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Population Health Study Goes Statewide and Opens Enrollment
The study could expand to a quarter million people, making Nevada the only state in the U.S. to offer such a program. Las Vegas, Nev. (May 2, 2019) – The Healthy Nevada Project, a first-of-its-kind, community-based population health study combining genetic, clinical, environmental and social data, is expanding enrollment to Las Vegas. The Project aspires not only to offer genetic testing to every Nevadan interested in learning more about their health and genetic profile but ultimately, to develop and expand the Project for communities across the United States to drive positive health outcomes nationwide. Adding 25,000 Study Volunteers in Southern Nevada The Healthy Nevada Project is announcing a statewide expansion – opening 25,000 testing slots in Las Vegas. With southern Nevada welcoming the study, the Healthy Nevada Project will offer no-cost genetic testing through a simple spit sample to 25,000 study volunteers. Study volunteers will take Helix’s clinical-grade DNA saliva test and will receive their ancestry and traits, at no cost, through the My Healthy Nevada Traits app. Participants will then be given a chance to answer a follow-up health survey from Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI), and upon survey completion, will be entered to win an iPhone. In addition, study participants can agree to be notified about genetic test results that could impact their health, and which could be used to improve their medical care. This return of clinical results, plus genetic counseling and other genetic services as appropriate, will be provided by Genome Medical, the leading network of clinical genetics specialists. Healthy Nevada Project’s Evolution & Ongoing Expansion With more than 35,000 study participants enrolled in just over two years, the Healthy Nevada Project has become the fastest-enrolling genetic study in the country. The Project was created by Renown IHI – a collaboration between Reno, Nev.-based not-for-profit health network, Renown Health, and the world leader in environmental data, Desert Research Institute (DRI). Leveraging Renown’s forward-thinking approach to community health care and DRI’s data analytics and environmental expertise, Renown IHI has grown its capabilities to lead a larger, more complex research study of significance that will analyze and model public health risks in Nevada and serve as a national model for future population health studies working to improve overall health through clinical care integration. During the Project’s pilot launch in September 2016, more than 10,000 community members signed up for DNA testing in just 48 hours. In March 2018, phase two offered full genomic sequencing through a simple spit test from Helix to northern Nevadans. In October 2018, the Project announced the return of clinical results for study participants, notifying them of their risk for CDC Tier 1 conditions including familial hypercholesterolemia, BRCA positive 1 and 2, and Lynch syndrome, a precursor to colon cancer. These conditions affect more than one percent of the population and are inherited so they impact family members as well. Now, the Project announced its next phase – expanding enrollment to 25,000 people in southern Nevada. Serving as a National Model This expansion to Las Vegas truly makes this the “Healthy Nevada Project” with a statewide impact making Nevada the only state in the U.S. to offer such a program. “Nevada was ripe to advance population health goals because, sadly, our state ranks near the bottom in health outcomes. The Healthy Nevada Project is working to change that,” said Anthony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health and president of Renown IHI. “Our researchers are working on a number of clinical programs and scientific studies to determine why in Washoe County, the county in which Renown Health is located, Nevada’s age-adjusted death rates for heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease are 33 percent higher than the national rate. Imagine if we can gather more data like this on a national scale and use it to change the future of health and health care? That is what the Healthy USA Project is looking to do in the years to come.” “The Healthy Nevada Project is committed to providing study participants clinically actionable data that will help improve their health,” said Joseph Grzymski, Ph.D., associate research professor at DRI, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project and chief scientific officer for Renown Health. “We are providing this information at the individual level so study volunteers can make lifesaving changes to reduce their risk. We’re also doing it on the community level to develop leading-edge research on health determinants for entire neighborhoods, states and eventually, the country.” Expanding to Become the Healthy USA Project The accelerated speed of the Project is made possible thanks to the ever-decreasing cost of sequencing. Today, Helix is able to sequence an entire exome – which allows reporting on most actionable genomic knowledge – for a fraction of what it would have cost just 10 years ago. Additionally, advances in digital health mean Helix and Project researchers can capture unprecedented amounts of health data digitally, making significant contributions to advancing precision health. The partnership has managed to remove the traditional barriers of population health studies, including the difficulty in recruiting participants, establishing quality high through put lab systems, and scaling interpretation and return of results. This development will be key as other health systems around the country join the Project. “We are thrilled to see the constant, fast-paced evolution of this Project with Renown IHI,” said Justin Kao, CoFounder of Helix. “In less than a year, we have sequenced the DNA of thousands of study participants and are now preparing to offer this incredible study in other states. Combining environmental, clinical, social and genetic data allows us to discover risk factors within communities and help people take action to live longer, healthier lives. That’s what makes the next step of the Healthy USA Project so exciting for all of us. ”Full details on study’s evolution and southern Nevada enrollment will be revealed at a press event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 7 at 3 p.m. Renown Institute for Health Innovation Renown Institute for Health Innovation is a collaboration between Renown Health - a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California; and the Desert Research Institute - a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. Renown IHI research teams are focused on integrating personal healthcare and environmental data with socioeconomic determinants to help Nevada address some of its most complex environmental health problems; while simultaneously expanding the state’s access to leading-edge clinical trials and fostering new connections with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at https://healthynv.org/. Helix is a genomics company with a simple but powerful mission: to empower every person to improve their life through DNA. Our affordable, turnkey population health solution enables institutions to quickly scale projects that engage communities and accelerate research and discovery, ultimately allowing every person to benefit from the power of genomics. We've also created the first marketplace for DNA-powered products where people can explore diverse and uniquely personalized products developed by high-quality partners, providing powerful tools to increase engagement and speed the pace of population-scale genomics. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has an office in Denver, Colorado and operates a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited next-generation sequencing lab in San Diego powered by Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) NGS technology. Helix was created in 2015. Learn more at www.helix.com. Helix, the Helix logo and Exome+ are trademarks of Helix Opco, LLC. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Additional Media Contacts: Tracy Bower DRI 702-862-5404 media@dri.edu Eric Schubert Seismic for Helix 415-939-4366 press@helix.com
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Rheumatology
The board-certified rheumatologists at Renown Rheumatology provide state-of-the art care for a wide range of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, Sjogren syndrome, vasculitis, gout, and many more. We use the most advanced evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic measures to restore health and enhance well-being.
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Keeping Kids Safe on Halloween
Halloween is around the corner. So while you're prepping pumpkins for carving, putting together creative costumes and coordinating trick-or-treating plans, safety is one more detail to remember. Masks, haunted houses, witches, ghosts and ghouls — it all spells Halloween, and what could be more frighteningly fun, right? For children, however, Halloween can indeed be frightening and not so fun. According to Dr. Kristina Deeter, Physician-in-Chief of Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, it is common for younger children to express Halloween fears — being afraid of monsters, the dark or really anything out of the norm. “It's normal for children to struggle with separating reality from fantasy,” she explains. For children who fall into this category, the month of October can be traumatizing. Halloween may not come until the end of the month. Still, in the weeks building up to the spookiest night of the year, little ones are bombarded on all sides with decorations — mummies, skeletons, coffins, vampires, you name it. For a child with a blossoming imagination who, as Dr. Deeter said, is still learning to differentiate real from pretend, this can cause additional fears and anxieties. In commemoration of Halloween Safety Month, Dr. Deeter shares safety tips for the spooky holiday from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Dressing Up & Heading Out Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Ensure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling or coming into contact with flames. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags and baskets for greater visibility. Masks can limit or block eyesight. Instead, consider non-toxic makeup and hats, which should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over the eyes. Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to test for allergies before full application. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost. Carving Pumpkins Leave the carving to the grownups. Have children draw the pumpkin design with markers, but keep knives away. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended. Prepping Your Home Keep your entryway safe for trick-or-treaters by removing all items from the porch or front yard that a child could trip over, like garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. To ensure visibility, check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Sweep leaves (or snow) from sidewalks and steps. If there are dogs in the home, take steps to ensure they don't jump on trick-or-treaters. Hunting for Treats Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Give each child and adult a flashlight (with fresh batteries). If older children are heading out to trick-or-treat alone, plan and review a route you can agree on, as well as a specific time they are supposed to return home. Only visit homes with a lit porch light. Never enter a home or a car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities of any suspicious or unlawful activity immediately. Since pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind youngsters to take crosswalk safety precautions. For more key tips regarding Halloween safety for your young trick-or-treaters, visit our partners at Safe Kids Worldwide for a variety of spooky safety resources.
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Meet Gabby, Renown Regional ER Nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada
Renown Health is proud to embrace the Reno-Sparks culture that makes our community stand out, which is why we sponsor the Reno Rodeo, an early summer staple with roots in the community as deep as our own. One of our many ties with the Reno Rodeo includes Renown Regional’s own emergency room nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022, Gabby Szachara. A Reno native, Gabby developed a love for the Reno Rodeo at a very young age. “I loved watching the girls on the Reno Rodeo Flag Team when I was little and knew I wanted to be part of the Reno Rodeo someday,” said Gabby. “As I got older, I started to make connections and build relationships with some people in the rodeo scene, and they generously lent me their horses so I could participate in the Reno Rodeo Flag Team.” Gabby was on the flag team for three years before being crowned Miss Rodeo Nevada 2022 last year. Before joining the Reno Rodeo Flag Team, Gabby was a student at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a member of the women’s volleyball team. In December 2017, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health. At first, Gabby was interested in a career in sports medicine – it made sense with her background in athletics. But, after working in the medical field as a certified nurse assistant and an emergency medical technician, she grew passionate about patient care and decided she wanted to become a nurse. “I’ve always loved teamwork and helping others,” said Gabby. “It’s important to me to be there for others, especially when it might be their worst day.” In December 2021, Gabby graduated from Truckee Meadows Community College with a nursing degree and joined Renown Health this February. “I love Renown for various reasons. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming, and there is a great team dynamic,” said Gabby. “And I love that Renown’s main color is purple because that is my favorite!” When Gabby isn’t in her scrubs and caring for patients, she is in western wear and carrying out her duties as Miss Rodeo Nevada. “I do a lot of traveling across the country to attend other rodeos,” said Gabby. “I enjoy meeting so many wonderful people and experiencing the culture of different states.” Gabby’s main goals as Miss Rodeo Nevada are to promote the western way of life, agriculture, rodeo and community benefit. In addition, she visits local schools to talk with kids about how they can get involved in these areas and inspires them to turn their dreams into reality. Gabby has a special place in her heart for the Reno Rodeo. “Reno is my home, and the Reno Rodeo is the heart and soul of summer in northern Nevada. Everyone comes together and dusts off their boots to have fun and also contribute money to important causes in our community,” said Gabby. “I love the comradery, the friendly and healthy competition and the great people.” If you’re going to the Reno Rodeo this weekend, watch for Gabby and her horse, “Torque.” And if you see Gabby in the halls at Renown Regional, give her a high-five for all her hard work as a nurse and Miss Rodeo Nevada!
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Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Alopecia Explained
Hair is often considered a symbol of identity and self-expression, from scalps and eyebrows to beards and bodies. But what happens when this symbol starts to fall out? The 6.7 million people across the country living with alopecia know this feeling all too well. Alopecia, or hair loss, is a medical condition with variable causes, presentations and treatments. Experts at Renown Health dive into the world of alopecia, its causes and how to address it – especially as we embrace National Alopecia Awareness Month this September. Types of Alopecia The term “alopecia” is a broad umbrella term that encompasses many different forms of hair loss that can present itself at any age, no matter your gender or ethnicity. The most common types include: Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system targets hair follicles, typically resulting in patches of hair loss on the scalp and/or other body parts. More severe forms of alopecia areata also exist, such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Androgenetic (or Androgenic) Alopecia: A disorder also known as male or female pattern baldness that causes gradual hair thinning and loss often around the temples and crown. Unlike alopecia areata, this form of alopecia is usually hereditary. Telogen Effluvium: A condition resulting in hair shedding, typically after high-stress or infectious events, such as after giving birth or after a COVID-19 infection. This usually resolves itself within a few months to a year. Traction Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from the effects of tight braiding or styling of the hair, which can cause permanent loss over time. Scarring and Inflammation-Mediated Hair Loss: Patterns of hair loss related to lupus, lichen planus or other autoimmune conditions that can unfortunately be permanent and progressive. Options to Treat Alopecia While there isn’t a cure for most types of alopecia, some treatments are available to help minimize the effects of the condition and promote hair growth. Treatment varies depending on the type of alopecia. Potential options can include: Topical Minoxidil: An FDA-approved over-the-counter medication available in foam or liquid form and applied directly to the scalp, which helps stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Hormone Therapies: A hormone regimen that can help minimize the resulting hair thinning and balding. Corticosteroids: A topical cream or ointment – or an injection for severe cases – that help reduce inflammation and re-grow hair. Low-Level Laser Therapy: A therapeutic, non-invasive intervention involving wearing special caps or combs that release painless, low-level lasers to stimulate hair follicles. Healthy Diets and Nutritional Supplements: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, such as biotin and collagen, can aid in recovery. Vitamin D and iron are also important hair growth nutrients. Stress Management: Stress can impact the speed and frequency of hair loss. Managing your stress can help mitigate the effects of alopecia. Treatment for alopecia is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A scalp skin biopsy may help determine a cause for hair loss and help guide the best management strategies with your provider. Addressing the Emotional Impacts Even though alopecia isn’t life-threatening, the impacts of the condition can affect your self-esteem and self-image. The most powerful tool to help you manage alopecia is knowledge. Keeping yourself educated about your condition, and encouraging your loved ones to do the same, can help arm yourself with the acceptance and self-compassion you need and help combat misconceptions. With the rise in awareness in the mainstream media for alopecia and other hair conditions, beauty standards and fashion are shifting to become more inclusive for those experiencing hair loss. Celebrating the many diverse hairstyles and fashion statements can help you regain your confidence. There are many options you can advantage of to help style your hair and protect your scalp: Hairpieces: Wigs, extensions and other hairpieces can help cover up balding or thinning patches and add volume to your hair. Hairpieces have come a long way in the past few decades, and many use real human hair. Hats: Hats serve a dual purpose – a fun fashion accessory to help boost your confidence and a method of protecting your scalp from the sun. As someone with alopecia, your scalp is more exposed, and hats can provide that extra layer of protection you need. Scalp Sunscreens: While regular body sunscreens can provide good scalp sun protection, they can result in oily scalp and hair appearance. Sunscreens that are specifically designed for the scalp are available at most beauty stores or online. Remember, patience is fundamental, as many treatments require consistent use over time to see noticeable results. Stay resilient, and don’t give up – you are not alone in your alopecia journey.
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How Does Your Garden Grow (In Northern Nevada)?
Ready to start your garden? Get started with these easy-to-follow tips from local expert, Liza Detomasi, Workman Farms. Gardening is in my family. We started Workman Farms in Fallon in 1964 and I started working here when I was 14. I have always had a love for food and enjoy gardening and cooking. Gardening can be great for your health. It has been known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, put you in a good mood and you benefit from the flavorful fresh produce. If you are interested in starting a garden here is a short intro into gardening in northern Nevada. Step One: Location, Location, Location For the beginners be sure to choose a location in your yard that receives 10 hours of sunlight, it doesn't have to be continuous but a total of at least 10 hours is best. Prepare the ground before you plant with nutrient soil and compost from your local nursery. Step Two: Choose the right plants Northern Nevada can be a bit tricky to grow a successful garden. With our low yearly rain totals and summer heat there are some plants that just don't like it here. But there are many that thrive. Those that do are grouped into two categories – cool weather and warm weather. Cool Weather Veggies Plant in early spring Carrots Beets Celery Broccoli Cauliflower Lettuce Radishes Onions Potatoes Snow peas Strawberries Kale Cilantro Warm Weather Veggies Plant in early May to late spring Tomatoes Peppers Squash Green beans Cucumbers Pumpkin Tarragon Basil Parsley Rosemary Thyme Oregano Step Three: Enjoy! Always have fun and get creative! Start with a hamburger garden (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickling cucumbers), Salsa garden (tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, tomatillos) or a stir fry garden (snow peas, carrots, broccoli, scallions). Never be afraid to ask your local nursery questions. Easy Plants for Desert Yards The Spruce provides a comprehensive list of nurseries in the Reno area to get you started. Happy planting!
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