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Above: Brian Cushard (left), Renown Health Foundation Board Chair, with his family At Renown Health Foundation, our mission is simple yet powerful – to raise funds that support Renown Health, the largest not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada. We are the driving force behind initiatives that bring state-of-the-art equipment, conduct groundbreaking research, enhance healthcare services, improve patient outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.  Our Dedicated Board of Directors  Our impactful work would not be possible without our Board of Directors – a fantastic team of 27 local volunteers. They bring diverse skills to the table, working together to create positive changes in healthcare for northern Nevada. Our board is at the core of our Foundation's success by guiding important decisions, sharing valuable insights and actively engaging in community relationships.  Meet Brian Cushard – Renown Health Foundation’s Chair  Brian Cushard took on the role of Foundation Board Chair at the beginning of 2024. Brian, who is the President of LP Insurance Services in Reno, will lead us for the next two years, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community well-being. Since joining Renown Health Foundation’s Board in 2018, Brian has been instrumental in shaping our strategic direction.  Brian’s Vision: Advocating for Renown Health’s Mission and Making a Difference  We had the opportunity to sit down with Brian and explore his passion for healthcare philanthropy and the positive changes he envisions. Brian's 'why' is firmly rooted in the belief that a robust health system serves as the backbone of the community. His vision extends beyond fundraising; it's about inspiring the community by sharing remarkable stories of care and championing Renown's impactful contributions.  Q: Why does Renown's mission matter to you, and how do you see your role making a difference?  A: Renown's mission matters deeply to me because, without a highly functioning healthcare system, the economic structure of the community can be impacted. At LP Insurance, where I work, we see ourselves as guardians of our clients' hopes and dreams. This translates to my role on the Board as stewards for the health of others. Advocating for a highly functioning health system is crucial in supporting community members and clients alike. Surrounding ourselves with a solid network is essential. As advocates, our voices are integral in ensuring that everyone's voices are heard.  Q: Can you share a moment that made you want to support healthcare causes?  A: There are those stop-in-your-tracks healthcare moments that make you reassess life's priorities. I've had moments where life comes to a standstill, and what you once thought was important takes a backseat to the basics of life—getting better, one step at a time. In those vulnerable moments, you realize the importance of every person at the hospital. In desperate need, we rely on them. It's eye-opening and gives perspective on what's truly valuable in life.  Q: Tell us about a time when you saw the positive impact of healthcare or philanthropy. How did that influence your decision to get involved?  A: One impactful moment in philanthropy stands out — the Music and Miracles concert featuring the Beach Boys. LP Insurance was a major donor, contributing $100,000 to benefit Sophie’s Place, a music therapy room coming to Renown Children's Hospital. On the day of the event, my wife and I volunteered and saw the remarkable community support for Renown Children’s Hospital. The collective efforts that day raised over $1 million, specifically designated to establish Sophie’s Place. This experience inspired me to want to do more, as I recognized the profound positive impact that philanthropy can have on healthcare and the community.  Note: Sophie’s Place, opening later this year, will offer vital care and healing experiences for young patients at Renown Children’s Hospital.

Read More About The Impactful Role of Renown Health Foundation's Board of Directors

Kick off 2024 with us as we celebrate the team behind our very own Renown Health Foundation!  When you visit Renown Health, you take a look around and can’t help but notice the robust programs in place. You look left and see our thriving Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Renown, making a lasting impact on pediatric healthcare in our region. You look right and see the advanced William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, providing leading-edge treatments right here in our community. You look around you and notice an influx of smiling nurses from the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) who receive tuition assistance, thanks to generous donations to the Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic Practice Partnership. Then, you think to yourself: “These programs must need a lot of money and support. So, how on earth is this all possible?”  What you may not know is that these programs are funded by the generosity of our community, all made possible by the work of Renown Health Foundation. As the largest not-for-profit health system in northern Nevada, our mission to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of everyone we serve flourishes because of the donations, sponsorships, endowments and more that our Foundation brings in from philanthropists all over the region.  Making It Happen  The reach of Renown Health Foundation has proven to be virtually limitless, with a clear focus on supporting and raising funds for programs and initiatives that enhance the lives of our patients and their families, all for the betterment of our community for years to come.  Under their growing umbrella, the dedicated team at the Foundation makes miracles happen through administering a wide range of philanthropic programs, including: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), a nonprofit organization that supports the health of 10 million children in the U.S. and Canada every year. Renown Children’s Hospital is proudly recognized as a member of CMNH. Gerald "Jerry" Smith Academic Practice Partnership, a partnership between Renown Health and the UNR Orvis School of Nursing to provide 24 nursing students a year with full-ride tuition assistance and a guaranteed career in nursing at Renown. Fianna’s Healing Garden, a healing garden bringing serenity to all at Renown Regional Medical Center, built from the vision of Fianna Dickson Combs. Miracles at Montreux Golf Tournament, an annual golf tournament that takes place at Montreux Golf & Country Club and consistently raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for Renown Children’s Hospital. A full slate of individual giving programs, including Legacy Giving, Employee Giving and Leadership Giving.  But it doesn’t stop there – the Foundation is helping our health system build more ways to care for our community by securing major gifts to fund advanced healthcare facilities and innovative healthcare solutions:  William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, the premier oncology institute in the region providing a large array of personalized cancer care services, including Medical Oncology, Infusion Services, Clinical Research and more. Renown Institute for Robotic Surgery, offering the latest advancements in surgical technology with robotic-assisted surgeries, which ensure precision, faster recovery and improved outcomes. Sophie’s Place, a state-of-the-art music therapy room currently in construction at Renown Children’s Hospital. This new space will be specially designed for children and their loved ones to enjoy the healing power of music and engage in the arts. Conrad Breast Center, the latest addition to the planned Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Medical Center which will include breast imaging, infusion and surgery services along with a wellness center. Jeanne and Raymond Conrad donated a $5 million lead gift to support this important project and the Foundation team is currently working to raise an additional $6 million in 2024. It may go without saying that a day-in-the-life of these spirited team members is never a dull one. Every day brings on a new challenge to face and a goal to meet.  “A day at the Foundation is a day full of emails, calls and visits with friends of Renown,” said Abbey Stephenson, Planned Giving Officer. “Our main goal is to raise funds to support the mission of Renown, and most of our outreach efforts are to encourage philanthropy and donations. We have a very collaborative team, so we can often be found in each other’s offices strategizing about fundraising initiatives, communications and next steps with specific supporters.”  “For me, a typical day involves making sure I have a donor scheduled for coffee or lunch, working on proposals that may need research and preparing presentations,” added Jerry Cail, Major Gifts Officer. “Staying connected, I send thank you notes for any donations-usually once a week and make at least three ‘Grateful Patient’ calls to set appointments. I always make sure I am ready to contribute to any meetings I have for the Foundation."  While the scope of the Foundation’s charitable efforts goes beyond hospital walls, they also thrive right here in our own health system. Through our Grants Program, Renown’s departments and programs can leverage the connections and skills Renown Health Foundation has in order to secure funding from a multitude of grant sources.  "Grant funds from foundations, and local, state and federal governments benefit the patients and communities we serve to further our mission, vision and values,” said Pam Citrynell, Development Officer. “Past grants have supported the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, facility development, pandemic recovery, research and clinical trials, physician and researcher recruitment, community health programs and educational training for our healthcare professionals.”  Every Foundation team member lives their passion every day while at work, frequently expressing gratitude for the immense impact they have the opportunity to make.  “I love coming to work because I get a very real opportunity to make a genuine difference and meet some fantastic people who believe in and support our mission,” said Leah Nelson, Director of Community Giving. “I have had the honor of meeting donors and the families they support. I couldn't be prouder of what our team has accomplished over the years and am excited for what is to come.”  The impact of the Foundation team’s tireless efforts extends far into the future, securing Renown’s lasting legacy in contributing to the continued health and well-being of our community.  “Philanthropy is not only a financial science but a very specific methodology where connecting resources are paramount; it requires careful intelligent management coupled with lots of hard work, patience, and vision,” said Yvonne Murphy, Development Officer. “The work that the foundation does every day makes resources available to enhance the healthcare experience for all those who seek care at Renown. Our work impacts not only this present moment but in fact is a legacy that will bless this community beyond our lifetime.”

Read More About Department Spotlight: Renown Health Foundation

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

Read More About Optimizing Mammogram Screenings: A Genetic Approach to a Personalized Screening Schedule

Pictured above from left to right: Jessica Bajwa, Nancy Bell, Laurie Goodman and Troy Fernandez As we approach the holidays and the season of giving, we reflect on the generosity and kindness that our employees here at Renown embody. Since 2007, Renown employees have donated $2,931,018 through Renown’s Employee Giving Program. This program provides our staff with the opportunity to make a difference by funding advanced equipment, research, community health initiatives, professional training and more. Regardless of the dollar amount, every contribution has a meaningful impact and remains entirely within Renown to support our mission. Employees can participate in the program at any time of the year by signing up for recurring payroll deductions or by making a one-time donation of any dollar amount. They can donate to one of Renown’s top priority areas of support or a different fund of their choice.  Meet Jessica, Nancy, Laurie and Troy  Renown employees Jessica Bajwa, Nancy Bell, Laurie Goodman and Troy Fernandez all have their own reasons for participating in the Employee Giving Program, but they all share the same goal: To give back to their community. Jessica Bajwa has been working at Renown for about seven years. She was at an employee event five years ago and found out about the Employee Giving Program through Renown Health Foundation. They explained the different areas she could donate to and how to get signed up. When Jessica looked back on the comforting care and healing her daughter had received at Renown Children’s Hospital, she felt empowered to give back to other children and families staying at Renown, so she enrolled in recurring payroll deductions to donate to Healing Arts. “It’s so easy and convenient to sign up,” said Jessica. “It means a lot to me to give to this area where they provide a healing environment, especially for patients and families at Renown Children’s Hospital – My daughter still has a blanket they gave her when she was there,” Jessica said she likes that the Employee Giving Program allows employees to choose their area of support to donate to and donation amount.   Nancy Bell said she’s proud to give back to Renown after having received a great amount of support from her coworkers during an incredibly difficult time when a family member of hers was being cared for in Renown’s ICU, just three weeks into her employment at Renown. “I had employees from not just my team but also across the organization reaching out to me and checking in to see how I was doing,” said Nancy. Nancy said she was positively impacted by that kind of support through her work family at Renown and decided to start giving back in 2011 by signing up for recurring payroll deductions to donate to the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute – to this day, she is still making donations to this area of support.   When Laurie Goodman began working at Renown in 2013, Renown’s Human Resources team offered her different ways to give back as an employee. “At the time, I was often caring for foster children and seniors,” said Laurie. “My family and I have always wanted to help others in need.” Laurie had been taking care of an elderly woman who was a patient at the old Renown Skilled Nursing Facility and decided to enroll in payroll deductions to donate to this facility. When that facility closed, she received a letter asking which area she wanted to transfer her donations to, and she decided to begin donating to Renown Children’s Hospital to give back to kids in the community. “I’m fortunate for not only my employment at Renown, but my husband’s and daughter’s employment as well. As employees of Renown, we have such great jobs, benefits and opportunities, and I think we should all strive to give back to express our gratitude and appreciation.”  At his employee orientation in 2012, Troy Fernandez heard about Renown’s Employee Giving Program and learned that funds were needed for individuals who needed financial support to pay for healthcare services at Renown. He knew his donations would go to a good cause and signed up for recurring payroll deductions to donate to the Greatest Need Fund. “It feels good to be able to give back to those who are less fortunate than us,” said Troy. “It was very easy to enroll in this program, and I’ve been donating to the same support area ever since.”

Read More About A Token of Appreciation: Renown’s Employee Giving Program

In the fall of 2020, Dan's world was suddenly shaken when he received a distressing call: his son, Jeremy, was admitted to Renown with complications from spinal meningitis. Without a second thought, Dan rushed from Southern California to be by Jeremy's side. For an agonizing 10 days, Dan remained in the ICU. He was overwhelmed with worry and helplessness as Jeremy fought for his life on a ventilator. During this time, Dan, an esteemed artist and professor, found comfort in the collection of artworks adorning the walls at Renown. With more than 2,000 pieces of original art, Renown has meticulously curated hospital rooms, hallways and various spaces to support those in need. Dan, who talks about art's magic every day as a professor, experienced its power in a new light.

Read More About Why I Give: Dan’s Story

This Department Spotlight is dedicated to Jason Simpson, Manager of Respiratory Services at Renown Children’s Hospital.  Take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale in, exhale out. We rely on our lungs to provide us with the air we need to live a healthy life – and this essential bodily function is something that many of us don’t think twice about since it comes easily for us. Now, imagine yourself as someone who is living with severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or someone who was recently diagnosed with a frightening respiratory condition like COVID-19 or pneumonia. The simple act of breathing can prove to be an intimidating venture requiring the care of a professional. Who are the people that take on the challenge?  Meet Renown Health’s Respiratory Care Services department. Serving patients across 13 service lines, three acute facilities, outpatient locations and telehealth, our respiratory specialists – including respiratory therapists, respiratory care aides, inpatient COPD respiratory therapy navigators and educators and more – use their expertise to help restore the vitality of all their patients with every inhale and exhale, shaping a healthier livelihood one lung at a time.  The Guardians of Respiratory Wellness  Whether they are managing lifelong respiratory conditions or offering crucial support in emergencies, the Respiratory Care team strives to enhance the quality of life for every patient. As an indispensable member of the clinical team at Renown, our respiratory therapists work collaboratively with doctors and nurses to tackle a wide range of tasks, tailoring care for each patient’s unique needs.  “Respiratory care is involved with all stages of life, from beginning to end,” said Sarah Kurtz, Respiratory Therapist. “We work closely with nurses and doctors and perform arterial punctures, breathing treatments, weaning maneuvers for patients on life support, intubations and much more. We assess patients constantly to see if their care needs to be upgraded or if they can be weaned to get them back home with their families.”  “You start your morning researching your assigned patients,” added Tim Start, Respiratory Specialist. “We go over lab values and chest radiographs and decide the best plan of care for each patient. Our objective is to improve their respiratory status by giving them medications and doing breathing exercises. We participate in other forms of care with nurses, such as activities of daily living (ADLs) and mobilization. We work as a team, and that enables us to provide great patient care.”  For patients living with COPD, enjoying all that life has to offer comes with a separate set of obstacles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 200,000 people across the Silver State are living with this chronic condition. Luckily for them, Renown has a specialized team to help these patients optimize their life and manage their condition with individualized treatment and education.  “We run a report every morning to identify all the patients currently admitted who have a history of COPD, take respiratory medications or smoke,” said Amber Beck, Inpatient COPD RT Navigator. “After looking through their charts, we visit with the patient (and possibly their family) at the bedside to help them better understand how to manage their breathing issues.”  As a vital part of the Respiratory Care team, Renown’s respiratory care aides help ensure the seamless operation of our respiratory care services. These dedicated professionals provide essential support to respiratory therapists not only during intricate procedures but also outside of face-to-face patient care by transporting equipment, restocking supplies, assisting in the mobilization of patients and more.  “We are responsible for the maintenance of unit supplies and making decisions regarding levels of stock to be maintained,” said Dia Ramos, Respiratory Care Aide. “We also transport equipment, refill the oxygen tanks on the floors and intensive care units (ICUs), order and stock respiratory care supplies, mobilize patients and assist the respiratory therapists during bronchoscopies in the ICUs. In addition, we clean respiratory equipment like mechanical ventilators, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilateral positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines, high flows and aerosol poles.”  Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, a special spotlight shined upon respiratory care teams across the country for the heroic care they provided patients in respiratory distress. While their roles in health systems have gained a better understanding nationwide, this team understands it is vital for them to educate the community about the important jobs they hold for our patients.  “Respiratory care can be under the radar,” said Pam Umek, Respiratory Specialist. “Once, when I told someone that I am a Respiratory Therapist, they said, ‘Oh, like a yoga breathing instructor?’ I then explained all the things we do: intubation, extubation, bronchoscopies, transports, traumas, codes, rapid responses, pediatrics/NICU, breathing medications/therapies, open heart rapid ventilator weaning … needless to say, that individual walked away with a better understanding of not just Respiratory Care Services but also the enormous effort it takes to care for our community.”  The accolades and achievements continue to pour in, from national awards and certifications to implementing different jobs in care units to optimize the patient care experience.  “We have earned and continue to maintain the Joint Commission Disease-Specific Certification for COPD,” said Amber Beck. “We are well below national averages for 30-day readmissions, lengths of stay and mortality due to COPD. Sandy, one of our COPD Coordinators, was a recipient of a patient advocacy award from the American Association of Respiratory Care and FACES Foundation.”  “We have started implementing Respiratory Care Aides in the critical units, starting with the Cardiac ICU,” added Dia Ramos. “We work as one team and are always helping each other with their tasks.”  Education and mentorship are at the core of Renown’s mission to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of every patient. Nurturing the next generation of medical professionals – including respiratory care professionals – is a task that the Respiratory Care team takes seriously.  “It has been great being able to help educate students in different disciplines,” added Pam Umek. “We have been able to offer shadow shifts to students in emergency medical services (EMS), nursing and medical school. These opportunities help students entering the medical field have a better understanding of the many ways we can help care for our respiratory patients.”  From the moment of birth to the final stages of life, Renown is fortunate to have a Respiratory Care team that tirelessly ensures every breath counts, safeguarding their role as a trusted partner within our health system.  A Tribute to Jason Simpson, Healthcare Hero

Read More About Department Spotlight: Respiratory Care

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

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

February is American Heart Month. While cardiac care is crucial every time of year – especially as heart disease stays the number one killer in the United States – American Heart Month serves as a great reminder to stay on top of your heart health. We spoke with Malina Ruiz, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Renown Health, on three key ways to embrace heart-healthy living and how genetic screening can help inform you of certain genetic risks that can play a role on the cardiac life stage.  1.  Invest in a heart-healthy diet. Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats (including monounsaturated fats such as avocados and polyunsaturated fats such as sunflower oil) is a key defense in protecting your cardiac health, according to Malina. While you are filling your plate with these nutritious foods, remember to keep an eye on your saturated and trans-fat intake, and try limiting foods that are high in those fats.   “No matter what age we are, maintaining a heart-healthy diet will always be important,” said Malina.    Need help finding cardiac-friendly meals? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute makes it easy with heart-healthy recipes and tips from experts.  2.  Do an exercise audit. “Keeping an active lifestyle during our younger years is one of the most important factors that affect heart health in future years,” said Malina. Maintaining a regular exercise regimen that allows you to raise your heart rate and break a sweat can help prevent future cardiac events.     A good rule of thumb is to aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, which averages out to 30 minutes a day on 5 days out of the week.    It’s never too late to start a regular exercise routine! Exercise doesn’t have to be something you dread – leverage American Heart Month to find activities that you enjoy. The American Heart Association can help you discover new ways to move your body. At the end of the day, as Malina emphasizes, “any movement is better than nothing!”  3. Don't skip those check-ups. Regular preventative visits with your primary care provider can help you identify possible risk factors for heart conditions before they start actively affecting your life. “Check-ups become even more important as we age, along with being aware of the signs and symptoms of heart disease, heart attack and stroke,” added Malina.     There’s no time better than the present – call our expert scheduling team today at 775-982-5000 to request a preventative check-up with your primary care provider.

Read More About Staying Heart-Healthy with Genetic Screening

While viruses can attack year-round, colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are typically more prevalent during fall and winter. People spend more time indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air can also affect the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to germs. According to the CDC, flu activity in the U.S. often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February. “Flu season” can last as late as May.  When it comes to the cold and flu, prevention and preparation are key. Getting the flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine is the first and most crucial step in protecting against these two respiratory illnesses. Preventative actions, such as washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and getting enough sleep can also help you avoid getting sick. However, despite your best prevention efforts, the time may come this winter when you start to feel a little scratch in your throat or a fever coming on. By taking steps ahead of time to assemble a cold and flu survival kit, you’ll be more prepared for whenever illness strikes, allowing you to stay home, rest and avoid spreading germs.  Tips for Managing Symptoms Keep these tips in mind to ease your cold or flu symptoms: Stay home and rest Drink plenty of fluids Treat aches and fever with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen Manage a cough with over-the-counter expectorants or suppressants  Run a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to ease congestion What to Stock in Your Flu Survival Kit Be ready when a cold or the flu strikes by having a flu survival kit filled with these get-well essentials stocked in your pantry, fridge and medicine cabinet: Over-the-Counter Medications: Take advantage of over-the-counter medications to make yourself feel better and ease most common flu symptoms of fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose Pain relievers - Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol): for fever and aches Decongestants: for sniffles and congestion Cough expectorant (guaifenesin): for a “wet” cough to help clear secretions from the lungs Cough suppressant (dextromethorphan/DM): for a severe “dry” cough to block the cough reflex Cough syrups and drops Drinks: Water Herbal tea Low-sugar sports drinks Pedialyte Foods: Chicken soup Broth Vitamin C-containing fruits and vegetables Oatmeal Toast (add some avocado, honey or egg) Miscellaneous items: Tissues Lozenges Protective mask Thermometer Humidifier When to Seek Care and Where to Go Most healthy adults who have a cold, the flu, or other mild respiratory illnesses don’t need to see a care provider and will recover at home with self-care measures. Because these are viral illnesses, antibiotics won’t work against treating them. Your care provider may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication that can relieve your symptoms and shorten the duration and severity of your illness; however, this needs to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset and is often only prescribed to individuals at high risk for developing complications from the flu or those experience severe symptoms. Primary Care or Urgent Care Contact your primary care provider or visit an Urgent Care if you are at an increased risk, including those who: Are 65 years of age or older Have chronic medical conditions Are pregnant or recently gave birth Have a weakened immune system Find a primary care provider If you are otherwise healthy and not at increased risk of complications, seek medical advice if your flu symptoms are unusually severe, such as mild difficulty breathing, a severe sore throat, coughing that produces a lot of green or yellow mucus, or feeling faint. Emergency Care Go to the Emergency Department if you are experiencing emergency warning signs such as severe pain (chest, abdomen), concern for heart attack or stroke (slurred speech, new localized weakness), severe dehydration (needing IV fluids) or severe shortness of breath.

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What exactly is the relationship between genetics and disease? Powered by Renown Health, the Healthy Nevada Project is one of the most visible genomic studies in the United States. They are recruiting participants here in northern Nevada to understand the relationship between genetics and nonalcoholic liver disease. Joseph Grzymski, Principal Investigator at the Healthy Nevada Project and Chief Scientific Officer at Renown Health, shares why this study is so important and who should take part. Many people are aware that heavy drinking can lead to liver disease. Yet they are unaware that other types of liver disease are not caused by alcohol consumption. These types of liver disease are more difficult to diagnose but are equally dangerous. What is NASH? A build-up of fat causes nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in the liver. The most dangerous form is called Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). It causes inflammation and damages liver cells, leading to fibrosis, scarring of the liver, and decreased liver function. If NASH goes untreated, irreversible liver damage can occur, leading to cirrhosis, cancer, or liver failure. These conditions can be fatal. What’s most concerning about NASH is that the symptoms don’t typically cause pain and aren’t noticeable. The good news is that a new local study is raising awareness about this disease by recruiting at-risk people for NASH. Am I at risk for developing NASH? The following factors put you at risk: Obesity Type 2 diabetes Metabolic syndrome High blood lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides Does having a family member with nonalcoholic liver disease increase my risk? We do not know a lot about inheriting NASH, although a lot risk factors run in families. One goal of this study is to better understand the genetic component of NASH. There are certainly other risks too, such as environmental and behavioral risk factors. However, we don’t yet have a good grasp on how these impact NASH risk. How is NASH diagnosed? Diagnosis is traditionally done with either a liver ultrasound or biopsy. However, both procedures are expensive and the invasive biopsy has risks. Therefore doctors often use risk factors or less invasive blood tests for diagnosis. This NASH study will include a new blood test called the enhanced liver function (ELF) test. Doctors and researchers have data suggesting that the ELF test is a better diagnostic test for NASH risk. Conducting this cutting-edge test with study participants allows them to share results with their doctors to ensure the best care. What can I do to reduce my NASH risk? Limiting exposure to the risk factors of NASH often lowers risk. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a recommended weight and exercising regularly can proactively lower your risk.

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The Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) is one of the most visible genomic studies in the United States, and guess what? Renown Health powers it! The Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) aligns with Renown's goal to do the best for our patients. The genomic study is at no-cost for Nevadans and gives participants insight into different genetic traits, including results on three prevalent and serious health conditions known as CDC Tier 1 conditions. CDC Tier 1 Conditions Include: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) Lynch Syndrome Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Not only does HNP give participants insights into their genetic background, but it also facilitates Renown's ability to study population health. Research lays the foundation for the future of medicine, and Renown's HNP is on the cutting edge of genetic research. We do this by providing skilled researchers access to studies for the diseases that currently have limited treatment, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis liver disease or NASH. For example, the observational NASH study helps researchers understand genetic links to the disease. Make an Appointment to Get Screened If you haven't already, join the over 55,000 HNP participants and make an appointment to have yourself screened. You can schedule a screening appointment through MyChart. Click “Schedule an Appointment" and select Research Appointment - Genetic Screening. Prior to your appointment, please complete e-Check-in and complete your consent form.

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Colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in Nevada, only second to lung cancer, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Still, in 2020, 20.7% of Nevadans said they had never been screened for this deadly disease, according to the Nevada Cancer Coalition. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately many healthcare services were halted, including colorectal cancer screenings. Those delays in screenings can lead to delays in diagnoses of colorectal cancer, resulting in poorer outcomes. Per the American Cancer Society, if colorectal cancer can be found early the relative 5-year survival rate is approximately 90%. Screening is key, and it is important to engage in preventative care. Even if you have no personal or family history of colorectal cancer, ask your doctor about colorectal risk factors and when to start screening, and if you’re up to date on your screenings, talk to loved ones and make sure they are too. According to the American Cancer Society, most colorectal cancer cases are found in those without a family history. This month let us help raise awareness for colorectal cancer and the importance of routine, life-saving screenings. To learn more, we spoke to Renown Health oncology nurse Christina Alsop, APRN. What is Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is a disease in which the cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It usually forms from precancerous polyps, or abnormal growths, in the colon or rectum, which can become malignant without presenting any symptoms. How do Screenings Work Screening tests like stool tests, colonoscopies and others can detect these precancerous polyps, so they can be removed by a physician before turning into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, resulting in better treatment outcomes. As of 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends adults begin colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45, through 75. Screening methods include a blood stool test, which needs to take place every year or a colonoscopy, which takes place every 5-10 years. Healthy Habits Can Help Stave Off Risk Routine screenings are the only way to determine colorectal health, yet some healthy habits may reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. These factors include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking.

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