Search

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, it's not just pumpkin spice lattes that should be on your mind – it's also time to think about your health. Fall time also means it’s flu season and with new cases on the rise, we at Renown Health encourage you to do your part in keeping your Fall activities community safe. How can you protect your whole community you ask? Through something called Herd Immunity. We spoke with Renown Health infection prevention expert, Susanne James to talk about how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy and protecting your families and community.

Read More About Slow the Spread of the Flu with Herd Immunity

Flu shots don’t just protect those who get vaccinated; they protect everyone, including your family and the community. As we continue navigating the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Renown Health infection prevention expert Whitney Robinson explains how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy. 5 Ways to Schedule Your Flu Shot Call Us! 775-982-5000 Urgent Care Appointments Renown Pharmacy Vaccinations Make an Appointment via MyChart Need a Doctor? Find One Now Reasons to get the flu shot Chills, body aches, fever, congestion; getting the flu isn’t fun. But in addition to protecting yourself with a flu shot, you’re helping reduce flu cases and hospitalizations, Whitney said. Flu shots are currently available at pharmacies throughout the Reno area. Whitney says the ideal time to get your flu shot is September through October, but remain relevant throughout the winter months as it only takes two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your body. This timing allows the vaccine to provide the strongest protection during the length of flu season. Who needs a flu shot? Almost everyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the yearly flu shot for everyone six months of age and older. Equally, they consider it the first and most crucial step in protecting against the flu virus.

Read More About Protect Yourself and Others with the Flu Shot

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.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Enterprise Data & Analytics

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”

Read More About How to Spot Depression in Men

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

Read More About Preventing Skin Cancer A Doctors Tips

Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) see patients from menses (the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs as a part of the female reproductive system), pregnancy and childbirth through menopause and play a pivotal role in managing reproductive health and overall wellness. Dr. James Alexander with Renown Women's Health explains. "As experts in women's health, we are uniquely positioned to recognize subtle changes or symptoms that might indicate broader health issues. This comprehensive approach allows us to serve as a valuable first touchpoint for various health concerns." Preventive Screenings: A Proactive Approach One key aspect is an OBGYN's ability to recommend preventive screenings based on your symptoms, age, lifestyle and medical history. For instance, lipid screenings are critical for monitoring cholesterol levels, which can be a significant factor in women’s heart disease. An OBGYN keeps up with the current guidelines for routine screening as well as in women with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease during your visit. By identifying risks and abnormal screening early, they can collaborate with you to implement lifestyle changes or treatments to reduce your risk of heart conditions. Schedule Your Screening Appointment Make an Appointment by Phone: 775-982-5000

Read More About The Expanded Role of OBGYNs in Women's Healthcare

For the average person, wounds aren’t an everyday worry. However, for at least eight million Americans, chronic wounds can pose a serious threat to health and well-being. From a person with diabetes experiencing painful neuropathy to a patient healing from a significant burn, caring for advanced wounds is a major part of their healthcare journey. Who do they go to get the care and guidance they need? The answer: Renown Wound Care. Serving patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, this department provides comprehensive, best-in-class treatments for severe and chronic wound healing and ostomy care. Our Wound Care team members have mastered the art of harnessing cutting-edge technologies and a patient-centric approach to redefine the standards of healing.  Advanced Care for the Best Repair  At Renown Health, we are fortunate to have a team full of nurses, physicians and more caring for patients with wounds caused by a wide variety of conditions. Those include:  Burns Trauma Vascular diseases Radiation therapy Pressure ulcers Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy Adding to the expert-level continuum of care, Renown is the only health system offering complete ostomy services in the entire region. The Wound Care team helps ostomy patients with the fitting of their medical bags, treatment of any skin conditions that may arise after ostomy bag placement, care coordination and much more.  With a multidisciplinary network of experts tailoring personalized treatment plans, there is never a dull moment on the floor. On the outpatient side, the team expects 50-60 patients in one day alone.  “As a clinician, wound care is a lot of ‘arts and crafts,’ so we get to use our creative and critical thinking skills to provide the best possible care,” said Samantha Moore, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Outpatient Wound Care. “Each patient has an individualized plan of care – we greet them as they come into the clinic, escort them back to their treatment rooms and get their latest health updates and life situations before providing wound or ostomy care. We prepare each morning doing chart reviews to determine patient needs, wound progression and referral needs.”  “We are a highly specialized, dedicated group of professionals with a passion to treat and heal our patients’ wounds,” added Lori Conner, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Outpatient Wound Care. “When a patient comes to our clinic for evaluation, they are given a dedicated appointment to thoroughly go over their medical and surgical history, medications and nature of the wound.”  Switching over to the inpatient care team, they operate like a well-oiled assembly line, navigating different daily assignments with precision and flexibility.  “On the inpatient side, our day starts in our office with triaging our consult list; after the triage process is completed, we get our assignments, which can consist of wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) patients, follow-up patients, ostomy education patients and new wound consults,” said Megan Uy, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “In the case of patients requiring wound VAC changes, we consider what kind of pre-medication for pain that they need. Although some patients may be seen on a time schedule, the day ends up flexible as patients are being seen by other specialties. This flexibility also benefits the patients, making them feel more empowered with their care.”  “Each day in the inpatient setting, we get to our office and sort through all the new consults that came in overnight, and the charge nurse makes the assignment for the day,” added Madison Arlin, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “After the assignment is completed, each nurse is responsible for researching their patients and organizing their day, typically by priority – wound VACs and ostomies usually take top priority.”  Now, how do these treatments actually work? This specialized field handles advanced methods of treating each condition, including:  Biological skin substitutes Surgical debridement Advanced wound dressings Negative pressure therapy Pre-ostomy markings and education Offloading techniques, such as padding or dressing “Before starting treatments, we communicate with our nurses and providers to make sure that the patient is comfortable prior to wound care,” said Dianna Seo, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “After we see the patient, if there is a need for escalated care, we contact the provider for additional testing or consults. We continue to follow-up on patients that have severe wounds, wound VACs and ostomies.”  In the hands of the Wound Care team, patients exit our hospital walls not only restored but also empowered, set on a trajectory for long-term healing. Your Expert Care Guides  No matter the case or the severity of the wound or condition, patient care, comfort and communication always come first – before, during and after treatment.   “Many of our patients have chronic needs, so we end up seeing them for several months, if not years in some cases; we stay up to date with their specific psychosocial needs and help remove barriers that would prevent their wounds from healing,” said Samantha Moore.  “I enjoy knowing that my positive attitude can improve our patients’ days,” added Maddie Pauley, Patient Access Representative for Outpatient Wound Care. “When they’re routinely coming to appointments they might not enjoy, hearing them praise our team and give their thanks is one of the most rewarding feelings.”  As a wound care patient, there can be a lot of unknowns when beginning their care journey. However, these team members carefully walk each patient through every step from beginning to end.  “When we go to see a wound care patient, our team is very consistent about explaining to the patients what our role is and what we plan to do with their wound, and then we continue to actively communicate throughout wound care each step that we are doing as we are doing it,” said Madison Arlin. “We also encourage some of our patients to listen to music that they enjoy during the wound care, or we will cover their eyes with a cloth if they request so that they don't have to see their wound. Sometimes, we will ask the family to stay at the bedside to hold their family member's hand.”  Education is crucial to ensuring each patient knows what to expect in order to care for their wound and understanding the stages of healing. Fortunately, this team is well-versed in the world of wound wisdom.  “A lot of education is provided on the type of dressing we are applying, and if the patient is going to be performing their own dressing changes, we will go over the entire change with them and provide supplies for discharge,” said Megan Uy. “Additionally, there will be written instructions in their discharge paperwork. In the cases of wound VAC dressing changes, each step is explained to the patient before doing it, and we also go over discharge options and expectations.”  “As a clinician who sees a lot of patients prior to having their ostomy placed (pre-surgical marking), one of the most important things we do is first sit with the patient and/or caregivers and talk about their fears, concerns, questions and goals,” said Samantha Moore. “We provide a lot of emotional support and education, helping identify community resources. For our wound patients, we spend a lot of time educating our patients/caregivers about how and why their wounds occurred. We try to connect with them on a personal level and help them identify ways to help their wounds heal.”  To see a patient’s care journey from the second they enter through our doors to the moment they return home is one of the most rewarding feelings for the Wound Care teams. In fact, they’ve had the pleasure of treating patients for years and seeing their wounds almost completely heal. The team collectively values the successful healing journeys of their patients as their proudest achievement.  “One of our team's greatest accomplishments was being able to see one of our long-term patients discharged with nearly resolved wounds,” said Megan Uy. “This patient had been in our care on-and-off for the past year with many hospitalizations and had complicated high-output enterocutaneous fistulas within his wound bed. These were incredibly hard to keep a dressing on successfully, and he often had issues with the dressing leaking. Eventually, we got a dressing that could remain intact until his next scheduled dressing change, and he was able to get surgery that fixed his fistulas. Being able to see him recover and heal his wounds was a very large accomplishment for us.”  The admiration and compassion this team has for their patients also extends to each other. The cohesive way they work together only further benefits their patients, offering the best-possible collaborative care.  “We have extremely skilled clinicians in our group that are not only incredible in the work that they do and the patient care that they provide but are also enjoyable to work with as well,” said Geane Weaver, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “There is something to be admired in each and every one of my coworkers.”  “Our team is very close and supportive of each other at all times,” added Madison Arlin. “I feel very lucky to work with such an amazing group of people. Our team is very proud of the work we do.” Fervently Fighting the Good Fight So, with the highly specialized nature of advanced wound care, how did these team members get inspired to join the Wound Care team in the first place?  Well, for many of these devoted employees, their first exposure to caring for wounds took place on different units – sparking their interest in making wound care their full-time career.  “Renown was the most welcoming towards me as a student nurse, and I liked that it was a teaching hospital,” said Madison Arlin. “I started in the General Surgical Unit (GSU) immediately after graduating nursing school and worked there for two years before transferring to wound care. I decided to apply to the wound team after watching the wound nurses do wound VACs and ostomy changes on the floor. I would ask them if I could watch, and I was always very fascinated by the wound healing process.”  “Prior to joining the inpatient wound team, like Madison, I was also a bedside nurse in GSU,” added Geane Weaver. “Working on that floor, I was already exposed to a lot of patients that were requiring some kind of advanced wound care in one way or another. Working in the GSU, I also cared for a lot of patients that had wound VACs and ostomies. These patients make up a huge group of the individuals that our team sees on a regular basis, and they've always been intriguing for me, so naturally, wound care has always been on my radar.”  For other team members, wound care has always been a point of curiosity throughout their education and career. From their very first exposure to this care area, they were hooked.  “I was always curious about wound care even through my nursing school experience,” said Dianna Seo. “When I was working on the floor, I would trade to do wound care for patients. When I had time, I would follow wound care and help when I could. I joined the skin team which drove me to be increasingly involved with wound care. As soon as there was a job opening, I applied for the position. I worked in outpatient wound care for approximately four years and now inpatient for another four years. I have enjoyed all aspects of wound care and patient care.”    “I had great clinical experience at Renown when I was in nursing school; I also was very interested in caring for trauma patients, and Renown being a Level II trauma center aligned with my interests,” added Megan Uy. “I began my nursing career in the GSU, but my dream job was always Wound Care. During my nursing school clinicals, I had the opportunity to watch some members of the wound team do wound VAC changes and thought it was incredibly intriguing and a great combination of utilizing the knowledge of anatomy and physiology while being creative with handicraft. A position opened on the team around the time I met the prerequisites to be eligible for the position, and luckily, I got it.”  Our Wound Care team has achieved significant employee and departmental milestones over the past year, reflecting their dedication to enhancing patient care and overall process improvement.  “We have had many accomplishments within the last year and are currently working on more to improve the hospital,” said Dianna Seo. “Madison Arlin won the DAISY Award for her great work with our patients. Megan Uy won Top Talent of the Quarter for helping a stranger. Ande Ferriera has worked tirelessly to improve our process improvement. Allie Saunders, as our leader, has worked to improve patient skin by getting new beds for Renown Regional. All our patients that have healed or are on their way to healing under our care is our greatest achievement that we as wound team is most proud of.”  “We are constantly updating protocols, notes and orders for bedside nursing so that it is a more straightforward and seamless charting process,” added Madison Arlin. “We have representatives of different supply companies come and present new products that we think may benefit our patients better. Our wonderful tech has even updated our department site on Inside Renown so that the nurses always have references available.”  Renown’s strong influence in the region – and the opportunity to give back to their community – was, and continues to be, a major draw for this team.  “Since I can remember, Renown has always been the most prevalent healthcare name for my family and has always taken the most amazing, thorough care of my loved ones,” said Maddie Pauley. “I have always wanted to work somewhere I could help people, and starting at Renown has really opened my eyes into how much of a difference each one of us can make.”  Our Wound Care department’s success stories and proactive approach not only reflect their passion for healing but also inspire a ripple effect of positive change throughout our health system. They proudly exemplify a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of all patients under their care.  “Being part of Renown and part of this team has been my blessing; I get to do a job I love with people that love it too,” closed Dianna Seo.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Wound Care

While menstrual cycles can be an annoying inconvenience for many women, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) is not normal and can disrupt your life. A few days of heavy flow at the start of your period is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you’re frequently experiencing very heavy periods, you should discuss it with your gynecologist or primary care provider.  Dr. Megan Fish, an OB-GYN with Renown Women’s Health, discusses various reasons, evaluation and treatment methods when it comes to heavy menstrual cycles.  What is classified as heavy menstrual bleeding?  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers heavy bleeding to be any of the following signs: Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days. Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row. Needing to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow. Needing to change pads or tampons during the night. Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger. What are the most common reasons for heavier periods?  A variety of reasons why someone might have heavy periods. Fortunately, most of these problems are treatable. Because each woman's period is unique, only a doctor can definitively determine the cause of your heavy periods. Some of the most common issues that cause heavy periods include: Hormone imbalances such as anovulation, thyroid disease and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Structural abnormalities in your uterus such as polyps or fibroids.  Precancer and cancer such as uterine, cervical, vaginal, ovarian or endometrial hyperplasia.  Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, endometritis or vaginitis. Other medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Medications such as blood thinners and aspirin, hormone replacement therapy, Intrauterine devices (IUDs), birth control pills and injectables. Pregnancy-related problems such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Read More About Understanding the Reasons Behind Heavy Menstrual Cycles

As the holiday season draws near, we find more reasons to celebrate with loved ones. At Renown Health, we are kicking off the celebrations early this November with American Diabetes Month. Approximately 37 million Americans, including 270,000 Nevadans, have been diagnosed with diabetes with as many as 95% of those diagnosed living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). What is Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs because your body is not using insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells use the food we eat for energy) as well as it should, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is important to obtain a diagnosis for T2DM and ensure it is well-controlled to prevent serious health complications. Those with diabetes are at higher risk for blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation. Tips for Supporting Your Health with Type 2 Diabetes Know Your Blood Sugar Levels: Work with your healthcare provider to establish target blood sugar levels, and make sure to monitor your levels regularly as advised by your healthcare provider to prevent or delay health complications associated with T2DM. Focus on Your Plate: Eating foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats or plant-based proteins, healthy fats and whole grains supports diabetes management. If choosing healthy foods is difficult due to your busy schedule, cost or simply because you aren’t sure where to start, talk with your healthcare provider who may refer you to a registered dietitian. Registered dietitian nutritionists are certified nutrition specialists who can provide education and practical tips for eating to support your T2DM diagnosis with visits covered by many insurance plans. Prioritize Staying Active: Engaging in regular exercise is good for everyone, especially those living with T2DM. Exercise helps your cells become more sensitive to insulin and therefore supports healthy blood sugar levels. Always check with your healthcare provider prior to beginning a new exercise plan. Support Stress Reduction: Stress is unavoidable but can be managed through regular exercise, getting enough quality sleep (7-8 uninterrupted hours per night) and practicing meditation and other mindfulness techniques. Plan Ahead for Holiday Gatherings: There’s still room for celebration while focusing on blood sugar management. Consider bringing a healthy dish to your gathering, focus on filling your plate with vegetable sides and eating those first and incorporate a family walk after dinner. If traveling, pack nutritious snacks that support your health and keep you full. Lastly, enjoy the special dishes and desserts this season has to offer in single-serving portions.

Read More About Celebrating Blood Sugar Balance This Holiday Season

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

Every patient, regardless of how they may identify, greatly benefits from preventive healthcare and early detection. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique considerations when it comes to their health, and a proactive approach to preventive screenings and vaccines is important in order to address their individual health needs.  Dr. Karen Thiele, Family Medicine Physician with University Health and Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, breaks down key steps that LGBTQIA+ patients should take to safeguard their health.  PrEP and PEP  Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strategy to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is an important measure for those who are HIV-negative but may be at risk of contracting it. The highest risk sexual practice is receptive anal intercourse, due to the relative fragility of rectal tissue. This medication can stop HIV from spreading in the body and help patients maintain their HIV-negative status. PrEP is available in both pill form, which is taken every day, and injection form, of which the first two injections are initiated one month after another while all other injections are initiated every two months.  Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an antiretroviral drug regimen taken after potential HIV exposure to prevent an HIV-negative individual from converting to HIV-positive status. PEP is only for emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours of exposure – sooner is always better than later – and must be taken for 28 days.  PrEP and PEP are available in many ways, including visiting your primary care provider (PCP) or an urgent care location.   HPV Immunization  All genders and identities can protect themselves against human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to the risk of cervical, mouth, head, neck, throat, anal, vaginal, penile and vulvar cancers. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people, regardless of sexual orientation and practices, will be exposed at some point in their lifetime.  The HPV vaccine (common brands include Gardasil and Cervarix) is a safe and effective method to prevent HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This vaccine protects against infections that can lead to HPV-related cancers and precancers, as well as genital warts. While patients should start receiving the vaccine at 9 years old years old, unvaccinated adults up to the age of 45 can also receive the vaccine through their PCP – better late than never!

Read More About 6 Healthcare Action Items for the LGBTQIA+ Community

According to the Global Sepsis Alliance, 1 in 5 deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis. If not recognized early and treated promptly, sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including viruses such as COVID-19. We spoke with Jeremy Gonda, MD, a critical care physician from Renown Health’s Sepsis Committee to increase public awareness of this preventable medical emergency. What is sepsis? Sepsis is a response to infection—bacterial, viral or fungal—and can start anywhere in the body and spread into the bloodstream. The body is trying so hard to fight an infection that it begins releasing chemicals into the bloodstream that cause inflammation and the shutdown of multiple organ systems. “It carries a very poor prognosis in general unless you catch and treat it very early,” said Dr. Gonda. “Any infection can lead to sepsis. Typically your immune system takes care of the infection. It doesn’t progress, but in cases where the infection becomes severe, or the immune system doesn’t function properly, people can certainly die. So there’s, unfortunately, a very high mortality rate associated with sepsis.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. While you can recover from sepsis if caught early, many sepsis survivors suffer from long-term physical and psychological effects. What are the signs of sepsis? One way to spot sepsis is to use the acronym SEPSIS: S – Slurred speech and confusion E – Extreme shivering or muscle pain/fever P – Passing no urine all day S – Severe breathlessness I – “I feel like I might die” S – Skin mottled or discolored Keep in mind that sepsis symptoms can vary depending on where the infection starts. “Patients may experience urinary burning if they have a urinary tract infection or a cough and shortness of breath if they have pneumonia first,” said Dr. Gonda. “However, often symptoms are more generalized or subtle such as fevers, confusion and malaise.” How do you develop sepsis? When germs enter your body, they can cause an infection. If you don’t stop that infection, it can cause sepsis. Areas of infection that more commonly result in sepsis include: Lungs, such as pneumonia Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system Digestive system Bloodstream (bacteremia) Catheter sites Wounds or burns Who is most at risk? People with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for sepsis, such as “The very young, the elderly and any people who may have conditions that suppress your immune system,” said Dr. Gonda. “For instance, if you have diabetes or if you’re an organ transplant patient who is on immunosuppressant therapy, you’re at somewhat higher risk.” Sepsis is often considered a hospital-acquired infection, but a study in The Journal of American Medical Association found that 80% of sepsis cases occur outside of a hospital. That’s why it’s especially important to remember any infection can lead to sepsis, and anyone can develop sepsis from an infection. What do I do? Timing is critical in the case of sepsis and septic shock. According to a study on septic shock patients, there is a 7.6 percent decrease in survival for each hour treatment is delayed. On the other end, if treatment is given within an hour of the first drop in blood pressure, the survival rate is 80 percent. Because sepsis can be so deadly, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. “If you’re not getting any better, if you think symptoms are progressively worsening – you should definitely be evaluated by a doctor,” said Dr. Gonda. You can help #StopSepsis by getting involved at worldsepsisday.org.

Read More About Sepsis: Causes & Symptoms