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Jakobâs Journey at Renown Childrenâs Hospital
In August 2016, six-year-old Jakob was admitted to Renown Children's Hospital with what seemed like a common ear infection. Jakob's condition quickly progressed, and he started experiencing neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking and a full-body shutdown. Doctors, neurologists and specialists from Renown worked with doctors from Stanford, where he was ultimately diagnosed with Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE). BBE is a rare, autoimmune response that attacks the nerves in the body due to an acute illness such as a cold, flu or, in Jakob's case, an ear infection. Jakob could not breathe or eat and experienced paralysis on the side of his face, throat, stomach, bowels, lungs and legs. In addition, he started to rapidly lose weight as well as body function. Jakob lost half his body weight which resulted in the need for a Gastrostomy tube. This device is placed surgically and gives direct access to the stomach to give the child the nutrition needed. He also needed occupational therapy, and after three and a half months of ICU respiratory therapy, surgeries and treatments, he was released home to regain his strength. Forever Grateful Anica, Jakob's mom, said, "If it were not for the quick response and unconditional support and compassion from the team at Renown, Jakob would not be here today." Jakob's family is forever grateful to the staff, community and expertise at Renown for their unwavering commitment to their son and family during their most trying time in life. "When I met Jakob on the first day of his illness, so much was unknown. My team and I were worried, as his symptoms were very unusual. His rapid deterioration, after being a perfectly healthy child, was clearly terrifying for his parents. Handing over a child's care to a team of strangers is one of the scariest things that can happen to parents,â said Dr. Kris Deeter, Physician in Chief at Renown Childrenâs Hospital. âHowever, Anica and Jeremiah were also very clear that they did not want Jakob transferred somewhere else. So, we used all our resources to care for him, arrive at a diagnosis, and start aggressive therapies. They listened to every word we said, educated themselves, and became partners in Jakob's care. We all became part of Team Jakob, and soon, he proved to us just how strong he was." Today, Jakob is 13 years old and thriving in every aspect of his life. He is currently on the honor roll in school and finds joy in his newfound passion for the violin. He loves spending his free time learning about mixing music, making new friends and traveling to different parts of the country. This summer, he will travel to Europe to explore his passion for culture. The family says, "We owe it all to the family and staff at Renown."
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Department Spotlight: Childrenâs Infusion Services
Help us celebrate the holiday season by sharing joy with our Childrenâs Infusion Services team! Thinking about blood can make any of us squeamish, and seeing it can be even more intimidating to the children in our lives. Being treated for a condition that requires blood transfusions or chemotherapy infusions is no easy feat, especially during the holiday season. This time of year, we are proud that we can offer our pediatric patients the power of proximity and excellence by having access to high level care close to home. The Childrenâs Infusion Services (CIS) department at Renown Childrenâs Hospital is committed to bringing the gift of quality care to our communityâs youngest patients. Whether they are caring for a child with a blood disorder or giving expert infusion care for a child battling cancer, no team does what they do better than these expert nurses, medical assistants, intake coordinators and physicians. âTis the Season to Bring Hope As the only pediatric oncology and hematology program in the region, the CIS department has a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. From inpatient chemotherapy to outpatient infusion services, this team treats a long list of pediatric blood conditions including: Pediatric cancers Anemias Immune-mediated blood disorders Sickle-cell disease Bone marrow failure syndromes Bleeding disorders âOur team provides a large variety of services from labs draws, sedations for procedures, infusions for diagnoses such as Crohn's disease, blood transfusions, as well as chemotherapy,â said Jen Torres, RN. âOur team works extremely well together. We try to go above and beyond for our patients every day. It may be something as simple as a hug to comfort a parent or a special birthday gift for a patient.â âMy job allows me to work with several departments and providers when coordinating care for our littlest of patients,â added Jane Strawn, Intake Coordinator. âI assure proper authorizations are in place for the care that is needed, I communicate with our families when scheduling appointments, I organize End of Treatment Celebrations, as well as birthday shout outs and work closely with our Child Life team to help make the challenging appointment little easier.â To best serve their patients, the team thrives on being expert multitaskers. Central line care, chemotherapy administration, blood transfusions, medication management, preventative injections, lab draws, lumbar punctures, biopsies, imaging â you name it, they do it. And they do it all with the utmost focus on safety and support. âOur days have a lot of variation, as we perform a number of different services,â said Meagan Bertotti, RN. âWe provide infusions for patients with chronic or acute medical conditions and chemotherapy/biotherapy treatment to patients undergoing cancer treatments. Overall, though, we work as a team to make these difficult procedures and treatments as easy as possible for the patients and families by providing engagement and support.â âWhile we handle a lot of chemotherapy treatments for pediatric patients, we also do other infusions and transfusions as well such as blood and platelet transfusions, enzyme replacement therapies, different types of injections such as Rabies vaccine or Synagis for high-risk babies who need that extra protection during the RSV season, and lab draws,â said Chelsea Angues, RN. âWe care for patients that get their therapies from outside hospitals, but the patient lives within the Reno area. We receive orders from those outside hospitals to care for those patients, so they can still be with their families and not have to travel.â As members of the Childrenâs Oncology Group, a highly-regarded clinical trials group where over 90% of pediatric cancer patients across the U.S. receive treatment, teams like CIS in Renown Childrenâs Hospital deliver the highest standard of care. This partnership is a true testament to the devoted collaboration and relationship-building this team commits to on behalf of their patients every day. "One of the biggest accomplishments of our team is the fact that we became a member of the Childrenâs Oncology Group, and the Children's Infusion Center and Pediatric Oncology became one unit,â said Shelby Nolte. "Instead of being a clinic on one side and an infusion center on the other, we really came together to make it a whole unit that collaborates on almost everything.â âWe've put much time into trying to understand other departments, their flow, their rationales and their processes so we can come to a solution that benefits our patients the greatest,â added Tiffany Macie, RN. âWe've taken the last few years to really build our relationships with our pharmacy staff, our lab staff and our central supply resources. Our relationship building extends beyond the walls of the Renown building as well and out to the community providers too. In the past few years, we've been able to build relationships with the providers in the community where they trust they can send us their patients for treatment and lab draws. Finally, we've spent much time working on the relationships as a team. It's emotional work we do on our unit, and these families become our family. It's important to us that we take the time to be together outside of our shifts to enjoy one another and laugh!â In the compassionate realm of pediatric healthcare, CIS knows that the complexities of a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can take an emotional toll on their patients and families. The team firmly believes that emotional support can be as important as the physical and medical support throughout each patientâs unique care journey, striving to be a comforting presence during daunting times. âThe most important part of my day is collaborating with the Children's Infusion team to make life manageable for the families that are going through this experience,â added Shelby Nolte, Senior Medical Assistant. âWe work as a team to make life easier for the blow of a cancer diagnosis. We are there for our families in every way. If they need a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or just someone to play cards with or tell a funny story too, we are there.â âOne of the things our team does extremely well to help our patients and their families with new diagnoses is to simply meet them where they are,â said Tiffany Macie. âThat looks different for every family and every patient. We work in an environment where can build relationships with our patients and their families. This allows us the unique opportunity to really get to know them. We learn their fears, their joys, their worries, what their family lives are like, and we learn how to best meet them where they are.â Transcending the conventional boundaries of care, the CIS department closely supports each patient, offering them solace tailored to the unique fabric of each family's life.
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Why I Give: The Meinzer Familyâs Story
Losing a loved one is a devastating experience that can leave a permanent mark on one's heart. It is a journey that's difficult to navigate, but with the help of family and friends the process can be eased. For the Meinzer family, the healing process was made a little easier because of the exceptional care their loved one, Susie, received at Renown. In the fall of 2022, Susie Meinzer, a breast cancer survivor, suffered a fatal stroke. The care provided by Renownâs team was a reminder of the important role healthcare workers play in the lives of their patients and families. âWe just knew, the doctors, the nurses, everyone⊠we knew that we didnât have much time left with Susie,â said Ken Meinzer, Susieâs widower. Humanizing Healthcare The compassion provided by the care team at Renown made a significant impact on the Meinzer family. They ensured that Susie's last moments were as comfortable as possible, and their kindness and empathy have stuck with the family since. Dr. William Graham, pulmonologist with Renown Health, was among the many healthcare workers who provided care to Susie. "It was hard enough to lose her, and we ask ourselves, âWhy?â a lot, but the compassion we received from Dr. Graham made it a little bit easier,â said Ken. âOne night he sat with us for over an hour, just grieving with us." This act of kindness made a profound impact on the family. âAs an ICU doctor, I try not only to care for my patients, but also for their families,â said Dr. Graham. âKen and his family displayed such sincerity, compassion and love for Susie and one another. They are just wonderful people; the kind of people that inspire me to be the best doctor possible.â A Family Legacy In gratitude for the exceptional care Susie received, the Meinzer family, including Ken and his three daughters, Melissa, Nicole and Kyra, decided to donate to Renown Health Foundation. Their gift is a beautiful reflection of their love and devotion to Susie. âThe donation was a way to say thank you, and a way to support the healthcare workers who continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families every day,â said Ken. "The nurses in Renownâs ICU went above and beyond. They were a constant source of comfort and support for our entire family," said Melissa Meinzer-Benson, Ken and Susieâs eldest daughter. This was not the first time the family had experienced exceptional care at Renown. Ken and Susie had both undergone cancer treatment the previous year. Susie was diagnosed with breast cancer and had recently completed her treatment before her stroke, while Ken was treated for neck cancer. Dr. Abhinand Peddada, oncologist with Renown Health, led both their care teams, demonstrating a deep dedication to their well-being throughout their treatments. âI am grateful and humbled by the trust that Mr. and Mrs. Meinzer placed in Renown and me for their care in difficult times,â said Dr. Peddada.â Both Ken and Susie deeply appreciated Dr. Peddadaâs care for them throughout their respective battles with cancer. The Meinzer family, who own Pinnacle Heating and Air Conditioning in Reno, are known for their commitment to giving back to the community. Melissa is a Veteran and has spoken about the importance of supporting others in any way possible. Susie instilled in Melissa and her sisters a spirit of compassion from an early age, and they have continued to donate to charitable causes throughout their lives. âShe was such a force of inspiration, compassion and love. She was aways caring for others,â said Kyra, Ken and Susieâs youngest daughter. Susie was a beloved member of the Oak Community Church. It was there that she spent many Thanksgivings alongside her daughters, volunteering to serve meals to those in need. Charity work was a passion for Susie, and she always found ways to help those around her. She was a shining example of the importance of supporting your community and making a positive impact on the world.
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Tummy Trouble? Renown Childrenâs Hospital Adds Another New Specialty, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Two pediatric gastroenterologists bring life-saving care to kids and make Renown their new home The Renown Childrenâs Hospital team and our community is celebrating the addition of a new life-saving pediatric specialty to its practice serving children and families in northern Nevada. Parents and guardians will now be able to seek professional pediatric gastroenterologist care with the addition of Drs. Juan Gregory and Kathleen Holland to Renown Medical Group. âRecognizing the importance of diagnosing and caring for children who have conditions that affect the organs in the digestive system, including the stomach, liver and bowel, while also helping children who have issues feeding and eating, is critically important to us at Renown,â said Kristina Deeter, MD, MBA, FAAP, Chair of Pediatrics, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and Physician-in-Chief, Renown Childrenâs Hospital. âBoth Drs. Gregory and Holland are superb clinicians, we are excited to have them join Renown Childrenâs Hospital to offer pediatric gastroenterology services, including a wide range of complex and vital procedures and screenings, endoscopies and colonoscopies.â Juan Carlos Gregory, MD, has 18 years of experience caring for children in northern Nevada. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at UNR Med with a special interest in celiac disease, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux in children. Gregory earned his undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX before completing his medical training, including a residency in pediatrics at the University of San Diego in Pediatrics and fellowships in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at both Childrenâs National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and at the National Institutes of Health, Digestive Disease Section in Bethesda, MD. He is board-certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and speaks Spanish. Kathleen Holland, MD, MPH brings a global health perspective to her work caring for children. A graduate of the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) with her medical doctorate and her masterâs in public health with a social and behavioral health emphasis, she has donated her skills to providing international medical relief for children in Uganda and Nicaragua. Holland earned her undergraduate degree at University of Nevada Reno in Biology, Health Ecology and Healthcare Ethics before completing her medical training and residency in Pediatrics and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN. Her research and scientific interests include vaccination rates and family barriers among children with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohnâs and colitis, pediatric autoimmune pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis. How Pediatric Gastroenterologists Help Children and Families The Pediatric Gastroenterology Program at Renown Childrenâs cares for children experiencing common GI-related problems of childhood; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, colic, milk protein allergy, poor growth and feeding difficulties, and sees patients from infancy to 18 years old. âAs specialists in the care of children with gastrointestinal and liver problems, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of these issues,â said Larry Duncan, MD, Vice President of Pediatrics and Surgery & Administrator of Renown Childrenâs & Womenâs Services. âOur physicians play an active role in teaching and research. We have several areas of expertise including prevention, diagnosis and treating disease of the digestive tract including the esophagus, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, colon, small intestine and liver disease.â Special expertise includes: Pediatric feeding and growing disorders Aerodigestive disorders Food and hypersensitivity disorders Inflammatory bowel disease Celiac disease Liver diseases Children requiring parenteral and enteral nutrition Renown Childrenâs Hospital is the only dedicated childrenâs hospital in northern Nevada, offering programs and services for families from a 100,000 square mile area, from Sacramento, CA to Salt Lake City, Utah. Renown Childrenâs provides the areaâs only Childrenâs Emergency Room, Pediatric ICU (PICU), childrenâs imaging center and the largest neonatal ICU (NICU), a level III intensive care unit. Specialty Childrenâs Care at Renown Today, over 90% of families in northern Nevada seek care from the experts at Renown Childrenâs Hospital. âWe are so grateful to the William N. Pennington Foundation for its support in establishing the William N. Pennington Fund for Advance Pediatric Care in 2016, which allowed us to hire our first 15 pediatric specialists,â said Dr. Deeter. âToday we have over 40 pediatric physician specialists at Renown Childrenâs Hospital who provide care in adolescent medicine, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric neurology, pediatric nephrology, pediatric infectious diseases, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric orthopedic surgery, pediatric cleft and craniofacial surgery, pediatric urology, pediatric dentistry, pediatric emergency medicine, and now, pediatric gastroenterology. Our clinicians provide 30,000 patient visits annually, offering an exceptional level of care. The Pennington gift is truly a gift that keeps giving to the families in our area.â Now Being Constructed: Expanded Inpatient Care at Renown Childrenâs Hospital New construction of an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with increased capacity to 49 bassinets, an expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with increased capacity to 16 private patient and family rooms, and a new Renown Children's Hospital inpatient floor with increased capacity for 38 private patient and family rooms for a total capacity of 58 pediatric beds are currently being constructed on Tahoe Tower, Level 5 of Renown Regional Medical Center. It is expected that the new units will open to patients and families in April 2023. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown Health is High Performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures and conditions including Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement and Knee Replacement. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety, and volumes. Hospitals earning a High Performing rating were significantly better than the national average. Renown Medical Group is an in-network provider for Hometown Health and other health plans. Drs. Gregory and Holland are pleased to see new patients at their location at the Renown Childrenâs Subspecialty Clinic inside Renown Regional Medical Center at 75 Pringle Way, Suite 505, Reno, Nev. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a medical specialist when further evaluation of a particular issue is necessary. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevadaâs largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a childrenâs hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada ProjectÂź. About UNR Med The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), Nevadaâs first public medical school, is a community-based, research-intensive medical school with a statewide vision for a healthy Nevada. Since 1969, UNR Med has trained more than 3,900 students, residents, and fellows. UNR Med continues to improve the health and well-being of all Nevadans and their communities through excellence in student education, postgraduate training and clinical care, research with local, national and global impact and a culture of diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit med.unr.edu.
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Children's ER, Urgent Care or Wait it Out? Here's Your Guide
Weâve all been there: Your child gets sick right after urgent care closes â or worse, in the middle of the night. So do you wait it out, or do you load up and head to the Childrenâs ER? Pediatric Emergency Physician Joey Gassen, MD, with Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians, has insight. As parents, we often wish we had all the answers. And while a short-and-sweet comprehensive parenting guide is elusive, we can help if your questions involve whether to go to the childrenâs ER or wait it out. Here, a pediatric emergency physician explains when you should take your child to the Childrenâs ER at Renown Childrenâs Hospital, and what makes a childrenâs ER different. How do you know when itâs time to take your child to the ER? Having a sick or injured child is stressful. If you have a true emergency, you should go straight to the ER or call 911. When to go to the ER: Allergic reactions Asthma or severe shortness of breath Fever (infants less than two months old) Choking or poisoning Coughing up or vomiting blood Fainting, confusion or seizures Fractures or broken bones Head injuries Severe bleeding If you determine your childâs condition isnât life-threatening but needs to be taken care of right away, urgent care is the best choice. Those conditions include: Cold and flu Coughs and sore throat Fevers Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain Cuts and severe scrapes Minor injuries and burns What is different about Renown Childrenâs ER compared to the adult ER? The difference starts when you first bring your child in. We have a lobby dedicated to our communityâs smallest patients. The 24/7 lobby incorporates a child-friendly atmosphere with vibrant colors to help decrease anxiety that can accompany emergency situations. Our childrenâs ER also has equipment sized just for kids of any age. We offer a distraction machine, as well as 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 the emotional support to both children and their families. Why is it important to have an emergency room and lobby open 24/7 dedicated to children? Children arenât just little people. They have special needs that require specialized care. Our childrenâs ER is staffed with skilled physicians and pediatric nurses certified in advanced pediatric emergency care to give your child the highest level of support. Renown Childrenâs Hospital From newborns to teens, Renown Childrenâs Hospital offers many different services and treatments designed specifically to take care of our communityâs children. We provide a range of specialized services â from a dedicated Childrenâs ER and Pediatric ICU to a childrenâs imaging center and childâs asthma program. Explore Childrenâs Services
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Helpful Caregivers Make a Wedding Dream Come True
A wedding is a big day for the wedding couple, but itâs also special for loved ones. A patient at Renown, Ken, got to take part in his daughterâs special day as her wedding plans changed to accommodate his medical condition. Grab some tissues and read how Renownâs team of compassionate caregivers and chaplains planned a wedding in Fiannaâs Healing Garden. Ken was hospitalized at Renown Regional Medical Center where he was battling a lung problem â which was unrelated to COVID-19 â and his condition worsened rapidly on Wednesday, Aug. 12. His family made the decision to transition him to palliative care, which helps patients near the end of their lives remain comfortable, while supporting their dignity and quality of life. Kenâs medical condition altered wedding plans for his daughter, Chandra, and her fiancĂ©, Tyler, who were planning to tie the knot later in 2020. Chandra wanted her father there, but knew he could not leave the hospital. Thatâs why Chandraâs sister, Heather, approached Kenâs care team with a request to have a small wedding ceremony at the hospital. Planning the Wedding A member of Kenâs care team, Amy Heston, registered nurse (RN), began planning how the wedding could be held outdoors in Fianna's Healing Garden in the E. L. Wiegand Pavilion, which was donated by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation.  In 24 hours, Amy planned a wedding ceremony with the help of her colleague, Breyanna Aufiero, RN; the Renown Spiritual Care team; and nursing leaders on the coronary intensive care unit (ICU). Together, they decorated the aisle in the garden with flowers and battery-operated candles. They also made a sign for Kenâs hospital bed, which read, âFather of the Bride,â and crafted a bow tie for him to wear for the special occasion. With visitor restrictions in place at the hospital due to coronavirus (COVID-19), having the wedding outside in the Healing Garden allowed for more members of Kenâs family to attend including his wife, Charlotte, and his dog, Bella.  Every step in planning the wedding required thoughtful and thorough care coordination so Ken could participate. His breathing was supported by oxygen and special arrangements were made to transport the oxygen tanks he needed to take part in his daughterâs wedding. Amy worked with respiratory technician, Kasey Benfield, and critical care technician, Ruben Duckworth, to ensure Kenâs oxygen needs were met using portable machines. Celebrating Love and Life Together Kenâs team of caregivers bathed him and shaved his face so he could look and feel his best for the ceremony. They put on his bow tie, covered his bed in decorations and his favorite blue, flannel blanket, and wheeled his bed outside for the ceremony. Renown associate chaplains Terri Domitrovich and Susan Palwick coordinated music and performed the ceremony for Chandra and Tyler on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. The bride and groom shared their first dance in the garden and Kenâs care team provided water and treats to give the family a full wedding experience.  Shortly after the ceremony, Ken passed away. This wedding provided Ken and his family meaningful memories for their big life-changing moments as they celebrated and said goodbye. âSeeing Ken surrounded by family he never would have gotten to see again while in the hospital, watching him get to share a father-daughter dance with Chandra on her wedding day, and having him tell me that this day meant more to them than we would ever know were some of the most moving moments Iâve witnessed as a nurse,â Amy said. âI am so thankful for the team we have here. I know that this beautiful day wouldnât have happened without the help of every single person who gave their time, money, creativity and passion to make it a day to remember.â
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Getting Your Child's Appointments Back on Track
If youâve been putting off care for your child, know that Renown Health is prepared with updated processes and procedures to ensure safety for you and your little ones.  Doctor Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Physician-in-Chief of Renown Childrenâs Hospital, is concerned there could be an outbreak of serious illnesses if parents continue to delay getting their children immunized. Dr. Coppes and team understand your anxieties when it comes to visiting your pediatrician, and would like you to know; not only are well visits important to assess your childâs overall health, crucial vaccinations are administered to guard your little ones against disease. Immunizations Immunizations protect children from communicable diseases. Other benefits include: Children that are unable to have vaccines due to age or illness are protected through herd immunity Vaccinations are at given at specific intervals, and missing an appointment may put your child behind schedule Elderly populations are protected where immunity may be decreased Dr. Coppes states, âWhat we have noticed nationwide, and also in Washoe County, is that the number of kids immunized has gone down by about two-thirds. If that goes on, weâre just waiting for chickenpox, measles, any of those childhood diseases that were eradicated to come up again.â 4 Easy Ways to Schedule an Appointment: Call Us: 775-982-KIDS (5437) Request Appointment Online MyChart Virtual Visits In-Person Wellness Visits/Checkups Maintaining your childâs health is important! Contact your pediatrician to schedule an in-office visit. When you call to make an appointment, youâll talk to a specialist at our Customer Care Center who will screen you to make sure you and your child have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and ensure symptoms of a respiratory illness are not present. Virtual Visits When appropriate, many pediatric appointments are available through virtual visits. Please call 775-982-KIDS (5437) to request a visit with your childâs established provider. All virtual visits require a MyChart account. Donât have a MyChart account? You can easily sign up online. If you need assistance with your MyChart account, please call 775-982-6686. Virtual visits are able to connect to an ASL interpreter (sign language interpreter), and 37 languages including Spanish.
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How to Safely Give Children Over-the-Counter Medications
How can you ensure youâre giving your children safe doses of over-the-counter medications? The safest bet: Confirming dosages and recommendations with your doctor. With that in mind, here are a few answers to basic questions about OTC medications and children. Itâs cold and flu season in Northern Nevada. This means youâll find parents in the aisles of practically every drug store, wondering what will and will not work for their sick children. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications â and their dosages, side effects, interactions and more â can inspire abundant anxiety for parents. At the outset, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers the following warning about use of medicines for cough and colds in children:  The FDA doesnât recommend over-the-counter medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2 years old. Prescription cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are not indicated for use in children younger than 18 years old. Codeine and hydrocodone are opioids that are available in combination with other medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, in prescription medicines to treat cough and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold for adults. Caregivers should also read labels on OTC cough and cold products, because some might contain codeine. So how can you feel comfortable administering any OTC medication to your children? The short answer is: Check with a doctor first. And with that in mind, here are a few common questions and answers from Kristin L. Wilson, MD, of Renown Pediatrics about children and OTC medications. Please talk about the importance of correct dosage of pediatric medications. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and unique to each medicine (and sometimes even the circumstance you are treating.) Therefore, there are no standardizations of âsafeâ amounts that apply to all medications. What are signs of an overdose of pediatric medications? Signs of intoxication/overdose are also unique to each medication and supplement. And to make it more confusing, mixing current prescriptions with various supplements or over-the-counter medications can cause significant adverse effects as well. Is there an age at which children take adult over-the-counter medications? Infants through adolescents can take medications that are also prescribed to adults, but only under a healthcare providerâs careful guidance. Dosing is determined by various factors dependent on childâs age and also medical history, as above. What is the takeaway about administering medications to children? When in doubt, ask a healthcare professional whether a medication or supplement is safe for your child based on his/her age and medical history as well as recommended dosing based on recent weights and other vital signs.
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A Guide to Summer Weekend Fun During the School Year
Although students are heading back to school, that doesnât mean the summer fun has to be over. Weekends and after-school hours still call for engaging activities for the kids, even if the extreme heat and thunderstorms donât beckon you and your kids outside. There are several creative ways you can keep your children active indoors during those coveted out-of-school hours.  Below are 10 activities sure to spark fun for the kids from the comfort of your own home. 1. Dance It Out Children are bundles of energy. Turn on your child's favorite music station, roll up the carpet and dance it out. 2. Paint Pictures Above all, kids love to use their imagination. Why not gather up some paintbrushes and some colorful paints to let your child create a masterpiece? 3. Scavenger Hunt Whenever children go on a scavenger hunt, it's a mini adventure. Collect some of your child's favorite items, and hide them around the house, giving them clues to help them find them.  4. Balloon Toss Many kids love balloons. Tossing balloons into the air and having your child keep them up in the air without having them touch the floor is an active energy burner. 5. Science Experiments In case you have a budding scientist at home, choose a science experiment to spark their imaginative spirit. Making water bottle lava lamps or frozen slime are terrific indoor STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. 6. Arts and Crafts From scrapbooks with their favorite photos to crafts from household items, arts and crafts are a great way for your kids to work their innovation muscles. 7. Indoor Bowling Bowling in your own home â unexpected? Sure. Loads of fun? Absolutely! You can purchase an indoor bowling set for less than twenty dollars or create your own with household items. 8. Board Games Because of the limitless options, board games are another favorite indoor activity for the whole family. Your child can learn vital social skills like learning to wait their turn, as well as memory formation and problem-solving skills. 9. Stage a Puppet Show Making sock puppets (or even just using âhand puppetsâ) can really spark a day of spectacular imagination. Draft a script and perform a puppet play for the whole family! 10. Karaoke Concert Singing certainly gets you in the groove of having a great time with your family and building memories â and you donât even need a karaoke machine to do it! There are many digital karaoke options available for your familyâs delight. Itâs no surprise that after-school hours and weekend days are premium play time for kids, especially during the summer months. As shown above, indoor summer activities when the weather isnât conducive to spending time outdoors can still be fun and engaging for everyone.
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The Risks of Vaping and E cigarettes
In this article reprinted with permission from the Galena Times, Dr. Max J Coppes, Physician-in-Chief, Renown Childrenâs Hospital, and Nell J. Redfield, Chair of Pediatrics, UNR Med, talk about adolescents vaping, and how an estimated additional 10 million teens are at risk to start using e-cigarettes. What are E-cigarettes? E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices heating a liquid (e-juice) into an aerosol to be inhaled. Breathing in this flavor vapor, which usually contains nicotine, anti-freeze or other cancer-causing chemicals is called âvaping.â There are many forms of these electronic nicotine delivery devices - and they're not always obvious. They not only appear to be cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but also pass for everyday items, such as flashlights, flash drives or pens.  The Effects of Vaping and E-cigarettes Regardless of the nicotine delivery, vaping is addictive and is quickly becoming a public health concern. Nicotine levels in e-cigarettes vary greatly, and they may also contain toxic chemicals. Currently there is a wide range of variability among vaping products. In other words - they deliver different ingredients, hardware, levels of nicotine, and possible toxic chemicals to the user. This makes it challenging to create an overall public health recommendation on their use. Nevertheless, there is no confusion about the harmful effects of the chemicals used in e-cigarettes to the young brain, which develops until age 25. Studies show e-cigarette use serves as an introductory product for teens to go on using âregularâ tobacco products. The American Academy of Pediatrics has several recommendations on their use. Such as increasing the minimum age to buy tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to age 21 nationwide. (Update: nationwide the age as of January 2, 2020 is now 21.) A common misunderstanding with teenagers is the belief e-cigarettes are less harmful than other tobacco products. Moreover, there is a wide range of flavor choices, from mint, mango, crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e to cucumber to attract users. As of September 6, 2019, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting over 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products in 33 states.  What Should Parents Know about Vaping? Parents and teachers should know JUUL is a very popular e-cigarette among teenagers, capturing about 68% of the market. JUUL is sleek, small, hides easily, and resembles a flash drive. Surprisingly it charges in an USB port, and can also instantly be mistaken for a real flash drive. One JUUL cartridge contains twice the nicotine found in other e-cigarette cartridges. This roughly equals the amount of nicotine in an entire pack of cigarettes. To repeat, the use of JUUL in young people continues to grow, and this is why parents and teachers need to be aware. Be alert, teach, communicate, and talk to your child about the serious risks of smoking in all forms, whether at home or parties. Tell them how difficult it is to quit and why they should not start. Loving your children is caring; caring for their current and future health and well-being.
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Think Outside the Box: Healthy, Creative School Lunch Hacks
Gone are the days of soggy PB&Js on white bread: Todayâs school lunch is your chance to create a healthy, colorful midday meal! Here are a few simple tips, a week of lunch ideas and a shopping list to help you pack a lunch that wonât be offered up for trade during tomorrowâs lunch hour. While school lunches are getting healthier, packing and taking a lunch to school will ensure that your child is getting a healthy, well-balanced meal. Making lunches should be a team effort. Your kids can help pack their lunches by spreading on condiments or putting food in containers. To save time in the morning, pack lunches the night before. The following are a few suggested items you can use to ensure your child is eating a tasty but nutritious lunch: Main dishes Lunch meat and lowfat cheese roll ups English muffin pizzas Sandwich wraps â meat, cheese and veggies in a whole grain tortilla Pita pockets stuffed with grilled chicken and vegetables Soup Chef salad with spinach, veggies, cheese, lunch meat and dressing Tuna or chicken salad on a mini bagel Snacks and sides Fresh or dried fruit Natural apple sauce Baked tortilla chips and salsa Veggie sticks and hummus Cheese slices or string cheese with whole grain crackers Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds and raisins Pudding Homemade fruit roll ups Popcorn (add different toppings such as salt, garlic, cinnamon, sugar or cayenne pepper) Drinks Water If you child doesnât like plain water, try adding a few slices of fresh fruit (strawberries, lime, lemon) for more flavor. School Lunch Menu: Day-By-Day Weâve put together a weekâs worth of colorful, fun and healthy school lunch ideas your kids will love. And weâve also created a shopping list to help you easily locate all the ingredients on your weekend shopping trip. Monday: Turkey BLTA Roll-ups Roll-up Ingredients Turkey, cold cuts Bacon Avocado Tomatoes Side Dish Choices Blueberries Cucumbers Carrot sticks Tuesday: Bacon & Cucumber Sandwich Sandwich Ingredients Whole wheat English muffin Cucumber Bacon Side Dish Choices Apples slices Strawberries Vanilla yogurt mixed with sprinkled cinnamon Wednesday: DIY Lunchables Lunchables Ingredients Crackers Turkey, cold cuts Cheese Side Dish Choices Blueberries Carrots Cucumber Thursday: Veggie Grilled Cheese Veggie Grilled Cheese Ingredients English muffin Cheese Tomato Spinach leaves Avocado Side Dish Choices Apples slices Strawberries Vanilla yogurt mixed with sprinkled cinnamon Tomatoes Friday: DIY Pizzas DIY Pizza Ingredients 2 toasted English muffins Pizza sauce Cheese Turkey pepperoni Side Dish Choices Celery Black olives Shopping List (under 20 items) Cold section: Dairy 1 large container of vanilla yogurt 1 package of your favorite cheese Cold section: Deli meats 1 package of turkey pepperoni 1 package bacon 1 package turkey cold cuts Inside aisles Whole wheat English muffins 1 can of whole black olives 1 jar of pizza sauce 1 box of whole wheat or multigrain crackers Produce department 1 cucumber 1 stalk of celery 2 apples 1 container of strawberries 1 avocado 2 tomatoes 1 bunch of spinach leaves 1 container of blueberries 2 carrots For more healthy school lunch box options, visit our Kids Health & Nutrition board on Pinterest.
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Nurturing Your Child's Back-to-School Mental Health
The back-to-school season is here, and ensuring your child's successful transition involves more than just school supplies and schedules. At Renown Childrenâs Hospital, and in collaboration with Nevada Pediatric Psychiatry Solutions, we understand the vital role that mental health plays in a child's overall well-being and academic performance. Below we'll guide you through essential tips for a smooth back-to-school experience, with a special focus on nurturing your child's mental health. How to Support Your Childâs Mental Health from Home Remember, the below strategies can be adapted to align with your child's personality, learning style and household dynamics. Flexibility and understanding are key in tailoring these tips to suit your child's unique needs. 1. Be Open to Communication: Recognize that effective communication is the cornerstone of understanding your child's feelings and concerns. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts. Listen to learn, without judgment. Make it a point to validate their emotions and ensure they are heard. Encourage sharing experiences,worries, friends and challenges they may be facing. Having open conversations about sensitive topics opens the door for discussion and understanding. Make yourself available. 2. Establish a Routine: A consistent routine can offer a sense of stability and predictability for your child, and anticipation helps to decrease anxiety and establish a sense of control. Join forces and design a daily schedule that includes time for schoolwork, play, physical activity, meals and relaxation. Be flexible about the structure to allow room for last-minute changes including extra activities based on that dayâs needs as well. Always add time for play and bonding. 3. Practice Compassion: Back-to-school can come with big emotions. Listening reflexively and acknowledging these feelings can help you and your child act positively on these big emotions. 4. Get Involved: Actively engage in your child's school life by participating in school events, meetings and discussions. Show interest in their educational journey, ask about their experiences and provide guidance when needed. Being present in their academic pursuits not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens the parent-child bond. 5. Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child's achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This allows for a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. Praise efforts, progress and perseverance, whether it's completing an assignment, making a new friend or overcoming a challenge. This positivity encourages a growth mindset and resilience. 6. Organize a Schoolwork Zone: Create a comfortable workspace at home dedicated to school-related tasks. Customize the area based on your child's preferences and needs. Having a designated space for studying and completing assignments promotes focus, reduces distractions and enhances their overall learning experience.
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