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Early detection is a significant piece of the breast cancer puzzle. Susan Cox, Renown Health Senior 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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Mammograms are an effective means for early detection of breast cancer. Still, many women shy away from them for fear of pain or discomfort. Let us debunk a few mammogram myths that will remove your worries and encourage proactive breast health. Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health. Myth 1: Mammograms Are Painful Reality: Although some women experience discomfort during a mammogram, most say it is not painful. Breast compression, which is important to get a clear image, can cause a sensation of pressure, but this lasts for a few seconds. Let your technician know how much pressure you can handle so you're not uncomfortable. Myth 2: Discomfort Persists Long After the Procedure Reality: The sensation of pressure developed through the compression process diminishes quickly after the procedure. Most women go about their day afterward without experiencing any residual pain.

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Cancer can develop at any age, and that’s why the experts at Renown are ready to help you stay ahead of breast cancer, especially if you're in your 20s or 30s. We're talking about early detection, signs to be aware of, and why being proactive is a big deal. Studies show there has been an increase in breast cancer in younger women. Although breast cancer is rare in women under 40, when it occurs, it tends to be aggressive. The tricky part? Many young women don't think it can happen to them, so they don't check for the signs as often as they should. Reviewed by Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Renown Women's Health. Early Signs and Symptoms New or Different Lump in the Breast: A lump is probably the most well-known symptom. Breast cancer is usually painless and firm, but it can also be soft. If you find a new lump, don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Have you noticed that one breast looks a little different? Whether it's swelling, shrinking, bulging, dimpling, or seems off, it's worth mentioning to your doctor. Skin Changes: If the skin on your breast starts to thicken or turn red, it's time to pay attention. If your skin starts looking like an orange peel (thickened, with prominent pores), that warrants evaluation. Nipple Discharge: Spontaneous drainage coming from your nipple that isn't breast milk—especially if it's clear or bloody—should be checked out. Nipple Changes: If your nipple starts to invert, flatten, or look different, call your doctor. Breast Pain: Continuous pain in your breast or nipple that isn't linked to your menstrual cycle is another symptom to note. However, breast pain is very common and is only rarely a sign of cancer, so don’t panic. Swelling or Lumps in the Armpit: When it spreads, breast cancer usually first goes to the lymph nodes in the armpit, so swelling or lumps under your arm should be on your radar.

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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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One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining health and wellness is staying proactive about regular cancer screenings. Early cancer detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The multidisciplinary care team at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health provides compassionate care and support to the community for early detection and diagnoses. This comprehensive guide outlines the various cancer screenings available for breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, prostate and skin cancer. Breast Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Mammograms are recommended starting age 40 for those considered at average risk for breast cancer. Women with a family history or other risk factors should discuss appropriate screening options with their healthcare provider. Women under 40 with a family history should discuss risk factors with a healthcare provider. Screening Methods Mammogram: This provides an X-ray of the breast and can detect tumors that are not yet palpable. Breast MRI: This type of scan is recommended for women at high risk for breast cancer due to genetic factors or family history. Screening Breast Ultrasound: This scan can help in identifying masses in denser breast tissue that might not be visible on mammogram. It is recommended in addition to a mammogram for patients at a higher risk for breast cancer. What to Expect During a mammogram, the breast is compressed between two plates to capture X-ray images. Some pressure or discomfort may be felt, but the procedure is brief and critical for early detection. Colorectal Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Adults aged 45 to 75 should undergo regular colorectal screenings. Some adults under 45 may need to be screened earlier depending on family history or other genetic risks. Those over 75 should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if continued screening is necessary. Screening Methods Colonoscopy: This procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the entire colon. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): A non-invasive test that detects hidden blood in the stool. CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): Uses Computed tomography (CT) imaging to provide detailed views of the colon. What to Expect A colonoscopy can detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Screening is usually advised every ten years, but if you are at risk, screening may be recommended every 3 to 5 years after your initial colonoscopy. Colonoscopy preparation includes bowel cleansing the day before and sedation during the procedure. FIT is a simple at-home test requiring no special preparation. Lung Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Adults aged 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history (20 pack years or more) and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening Methods Low-dose Computed Tomography (LDCT): A CT scan with low radiation doses to create detailed images of the lungs. What to Expect LDCT is a non-invasive scan that requires you to hold your breath for a few seconds. Cervical Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Women aged 21 to 65 should undergo regular screenings. Women aged 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 should have a Pap test and HPV test every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years. Screening Methods Pap Test (sometimes called a Pap Smear): Collects cells from the cervix to detect precancers. HPV Test: Identifies high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types that can cause cervical cancer. What to Expect The Pap test involves collecting cells from the cervix using a small brush. Some discomfort may be felt, but the procedure is brief and crucial for early detection. Prostate Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Men aged 50 and older should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. Men at higher risk (African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer or are a BRCA2 gene carrier) should begin discussing screenings  at age 40. Screening Methods Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Measures PSA levels in the blood. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical examination where the provider feels the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities. What to Expect The PSA test is a simple blood test. The DRE may cause slight discomfort but is quick and essential for early detection. Skin Cancer Screening Who Should Get Screened? Anyone with a suspicious lesion or abnormal area on their skin. Individuals with more than 50 moles or dysplastic moles. Those with a personal history of melanoma or history of other skin cancers. Those who have more than one member of immediate family with a history of cancers (melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer) or a family member who was diagnosed with melanoma before they were 50 years old. Positive gene testing for BRACA2, Lynch syndrome genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 or EPCAM). Screening Methods Skin Exam: A visual examination by your provider to check for unusual moles, birthmarks, or other skin changes. Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of skin for testing if an abnormal area is identified. What to Expect A skin exam is non-invasive and visual. A biopsy involves minor discomfort and local anesthesia if needed. Expert Advice Although the cadence of these skin screenings may or may not be annual, as one's age increases, the risk of many cancers rises. Everyone benefits from attentive sun protection, including avoiding direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. by seeking shade and wearing hats, clothing and sunscreen. When purchasing sunscreen, look for SPF 50, UVA/UVB broad spectrum. Questions to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider What is my risk level for different types of cancer? Which screening tests do you recommend for me and why? What are the potential risks and benefits of each test? How often should I get screened? What steps to follow if a test result is abnormal? Importance of Cancer Screenings Regular cancer screenings are vital for maintaining your health and catching cancer early, when it is most treatable. Renown Health is dedicated to guiding you through the process and providing the highest quality of care. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screenings for your specific needs and to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.

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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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© Arthon Meekodong via Canva.com Breast cancer screening has long been a cornerstone of women's healthcare. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime1, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has developed screening recommendations to help detect early-stage cancer. Notably in 2023, the USPSTF revised the recommended age for biennial mammogram screenings for women with average risk to start at age 40 instead of 502, estimated to result in 19% more lives being saved3 by starting screening earlier. While initiating screening at an earlier age offers advantages to a wide demographic, concerns about the potential of over-screening prompted research into the feasibility of identifying women with lower breast cancer risk who could safely delay mammograms. While guidelines address high-risk individuals, a notable gap exists in providing recommendations tailored to those at lower risk. To gain insight into a patient's risk level, physicians are able to utilize genetic testing to understand an individual's genetic makeup, providing precise insights into their predisposition to various health conditions, including breast cancer. Armed with this genetic information, healthcare providers could craft tailored screening strategies that align with an individual’s specific risk profile. This genetic risk-based approach underscores the value of genetics in individualizing the onset of screening to help avoid over-screening and its associated costs. Surprisingly, genetic information is not currently being widely utilized to identify women at risk of breast cancer or other diseases in clinical practice, despite its potential to make a significant positive impact for patients. A recent retrospective analysis of 25,591 women from the Healthy Nevada Project4 sheds light on the potential benefits of this genetic risk-based approach. The study classified 2,338 (9.1%) of these women as having a low genetic risk for breast cancer. What's remarkable is that these women exhibited a significantly lower and later onset of breast cancer compared to their average or high-risk counterparts. This finding suggests that it might be safe for low-risk women to delay mammogram screening by 5 to 10 years without compromising their health.

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Dr. Shipra Singh, a Pediatric Pulmonologist, outlines the challenges of diagnosing asthma in children due to symptoms resembling other respiratory issues. It's particularly difficult to identify in infants and young children, who may not clearly exhibit breathing difficulties. Asthma, often confused with bronchitis, croup, or allergies, is a significant chronic illness causing school absenteeism, as per the CDC. Risk factors include prenatal smoking and family history of allergies or asthma. Infants and toddlers are more susceptible due to smaller airways and respiratory viruses, which can exacerbate conditions like colds and bronchitis. How can I tell if my child has asthma? Unfortunately small children are unable to describe their symptoms, making asthma difficult to diagnose. Your child may even be active, playing and smiling, although they are experiencing chest tightness or labored breathing. Observe your child and let the child’s doctor know if: Your child’s breathing behavior has changed (coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing) Your child’s breathing pattern changes (day vs. night, with rest or activity, inside vs. outside) You have a family history of asthma or allergies Your child’s breathing is triggered by any foods or allergies With your help, your child’s doctor can make the best diagnosis to determine if your child has asthma. A pediatric pulmonologist (lung specialist) or pediatric allergist may also have to be consulted for special testing. Tests may include lung function testing, allergy tests, blood tests and X-rays for an accurate diagnosis. What is the treatment for infants and toddlers? Young children can use many of the same medications as older children and adults, although the way they take them and the dosage will differ. A nebulizer (or breathing machine) creating a medicated mist for your child to breathe through a mask may be used. An inhaler with a small spacer tube connected to a mask is also common to help your child breath medication into their lungs. Either of these options are effective. Asthma in children is treated with both fast-acting and long-term medicines to open up airways quickly for easy breathing and also to lessen asthma symptoms over time. Communicate with your child’s medical providers to create a personalized asthma management plan for them. How can I manage my child’s asthma? Recognize your child’s breathing habits and be aware of worsening symptoms. Consult with your child’s doctor on a daily asthma action plan to recognize worsening symptoms and track medications. Here’s an example of an asthma action plan provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health). Be consistent with the plan and talk to your doctor before changing it. Have an emergency plan in case of a serious asthma attack. Know where the closest ER is and know who can take care of your other children. Also know what the medical treatment coverage is under your insurance plan. Dr. Singh explains, "Discussing asthma with your child may be difficult. Some kids find the subject frightening or confusing. Others, especially the older kids, may resent the treatment and may not be interested in doing it. Talk to your doctor about advice to build an open and trusting relationship regarding your child's asthma care."

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Stepping into the Renown Transfer and Operations Center (RTOC) means stepping into a transformative hub of excellence where lives are saved and healthcare is reimagined. As a cornerstone of Renown Health's commitment to exceptional patient care, the RTOC serves as a dynamic nerve center that seamlessly coordinates medical resources, ambulance rides, hospital bed space, remote home systems, hospital transfers and emergency preparedness. In this best-in-class facility, the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare are constantly pushed, and new horizons of patient care are discovered.   Staffed with a dedicated team of skilled professionals, the RTOC harnesses the power of advanced technology and compassionate expertise to ensure that patients receive the highest level of care and support, no matter where they are. Through a synchronized network of communication, coordination, and compassionate care, the RTOC team ensures that patients receive the critical support they need when it matters most, working tirelessly to redefine what it means to deliver world-class healthcare.   A National Standard  Charged with the goal of overseeing the placement and transportation for every patient, the RTOC officially launched in 2021 as northern Nevada’s first and only transfer center of its kind and a nationally celebrated facility. As Renown’s highly coordinated care logistics system, this team uses the cutting-edge technology at their fingertips to customize healthcare to the needs of every patient, manage patient flow and drive healthcare innovation.  “Compared to where we’ve started to where we are now, it’s a 180-degree difference,” said Kelli McDonnell, Manager of RTOC. “When we first started building our facility right before the pandemic happened, we took what was six conference rooms and classrooms and turned it into a command center that organizations across the country admire and come to Reno to see what we do. Mel Morris, the Director of RTOC, was recruited exclusively to build our facility with her history of building successful hospital command centers. Many people didn’t realize what a transfer center was or that Renown was the only center in the region – and we only continue to grow.”  This best-in-class facility, and the masterful team behind it, handles:  Coordinating all incoming patients transferred from neighboring hospitals and 27 counties across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe, northeast California and neighboring states. Matching patients to the most appropriate bed placement using diagnostic, triage and Epic electronic medical record clinical information in conjunction with medical staff expertise to outline a plan of care that determines the best bed assignment given the patient’s needs.  Coordinating video-enabled Telehealth monitoring capabilities for Renown’s four Intensive Care Units (ICUs), as well as Renown patient Telehealth and virtual visits. Monitoring Remote Home systems with Masimo during the COVID-19 pandemic, where some patients received hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes while Renown clinicians monitored and evaluated their data and plan of care.  Serving emergency and disaster management for area hospitals, first-responders and the community with local, regional and statewide emergency and disaster management for sudden-onset emergencies.  The RTOC is home to many different critical roles for our health system, including Transfer Center Nurses, Ride Line Coordinators, RTOC Coordinators and more, many duties of which each team member cross-trains on to be able to fill in whenever needed. While their roles may differ, their commitment to their patients remains the same – and they all work together to achieve the same outcome: delivering the right care, at the right time and place.  “As an RTOC Coordinator, we do a variety of different things,” said Anna Schaffer, RTOC Coordinator. “We do triage coordination to help our nurses and hospitalists get patients in the emergency department admitted, and we also do bed control to find patients appropriate bed placement. Communication is important, so we always make sure to stay closely connected with the charge nurses on those floors.”  “We start with a basic ‘need to know’ and place patients accordingly,” added Karly Brown, RTOC Coordinator. “We get surgery numbers, ICU capacity and discharges and find beds for all patients as quickly as possible. We have the advantage of being able to see the entire hospital.”  “I primarily schedule transportation for patients at the hospital who are either going home or going to a skilled nursing facility,” said Sarah Clark, Ride Line Coordinator. “I get requests from case managers to schedule rides, and I work with REMSA and other ambulance services to schedule them. It relies a lot on appropriate and efficient communication and critical thinking.”  Patients in facilities across northern Nevada and northeastern California, especially the rural communities, look to the RTOC to help guide ambulances, bed coordinators and hospital staff in finding care for our rural patients.  “As a transfer center nurse, I facilitate incoming patients from rural facilities in Nevada and surrounding areas in California,” added Meg Myles, Transfer Center Nurse Specialist. “There are days we may take up to 30 direct admissions from these areas.”  “We are the point of contact for inter-facility transfers, whether we are sending patients out or bringing them into Renown,” said Lisa Lac, Transfer Center Nurse Specialist. “We take phone calls from those rural areas, identify what services are needed, connect them to the appropriate provider and coordinate any transfers.”  “Simply put, we are the bed wizards,” said Addison Rittenhouse, RTOC Coordinator.  The RTOC team continues to break barriers and push the boundaries of medical excellence through leveraging the technology at their fingertips and their unwavering dedication to the health of our community. Inspiring a new era of medical possibilities, these team members have achieved a multitude of accomplishments for both their department and their patients since the birth of the center.  “We have significantly reduced the time it takes to get patient admit orders in, thanks in part to the new Triage Coordinator role, and we provide easier access for patients to transfer to us from other facilities,” said Beth Rios, RTOC Coordinator. “We have taken a bigger role in helping the smaller hospitals in our area in caring for patients and improve patient throughput.”  “As a team, we’ve done a lot of work in creating an engaging and positive environment, and our internal morale committee has been a huge help with that,” said Kelli McDonnell. “We’ve been working tremendously over the last year and taking all the feedback that we received from the Employee Engagement Survey to make improvements. We had 100 percent survey participation within five days, which is incredible.”  “I am so proud of our escalation and problem-solving skills,” said Becca Dietrich, RTOC Coordinator. “When an issue is raised to us, we will always find a timely solution on our end so our care teams can focus on the issue in front of them. We are the eyes in the sky, seeing movement everywhere.”  Each day in the life of our RTOC team members is a testament to their commitment, resilience and timework, making a profound impact on countless lives.

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Injuries happen to everyone. They are caused by participating in sports, recreational activities like hiking, and even by accidentally stepping off a curb wrong. If you experience a sprain or strain, the first few days are often the most painful. Renown Sports Medicine physicians Luis Palacio, MD and Brandon Hockenberry, MD walked us through what to do after an injury.  Listen to Your Body See a medical professional right away if: You know or suspect that a bone is broken You are having difficulties putting full weight on a joint of the leg Pain or swelling is severe There is a sign of an infection, such as redness and warmth in the joint  The First 24-72 Hours Joint sprains tend to swell more than muscle strains. You can use ice as needed for comfort and to relieve any pain, but do not use ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Ice and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can help prevent excessive swelling and mask the pain, but they do not speed recovery. Some research shows that overuse of ice actually delays recovery.    During the first 24-72 hours, your injury will go through an inflammation phase. Inflammation is your body’s natural way to dispose of dead tissue cells, build new healthy structures, and hopefully heal even stronger than before.

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

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