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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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When it comes to each patient’s healthcare journey, medication is often a key chapter. After all, medication is one of the most common treatment methods to help patients on the road back to health. In 2023, 4.83 billion prescriptions were filled in the U.S., and with this number only anticipated to rise annually, having an expert pharmacy team on your side to make certain you are prescribed the ideal dosage to treat your condition, prepare your prescriptions on time and help you manage your medications responsibly is important.  Fortunately, at Renown Health, we have best-in-class inpatient and outpatient pharmacy teams to fill both prescriptions and promises for excellent care. Renown Pharmacy plays a vital role in helping us foster a health system that prioritizes patient well-being above all else. This department exemplifies the impact that a unified, expert pharmacy team can have on patient outcomes now and in the future.  The Masters of Medication Spanning three hospitals plus ambulatory locations across the health system, Renown’s growing pharmacy team – full of dedicated pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and even medical assistants – manages medications in a wide variety of patient settings, touching nearly every aspect of the healthcare continuum: Outpatient Retail Pharmacies Renown Regional Medical Center – 75 Pringle Way The Healthcare Center – 21 Locust Street Renown South Meadows Medical Center – 10101 Double R Blvd  Inpatient Pharmacies Renown Rehabilitation Hospital Renown Regional Medical Center (including Renown Children’s Hospital) Renown South Meadows Medical Center COMING SOON: Conrad Breast Center Pharmacy (in honor of Kristina Ferrari) in the Specialty Care Center at Renown South Meadows Ambulatory Pharmacies Anticoagulation Services – Institute for Heart & Vascular Health (IHVH) Pharmacotherapy Program – IHVH and Renown Medical Group Locations Congestive Heart Failure Pharmacotherapy Program – Center for Advanced Medicine B at Renown Regional Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Pharmacotherapy Program – Renown South Meadows Endocrinology Pharmacotherapy Program – Renown South Meadows Additional Pharmacy Programs Medical Reconciliation Pharmacy Residency Clinical pharmacists at Renown bridge the gap between medicine and compassionate support, making sure each patient receives personalized care one prescription at a time.  “There are various roles pharmacists play within Renown,” said Clarissa Munoz, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Inpatient Pharmacy. “Staff pharmacists work diligently to ensure correct medications are dispensed, and if compounded, make sure they were prepared properly. They also work hard to answer medication messages and phone calls, help verify orders and make sure ode trays/RSI kits are appropriately stocked and ready when needed. Clinical pharmacists work from satellite pharmacies on the floor and focus on reviewing patient charts and aim to provide additional interventions to the providers to optimize treatment strategies. We also serve as a resource for nursing staff and help answer medication questions.”  “My role in the pharmacy is pretty expansive,” added Chanelle Ajimura, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “I maintain inventory to confirm patients can receive their medications in a timely manner both for our discharge and retail patients while balancing the Meds to Beds program, which offers medication delivery to the bedside and bedside medication counseling; collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to find the most affordable price for patients; and verifying that the dose, strength, indication, etc. is appropriate for the patient from start to finish.”  “In the pharmacy, I make sure patients are receiving appropriate drug therapy by checking for major drug interactions and ensuring appropriate dosing,” added Courtney Church, Clinical Pharmacist in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “I also make recommendations to providers so patients can get cost-effective therapy.”  Our pharmacy technicians work behind-the-scenes ensuring efficient medication management, making a difference in the lives of patients every day.  “A pharmacy technician is responsible for making sure the patient gets their medications on time and at the lowest price possible,” said Nate Graham, Pharmacy Technician in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “This is done by working with patients, insurance companies and case workers. We fill prescriptions, enter prescriptions into our system, receive and send orders for medications and maintain a clean pharmacy with an accurate inventory.”  “We do a variety of things; the task people probably know the most is counting out the medications and putting them in the amber vials,” added Rachel Vallin, Pharmacy Technician in the Renown Regional Outpatient Pharmacy. “We also help patients at the front of the pharmacy, ring out their prescriptions, answer some basic questions (deferring to a pharmacist as necessary) and billing insurance. Meds to Beds is my favorite part because I feel the most involved. I take medications to patients who are discharging up to their hospital rooms so they have it with them when they leave.”  “As a technician, I confirm that all medications of new admissions are available in our machines prior to admitting and then maintain stock during each patient’s stay,” added Tammara Axtman, Pharmacy Technician at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. "I also assist our nurses when needed in regard to any of their questions with both EPIC and Omnicell.”  Our pharmacy team is also on the move all across our health system, thanks to our Ambulatory Pharmacy programs. For patients experiencing a serious heart, lung, or endocrine condition that requires ongoing drug therapy maintenance and guidance, our ambulatory pharmacies step in to carefully monitor how their medications impact their health and well-being.  “Our role as pharmacists in this department is non-traditional because we actually see patients in the exam rooms face-to-face,” said Cory Lankford, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We modify their medication regimens and drug recommendations under collaborative practice agreements.”  “Because our role is so unique, we have a lot of opportunities to make a positive impact on patients,” added Janeen Abe, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We do a lot of direct patient interaction, including counseling patients on their medications and helping them navigate through their disease state.”  “As a medical assistant in this department, we’re called the patient ‘liaisons’ to orchestrate who they should go to whether it’s a nurse, a provider or a pharmacist,” added Kiara Scruggs, Medical Assistant for Renown’s Anticoagulation Services. “We look at each patient’s medications and help with the Warfarin blood thinner monitor. We get to do a lot with patients." A key resource within the Pharmacy department and the emergency admission process, our Medical Reconciliation ("Med Rec") team stays on top of each patient's medication records. By ensuring each medication regimen is accurately reflected in each patient's chart and that patients continue to take their at-home medications while admitted to the hospital, this team provides vital insight into medications that could be a contributing factor to each patient's symptoms, including drug interactions. “Our medication reconciliation pharmacy technician team are true detectives,” said Heather Townsend, Clinical Pharmacy Supervisor. “When a patient arrives to the hospital, Med Rec works with patients, families, caregivers and outpatient pharmacies to compile a list of medications the patient has been taking a home. This list is used to make sure medications are not contributing to the patient’s symptoms and to assure medications are continued throughout the hospital stay. The addition of the medication reconciliation team has been one of the greatest advancements in medication safety.” “As a Med Rec Tech, we interview patients and family members and call pharmacies, skilled nursing facilities, etc. to obtain an accurate and complete medication list/history to outline what the patient is currently taking on a daily basis,” added Kara McGee, Medical Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician. “We make sure that we document the correct medication, dose, route, frequency and directions. This information is crucial because the nurses, pharmacists and physicians look at our work to figure out if any medications are contributing to the patient's health condition, and for the continuation of home medications on admission.” “Even though the Med Rec Tech might seem small in the hospital realm, it is very vital for patient information and beneficial to the patient's health,” added Brizza Villafan, Medical Reconciliation Pharmacy Technician. “There is never a dull moment in this work.” No matter the diagnosis, having Renown Pharmacy as an integral part of your healthcare team is a win-win situation for both you and them: you receive access to medication to help you heal, delivered to you with precision and care, and the pharmacy team has the opportunity to care for you and make a positive impact, a role they take seriously.

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Seeking protection for yourself and your loved ones from the intense sun rays at northern Nevada's elevated altitudes? With so many choices available, selecting the ideal sunscreen can be daunting. To guide you through this, we consulted Dr. Angela Walker, a dermatologist from Renown Medical Group, for her expert insights. Sunscreen Application Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, but keep in mind that no sunscreen protects against 100 percent of UV radiation and that reapplication is necessary. “No matter the SPF, sunscreen must be applied adequately and frequently, meaning a quarter-sized amount to cover the face and neck and a full shot glass amount for the body when wearing a bathing suit,” said Walker. “Reapplication should be every 80 minutes.” Why not use a high SPF, such as 70 or 100? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, they don’t offer significantly more protection than SPF 30 and mislead people into thinking they have a higher level of protection. Here’s the breakdown: SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays Do specific populations require a higher SPF? Walker explains that infants, seniors, and those with a history of skin cancer must take precautions against UV radiation, as their skin is vulnerable. Sunscreen should be an absolute priority before spending time outdoors and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, wearing a hat with wide brim (recommended 4-inch brim) and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing. Due to the sensitive nature of an infant’s skin, babies under six months should not spend time in the direct sun. For infants and toddlers six months and older, whose skin is thinner than adults, a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (physical protectors) should be applied. Zinc and titanium are less likely to irritate because they do not penetrate the skin and instead sit on the surface and deflect UV radiation. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are vital ingredients to seek out in sunscreen due to their strong ability to deflect UV radiation. Sunscreen Terms Explained UVA = Long wave ultraviolet light. Penetrates deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer, causing tissue damage that wrinkles and photo-aging and contributes to developing skin cancer. UVB = Short wave ultraviolet light. The biggest contributor to the development of skin cancer and are more prevalent during mid-day. SPF = Sun protection factor. Calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to burn sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin. So, SPF 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection.

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When you meet Poeth Kilonzo, Director of Oncology Nursing at Renown Health, you are immediately greeted with a warm smile that puts your mind at ease. Within the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Poeth enjoys a strong reputation among her employees and patients as someone they can always rely on, no matter how rough the tides may flow.   As an incredibly humble oncology professional, you may not realize that behind that smile is the power of a best-in-class nurse and leader holding a 20+ year career of diverse nursing experience and leadership excellence – dedicating the majority of her service to Renown Health.  Join us as we dive into Poeth’s unique journey through Renown.  Finding Her Passion  Ever since she could remember, Poeth has been a “people person.” Above all else, she cared for people – and she cared a lot. What better place for her to be than healthcare?  After moving to northern Nevada from Kenya, she began working in private patient care working with home health and dementia patients while taking classes at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in 2000. One day, a patient asked her a question that would change the course of her career journey: Did you ever think about becoming a nurse?  Driven by not only the words of encouragement of her patients and supervisors in home health but also the rallying support from her family and friends, including her husband and high school friend, who both have decades of experience interacting with nurses in healthcare (with her husband spending many of those years at Renown), Poeth knew this was the path she was meant to take.  “That was it; it was like a light switch had flipped,” said Poeth. “I switched to nursing overnight.”  According to Poeth, TMCC’s nursing program offered her an incredibly supportive environment, which was especially important as she was a young mom at the time. Working in healthcare, going to nursing school and raising a family all at the same time is no easy task, but to Poeth, this was her calling.  “Regardless of my path, I knew I wanted to be a nurse that was close to patients, sitting with them and holding their hand throughout their treatment,” said Poeth.  During nursing school, Poeth completed clinicals at several hospitals in Reno – three of them were at Renown Health (known as Washoe Medical Center at the time). What immediately stood out to her was the passion of the pediatrics unit, especially in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  “While I knew that pediatrics wasn’t going to be my arena, some of the best times in my life were during my pediatrics clinical,” said Poeth. “It opened me up to how welcoming Renown is.”  While doing her rotations, nursing leaders helped Poeth and her fellow classmates discover Renown’s Nurse Apprentice program, an apprenticeship designed exclusively for local northern Nevada nursing students. One of those leaders asked her, “have you considered doing a rotation in oncology?”  And another light switch flipped.  “Bingo. I am becoming an oncology nurse apprentice,” Poeth recalls. And that’s exactly what she did.   After her four-month apprenticeship ended in February 2002, she walked into her interview with Joanna Gold, who would end up being her supervisor and one of her greatest mentors until she passed away in recent years. With her experience and enthusiastic spirit on her side, Poeth fervently expressed her passion and interest in working in oncology. And Joanna saw all of that and more.  In June 2002, Poeth was presented with a two-year oncology RN contract, which she easily signed – however, she knew right then and there but she was not going anywhere. Renown was her home, and oncology ignited the fire within her.  “The nurses in this unit are part of what kept me here,” Poeth remembers. “These nurses would really do anything for their patients. The commitment and love they all had for one another truly was like family. It inspired me to learn more and give even better care to my patients."  To Poeth, it didn’t feel like she was coming to work just to do a job – she was following her dreams.  “You don’t think about the work you do; you think about the service,” said Poeth.  From there, Poeth spent three years on the floor as an oncology RN and became a night shift supervisor in 2005. She was thriving.  But this part of her journey was only the beginning.  When Opportunity Arises, Take It  In March 2007, Poeth and her husband welcomed their third child – and for her, working a day shift position would serve her the best at her current stage of life. This revelation led her down to Renown South Meadows Medical Center, where she became a staff nurse in Medical Telemetry.  It was in the telemetry unit where Poeth contributed to one of the largest digital transformations Renown would ever go through: transitioning from paper records to electronic records on EPIC.  From there, Poeth was inspired to get back into leadership in 2012 as the Supervisor of Clinical Nursing overseeing nurses, clinical outcomes and payroll in the medical/telemetry unit and intensive care unit (ICU). The timing of her leadership role lined up perfectly with her decision to take her skills to the next level, achieving a bachelor’s degree from Nevada State College in 2016. The timing of her degree lined up perfectly with what was about to come; she embarked on her first leadership role at Renown  This is where she would happily stay for 11 years, eventually becoming the Manager of Nursing in telemetry and the ICU, noting that Renown South Meadows felt like a second home to her.  “I wore many hats at South Meadows,” Poeth recalls. “From piloting back coding and handling compliance work to being on the patient floor and heading up South Meadows’ first high school hospital volunteer program, I got very involved. We had seven years without having a single nurse traveler in our unit."  It wasn’t long before Poeth was inspired to expand her education even further, and she graduated in January 2018 with a master’s degree in nursing clinical leadership from Western Governors University. Thanks to Renown’s educational assistance programs, our health system invested directly in Poeth’s education with tuition reimbursement and a $1,000 nursing scholarship.  Soon after celebrating her achievement, Jennifer Allen Fleiner – who was the Director of Nursing at Renown South Meadows at the time – asked Poeth yet another question that would bring her to the precipice of another career detour: “Have you ever considered transferring from South Meadows to Renown Regional?”   Moments later, Alicia Glassco, Director of Nursing for Renown Regional, asked her the same question, noting that the hospital’s neurosurgery unit needed the leadership of someone just like Poeth.  “It took me a whole week to make a decision, because this was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” said Poeth. “I truly loved South Meadows. After that week, my leader told me, ‘you know what, Poeth? You’ve reached your pinnacle. You need and deserve a new challenge. Learn from this new team and teach them something. I think you have a huge opportunity for growth.”  So, Poeth decided to apply for the position and shadow the neurosurgery team, where unlike her unit, the majority of the team at the time were travelers. But this was a challenge Poeth was up to – so she was accepted into the role.  “At the end of the day, these patients deserved consistent care,” Poeth emphasized. “I knew I had to take this position for the patients – they were the ones who sold me on this job. They are the reason why we are all here. It was important for me to be an advocate for them.”  The big hills to climb didn’t slow down Poeth; in fact, the exact opposite happened. Within her first year in the neurosurgery unit, her team onboarded 18 new graduates and replaced travelers.  “We were hiring like crazy,” said Poeth. “My standing agenda at all section meetings focused on hiring and our quality metrics. I started having a relationship with our doctors. Once we created a strong doctor/nurse collaboration, our nurses started staying with us longer.”  Everything on the unit was going great.  Then, COVID-19 hit.   “Since we had private patient rooms, our unit became the first COVID unit at Renown Regional,” Poeth recalls. “My whole staff that I had built up had to be distributed elsewhere. I started caring for COVID patients. We relied on our Infection Prevention team a lot. And at the same time, I was worried about my family in Africa.”  Despite the stressful nature that the pandemic brought upon health systems everywhere, according to Poeth, she knew she had to continue on.  “The neurosurgery team ended up merging with orthopedic trauma, which was very difficult,” said Poeth. “We went from 28 beds to 58 beds. The key to success here was training. Nurses are very resilient, and through training, we were able to stabilize the unit.”  Noticing the opportunity for virtual demonstrations that were previously offered only in-person, Poeth spearheaded online trainings for nursing, physical therapy, mobility, head injuries and more, allowing teams across Renown to upskill in safe spaces.  These programs continued throughout the pandemic, and Poeth was proud to be a figurehead through it all, helping to stabilize the unit while creating strong relationships with the entire team, many of whom followed her from Renown South Meadows to Renown Regional.  Then, she gets another visitor – her Chief Nursing Executive – in her office with yet another opportunity.  Have You Considered...  In September 2022, Chief Nursing Executive Melodie Osborn walked into Poeth’s office with those three words that Poeth has heard for decades: “Have you considered...”  “Before Melodie could even finish, I thought, ‘I have considered A LOT in my career!’” said Poeth.  Melodie told Poeth that the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute was looking for a Director of Oncology Nursing, noting that this could be yet another growth opportunity for her and a chance for her to go back to her roots.  “I had just celebrated my twentieth year at Renown; I knew this was going to be a decision I really had to think about,” said Poeth. “Everyone believed in me. Alicia Glassco told me, ‘Poeth, you are ready for this. Go for it.’ Once I applied for the position and started getting my updated chemotherapy certifications, I thought, ‘they are right; I got this.’”  At this point in her career, Poeth had been hyper-focused on inpatient care, and this role would be her first time caring for patients in the outpatient setting. After going through the interview process, however, Poeth knew that this was where she was meant to be yet again – and colleagues she hadn’t seen in years reaffirmed that commitment.  “I felt the most excited about the job when I toured the facility,” Poeth recalls. “I’ll never forget what one of the infusion nurses told me on my tour. She told me, ‘I don’t know if you remember me, but I remember you; I came from Renown South Meadows, and you were so nice to me as I was precepting as a new nurse. Your kindness was unforgettable to me.’ The fact that people like her wanted me in the unit so badly inspired me to come back.”  Soon enough, Poeth became the Director of Oncology Nursing, a position she still proudly holds to this day. Once she was hired, she immediately went into deep learning mode, mastering skills such as revenue integrity, credentialing and the insurance process. She attributes Supervisor of Infusion Kaitlin Hildebrand and Director of Radiation Oncology Services Susan Cox for helping her succeed.  Shortly after assuming the position, Poeth noticed yet another opportunity for cross-training within the organization to combat short staffing – training nurses from the Float Pool to care for patients in Infusion Services.  “Between May and July of this year, we trained six nurses from Float Pool to do infusion therapy services, which offered so much relief to my team; I am so thankful to Rendee Perry, the Manager of Nursing in our Float Pool unit, and her team for their support,” said Poeth. “My mission in outpatient oncology is to serve the staff and patient population and create those strong relationships."  Poeth's efforts to circumvent nurse burnout go beyond cross-training – as a director, she is always there for her team members no matter what, leading with kindness every step of the way.  “I never miss a 7:45 a.m. huddle unless I am in a ‘cannot miss’ commitment; I want my employees to always know that I am there for them and that they are cared for both on and off the job,” Poeth emphasizes. “I want them to feel like they are valued, their families are valued and their mental health is valued; after all, without my team, we cannot care for patients. It’s important for them to know that I am here to be a security blanket and that there is always something we can do to solve a problem."  Today, Poeth enjoys a full team of core Renown staff members whom patients look forward to seeing – and the high patient satisfaction scores to prove it.  “Our team is so established that patients feel comfort in knowing they are always going to know exactly who they are being treated by,” said Poeth. “We will always work to maintain that consistency.”  Staying True to the Mission  Renown’s mission of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of our community resonates closely with Poeth. Before she arrives at the infusion unit every day, she asks herself: What can I do to make it easier for my team to deliver care?  “It takes a village to deliver the care we do,” said Poeth. “Our nurses are priceless. You can’t place a monetary value on dealing with life and death every day. This is what inspires me. It’s all about helping each other out and keeping those relationships strong.”  Maintaining those relationships on the floor, according to Poeth, requires one main ingredient: work-life balance.  “I want my nurses to be able to balance sending their kids to kindergarten and giving their patients their first chemotherapy treatments,” Poeth emphasizes. “I genuinely care about their lives. It’s nice when you get to know your team’s children, grandkids, spouse and hobbies. I’m grateful that Renown has given us the autonomy to foster that flexible environment within our teams. It is so rewarding to have such a strong impact on these employees.”  To Poeth, it’s all about doing and then duplicating. Luckily for her team and infusion patients in northern Nevada, a new infusion center at Renown South Meadows is planned to open in the coming years as part of our commitment to expanding care. Her team is excited to grow their expertise down to south Reno – Poeth's original home hospital.  “I strongly believe that as nurses, we are meant to be where we are meant to be at the time,” said Poeth. “Be kind to yourself and remember your ‘why.’ Take advantage of the opportunity you have.”  To all nurses (and future nurses) out there, Poeth wants you to know that you are welcomed and valued. You are saving lives every day, and to her, that is worth everything.  “Always remain focused, even throughout all the challenges. Never forget why you got into nursing. And lastly, always stay true to your own mission,” closes Poeth.

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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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As the seasons shift, so do the demands of our skin. We sat down with Heidi Nicol, a seasoned aesthetician at Renown Dermatology, Laser & Skin Care, to uncover the secrets of pampering your skin during the winter onset. The aftermath of summer often leaves us with dry, dull skin and unexpected breakouts. However, a few tweaks to your skincare regimen can make this seasonal transition smoother. 1. Re-evaluate Your Cleanser Now might be the opportune moment to transition to a non-drying cleanser. The one that worked wonders in the summer might be aggressive for the colder months. Nicol suggests opting for a "gentle" cleanser that effectively cleanses and exfoliates without including abrasive ingredients. 2. Amp Up the Hydration With the dip in temperature, your skin craves a richer moisturizer. Seek out products enriched with Hyaluronic Acid. This powerhouse ingredient amplifies your skin's ability to retain moisture, ensuring it stays supple throughout the day. 3. Introduce Retinol If retinol isn't a staple in your skincare arsenal yet, consider introducing it now. Its prowess in diminishing sun-induced brown spots and fine lines is unparalleled.

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In the United States, electronic cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco product used among high school students. Approximately 21% of Washoe County area high schoolers report current use of e-cigarettes, higher than the national average of 14% reported in the most recent national data. While often viewed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette use, e-cigarette use, commonly referred to as vaping, exposes users to nicotine and harmful chemicals that stunt brain development, results in lung damage and harms overall health. In partnership with Reno area school principals and nurses, the Renown Health – UNR Med Clinical Research Office was able to provide this year’s World Lung Day Anti-Vaping Program to Galena High School, Robert McQueen High School and Sage Ridge School, reaching hundreds of high school students.

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It’s July 23, 2022, and I am arriving in Downtown Reno to walk in my first-ever Pride Parade. Even more amazing, I am going to be walking with a group of my coworkers, announcing to our entire community that our employer supports us being our full and truest selves. I arrived alone, but in the staging area I met new people who worked in other departments of Renown, coworkers I might never have met if not for Pride. I even took a selfie with one of these new friends. Someone passed around flags for us to hand out to the audience as we marched by. I took a rainbow-striped temporary tattoo in the shape of the Renown “R” and used my water bottle to apply it. There was an overwhelming atmosphere of excitement and joy that can only come from gathering with other human beings who are overflowing with love. We started the Parade waving handfuls of Pride flags high and gave those flags out to the audience as we passed. By the time we were done walking, our hands were empty, but our hearts were full. I couldn’t have stopped smiling if I’d tried. I’d joined the parade as a single person, but as we walked, I became part of a community. Not only the Renown community, but a community of Proud queer people across northern Nevada. And by extension, the LGBTQIA+ community all around the world – past, present and future.  With the multiple recent state laws proposing to strip away the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, many of us have felt a noticeable decline in our mental health and feelings of personal safety.  As a member of the queer community, I have felt these mental health effects too. I am fortunate and privileged enough to not have experienced workplace discrimination in my current position. But before Renown, I – like so many others in the LGBTQIA+ community – had a negative experience at a previous job, and afterwards I was hesitant to share my full self while at work. To be able to walk in a Pride Parade with my current employer, healed a little bit of that past pain inflicted by my former employer.  When our liberties are under attack, Pride is more important than ever. We must remind ourselves, especially when others cannot seem to remember, that we are loved and worthy of love. I am grateful to work for an organization that is willing and able to fight this good fight with us.  I will certainly be back to walk in this year’s Pride Parade, and I sincerely hope to see you there too! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and of course keep your skin safe with sunscreen. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or just an ally, you are welcome.

Read More About Employee Blog: Team Renown at Northern Nevada Pride

June offers an official welcome to summer and the height of outdoor activities in northern Nevada such as hiking, camping, days spent at the lake and embracing long days and warm evenings with friends and family. Enjoying all that the summer season has to offer may not be as easy for those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which effects more than 15 million Americans. What is COPD? COPD is a group of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis that result in airflow blockages from the lungs. People may experience frequent coughing and shortness of breath among other symptoms. COPD typically impacts adults ages 65 and older and is becoming increasingly more common among women. Although smoking plays a key role in the development of COPD, air pollution and indoor air quality, and respiratory infection also contribute to disease development. While there is no cure for COPD, limiting progression of disease and managing symptoms can be achieved through lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications. Tips for Living with COPD This Summer, and Always Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is extremely important for people with COPD, especially during the summer. Not drinking enough water can make breathing more difficult because it increases respiratory symptoms. Make sure to always keep a water bottle with you and aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Be Mindful of Temperature: COPD symptoms can be exacerbated by hot weather. It is best to participate in outdoor activities during the cooler times of day, like the morning or evening. Check Air Quality Before You Go: Before engaging in outdoor activities, be sure to check the air quality index and plan your activities accordingly. Pace Yourself: Exercising can be difficult for people who have COPD. To make the most of your summer, try not to push yourself too hard and take breaks when you need them. If you start to feel out of breath or tired, take a break in a cool, shaded area until you feel better. Take Matters Into Your Own Hands To address the needs of community members living with COPD, the Renown Health Research Office has teamed up with Pulmonary Medicine to provide patients who are former or current smokers and have a history of frequent exacerbations with an option to participate in the ARNASA study. "COPD exacerbations have a huge negative impact on patient’s lung function” states Dr. Farah Madhani-Lovely, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at Renown Health and Assistant Dean of Clinical Research at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “We have had inhalers and prednisone for decades but patients are still having exacerbations. Now we have a new pathway we think will prevent exacerbations which is what this clinical trial is designed to prove.” This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of astegolimab compared with placebo in participants 40-80 years of age with COPD. “This study in particular is so exciting because of the enthusiasm from the sponsor’s end” says Katie Buckley, Lead Clinical Research Coordinator working on pulmonology studies at Renown’s Clinical Research Office. “Often times sites aren’t assigned particularly passionate or engaged personnel who aid in carrying out these studies, but you can tell Roche Genentech’s team truly cares about the success of the study, the safety of their participants, and proving the efficacy of the investigational agent. Working on a study like this takes a village, and when the individuals on all ends share similar mindsets and work towards success as a collective unit instead of as individual moving parts, it’s amazing to see everything we’re able to accomplish.” Renown’s team of expert pulmonologists and researchers are available to join patients with COPD in support of their healthcare journey. If you are interested in learning more about this clinical trial option at Renown Health, talk to your pulmonologist at your next appointment or contact us at 775-982-3646. At Renown Health, our goal is to make it easy for patients to access clinical research as a care opportunity where patients can access a variety of standard care treatment options for their health condition or choose to participate in a clinical trial. For more information about clinical trial opportunities available to you or to ask any questions, contact the Renown Research Office at Renown-CRD@renown.org or 775-982-3646.

Read More About Living with COPD? How to Maximize Your Summer Experience

As many nurses can attest, the journey they have taken to arrive at where they are today is full of twists and turns. For Zarah Jayco, an operating room nurse at Renown Regional Medical Center, her journey is nothing short of a fulfilling and exciting one. Zarah is no stranger to taking detours to find what truly makes her feel the bursts of passion she had been looking for her entire life. She found that passion in the operating room – and travel nursing led her to Renown Health. Today, she is a firm believer that she is exactly where she is supposed to be.  “I Just Want to Help People”  Throughout her life, Zarah knew she was destined for a meaningful career – but didn’t exactly know what. One day, she sat down with her mom, a nurse herself, where she asked the question that would ignite Zarah’s curiosity: What is important to you?  “That’s when I told my mom: ‘honestly, I just want to help people.’”  It was at that moment that she realized nursing could be a fit for her. Everything about venturing into the nursing field started to make sense.  So, that’s precisely what she did. Zarah went to nursing school. When she stepped into the OR during her clinical rotation, she was immediately inspired.  Zarah’s core values as a nurse were rooted from caring for her 90-year-old grandmother while she was in hospice. Her grandmother gave her some powerful lessons and words as she set off on her career: “You are in the right place.”  Upon completion of her perioperative program, Zarah the OR Nurse we know and love started her journey. She began her trek as a travel nurse, going up and down California to do exactly what she was meant to do: care for surgical patients.  “I Traded the Ocean Waves for the Mountains”  As Zarah continued to travel and find different locations for new assignments, her husband received an opportunity for work to transfer to the Biggest Little City. The duo packed up their California lives and moved to northern Nevada, where Zarah signed up for a night shift OR nurse position at Renown Regional Medical Center.  But the traveler’s mindset wouldn’t last long.  Renown embraced Zarah with open arms, and she was immediately drawn into the community-feel that our health system offered. She felt welcomed and surrounded by “loving, hardworking people” across her department and all other teams she encountered.  As Renown cares for patients across 100,000 square miles, Zarah was especially impressed with how rooted Renown is in northern Nevada, noting how it “truly feels like we are caring for the community” with our health system’s wide reach. She was inspired to live up to that mission and more.  “Reno and Renown really reeled me in, and I fell in love with the city and everything it has to offer,” said Zarah. “I traded the ocean waves for the mountains, and the more we got to know Reno, the more we realized that this change of pace and lifestyle was definitely a good fit for us.”  Zarah the OR Travel Nurse became Zarah the Renown OR Core Staff Charge Nurse. And she knew she made the right decision.  Working in the OR, according to Zarah, is challenging in the best way possible. At night, all surgery cases at Renown are emergencies. The team springs into action to answer one vital question: How do we provide the best care for this patient?  “It is essential for us to anticipate potential outcomes,” said Zarah. “When we book a surgical case, we look at everything to make sure we are absolutely prepared and ready.”  Staying at Renown was an easy choice for Zarah. To her, there is nothing like being a part of a core team that inspires her every day and ‘has each others’ back,’” Zarah stated. “During the course of my assignment at Renown, the culture harnessed a kind of environment that felt like a hardworking family. This was the hook that reeled me into considering being part of core staff. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build relationships that I hold in the highest esteem.”

Read More About Zarah Path from Traveler to OR Nurse

Health systems across the country recently celebrated Patient Access Week from April 2-8. Join us in recognizing our Patient Access team at Renown!  Fighting the Good Fight starts the moment a patient steps onto the grounds of our health system. When patients visit Renown on their healthcare journey, they look to the experts to not only help them navigate through the complexities of the process but also ensure their experience with us starts off on the right foot.  Renown Health’s Patient Access Representatives (also referred to as “PARs”) are the faces of this entire process. As the key links between patients, providers and insurers, they strive to create a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. PARs are committed to providing all of Renown’s patients access to the quality care when needed. After all, it’s in their name!  A Friendly Face  PARs are the front faces of almost all clinical areas at Renown. As the starting point for much of the patient experience, the day-in-the-life of PARs can vary. Checking patients in and out, getting demographic information, verifying insurance, answering phone calls, fostering communication between patients and their care teams, scheduling patients for follow-ups, explaining financial responsibilities and our financial aid programs, creating an overall positive experience and environment, the list goes on – but they all remain united under one goal: setting patients off on the right foot as they access care through our health system.  “Each day, PARs are met with new patients who are seeking solutions to different concerns,” said Macy Betts, PAR for Renown Women’s Health. “We are the front doors to this department. We are not just checking patients in and out; we are the first step to the patients receiving the care they deserve.”  “We take pride in our work,” added Tanya Quintanilla, Shari Longley and Nancy Arroyo Garcia, PARs for Renown Pediatrics. “Usually, we are the first point of contact within Renown, so we don’t take our role lightly. For example, when we see a newborn, we must ensure the registration has been verified, which consists of patient demographics, patient preferences and insurance verification. We need to be consistent and thorough because what we do affects every point of contact a patient may have within Renown.”  “As my team’s senior PAR, my day begins with gathering the outpatient therapy work queue numbers and assigning the team to work them,” added Logan Johnson, Senior PAR in Pre-Registration at Renown. “Our goal is to contact and schedule patients for physical, occupational and/or speech therapy as soon as possible so that they have the maximum benefit and can get back to a normal life as quickly as possible. Our encounters can make or break the entire experience.”  PARs never underestimate the power of good communication and compassion. Even during the busiest of times, our PARs work diligently to ensure all patients and their care teams fully understand the administrative side of whichever part of their journey they are about to embark on, lending a helping hand and a smile.  “Whether you’re communicating with patients, leaders or coworkers, communication is key,” said Jonathan Figueroa, PAR for the Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health (IHVH). “We try and make sure that we do everything possible to make their visit go as smoothly as possible.”  “Communication makes the world go round,” added Keith Madrona, Sherry Riley, Erika Rios and Andie Kilpatrick, PARs at Renown Urgent Care – Ryland. “Having a friendly attitude and demeanor is very important.  “The PARs in Labor & Delivery do so much more than just registering patients – from escorting expectant parents to their rooms, welcoming newborn babies, processing pre-estimates and more – and the patience and excellent communication I receive from other teams is what keeps me going,” added Nanci Barash-Vietti, PAR for Renown Labor & Delivery (L&D). “This is critical to the success and effectiveness of the PARs in our department.”  Shift changes for PARs mimic other teams at Renown, leveraging technology and both written and spoken communication to ensure the next shift begins successfully.  "When I come in, the night shift will give me a report on what is going on and what the schedule looks like during the day; then I log in to my computer and get everything that I will need for that day up on the screen,” said Allie Boracchia, PAR for Renown L&D. “Usually around this time we have a 7-8 a.m. induction scheduled for the first patient, so I will grab the pre-made packet that the night shift put together, the unit clerk will call the nurse to get a room number, and I take the patient to the room and have them sign all the forms. After the patient has the baby, then we admit them and finish registration. This is continuous all day long.”  Our PARs all agree that regardless of the setting, whether it be emergent or routine, every patient is looking for that advocate from the moment they enter through our doors.  “Being friendly, patient and understanding is a must,” said Sheryl Lundgren, PAR for the William N. Pennington Institute for Cancer. “It is so nice being able to brighten the days of patients who are living with a cancer diagnosis.”  “In the urgent care setting, a lot of the patients we see are not feeling their best, so it is important that we show them we care and are here to help make check in go smoothly,” added Sam Deithrich, PAR at the Renown Urgent Care – Los Altos.   “Patients are relieved that they are speaking to a real person that will help set up appointments,” added Rick Jordan and Celeste Landry, PARs in Lab Services at Renown South Meadows.   PARs embrace lifelong learning at Renown, especially as their roles differ day-to-day. They are always ready to jump in and assist on tasks that might be new for them, growing their skills on the job and never hesitating to say, “How can I help?”  “As a PAR, you are always learning new things, even when it seems like you know just about everything,” said Liz Cardenas-Ramos, PAR for Renown Endocrinology. “It’s been such a positive experience.”  “Giving yourself grace to learn and grow in Patient Access is the key,” said Maggie Savoie, PAR for Renown Primary Care – Fernley. “I find myself learning every day at Renown, and if you’re learning, you’re growing. Being able to take a breath and say, ‘this is a learning opportunity for me, and tomorrow I will be better a better PAR because I’ve gained this knowledge’ is an amazing way to stay positive in the position.”  “In L&D, we are all multi-tasking, and every day I am learning something new about my department and patients, as well as how to excel in my position,” added Nanci Barash-Vietti.  Renown PARs are the front lines to health care access, and they wear that badge with pride. Jeanette Flores, PAR in the Emergency Department at Renown South Meadows, sums up the role of Patient Access well: “Talk about first impressions!”  “I am proud of our team and the excellent care we give our patients,” said Dawn Linker, PAR for the Renown IHVH. “We want them to have a good experience.”  Impactful Accomplishments  The role of our Patient Access team members goes beyond the desk. A patient’s healthcare journey begins, and sometimes even ends, with the helping hands of our PARs, leaving a lasting positive impression of Renown.  "Our interactions with the patients make a difference before they see the provider, so we always demonstrate a welcoming and helpful atmosphere for the patients to feel like their needs are being met,” said Mary Dettling, PAR for Renown Endocrinology.  “I love seeing the difference we make in peoples’ lives,” added Shannon Leone, PAR for the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute. “We can get patients at their toughest and worst times. Watching them overcome their fears, traumas and addictions has been very rewarding.”  Our PARs don’t just make goals for themselves – time and time again, they surpass them, all in the name of patient experience and excellence.  “We have not only met our monthly point-of-sale scores, but we also have exceeded our stretch goal for the last eight months and our scores have been in the 50th percentile or higher,” said Jeanette Flores.  “Along with being the top point-of-sale collectors, we have also been known to be some of the sweetest and most helpful staff at South Meadows,” said Katie Morrill, PAR in the Emergency Department at Renown South Meadows.  As their teams grow, so does their impact on our patients. PARs are dedicated to providing the best customer service possible, and with their expanding teams, that service goes even further, even throughout the pandemic.  “A year ago, we only had one PAR; now, we have a full and amazing team,” said Alex Bucholz, PAR for Renown Advanced Wound Care. “We have come so far in a short amount of time.”  "During the pandemic, we have maintained a core group of individuals who come in every day and help keep this office and all its parts moving smoothly,” added Shannon Leone. “We have maintained a full patient load the last three years and never had to close our office for any reason. We have even had the opportunity to start our Medicated Assisted Treatment and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation programs.”  "We successfully operated and maintained our pediatric COVID clinic, which is the only one within our five clinics,” added Tanya Quintanilla, Shari Longley and Nancy Arroyo Garcia. “We feel proud knowing our tiny humans are protected with the COVID vaccine.”  Like many other teams at Renown, our PARs are masters at teamwork. Despite any obstacles that may happen along the way, they are always there for each other to ensure every patient gets the care and attention they deserve.  “We call ourselves the ‘A-Team’ here in Pulmonary,” said Shannon Birnberg, PAR for Renown Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. “We have persevered through changes, additions and departures. We are most proud of bringing different personalities to the team and being super strong and effective.”  “I have noticed the team always steps up whenever needed,” added Brittany Hughes, PAR for the Renown IHVH. “Everyone has a great attitude and is very positive!”  “While our team is fairly new, we are growing together, learning our strengths and weaknesses and always pushing for stronger unity,” added Angel Freer, PAR in the Emergency Department at Renown Regional.  When our PARs find ways to simplify a process or make a workflow run more efficiently, they don’t waste any time in making that happen. They take any opportunity to enhance patient experience.  “Our team came up with a solution on how to get patients registered faster,” said Jess Castillo-Marquez, PAR in Lab Services at Renown Regional. “We came up with modalities which assign each PAR their own procedure in which they will be registering for during their scheduled shift. It has been a great success, helping our productivity and keeping our patients satisfied with our service.”  “We are proud of our successful implementation of our new therapy workflow,” added Logan Johnson. “Patients are now waiting much less to be contacted about their care.”  Our PARs know that teamwork makes the dream work, and their commitment to the patients they serve – and the goals they continue to blow out of the water – continue to inspire them daily.   “You are only as strong as your team,” said Aundie Yonker, PAR in the Emergency Department at Renown Regional.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Patient Access

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), e-cigarette use isn’t just up among adults, but it has also tripled in usage for teens. Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon, a Pediatrics Physician at Renown Health and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, provides helpful insight into e-cigarettes and the dangers it poses to kids and teens.   What Are E-Cigarettes? E-cigarettes are electronic nicotine delivery devices. e-cigarettes use liquid nicotine as an alternative to traditional smoked cigarettes. e-cigarettes contain nicotine which is an addictive substance with known toxic side effects that, when released in very high doses, that can have health consequences and causes addiction. Nicotine is described as “toxic,” but the most "toxic" part of e-cigarettes' is everything else within the E-juice. Nicotine mainly keeps people coming back for more. According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are also advertised using the same themes and tactics that have been shown to increase youth use of other tobacco products, including cigarettes. In 2021, approximately 76% of students reported exposure to tobacco product marketing through traditional sources, and approximately 74% of students who used social media had seen e-cigarette–related content. What Does This Mean for the Health My Teen? We know that nicotine can affect brain development in kids and teens, so it is important to educate your teen on the risks of exposure. If you have young children in the home, it is important to be vigilant as well. One teaspoonful of liquid nicotine can be fatal for a young child. How Do I Monitor My Teen for E-Cigarette Use? Monitoring your children can be tricky for parents. E-cigarettes can be harder to detect, unlike traditional cigarettes that were easy to detect by smell and residual odor. E-cigarette use, or “vaping,” is often associated with a dry cough or chronic throat/mouth irritation. Overall, increasing research shows strong links between mental health conditions and posterior combustible tobacco use along with increased risk of marijuana use. Nicotine is addictive, but it does not cause altered mental status like the other drugs of abuse can. All parents are strongly encouraged to talk to their children about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes.   What are the health risks of vaping? Vaping devices have been on the market for a relatively short period of time, with evidence-based health effects and complications still being discovered. Vaping effects poses many harmful risks to children and teens. The risks of vaping include: Chest pain Difficulty breathing Dizziness Headaches Impaired response to infection in the airway Inflammatory problems of the airway Nausea Nicotine addiction Seizures Vomiting   For more information for both parents and teens about quitting smoking or vaping, you can click here. Parents can also use this tip sheet from the U.S. Surgeon General to talk to their child about vaping. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration free national helpline number is 1-800-662-4357 (HELP). It is available 24/7, 365 days a year offering confidential treatment referral and information (in English and Spanish). If you or someone you know is facing a substance (or mental health) problem, please reach out to them.

Read More About How to Talk to Your Children About Vaping