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As the holiday season draws near, we find more reasons to celebrate with loved ones. At Renown Health, we are kicking off the celebrations early this November with American Diabetes Month. Approximately 37 million Americans, including 270,000 Nevadans, have been diagnosed with diabetes with as many as 95% of those diagnosed living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). What is Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs because your body is not using insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells use the food we eat for energy) as well as it should, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is important to obtain a diagnosis for T2DM and ensure it is well-controlled to prevent serious health complications. Those with diabetes are at higher risk for blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation. Tips for Supporting Your Health with Type 2 Diabetes Know Your Blood Sugar Levels: Work with your healthcare provider to establish target blood sugar levels, and make sure to monitor your levels regularly as advised by your healthcare provider to prevent or delay health complications associated with T2DM. Focus on Your Plate: Eating foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats or plant-based proteins, healthy fats and whole grains supports diabetes management. If choosing healthy foods is difficult due to your busy schedule, cost or simply because you aren’t sure where to start, talk with your healthcare provider who may refer you to a registered dietitian. Registered dietitian nutritionists are certified nutrition specialists who can provide education and practical tips for eating to support your T2DM diagnosis with visits covered by many insurance plans. Prioritize Staying Active: Engaging in regular exercise is good for everyone, especially those living with T2DM. Exercise helps your cells become more sensitive to insulin and therefore supports healthy blood sugar levels. Always check with your healthcare provider prior to beginning a new exercise plan. Support Stress Reduction: Stress is unavoidable but can be managed through regular exercise, getting enough quality sleep (7-8 uninterrupted hours per night) and practicing meditation and other mindfulness techniques. Plan Ahead for Holiday Gatherings: There’s still room for celebration while focusing on blood sugar management. Consider bringing a healthy dish to your gathering, focus on filling your plate with vegetable sides and eating those first and incorporate a family walk after dinner. If traveling, pack nutritious snacks that support your health and keep you full. Lastly, enjoy the special dishes and desserts this season has to offer in single-serving portions.

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Clinical research provides agency for our patients navigating a scary diagnosis, and the field has never been stronger in northern Nevada. This strength is thanks in part to the Affiliate Clinical Research Office (ACRO) formed by the 2021 affiliation between Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Since its creation, the ACRO team has been busy ensuring that community members have access to the latest care options and exceptional experiences as participants in both research and their healthcare. Here are just a few things that set this office apart from the rest. 1. A focus on engagement In 2022, the ARCO team focused on promoting a research culture with patients, clinicians, residents and students by intentionally engaging with healthcare providers, department administrators, internal research team members and leadership. They educated the community with learning materials that emphasized the importance of doing research. This team also worked with front-line staff to raise awareness and excitement about the clinical research options available for Renown Health patients. 2. Meaningful partnerships The most impactful partnership to date is between Renown Health and UNR Med. By identifying opportunities and leveraging resources across institutions, we have maximized our impact and built a solid and sustainable foundation. This gives the people of northern Nevada greater access to new interventions or novel treatments. This team is also investing in the community and national partnerships to provide training opportunities for our research staff and learning opportunities for our medical students. 3. Novel treatments across many disease areas Our research study offerings must reflect the healthcare needs of our community and the expertise of practicing clinicians. The department has over 80 active studies in neurology, pulmonology, oncology, cardiology, pediatrics and disease prevention. The ARCRO team strives to expand care opportunities to allow our community members to stay close to home when seeking care. This year, they will continue exploring our community's unmet healthcare needs by bringing new treatment options to the greater Reno area.

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When a sudden illness or injury occurs, the emergency room (ER) provides immediate medical attention to those in need. Understanding the top reasons for visiting the ER can help people make informed decisions about seeking emergency care. Here are the five most common reasons people in Nevada visited an ER in 2023. 1. Abdominal pain  One of the top reasons people visit the ER is abdominal pain. The abdomen has many organs, including the stomach, liver, small and large intestines, gallbladder and pancreas. Significant pain in this area can be a cause of concern.  Warning signs of a serious problem include abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, and not being able to move or perform everyday tasks due to pain. Seeking medical attention when experiencing these symptoms is essential. Emergency physicians can perform abdominal exams, assess the condition and rule out significant threats.    2. Fever  High fevers that do not get better with medicine and are accompanied by other symptoms can cause concern. This can indicate that the body is fighting off an infection or illness.  Fever with symptoms like vomiting, pain, altered mental status, shortness of breath or inability to perform daily functions are warning signs to watch out for. Adults and children should visit an ER, where the team can assess the causes of the fever.   3. Chest pain and shortness of breath  Chest pain and discomfort, or pain in the upper body can suggest warning signs of a heart attack. If a person is experiencing signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately to ensure timely treatment or assessment by a medical professional. Heart attack symptoms include:  Chest pain, including pain that can be described as chest pressure, heaviness or squeezing   Discomfort in the chest, arms, back, neck, shoulders and jaw  Difficulty breathing   Sweating with any of the above symptoms   When visiting a Renown ER for chest pain, a trained medical professional will promptly perform an Electrocardiogram (EKG) in an area where preliminary assessments, also known as triage, take place. Individuals experiencing shortness of breath or trouble breathing, whether from a respiratory infection, asthma complications or other pre-existing conditions should not ignore symptoms as these can signify more serious issues.  Warning signs of respiratory distress may include:  A significant change in breathing rate A significant change in the amount of energy used to inhale or exhale when breathing Changing of the skin color to blue, gray or paleness, which can indicate a lack of oxygen Nasal flaring  Chest retractions, which can suggest difficulty bringing air into the lungs What this looks like: the chest sinking in just below the neck, breastbone or rib cage while breathing 4. Neurological symptoms  Sudden and severe headaches or seizures may prompt individuals to visit the ER if symptoms are extremely disorientating or debilitating. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions, including strokes or neurological disorders that require prompt evaluation.  If a person is experiencing signs of stroke, call 911 immediately to ensure timely treatment.  Stroke symptoms include:  Numbness, weakness or loss of movement in the face, leg or arm, especially on one side Confusion, including trouble speaking or understanding Trouble with vision or loss of balance  When choosing emergency care for signs and symptoms of stroke, a Comprehensive Stroke Center can provide patients with immediate intervention, including evaluation, treatment and education. 5. Cough/flu-like symptoms  Emergency departments are staffed by medical professionals trained to prioritize and treat emergency and trauma situations. Receiving care at an ER should be reserved for severe symptoms and life-threatening conditions. It’s best to schedule a visit with a primary care physician for mild cold and flu symptoms. Most urgent care locations are equipped with rapid testing options, including RSV, COVID-19, influenza, mononucleosis, urinary issues and strep throat. It is critical to distinguish between common respiratory infections and more severe cases, such as pneumonia or complications from the flu.   Symptoms that may warrant a visit to the ER include:  Rapid decline in the ability to perform regular daily activities  Coughing or throwing up blood  Severe dehydration and inability to drink fluids High fever not responsive to medication  Understanding top ER visits in Nevada  While these ER complaints are common reasons for emergency room visits in Nevada, it's important to remember that emergency care is available for all immediate medical needs. Do not hesitate to seek help at an emergency room if someone experiences a sudden or severe health concern. Quick and appropriate action can make a significant difference in keeping you and your loved ones healthy.  Renown Health is the largest locally governed, not-for-profit healthcare network in northern Nevada, providing leading emergency and trauma care by board-certified emergency physicians 24/7 at three locations, including the region’s only pediatric emergency department. Renown Health emergency rooms prioritize swift assessments, advanced diagnostic tools and compassionate care, providing leading emergency and trauma care. Trust Renown ER for not just emergency care but exceptional care. Learn more at renown.org/ER.

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Did you know that the Renown Research Office has partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine Clinical Research Office to form the Integrated Clinical Research Office? This means we are able to provide more clinical research opportunities and expertise to our northern Nevada community than ever before. Over the past two years, we have significantly expanded our clinical trial offerings from 35 to 101 studies to meet the healthcare needs of our community members and keep care options local. Currently, we offer clinical research as a care opportunity in areas such as cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, oncology, pediatrics, neurology and immunizations. What is Clinical Research? Clinical research is simply medical research that involves human volunteers (participants). Research studies have to be reviewed and approved by ethics committees to ensure that the questions researchers want to answer are appropriate and that research participants are protected throughout the study. Often when we talk about clinical research, we are referring to a clinical trial. Clinical trials are a type of clinical research study that places research participants into groups to study the safety and effectiveness of new medications and devices on a specific health outcome. Clinical trials follow rigorous standards and must pass four phases of testing, where each phase works progressively to understand the correct dosing and effects in larger and more diverse groups of people. Why is Clinical Research Important? Did you know that all medications, diagnostic tests and medical devices prescribed and used today by physicians and health practitioners were once tested in clinical trials? Clinical research advances medical care by helping us understand how to prevent disease and to provide new and better treatments for a wide range of health conditions. At Renown Health, we know the importance of offering the latest opportunities in healthcare, especially when standard of care options have been exhausted. What Are Some Considerations for Participating in Clinical Research? Research volunteers are often drawn to participating in studies because they are interested in accessing the latest health care treatments and/or they want to contribute to scientific discovery. If you are interested in becoming a research volunteer, you should first make sure you fully understand what the study and researcher is asking you to do and consider whether you are comfortable with the study activities and commitments to time and travel such as for required study appointments. Remember, participating in a research study is completely voluntary. That means you choose whether to participate, and you can choose to stop participating in a research study at any time, for any reason. Where Can I Find More Information About Clinical Research? There are many resources you can access if you have questions or want to learn more about clinical research. Your healthcare provider can assist you in your healthcare journey by discussing care options and exploring if participating in a clinical trial may be right for you. The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health recently launched their Clinical Trials Info for Nevadans webpage which provides information on finding clinical trials in Nevada, understanding the importance of diversity in clinical trials, and linked resources to learn more about clinical trials. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections provides informational videos, questions to ask researchers prior to participating and information on regulations in place to protect research participants. Finally, at the Renown Research Office, we are always here to support your clinical research journey and can be reached at Renown-CRD@renown.org or 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 Clinical Research: Advancing Healthcare in Northern Nevada One Study at a Time