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Let Those Ears Breathe! Increased Headphone and Ear Bud Use Leads to Ear Wax Build Up; Renown Urgent Cares Offer Relief
Wearing headphones or earbuds is a daily activity for many of us. Listening to music, podcasts, meetings, phone calls; there are endless reasons to stick them in or on your ears. However, if your ears start to feel plugged, full; or you feel dizzy, lightheaded or hear ringing in your ears; you may be experiencing ear wax build up where your ear canals become blocked and affect your hearing. If you’ve tried to clean your ears (please don’t use Q-Tips®), but still have symptoms, pain, or hearing loss, it’s time to see your physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or visit Renown Urgent Care. “Ear wax isn’t dirty. It’s normal,” says Ryan Bristol, APRN, Advanced Practitioner of Nursing at Renown Urgent Care. “Ears are self-cleaning miracles, and naturally clean themselves with the help of jaw movement and skin migration. However, wearing headphones or earbuds for hours blocks earwax from naturally draining from the ear. Additionally, the dirt and bacteria that these headphones often carry can cause an infection on their own, and earwax buildup can trap dirt in the ear and block the canal completely. The snug fit of headphones can create a conducive environment for the accumulation of ear wax. It's crucial for individuals to be mindful of this and take necessary precautions to prevent complications." “Individuals experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, decreased hearing, or a sensation of fullness in the ears are encouraged to seek evaluation and treatment at their nearest urgent care facility,” says Rahul Mediwala, MD, CEO of Renown Medical Group. “By addressing ear wax build-up promptly, individuals can mitigate the risk of complications and maintain optimal ear health. Fortunately, prompt, pain-free and effective treatment is available at Renown Urgent Care. We offer professional ear wax removal procedures performed by trained staff, providing relief to those experiencing discomfort or hearing impairment due to excessive ear wax build-up.” The experts at Renown Health gave us some background. What is ear wax and why is it healthy? Ear wax is a protective substance called sebum made of fat, skin cells and sweat. Ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps protect the ear from germs and dirt and prevents the sensitive skin of the ear canal from becoming irritated. It is normal and healthy to have a thin lining of ear wax on the canal. Ear wax will sometimes accumulate and move to the outer ear canal, where it would typically fall out or be wiped away. This is also normal. When should I seek care? An ear canal has too much wax if the ear feels plugged or hearing is affected. The accumulation of wax happens very gradually, so ears do not necessarily feel waxy. The problem is usually noticed because of changes in hearing. Over the counter remedies may offer relief. However, in some cases, the earwax has built up or become impacted, and ears need to be treated. What is the treatment? At Renown Urgent Care, we offer professional ear wax removal procedures performed by trained staff, providing relief to those experiencing discomfort or hearing impairment due to excessive ear wax build-up. Wax is flushed from the ear canal using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Most patients find the procedure is fast, pain free and effective. How can I prevent earwax buildup from headphones and ear buds? Most people who wear headphones or use earbuds occasionally or intermittently don’t have difficulties with excessive ear wax. Wax accumulation also depends on the size of the ear canals and the productivity of the oil glands in the ear canal. You can choose to use over the ear headphones. If you prefer to use in-ear headphones, the best modes of excess ear wax prevention are to: Clean headphones and earbuds regularly with a cloth or disinfectant wipes; Avoid sharing headphones or earbuds with other people; Take breaks from headphones and earbuds so ears can breathe and get back to normal; Pay attention to your ear health. Should we talk about Q-tips? Yes! Q-tips (and similar products) are rarely helpful for managing ear wax. The cotton on the end of the Q-tip is usually unable to pull the wax out of the canal. Worse, they can push the wax deep inside the ear canal, and it can end up impacted. Where should I seek care? Individuals experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, decreased hearing, or a sensation of fullness in the ears are encouraged to seek evaluation and treatment at a medical facility. By addressing ear wax build-up promptly, individuals can mitigate the risk of complications and maintain optimal ear health. Renown Urgent Care sees patients 365 days a year for medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening at many locations across northern Nevada. Reserve con antelación un lugar en una de nuestras diez ubicaciones de Urgent Care. If you do not see time slots that work for you, you can still go to any location that has "walk-ins available" listed. For more information, or to book an appointment, go to renown.org/Health-Services/Urgent-Care. Renown Health is the region’s locally governed, not-for-profit integrated health care network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,200 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health.
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Renown Health Food Pantry Is Nourishing Patients at No Cost
Patients who qualify for a “Food is Medicine Prescription” can receive a bag of food for themselves and each member of their family every week through this free assistance program. Renown Health is proud to offer supplementary food to patients in need through its food pantry. Established nearly a year ago, patients who identify as food- insecure are working with Renown’s community health workers to receive fresh produce, canned goods, non-perishable items and other pantry staples to help nourish themselves and their family at no cost. Thanks to the support of the Northern Nevada Food Bank and other local community partners, Renown’s food pantry is helping meet the food needs of homeless and low-income individuals in our community. “Patients’ responses to our food pantry has been amazing,” said Renown community health worker Seth Rubin. “They are extremely grateful when we give them a bag of food. Their eyes light up knowing that they will have enough food to eat for the week without having to worry about finding a source of food for their family.” To make this assistance program possible, Renown’s food pantry receives food deliveries every Wednesday from the Northern Nevada Food Bank. The Food Bank meets Renown’s team of community health workers, along with churches and other medical organizations, with a semi- truck loaded with a variety of foods. After receiving a pallet with their food order, Renown’s community health team collects an assortment of fresh produce, donated from local grocery stores and other community organizations. After that, the food is unloaded into Renown’s food pantry located inside The Healthcare Center. Renown’s community health workers serve patients in the hospital and emergency rooms, as well as individuals who receive care in The Healthcare Center, which provides affordable access to care for anyone in our community. After expressing a need for food assistance, patients are offered a Food is Medicine Prescription. Through this prescription, they can go to a participating food pantry once a week to receive one bag of food per person in their household. EL BANCO DE ALIMENTOS CONTINÚA FUNCIONANDO EN MEDIO DE LA PANDEMIA Desde el comienzo de la pandemia de COVID-19, los trabajadores comunitarios de la salud de Renown han trabajado de manera remota, pero eso no les ha impedido llegar a los pacientes que se benefician de este programa. “We’re currently coordinating outpatient deliveries to our patients,” said Rubin. “Every Tuesday and Thursday, we deliver a bag of food to the patient’s house. It has been a great way to continue providing healthy food to our patients while continuing to provide safe care to the patients we see in person at our clinic. Despite our operations being a little different, our patients’ feelings of gratitude and relief remains the same. This is extremely rewarding work and we are proud to continue serving our community throughout these challenging times.” Renown’s food pantry is currently available to patients of The Healthcare Center. Renown is working to get more refrigeration, shelving and staffing to expand the service to more Renown Medical Group patients. Renown patients who qualify for a Food is Medicine Prescription, yet aren’t patients of The Healthcare Center, are encouraged to visit these participating food pantries once a week. The Healthcare Center accepts all Medicaid plans in addition to other healthcare plans. To learn more, visit Renown’s website. For b-roll on this story, please click here. 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. Para obtener más información, visite renown.org.
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Food is Love! Nine Career Options at Renown to Satisfy Coffee Enthusiasts & Foodies
¿Le apasiona la gastronomía y el café? ¿Le interesa servir a pacientes y héroes de la atención médica? ¿Es cortés y diplomático? ¿Tiene un diploma de escuela secundaria? Continúe leyendo para descubrir la carrera profesional para usted. Cuando piensa en la palabra AMOR, ¿piensa en COMIDAS deliciosas o en una taza de CAFÉ caliente? Cuando charla con amigos, ¿las conversaciones comienzan y terminan hablando de una receta, un restaurante o un programa de televisión de cocina nuevos? ¿Le da mucha satisfacción preparar platos deliciosos? ¿Sueña con poder preparar un latte humeante con leche de almendras en cuestión de minutos? ¿Le gusta cuidar de otros y se ve creando y entregando deliciosos y nutritivos platos calientes a personas que se están recuperando de un procedimiento quirúrgico o de una enfermedad? ¿Disfrutaría de hacer una comida especial de celebración para una familia que acaba de recibir a un bebé, o un pastel para celebrar una boda junto a la cama de un paciente o para una familia que se reencuentra con el abuelo tras recibir buenas noticias sobre su recuperación del cáncer? ¿Busca algunas opciones profesionales que lo mantengan conectado con excelentes comidas y café? Renown Health ahora ofrece una serie de opciones profesionales que le permiten satisfacer su amor por la comida, ganar dinero, tener vacaciones pagas/permiso por enfermedad, grandes beneficios de salud, un cronograma regular, progresar en su carrera profesional y obtener un título universitario o terciario al mismo tiempo. Trabajar en el sector gastronómico del mejor empleador de la región y la organización benéfica sin fines de lucro más grande de la región tiene algunos beneficios excepcionales. Los empleados de Renown trabajan todos los días para marcar una diferencia real en la vida de las personas, y queremos que se una a nosotros. Muchos profesionales de servicios gastronómicos comenzaron su carrera en puestos de nivel inicial y fueron ascendiendo. Otros beneficios de trabajar en Renown incluyen habilidades profesionales transferibles, alimentos gratuitos o con descuento y la oportunidad de retribuir y servir a su comunidad. Ya sea que recién esté comenzando su carrera profesional o que esté buscando un nuevo desafío, seguramente encontrará algo perfecto para usted. Muchos puestos requieren solo un diploma de escuela secundaria o GED. Empiece a explorar hoy mismo nuestra lista de nueve excelentes oportunidades laborales relacionadas con los alimentos y las bebidas disponibles hoy en Renown Health y postúlese en línea en renown.org 1) Sea barista en Starbucks; Renown Regional Medical Center, tiempo completo/parcial, todos los turnos Si le encanta hablar con la gente, tiene buen sentido del humor y le gusta el ritmo dinámico, entonces este trabajo es una excelente oportunidad para usted. Conocerá a personas de todas las áreas y se hará amigo de muchas de ellas. Aprenderá a ser un experto en la elaboración de bebidas deliciosas y perfectas, y tendrá el orgullo de usar el delantal verde de Starbucks. Formará parte del primer Starbucks en el área que funciona las 24 horas al día, los 7 días de la semana. El sueldo promedio por hora en Starbucks como barista se encuentra en el promedio nacional de aproximadamente $12.32. Además, recibirá capacitación paga, propinas, un paquete de beneficios completo de Renown Health que incluye atención médica, jubilación, vacaciones/tiempo de enfermedad pagos y acceso a puestos que se publican internamente. Necesitará un diploma de escuela secundaria o GED; sin embargo, no necesita experiencia para este puesto de nivel inicial. Los empleados de Starbucks pueden beber tantos lattes como quieran, ¡ya que la mayoría de las bebidas son gratuitas para los empleados durante los descansos de trabajo! 2) Jefe de cocina y líder de cocina hospitalario; Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, tiempo completo/parcial, todos los turnos. Si le encanta preparar alimentos nutritivos y apetitosos para los demás, comprende la importancia de los requisitos individuales de las dietas médicas y culturales, este puede ser el trabajo perfecto para usted. La mayoría de las personas que trabajan como cocineros en un hospital tienen cinco o más años de experiencia de trabajo en restaurante, pero no tienen un título universitario. Sin embargo, pueden ganar un rango salarial promedio de entre $26,860 y $61,870. Los beneficios incluyen un cronograma predecible, que puede significar más tiempo con su familia y en el hogar. También recibirá vacaciones y días de enfermedad, y beneficios de salud, visión y odontología. Además, sus platos darían energía a los médicos, enfermeros y otras personas para poder atravesar las largas jornadas laborales, marcando una diferencia genuina en las vidas de los otros y teniendo un impacto positivo en la sociedad. 3) ¡Entrega especial! Servidores de alimentos; Renown Regional Medical Center, tiempo completo/parcial, todos los turnos. Si le encanta armar y servir comidas a los pacientes, este es el trabajo para usted. Realizará las tareas de preparación, armado y limpieza para el servicio de comidas para pacientes y podrá servir como enlace entre los Servicios de Nutrición y los pacientes. También puede transportar carritos de comida a los pisos de habitaciones de pacientes y ayudar con la limpieza y el saneamiento general de la cocina. 4) Muestre su lado creativo como preparador de alimentos; preparador principal de sándwiches; Renown Regional Medical Center, tiempo completo/parcial, todos los turnos. En este puesto, preparará y servirá ensaladas, postres y sándwiches con ingredientes frescos, para entregárselos rápidamente a clientes con hambre y felices. Se buscan preparadores principales de sándwiches en el restaurante Subway ubicado dentro del Renown Regional Medical Center). 5 ¡Hecho especialmente para usted! Representante de nutrición; Renown Regional Medical Center; diario, todos los turnos En este puesto, se reunirá con los pacientes, les ayudará a revisar sus opciones de comidas y se asegurará de que los platos especiales y personalizados se les entreguen en su habitación. Como agente de servicio al cliente, responderá el teléfono para tomar los pedidos de comida, ingresará las elecciones de comida en el sistema informático y comprenderá los menús, las restricciones de las dietas, las recetas y el inventario de alimentos. 6) Cajero de servicios gastronómicos; Regional Medical Center; tiempo completo/parcial, todos los turnos 7) La alimentación como medicina, dietista clínico; Renown Regional Medical Center; tiempo parcial, días Los pacientes que se recuperan de una enfermedad deben alimentarse con los platos más nutritivos. En este puesto, proporcionará asesoramiento y educación sobre nutrición, evaluaciones de nutrición clínica, planificación y evaluación de bebés, niños, adolescentes, adultos y pacientes geriátricos, y trabajará para satisfacer las necesidades físicas, cognitivas y psicosociales del paciente mediante una educación y nutrición adecuadas. 8) La respuesta es ¡SÍ! Gerente de Hospitalidad; Renown South Meadows Medical Center; tiempo completo Como gerente, su función es brindar una atención al cliente excepcional en todos los aspectos de los servicios gastronómicos y ambientales. Podrá crear, contratar, capacitar y liderar un equipo comprometido y brindar servicio de la más alta calidad para satisfacer las necesidades de los pacientes, empleados, visitantes y médicos. 9) ¿Es fanático del servicio al cliente? Supervisor de alimentos y bebidas de venta minorista; Starbucks En esta función, usted sería un líder muy popular en las operaciones de las franquicias de Starbucks y Subway en el Renown Regional Medical Center. Se encargaría de liderar, empoderar y capacitar a su equipo para que sea el mejor, y se aseguraría de tener un presupuesto equilibrado y de que el servicio al cliente sea excepcional. En Renown Health, compartimos una visión sin límites que nos inspira a aprender, crecer y superar las expectativas de los pacientes, sus familias y los demás. Una carrera profesional con nosotros le ofrece: • Un entorno estimulante y progresista enfocado en iniciativas de salud y bienestar de la comunidad • Una cultura que valore sus contribuciones y apoye su desarrollo personal y profesional • Afiliaciones con la University of Nevada, Reno, el Desert Research Institute y otras organizaciones que ayudan a estimular la innovación y las oportunidades Para postular a estas y otras oportunidades profesionales, visítenos en línea en https://careers.renown.org/ Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es la red de atención médica integrada de administración local sin fines de lucro más grande de la región que brinda servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de 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. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.
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Saving More Lives; Renown Expands Breast Cancer Care, Adding Two Best-In-Class Breast Surgeons
Renown Medical Group is thrilled to welcome two distinguished breast surgical oncologists, Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy, MD and Michelle K. Chu, MD to the team. These highly skilled breast surgeons will solely focus on providing breast care and therefore play a pivotal role in Renown Health’s William N. Pennington Cancer Institute’s commitment to provide subspecialized care to the people living in our community and beyond. Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy is a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgical oncologist with an impressive background in breast cancer surgery. Dr. Priddy was born at Washoe Medical Center (which later became Renown Regional Medical Center) and grew up in Susanville, CA before attending Stanford University for her undergraduate studies. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. "I am thrilled to return to Reno to help increase access to world-class surgical breast cancer care,” said Dr. Priddy. “My focus is to provide exceptional care, particularly for young people with breast cancer. I am excited to continue my mission here in northern Nevada." Dr. Michelle K. Chu, a board-certified general surgeon, brings her extensive experience in advanced breast cancer treatment to the Renown team. Dr. Chu received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from Western Reserve School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Chu specializes in oncoplastic breast conserving surgery and nipple sparing mastectomies. "I believe in tailoring treatment options to each patient's unique needs,” Dr. Chu said. “Whether it's preserving the natural shape of the breast or supporting the 'Going Flat' movement, our team strives to provide the best possible outcome for every patient." The newest addition to the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Renown Breast Surgery Care provides comprehensive breast surgery care at 1500 E. 2nd Street in Reno, adjacent to the Renown Regional Medical Center campus. "Breast cancer accounts for approximately 20% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in Washoe County, with roughly 520 new cases annually, establishing it as the most prevalent cancer type within our community,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “We are proud, as the community’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, to invest in cancer prevention and early diagnoses, including mammography screening and genetic research. For those diagnosed with breast cancer, Renown now offers two superb breast surgeons specializing in breast preservation surgery, and a breast surgery center providing comprehensive, compassionate care. Our goal is to save women’s lives, save families and ensure better care and better outcomes. This is a major step forward for women’s healthcare and our community.” As part of this expansion, Renown is assuming operations of Reno Surgical Advocates, a respected private practice in Reno. "Access to expert breast cancer care close to home is crucial, and our dedicated team at Renown Breast Surgery Care will work tirelessly to provide the highest level of care to patients while working closely with our other cancer specialists," said Max Coppes, MD, PhD, MBA, Director, William N. Pennington Institute for Cancer. “With the exceptional expertise of Dr. Colleen O'Kelly-Priddy and Dr. Michelle K. Chu, coupled with our state-of-the-art facility; Renown Health is a true partner in the fight against breast cancer in northern Nevada.” "People are increasingly relocating to northern Nevada, and in fact, Washoe County experienced a 2.1% population growth from April 2020 to July 2022. Consequently, although northern Nevada does not exhibit an above-average cancer rate, we are observing a rise in cases at our facilities," said Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, Section Chief of Medical Oncology at the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute. "Renown Health is positioned to meet this growing demand, and we take pride in consistently adding nationally renowned healthcare providers to our team to save the lives of women in northern Nevada. 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. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. 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.
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Make a Healthier Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Friday, April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day! So Let us help you create a healthier melt-in-your-mouth version to this popular cheesy sandwich. Ah, the grilled cheese. It’s the quintessential comfort food that not only pairs easily with a cup of soup, but it’s easy to whip together with just a few ingredients. There are many reasons to celebrate the gooey cheesiness of this toasted sandwich, but at nearly 700 calories, it’s definitely an occasional treat. But with just a few ingredient swaps — think light mayonnaise or toasting the bread in a toaster instead of slathering it in butter — you can remake your grilled cheese into a mouth-watering and nutritious meal. We’ve compiled a couple of easy substitutions, and some of our favorite healthy twists, so you can try a new variation of an old favorite. Be Choosy with Your Cheese It’s the star of your sandwich, but do you need to always grab the yellow slices? Try to opt for stronger flavors, like blue cheese or extra-sharp cheddar, to help you retain flavor while using less cheese on your sandwich. Better Bread Goes A Long Way Plain old white bread might be your toast of choice, but by choosing a whole wheat or multi-grain bread for your sandwich you’re not only adding in new crunch and flavor, you can also increase your fiber and nutrient intake. Hold the Butter Your mom, and maybe even your grandmother, probably spread a layer of butter on your grilled cheese throughout your childhood. But know this: It isn’t necessary. While butter helps crisp the crust, it doesn’t add too much in the way of flavor. Instead, brush the bread with olive oil, or try using a thin layer of reduced-fat mayonnaise or a creamy spread. Or skip grilling altogether by toasting your bread and then baking your sandwich open faced in the oven for a few minutes at 350 degrees. Healthier Options Looking for a new twist? Here are three incredibly tasty (and healthier) versions of the traditional grilled cheese sammy. 1. Baby Swiss And Tomato Grilled Cheese 2. Green Grilled Cheese 3. Spinach, Pesto & Havarti Grilled Cheese
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Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is quick, affordable, and super easy to prepare on a busy schedule. The best part is that you don’t even have to pre-cook the chicken! Instead, serve this meal with a bagged salad and a crusty loaf of bread, and you’ll have a healthy, homemade dinner on the table in no time!
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Renown Health Food Pantry Nourishes Patients in Need
Unfortunately, many in our community go to bed hungry. Thanks to the support of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and other local partners, Renown’s food pantry is helping meet the food needs of homeless and low-income individuals in our community. Patients who qualify for the “Food is Medicine Prescription” can receive a bag of food for themselves and each member of their immediate family every week through a free assistance program. This project started last year when Renown began giving food support to hospital and emergency room patients who expressed the need. Food is also given out at the Healthcare Center, which provides affordable access to care for anyone in our community. Those who receive care at the Healthcare Center are also eligible for food assistance. Working Alongside the Community After receiving food deliveries from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Renown’s community health team collects an assortment of fresh produce, donated from local grocery stores and other community organizations. Then they put together one bag for each family filled with healthy foods, such as: Whole grain cereals Shelf stable milk Kid-friendly snacks (granola bars, popcorn, graham crackers Proteins (low-salt soups, stews, peanut butter) Seasonal produce Food is Medicine Prescriptions Continue Amidst the Pandemic Throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Renown’s community health workers have been working remotely. They continue to reach out to patients who need groceries from the Food is Medicine Prescription program. With this in mind, the food pantry staff is currently coordinating outpatient deliveries to those with a Food is Medicine Prescription. At present, Renown is working to get more refrigeration, shelving and staffing to expand the service to more Renown Medical Group patients in need of food.
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What to Know Before You Try Intermittent Fasting
As many people search for diets to try to achieve weight loss resolutions, Kim Colegrove, Renown Dietary Educator, has all you need to know about one of the trendiest diets – intermittent fasting. What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that switches between periods of fasting with no food or very restricted caloric intake, and periods of unrestricted eating. The diet has come into popularity as a way to help people lose weight without restricting what they eat, just when they eat. How does it work? The rationale behind intermittent fasting is that the pattern of eating promotes weight loss due to hormonal changes – namely, the decrease in insulin levels – as well as effects on your gut and overall decreased energy consumption. There are various schedules, including alternate-day fasting and time-restricted feeding. For example, one popular method involves restricting your eating period to eight hours per day and then fasting for the remaining 16 hours. Another requires fasting for 24 hours once or twice per week. What should people consider before they try intermittent fasting? Some people have found success in losing weight with intermittent fasting. However, it’s important to note that it’s not a diet that necessarily promotes sustainable habits and lifestyle changes. There’s also not enough research conducted that shows its lasting impact on health, weight, or metabolic improvement. For most, an intermittent fasting diet is just that – a diet. A person will likely lose weight because they consume fewer calories, but keeping the pounds off is an aspect of healthy weight loss that requires a permanent lifestyle change. Who should NOT try intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting is not for everyone and it can pose a health risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with diabetes, and children and adolescents in an active growth stage. Also, it would not be appropriate for those with a history of eating disorders, as well as people with certain health conditions that require them to eat every few hours. You should always talk to your doctor before beginning a restrictive diet such as this, especially if you have a chronic health condition or are taking certain medications.
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Recipes Healthy Flourless Sweet Potato Brownies
Rich, dark and super chocolaty, these sweet potato brownies are perfect for those following a paleo, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free lifestyle.
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Keeping Kids Safe on Halloween
Halloween is around the corner. So while you're prepping pumpkins for carving, putting together creative costumes and coordinating trick-or-treating plans, safety is one more detail to remember. Masks, haunted houses, witches, ghosts and ghouls — it all spells Halloween, and what could be more frighteningly fun, right? For children, however, Halloween can indeed be frightening and not so fun. According to Dr. Kristina Deeter, Physician-in-Chief of Renown Children’s Hospital and Chair of Pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, it is common for younger children to express Halloween fears — being afraid of monsters, the dark or really anything out of the norm. “It's normal for children to struggle with separating reality from fantasy,” she explains. For children who fall into this category, the month of October can be traumatizing. Halloween may not come until the end of the month. Still, in the weeks building up to the spookiest night of the year, little ones are bombarded on all sides with decorations — mummies, skeletons, coffins, vampires, you name it. For a child with a blossoming imagination who, as Dr. Deeter said, is still learning to differentiate real from pretend, this can cause additional fears and anxieties. In commemoration of Halloween Safety Month, Dr. Deeter shares safety tips for the spooky holiday from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Dressing Up & Heading Out Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Ensure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling or coming into contact with flames. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags and baskets for greater visibility. Masks can limit or block eyesight. Instead, consider non-toxic makeup and hats, which should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over the eyes. Test makeup ahead of time on a small patch of skin to test for allergies before full application. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant. If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as "one size fits all," or "no need to see an eye specialist," obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost. Carving Pumpkins Leave the carving to the grownups. Have children draw the pumpkin design with markers, but keep knives away. Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest. Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended. Prepping Your Home Keep your entryway safe for trick-or-treaters by removing all items from the porch or front yard that a child could trip over, like garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations. To ensure visibility, check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Sweep leaves (or snow) from sidewalks and steps. If there are dogs in the home, take steps to ensure they don't jump on trick-or-treaters. Hunting for Treats Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Give each child and adult a flashlight (with fresh batteries). If older children are heading out to trick-or-treat alone, plan and review a route you can agree on, as well as a specific time they are supposed to return home. Only visit homes with a lit porch light. Never enter a home or a car for a treat. Notify law enforcement authorities of any suspicious or unlawful activity immediately. Since pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind youngsters to take crosswalk safety precautions. For more key tips regarding Halloween safety for your young trick-or-treaters, visit our partners at Safe Kids Worldwide for a variety of spooky safety resources.
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Ladies! Get Screened for Breast Cancer
Early detection is a significant piece of the breast cancer puzzle. Susan Cox, Renown Health Director of Cancer Operations, discusses what you need to watch for and how the latest technology can help detect potential cancer sooner. When should women start getting breast exams? It depends on risk factors: Average-risk women: Most medical organizations recommend the first mammogram between 40 and 44. Higher-risk women: Dependent on their high risk, which will dictate when they start screening, but generally around the age of 30 and not before 25 years old.
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Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States. We spoke with Renown Health experts and local domestic violence prevention organizations who gave us a deeper look into understanding the warning signs of abuse and the many proactive and reactive resources in our community that you can reach out to today. Domestic violence, also referred to as domestic abuse, is an everyone issue. Whether you identify as male or female, an adult or a child, single or partnered – domestic violence can affect anyone. In fact, it may be closer to home than you might think. According to the Nevada Quality Parenting Initiative, in Nevada, 43.8% of women and 32.8% of men experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and the risk of that figure rising is imminent. This year alone, the Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) in Reno experienced a 55% increase in overnight emergency stays, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. This problem also, unfortunately, extends to children. More than 5,000 children in Nevada were reportedly primary or secondary victims of domestic abuse in 2021, as stated by the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “Domestic violence can manifest in many different ways,” said Kami Price, Supervisor of Social Services for Renown Health. “Abuse isn’t always strictly physical. It can also be emotional, verbal, sexual and even digital. Understanding those differences can help you prepare accordingly and respond safely if you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence.” Knowing what to look out for is crucial in protecting yourself and others against the effects of domestic abuse and taking action when warning signs appear. The National Domestic Violence Hotline shares the common signs of an abusive partner, no matter how old they are or what gender they identify as: Telling you that you never do anything right. Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them. Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members or peers. Insulting, demeaning or shaming you, especially in front of other people. Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school. Controlling finances, including taking your money or withholding money for needed expenses. Pressuring you to perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with. Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol. Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions. Threatening to harm or take away your children or pets. Intimidating you with weapons. Destroying your belongings or your home. "People experiencing domestic violence may feel as though they are trapped,” said Kami Price. “The reality is – this often couldn’t be further from the truth, especially with the resources we have at our disposal in northern Nevada.” Respected Resources Ending the Silence on Domestic Violence While these facts and figures might be staggering, those experiencing domestic violence at any age are not alone. There is hope at the end of the tunnel, especially here locally. Devoted to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve, Renown Health proudly supports and sponsors several organizations in our community that are committed to educating children and adults on the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, along with what each child and family member can do today to prevent abuse in the household. These essential organizations are on the frontlines of shifting attitudes from “I don’t want to get involved” to “How can I help?” Serving children across northern Nevada, the Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Project offers “education and prevention programs designed to increase children’s safety from bullying, abuse and assault” and break the cycle of domestic abuse. During 2021 and the first half of 2022, CAP led about 500 different workshops, teaching 10,000 second-grade and fourth-grade children in Washoe, Storey, Lyon and Churchill Counties how to keep themselves safe from domestic violence. “As domestic violence is on the rise, open communication, early intervention and education are key to protecting children from the effects of domestic violence," said Rebecca LeBeau, Executive Director of the CAP Project. “That’s why I begin speaking about child assault prevention and stranger danger to kids as young as six years old. It's important to explain the true reality of domestic violence to both children and adults, tailoring language specifically to whatever age they are, and allowing them to process it. Kids of all ages will learn how to deal with extremely dangerous situations this way.” According to Rebecca, common symptoms of abuse to be on the lookout for at school include grades dropping, a lack of focus and feelings of not wanting to return home after the school day ends. If someone in a child’s home is being hurt or abused, children are always encouraged to speak with a trusted adult or school counselor. From there, organizations like the CAP Project develop a safety plan moving forward. Adults and family units aren’t alone either. The DVRC provides a wide variety of services to Washoe County residents experiencing domestic abuse. To date, the DVRC has helped more than 100,000 victims of domestic violence, and with the recent launch of their crisis text line, they are poised to serve many more. Like the CAP Project, the DVRC also believes that education is one of the first lines of defense against domestic violence. “Education on what domestic violence looks like is so much more than talking about physical violence,” said Aria Overli, Volunteer Coordinator at the DVRC. “Educating the community, and particularly youth, about what healthy relationships look like is a major factor in preventing abuse. Understanding the intersection of how other issues – such as race, mental illness and immigration status – affect domestic violence risk factors is key to addressing those issues.” The list doesn’t stop there. Renown Health Foundation has provided financial support for many more organizations that are dedicated to ending the silence on domestic violence, sexual violence and family abuse, including: The Children’s Cabinet – A child-focused organization offering many support services for youths and families, including Safe Place, a program that partners with local businesses to offer safe locations for children to seek help if they feel threatened at school or at home. The organization also provides free family counseling, providing a pathway to better communication for families experiencing a myriad of issues ranging from domestic violence to substance abuse. Awaken – A nonprofit committed to increasing awareness and education regarding sex trafficking and providing housing and healing to all survivors. Safe Embrace – The largest and most inclusive safe house in Reno-Sparks for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, offering a wide range of resources including counseling, emergency transportation, court support and more. Eddy House – A safe space for at-risk individuals aged 18-24 recovering from the effects of domestic abuse, unsafe housing conditions, homelessness and more. Being an advocate starts with us – if you see something, say something. Keeping a transparent line of communication is key to preventing, noticing and combating domestic violence. “The more you reach out and talk about the issues, the better,” closed Kami Price. “No one has to go through their struggles alone.”