Search

Read More About Transfer and Operations Center

Renown TeleHealth is improving the health of everyone – even our most distant neighbors. That’s why we’re leading the region in using video conferencing technology to give you the best care possible – no matter where you are. Be it an emergency, an ongoing condition, or even the need for convenient health and wellness education and support, we are always just a connection away. Renown TeleHealth is telemedicine that gives you access to top-level care and better outcomes with less stress and fewer travel costs.

Read More About TeleHealth

Virtual visits are basically secure, video conferencing visits with your health provider. Of course if you are sick, you want to avoid going outside of your house. With Renown Health’s virtual visit program, you can now see a provider from the comfort of your own home. As we work to keep all of our patients home and healthy, we’re here for any ongoing healthcare needs you have. There are two easy ways to access a virtual visit with Renown Health. If you need an urgent care visit, you can get in line using your MyChart account You can make a virtual visit with some Renown Health providers you see currently Virtual Urgent Care from a Renown Provider By using MyChart, you can now login and request to “Talk to a Doctor.” After filling in some information and confirming your healthcare concern, you will be put into a virtual line. The healthcare team will notify you by text or email when a provider is ready to talk to you virtually. Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages. Get To Know MyChart Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages, and can address: Common cold and cough symptoms Muscular, tendon or joint pains not caused by injury Allergy or sinus symptoms Pink eye Urinary discomfort Diarrhea without vomiting Rashes or skin sores Backache Nail problems Screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) Medication refills (not controlled substances) Symptoms for In-Person Urgent Care Visits Shortness of breath Chest pain Abdominal pain Numbness or weakness of any location that is new Traumatic injuries (including eye injuries or something in the eye) Severe pain of any other body location Dizziness or confusion Bleeding from any location High fever (greater than 102 degrees for all ages) Persistent vomiting Loss of vision Ear pain Substance abuse or psychiatric problems Virtual visits are open 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for Nevada residents. Renown Provider Virtual Visits Many primary and specialty care appointments for adults and children are now available virtually. If you have a provider with Renown Medical Group, call 775-982-5000 to see if you can have a virtual appointment from the comfort of your home. MyChart Assistance If you need assistance with your MyChart account, please call 775-982-6686. For all other questions about scheduling and appointments, please call 775-982-5000.

Read More About Virtual Visits – Healthcare You Need At Home

You probably know testosterone (T) plays an important role in how boys physically develop into men. But is that all you know? What happens when a man's T levels are off? Are there symptoms men should look for? And what are the treatment options? Dr. Bobby Kahlon, MD, Renown Medical Group provides answers in a Testosterone Q&A.   What does testosterone do for men?  "Testosterone is known as the 'manly hormone' for a reason," says Dr. Kahlon. "Though women also naturally produce small amounts of it, men produce testosterone at much higher concentration levels. And it affects men in more physical and obvious ways. How much hair a man has on his chest, how deep his voice is, or how muscular he is are all attributable in some way to testosterone. It's also responsible in large part for sex drive and bone strength and affects how men think, learn and experience their surroundings."  Testosterone in men:   Powers virilization (male physical characteristics) and sexual function Builds muscle mass and strength  Supports bone density  Improves cognition  T Trivia: Discover Magazine reveals that “manly” testosterone and other sex hormones evolved long before we did — 500 million years ago — from the ultimate “female” hormone, estrogen. Can you have too much or too little testosterone?  Though high testosterone isn't a concern for most men, low testosterone or low T occurs more frequently and develops for two primary reasons.  Dr. Kuhadiya explains, "Subnormal testosterone concentrations occur either due to pituitary or testicular failure and the causes for each need to be discussed with your physician."  Pituitary failure: Approximately one-third of men with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome (which includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels) have low free — or "bioavailable" — testosterone. These health conditions can cause the pituitary gland to "fail" to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which are essential for triggering testosterone and sperm production. And that can cause low testosterone (hypogonadism). Testicular failure: Though less common than pituitary failure, testicular failure may also be responsible for low T. It's caused by diseases or illnesses affecting the testicles, injury or trauma to the testicles, or certain medicines and treatments such as chemotherapy or opioid pain medication. Providing your complete medical history to your doctor is always the first step toward a proper diagnosis.  What are the symptoms of low T?  The following indicators could be a sign that you have low T, say the doctors.  Lack of motivation and determination, including mild depression  Loss of physical endurance and muscle strength  Loss of or diminished early morning erections  Reduced libido (sex drive)   Erectile dysfunction (ED — difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)   Gynecomastia (male breasts)  Small testes  T and Time: T levels in men naturally begin to decline by about 1% a year starting at age 30.  How do you test for low T?  "There are different methods for testing testosterone levels," says Dr. Kuhadiya. "Each approach uses a blood sample to evaluate total testosterone, which includes free and attached testosterone that combines with proteins albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). For the most accurate results, testing is based on samples collected in the morning after fasting, and from tests on two different days."  What treatment options are available?  "Well, your best natural option may be YOU," says Dr. Kahlon. "Men with pituitary failure are often able to treat their low T by losing weight to increase levels of the hormone. And even if you don't lose weight, exercise can help boost your testosterone. Unfortunately, if you have testicular failure, weight loss and exercise may not have the same effect."  So, are there other options? "You may want to consider Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)," says Dr. Kuhadiya. "TRT is only available to men who are hypogonadal — with a clinical diagnosis of low T. Injection, gel, skin patch and nasal spray are available TRT options. The best option is the one that works best for the patient. Convenience, insurance coverage and cost are all factors to consider." Dr. Kahlon's TRT preference? Daily gel treatments, which are applied directly to the skin. On the other hand, Dr. Kuhadiya recommends intramuscular injections, which take place once a week or every two weeks.  But both doctors agree on this: physicians and their patients need to weigh the benefits and risks of TRT before proceeding with treatment — especially if your low T condition may require lifelong treatment. "In my clinical practice, I have seen some very good long-term results with an improved quality of life," says Dr. Kuhadiya. "However, in certain situations, TRT may increase the risk of heart disease and is not recommended for men with a history of prostate cancer." Dr. Kahlon adds, "Patients receiving any type of hormone therapy need to be closely monitored throughout the treatment process for any changes in their health."   How do you feel about steroids and T boosters?  "I don't recommend them, certainly not for hypogonadism," advises Dr. Kahlon. "There is no evidence to support anabolic-androgenic steroids or testosterone boosters as a safe or effective treatment for low T in men."  "In fact, there continues to be emerging evidence they may lead to side effects that could potentially harm the liver and the pituitary and endocrine functions of the body," warns Dr. Kuhadiya. "And that damage may be irreversible."

Read More About Testosterone, Men and Health: What You Need to Know

We’re always in search of cozy comfort foods for crisp winter evenings, but you know what’s even better? When the recipe takes less than an hour, start to finish. Here’s a recipe for healthy vegetarian chili that you can customize with your favorite beans. Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books you used to read as a child? Well here’s a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-inspired veggie chili. The adventure: Customizing it with your favorite beans! And once your selections are made and the veggies are chopped, this recipe should take about 40 minutes to prepare, from beginning to satisfying end. Vegetarian Chili Feeds the Crowds Here’s the recipe, which is fully customizable based on bean preferences and can also be adapted to slow cooking.

Read More About Healthy Veggie Chili, Ready to Eat in Less than an Hour? Yes Please!

There is no shortage of sweet treats during the holiday season, making it hard to keep our health on track. With all of the delicious aromas mixed into holiday cookies -- vanilla, peppermint, molasses, ginger, pecans and chocolate --the dessert table could use a healthy makeover that doesn’t compromise flavor. We challenged Caitlin Bus, Registered Dietitian with Renown Healthy Heart Program, to come up with a healthier cookie recipe to share with your family and friends this holiday season. These vegan thumbprint cookies are soft, slightly chewy, nutty and sweet, made with almond flour, a hint of maple flavor and topped with raspberry jam (or the jam of your choice). Even better, these holiday cookies require just eight simple, healthy ingredients and are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free and optionally sugar-free too!

Read More About Wholesome Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Has a male in your life been affected by depression? It could be your father, husband, or son. Or maybe your brother, a friend – or even, your co-worker. They all have one thing in common, they’re men and they may not always be able recognize when they need help. Here’s how you can support the men in your life by understanding their unique signs of depression. Dr. Coard, Ed.D., Psychologist with Renown Behavioral Health, weighs in on the topic of depression and the warning signs. More than 6 million men are diagnosed with depression each year, and surprisingly, depression in men can differ from women. The signs of depression are not easily recognized and it’s common for men to be in denial about what they’re going through. They can demonstrate anger and aggression instead of sadness – making it difficult for loved ones, or even their providers, to recognize. 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

Meet your new go-to healthy chili recipe for fall. Made to share or freeze the leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner. There’s nothing like homemade chili to warm you up on those cold winter nights. With just the right amount of comforting flavors and garden-fresh veggies, this crowd-pleasing favorite could prove to be your go-to healthy comfort meal.

Read More About Tasty Turkey and Veggie Chili with Kale

Pumpkin spice is a wonderful reminder of all things fall and cozy. This tasty pumpkin bread recipe is a favorite of both adults and kids. It incorporates fragrant fall spices – cinnamon, nutmeg and clove into a moist and surprisingly healthy bread. We replace regular flour with ground gluten-free whole grain oats courtesy of a blender. You won’t even notice our healthy substitutions of nonfat Greek yogurt and unsweetened applesauce.  You’ll not only love the taste of this pumpkin bread, but also the wonderful aroma as it bakes filling your house with a mouthwatering scent. This generous recipe makes two loaves, one to keep and another to share with a friend or neighbor.

Read More About Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Bread

Who knew that pumpkin bread can be nutritious and delicious? Caitlin Bus, Registered Dietitian with the Renown Healthy Heart Program shares her expertise on how to make a healthy and hearty pumpkin bread with homemade oat flour and natural substitutes for sugar. Give it a try!

Read More About Oat Flour Pumpkin Bread