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Summer is around the corner, bringing heightened risks of heatstroke, especially for children who cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Infants are particularly vulnerable and may not express discomfort, so never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Top Tips for Preventing Heatstroke Reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke by remembering to ACT. Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in on their own. Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure your phone, briefcase or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations Keeping Your Baby Cool in the Back Seat In hot weather, it is crucial to keep your baby cool and hydrated by using a car seat cover or towel over them to reflect the sun's rays. Dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Keep an eye on your baby's skin color. Move them to a cooler place if they look too red or flushed. Keep the temperature at a comfortable temperature for you, not for your child. Keep the windows cracked open for ventilation and ensure nothing is blocking the airflow from entering or exiting the vehicle. Dress your infant appropriately for their environment, including appropriate head and neck coverings, to keep them cool and protected from sunburns. Ensure you have enough fluids to last an hour before getting out of the car or use bottled water if possible. Never leave your child unattended in a car. Steps to Follow if You Suspect Heatstroke  Call 911 immediately.  Cool the victim – Get the person to a shady area, remove restrictive clothing and cover skin with sheets soaked in ice-water, and place ice packs in the arm pits and groin.  Have the victim drink cool fluids, preferably an electrolyte-containing sports drink.  Monitor body temperature with a thermometer but stop cooling efforts after temperature has dropped to 102 Fahrenheit. Baby Safe Classes These classes help prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in baby’s first year. Safe Kids Worldwide Did you know heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash related fatalities in children? “On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.”

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Craving a snack with crunch, sweet flavor and a powerful nutritious punch? These healthy, homemade variants of this make-it-and-take-it super snack are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and your healthy lifestyle. Who says healthy snacks and bland taste go together? We say you can have it all — nutritious and delicious snack foods that taste great and satisfy — and trail mix fits the bill. Your homemade batch can be as healthy as you like. The nuts provide fiber, protein and a whole lot of crunchy goodness; dried fruit and touches of chocolate infuse the mix with just the right amount of sweetness. We’ve compiled some simple-to-make and hard-to-resist recipes so you can easily pick up a few items from the grocery store’s bulk bins, or your kitchen cupboard, and put together a snack for your kiddos lunches or the office. Better yet, grab your mix and head out for a stroll or hike, or take along on your next road trip or adventure in Nevada’s rugged, desert locales.

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Potato salad is the superstar of summer picnics, a delightful sidekick at backyard BBQs, and a tasty everyday treat! Our friends at Renown's Health Improvement Programs whipped up a fabulous, health-conscious version that doesn't skimp on the creamy dreaminess we crave. This salad features purple potatoes for a dash of delightful color. It's also easy to make, with protein-rich Greek yogurt and egg whites. This simple but classic dish will indeed become your circle's new favorite—talk about a tasty transformation!

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Dr. Carilyn Hoffman with Renown's Women's Health explains the symptoms, causes and treatments of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (also referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)), a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age that influences hormonal balance, metabolism and fertility. Make an appointment with Renown Women's Health Click here to schedule Call to schedule: 775-982-5000 PCOS Defined PCOS is a constellation of symptoms characterized by two of the three criteria: multiple small cysts on the ovaries visible via ultrasound, irregular periods and signs of hyperandrogenism. Other symptoms include infertility, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Symptoms of PCOS The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, but some of the most common include: Irregular menstrual cycles: This is often one of the first signs of PCOS. Women may experience fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods, frequent spotting, and/or abnormally heavy periods. Excess androgen levels: High levels of male hormones may result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne and male-pattern baldness. Polycystic ovaries: Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be detected via ultrasound.     Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors may play a role: Genetic predisposition: A family history of PCOS increases the risk. Insulin resistance: High insulin levels might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation. Obesity: Women with elevated BMI’s are more likely to have PCOS, although 20% of women with PCOS are not obese. Diagnosis and Treatment Dr. Hoffman outlines that diagnosing PCOS requires a medical history review, a physical exam, blood work and an ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries. Treatment options can range from lifestyle modifications, like diet and exercise and weight loss, to medications for menstrual regulation, fertility assistance, and rarely surgery. Lifestyle Changes A healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of managing PCOS. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and weight management can help reduce symptoms and the risk of long-term health issues. In overweight patients, weight loss as little as 5% has been shown to improve symptoms of PCOS. Medication Medications may include hormonal contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles, anti-androgens to reduce hair growth and acne, and Metformin to address insulin resistance. Fertility Treatment For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, ovulation induction with clomiphene or letrozole is sometimes necessary. Sometimes a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist is needed for more advanced technologies like IVF. Health Implications PCOS is not just about cystic ovaries or irregular periods; it can have profound implications on a woman's overall health. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

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This holiday season, sprinkle some extra joy for your favorite furry pals by whipping up these easy, AKC-approved dog treats. With simple ingredients and quick baking times, they're the perfect last-minute surprise to show your pet some love. Turn it into a delightful gift by snagging some adorable, budget-friendly canisters (easily found at dollar or thrift stores) and fill them to the brim with these homemade goodies. It's a merry, tail-wagging gift that's sure to make this season the most pet-friendly one yet! 🎄🐾🍪

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Add a dash of holiday cheer to your gatherings with this vibrant Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip. Its festive red and green hues perfectly capture the spirit of the season, while the delightful blend of sweet, spicy, tart, and creamy flavors is sure to delight and tantalize your guests' palates. Simple to prepare, this appetizer is an irresistible addition to any holiday feast!

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This easy, kid-friendly recipe just might be the perfect pre-trick-or-treating meal that will vanish before your eyes! Serve with veggie sticks and mustard and ketchup for dipping. Several healthy hot dog options, such as vegan, turkey and chicken, are available in most grocery or health food stores.

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In today's fast-paced society, it is understandable for parents to want to take shortcuts in caring for their little ones. A s a result, It is tempting to leave a sleeping infant in a car seat or swing after a long day of errands or when you need a moment to catch your breath. But, as convenient as these devices may be, they pose a serious risk to your child's safety. Why Car Seats and Swings Pose Risks for Infant Sleep Car seats, swings, and bouncers are quick and convenient ways to feed, hold, and sleep an infant. Not out of malice or discontent, but again from the need for quick and easy access to baby care in an already busy lifestyle. However, the risks outweigh the benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that “infants should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or play yard for sleeping as soon as is practical.” If a parent must use a car seat or other sitting device, they should only do so for a short period of time and never as a substitute for a proper sleeping environment. Leaving a sleeping infant in a sitting device, such as a car seat or swing, can create unsafe sleeping conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that doing so increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and positional asphyxia. This is because infants can easily slump over or become entangled in the straps, blocking their airway, and causing suffocation. Car seats, swings, and bouncers are quick and convenient ways to feed, hold, and sleep an infant. Not out of malice or discontent, but again from the need for quick and easy access to baby care in an already busy lifestyle. However, the risks outweigh the benefits. The AAP states: Infants should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or play yard for sleeping as soon as is practical. If a parent must use a car seat or other sitting device, they should only do so for a short period and never as a substitute for a proper sleeping environment. Leaving a sleeping infant in a sitting device, such as a car seat or swing, can create unsafe sleeping conditions. The AAP warns that doing so increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and positional asphyxia. In addition, infants can easily slump over or become entangled in the straps, blocking their airways and causing suffocation.

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If you’re expecting a new baby, you may have been given the advice to hire a doula. You may have seen statistics of improved outcomes among those who’ve had a doula attend their birth. Perhaps you’ve heard that the etymology is from the Greek word meaning “to serve.” But how does a doula serve their clients? A doula is a non-medical birth professional who will guide you through labor, birth, postpartum and beyond. Your doula can discuss your options with you so you can make informed decisions, as well as provide emotional and physical support to ease your experience. While each doula offers their own style, there are certain services that most doulas will provide for their clients. Typically, a birth doula will provide at least one prenatal visit, one postpartum visit and continuous support during active labor. A postpartum doula usually provides support during the 12 weeks immediately following birth, sometimes referred to as the “fourth trimester,” but some will continue care after that as well. Simply put, a doula provides informational, physical and emotional support during the childbearing year(s). Let’s take a closer look at these three ways a doula can support you. The Basics If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any. This is a common phrase in the world of birth work. When you’re in labor, you’re exhausted, in pain and there’s often urgency inherent or implied in any choices you make. So, when an intervention is offered, many birthing people accept it without question. One method that can help the decision-making process is to check your BRAIN: Benefits: What are the benefits of the proposed intervention? Risks: What are the risks of the proposed intervention? Alternatives: What are the alternative options? Intuition: What does your intuition tell you? Nothing: What if we do nothing? What if we wait? When you’re in active labor, you might have difficulty remembering this acronym; that’s where your doula comes in. At your prenatal visits, you can ask your doula for guidance in preparing your birth plan, which can include contingencies for certain potential interventions. And as choices arise during labor, your doula can guide you through the benefits and risks and can provide you with alternative options you might not otherwise be aware of that are available to you. Your doula can remind you to check in with your intuition and can help you quiet your mind so you can listen to your instincts. The Body Although we tend to see depictions of people giving birth on their backs with their feet in stirrups, this is only one of many ways to give birth. Walking and dancing can speed up early labor. Side-lying or hands-and-knees can prevent tearing during the pushing stage. Sometimes labor stalls, and a change of position is often helpful to get things moving again. Your doula can suggest positions depending on your stage of labor. Some labor positions might require the support of another person – your doula could fill this role or assist your partner in doing so. Some doulas also provide massage or even acupressure, and most will do the “hip squeeze” that so many laboring people swear by. If your baby is presenting posterior, or “sunny side up,” your doula can apply counter pressure to alleviate back pain during labor. Some postpartum doulas will do light housework while you rest and bond with your newborn. Others might care for your baby through the night so you can catch up on sleep. Many doulas have also gone through additional training to offer breastfeeding support and may be able to assist you with latch issues and nursing positions. The Mind Pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods can be some of the most emotional times in a person’s life. A doula will hold space for you and help you process your emotions before and after birth. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, or even fearful, about labor and birth, and discussing these feelings is the first step. A doula can help you navigate your concerns in a safe space so you can be prepared emotionally for your upcoming labor. Many doulas will also guide you through writing your birth plan, which can lessen anxiety about the unknown. If you have a history of trauma, your doula can assist in communicating this, so you don’t have to relive the experience every time you meet a new medical provider. Most people will experience some form of what’s often called the Baby Blues in the immediate postpartum period. The third day after birth tends to hit hard, as hormones attempt to regulate, but the Baby Blues can continue for weeks for some new parents. A postpartum doula’s support can be incredibly valuable during this time. When the baby blues last longer than a few weeks, it could considered a mood disorder. Most doulas will recognize signs of postpartum mood disorders and will have resources available for additional support. Choosing the Best Doula for You With so many wonderful doulas in northern Nevada, you might wonder how you could ever choose just one to attend your birth. Some expectant parents are unfortunately restricted by cost. With so many expenses related to a new baby, it can be difficult to budget doula services as well. Thankfully, Nevada Medicaid now covers doula care, and some commercial insurances are following suit. Check with your insurance company to find out if they might cover part of the cost for hiring a doula. If your insurance doesn’t cover doula services, some doulas offer a sliding scale based on income. You may want to interview multiple doulas to find the right one for you. If you’re the kind of person who wants all the information you can get, a more detail-oriented doula might be the best choice. But if you tend to feel overwhelmed by too many options, you might prefer a doula who only offers additional information as the situation calls for it. If you want massage or acupressure during labor, you might want to hire a doula with those certifications. Or maybe informational and physical support are not as important to you as emotional support, in which case your best choice could be a doula who has experience with postpartum mood disorders or trauma support. Regardless of who you hire, be sure to clearly communicate your desires and expectations – not just for your birth, but also for your doula. The most important thing when choosing your doula is trusting your gut. You need to feel comfortable with your doula, as they’ll be tending to you at one of the most vulnerable times in your life. When you find a doula that you click with, who listens to you and supports your choices, you have found the best doula for you.

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May 20 is National Clinical Trials Day. Celebrate with us by recognizing the Clinical Research team at Renown Health!  The root of every medication, treatment and procedure in healthcare can be traced back to research. From the beginning of the history of medicine, research has always played a crucial role in improving the lives of patients around the world, leaving a permanent mark on how we expand our medical capabilities to this day.  Renown Health’s Clinical Research team, in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), are leading that effort in our very own community. As our in-house leaders of clinical trials, this team is dedicated to advancing the science of medicine to help further our bottom line of making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the patients they serve.   Trial by (Medical) Jury  Every day looks different for the Clinical Research team, especially when it comes to interacting with patients, providers and “sponsors,” which are the organizations providing the treatment for the study. One fact always remains true: communication and collaboration are key, especially among the team who act as the face of this process.  Meet Lisa English (pictured above on the far right in a blue shirt), a Lead Clinical Research Coordinator at Renown who serves as the study "project manager." One aspect of Lisa’s day-to-day is seeing patients through their clinical trials from start to finish.  It all begins with the setup.  “Before we can launch a study, there is a lot of back-and-forth dialogue between everyone involved to ensure the best fit,” said Lisa. “Sponsors will come to us with novel treatments, such as medications or devices, and the inclusion criteria that patients need to meet in order to qualify for the study. We then immediately jump into working with the providers, looking closely at the science and comparing the treatments to what is on the market already.”  From there, Lisa coordinates conversations between the providers, sponsors and study teams to gauge everyone’s capacity based on the length of the study, ensuring everyone involved has the time to dedicate to the process. Next, the providers identify patients that meet the criteria for the study, and together, the team decides where the patient visits will happen and discusses any potential barriers that may affect patient retention. The budget is clearly defined at this stage, set up to make sure no patient is ever billed for medical costs incurred as a result of the study.  Often, research participants are seen within the specialty clinics throughout the health system, while other times the Clinical Research Coordinators see patients at the recently centralized Clinical Research Office at Renown Regional Medical Center. This location provides an essential public-facing space for the community to learn more about clinical trials and demonstrates the breadth of resources available at Renown to sponsors to strengthen external partnerships and research funding opportunities.  Once the study officially begins, team members like Lisa will set patients up for a “screening/qualifying visit.” During this appointment, she makes sure patients get scheduled for their lab work, imaging scans and anything else the provider may need to make an executive decision on whether or not the patient is a good candidate for the study.  “I build it all in Epic,” said Lisa. “The study information, directions, requirements and next steps are all loaded in Epic for easy tracking. We are also required to input any notes in the sponsor’s electronic data capture website. All the information I track is inputted without protected health information (PHI), so every patient is completely anonymous.”  After the patient officially qualifies, the study goes full steam ahead. Team members like Lisa and the providers receive continual updates from sponsors on the status of the study.  “Throughout the entire process, I make sure patients get scheduled for everything that meets the requirements for the study,” said Lisa. “I meet with patients one-on-one to discuss their needs and concerns and ask questions about the study, organize their appointments and charts and deal with any issues or pivots that may arise. It’s very important that every patient fully understands what is going to happen with their care.”  The Clinical Research department strives to serve as a care partner to patients, providers and clinics they work with. The majority of our Clinical Research Coordinators are trained phlebotomists and medical assistants, performing their own assessments such as lab draws and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to streamline the research visit process and reduce resource constraints on the clinics and health system.  Lisa typically sees a couple of patients per week, depending on the study and where patients are in the cycle. Depending on the complexity of the trial, patients may see the research team only one time or several times over many years. Typically, clinical trial patients are seen in clinic every 2-4 weeks. There are many tasks required before, during and after a research visit to ensure everything runs smoothly, so Clinical Research Coordinators dedicate an average of 5-11 hours of work per patient, per visit.  Regardless of patient load, each employee in the Clinical Research department – as well as participating teams across Renown and UNR Med – always step in to help each other out. According to Lisa, the environment is immensely supportive.  “We have a program here at Renown to train employees who have never done clinical trials,” said Lisa. “We love seeing people get more engaged with the important work we do, and every department has been great at collaborating with us. Everyone brings a different perspective.”  At the end of the study, Lisa gathers all the information and collects notes into a zip drive or paper binder for archiving. The sponsor lets the Clinical Research team, providers and patients know whether they are on the trial drug or on the placebo. The teams use the data gathered during the study to publish a report or present at conferences, promoting the critical research done to better the lives of patients in our community, and potentially, the world.  “I appreciate the time everyone gives us to make sure our research is successful,” said Lisa. “It feels great to work together to make a difference, improve healthcare quality and save lives.”  Behind-the-Scenes, Yet on the Frontlines  The impact of research studies transcends hospital walls, and this can all be attributed to the dedication of our Clinical Research department. The constant collaboration between this team, lab science, medical assistants and providers, cardiology technologists, sonographers, finance teams and our partners at UNR Med is crucial to safeguarding the success of the studies.  Devoted to keeping research close to home, Renown and UNR Med teamed up to form the Clinical Research Office (CRO) in 2021. With the strength of northern Nevada's largest not-for-profit health system and Nevada’s first medical school, this team is dedicated to giving our community access to the latest care innovations.  “At UNR Med, we are working with students, residents and academic faculty; on the Renown side, we are working with clinicians and community participants,” said Amber Emerson, Manager for Community Outreach and Research Engagement for UNR Med.  “Everything we do is data-driven,” added Kristen Gurnea, Manager of Clinical Research for Renown. “Our main goal is to optimize our impact and provide a community benefit for our patients. The scope of our roles in the Clinical Research office is very diverse.”  To help meet the growing need locally for healthcare and cutting-edge treatment solutions, the CRO has continued to grow, expanding its research capabilities and helping bring new medications, medical devices and more to patients across northern Nevada and northeastern California.  “Once upon a time, our team had only six members; today we have grown to a team of 25,” added Diana Torres, Research Resource Analyst for Renown. “We used to be considered one department, including Medical Education, and we have since branched off into our own cost center. We branched off even further and created a separate Genetics department that runs the Healthy Nevada Project. Throughout this process, the Clinical Research department was always the main point of the umbrella.”  “We participate in hospital-wide outreach and marketing, and we feel this has really helped us get the word out about our department,” added Raul Arellano, Research Resource Analyst for Renown. “In fact, we doubled our clinical trial portfolio from last year.”  The CRO currently operates over 100 clinical trials locally in cardiology, endocrinology, infectious disease, neurology, pediatric and adult oncology, pediatric sub-specialties and pulmonology.   Behind the curtains of in-person research, the CRO is home to several experts who help turn our research studies into a reality, from budgeting and billing to barrier-breaking and building relationships.  “I help with barriers patients and Clinical Research Coordinators are facing, building connections and relationships inside and outside of our health system,” said Kristen Gurnea. “I enjoy handling all the supporting pieces that are required for studies to happen.”  “My role changes every day,” added Jenna Berger, Administrative Assistant for the CRO at Renown. “Some days, I’ll be helping coordinate patient stipends and going through document management to ensure we have all necessary signatures. Other days, I will be planning events – like Clinical Trials Week – for our department and creating marketing materials and fliers.”  “Our day-to-day involves going over anything related to research financials,” added Diana Torres. “We handle sponsor billings, process efficiency and collecting revenue for research contracts, and we collaborate closely with our Finance department and Revenue Integrity in order to accomplish this. It’s important for us to make sure all billing on both the sponsor and patient side is taken care of, especially because patients should never receive a bill for medical services they receive for the trial. A year and a half ago, we started doing budget negotiations for research contracts,” said Diana Torres. “We are proud to help clinical teams with any training they may need on these negotiations as well as billing reviews and allocations.”  Seeing patients progress during a study and transform before their eyes inspires the CRO team to continue doing what they do every day.  “I’ve been here for many years, first working on the floor as an oncology nurse and transitioning to oncology research in 2005,” said Anna Winchell, Cancer Protocol Nurse for Renown. “I love getting to know the patients and seeing them progress into a healthy lifestyle.”  Medical students and residents at UNR Med also play a significant role in the research process, advancing medicine by exploring causes and novel treatments for a wide range of conditions, including HIV, muscular dystrophy, gastrointestinal disorders, infectious diseases and more. Medical research at UNR Med is headed by committed research coordinators, community outreach managers, grants managers, pharmacists and physicians.  “I oversee scientific review and help the physicians that come to us for those resources,” said Amil Trujillo-King, Medical Research Coordinator at UNR Med. “I guide medical students in their research protocols and help with different projects to improve research activities for both students and medical residents.”  It takes a village to make clinical research happen. Because of that, the ACRO cannot thank the following teams enough for moving mountains for the future of medicine:  Renown Health and UNR Med leadership for demonstrating the integrated health system’s commitment to expanding access to clinical research in our community within both the Renown / UNR Med affiliation and Renown active strategic plans.  Renown Pharmacy especially Research Clinical Pharmacist Tim Morton, who supports all clinical trial medication dispensing and patient education across all clinical trials at Renown.  Accounts Payable for having a huge impact on patient and employee reimbursement.  Renown Medical Group for their participating providers, especially in oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, pediatrics, endocrinology and neurology, who are involved in research year after year.  Marketing and Communications for helping with printed materials and raising awareness for clinical research at Renown and UNR Med.  An Affiliation to Last Through the Ages  A collective, shared vision of exploring community health – that is the impetus behind the affiliation between Renown and UNR Med. By leveraging resources across both institutions, the CRO has maximized their impact, giving the people of northern Nevada greater access to new interventions and treatments and promoting an impassioned culture with patients, providers, residents and medical students.  “Community-based research always sat well with me,” said Amber Emerson. “As Renown and UNR Med, we have this unique opportunity to shape clinical research here in northern Nevada. We always make sure we present research in a meaningful way that speaks to the work we produce and demonstrates the opportunities we offer. After all, participating in clinical research doesn’t mean our patients are ‘guinea pigs’ – quite the opposite! They are partners in their health care, and we support them through providing access to novel treatments.”  “Research is my passion, and my career has spanned broadly from grants administration to study coordination,” added Valerie Smith, Clinical Research Center Administrative Manager at UNR Med. “I am excited to be at the forefront of research frontiers in northern Nevada.”  Through robust engagement and collaboration with healthcare providers, department administrators, internal research team members and leadership, the strength of this affiliation is unmeasurable. The CRO’s ultimate goal is to have clinical trials be the standard of care for every condition that Renown and UNR Med treats. Clinical research participation is all about patient autonomy, shared decision-making between patients and their providers and advancing medicine to save lives. From their beginnings as a small group of passionate researchers to their present reality as a leader in the research space in northern Nevada, their efforts do not go unnoticed.  “The success of our department is inspiring,” said Amil Trujillo-King. “Renown and UNR Med supports the wellbeing of all employees and contributes directly to the growth of the department.”  “When I first joined Renown in Patient Access, I didn’t realize that we had a research department; with a strong healthcare background in my family, I knew I wanted to grow in my career, and our expanding Clinical Research office was that next step,” said Raul Arellano. “With our affiliation with UNR Med, it’s especially inspiring to be able to apply what I learned as a Patient Access Representative to help further outcomes for our patients through managing our finances.”  Through their unwavering commitment to research excellence and patient-centered care, the CRO will continue to pave the way for groundbreaking medical discoveries and improved outcomes for patients for years to come.  “Fundamentally, we’re working to build a culture of research in our community because we believe it is the right thing to do. Our community deserves to have access to clinical trials and novel care close to home with a dedicated team to support them every step of the way,” closes Kristen Gurnea.

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Most babies weigh just one pound and are roughly the size of an eggplant when they reach 24 weeks of development inside the womb. It is a crucial stage when internal organs begin functioning, and the babies' respiratory and central nervous systems are still developing.     So, in November 2021 when Kallie Johnson experienced a premature rupture of amniotic fluid around this point in her pregnancy, her care team in Winnemucca decided to transport her via Care Flight to Renown Regional Medical Center. The team at Renown Children’s Hospital immediately began discussing the risks of delivering at 24 weeks with the Johnson family.  Moving Forward with Hope Knowing the stakes, Kallie remembers never feeling rushed to decide about delivering her baby preterm. “I felt educated and supported by my care team at Renown throughout our entire stay, starting with the education they provided about what it meant to deliver my baby early,” Kallie said. “The team really helped me make the best decision for myself and my family.”    Together, Renown employees and the Johnson family moved forward with a healthy set of nerves and a powerful feeling of hope.  Weighing in at one pound 11 ounces, Sloan entered the world on Nov. 19, 2021, via emergency Cesarean section. Her birth was classified as a micro preemie because she was born before week 26 of pregnancy and so small that she fit inside the palm of her father Sterling’s hand. A full-term pregnancy is classified as reaching 39 weeks.   A Fighting Chance  Called a fighter by many Renown Children’s Hospital care team members, Sloan spent over five months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She was placed on a ventilator, fed through a feeding tube and monitored 24/7, overcoming daily challenges with the Renown team and her family.  As a result of being born prematurely, Sloan developed a grade one brain bleed and a congenital heart defect called patent ductus arteriosus, a persistent opening between two major blood vessels, causing too much blood to flow to the lungs and heart.   To meet the oxygen needs of her tiny lungs, Sloan was intubated and developed a severe oral aversion and high-arched palate as a result. The effects would lead to difficult developmental and physical challenges that she still conquers today. Yet, with the help of her care team – including physical, occupational and speech therapists, dieticians and doctors – Sloan continues to make progress every day.

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Are you looking for a new recipe to add to your healthy brunch menu without all the hassle? This muffin is perfect for hosting or keeping in your refrigerator and reheating whenever you need a protein-packed snack. Now, aren't eggs high in cholesterol? According to the American Heart Association, egg whites provide plenty of protein without the yolk's cholesterol. That's why our dietitian masters a lower-cholesterol egg muffin by combining eggs with an egg white substitute.

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