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6 Healthcare Action Items for the LGBTQIA+ Community
© Niyazz via Canva.com Every patient, regardless of how they may identify, greatly benefits from preventive healthcare and early detection. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique considerations when it comes to their health, and a proactive approach to preventive screenings and vaccines is important in order to address their individual health needs. Dr. Karen Thiele, Family Medicine Physician with University Health and Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, breaks down key steps that LGBTQIA+ patients should take to safeguard their health. PrEP and PEP Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strategy to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is an important measure for those who are HIV-negative but may be at risk of contracting it. The highest risk sexual practice is receptive anal intercourse, due to the relative fragility of rectal tissue. This medication can stop HIV from spreading in the body and help patients maintain their HIV-negative status. PrEP is available in both pill form, which is taken every day, and injection form, of which the first two injections are initiated one month after another while all other injections are initiated every two months. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an antiretroviral drug regimen taken after potential HIV exposure to prevent an HIV-negative individual from converting to HIV-positive status. PEP is only for emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours of exposure – sooner is always better than later – and must be taken for 28 days. PrEP and PEP are available in many ways, including visiting your primary care provider (PCP) or an urgent care location. HPV Immunization All genders and identities can protect themselves against human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to the risk of cervical, mouth, head, neck, throat, anal, vaginal, penile and vulvar cancers. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people, regardless of sexual orientation and practices, will be exposed at some point in their lifetime. The HPV vaccine (common brands include Gardasil and Cervarix) is a safe and effective method to prevent HPV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This vaccine protects against infections that can lead to HPV-related cancers and precancers, as well as genital warts. While patients should start receiving the vaccine at 9 years old years old, unvaccinated adults up to the age of 45 can also receive the vaccine through their PCP – better late than never! STI Testing Sexually-transmitted infections form from bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be transmitted by person-to-person sexual contact through semen, vaginal, blood and other bodily fluids. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 20 million estimated new STI cases across the nation each year. Luckily, most STIs are preventable. Annual STI testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis is important to stay on top of your sexual health. Because these STIs may sometimes have no symptoms, screening is recommended regularly and with any change in sexual partners. Depending on the specific condition, tests for these infections include urine, swab and blood tests. Speak with your primary care provider on a screening schedule that works best for you. Prostate Exams Prostate exams look for early signs of prostate cancer in patients who still have a prostate. The CDC recommends those who are at least 55 years old get regular prostate screenings; however, for patients with a family history of prostate cancer, screenings may be recommended as early as 45 years old. These exams are done via two common methods – a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE). Your provider can help you determine your risk and when you should start getting screened. Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams Patients of all genders who have a cervix, uterus, vagina and/or ovaries will benefit from regular pelvic exams and Pap screenings. A pelvic exam consists of a provider looking inside the vagina and at the cervix for anything unusual. A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, involves your provider using a small, soft swab to collect cervical cells to check for early signs of cancer. Generally speaking, people with these organs should have a Pap test every three years starting at age 21 through the age of 30. After age 30, patients should receive a Pap test with HPV co-testing every five years until age 65. These recommendations are changing based on new research, so it is important to have a conversation with your PCP about the current guidelines so you can make an informed choice about what schedule you should follow. A gynecologist or your primary care provider can counsel you and perform these screenings. Mammograms and Breast Exams People with breast tissue, especially dense breast tissue, are at risk for breast cancer, and regular breast screenings are your best line of defense. At-home breast self-exams are the first step – you will want to check your breasts for any lumps, changes, fluid leaks, irregular tissue thickening or anything else that feels unusual. The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment tool, provided by the National Cancer Institute, is a good place to start to identify your risk. Talk with your primary care provider about the risks and benefits of starting screening at age 40 so you can make an informed decision about when to start. If you have any family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your PCP will offer you genetic testing for BRCA 1 and 2 mutations. Nevadans over the age of 18 can also get BRCA genetic test for free by enrolling in the Healthy Nevada Project. Mammograms are important screening tools, but for a significant portion of people with breast tissue, density of the breast tissue may make mammograms less helpful in detecting cancer. Your primary care provider can help you decide what additional imaging (such as breast ultrasound) might be best for you.
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Prevention Against STIs Matters
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 20 million estimated new sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases in the United States each year, with rates continuing to increase. What you may not know is most STIs are preventable. We talked with Renown Adolescent Medicine Specialist, Caroline Barangan, MD to learn more about STIs. How Can You Get an STI? The CDC (Center for Disease Control) says that STIs are acquired through sexual contact. There are bacteria, viruses or parasites that can cause an STI which may pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal and other bodily fluids. How Do You Know if You Have an STI? STIs can have a range of signs and symptoms such as: Warts, bumps or sores on or near the penis, vagina, mouth or anus Swelling, redness or severe itching near the penis or vagina Discharge from the penis Vaginal bleeding that’s not your period Painful or uncomfortable sex Vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor, causes irritation or is a different color or amount than usual Weight loss, diarrhea or night sweats Aches, pains, fever and chills Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Painful or frequent urination Sore throat if you engage in oral sex It’s important to know that the majority of people who have an STI commonly have no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to get regularly tested once you have had any sexual activity. Young people less than 25 years of age should be screened on a yearly basis at minimum.
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Research Shows Genetic Approaches to Breast Cancer Screenings Yield More Accurate Results
Clinical researchers with the Healthy Nevada Project co-author research paper with findings that emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively. Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer and about 1 in 39 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is associated with increased age, hereditary factors, obesity, and alcohol use. Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have declined progressively due to advancements in treatment and detection. In Nevada there are an estimated 2,310 new breast cancer cases a year, and genetic mutations such as in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 remain a top risk factor for this prevalent disease. Recognizing the urgency for progress in breast cancer research, a collaborative effort between physicians, advanced practice providers and scientists from the Healthy Nevada Project® (HNP) and Helix have unveiled groundbreaking research. This study explores how genetic screenings are a necessary supplement to traditional testing methods, together offering more accurate insights into a patient's likelihood of developing breast cancer in the future. HNP is operated by Renown Genomic Medicine and the Institute for Health Innovation and is one of the largest community-based population health studies in the country. Their team works in collaboration with Helix, a leader in precision health that delivers comprehensive genomic solutions. Together, this dynamic partnership aims to understand breast cancer risk factors and pave the way for more effective preventative measures. The combined research team studied 25,591 female HNP participants to evaluate the performance of different genetic screening approaches to identify women at high risk of breast cancer. The results of this research suggest that a combined monogenic, or single-gene, and polygenic, or multi-gene, approach to breast cancer screenings helped produce more accurate results and more closely identify study participants who have a high genetic risk of developing the disease. "Based on this research, we are advocating a shift in approach which would improve breast cancer risk assessment through a combination of effective family history ascertainment and genetic screening,” said Joseph Grzymski, PhD, principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project, research professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “This tailored approach, founded on the assessment of individual genetic risk, not only intends to elevate patient well-being but also will improve efficiency and equity in healthcare." Complementing the team’s research on leveraging genetics to identify women at low genetic risk of breast cancer that could safely defer mammogram screenings by five to 10 years that was released in late 2023 in JAMA Oncology, the study suggests that incorporating genetic information can assist in personalizing breast cancer screenings and optimizing the use of screening resources. "Existing disparities persist across various facets of breast cancer screening and treatment; however, genetic screening is clearly a powerful tool to help facilitate early intervention for those at higher risk,” said Jamie Schnell Blitstein, APRN, a primary care nurse practitioner at Renown Health and co-author of the breast cancer research paper. “By placing a heightened focus on risk, we underscore the pivotal role of preventative breast cancer screening.” Despite the availability of effective methods for early screening, co-authors of this research found that 78 percent of women with a family history of breast cancer had their risk ascertained only after a breast cancer diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer risk assessment – including a focus on genetic medicine – to help ensure that individuals at high risk are identified and supported proactively rather than reactively. “These findings that can profoundly impact how healthcare is delivered were only made possible by all the participants who were willing to consent to research,” said Alex Bolze, PhD from Helix and co-author of the publication. “Broad-scale collaboration projects like these between Renown Health and UNR that engage large populations where participants share both their genetic information as well as electronic health records drive advancements in preventative medicine, as well as fundamental biological research.” The research paper was officially accepted on Jan. 29, 2024, and will be published by Elsevier, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The contents of the paper will appear in the international journal Genetics in Medicine Open. Read the full article by visiting sciencedirect.com. The Healthy Nevada Project is currently recruiting new study participants. Free to all Nevadans with a saliva sample or blood draw, participants and their referring providers receive access to whole-exome sequencing and clinical grade results that help provide insight into their unique genetic risks tied to heart disease and certain cancers. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, schedule a Virtual Consent Appointment through MyChart or contact the Renown Institute for Health Innovation at RenownIHI@renown.org or (775) 982-6914 to be connected to a Genomic Representative. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers. Acerca de Helix Helix es la compañía líder en genómica y vigilancia viral de la población cuyas operaciones se basan en el cuidado clínico, la investigación y el análisis de datos. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies, payers, and government partners to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and public health decision-making. Learn more at helix.com.
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Leading U.S. Hospitals Team Up To Promote COVID-19 Vaccine
Una coalición de los 60 mejores hospitales e instituciones de atención médica han unido fuerzas en una campaña nacional para alentar a los adultos a vacunarse contra la COVID-19. Led by Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, the campaign "Get the Vaccine to Save Lives" is designed to reassure the public that vaccines are safe, effective and necessary to achieve herd immunity and return to normal activities. "We're asking people to talk to their healthcare providers if they have questions and then get vaccinated," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., Mayo Clinic's president and CEO. "The vaccine is our strongest asset to end the pandemic, and I urge everyone who is eligible to get whichever vaccine you're first offered to save lives." The campaign hopes to reach adults who are hesitant to receive a vaccine, including racial and minority ethnic groups and people living in rural communities. Según una encuesta de la Kaiser Family Foundation publicada en marzo de 30, el 17 % de los encuestados manifiesta que adoptará una actitud de espera antes de vacunarse, y el otro 20 % manifiesta que nunca se vacunará o que solo lo hará si se le exige para el trabajo, la escuela o demás actividades. This leaves a significant portion of the population at risk of going unvaccinated. The nationwide campaign includes print and digital advertising, media outreach, social media, an awareness video and an informational website. "The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and highly effective and offers our best hope for beating the disease," said Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., Cleveland Clinic's CEO and president. "We all want to see a return to our pre-COVID routines, when we can once again gather safely with family and friends. To reach that goal, we must improve vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity. Please sign up today because we are all in this together." With vaccine distribution underway, the campaign aims to help Americans feel safe and confident about receiving a vaccine. Para lograr la inmunidad de rebaño y ayudar a poner fin a la pandemia, los principales funcionarios de salud dicen que al menos el 75 % de la población necesita recibir una vacuna. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who have been vaccinated. Además de Mayo Clinic y Cleveland Clinic, otras 58 instituciones líderes en atención médica de los EE. UU. se han unido a la campaña. Esto incluye lo siguiente: Advent Health Adventist Health Allegheny Health Network Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Arizona Medical Association Ascension St. Vincent’s Atrium Health Banner Health Baptist Health South Florida Baylor Scott & White Health Beaumont Health BJC HealthCare Brooks Rehabilitation Broward Health Centura Health Einstein Healthcare Network Emory Healthcare Essentia Health Hackensack Meridian Honor Health Intermountain Healthcare Lee Health Mass General Brigham McLaren St. Luke’s MedStar Health Memorial Healthcare System Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Mercy Health Michigan Medicine Monument Health NCH Healthcare System Nicklaus Children’s Health System North Shore University Health System Northwestern Medicine Norton Healthcare Peace Health Piedmont Healthcare ProMedica Renown Health Rush University Medical Center Chicago Southwestern Health Resources Spectrum Health Summit Health Texas Health The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center y el The James Cancer Hospital The Toledo Clinic The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Theda Care UC Health (Cincinnati) UNC Health University Hospitals University of Chicago Medicine University of Iowa Health Care University of Toledo Medical Center UT Southwestern Medical Center Virtua Health Well Span Health Yale New Haven Health En los Estados Unidos, se han administrado más de 209 millones de dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 y el 50 % de la población mayor de 18 años ha recibido al menos una dosis de la vacuna al 18 de abril, según los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration's rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization. Ethos Creative Group of Burlington, North Carolina, created the campaign and donated their services. Facebook, iHeartRadio, Spectrum Reach, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and YouTube also provided complimentary resources. For more information about the campaign, visit ourshot2savelives.org About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización cuenta con un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital para niños, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencia, y la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro de propiedad local más grande de la región, Hometown Health. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath and Neurosciences. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.
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First COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Physicians Today
This week, many of the nation’s health care systems in communities across the U.S. began vaccinating physicians and health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19. Many of these health care heroes have been on the front-line of this pandemic and working around-the clock over the last ten months. Las vacunas son una señal de esperanza para el futuro Aquí, en el condado de Washoe, hoy marca el muy deseado inicio de lo que los expertos en salud pública y medicina esperan que sea una ola nacional de vacunas que señale el comienzo del final de la pandemia de la COVID-19. La buena noticia de hoy de Renown coincidió con un nuevo hito negativo para el condado de Washoe: 384 muertes por COVID-19 confirmadas y más de 13,579 casos activos en una población de casi 500,000 personas. COVID-19 positivity test results and hospitalizations continue to be high across the country, our state and here in northern Nevada; straining hospital capacity, physicians and healthcare workers. Today we saw a bright light at the end of this dark tunnel. Renown began vaccinating health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, and invited media to view the first vaccinations of those on the front-line of COVID-19. One vaccine, a Herculean effort of thousands “Although the vaccination process as you see it here looks relatively simple, it took a herculean logistical effort to implement the COVID-19 vaccination process that has begun today,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Today, thanks to the synchronized efforts of thousands of people and organizations across the country, we give thanks for this vaccination provided to Luis Martinez, an excellent ambassador for the thousands of healthcare heroes caring for patients with COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff is our top priority, and we remain steadfast in our determination to fight the good fight for our community.” Luis, on the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic, receives 1st vaccine from Renown Luis Martinez received the 1st of his Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration last week. Recibirá la segunda y última vacuna de la serie en 21 días. La primera dosis de la vacuna se le administró a Luis fuera de su vehículo para que las cámaras pudieran capturar la experiencia. El proceso de vacunación contra la COVID-19 de Renown incluye programar previamente a médicos y empleados mediante el registro médico electrónico EPIC MyChart que usa Renown. Employees are masked, and in their personal vehicles, as they drive through the vaccination site. Each physician and healthcare worker provides their verification, identification, documentation and consent. They then extend their upper arm to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Following the receipt of the vaccination they have a 15-minute observation period to assure they do not experience any immediate side effects. These Tier 1A healthcare employees were encouraged to schedule their vaccination after their completed work schedule to have time to rest. As with all vaccinations, there is a potential for injection site reactions (redness, swelling and pain) as well as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and/or joint pain. Fever is not an infrequent side effect, especially on the 2nd dose, so these vaccinated employees will self-monitor their temperatures, as they cannot work at Renown with a fever. Además de Luis, verá, primero en su camión el Dr. Bret Frey, que representa al personal médico y a los médicos de emergentología de Renown; el enfermero Matt Polak, supervisor de Enfermería Clínica de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Respiratorios de Renown; Holly Irwin, terapeuta clínica de enfermedades respiratorias en su vehículo; Alexis Bertauche, especialista en enfermedades respiratorias en su vehículo; Eric Whitney, el supervisor que representa a los 168 miembros del equipo de Servicios Ambientales de Renown que han implementado grandes medidas de desinfección durante toda la pandemia; médicos representantes de socios de la Facultad de Medicina de la UNR, de la Reno Orthopedic Clinic, del Surgery Center of Reno y de toda la comunidad. Un futuro más prometedor para Luis Luis ha estado trabajando en el Renown’s Alternate Care Site, en la estructura de estacionamiento de Mill Street desde que se inauguró para atender pacientes a mediados de noviembre. Ha estado en Renown desde 2016, donde comenzó como flebotomista y lo alentaron a seguir una carrera profesional en el campo de la medicina. He applied to work as a technician on Renown’s Clinical Decision Unit- a short stay unit within the hospital for people who need clinical care, but do not need to be admitted to the hospital. Luis worked with patients and clinicians in the Clinical Decision Unit for a year before requesting to work in Renown’s innovative Alternate Care Site, built for patients recovering from COVID-19, for additional care before they returned home. Luis was scheduled to take the Medical College Admission Test® in April of this year to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to change his plans. He plans to reschedule his medical school admission exam in February. He is excited to begin his training, possibly at UNR School of Medicine, and hopes one day to be a physician caring competently and compassionately for those in need. Luis has so much to look forward to, after such a difficult year. Luis cumplió 33 años en octubre y, en su cumpleaños, se contagió de COVID-19 después de asistir a una fiesta familiar. He experienced fever and noticed how dramatically the COVID-19 virus affected his breathing, his lungs, and his energy level. After spending time at home recovering, Luis recovered, tested negative, and returned to work. Como resultado de su experiencia y su interés en la medicina, Luis ha investigado mucho sobre la vacuna. Luis es bilingüe y es voluntario de CARE Chest de Sierra Nevada, una organización sin fines de lucro que proporciona equipos y suministros médicos, y asistencia con recetas de forma gratuita a poblaciones marginadas, cuando no trabaja en Renown. La vacuna: una herramienta más para ayudar a combatir la pandemia: “La mejor protección contra la COVID-19 será una combinación de vacunarse contra la COVID-19, usar mascarilla, mantenerse al menos a 6 pies de distancia de otras personas, evitar las multitudes y lavarse las manos con frecuencia”, dice Amy McCombs, máster en enfermería, enfermera certificada, CCRN, CNML, vicepresidenta de Calidad de Servicios Agudos de Renown y líder en el esfuerzo de vacunación de Renown. “No one tool alone will stop this pandemic, it will take a combination of all of us using all of these efforts to fight the spread of this virus. Though there has been positive news about vaccine development, no one knows when those vaccines will be ready for widespread use. In the meantime, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders.” “This vaccination is a game-changer in terms of improving the health of our community,” said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services, Renown Health. "Given the demands of this COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to be able to provide this vaccination to help in the fight. We will follow CDC recommendations for a tiered approach to vaccine distribution. Our goal is that by spring, all Renown physicians; employees and their family members; and all Hometown Health members and Renown patients interested in receiving the vaccine will have an opportunity to be vaccinated.” The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for all Renown employees, but is strongly advised. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is being offered free of charge to employees. Regístrese en Renown EPIC MyChart ahora. Para simplificar el proceso de notificación, consentimiento, programación y recordatorio para la distribución de vacunas, y para publicar en el sistema estatal de información de inmunización Web IZ de Nevada, las personas que estén interesadas en recibir la vacuna a través de Renown tendrán que registrarse y obtener una cuenta EPIC MyChart. Manténgase actualizado sobre la COVID-19 Renown Health está preparada para evaluar, diagnosticar y atender de manera segura a pacientes con enfermedad respiratoria, incluida la COVID-19. Para mantenerse actualizado sobre las comunicaciones relacionadas con la distribución de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 por parte de Renown, las preguntas frecuentes y la evidencia científica detrás de la vacuna, visite https://covid.renown.org/ Únase al equipo de Renown Renown Health continúa comprometido con la contratación de personas para ocupar puestos clave en la organización para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Para unirse a la familia de Renown y luchar por la causa justa, postule en línea en https://careers.renown.org/ Apoye al equipo de Renown Renown Health, una organización benéfica sin fines de lucro, está muy agradecida por el apoyo de la comunidad durante estos momentos sin precedentes. Para donar a pacientes o proveedores de Renown, visite https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. Visite renown.org para obtener más información. About the Washoe County Health District The Washoe County Health District has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
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Final Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Renown Physicians
Renown Health is working with the Washoe County Health District (WCHD), the state, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to distribute the initially available, limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. Because there may be limited supply, the vaccine continues to be distributed in a tiered approach. Today, the light at the end of the tunnel shined brighter than ever as many of Renown’s Tier 1A recipients received their second and final doses. Please see B-roll from today's event and photos, B-roll and interviews from the first event here. An important pandemic milestone “The health and safety of our staff is our top priority, and we remain steadfast in our determination to fight the good fight for our community. Administration of the final doses of the vaccine is an important pandemic milestone as it brings an overwhelming sense of hope and relief to all of us at Renown,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “Los héroes de la atención médica que recibieron la vacuna hoy han estado luchando contra esta pandemia en las primeras líneas y han trabajado sin descanso durante los últimos 11 meses para mantener a nuestra comunidad segura. It’s reassuring knowing they have an added, strong layer of protection, so they can focus their efforts on putting an end to this long and difficult battle.” Today, Renown healthcare workers received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration last month. Esta dosis, que se administra 21 días después de la primera, marca la dosis final de la serie de vacunación. Muchos empleados de Renown también han recibido la vacuna de Moderna, cuyas segundas dosis se administrarán después de los 28 días. Los entresijos de la administración de la vacuna El proceso de vacunación contra la COVID-19 de Renown incluye la programación por parte de los médicos y empleados a través del registro médico electrónico EPIC MyChart que utiliza Renown. Employees are masked, and in their personal vehicles, as they drive through the vaccination site at Hometown Health. Each physician and healthcare worker provides their verification, identification, documentation and consent. They then extend their upper arm to receive the vaccination. Following the receipt of the vaccination, they have a 15-minute observation period to assure they do not experience any immediate side effects. Similar to receiving the first dose, these Tier 1A healthcare employees were encouraged to schedule their vaccination after their completed work schedule to have time to rest. As with all vaccinations, there is a potential for injection site reactions (redness, swelling and pain) as well as fever, fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and/or joint pain. Fever is not an infrequent side effect, especially on the second dose, so these vaccinated employees will self-monitor their temperatures, as they cannot work at Renown with a fever. Renown invited media to help commemorate this triumphant vaccination event. Present during today’s event were- Dr. Bret Frey, representing the Medical Staff and Emergency Medicine physicians at Renown; Dr. Jacob Keeperman, Medical Director, Renown Regional Transfer and Operations Center representing physicians in Renown’s Intensive Care Unit; and Holly Irwin, a Clinical Respiratory Therapist. La vacuna: una herramienta más para ayudar a combatir la pandemia “La mejor protección contra la COVID-19 será una combinación de medidas, como vacunarse contra la COVID-19, usar mascarilla, mantenerse al menos a 6 pies de distancia de otras personas, evitar las multitudes y lavarse las manos con frecuencia”, explica Amy McCombs, MSN (máster en enfermería), RN (enfermera certificada), CCRN (enfermera registrada de cuidado intensivo), CNML (gerente de enfermería certificada y líder), vicepresidenta de Calidad de Servicios Agudos en Renown y defensora del esfuerzo de vacunación en Renown. “No one tool alone will stop this pandemic, it will take a combination of all of us using all of these efforts to fight the spread of this virus. We are getting closer to widespread vaccine development every day; however, until then, everyone must remain vigilant, take precautions and follow public health orders.” “This vaccination is a game-changer in terms of improving the health of our community,” said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Services, Renown Health. "Given the demands of this COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to be able to provide second doses of this vaccination to help in the fight. We continue to follow CDC recommendations for a tiered approach to vaccine distribution. Our goal is that by spring, all Renown physicians; employees and their family members; and all Hometown Health members and Renown patients interested in receiving the vaccine will have an opportunity to be vaccinated.” The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for all Renown employees, but is strongly advised. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is being offered free of charge to employees. Regístrese en Renown EPIC MyChart ahora. Para simplificar el proceso de notificación, consentimiento, programación y recordatorio para la distribución de vacunas, y para publicar en el sistema estatal de información de inmunización Web IZ de Nevada, las personas que estén interesadas en recibir la vacuna a través de Renown tendrán que registrarse y obtener una cuenta EPIC MyChart. Manténgase actualizado sobre la COVID-19 Renown Health está preparada para evaluar, diagnosticar y atender de manera segura a pacientes con enfermedad respiratoria, incluida la COVID-19. Para mantenerse actualizado sobre las comunicaciones relacionadas con la distribución de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 por parte de Renown, las preguntas frecuentes y la evidencia científica detrás de la vacuna, visite https://covid.renown.org/ Únase al equipo de Renown Renown Health continúa comprometido con la contratación de personas para ocupar puestos clave en la organización para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Para unirse a la familia de Renown y luchar por la causa justa, postule en línea en https://careers.renown.org/ Apoye al equipo de Renown Renown Health, una organización benéfica sin fines de lucro, está muy agradecida por el apoyo de la comunidad durante estos momentos sin precedentes. Para donar a pacientes o proveedores de Renown, visite https://www.renown.org/donations-covid-19/. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org. About the Washoe County Health District The Washoe County Health District has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.
Leer más About Final Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Renown Physicians
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Los exámenes de detección genética poblacionales demuestran que identifican de manera eficiente un aumento en el riesgo de padecer enfermedades hereditarias
El enfoque basado en la comunidad del Healthy Nevada Project revela que hasta un 90 % de los riesgos de padecer afecciones genéticas de Nivel 1 de los CDC no se detecta cuando se usan pautas de atención clínica. In a new study published today in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers behind the Healthy Nevada Project® suggest that community-based genetic screening has the potential to efficiently identify individuals who may be at increased risk for three common inherited genetic conditions known to cause several forms of cancer and increased risk for heart disease or stroke. En 2018, el Healthy Nevada Project® (el mayor estudio de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad que combina datos genéticos, clínicos, ambientales y sociales) comenzó a notificarles a los participantes del estudio que habían dado su consentimiento sobre ciertas variantes genéticas que los predisponían a padecer las afecciones genéticas de Nivel 1 de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC). The study focused on identifying carriers of these conditions, which include Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia, because they are the most common conditions and early detection and treatment could significantly lower morbidity and mortality. Los resultados iniciales de casi 27,000 participantes del estudio mostraron que el 90 % de los portadores de las afecciones genéticas de Nivel 1 de los CDC no había sido previamente identificado en un entorno clínico. The authors conclude that population genetic screening would identify at-risk carriers not identified during routine care. “Our first goal was to deliver actionable health data back to the participants of the study and understand whether or not broad population screening of CDC Tier 1 genomic conditions was a practical tool to identify at-risk individuals,” explained Joseph Grzymski, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the Healthy Nevada Project®, a research professor at the Desert Research Institute (DRI), chief scientific officer for Renown Health and lead author of the study. “Now, two years into doing that, it is clear that the clinical guidelines for detecting risk in individuals are too narrow and miss too many at risk individuals.” Del grupo de 26,906 participantes del Healthy Nevada Project® que el equipo de investigación de Grzymski estudió, 358 (el 1.33 %) eran portadores de afecciones de Nivel 1 de los CDC. Sin embargo, solo el 25 % de esas personas cumplían las pautas clínicas para realizarse exámenes de detección genética. Además, más del 20 % de los portadores ya tenía un diagnóstico de enfermedad relacionada con la afección genética subyacente. “We’re at a point now where it’s possible to do clinical-grade genetic screening at population-scale,” added James Lu, M.D. Ph.D., co-founder and chief scientific officer of Helix and senior co-author of the study. “What this study demonstrates is the potential impact of doing so. By making genetic screening available more broadly, we can help the millions of Americans who are unaware that they are living at increased risk for highly actionable, genetic conditions take action.” En particular, el estudio descubrió que de los 273 participantes que eran portadores de las afecciones genéticas de Nivel 1 de los CDC y que tenían información de registros clínicos, solo 22 personas mostraron sospechas previas de tener estas afecciones genéticas subyacentes. “For the first time, we are providing information at the individual level so study participants can make lifesaving changes to reduce their risk based on their genetics,” said Anthony Slonim, M.D., Dr.PH., FACHE, president and CEO of Renown Health and co-director of the Project® study. “We’re conducting research on the community level to develop leading-edge research on health determinants for entire neighborhoods, states and eventually, the country. Returning these results allows us to understand the prevalence of genetically programmed diseases and illnesses that we have here in Nevada and ensure we are providing the best prevention and care plans. For the individual, the return of results can be life changing.” According to the CDC, early detection and intervention of the Tier 1 genetic conditions could have a meaningful potential for clinical action ability and a positive impact on public health. El Healthy Nevada Project®, que se lanzó en 2016, ofrece pruebas genéticas gratuitas a todos los residentes de Nevada, mayores de 18 años, interesados en obtener más información sobre su salud y perfil genético. Con más de 50,000 participantes del estudio inscritos en cuatro años, el Healthy Nevada Project® se ha convertido en el estudio genético de más rápida inscripción del mundo. For more about the Healthy Nevada Project® please visit healthynv.org Renown Institute for Health Innovation is a collaboration between Renown Health – a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California; and the Desert Research Institute – a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. Renown IHI research teams are focused on integrating personal healthcare and environmental data with socioeconomic determinants to help Nevada address some of its most complex environmental health problems; while simultaneously expanding the state’s access to leading-edge clinical trials and fostering new connections with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Learn more at Healthynv.org. Helix is the leading population genomics company operating at the intersection of clinical care, research, and genomics. Its end-to-end platform enables health systems, life sciences companies, and payers to advance genomic research and accelerate the integration of genomic data into clinical care. Powered by one of the world's largest CLIA / CAP next-generation sequencing labs and its proprietary Exome+Ⓡ assay, Helix supports all aspects of population genomics including recruitment and engagement, clinically actionable disease screening, return of results, and basic and translational research. In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, Helix has launched a sensitive and scalable end-to-end COVID-19 test system to meet the needs of health systems, employers, governments, and other organizations across the country. Obtenga más información en www.helix.com.
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Gilead Sciences y el Renown Institute for Health Innovation anuncian una colaboración estratégica para promover la comprensión de la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (EHNA)
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and the Renown Institute for Health Innovation (IHI) today announced a strategic collaboration to collect and analyze genetic and electronic health data that can enhance the understanding of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and potentially inform development of treatment options for the disease. En virtud de los términos del acuerdo de colaboración y licencia, Gilead proporcionará fondos al Renown IHI para secuenciar y analizar el ADN de 15,000 personas que viven con EHNA o con enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico (EHGNA), así como de una cohorte de control de 40,000 personas en el estado de Nevada. “Combining the sequencing of protein coding DNA, with extensive electronic health record data will enable a deep analysis of the roles of genetics and environment in NASH incidence and progression,” said John McHutchison, AO, MD, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research and Development, Gilead Sciences. “The analysis of these large datasets in collaboration with Renown IHI could help identify genetic variants that impact the risk of developing NASH and thereby advance the discovery and development of new treatments for this disease.” Renown Health es la red de atención médica más completa e integrada de Nevada y mantiene registros médicos electrónicos para 1.02 millones de pacientes registrados. En 2016, Renown Health y el Desert Research Institute crearon el Healthy Nevada Project (HNP), el primer estudio de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad del país. En 2017, el HNP comenzó una sociedad con Helix para aprovechar sus servicios de salud poblacional, la secuenciación Exome+™ y las herramientas de participación del consumidor. The HNP is now an ongoing collaboration between Renown IHI, the Desert Research Institute, a global leader in environmental data and applied research, and Helix, a personal genomics company. HNP combines genetic, environmental, social and clinical data to address individual and community health needs with the goal of improving health across the state and the nation. El HNP actualmente tiene 40,000 participantes. “Combining genetic sequencing with large sets of data can play a critical role in understanding and identifying serious health risks, including diseases like NASH. We are excited to collaborate with Gilead to better understand the condition and its complexities,” said Anthony Slonim, MD., DrPH. “Any genetic variants identified in participants through the collaboration may be shared with the participants for patient care purposes.” About NASH Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic form of liver disease characterized by excess fat in the liver, inflammation, and liver cell damage. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause scarring of the liver, or fibrosis, and ultimately lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. La EHNA es más frecuente en personas con ciertas afecciones, que incluyen obesidad y diabetes tipo 2. There are currently limited approved treatments for patients living with NASH. About Gilead Sciences Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The company strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world. Gilead opera en más de 35 países alrededor del mundo, con sede central en Foster City, California. Para obtener más información sobre Gilead Sciences, visite el sitio web de la empresa en www.gilead.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown Health’s commitment has extended beyond traditional health care to include community health and well-being. Renown Health works to improve health care through science, research and genetics; forge community partnerships that improve lives and develop innovative models that are improving health care in Nevada. For more information, visit renown.org. About Helix Helix’s mission is to empower every person to improve their life through DNA. Helix is accelerating the integration of genomic data into clinical care and broadening the impact of large-scale population health programs by providing comprehensive expertise in DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and individual engagement. Mediante el uso de su ensayo Exome+™ de propiedad exclusiva, un exoma de tipo panel mejorado con más de 300,000 regiones no codificantes informativas, Helix ofrece a los sistemas de salud una solución escalable que permite el descubrimiento de información genética médicamente relevante y que potencialmente puede salvar vidas. Additionally, Helix offers a suite of DNA-powered products for continued individual engagement and discovery. Helix is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has one of the world’s largest CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited Next Generation Sequencing labs, located in San Diego, California. Obtenga más información en www.helix.com. Helix, the Helix logo, and Exome+ are trademarks of Helix Opco, LLC. Gilead Forward-Looking Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risk that the parties may not realize the potential benefits of this collaboration, and Gilead may fail to discover, develop and commercialize any product candidates for the treatment of NASH. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Estos y otros riesgos se describen en detalle en el Informe Trimestral de Gilead en el Formulario 10-Q para el trimestre que finalizó el 31 de marzo de 2019, presentado ante la Comisión de Bolsa y Valores de los EE. UU. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Gilead, and Gilead assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000. Additional Media Contact: Sung Lee, Investors 650-524-7792 Arran Attridge, Media 650-425-8975
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Optimizing Mammogram Screenings: A Genetic Approach to a Personalized Screening Schedule
© Arthon Meekodong via Canva.com Breast cancer screening has long been a cornerstone of women's healthcare. With 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime1, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has developed screening recommendations to help detect early-stage cancer. Notably in 2023, the USPSTF revised the recommended age for biennial mammogram screenings for women with average risk to start at age 40 instead of 502, estimated to result in 19% more lives being saved3 by starting screening earlier. While initiating screening at an earlier age offers advantages to a wide demographic, concerns about the potential of over-screening prompted research into the feasibility of identifying women with lower breast cancer risk who could safely delay mammograms. While guidelines address high-risk individuals, a notable gap exists in providing recommendations tailored to those at lower risk. To gain insight into a patient's risk level, physicians are able to utilize genetic testing to understand an individual's genetic makeup, providing precise insights into their predisposition to various health conditions, including breast cancer. Armed with this genetic information, healthcare providers could craft tailored screening strategies that align with an individual’s specific risk profile. This genetic risk-based approach underscores the value of genetics in individualizing the onset of screening to help avoid over-screening and its associated costs. Surprisingly, genetic information is not currently being widely utilized to identify women at risk of breast cancer or other diseases in clinical practice, despite its potential to make a significant positive impact for patients. A recent retrospective analysis of 25,591 women from the Healthy Nevada Project4 sheds light on the potential benefits of this genetic risk-based approach. The study classified 2,338 (9.1%) of these women as having a low genetic risk for breast cancer. What's remarkable is that these women exhibited a significantly lower and later onset of breast cancer compared to their average or high-risk counterparts. This finding suggests that it might be safe for low-risk women to delay mammogram screening by 5 to 10 years without compromising their health.
