through their own grieving period. For example, normal responses to death are insomnia, poor appetite and loss of interest in activities. Pay attention if grief seems prolonged or out of the ordinary. Health Problems In particular, depression coexists with medical conditions. As men age, this can be passed off as normal aging, but it could be more serious. In addition, illnesses such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease and liver disease can cause depressive symptoms. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or Parkinson’s disease can affect any age, thus triggering or worsening depression. Some older men also feel like they may be suffering from dementia because of difficulties with memory this may be a symptom of depression. A trip to the doctor may be in order to help alleviate concern and worry. Depression in Men and Suicide Frequently the emotional pain occurring with depression can distort a man’s ability to see a solution beyond suicide. Individuals with depression become very rigid and constricted in the way they solve problems. The statistics below speak for themselves, helping us understand the need to reach out to those who need our support. Male suicide rates are on rising – men die by suicide 3.53 times more often than women, accounting for 70% of all suicides. Sadly, every day 129 men commit suicide. White males accounted for 69.67% of suicide deaths in 2017. In 2017, firearms accounted for 50.57% of all suicide deaths. Middle aged Men who are middle aged have the highest suicide rates. 40% of those identifying as transgender have attempted suicide in their lifetime. Males who are guy or transgendered are at an increased risk for suicide attempts, especially before age 25. Veterans often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and are more likely to act on a suicide plan. How You Can Help Now that you can identify some of the warning signs of depression, here’s how you can help: Talk about your concern and communicate that you’re there to help him. Let him know depression is a medical condition and will usually get better with treatment. Suggest professional help from a Primary Care Provider, Psychologist or Therapist. Help set up appointments and offer to accompany him – let him make the decision, but make it clear you’re there for him, no matter what he decides. If you feel he is in a dire or life-threatening situation, contact 911. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk to a trained counselor. Call the Veteran’s Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) and press “1”

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With the dangerous heat wave impacting our region, there are heightened risks of heatstroke, especially for children who cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Infants are particularly vulnerable and may not express discomfort, so never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Top Tips for Preventing Heatstroke Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT. Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in on their own. Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure your phone, briefcase or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations Keeping Your Baby Cool in the Back Seat In hot weather, it is crucial to keep your baby cool and hydrated by using a car seat cover or towel over them to reflect the sun's rays. Dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Keep an eye on your baby's skin color. Move them to a cooler place if they look too red or flushed. Keep the temperature at a comfortable temperature for you, not for your child. Keep the windows cracked open for ventilation and ensure nothing is blocking the airflow from entering or exiting the vehicle. Dress your infant appropriately for their environment, including appropriate head and neck coverings, to keep them cool and protected from sunburns. Ensure you have enough fluids to last an hour before getting out of the car or use bottled water if possible. Never leave your child unattended in a car. Steps to Follow if You Suspect Heatstroke  Call 911 immediately.  Cool the victim – Get the person to a shady area, remove restrictive clothing and cover skin with sheets soaked in ice-water, and place ice packs in the arm pits and groin.  Have the victim drink cool fluids, preferably an electrolyte-containing sports drink.  Monitor body temperature with a thermometer but stop cooling efforts after temperature has dropped to 102 Fahrenheit. Baby Safe Classes These classes help prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Safe Kids Worldwide Did you know heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash related fatalities in children? “On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.”

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Northern Nevada's stunning lakes, including Lake Tahoe, with its average summer water temperature of 50 degrees, present a potential risk of hypothermia. Unlike mild 50-degree air, water at the same temperature poses severe, life-threatening risks, including rapid-onset hypothermia and drowning. Awareness of the symptoms and taking proper precautions are crucial to prevent cold-water drowning. The 4 Phases of Cold-Water Drowning 1. Cold Shock Response: This response affects breathing and happens within the first minute. An automatic gasp reflex occurs in response to rapid skin cooling. If the head goes below water, water may be breathed into the lungs, resulting in drowning. A life jacket will help keep your head above water during this critical phase. Additionally, hyperventilation, like the gasp reflex, is a response to the cold and will subside. Panic will make this worse, so the key is to control breathing. 2. Cold Incapacitation: This response occurs within the first five to 15 minutes in cold water. In order to preserve core heat, vasoconstriction takes place decreasing blood flow to the extremities to protect the vital organs. The result is a loss of movement to hands, feet, arms and legs. Unless a life jacket is being worn, the ability to stay afloat is next to impossible. 3. Hypothermia: Important to note, it can take 30 minutes or more for most adults to become hypothermic. So there’s time to take action and survive. Keeping panic at bay is critical, as you have more survival time than you think. Symptoms include: Shivering Slow and shallow breathing Confusion Drowsiness or exhaustion Slurred speech Loss of coordination Weak pulse 4. Circum-rescue Collapse: This experience can happen just before rescue and is not well understood. Symptoms range anywhere from fainting to death. Some experts believe an abrupt drop in blood pressure may cause this final stage of cold water drowning, post-rescue. Additional Safety Tips and Helpful Resources Always wear a personal flotation device as well as a wetsuit or drysuit. Your personal flotation device is the most important piece of water safety gear. Try not to panic as the first phases will subside. Controlled breathing is to staying calm. Research suggests the body can withstand the cold longer than we think. The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) is a position which helps conserve energy if you’re wearing a personal flotation device. By hugging your knees to your chest, this posture helps maintain body heat for some time.

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When an appliance or fixture stops working at home, who do you contact? If your lights stop working, you call an electrician. Is your air conditioning unit out of order? Reach out to an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technician. What about if your sewer drains start backing up? Time to contact a plumber. And if your fire safety equipment needs servicing? Better call a fire safety technician.  Regular maintenance and repairs on the inner workings of your household are always important, and when something goes wrong, it can be distressing and inconvenient to you and everyone living with you. You feel the need to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible, right?  Now imagine that those needs are magnified – to the tune of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Who could potentially take on such a monumental task? Enter: Facilities Engineering at Renown Health. Crucial to ensuring our health system performs at its peak, these team members step in to make sure every patient, team member and visitor who walks through any of our doors are able to access the facilities they need and make their time with us as comfortable – and as successful – as possible.   The Silent Heroes  As our care teams move heroic mountains to save lives, another set of heroes emerge behind-the-scenes. As a strong backbone of our health system, the Facilities Engineering department plays a key role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports patient care, from ensuring the HVAC systems are functioning optimally to maintaining the plumbing and electrical systems that keep the lights on and the equipment running smoothly.  Renown is fortunate to have some of the most dedicated journeymen in the business. This team boasts many experts, including:  Plumbers Fire Safety Technicians Craftsmen HVAC Journeymen Electricians Boiler Operators Facilities Technicians As one can imagine, every day brings on a new challenge for our Facilities team members.  “Each workday is always different; it could be water, power or HVAC issues or anything in between,” said Nhil Dado, Supervisor of Facilities Services. “We are proud of the services we provide for the needs of patients and employees.”  “Every day, we have a variety of equipment to work on,” added Alfred Santos, HVAC Journeyman.  “Whether it’s facility upkeep, plumbing, HVAC or electrical, we want to help,” added Brian McCarty, Facilities Technician.  This department works around the clock to ensure that every aspect of our hospitals and outpatient care locations meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency, from routine maintenance and equipment improvements to emergency repairs. These are huge responsibilities – all of which they perform with pride.  “As an HVAC journeyman, we are responsible for making sure the air circulating in the hospital is clean,” said Christopher Bobis, HVAC Journeyman. “It is also our job to make sure the air is positive and negative in isolation rooms and ensure patients are satisfied with the temperature in their rooms.”  “In addition to performing regular maintenance tasks like changing air and water filters, we complete any random work order that may come up,” added Brett Courtney, Facilities Technician. “We also recently switched out our lighting at Renown South Meadows to LED lights, which helps with energy savings.”  “I overlook the boiler house equipment and coordinate the fixing of maintenance issues reported by hospital staff,” added Arnt Utnes, Boiler Operator. “We also respond to every single alarm."  It’s difficult for us to imagine what our health system would be like without the Facilities team providing us with the comfortable and safe environment our patients need and deserve. Luckily, we’re never alone in our efforts to keep us running, and this department expertly leads that charge.  “Along with writing down the PSI readings in the gas rooms and answering calls from dispatch and the boiler rooms, I go through all the daily work orders and complete them,” said Ken Carrillo, Facilities Technician. “It always feels good to see when we complete all the work orders for the day, especially as the next shift arrives.”  “We fix, replace and dispose of pieces that are no longer in service – bottom line, we help keep the building up and running,” added Alejandro Cardenas, Craftsman.  But it doesn’t stop there – Facilities Engineering is currently in the midst of creating a whole new fleet vehicle program to improve the operations of our many on-site vehicles, including trucks, forklifts and more.  “I am the point of contact for all things fleet,” said Michelle Bay, Administrative Assistant. “We are building a new fleet program and working closely with leadership to move the program forward. I am involved with setting up new fleet fuel cards and can set up the program in the best interest of our internal customers while looking to the future for growth.”  It’s clear that the Facilities team is indispensable to Renown. Through their expertise, professionalism and commitment to quality, they stop at nothing to keep our health system functioning at its highest level.

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Snowshoeing is an excellent winter workout that can help burn calories, strengthen muscles and boost cardiovascular health. Explore the top 8 snowshoeing spots and experience this ultimate workout adventure! Significant Health Benefits: Exceptional cardiovascular workout – burn up to 1,000 calories per hour! Low-impact muscle building Endurance building Balance strengthening and agility Improves your sense of well-being by connecting to nature Prepping for Your Adventure There are some crucial details to think about when it comes to snowshoeing, especially if you are a beginner. Make sure to pick the right kind of footwear to go on top of your snowshoes; a pair of comfortable waterproof boots are a great choice and remember to wear lots of layers. Several local places rent snowshoes if you aren’t sure about spending money on a pair. Check out Bobos Ski and Board Patio or our local REI Co-Op. Check out REI’s Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing for reference. 8 Cool Snowshoeing Spots 1. Galena Creek Park Close to Reno, this beautiful, low-altitude park offers several trails. You’ll find various creeks and streams under cover of pristine ponderosa pines. From beginner to advanced, the differing trail systems provide a challenge for everyone! Head west on State Route 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) for about seven miles until you see the park sign on the right side of the highway. 2. Tahoe Meadows – Chickadee Ridge This local favorite not only gives fantastic views of Lake Tahoe but the best part? – friendly little chickadees will eat seeds right out of your hand! Be sure to pack plenty of sunflower birdseed, as that seems to be their favorite. From the trailhead parking lot, head southeast into the open meadow. Then follow the ridgeline to your right (southwest). Continue southwest up toward the top of the ridgeline to the west, and you’ll get to Chickadee Ridge in just under two miles. 3. Spooner Lake Trail The easy 2.5-mile loop around Spooner Lake is excellent for all skill levels. This alpine lake is surrounded by aspen trees which house varied bird species, so bring your binoculars! Dogs are allowed on a leash, and all-day parking is $10. 4. Kirkwood Ski Resort You’ll need a trail pass, but this South Lake Tahoe resort has various routes from beginner to advanced, with roughly 50 miles of terrain. Nighttime snowshoe treks during the full moon are also available throughout the winter. Kirkwood is located on Highway 88, close to Carson Pass. 5. Camp Richardson Heading north, you can find this well-established and favorite local snowshoeing spot. If you’re up for an adventure, you can trek up to Fallen Leaf Lake. It’s located off Highway 89 and near Fallen Leaf Road. 6. Dry Pond Loop This moderate, 6.5-mile loop near Washoe Valley has impressive views of Carson Valley, Washoe Lake, and the Mt. Rose Wilderness. If you like the sound of rushing water, most of the trail meanders along White’s Creek. This area is dog-friendly and kid-friendly, which makes it a family favorite. 7. Royal Gorge Soda Springs is home to this resort, which is well known for its cross-country skiing trails. Enjoy extensive trails leading deep into the trees with spectacular views. Find Royal Gorge from the Soda Springs exit on West Interstate 80. 8. Ash Canyon Creek Tucked away in the Carson Valley, these trails are filled with mountain bikes in the spring and provide excellent snowshoeing trails in the winter. Find it from Interstate 580 by taking the Highway 395 Business exit to Winnie Lane.

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Chronic pain can be one of the most distressing feelings someone may encounter – and more likely than not, you know someone who is managing their pain as a part of their healthcare journey. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced chronic pain in recent years. One of the most common methods of treating pain is through prescription pain medications; however, with the rise of the opioid epidemic across the country, leveraging other interventions to help patients manage their chronic pain has become increasingly more important. What if there was a way to treat pain directly without the automatic need for pain medication? Luckily for patients in northern Nevada, our Special Procedures department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in exactly that: interventional pain mitigation sans painkillers. With nearly 95% of their patients who come in with pain-related mobility issues being able to physically walk out of the hospital after their treatment, much-needed relief is clearly in store. Tight-knit and forever-caring, the Special Procedures team knows how to transform the purpose of pain management. A Penchant for Pain Alleviation Renown's Special Procedures team offers a wide variety of pain management solutions that are uniquely tailored to each individual patient’s needs. With the help of a team of 14 attentive nurses, interventional radiology technologists and a surgical technician – plus a dedicated patient access representative ensuring everything goes smoothly behind-the-scenes – these lifechanging interventions include: Epidurals (including steroid epidurals) Nerve blocks Ablations Tenotomies Spinal cord stimulator trials Peripheral nerve stimulator trials The nurses on this specialized team guide patients before, during and after their procedures, making sure they are at ease throughout the entire process. Each nurse emulates both expertise and empathy to help light the path towards healing.  “Before each procedure, we get the patient’s vitals, health history and work with the doctor to answer any questions they may have about what is going to happen in the procedure room,” said Michon Edgington, RN. “After they’re all done, they come back to me, and I make sure they are ready to go home by educating them on their discharge. Our goal is to get them back to their families very quickly.”  “In the actual procedure room, we perform safety checks, do charting, prepare the sterile tray for the doctor and give medication for conscious sedations, all while consistently monitoring the patient and helping the doctor out along the way to help the procedure go well,” added Shannon Boelow, RN.  This team’s dedicated imaging professionals harness expertise that goes beyond capturing images. Their skillful utilization of X-ray technology serves as a guide for doctors administering treatments for pain – and according to our own physicians, our imaging technologists are some of the best in the business.  “Our X-ray skills here are specialized,” said Julie Smith, Imaging Lead. “Visually, the doctor needs to see what’s going on inside the body so they can accurately place needles and steroids. We all work together collectively and work with each doctor to accommodate their preferences, helping the treatments go much faster and minimizing the patient’s exposure to radiation.”  Serving as the ideal representation of both precision and support, the surgical technician on this team is an important collaborator in the procedure room, helping to ensure the success of every interventional procedure with a meticulous eye for detail.  “As the Special Procedures surgical technician, I get the room ready with all the necessary instruments, including making sure everything is sterile,” said Carrie Crow, Surgical Technician. “I enjoy keeping the team organized.”  Overseeing it all are the physicians, who are eternally grateful for the team for the life-changing interventions they offer every day.  “Our physicians are so phenomenal,” said Brittney Summerfield, Manager of Nursing. “They are very supportive and collaborative, and they always do the right thing. They have total confidence in us.”  Seeing patients walk out of the hospital happy and healthy is a driving motivator for this team. Whether they had significant experience in pain management or were ready for a completely new challenge, each team member comes to work every day inspired to move mountains.  “I had worked in pain management in other facilities, and I was extremely excited to come here and solely focus on pain,” said Jodi Eldridge, Supervisor of Special Procedures. “I enjoy seeing the patients so happy when they leave no longer in pain. I feel immediate gratification, because you truly feel like you’re doing something big for the patient. It’s very rewarding.”  “I decided to come work here because I worked in the inpatient setting for a long time, and I was ready to see a different side of healthcare and provide a different type of care to our community; plus, my coworkers are the best,” added Lisa Dunnivant, RN.  There’s no question that the realm of pain management is a delicate one – and there is no team better suited to take on that challenge than Special Procedures, working harmoniously to bring relief and a renewed sense of livelihood for every patient they serve.  “Some people believe pain management is just all about pills, and that is simply not true,” said Carrie Crow. “Our procedures are yet another way to help them manage their pain and find relief.”

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Ring in the New Year and the rest of the holiday season by celebrating Renown’s Float Pool team!  After coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's no mystery that healthcare across the country has shifted and adapted to the growing needs and new demands of our patient populations. Renown Health is no different. As the largest not-for-profit health system in the region, we are no stranger to change, even when change presents challenges. Who do we call on when a unit needs more team members in the eleventh hour? Who can help when our patient volume spikes up with seconds to spare?  This is where the Float Pool at Renown comes to the rescue. Skilled in a wide variety of healthcare specialties, from acute care nursing and critical care to care aiding and patient safety, this is the team that can seamlessly step in to provide crucial patient care to the units that need it most, whether a team is understaffed for the day or needs extra all-hands-on-deck for a specific patient or procedure. Float Pool team members are equipped to work in virtually any clinical area at Renown, making a genuine difference with every patient they encounter.  A Pool of Relief Teams across Renown can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Float Pool has their back in times of need. As the backbone of our health system, these dedicated team members possess a wealth of clinical knowledge and the ability to navigate diverse medical environments. Their flexibility allows them to fill staffing gaps and provide essential support to many different units.  “We fill in the gaps of staffing to make everyone's day better,” said Patti Crepps, Critical Care Float Pool RN. “A float nurse has to be flexible and able to adapt to different situations and places – basically, ‘go with the flow.’ Patient care is basically the same all over; we make patient care possible by being familiar with all the various specialties and providing the specific care needed depending on the population we are taking care of on that shift.”  “Float Pool staff members are like healthcare chameleons, transitioning between different departments,” added Shelby Riach, Acute Float Pool RN. “We incorporate flexibility, teamwork and a commitment to ensuring patients receive the best care, regardless of the setting or circumstances.”  This team thrives in uncertainty; in fact, no workday is the same in Float Pool – and that’s exactly the way they like it. Working with many different teams across a multitude of specialties, these Care Aides, RNs, Critical Care Techs, Patient Safety Assistants (PSAs), Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs) and more enjoy facing change, while they all share a goal of providing the best patient care possible.  “No day looks the same; since we are the Float Pool, we are assigned a different assignment on Smart Square every day, whether it be as a care aide, a patient safety assistant, a unit clerk or patient transport,” said Melina Castenada, Care Aide. “If we are assigned as a care aide on the floor, we help assist with call lights and help with whatever nurses and CNAs may need, including feeding, transporting, walking, helping patients use the restroom, etc. When we are assigned as a PSA ‘sitter,’ we sit for the patient to help keep them safe. If we are assigned as unit clerk, we help answer phones and direct patients appropriately, file paperwork, answer call lights if needed and assist with office work.”  “I love that every day is a different floor with different tasks and a different atmosphere,” added Julia Chappell, Critical Care Technician. “I find out which floor that I will be on right before my shift starts and head to the floor to find out my assignment for the day. Depending on the specialty, such as the medical-surgical floor versus an intensive care unit (ICU), my daily job tasks can vary.”  When it comes to high-risk patients, who require special attention, PSAs within Float Pool step in to help.  “The PSA role within Float Pool largely consists of adverse event prevention for our high-risk patients, and being a Float Pool employee allows us to work wherever we are needed,” said Dimitri Macouin, Patient Safety Assistant. “Whether it be in the emergency department, neurology or pediatrics, the PSA will be the eyes and ears for the nurses working with this patient population.”  “Great strides have been made to ensure that PSAs remain vigilant and are recognized as an integral part of the patients' care team rather than 'just a sitter,’” added Karla Phillips, Patient Safety Assistant.  Float Pool also oversees our Discharge Lounge, which offers patients and their families a dedicated space to reconnect and prepare for their discharge from the hospital.  “The increase in utilization of the Discharge Lounge is something we are very proud of,” said Kara Abshier, Care Aide. “We assist in discharging patients from all over the hospital to help the floor and get new patients into rooms.”  Every day brings a new challenge for Float Pool. As these team members wake up with uncertainty, they are ready to embrace the diverse demands of caring for patients of all ages.  “The fact that Float Pool exists is amazing,” said Hannah Luccshesi, Acute Float Pool RN. “We wake up with no clue as to whether we will be working with babies, children or adults and then fill in the needs of the hospital.”

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Ensuring a healthier and more inclusive future for LGBTQIA+ children and teens is of utmost importance to health systems in our community, especially Renown. Supporting the physical and mental health of youth in this community is key to those efforts, especially as they face unique challenges in terms of identity acceptance and social integration.   Dr. Caroline Barangan, Adolescent Medicine Physician with Renown Children’s Pediatric Specialty Care, discusses what you as a parent, caregiver, friend or support system can do to be a safe space for children and teens who identify as LGBTQIA+. 1.  Create a Safe Space at Home The most important action you can take for your LGBTQIA+ teen or child is to accept and support them for who they are, regardless of how they identify. “Being a teenager is already difficult enough, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, which puts them at risk of being stigmatized, rejected and targets for bullying,” said Dr. Barangan.  Your supportive words and actions can make a huge difference as a profound expression of love and understanding. Being patient and willing to learn are the foundations to a healthy and loving relationship with your LGBTQIA+ teen or child.  2.  Encourage Regular Check-Ups with a Primary Care Provider (PCP)  Establishing your child or teen with a PCP is not only important when an illness occurs but also for annual preventative visits and regular check-ups. “A primary care provider can screen for high-risk behaviors that would put a patient’s health in jeopardy, such as sexual experience, substance use, suicidality and self-harm,” said. Dr Barangan. “These screenings are an opportunity to provide the education and support these kids and teens need to stay healthy.”  One of the main concerns LGBTQIA+ youth often have is that they will experience judgment from their provider, or the PCP will disclose sensitive information, including their sexuality or gender identity to their parents, when they are not ready to do so. Dr. Barangan emphatically reminds us that this legally cannot happen. “If a patient asks me to keep something confidential, unless they disclose that they have plans to harm themselves or others, I am legally not allowed to share that information with anyone without their permission,” said Dr. Barangan.  3.  Locate Local Resources  Northern Nevada is home to a variety of resources for the LGBTQIA+ community at large, including youth members of this community. "Finding resources to help them develop in a positive way and provide them with the information they need, whether it be in school, the household, the community or through a medical or mental health provider, is incredibly important,” said Dr. Barangan.  Below is a list of local LGBTQIA+ community resources open to you and your children:  Our Center LGBTQIA+ Health Services at Northern Nevada HOPES Northern Nevada Pride Festival & Community Parade (happens every July in Reno) Sassabration (happens every September in Carson City) Lake Tahoe Pride (events and resources shared on Facebook)  © alessandrobiascioli via Canva.com

Read More About 3 Ways to Foster the Wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ Kids and Teens

The back-to-school season is here, and ensuring your child's successful transition involves more than just school supplies and schedules. At Renown Children’s Hospital, and in collaboration with Nevada Pediatric Psychiatry Solutions, we understand the vital role that mental health plays in a child's overall well-being and academic performance. Below we'll guide you through essential tips for a smooth back-to-school experience, with a special focus on nurturing your child's mental health. How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health from Home Remember, the below strategies can be adapted to align with your child's personality, learning style and household dynamics. Flexibility and understanding are key in tailoring these tips to suit your child's unique needs. 1. Be Open to Communication: Recognize that effective communication is the cornerstone of understanding your child's feelings and concerns. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts. Listen to learn, without judgment. Make it a point to validate their emotions and ensure they are heard. Encourage sharing experiences,worries, friends and challenges they may be facing. Having open conversations about sensitive topics opens the door for discussion and understanding. Make yourself available. 2. Establish a Routine: A consistent routine can offer a sense of stability and predictability for your child, and anticipation helps to decrease anxiety and establish a sense of control. Join forces and design a daily schedule that includes time for schoolwork, play, physical activity, meals and relaxation. Be flexible about the structure to allow room for last-minute changes including extra activities based on that day’s needs as well. Always add time for play and bonding. 3. Practice Compassion: Back-to-school can come with big emotions. Listening reflexively and acknowledging these feelings can help you and your child act positively on these big emotions. 4. Get Involved: Actively engage in your child's school life by participating in school events, meetings and discussions. Show interest in their educational journey, ask about their experiences and provide guidance when needed. Being present in their academic pursuits not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens the parent-child bond. 5. Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This allows for a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Praise efforts, progress and perseverance, whether it's completing an assignment, making a new friend or overcoming a challenge. This positivity encourages a growth mindset and resilience. 6. Organize a Schoolwork Zone: Create a comfortable workspace at home dedicated to school-related tasks. Customize the area based on your child's preferences and needs. Having a designated space for studying and completing assignments promotes focus, reduces distractions and enhances their overall learning experience.

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