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When it comes to each patient’s healthcare journey, medication is often a key chapter. After all, medication is one of the most common treatment methods to help patients on the road back to health. In 2023, 4.83 billion prescriptions were filled in the U.S., and with this number only anticipated to rise annually, having an expert pharmacy team on your side to make certain you are prescribed the ideal dosage to treat your condition, prepare your prescriptions on time and help you manage your medications responsibly is important.  Fortunately, at Renown Health, we have best-in-class inpatient and outpatient pharmacy teams to fill both prescriptions and promises for excellent care. Renown Pharmacy plays a vital role in helping us foster a health system that prioritizes patient well-being above all else. This department exemplifies the impact that a unified, expert pharmacy team can have on patient outcomes now and in the future.  The Masters of Medication Spanning three hospitals plus ambulatory locations across the health system, Renown’s growing pharmacy team – full of dedicated pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and even medical assistants – manages medications in a wide variety of patient settings, touching nearly every aspect of the healthcare continuum: Outpatient Retail Pharmacies Renown Regional Medical Center – 75 Pringle Way The Healthcare Center – 21 Locust Street Renown South Meadows Medical Center – 10101 Double R Blvd  Inpatient Pharmacies Renown Rehabilitation Hospital Renown Regional Medical Center (including Renown Children’s Hospital) Renown South Meadows Medical Center COMING SOON: Conrad Breast Center Pharmacy (in honor of Kristina Ferrari) in the Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Ambulatory Pharmacies Anticoagulation Services – Institute for Heart & Vascular Health (IHVH) Pharmacotherapy Program – IHVH and Renown Medical Group Locations Congestive Heart Failure Pharmacotherapy Program – Center for Advanced Medicine B at Renown Regional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Pharmacotherapy Program – Renown South Meadows Endocrinology Pharmacotherapy Program – Renown South Meadows Clinical pharmacists at Renown bridge the gap between medicine and compassionate support, making sure each patient receives personalized care one prescription at a time.  “There are various roles pharmacists play within Renown,” said Clarissa Munoz, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Inpatient Pharmacy. “Staff pharmacists work diligently to ensure correct medications are dispensed, and if compounded, make sure they were prepared properly. They also work hard to answer medication messages and phone calls, help verify orders and make sure ode trays/RSI kits are appropriately stocked and ready when needed. Clinical pharmacists work from satellite pharmacies on the floor and focus on reviewing patient charts and aim to provide additional interventions to the providers to optimize treatment strategies. We also serve as a resource for nursing staff and help answer medication questions.”  “My role in the pharmacy is pretty expansive,” added Chanelle Ajimura, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “I maintain inventory to confirm patients can receive their medications in a timely manner both for our discharge and retail patients while balancing the Meds to Beds program, which offers medication delivery to the bedside and bedside medication counseling; collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to find the most affordable price for patients; and verifying that the dose, strength, indication, etc. is appropriate for the patient from start to finish.”  “In the pharmacy, I make sure patients are receiving appropriate drug therapy by checking for major drug interactions and ensuring appropriate dosing,” added Courtney Church, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “I also make recommendations to providers so patients can get cost-effective therapy.”  Our pharmacy technicians work behind-the-scenes ensuring efficient medication management, making a difference in the lives of patients every day.  “A pharmacy technician is responsible for making sure the patient gets their medications on time and at the lowest price possible,” said Nate Graham, Pharmacy Technician in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “This is done by working with patients, insurance companies and case workers. We fill prescriptions, enter prescriptions into our system, receive and send orders for medications and maintain a clean pharmacy with an accurate inventory.”  “We do a variety of things; the task people probably know the most is counting out the medications and putting them in the amber vials,” added Rachel Vallin, Pharmacy Technician in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “We also help patients at the front of the pharmacy, ring out their prescriptions, answer some basic questions (deferring to a pharmacist as necessary) and billing insurance. Meds to Beds is my favorite part because I feel the most involved. I take medications to patients who are discharging up to their hospital rooms so they have it with them when they leave.”  “As a technician, I confirm that all medications of new admissions are available in our machines prior to admitting and then maintain stock during each patient’s stay,” added Tammara Axtman, Pharmacy Technician at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. "I also assist our nurses when needed in regard to any of their questions with both EPIC and Omnicell.”  Our pharmacy team is also on the move all across our health system, thanks to our Ambulatory Pharmacy programs. For patients experiencing a serious heart, lung, or endocrine condition that requires ongoing drug therapy maintenance and guidance, our ambulatory pharmacies step in to carefully monitor how their medications impact their health and well-being.  “Our role as pharmacists in this department is non-traditional because we actually see patients in the exam rooms face-to-face,” said Cory Lankford, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We modify their medication regimens and drug recommendations under collaborative practice agreements.”  “Because our role is so unique, we have a lot of opportunities to make a positive impact on patients,” added Janeen Abe, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We do a lot of direct patient interaction, including counseling patients on their medications and helping them navigate through their disease state.”  “As a medical assistant in this department, we’re called the patient ‘liaisons’ to orchestrate who they should go to whether it’s a nurse, a provider or a pharmacist,” added Kiara Scruggs, Medical Assistant for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We look at each patient’s medications and help with the Warfarin blood thinner monitor. We get to do a lot with patients."  No matter the diagnosis, having Renown Pharmacy as an integral part of your healthcare team is a win-win situation for both you and them: you receive access to medication to help you heal, delivered to you with precision and care, and the pharmacy team has the opportunity to care for you and make a positive impact, a role they take seriously.

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When a sudden illness or injury occurs, the emergency room (ER) provides immediate medical attention to those in need. Understanding the top reasons for visiting the ER can help people make informed decisions about seeking emergency care. Here are the five most common reasons people in Nevada visited an ER in 2023. 1. Abdominal pain  One of the top reasons people visit the ER is abdominal pain. The abdomen has many organs, including the stomach, liver, small and large intestines, gallbladder and pancreas. Significant pain in this area can be a cause of concern.  Warning signs of a serious problem include abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, and not being able to move or perform everyday tasks due to pain. Seeking medical attention when experiencing these symptoms is essential. Emergency physicians can perform abdominal exams, assess the condition and rule out significant threats.    2. Fever  High fevers that do not get better with medicine and are accompanied by other symptoms can cause concern. This can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection or illness.  Fever with symptoms like vomiting, pain, altered mental status, shortness of breath or inability to perform daily functions are warning signs to watch out for. Adults and children should visit an ER, where the team can assess the causes of the fever.   3. Chest pain and shortness of breath  Chest pain and discomfort, or pain in the upper body can suggest warning signs of a heart attack. If a person is experiencing signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately to ensure timely treatment or assessment by a medical professional. Heart attack symptoms include:  Chest pain, including pain that can be described as chest pressure, heaviness or squeezing   Discomfort in the chest, arms, back, neck, shoulders and jaw  Difficulty breathing   Sweating with any of the above symptoms   When visiting a Renown ER for chest pain, a trained medical professional will promptly perform an Electrocardiogram (EKG) in an area where preliminary assessments, also known as triage, take place. Individuals experiencing shortness of breath or trouble breathing, whether from a respiratory infection, asthma complications or other pre-existing conditions should not ignore symptoms as these can signify more serious issues.  Warning signs of respiratory distress may include:  A significant change in breathing rate A significant change in the amount of energy used to inhale or exhale when breathing Changing of the skin color to blue, gray or paleness, which can indicate a lack of oxygen Nasal flaring  Chest retractions, which can suggest difficulty bringing air into the lungs What this looks like: the chest sinking in just below the neck, breastbone or rib cage while breathing 4. Neurological symptoms  Sudden and severe headaches or seizures may prompt individuals to visit the ER if symptoms are extremely disorientating or debilitating. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions, including strokes or neurological disorders that require prompt evaluation.  If a person is experiencing signs of stroke, call 911 immediately to ensure timely treatment.  Stroke symptoms include:  Numbness, weakness or loss of movement in the face, leg or arm, especially on one side Confusion, including trouble speaking or understanding Trouble with vision or loss of balance  When choosing emergency care for signs and symptoms of stroke, a Comprehensive Stroke Center can provide patients with immediate intervention, including evaluation, treatment and education. 5. Cough/flu-like symptoms  Emergency departments are staffed by medical professionals trained to prioritize and treat emergency and trauma situations. Receiving care at an ER should be reserved for severe symptoms and life-threatening conditions. It’s best to schedule a visit with a primary care physician for mild cold and flu symptoms. Most urgent care locations are equipped with rapid testing options, including RSV, COVID-19, influenza, mononucleosis, urinary issues and strep throat. It is critical to distinguish between common respiratory infections and more severe cases, such as pneumonia or complications from the flu.   Symptoms that may warrant a visit to the ER include:  Rapid decline in the ability to perform regular daily activities  Coughing or throwing up blood  Severe dehydration and inability to drink fluids High fever not responsive to medication  Understanding top ER visits in Nevada  While these ER complaints are common reasons for emergency room visits in Nevada, it's important to remember that emergency care is available for all immediate medical needs. Do not hesitate to seek help at an emergency room if someone experiences a sudden or severe health concern. Quick and appropriate action can make a significant difference in keeping you and your loved ones healthy.  Renown Health is the largest locally governed, not-for-profit healthcare network in northern Nevada, providing leading emergency and trauma care by board-certified emergency physicians 24/7 at three locations, including the region’s only pediatric emergency department. Renown Health emergency rooms prioritize swift assessments, advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate care, providing leading emergency and trauma care. Trust Renown ER for not just emergency care but exceptional care. Learn more at renown.org/ER.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, it's essential to seek immediate attention by calling 9-1-1 or visiting the ER for a thorough evaluation by a trained medical professional and timely intervention. Access to a convenient and trusted emergency room (ER) is critical to any person’s healthcare needs, including medical emergencies related to women’s health. We explored some common scenarios and warning signs prompting women to seek immediate medical attention with Aiden Gould, Board-Certified Emergency Physician at Renown Health. When your medical emergency can’t wait, Renown ER is here to provide you with the region’s leading emergency care to diagnose and treat your condition or illness.  Understanding Common Reasons Women Visit the Emergency Room Gynecological Emergencies: One of the most common reasons women may seek emergency care is due to gynecological emergencies such as severe pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or complications related to pregnancy. These issues can be alarming and warrant immediate medical attention if the issue persists or is out of the ordinary for you.  Emotional and Physical Well-Being: For those facing diverse medical or mental health emergencies, seeking prompt assistance is crucial for a thorough assessment and safe, timely intervention. Renown ER teams are equipped with trained professionals who provide compassionate care for individuals seeking help in the following situations: Suicide risk assessment and intervention Substance abuse assessment Assault and trauma care Crisis support and intervention Resources for ongoing care and well-being support Severe Abdominal Pain: Unexplained and severe abdominal pain that is substantially different than what is normal for you is a symptom you should never ignore as it can indicate underlying issues. Warning signs of an acute medical situation include fever, vomiting or a rapid change in motor function and inability to move due to pain. Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and other respiratory issues can be especially concerning. Women with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or those experiencing sudden respiratory distress should seek immediate care from a medical professional. Warning signs of respiratory distress may include a significant change in one’s breathing rate, changing of the skin color to blue, gray or paleness due to lack of oxygen, nose flaring and chest retractions. Cardiovascular Emergencies: Heart-related issues are not exclusive to men. Women can also experience cardiovascular emergencies that often go undiagnosed because symptoms differ from men. Symptoms like chest pain, extreme fatigue, vomiting or pain in the abdomen, shortness of breath or palpitations should be evaluated by an emergency medical professional as timely intervention is critical in such cases. Renown leads the region in cardiology care with our technological expertise and patient-centered approach. Our comprehensive team diagnoses heart disease and other cardiac conditions, offering personalized treatment plans.  Neurological Symptoms: Sudden and severe headaches, seizures or other neurological symptoms may prompt women to visit the ER if symptoms are extremely disorientating or debilitating. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions from mild to severe, including strokes or neurological disorders that require prompt evaluation.  Renown Regional Medical Center is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing primary stroke care including evaluation, treatment and education to patients who arrive at a Renown facility with the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Compassionate Care in Times of Need At Renown Health, we understand that your time is valuable, especially in emergency situations. That's why we strive to provide patients with exceptional care, compassion and respect. Plan ahead and make informed decisions about seeking medical care by viewing your estimated triage wait time at a Renown ER.

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Dana and Mark Combs met through mutual friends and had a long friendship before they became a couple in 2009. They were married in 2011 in a private ceremony at a small Reno chapel, and a few months later had a big celebration with their family and friends.   Encouraging Others to Succeed  Over the years, the happy couple has spent much of their time volunteering and giving back to others in their community. Twenty-six years ago, Mark became a bilateral lower limb amputee. For the past 10 years, he has been a prosthetic consultant, helping other amputees learn how to cope with various challenges and encouraging them to keep living life to the fullest. “Mark is great with helping people,” said Dana.   Dana also does a lot of rewarding work through a Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O). She is an advocate for raising money to help women ages 18 and up gain an education. Dana also enjoys tutoring English as a second language.   Enjoying Quality Time, Hobbies & Travel When Dana and Mark aren’t helping others, they are spending time with their family and friends, their dog Mia (a 3-year-old Maltipoo) or enjoying one of their many hobbies. Some of Mark’s favorite things to do include playing Solitaire and strumming on his guitar.  “I love to garden and play crossword puzzles and word games,” said Dana. “I’m really looking forward to the springtime to spend more time in the garden.” She loves to work out and has a membership at the UFC gym in Reno through her Senior Care Plus gym benefit. Dana also has her own online Etsy store, where she sells homemade jam jars, candle holders and vintage dolls. “Last summer I sold my first edition Barbie that I got when I was 9 years old,” said Dana. “I made quite a profit on it.”

Read More About Sterling Silver Club Shining Stars: Mark & Dana Combs

Access to a trusted and efficient emergency room (ER) in times of unexpected medical emergencies is crucial. Renown Health’s emergency and trauma care is available at three ER locations, including the region’s only level II trauma center and ER designed for pediatric patients to provide you and your family with prompt, high-quality and specialized care by board-certified emergency physicians when you need it. Dr. John Hardwick, board-certified emergency physician at Renown Health, describes a guide to emergency care at Renown Health below. Timely and Compassionate Care: Renown ER is committed to delivering timely and compassionate care. Experienced medical professionals at Renown will communicate openly with you, involving you in the decision-making process and addressing any concerns you may have. Upon arrival, you can expect to be promptly assessed by a team of skilled medical professionals who will prioritize your needs based on the severity of your illness or condition. Click here to learn more about the emergency care process, from check-in to discharge. Expert Medical Team: With advanced technology and experienced specialists from Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians, all patients are in good hands for emergency care at Renown Health. Our pediatric and adult emergency physicians have completed fellowship training in specialty areas such as sports medicine, ultrasound and emergency medical services. Team members in the emergency department will ensure you are informed and as comfortable as possible during your visit to minimize any pain or discomfort you may feel. Efficient Triage Process: Renown ER utilizes an efficient triage process to prioritize patients based on the urgency of their medical condition. This ensures that those with more critical conditions receive immediate attention, while still providing timely care for others. Tests such as labs or diagnostic services will often be completed while you wait to see a physician to expedite the process. Comprehensive Diagnostic Services: The ERs at Renown offer comprehensive diagnostic services to quickly identify your symptoms. This may include X-rays, laboratory tests, CT scans and other imaging studies, helping emergency physicians make informed decisions about your treatment plan.   Specialty Care and Collaboration with the Renown Health Network: We offer the area's largest network of specialized providers and services to help ensure you receive industry-leading, personalized care during and after your emergency room visit. This collaboration means you’ll have access to more specialists and a wide range of expertise to continue your care without leaving the Renown Health network. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Renown Health invests in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Renown ERs are equipped with modern medical technology, allowing board-certified emergency physicians to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Post-ER Visit Support and Resources: Your experience with Renown Health doesn't end when you leave the ER. Our team will address your questions and provide you with post-visit instructions, medications and follow-up recommendations to continue your care. With a commitment to timely and compassionate care and a team of expert healthcare professionals, you can trust Renown ER to provide the highest standard of emergency medical services when you need it most.

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Meet and get to know Patty Warren, our featured Sterling Silver Club member this fall. You may recognize her from the latest Senior Care Plus commercial on television, where she joins a coffee chat discussing the many benefits of being a Senior Care Plus member. She’s one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet – and has a positive outlook on life that we should all strive for. Patty's Story Patty was born and raised in a small Kansas town called Baxter Springs, where she grew up with an older brother, an older sister and two younger sisters. She and her siblings all enjoyed playing sports like softball and basketball, in addition to playing instruments. Patty developed a love and passion for music at a young age that carried into her adulthood. “I wanted to be an opera singer,” said Patty. “I decided to go to college at Pittsburg State University in Kansas where I majored in vocal performance.” After college, Patty moved to Manhattan in New York City to audition to be an opera singer, but she soon realized it wasn’t what she wanted to do after all. She eventually decided to work in the brokerage industry.   After living and working in New York for three years, Patty moved back to Kansas where she later met the love of her life, Michael. “In 1992, I had put a dating ad in the local newspaper,” said Patty. “I received over 30 responses, and I went out on quite a few dates.” Then she had her first date with Michael, and the two of them quickly realized how much they liked each other. He asked her to marry him on Valentine’s Day in 1993, and they went on to get married in front of the Justice of the Peace on May 3, just a few months later. “We had a small wedding so that we could move into our first home together,” said Patty. A few years later in 1999, Patty and Michael moved to Arizona, where they lived for 22 years. Patty worked at Edward Jones Investments for 18 of those 22 years and loved her job and the people that she worked with. She retired in January 2021 during the pandemic, and three days later she and Michael moved to Sparks, Nevada.

Read More About Patty Warren A Woman of Strength and Resilience

Participating in sports and physical activities is enjoyable and beneficial for our health. However, the risk of injuries comes with the fun and excitement of sports. Sports-related injuries, including sprains, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones, are more common than we realize and can land you in the emergency room. Dr. Scott Shepherd, Emergency Medicine Physician, provides a wealth of information. Traumatic Brain Injuries: The Invisible Threat Traumatic brain injuries come in many forms. From “mild” brain injuries, concussions, to major brain injuries and bleeds. Sometimes it is very difficult to tell the difference between a major injury and a minor injury because many of the symptoms are the same. Concussions Concussions are a type of “mild” traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the body that causes a transient alteration in mental function. They are particularly prevalent in contact sports such as football, soccer and boxing. A concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and muscle coordination. Typically, concussions are not life threatening and usually short lived. However, multiple concussions can lead to permanent disabilities. So, remember there is nothing “mild” about injuring your brain. Contusions The more serious brain injuries from brain contusions (actual bleeding in the brain material) and bleeding that presses on the brain are life threatening. These injuries are caused by the same blow to the head as a concussion and the symptoms are the same from memory deficits, loss of coordination to coma. Because of this, anyone who has a blow to the head and is not acting normal should be evaluated by a medical professional. Anyone suspected of having a severe head injury should seek immediate medical attention and follow a strict protocol for rest and a gradual return to play. It is important to note a person may not lose consciousness if they suffer a concussion; however, major consequences can occur if not properly managed. If you suspect you have an emergency that needs immediate medical attention, please call 911 or visit an emergency room near you. While it is impossible to prevent traumatic brain injuries altogether, the severity of the injury can be mitigated through proper helmet usage and knowing your skill level when participating in high-risk activities. The guidelines for picking a helmet for summer activities such as mountain biking, dirt biking and riding off highway vehicles are similar to those of picking a helmet for winter sports. Learn more about choosing the right helmet. Any blow to your head, neck or upper body can result in a major head injury Signs to watch for include the following: Headache Dizziness Blurred vision Difficulty with thinking, attention or memory Sensitivity to noise or light Ringing in the ears Changes in hearing Double vision Changes in behavior Balance issues Nausea/vomiting   Sprains: The Annoying Twist One of the most common sports injuries is a sprain, which occurs when ligaments that connect bones are stretched or torn. Sprains typically occur in joints, such as the ankle, knee or wrist, and are often caused by sudden twists or impacts. Symptoms may include: Pain Swelling Bruising Limited range of motion Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are the initial recommended treatment, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

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When the sudden need for emergency or critical care arises, the level of a trauma center is an important designation that helps explain the types of resources available. Renown Regional Medical Center is proud to be the only Level II Trauma Center in our region, which is a critical service to provide. We spoke with Bret Frey, MD, an emergency care physician, to discuss what this means for our community.  Requirements for Designation as a Level II Trauma Center To be a designated Level II Trauma Center, a hospital must have 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and multiple specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, emergency medicine and more. In addition, this hospital must provide trauma prevention and ongoing education for its teams and incorporate a comprehensive quality assessment program.  “What it means for this community is nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. Frey, who explained that Renown has over 20 specialty physicians on-call and ready to provide trauma care. According to Dr. Frey, many communities of the same or larger size have fewer specialists ready and available to provide this level of care.  Renown Regional Medical Center is located near downtown Reno. The Emergency Department has several helipads and ambulance banks to intake patients requiring emergency care. Patients can also receive emergency walk-in care. On the same campus is Renown Children’s Hospital, which is home to the only pediatric Emergency Room dedicated solely to pediatric patients.  Emergency and trauma care is just one area in which Renown Health is the regional leader. When patients or families choose Renown during an emergency, they will have access to all the resources provided through the entire health network. This means access to the many specialists available to consult on different conditions or care situations, inpatient care if needed, referrals to other areas of the network and medications to go.  “I’m very happy and proud to be a part of building something very special in this community,” said Frey.

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As families spend more time outdoors to enjoy the summer temperatures, it's important to be aware of potential hazards that can lead to burns – be it sunburns, burns sustained while grilling or navigating the hot surfaces often found around pool decks and parks. All these burn types are not only painful but can also cause severe damage to the skin and require immediate medical attention.   Ross Albright, MD, an emergency care physician, explores effective preventive measures to avoid burns during the summer and discusses when it's essential to seek medical care.  Stay Sun Safe While soaking up the sun is a favorite summer pastime for many, it's important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburns not only damage the skin but also increase the risk of more severe burns.  Follow these tips for staying safe in the sun:  Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.  Seek shade during peak hours of sun intensity, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeved garments.  Fire and Hot Object Safety Summer is full of fun outdoor activities like BBQs, campfires and fireworks, all of which can pose a fire hazard if not handled carefully.   To prevent burns caused by fires:  Maintain a safe distance from open flames and grills and always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot objects.  Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit readily available.  Keep children away from hot objects and fireworks and educate them about the dangers of touching or playing with them.  Hot Surface Safety  Asphalt, metal slides and surfaces around the pool retain heat and are likely to be significantly hotter than other materials such as a wooden picnic table to grassy pathway (these can still be hot too!). So, it's crucial to be cautious around these materials to prevent burns:  Use caution when near hot surfaces surrounding water sources, such as pool decks or metal slides.  Always wear shoes when walking on hot surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and even sand.  Ensure that playground equipment such as slides and swings are cool to the touch before your kiddos start climbing around.   Recognizing Severity of Burns and Seeking Care  Despite our best efforts, burns can still occur. It's essential to know when a burn requires medical attention:  First-degree burns, characterized by redness, pain and minor swelling, can typically be treated at home with cool water and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Second-degree burns, which may cause blistering and more intense pain, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Third-degree burns, indicated by charring or blackened skin, deep tissue damage or burns that cover a large area, require immediate emergency care.  Preventing burns during the summer is paramount to enjoying a safe and enjoyable season. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of burns and ensure prompt medical attention when necessary. Stay informed, stay safe and have a burn-free summer!  If you or someone you know experiences a burn, it's important to seek immediate medical care.

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Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that brings individuals to the emergency room. We spoke with emergency physician Bret Frey, MD, to ask about when and where to seek care for abdominal pain.   Dr. Frey advises that any time you feel something is developing inside your body that is substantially different from what is normal for you, understand that something is wrong. He further explains that warning signs of an acute medical situation include fever, vomiting or a rapid change in function and ability to move due to pain. These symptoms indicate that one needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.   This evaluation will include the care team conducting an examination and asking a series of questions to determine if additional diagnostics, such as lab work or imaging, are needed. Be prepared to discuss where the pain is and what it feels like, in addition to how long it’s been bothering you and if it’s constant or intermittent.  While appendicitis often comes to mind when thinking about abdominal pain, Dr. Frey says that this is not the bulk of cases that the Emergency Department sees. In fact, often the pain does not have a specific diagnosis, but our team of board-certified emergency physicians are experienced in assessing and caring for those experiencing the acute symptoms he described.   “We often don’t come away with an answer about exactly what it is, but we substantially rule out life threats in a very methodical and systematic way,” said Frey.  The abdomen includes many organs, including the stomach, liver, small and large intestines, gallbladder and pancreas. In addition, pain stemming from your chest, pelvis or back may be felt in the abdominal area.  If you are experiencing abdominal issues that are persistent but not an emergency, talk to your primary care doctor about what you are experiencing, and be prepared to review the history of this pain, medications, allergies and diet. He or she will be a good partner to review conditions such as gas, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation or menstrual and ovulation pain. Drinking plenty of water is always an important part of supporting your health.

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Did you know that 218,000 veterans and their families call Nevada home? That is almost 7% of our total population who served this country and will require quality access to healthcare at some point in their lifetime.  When faced with a daunting diagnosis or procedure, such as cancer or surgery, Renown rises to the occasion to provide veterans and their loved ones with the highest caliber of care possible to protect the lives that protected ours.  Accessing that care, however, can be a challenge for some. As Renown serves veterans across 100,000 square miles, veterans living in rural communities often must travel long distances – with the costs of overnight lodging standing in the way, making healthcare access out-of-budget, and sometimes, nearly impossible.  That’s where Veterans Guest House comes in. Veterans Guest House provides veterans and their families with temporary overnight accommodations while receiving medical treatment in the Reno/Sparks area. Founded in 1993 in response to the growing number of veterans sleeping in their cars to access healthcare, the nonprofit embraces veterans and their families who would otherwise not be able to obtain the medical care they need because of inabilities to pay for overnight lodging.  A support system for veterans, especially veterans who are senior citizens, is vital to their overall health and well-being – and seniors at Veterans Guest House never have to feel alone in their care journey.  Enter Dyana Parks, a senior care assistant working with Veterans Guest House. A friend to Renown Health and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Dyana goes the extra mile for seniors staying at Veterans Guest House – she not only helps them navigate the logistics of their care, but she also is one of their biggest mental well-being champions.  A Helping Hand for Guests in Need  A proud member of a veteran family herself, senior and veteran in-home care is a family affair for Dyana. With a sister experiencing post-accident brain damage, elderly parents – one of whom facing dementia – and a son and daughter-in-law in the same field of work, Dyana has a unique passion for in-home and dementia care and holds several decades of hospice experience. As such, when she was assigned to help the clients at Veterans Guest House in September 2022, it was a natural fit for her, and she immediately jumped into action.  Dyana takes special time during her work hours to transport seniors in need to their appointments at Renown (and keeps track of all of them), sits with them through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, ensures patients stay hydrated and nourished after major procedures, picks them up from surgery and always ensures everything goes well with each patient’s care. When patients coming from Veterans Guest House need extra emotional support, Dyana is always there to make sure they are okay and push them to keep going.  “I always say to my seniors, ‘never give up,’” said Dyana. “If a need arises, I am there to help. I love getting to know my clients and helping them go home healthy.”  As a ‘frequent flier’ at Renown and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, many of our team members are thrilled when they see Dyana walking through the doors with her clients, as they know that their patient is going home with one of their strongest advocates. To Dyana, Renown is akin to a family for both herself and her clients.  “I love Renown,” said Dyana. “Everyone there makes my clients feel as though they are more than just a patient – they make them feel like family, especially when going through a scary diagnosis like cancer. As someone who has been going there with my own family forever and who now guides veteran seniors through the process, I will always recommend Renown to anyone.”  Dyana emulates exactly what it means to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of our community, all while raising awareness for both Renown and Veterans Guest House.  “More people need to know about Veterans Guest House,” said Dyana. “When I came here, I was in awe. They do so much for every guest, making them feel comfortable at home while not having to worry about finances. Almost everyone that comes here, whether it be from the rural surrounding towns or all the way out to Alaska and even the Philippines, needs treatment of some kind, and I know Renown will always give them the best care.”  To learn more about Veterans Guest House, visit veteransguesthouse.org.

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Renown Health has three emergency rooms open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to serve our community. We checked in with Amy Hawkins, Manager of Clinical Nursing at Renown South Meadows, to learn more about the emergency room experience and how each can accommodate your emergency care needs. 1. Renown Regional Emergency Room The emergency room at Renown Regional Medical Center is the only Level II Trauma Center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City, treating more than 80,000 ER and trauma patients annually. Services Offered: This location offers immediate emergency care covered by general surgeons and coverage by the specialties of orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. In addition, tertiary care needs include cardiac surgery, hemodialysis and microvascular surgery. (Patients may be referred to a Level I Trauma Center.) Renown Regional ER Location 2. Renown South Meadows Emergency Room South Reno is expanding, and so is Renown South Meadows ER! Exciting transformations are happening across this campus, including the new 121,000-square-foot specialty care center and upgrades to the existing medical center—expanding care to our patients. Added benefits to the more intimate setting at South Meadows: Smaller ER also means more personal experience. The team traditionally has more time to spend with each patient at the bedside. A smaller campus means convenient parking, as the ER is just outside the front entrance; however, patients are reminded to follow marked road signs when approaching the campus during construction. Most patients arrive by private vehicle versus an ambulance, so we are very accustomed to thinking quickly on our feet. Benefits to new construction: A new Cath lab will allow us to treat patients experiencing a heart attack and needing immediate intervention to open vessels in their hearts. Additional lab and imaging capabilities for our patients Services Offered: This location offers immediate emergency care staffed with board-certified emergency physicians. Patients can expect one-on-one interactions with trusted providers and shorter wait times. All emergency room services are open during construction, and patients are reminded to follow marked road signs when approaching the campus. South Meadows ER Location 3. Renown Children's Hospital Emergency Room This location offers immediate emergency care, with pediatric specialists always on staff. In addition, the Children's ER lobby is ideal for our littlest patients, with a child-friendly atmosphere and vibrant colors to help decrease the anxiety accompanying emergencies. Medical equipment is sized just for kids, and we offer a distraction machine, games and movies to help children cope with what can be a traumatic experience, like getting an IV. In addition, we have Child Life Specialists available to provide emotional support to both children and their families. When to Bring Your Child to the ER: Allergic reactions Asthma attacks Baby under three months old with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit Broken bones Burns Choking or poisoning Difficulty breathing Eye injuries Fainting, dizziness and confusion Head injuries Heart attack Rashes Seizures Severe bleeding Severe headache Severe pain Skin infections Stitches Stroke Venomous stings and bites Renown Children's Hospital Location

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