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Want to protect yourself from skin damage from the sun’s harmful rays? Dr. Angela Walker, dermatologist with Renown Medical Group, shares what you can do to prevent skin cancer. What can people do to prevent skin cancer while enjoying the outdoors? There are several steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun. “I caution all of my patients to avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. I also encourage people to wear sleeves on cooler days. And don’t forget that we still need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days! UV rays can still cause sun damage on cloudy days. Preventing skin cancer also entails wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 everyday.  Are hats also a good idea for skin protection? Yes, of course! Choose a wide-brim hat that shades the face as well as the back of the neck for extra protection against UV rays. When it comes to identifying skin cancer, what should people watch for? We use easy-to-remember letters when checking for spots on the skin; it’s called the ABCDEs: A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole or lesion doesn't match the other half. B - Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, or notched. C - Color variation: The mole has different shades of color or uneven color distribution. D - Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters) or is increasing in size. E - Evolution: Any changes in the mole over time, such as size, shape, color, itching, bleeding, or crusting. These guidelines can help in identifying potentially suspicious skin lesions, but it's important to consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of skin cancer.

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© MikeSaran via Canva.com Hair is often considered a symbol of identity and self-expression, from scalps and eyebrows to beards and bodies. But what happens when this symbol starts to fall out? The 6.7 million people across the country living with alopecia know this feeling all too well. Alopecia, or hair loss, is a medical condition with variable causes, presentations and treatments. Experts at Renown Health dive into the world of alopecia, its causes and how to address it – especially as we embrace National Alopecia Awareness Month this September.   Types of Alopecia  The term “alopecia” is a broad umbrella term that encompasses many different forms of hair loss that can present itself at any age, no matter your gender or ethnicity. The most common types include:  Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system targets hair follicles, typically resulting in patches of hair loss on the scalp and/or other body parts. More severe forms of alopecia areata also exist, such as alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. Androgenetic (or Androgenic) Alopecia: A disorder also known as male or female pattern baldness that causes gradual hair thinning and loss often around the temples and crown. Unlike alopecia areata, this form of alopecia is usually hereditary. Telogen Effluvium: A condition resulting in hair shedding, typically after high-stress or infectious events, such as after giving birth or after a COVID-19 infection. This usually resolves itself within a few months to a year. Traction Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from the effects of tight braiding or styling of the hair, which can cause permanent loss over time. Scarring and Inflammation-Mediated Hair Loss: Patterns of hair loss related to lupus, lichen planus or other autoimmune conditions that can unfortunately be permanent and progressive.  Options to Treat Alopecia  While there isn’t a cure for most types of alopecia, some treatments are available to help minimize the effects of the condition and promote hair growth. Treatment varies depending on the type of alopecia. Potential options can include:  Topical Minoxidil: An FDA-approved over-the-counter medication available in foam or liquid form and applied directly to the scalp, which helps stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Hormone Therapies: A hormone regimen that can help minimize the resulting hair thinning and balding. Corticosteroids: A topical cream or ointment – or an injection for severe cases – that help reduce inflammation and re-grow hair. Low-Level Laser Therapy: A therapeutic, non-invasive intervention involving wearing special caps or combs that release painless, low-level lasers to stimulate hair follicles. Healthy Diets and Nutritional Supplements: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, such as biotin and collagen, can aid in recovery. Vitamin D and iron are also important hair growth nutrients. Stress Management: Stress can impact the speed and frequency of hair loss. Managing your stress can help mitigate the effects of alopecia.  Treatment for alopecia is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A scalp skin biopsy may help determine a cause for hair loss and help guide the best management strategies with your provider.  Addressing the Emotional Impacts  Even though alopecia isn’t life-threatening, the impacts of the condition can affect your self-esteem and self-image. The most powerful tool to help you manage alopecia is knowledge. Keeping yourself educated about your condition, and encouraging your loved ones to do the same, can help arm yourself with the acceptance and self-compassion you need and help combat misconceptions.  With the rise in awareness in the mainstream media for alopecia and other hair conditions, beauty standards and fashion are shifting to become more inclusive for those experiencing hair loss. Celebrating the many diverse hairstyles and fashion statements can help you regain your confidence. There are many options you can advantage of to help style your hair and protect your scalp:  Hairpieces: Wigs, extensions and other hairpieces can help cover up balding or thinning patches and add volume to your hair. Hairpieces have come a long way in the past few decades, and many use real human hair. Hats: Hats serve a dual purpose – a fun fashion accessory to help boost your confidence and a method of protecting your scalp from the sun. As someone with alopecia, your scalp is more exposed, and hats can provide that extra layer of protection you need. Scalp Sunscreens: While regular body sunscreens can provide good scalp sun protection, they can result in oily scalp and hair appearance. Sunscreens that are specifically designed for the scalp are available at most beauty stores or online. Remember, patience is fundamental, as many treatments require consistent use over time to see noticeable results. Stay resilient, and don’t give up – you are not alone in your alopecia journey.

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Heart failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to a variety of symptoms and potential complications. Although there has been progress made in the treatment of many forms of heart disease, heart failure continues to be a prevalent and life-threatening condition – nearly 6.2. million adults in the U.S. have heart failure. Recognizing the signs of heart failure is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. We talked to Ruth Skinner, APRN at the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, about recognizing common signs and symptoms of heart failure. Heart Failure Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of heart failure may be subtle and can be mistaken for normal signs of aging. Common symptoms of heart failure are due to extra fluid or congestion – typically starting with congestion of the lungs, then moving to different parts of the body. Common heart failure symptoms include:  Breathing Difficulties (Dyspnea): One of the hallmark symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath during daily activities and having trouble breathing when lying down.  Fatigue and Weakness: Because heart failure can lead to reduced blood flow to the body’s tissue, patients may find themselves becoming tired and weak even during routine activities.  Swelling (Edema): Fluid retention in the body can cause noticeable swelling. Weight gain along with swelling of the feet, legs, ankles or stomach is often a key sign of worsening heart failure. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Heart failure can disrupt the heart's electrical signals, causing irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) or a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). These can be felt as palpitations or fluttering sensations in the chest. Persistent Cough or Wheezing: Fluid buildup in the lungs triggers a persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by pink or white mucus.  Loss of Appetite or Nausea: Heart failure can affect blood flow to the digestive system, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite and nausea. If you or a loved one experiences any of the above signs and symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

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When it comes to our heart, keeping this vital source of life in tip-top shape is of utmost importance. Echo technologists or echocardiographers, otherwise known as "echo-techs," are charged with that mission, providing critical information that leads to life-saving interventions to keep our hearts beating strong.  Adrianne Little, echocardiographer at Renown Health, breaks down the echo-tech's role in the health system, the educational path it takes to get there and the unique perks that come with the profession.  What does an echo tech do?  “Echo techs play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients,” said Adrianne. “We are members of the cardiovascular imaging team that perform ‘heart ultrasounds’ or echocardiograms. Although we are most commonly known as echo techs, our official title is either ‘cardiac sonographer’ or ‘echocardiographer.’”  Echo techs use imaging technology and sophisticated ultrasound equipment to produce images of the heart. These images show how well the heart functions, as well as the valves, chambers and blood flow. Echocardiograms are used to diagnosis and treat a variety of heart conditions such as murmurs, arrhythmias and heart failure.   At the end of the day, the main goal of echo techs is to help our cardiovascular team provide the quickest and most accurate diagnoses to help with patient management and help them receive the highest standard of care.  “When it comes to looking at the heart, we are part of the front-line team," said Adrianne. “We provide real time critical information that leads to life saving interventions down the road.”

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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.

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While February is recognized as American Heart Month, it’s important to prioritize your heart health 365 days a year. Cardiologists play an integral role in our overall health and wellbeing – they are the experts when it comes to preventing and treating heart and vascular diseases. Dr. Jad Al Danaf of Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health shares eight reasons to visit a cardiologist. 1. Abnormal EKG The American Heart Association states an electrocardiogram, abbreviated as EKG or ECG, is a recording of the heart’s electrical activity to measure the rate and rhythm of the contractions in the upper and lower chambers of the heart. An EKG detects heart problems or abnormalities. If you have an EKG that shows abnormal results, you’ll want to see a cardiologist. An abnormal EKG can mean many things, such as irregular heart rate, heart rhythm abnormalities in the shape or size of the heart, medication side effects, and more. A cardiologist is most qualified to evaluate an abnormal EKG and determine the cause. 2. Immediate family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death Knowing your family health history is essential to identify if you’re at risk for certain health conditions such as heart disease. For example, if you’re aware of anyone in your immediate family who had or has had heart problems or passed away from sudden cardiac death. In that case, you’ll want to discuss it with a cardiologist so they can determine if screenings, medications, or lifestyle changes are needed to help lower your risk. 3. Chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion If you have chest pain or shortness of breath that starts or worsens with activity, it may indicate a heart problem, and you should schedule a visit with a cardiologist immediately. Severe chest pain might be a sign of a heart attack or other serious medical emergency. If you’re experiencing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or any other signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately. 4. High blood pressure Have you had a high blood pressure reading? If so, it’s recommended to consult with a cardiologist for further evaluation. High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, as uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage arteries, reducing blood flow and oxygen to your heart and brain.

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Renown Health welcomes you back from Burning Man. To make sure you have the support you need, here are some tips on where to get healthcare after your return from the playa. Our urgent cares see patients 365 days a year for medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening. This can include fractures, cuts, burns, sprains, fevers, animal bites, rashes, sore throats and fevers. Where To Get COVID-19 & Monkeypox Tests in Reno-Sparks Renown Health’s emergency rooms do not provide walk-in COVID-19 or monkeypox testing for patients. If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or monkeypox, we recommend you make an appointment with your primary care provider or visit one of our urgent care locations. Testing for COVID-19 is also available at local pharmacies in the Reno-Sparks area. Please visit Washoe County's COVID-19 page to learn more. Labor Day Holiday Hours: Fernley and Fallon urgent care locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5; all other Renown urgent care locations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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A Gallery-Worthy Member Artistry usually refers to a person’s ability to express their unique creativity in powerful and surprising ways. But there is also an art to living your life in ways that celebrate who you are, your limitless potential, the people you love and the community you care about. So imagine our delight to discover a Sterling Silver Club member and artist whose artistry of life reaches far beyond gallery walls.  An Early Love of Art Born in Chicago, Illinois, Debbie arrived as the last of her parents’ three children and has two older siblings, Cynthia and Henry (a.k.a. Skip). As is usually the case, school played an important role in their shared childhood and Debbie remembers being drawn to art assignments in class from an early age.   “When I was a young girl, I loved working on various art projects at school,” she recalls. “I always found myself learning something new and then teaching it to everyone I knew.”  Later, Debbie would play violin in the school orchestra, join the swim team, and to continue to learn about art and its broader influence.  “I remember taking a class and learning about color theory,” recounts Debbie. “I was so impressed with how colors relate to one another and also discovered how primary and secondary colors can be used together to make everything from products and advertising to what we wear more pleasing to the eye.”  Expression-ism. “Art allows you to express yourself,” says Debbie. “And I’ve always been quite happy being expressive.” Though Debbie’s affinity for art was obvious, it wasn’t destined to be her career… at least initially.  After earning degrees in marketing and public relations at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and George Williams College of Aurora University in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, respectively, Debbie began what turned out to be a career in technology.  In the Chicago area, she held positions as a systems analyst and computer programmer and a role in marketing and public relations for a computer software company. Then it was off to Los Angeles, California with her new husband, David, where she worked in sales and education for another software company.  The couple returned to Elmhurst, Illinois to start their family but eventually moved to and settled in Minden, Nevada where David had an insurance business for 23 years and their children grew to become the adults their grandparents dreamed of. “My mom and dad would be most proud of our children,” beams Debbie. “They (her parents) always hoped for the best for them and would be over the moon that they are doing what they want to do, two of them in the field of medicine.”  Debbie and David now live in Carson City, Nevada and their three children have established lives of their own. Jeffrey, the oldest, is a pastor and holds two master’s degrees. Rachael is an OB/GYN provider in Southern California and a graduate of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). And their youngest, John-Henry, is finishing up his medical training and will soon be a trauma surgeon.  Furry Family Members Debbie’s other “kids” are of the four-legged variety. “Mercedes and Bentley are really our luxury pugs,” she admits. “But are named after famous characters from books, not luxury cars.” She also says they are goofy, much-loved and simply melt the hearts of everyone they meet – “always!”

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Young children under 4 and adults over 65 are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion. Avoid heat exhaustion this summer with some expert tips. Northern Nevada summers can be downright hot, and although the balmy temperatures can feel great, they may cause heat-related illness, also known as heat exhaustion. Infants and children under 4 and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion because their bodies adjust to heat more slowly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs and even cause death. The Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion Heavy sweating Elevation of body temperature Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness, weakness, dizziness Headache Fainting Nausea or vomiting Cool and moist skin Fast and weak pulse Fast and shallow breathing Heat stroke happens when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body loses its ability to sweat. The Symptoms of Heat Stroke Body temperatures rising to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness or nausea Prevention and Treatment Make sure your air conditioner works Stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids Limit strenuous outdoor activities to mornings and evenings Drink plenty of water throughout the day Avoid caffeine and alcohol Do outdoor activities in the shade and wear light, loose clothing Take plenty of breaks and drape a wet bandanna around your shoulders to cool down If you suspect you or someone else is headed toward heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

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With skin cancer affecting one in five Americans and 3.5 million new skin cancer cases diagnosed yearly, being proactive about prevention is vital to your health. Dr. Angela Walker, a dermatologist with Renown Dermatology, Laser and Skin Care, explains. The 5 stages of melanoma How should someone examine their skin for moles? I recommend practicing monthly head-to-toe self-examination of your skin, so you can find any new or changing moles or marks that might be cancerous or precancerous. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It is also the easiest to cure if diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, self-examination can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in early skin cancer detection. Self-examination tips: Make sure you have a bright light, full-length mirror, hand mirror and a blow-dryer. Examine your face, especially your nose, lips, mouth and ears, both front and back. Thoroughly inspect your scalp, using a blow-dryer and mirror to expose each section. You might need to get a friend or family member to help. Check your hands carefully: palms and backs, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Continue up the wrists to examine your forearms' front and back. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, begin at the elbows and scan all sides of your upper arms. Don't forget the underarms. Next, focus on the neck, chest and torso. Women should lift their breasts to view the undersides. With your back to the full-length mirror, use the hand mirror to inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back and any part of the back of your upper arms you didn't already check. Scan your lower back, buttocks and backs of both legs. Check the front and sides of both legs, thigh to shin, ankles, tops of feet, between toes and under toenails. Examine the soles of feet and heels.

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For the average person, detecting the signs of heart failure can be tricky, especially since people can look fairly healthy and have few symptoms. We asked Christopher Rowan, M.D., of the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health, to answer our most pressing questions about heart failure. Even with more technology in medicine and a greater awareness about health today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still reports that one in every four U.S. deaths is caused by heart disease. The real tragedy of heart-related deaths is that they are both common and preventable. “Heart failure can have many forms that are seen in anyone at any age," says Christopher Rowan, MD, with Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. "As many forms as it has, it can also have as many causes. Although the symptoms of heart failure are numerous, people can look mostly healthy and have relatively few symptoms.” We sat down with Dr. Rowan to ask some common questions about heart failure. How can I tell if I have heart failure? What are some sure signs? "The signs and symptoms of heart failure are numerous, but the most common ones are shortness of breath when trying to walk (which differs from somebody’s normal pattern); progressive swelling in the feet, legs and ankles that does not disappear overnight; and waking up at night due to shortness of breath or waking up more than normal to urinate," Dr. Rowan says. Can heart failure be cured? "The treatment of heart failure depends on its primary cause," Dr. Rowan says. "Various forms of heart failure can be cured; however, the person is always at risk for recurrence. Some forms of heart failure have no cure but can be managed and stabilized and people can live a relatively normal life for years." What can I do to prevent heart failure? "To prevent the onset of heart failure, know your risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle," Dr. Rowan says. "If you have any of these risk factors, work to get them under good control and stop smoking. If you are overweight, start a daily routine where you walk at least 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Walking is the best exercise for your cardiovascular health." To learn more, visit the Heart Failure Program at the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. We want to hear your story! If you or a friend have been treated for a heart condition at Renown Health and are interested in chatting with us about your experience, please email your contact information to support@renown.org so we can follow up.

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Renown Health recently announced that it has contracted with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on a new program that offers enhanced Medicare benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. This new direct contracting Medicare program is designed specifically for patients with Original Medicare. Here are three things to know about Renown’s new program: The goal of the program is to help care providers work together to improve patients’ health by better coordinating patient care and reducing costs. Medicare beneficiaries who choose to sign up will have peace of mind knowing that they are in a program that ensures coordinated care along with potential cost-sharing assistance for chronic care management. Signing up for this program is easy – and it does not affect your existing Medicare benefits in any way. Simply click the button below, select either your current Renown Health or Geriatric Specialty Care provider from the drop down menu, complete the form and click “Submit Form.” It only takes a minute or two to fill out the form. You will be asked to provide the name of your primary care provider and be sure have your red, white, and blue Medicare card handy. Sign Up for Renown’s Enhanced Medicare Benefit Program Voluntary Alignment Sign Up Note: Participation in this program is voluntary. If you choose to sign up, your benefits will NOT change, and you can visit any doctor, other health care professional, or hospital. Learn more about Renown’s Direct Contracting Entity for Medicare Beneficiaries here. The statements contained in this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS. The authors assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this document.

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