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COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a progressive lung condition often mistaken for typical aging signs, like shortness of breath and coughing. While smoking and pollution can contribute to its development, lifestyle changes and medications can help manage its progression. Diagnosis typically involves lung function tests, chest X-rays, or CT scans, with treatments available through a pulmonologist or primary care provider. Renown’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program offers insights into living with COPD. What is COPD? According to the COPD Foundation, it is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including: Emphysema: Damage to the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). Chronic Bronchitis: Irritation and swelling of bronchial tubes, causing shortness of breath and coughing for long periods of time. Asthma (non-reversible): When asthma medications cannot reduce swelling in the airways. COPD Risk Factors Smoking is the most significant COPD risk factor, and the American Lung Association (ALA) says it accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases. If you are a smoker, it is essential to seek help and quit. Other COPD risk factors include: Air pollution Genetics Second-hand smoke Chemical, fumes or dust in the workplace How Can You Protect Yourself?  Stop smoking Renown Health provides support offering 4-week Smoking Cessation Virtual Classes, free of charge! Sign up today. Use natural cleaning products Many household chemicals, especially those containing bleach, can irritate the lungs – a condition called, chemical pneumonitis. Stay away from all types of smoke This includes smoke from fireplaces. Likewise, plan to stay indoors when it is smoky outside, or air quality is poor. Get active Of course, it’s never too late to start an exercise program. When exercising your heart pumps, circulating your blood and sending oxygen to every part of your body. Notably it strengthens your lungs, making it easier to breath. Talk to your doctor to see if you are healthy enough to begin exercising. Eat a healthy diet Surprisingly what you eat can affect your breathing. The American Lung Association encourages those with COPD to watch their sodium intake, eat smaller, more frequent meals (instead of three large ones), limit high fat foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid scented products Perfumes, aerosol sprays and plug-in air fresheners can trigger flare-ups. Get a flu shot Did you know chronic lung conditions, as well as, heart disease, cancer and diabetes, can be made even worse by the flu? Now is the time to get your flu shot for the season if you haven’t already. Renown’s Pulmonary Rehab staff is certified through the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).  Recently, Renown Regional Medical Center successfully completed a disease specific COPD certification survey by The Joint Commission. For two accreditation cycles in a row, the COPD Program has had zero findings during the rigorous survey.

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Renown Health is closely following the national outbreak of the monkeypox virus and urging healthcare providers to be alert for patients with illnesses associated with a rash. In working with the Washoe County Health District (WCHD), Renown is closely monitoring the spread of monkeypox in the community and looking to prevent and reduce the spread of monkeypox. To help to ease worries, we consulted with Paul De Leon, Infection Preventionist at Renown Health. What Exactly is Monkeypox? Monkeypox is a rare viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus — the same family of viruses that causes Smallpox. Although symptoms are similar to Smallpox, monkeypox symptoms are milder and rarely fatal. However, it's important to mention that this virus can be more severe for these susceptible groups: Immunocompromised Pregnant women A fetus or newborn baby Women who are breastfeeding Young children Those with severe skin diseases such as eczema How is Monkeypox Transmitted? The monkeypox virus is not easily transmitted but occurs through sustained person to person close contact with an infected individual. Monkeypox can also be transmitted through direct contact with infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. Monkeypox can also be spread through prolonged intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex. Lastly, monkeypox can be spread through contaminated linens or bedding. Transmission through respiratory secretions is uncommon but has been reported after prolonged face-to-face contact with symptomatic individuals. In addition, pregnant women can spread the virus to their fetuses through the placenta. Monkeypox Testing If you think you have monkeypox, contact your primary care physician or other medical providers to obtain testing. Notify the provider ahead of time before entering the physical office. Signs & Symptoms This current outbreak of West African monkeypox does not have the typical presentation of classic monkeypox. Symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after infection and include: Pimple-like rash or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and on other areas of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash will go through serval stages, including scabs, before healing and may be painful or itchy. Other symptoms of monkeypox can include: Fever Headache Muscle aches and backache Swollen lymph nodes Chills Exhaustion Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough Symptoms of monkeypox may occur before or after a rash with some individuals only report experience a rash. Individuals with monkeypox are infectious once symptoms begin and remain infectious until lesions form scabs, scabs fall off, and a fresh layer of skin forms. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

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Many millennials are fortunate to have good health, but it’s important to be prepared for your next doctor’s visit. Here are three things that millennials should stay on top of for tracking and maintaining their health. For many millennials, doctor visits and preventive healthcare fall by the wayside. Alison Lynch, MD, a family medicine provider with Renown Medical Group says there are a few key things you can do now to set yourself up for a healthy future. 1. Establish with a Primary Care Provider Millennials are more likely to go to urgent care or consult the internet when a healthcare issue arises. While these are helpful tools, here’s a better one: a primary care provider. The benefit of establishing with a primary care provider is that your medical records, history and a baseline for your health will be documented. That means that when a problem or question comes up, your doctor will already have helpful information on file and can help you navigate your needs. Having a primary care provider is often required for prescription refills and referrals to a specialist. By establishing now, you’ll be able to get what you need in the future much faster. Make an Appointment Today 2. Protect Yourself and Your Community There are a few vaccinations and screenings that Dr. Lynch recommends for millennials. Flu Shots: These are available every year and are recommended for protecting not only yourself against the flu but also others you may come into contact with. Flu shots are usually available from August through December through your healthcare provider, pharmacies and pop-up events. Tetanus or Tdap: Most people receive a tetanus shot as a child, but it’s recommended that everyone get a booster every 10 years. If you are overdue, talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about getting updated. Pap smear: If you’re a woman, a pap smear is recommended every three years in your 20s and every five years in your 30s. HPV vaccine: This vaccine helps prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer as well as the majority of head and neck cancers and warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all genders up until age 45. STD screening: Consider an STI/STD screening if you’re sexually active.

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When you have an ill child in the hospital, it is a stressful event. And Panda Express is helping local families support children who need special care. Their generous donation provides much-needed equipment, programs, and resources via the new Panda Cares Center of Hope, Renown Children’s Specialty Center. Their partnership directly benefits patients and their families! The ‘Panda Cares Center of Hope, Renown’s Children’s Specialty Center’ In fact, this new center provides care to not only children, but also comprehensive support to the entire family. Similarly, it creates an environment that reduces stress, promotes healing, and provides a superior patient and family experience. This facility upholds Panda Express’ mission, vision, and values and its four pillars: to directly help fund the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of children. This center, the first-ever in northern Nevada, will provide care for children who have chronic conditions. In particular, it offers ongoing treatment, health management, and specialty medical services, including: Nephrology Endocrinology Neurology Pulmonary Infectious Diseases Medical Genetics Adolescent Medicine How You Can Help! When you order from Panda Express, you can opt to round up your change, which will help support programs and services, such as the Center of Hope for Renown Children’s Hospital. Order Online A Partnership for Health & Education of Underserved Youth This partnership allows Renown Children’s Hospital to continue to strengthen regional services and increase Panda’s visibility within our growing community. Last year, 21,930 sick children received care from Renown Children’s Hospital. To date, Panda Express has raised $449,200 in financial support to assist us in providing health and education to every child, regardless of illness, injury, insurance, or ability to pay. Panda Express funds have already supported: Giraffe omni beds for the NICU Ultrasound machine for the Children’s ER Panda warmers and a hand held Accuvein machine Child Life Program to support sick patients and families Meeting room in the Children’s Specialty Center In kind donations, volunteer time and support of local events such as the University of Nevada Reno, Wolf Pack Dance Marathon

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