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Start your day the healthy way with layers of creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and a whole lot of flavor! Our Berrylicious Parfait is the perfect balance of sweet and nutritious—packed with protein and texture and has less than 300 calories.

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When faced with chronic pain, that agonizing feeling of dread can be overwhelming to anyone, let alone a cancer survivor.   Take Renown Patient Access Representative (PAR) Jodee Elder, for example. As she was receiving radiation treatments while Fighting the Good Fight against cancer, she started to experience pain at the base of her spine that ended up progressing to lower spine arthritis. On top of trying to beat cancer, the last thing she needed to deal with was the intense pain that was affecting her everyday life – and she deserved a solution that was going to provide her with the relief she needed for the long term. That’s where the Special Procedures – Pain Management department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital – a part of Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management – stepped in.  But the team of doctors, nurses and imaging technologists Special Procedures had more on their minds for Jodee beyond pain relief. As a Renown employee, they knew what a best-in-class PAR Jodee was in her unit at the time, and they wanted that level of passion as the face of their department.  Little did they know that Jodee shared the exact same sentiments.  From Patient... As a skilled Patient Access team member since 2018, Jodee knows first-hand how important it is to set patients up for success before, during and after an intimidating procedure. She began her Renown career as a Pre-Registration PAR, eventually taking her expertise to Surgical Preadmission. During her years on those two teams, she honed her craft as a personable, patient-facing guide, continually going above and beyond for every patient and employee.  But there was one problem: the chronic pain in her lower back that happened as a result of her radiation treatments. This pain ended up being diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition that causes arthritis in the back. And when you work a desk job, back pain can be especially excruciating. When 2023 rolled in, Jodee knew she needed to try something new for her pain, something that would give her relief once and for all. After some research and advice from her doctor, she learned about Special Procedures, a team at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital offering pain management options that she wasn’t previously familiar with. Eventually, her care teams discovered that a bilateral radiofrequency nerve ablation may give her the relief she needed.  Throughout the entire process, Jodee recalls feeling supported every step of the way with an experience personalized just for her. Despite being nervous at first, she was quickly put at ease by the caring nature of her pain management team. “From scheduling and the pre-operative process to the procedure and recovery experience, I often think about the amazing care I received from the entire team,” said Jodee. “Dr. Casey Keating and the nurses were with me at every point of my procedure. This was such a personal experience. I was treated like I was their only patient for the day, and everyone tried hard to alleviate any anxiety, stress or worries I had by comforting me with things like music, rubbing my leg and one-on-one conversations throughout the process.”  Since her procedure, Jodee has been virtually pain-free, happily noting that she hasn’t taken any pain relievers from that day on. She gained a lot of coping skills from her care team that, as fate would have it, would inspire her to help other patients who are preparing for their own procedures.  ...To Pain Management Patient Access... Before her first procedure even began, Dr. Keating was already told all about Jodee by a former coworker, who applauded her organizational skills. He very quickly was impressed by her work ethic and experience as a PAR.  While she was undergoing her procedure, Jodee couldn’t help but notice how the nurses went above-and-beyond for her and treated her like she was a part of the team – even before they knew her. She immediately felt at home in Special Procedures, not only because of the level of care the team provided but also because of how much her life changed after receiving the much-needed relief for her back pain.  “When I came for my first injection, Dr. Keating introduced me to the nurses as ‘the PAR we want over here,’” said Jodee. “I was on the fence regarding leaving my current PAR role, but after my experience with Special Procedures, the team really sold me on the opportunity. I immediately thought, ‘I want to be a part of this.' They were so appreciative of me from the start."  And the rest is history. On Nov. 17, 2023, Jodee began her journey as the PAR dedicated solely to Special Procedures.  On a typical day, you can find Jodee interacting with patients ahead of time to make checking in more enjoyable, helping patients through the pre-registration process, scheduling our Renown-employed and community providers for each procedure, checking up on authorizations, and of course, leaving a positive impact on everyone she connects with. In addition, she is known as the Special Procedures “chart master” as the main employee organizing each patient’s chart.  But her duties as a PAR go beyond the desk. As a former patient herself, she has the unique ability to relate to Special Procedures patients who are worried and anxious about the road ahead.  “When nervous patients come in, I can connect with them on a personal level and support them with suggestions that helped me out when I was going through my procedure,” said Jodee. “I love being patient-facing. You wouldn’t believe how many patients we’ve helped enter their procedures calmer than they were before and get the relief they need. I enjoy taking care of these patients – that's why I got into healthcare. I wanted to make a difference.”  ...And Beyond Today, Jodee has been a proud PAR in Special Procedures for almost a year. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time with her fellow team members, who have been nothing short of a family to her in more ways than one.  “This team is incredibly supportive of me both at work and in my personal life,” said Jodee. “When my mother passed away, they sent me a beautiful flower arrangement and a card that they all signed. The day I came back to work, they all hugged me and said they were always there for me if I wanted to talk. It’s like a big family here.”  In her experience as a patient and a PAR, Jodee lives by one main motto: start a chain reaction. As she emphasizes, it only takes one of us to start a chain reaction to affect patients and the community. In Special Procedures, it starts with Jodee. And in life, she tells her kids to be that chain reaction starter.  Outside of work, Jodee enjoys spending time with her kids and is happily anticipating the arrival of her grandson, who was conceived very close to the day that her mother passed away. She always makes time to create new memories with her family, including “tattoo roulettes,” where they each put a few tattoo ideas in a hat and pick one at random; they then go out and each get matching tattoos as a testament to their love for one another.  “When one life ends, another life blooms,” said Jodee.  If you are interested in receiving care with Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management, speak with your provider about a referral to our specialized team. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about navigating your pain management care with Renown Health.

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Chances are you or someone you know will deal with chronic pain at some point in life. In fact, in the U.S. alone, one in five adults have experienced chronic pain in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The road to relief is a frequently traveled one that can be filled with twists and turns, so it’s important for patients to have a trusted provider by their side navigating that journey.  We interviewed Dr. Sharlene Su, a pain management physician with Renown Medical Group, who told us what patients can expect when seeking care with Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management (RSSPM) and all about the variety of pain relief options available to patients.  What pain management treatment options are available outside of painkillers? This depends on someone’s root cause of pain. For example, for pain from arthritis of the spine or major joints, radiofrequency ablation can relieve most of the pain for six months to two years, which can be life changing. If someone is suffering from a pinched nerve in the neck or back, an epidural can be useful. Nerve stimulators can also be a great option to relieve pain for years. One of the advantages of the procedures we perform at RSSPM is that they reduce the need for painkillers, which are notorious for having side effects of their own. Physical therapy can also be a very helpful tool to treat pain.  It is an exciting time in the field of pain medicine right now because new advances are -constantly being made. At Renown, we pride ourselves on staying current with the most cutting-edge treatments to ensure our patients always have the best available to them.  What are some at-home tips and tricks that patients experiencing pain can do on their own for some relief? If pain is related to posture or physical activity, consider doing stretching and strengthening exercises. YouTube can be a great (and free) resource for this. In terms of medications, over the counter topical pain creams can be great. Tylenol is one of the safest pain medications for those without preexisting liver conditions. On a short-term basis, anti-inflammatory medications can often be used safely depending on one’s overall health. Ice and heat can both be useful for treating muscle pain.  Can you tell us more about the services Renown Spine, Sports & Pain Management offers? Our team specializes in identifying the root cause of each patient’s pain and partnering with them to develop a custom plan tailored to their individual needs, which can involve injections, physical therapy and medications. We treat patients ranging from top-level athletes, to weekend warriors, to grandparents who’d like to be able to keep up with their grandkids. Once we relieve a patient’s pain, our role then transforms into a coach, educating and guiding our patients on how to prevent their pain from coming back.  At RSSPM, you’ll see the same doctor every time, which means that your provider will get to know you very well, and you’ll receive the same high-quality consistent care whenever you come for a visit.  Renown has a unique pain management team called “Special Procedures” that not many people may realize is a great option for care. How does this team treat pain? Our Special Procedures team is crucial to the high-quality pain management care that we provide. We have an amazing staff that assists with X-ray guided procedures including epidurals, radiofrequency ablations, joint injections and nerve stimulators. Dr. Casey Keating, our division chief, and I work with this team to ensure that every procedure is done with the same precision, attention to detail and quality. The Special Procedures team regularly receives feedback from patients on how well taken care of they felt during their procedure.  If someone is experiencing pain from an injury or even an unknown reason, what should they do to get care for their concerns? Contact your primary care provider for a referral to have an evaluation with us! RSSPM accepts most insurance plans and are proud that our wait times are averaging less than one week to be seen as a new patient. Two more doctors will be joining us in the next few months, which should reduce our wait times even more.  There are so many targeted and effective ways to treat pain nowadays, and it is worth addressing to live the life you want to live.

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Say Hello to Summer in a Bowl If you've wanted to add a heart-healthy dish to your recipe repertoire, now's the time. This tasty vegan bowl loaded with turmeric chickpeas, marinated tofu and quinoa offers essential nutrients and beneficial fats to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Do you have a picky eater in your household? Or maybe you've got a snack monster who’s all about chips and candy? We're here to share a few fun strategies to motivate your little superheroes to snack on healthy foods instead! Rainbow Power-Up Eating a rainbow isn't just for unicorns! Different colors mean different powers: Red foods like strawberries and tomatoes help your heart. Orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes help your eyes spot things like an eagle! Green foods like spinach and broccoli help you grow super strong bones. So, create a plate with as many colors as possible. The more colors, the more powers! Super Smoothies Blend your favorite fruits, such as bananas, berries and mangoes. Add some milk or yogurt and a handful of spinach. Your kids won't taste the spinach, and they'll drink a supercharged smoothie that gives them the energy to tackle any challenge. Create a Parfait Packed with Delicious Layers! Veggie Villans Who said veggies can't be fun? Turn them into heroes by giving them cool names and fun shapes. Make carrot sticks "Captain Crunch" or broccoli florets "Broc the Rock." Dip them in hummus or peanut butter for an extra flavor kick. Snack Attack Plates Create snack plates that are as fun as they are nutritious. Combine: Cheese cubes Grapes or apple slices Nuts or seeds Whole-grain crackers Mix and match these for your perfect plate! Make Your Own Trail Mix  Fuel-Up Challenges Challenge your kids to eat three different healthy foods each day. Turn it into a family game to see who can eat the most colors or try the most fruits and veggies. You can even draw up a "super snacks" chart to keep track of your progress. Final Super Tip! Even superheroes have cheat days. Don't worry if your family doesn't eat healthy every meal. Just aim to eat more of the good stuff than the not-so-great stuff. Your kid's bodies will reward them with tremendous energy, focus and strength.

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Craving a crunchy, sweet, and nutritious snack? Try making your own trail mix! Perfect blends of nuts, dried fruits, and a touch of chocolate can be whipped up using bulk bin ingredients or pantry staples. Enjoy this delicious, healthy snack on a hike, at the office, or on your next road trip through Nevada's scenic deserts.

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Potato salad is the superstar of summer picnics, a delightful sidekick at backyard BBQs, and a tasty everyday treat! Our friends at Renown's Health Improvement Programs whipped up a fabulous, health-conscious version that doesn't skimp on the creamy dreaminess we crave. This salad features purple potatoes for a dash of delightful color. It's also easy to make, with protein-rich Greek yogurt and egg whites. This simple but classic dish will indeed become your circle's new favorite—talk about a tasty transformation!

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Chronic pain can be one of the most distressing feelings someone may encounter – and more likely than not, you know someone who is managing their pain as a part of their healthcare journey. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced chronic pain in recent years. One of the most common methods of treating pain is through prescription pain medications; however, with the rise of the opioid epidemic across the country, leveraging other interventions to help patients manage their chronic pain has become increasingly more important. What if there was a way to treat pain directly without the automatic need for pain medication? Luckily for patients in northern Nevada, our Special Procedures department at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in exactly that: interventional pain mitigation sans painkillers. With nearly 95% of their patients who come in with pain-related mobility issues being able to physically walk out of the hospital after their treatment, much-needed relief is clearly in store. Tight-knit and forever-caring, the Special Procedures team knows how to transform the purpose of pain management. A Penchant for Pain Alleviation Renown's Special Procedures team offers a wide variety of pain management solutions that are uniquely tailored to each individual patient’s needs. With the help of a team of 14 attentive nurses, interventional radiology technologists and a surgical technician – plus a dedicated patient access representative ensuring everything goes smoothly behind-the-scenes – these lifechanging interventions include: Epidurals (including steroid epidurals) Nerve blocks Ablations Tenotomies Spinal cord stimulator trials Peripheral nerve stimulator trials The nurses on this specialized team guide patients before, during and after their procedures, making sure they are at ease throughout the entire process. Each nurse emulates both expertise and empathy to help light the path towards healing.  “Before each procedure, we get the patient’s vitals, health history and work with the doctor to answer any questions they may have about what is going to happen in the procedure room,” said Michon Edgington, RN. “After they’re all done, they come back to me, and I make sure they are ready to go home by educating them on their discharge. Our goal is to get them back to their families very quickly.”  “In the actual procedure room, we perform safety checks, do charting, prepare the sterile tray for the doctor and give medication for conscious sedations, all while consistently monitoring the patient and helping the doctor out along the way to help the procedure go well,” added Shannon Boelow, RN.  This team’s dedicated imaging professionals harness expertise that goes beyond capturing images. Their skillful utilization of X-ray technology serves as a guide for doctors administering treatments for pain – and according to our own physicians, our imaging technologists are some of the best in the business.  “Our X-ray skills here are specialized,” said Julie Smith, Imaging Lead. “Visually, the doctor needs to see what’s going on inside the body so they can accurately place needles and steroids. We all work together collectively and work with each doctor to accommodate their preferences, helping the treatments go much faster and minimizing the patient’s exposure to radiation.”  Serving as the ideal representation of both precision and support, the surgical technician on this team is an important collaborator in the procedure room, helping to ensure the success of every interventional procedure with a meticulous eye for detail.  “As the Special Procedures surgical technician, I get the room ready with all the necessary instruments, including making sure everything is sterile,” said Carrie Crow, Surgical Technician. “I enjoy keeping the team organized.”  Overseeing it all are the physicians, who are eternally grateful for the team for the life-changing interventions they offer every day.  “Our physicians are so phenomenal,” said Brittney Summerfield, Manager of Nursing. “They are very supportive and collaborative, and they always do the right thing. They have total confidence in us.”  Seeing patients walk out of the hospital happy and healthy is a driving motivator for this team. Whether they had significant experience in pain management or were ready for a completely new challenge, each team member comes to work every day inspired to move mountains.  “I had worked in pain management in other facilities, and I was extremely excited to come here and solely focus on pain,” said Jodi Eldridge, Supervisor of Special Procedures. “I enjoy seeing the patients so happy when they leave no longer in pain. I feel immediate gratification, because you truly feel like you’re doing something big for the patient. It’s very rewarding.”  “I decided to come work here because I worked in the inpatient setting for a long time, and I was ready to see a different side of healthcare and provide a different type of care to our community; plus, my coworkers are the best,” added Lisa Dunnivant, RN.  There’s no question that the realm of pain management is a delicate one – and there is no team better suited to take on that challenge than Special Procedures, working harmoniously to bring relief and a renewed sense of livelihood for every patient they serve.  “Some people believe pain management is just all about pills, and that is simply not true,” said Carrie Crow. “Our procedures are yet another way to help them manage their pain and find relief.”

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This holiday season, sprinkle some extra joy for your favorite furry pals by whipping up these easy, AKC-approved dog treats. With simple ingredients and quick baking times, they're the perfect last-minute surprise to show your pet some love. Turn it into a delightful gift by snagging some adorable, budget-friendly canisters (easily found at dollar or thrift stores) and fill them to the brim with these homemade goodies. It's a merry, tail-wagging gift that's sure to make this season the most pet-friendly one yet! 🎄🐾🍪

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Add a dash of holiday cheer to your gatherings with this vibrant Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. Its festive red and green hues perfectly capture the spirit of the season, while the delightful blend of sweet, spicy, tart, and creamy flavors is sure to delight and tantalize your guests' palates. Simple to prepare, this appetizer is an irresistible addition to any holiday feast!

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This easy, kid-friendly recipe just might be the perfect pre-trick-or-treating meal that will vanish before your eyes! Serve with veggie sticks and mustard and ketchup for dipping. Several healthy hot dog options, such as vegan, turkey and chicken, are available in most grocery or health food stores.

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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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