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Northern Nevada's stunning lakes, including Lake Tahoe, with its average summer water temperature of 50 degrees, present a potential risk of hypothermia. Unlike mild 50-degree air, water at the same temperature poses severe, life-threatening risks, including rapid-onset hypothermia and drowning. Awareness of the symptoms and taking proper precautions are crucial to prevent cold-water drowning. The 4 Phases of Cold-Water Drowning 1. Cold Shock Response: This response affects breathing and happens within the first minute. An automatic gasp reflex occurs in response to rapid skin cooling. If the head goes below water, water may be breathed into the lungs, resulting in drowning. A life jacket will help keep your head above water during this critical phase. Additionally, hyperventilation, like the gasp reflex, is a response to the cold and will subside. Panic will make this worse, so the key is to control breathing. 2. Cold Incapacitation: This response occurs within the first five to 15 minutes in cold water. In order to preserve core heat, vasoconstriction takes place decreasing blood flow to the extremities to protect the vital organs. The result is a loss of movement to hands, feet, arms and legs. Unless a life jacket is being worn, the ability to stay afloat is next to impossible. 3. Hypothermia: Important to note, it can take 30 minutes or more for most adults to become hypothermic. So there’s time to take action and survive. Keeping panic at bay is critical, as you have more survival time than you think. Symptoms include: Shivering Slow and shallow breathing Confusion Drowsiness or exhaustion Slurred speech Loss of coordination Weak pulse 4. Circum-rescue Collapse: This experience can happen just before rescue and is not well understood. Symptoms range anywhere from fainting to death. Some experts believe an abrupt drop in blood pressure may cause this final stage of cold water drowning, post-rescue. Additional Safety Tips and Helpful Resources Always wear a personal flotation device as well as a wetsuit or drysuit. Your personal flotation device is the most important piece of water safety gear. Try not to panic as the first phases will subside. Controlled breathing is to staying calm. Research suggests the body can withstand the cold longer than we think. The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) is a position which helps conserve energy if you’re wearing a personal flotation device. By hugging your knees to your chest, this posture helps maintain body heat for some time.

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Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or sibling, it's vital to recognize that drowning is the second leading cause of death among children," states Dr. Leland Sullivan, of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians. "While we diligently work to protect children from water-related accidents, there's a lesser-known threat that often goes unnoticed—dry drowning, also known as delayed drowning. Surprisingly, many people remain unaware of its existence and potential dangers. Dry drowning defined Dry drowning is a side-effect of a near-drowning experience and includes spasms of the vocal cords and larynx — known as a laryngospasm. This occurs when the body attempts to shut down the passage of any liquid into the lungs. Unfortunately, it can also shut down the passage of air into the lungs and force fluid into the stomach and lungs. Often the condition is not discovered until it's too late — severe cases can cause death within one to 24 hours after a water incident occurs. Who is susceptible? Novice or first-time swimmers are at increased risk, as are children with asthma and known breathing issues. In addition, children who have had pneumonia or experienced acute respiratory distress syndrome are also at greater risk. To reduce these factors, caregivers should be exceptionally watchful of inexperienced swimmers. According to Dr. Sullivan, children under the age of 5 are most susceptible to drowning and often drown in residential swimming pools. Infants less than 1-year-old most often drown in bathtubs. What are the signs of a dry drowning episode? If your child has a near-drowning incident, a few moments of coughing until they calm down is normal. However, you should know the more severe signs and symptoms to watch for during the 24 hours following the incident, including: Persistent coughing Difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath Chest pains Extreme fatigue and/or lethargy Change in typical behavior Face becomes pale   What is the treatment and prognosis for dry drowning? Dr. Sullivan recommends that all victims of near-drowning incidents seek medical attention, even if they have no symptoms. If caught early, dry drowning can be treated. If you think your child is experiencing a dry drowning episode, go to the nearest emergency room as quickly as possible — do not attempt treatment at home. Healthcare professionals will work to supply oxygen to your child's lungs to restore and regulate breathing.

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Heat and ice are two of the most common treatments used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in injuries. However, each one is better suited for certain types of injuries Dr. Luis Palacio, MD explores the differences between the two.  When it comes to treating aches and pains, the debate between heat and ice has been ongoing for quite some time. Both have their benefits making it crucial to understand which option is better suited for your specific needs.   Determining which method is better depends on various factors such as the type of injury or pain you are experiencing. For instance, if you have recently sprained your ankle or pulled a muscle during exercise, applying ice within the first 48 hours can help minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort.   It's worth noting that some individuals find alternating between heat and ice therapy beneficial as well. This approach combines the benefits of both methods by using heat to increase blood flow followed by ice to reduce inflammation.  Cold Therapy  Cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation after an injury, heat can have the opposite effect. Therefore, heat therapy should be reserved for those who have chronic pain issues and are not dealing with an acute injury. Cold therapy is often recommended immediately after an injury or during the initial stages of inflammation.  Cold therapy such as ice packs are especially effective in treating: Sprains  Strains Any injury that involves swelling Heat Therapy  Heat therapy is known for its ability to relax muscles, increase blood flow and soothe pain. It is often used for chronic conditions or injuries that are not inflamed. Applying heat can help alleviate stiffness, promote healing and provide a comforting sensation. This increased circulation can bring more nutrients and oxygen to the area, helping it to heal faster.  Heat therapy such as heating packs are especially effective in treating:  Stiffness with associated pain   Injuries that are not inflamed  Muscle pain

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Seeking specialized care for your teen from a sports medicine doctor is essential. Like a coach fine-tunes a player's skills, our experts fine-tune your teen's health, ensuring they stay at the top of their game. Luis Palacio, MD, a sports medicine physician with Renown Health, shares information to help young athletes safely push their boundaries and achieve their personal best. The Role of Sports Medicine Sports medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare that focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to physical activity and sports. Renown's Sports Medicine team consists of skilled professionals passionate about keeping young athletes performing at their peak while minimizing the risk of injury. With a comprehensive approach to care, our sports medicine doctors provide tailored guidance and solutions to help your teen reach their full potential. Injury Prevention and Education Prevention is the key to maintaining a long and successful athletic journey. Our sports medicine doctors collaborate with young athletes to educate them about proper warm-up techniques, body mechanics, and techniques to prevent overuse injuries. From understanding the importance of rest days to practicing correct form, our experts empower teen athletes with the knowledge they need to stay in the game.

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© AndreyPopov via Canva.com Becoming a Hometown Health plan member opens you up to the largest provider network in our region. As northern Nevada’s only not-for-profit health insurance company, the hometown advantage goes beyond your health coverage – and you may not be using all the perks available to you. Here are three benefits that Hometown Health is proud to offer all members to enhance wellbeing and connect the dots between healthcare and technology.  MyChart  MyChart is Renown Health's and Hometown Health’s secure online member portal that gives you direct access to your health and benefit information. From 24/7 access to your benefits and important documents to scheduling an appointment with your provider, this free tool is a great way to keep track of your family’s health. If you have a Renown primary care provider, you can use MyChart to:  Securely email your healthcare provider. Get your test results faster and view your After Visit Summaries. Request prescription refills. Schedule and check-in for appointments. Pay your bill. Request your medical records and review immunization records. Manage designated health care agents and upload end-of-life documents, such as advance directives and a living will. View or download your documents: Member ID Card, Summary of Care, Explanation of Benefits, Referrals and Authorizations. Get in touch with our Customer Engagement Center.  Telehealth  Virtual visits have never been easier thanks to Renown Telehealth and Teladoc. These two tools are convenient options that allow members to be seen by a qualified doctor via phone or video chat who can diagnose, recommend treatment and prescribe medication for many non-emergent medical conditions – no matter where you are. Some of the health issues your virtual provider can treat include:   Cold and flu Allergies Sore throat Sinus infection Respiratory infection Stomach bug Ear infection Urinary tract infection  Both Renown Telehealth and Teladoc are also staffed with specialists in behavioral health, where you can speak with a therapist or psychiatrist on a wide variety of issues, including:  Stress and anxiety Depression Trauma Grief Burnout Medication management  Renown is also proud to offer access to top-level specialty care to address your ongoing condition and help guide you through illness maintenance and education. Through Renown Telehealth, Hometown Health members have access to a variety of specialties, including (but not limited to):  Adolescent Medicine Cardiology Hematology, Oncology and Pediatric Oncology Nephrology Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Neurology Pulmonary and Pediatric Pulmonary Sleep Medicine  New in recent years, Teladoc is now proud to offer both dermatology and nutrition visits. Teladoc dermatologists can treat conditions like acne, rosacea and rashes, while their registered dieticians can help you manage your nutrition and weight goals.  Booking an appointment with Renown Telehealth is easy by heading over to MyChart and selecting “Schedule an Appointment.” To book an appointment with a Teladoc provider, visit teladoc.com or download the Teladoc app.  Renown Telehealth is available within the state of Nevada, and Teladoc is available in all 50 states. Your copay can be as low as $0 for each visit; check your plan documents for more information.  Doctoroo  The house call has returned – avoid long urgent care waits with Doctoroo. Through Doctoroo, Hometown Health members have access to in-home urgent care services at the same price as your regular urgent care copay. A call to Doctoroo will dispatch a fully equipped medical team consisting of an EMT and either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to your home within a few hours. Whether you need treatment or testing, each team is ready to provide care in the comfort of your own home with their over 60 medications and antibiotics, EKGs, wound dressings, IVs, catheters and more.  Doctoroo care teams can address and treat many non-emergent care areas and conditions, including (but not limited to): Respiratory Ear, Nose, Throat Eye Wound Care Cardiac Care Musculoskeletal Gastroenterology  Doctoroo is open year-round from 7 a.m. to midnight. Book a house call in minutes in the Doctoroo app or by calling (888) 888-9930.

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Injuries happen to everyone. They are caused by participating in sports, recreational activities like hiking, and even by accidentally stepping off a curb wrong. If you experience a sprain or strain, the first few days are often the most painful. Renown Sports Medicine physicians Luis Palacio, MD and Brandon Hockenberry, MD walked us through what to do after an injury.  Listen to Your Body See a medical professional right away if: You know or suspect that a bone is broken You are having difficulties putting full weight on a joint of the leg Pain or swelling is severe There is a sign of an infection, such as redness and warmth in the joint  The First 24-72 Hours Joint sprains tend to swell more than muscle strains. You can use ice as needed for comfort and to relieve any pain, but do not use ice for more than 15-20 minutes at a time. Ice and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) can help prevent excessive swelling and mask the pain, but they do not speed recovery. Some research shows that overuse of ice actually delays recovery.    During the first 24-72 hours, your injury will go through an inflammation phase. Inflammation is your body’s natural way to dispose of dead tissue cells, build new healthy structures, and hopefully heal even stronger than before.

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Tendonitis occurs when a tendon in your body is inflamed or irritated. This painful condition can impact your day-to-day activities, but can be managed and prevented. Luis Palacio, MD, shared some insights into how to manage tendonitis. Overuse and Repetitive Motion Tendons are complex tissues in our body that connect muscles to bones, allowing us to move. Unfortunately, sometimes these tendons become inflamed, worn down or injured, a condition called tendonitis. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain or dull ache, tenderness and mild swelling at the site. While tendonitis can be caused by a sudden injury, it is more commonly seen in frequent motions, including: Repetitive motions in exercise, work or other physical activities. Awkward positions in a movement, including poor posture. Forced movements that strain your body. Sudden increase in frequency of movement or level of difficulty, including little to no recover time between new activity. Shoes without proper support or hard surfaces, such as concrete floors. Evaluation is Key If you suspect that you have tendonitis and it does not resolve on its own after a few days, you should get it evaluated by a primary care or sports medicine doctor. They can make recommendations to aid your recovery and refer you to the right sub-specialist if needed. With some intentional actions, you can help reduce the risk of tendonitis with the following suggestions: Add variety: Mixing up the type of exercise you do will help prevent repetitive motions that can result in overuse. Stretch and condition: Make sure the keep up with proper stretching and muscle strengthening to support your physical activities. Do it right: Make sure that the way you are completing exercise or work-related physical activities is correct. Seek out a professional for lessons or guidance if you are unsure.

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Concussions are an unfortunate occurrence in youth sports and other physical activities. Learning the signs now will help you respond if you suspect that someone near you has suffered a concussion. A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur after any injury to the head/neck area. It’s important to seek the appropriate level of care if they occur. Brandon Hockenberry, MD with Renown Sports Medicine shares tips on concussion signs to look for and what to do next. Look for these Dangerous Signs First Call 911 or visit an ER right away if you notice one of the following in the person who suffered a blow to the head or body: One pupil is larger than the other Severe or worsening headaches Drowsiness or inability to wake up, including any period of unconsciousness Slurred speech, weakness, numbness or decreased coordination Multiple episodes of vomiting Convulsions, shaking or twitching Monitor for Concussion Signs and Symptoms If someone suffers a bump, blow or other jolt, it’s important to look out for changing symptoms. Symptoms can continue to evolve for up to 24 hours after the injury. Seek care from your primary care provider, an urgent care or a sports medicine provider if you notice any of the following: Cannot recall events prior to or after the incident Appears confused or disoriented Clumsy movements Slow reaction, including movements and speech Changes to normal behavior or mood You should also question the person about how they are feeling. If they report any of the following symptoms, seek care: Headache or feelings of pressure in their head Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or balance issues Problems with eyesight, such as blurriness or double vision Increase sensitivity to light or sound Sluggishness, or feelings described as “hazy” or “foggy” Struggles with remembering or concentration Just “not feeling right”

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Your provider wants to send you to a specialist. Now what?  You are about to enter the referral process. A referral is your provider’s recommendation for you to see a specialist or receive specialized treatment. When it comes to referrals, the process can seem like the wild west for people not familiar with it. At Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus, we make the process simple for all our members. We know that access to specialists is a vital aspect of total health, and our goal is to break down those barriers to care at every level.   Here is a step-by-step guide to how the referral process with your Hometown Health or Senior Care Plus provider works:  1.   Your primary care provider (PCP) or urgent care provider will send a referral to the specialist’s office. A referral can also be sent from another specialist or after discharge from the hospital. This is usually done via email or fax.   2.   As your referral is sent, now would be the ideal time to discuss with your provider’s office how the specialist will receive your medical records prior to your appointment. Your provider’s office will most likely send these records to the specialist for you, but it is always a good idea to double-check with them directly.  At Renown, the referrals team will send the following items to your specialist’s office when available:  ID Insurance card Most recent and relevant office notes to support the referral The referral order Any relevant labs or imaging pertaining to the referral Demographics information  3.   The specialist’s office will call you to schedule the appointment after they receive the referral. Each office processes the referrals they receive in a slightly different time frame, so if you have any questions about the status of your referral, it is best to call their office directly. At Renown, if you are enrolled in MyChart, you can access the phone number for your specialist as soon as the team processes the referral. Those not enrolled MyChart will receive a letter in the mail with scheduling information.  4.   The specialist will start to develop a course of treatment. That may include procedures, diagnostic tests or medications. Some of these treatments may require prior authorization from your insurance plan, so don’t forget to discuss how and when your specialist will receive the authorizations before you begin your course of care to avoid any surprise bills.  What can I expect if I have a Renown specialist?  At Renown, we handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes nitty-gritty so you don’t have to. After the referral is placed, it routes to Renown’s centralized referrals team and triaged to make sure you are scheduled with one of our providers with the right specialization for your specialty care needs. This team will also obtain the prior authorization you need and will you to a specialist that is in your network and based on you and/or your provider’s preference and continuity of care. The referrals team will attempt to find you a Renown provider first if you are not yet established elsewhere.   For Hometown Health and Senior Care Plus members, prior authorization is not required for certain services if you are being referred to a Renown provider. This makes the scheduling process go quicker for both the provider and the patient.   Our referrals team strives to keep their turnaround time for referrals within three business days, not including prior authorization wait times. If your referral is marked as ‘urgent,’ it will be reviewed within one business day so you are seen as soon as possible based on the needs of your medical condition, and you will receive a direct phone call with scheduling information.   After prior authorization is obtained, the Renown scheduling team will call you through an automated phone system or via a message in MyChart with a direct link to schedule your appointment. To speak with a Renown scheduler or if you have any questions, please call 775-982-5000.  What does prior authorization mean?  Prior authorization isn’t as scary as it sounds! Essentially, prior authorization is your provider “going to bat” for you to receive this specialty level of care. Some medical services, including many specialists, are covered only if your ordering provider (usually your PCP) submits an authorization request to your insurance plan. They will include specific details about the type and duration of treatment they would like you to receive and any medical records that support your need for the specialist.  After your insurer receives the request, a licensed medical professional will review the request, your records and your plan benefits. They will decide whether the specialty treatment is considered medically necessary based on recognized standards of care.  Where can I go for more information?  Your referrals and authorizations can be viewed in MyChart. To view them, navigate to Your Menu in the upper left corner of the page, scroll to the Insurance section and click on “Referrals.”   The Renown referrals team is available to answer your questions and address any concerns. Give them a call at 775-982-2707 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Any questions you may have related to referrals and authorizations, including outside-of-Renown providers, can be directed to our expert Hometown Health or Senior Care Plus customer engagement representatives.

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Becoming a caregiver or playing a more active role in another’s healthcare is a big responsibility. At some point, almost all adults will support an aging parent or a loved one in need. Keeping track of their needs and wellbeing, while also prioritizing your own can become overwhelming. It’s important to know: you are not alone, and help is available. Read on for 11 tips to help you manage your time, your own wellbeing and your loved one’s care. Self-care comes first. When your main priority is the person in your life who needs care, it’s easy for your own needs to take the backseat. Give yourself time each day to focus on your personal wellbeing. It’s hard to give a loved one the care they need if your own needs are not met. Prioritize the Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Make a note of what ADLs your loved one can do alone, what they need help with and what activities require the most help. This will help you work through the day with them, as well as plan out how the day’s activities will go. Do a home safety audit. Do showers, bathtubs and steps have safety grab bars? Look around the house for additional tripping hazards, like rugs or electrical cords. If your loved one struggles with day-to-day navigation of the home, consider scheduling an occupational therapy appointment. This type of therapy helps a person develop or maintain the motions required to accomplish daily tasks. You might also qualify for a referral to in-home healthcare, such as Home Care. Have the hard conversation. The best time to discuss views about end of life care and to learn what choices are available is before a life-limiting illness or crisis occurs. With advance care planning, you can help reduce the doubt and anxiety related to decision making at the end of life. Completing an Advance Directive is a great tool to sort out all these decisions before they’re needed. Attend a free workshop to learn more and complete this important document. Identify when you need respite. Respite care involves receiving a short-term break from caregiving. Organizing in-home care for your loved one will allow you to step away and tend to your needs. By identifying what kind of respite care you are seeking, you can find the right person to provide you with that much-needed break. Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed, plan ahead. Write down insurance contact information. Have a direct connection to the right insurance professional for support and advice. If your loved one is eligible Medicare, this is a good opportunity to review their current selections and if they would benefit from a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement Insurance. Seeking out expert advice or information on Medicare options is a great way to navigate this. Consider calling a broker, or attend a free educational seminar with Senior Care Plus. Gather legal and financial information. Make a list of all existing legal documents and financial accounts that your loved one has. These might include a will, advance directive, power of attorney, bank accounts or investment accounts. If you have questions about how to manage them, or need assistance in setting up additional framework, reach out to a lawyer, legal service, financial adviser or bank representative. Create an inventory of medical information. Identify where all of your loved one’s medical records are, as well as a list of providers or healthcare practices where they have received care. Consider if you should have your loved one give you Proxy Access in MyChart, which allows you to access all the features in MyChart on their behalf, including viewing upcoming appointments, viewing test results and emailing a doctor on their behalf. Make a list of what others can do. Think about all the little (and big) things that need to happen, and write down tasks that others could take care of you. When someone says “let me know what I can do” you’ll be ready with a pre-written list of items they may be able to assist with. Tasks could include tackling around-the-house repairs, scheduling lawn work, helping to walk the dog, taking a car for an oil change and cleaning. Find programs and events for social enjoyment. If and when possible, seek an activity outside of the home. Look for community centers that have programs for seniors, recreational activities or meals that you can patriciate in together. If leaving the home is not an option, arrange for visits or in-home activities, such as movie nights, card games or time to visit with family. Research long-term options. If you will be considering a nursing home or assisted living, make a list of amenities that you and the person you are caring for would like. Take this list with you when visiting potential locations to make sure you don’t forget to ask about each item.

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Being admitted to the hospital is never easy. Being admitted for a traumatic injury can be even harder. Whether it's learning how to walk again or powering through a new speech therapy routine, recovering from an injury that may affect the course of your life can be daunting.  But it doesn’t have to be, thanks to the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team at Renown Health.  The smiling faces of the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team at both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center will make you see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your dedicated physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists are here to serve you and place you back on the right path to recovery and function.  The Role of Acute Inpatient Therapy  The Acute Care Rehab Therapy team comes in at a critical juncture in a patient’s care process after hospital admission. As one of the primary rehabilitation partners on a care team, these dedicated therapists are here to maximize every patient’s safe and independent living before they set off back home – all while reducing the risk of hospital readmission.  “As physical therapists, we address musculoskeletal deficits and assess a patient’s current function after acute injury or illness from their baseline and develop a plan for functional recovery,” said Kristie Eide-Hughes, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional. “We also use our clinical expertise to assist with the discharge process and make sure each patient has the best durable medical equipment the first time around, removing the guesswork.”   “On the occupational therapy side, we work with patients to facilitate their independence with basic life skills, such as dressing, bathing and using the restroom,” added Jeanne Clinesmith, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional.  “In the pediatric setting, we help babies and kids get back to what they were doing before they came into the hospital,” continued Rhonda Yeager, Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. “In the NICU specifically, we support the development of babies, trying to prevent problems from worsening. It’s nice to be a source of positivity in an otherwise intimidating situation.”  The role of therapy in this setting reaches all ages, from babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to adults approaching end-of-life care. Every therapeutic approach is tailored specifically to each patient.  “Therapy is more of a habilitative approach for infants in the NICU, while it is more of a rehabilitative approach for kids and adults following injury or illness,” said Sara Carolla, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional.   Each team member in the Acute Care Rehab Therapy department is dedicated to each patient, helping them make progress from start to finish and giving them the tools to succeed along the way.  “I enjoy the variety of the patients we get to see and the ability to see them make gains from the wonderful treatment they get in the hospital from my team,” said Kelly Schwarz, Occupational Therapist at Renown South Meadows.  “We provide education as each patient’s acute issues evolve,” added Nicole Leeton, Speech Language Pathologist at Renown Regional. “One of my favorite parts of my work is the patient and family education aspect, and that includes other healthcare provider education as well. It’s a moving picture.”  Moreover, every team member gives each patient tools to learn how to be themselves again and empowers them to continue striving for the best possible result of their therapy  “We get the opportunity to make a person’s bad experience in life better even by spending one session with them, giving them the keys to unlock something that they didn’t think they had the ability to do,” said Dana Robinson, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional.  On the Road to Independence  Our dedicated therapists in the Acute Care Rehab Therapy team set the stage for a patient’s recovery process after trauma, showing them their potential for independence. With a multitude of patients coming into the hospital with many degrees of medical complexity, each day is different while the end goal is always the same: to optimize function as early as possible while overcoming any barriers and paving the way for a comfortable and effective quality of life.  “Early intervention is a big piece,” said Nicole Leeton. “Us seeing patients early can get them recovered and independent more quickly and help prevent future illness and injuries. For example, in speech therapy, getting in early and facilitating communication skills for patients with impaired speech can make a huge difference.”  Acute Care Rehab therapists dig deeply to see the whole picture of each patient’s situation to foster their independence – their history, social skills, support system and more.  “Sometimes, we are the difference between independence and dependence,” said Dana Robinson. “We are the eyes and ears because we have so much time with the patients. Our team is extremely collaborative and develops a great rapport with patients, so they feel comfortable telling us everything going on with them.”  “For kids, we teach parents ways they can help their kids by setting up their homes and the equipment they need to succeed,” added Rhonda Yeager.  According to the team, one of the biggest keys to independence is repetition. A continual flow of getting up and trying again is crucial for recovery.  “Repetition helps people regain their quality of life back sooner and control their recovery process,” said Megan Hough, Physical Therapist at Renown Health.  “Helping people continue to get stronger and more independent makes my job so rewarding,” added Sam Brown, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional.  Knowing that they have made a difference and help shape a patient’s overall development inspires each therapist to never give up, regardless of how difficult an injury presents. There is no set schedule for recovery, and the therapists are always in the patient’s corner.  “This team has the most passionate, caring and dedicated individuals that I know,” said Kendra Webber, Manager of Acute Inpatient Rehab Therapy Services at Renown Regional. They give 110 percent to every patient every time to ensure they have what they need to regain function and independence.”  “By tailoring therapy to the individual, the bounds are virtually limitless for what we can accomplish,” added Dana Robinson.  It Takes a Village  Since acute inpatient therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach, it truly takes a village for this team to move the mountains they do for patients every day. These teams are fact-finding masters, gathering all the necessary information from the patient, their family and their care team to figure out their precise needs.  “We are a consistent presence for our patients, identifying a lot of different needs and meeting those needs to help patients grow in their treatment process,” said Kelly Schwarz. “By collaborating with each patient’s diverse care team, we are able to employ the clinical judgment to help patients overcome physical, emotional and environmental struggles and set them up with the proper resources once they leave our setting.”  “Our team has steady communication with physicians, nurses, acute care technicians, respiratory staff, physician assistants, case managers and more to ensure the best possible care,” added Jet Manzi, Physical Therapist at Renown Regional.  Constant communication and collaboration are also necessary beyond the acute treatment process. These skills are vital in order to facilitate discharge planning, and the Acute Care Rehab therapists are an essential resource in the discharge process alongside our Hospital Care Management team.  “Often times, a patient’s family needs a lot of guidance in helping their loved ones determine the next level, and we help them navigate those steps and the resources available to them,” said Mark Stumpf, Occupational Therapist at Renown Regional. “And it’s all a team effort.”  “Our therapists are the most committed, generous, hardworking people,” added Courtney Phillips-Shoda, Supervisor of Rehab Therapy Services at Renown Regional. “Despite being short-staffed, we come to work every single day and give everything to our patients. They are the priority.”  If you take away one thing, know this for certain: Renown’s Acute Care Rehab occupational, speech and physical therapists will always be there to help patients continue on a positive trajectory to physical, mental and emotional recovery.  “Whether you are a patient or a provider, if there is a problem, never hesitate to reach out to us,” said Nicole Leeton. “We are always receptive to anyone seeking our help.”  With the Acute Care Inpatient Therapy team on their side, a patient’s journey to recovery is only just beginning.

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We plan for the birth of a child, weddings and retirement, but rarely do we discuss how we want to be cared for at the end of our lives. Getting through this challenging conversation and completing an Advance Directive can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will not have to make difficult choices on your behalf. The best time to complete an Advance Directive is now – don’t wait until a life-limiting illness or crisis occurs to discuss your views about end-of-life care and to learn what choices are available. By preparing in advance, you can help reduce the doubt and anxiety related to decision-making for your family if you cannot speak for yourself. What are Advance Directives? An Advance Directive is a document that states your choices about medical treatment and names another person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. This document allows you to make legally valid decisions about future medical care.  “Completing your Advance Directive is a gift you give your family,” says Director of Palliative Care, Mary-Ann Brown RN, MSN. “The stress associated with these difficult decisions is decreased if everyone knows what is important to you and what you want at the end of life.”

Read More About Plan Early: Completing Your Advance Directive