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In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re working to spread the word about taking care of your breast health and encouraging the women in your life to do the same.  Heather Reimer is on a mission — a mission to educate women everywhere about breast tissue type. For women with dense breasts, knowing your breast tissue type is absolutely critical, as cancers embedded in dense breast tissue are not always detectable with a mammogram alone. Dense breast tissue requires a breast ultrasound screening to get a complete breast health picture. Whole Breast Ultrasound for Dense Breast Tissue Heather knows this firsthand. She has dense breasts, and in this video she shares her story about finding breast cancer during a breast ultrasound screening — cancer that went undetected with her mammogram screening alone. As a result of that experience, Heather founded Each One. Tell One. — a movement to encourage women to pass along this information to others and to prompt those with dense breast and implants to consult with their doctor to schedule a whole breast ultrasound screening. To schedule a mammogram or a whole breast ultrasound, call 775-982-8100.

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Menopause is something that every woman experiences at some point in her lifetime. Learn what to expect and how you can help manage the symptoms and health risks. Most women don’t experience menopause until their 50s, but certain factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, glandular problems and chemotherapy can cause early menopause before the age of 40. No matter what your age, it’s a good idea be aware of the risks and treatments available to maintain a comfortable and healthy lifestyle. Health Risks of Menopause Two of the biggest health risks posed to women who have gone through menopause are bone density loss and risk of cardiovascular disease. Bone loss can be treated with bisphosphonate and estrogens. “Calcium with vitamin D and weight bearing exercise will also limit bone loss,” says Vickie Tippett, MD and OB/GYN at Renown Health. For cardiovascular risk, a healthy lifestyle is key. Discontinuing tobacco use, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and diet all help reduce a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Managing Discomforts of Menopause One of the most common complaints about menopause is the discomfort of hot flashes. “Hot flashes can be treated with systemic estrogen alone or in combination with progesterone or another agent similar to estrogen,” Dr. Tippett says. “Non-hormonal medications such as SSRIs and antidepressants also work.” Vaginal dryness, another common symptom of menopause, can also be treated with estrogen, estrogen-like compounds and personal lubricants. Pills, patches, creams and many other formulations are available to help alleviate discomfort. Knowing when, why and what to expect when it comes to menopause can help make the transition easier. Learn the facts about menopause in the infographic below.

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Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the U.S. That’s why early detection is so important. Dr. George Krakora, a radiologist with Renown Institute for Cancer, explains what to watch for and how new technology can lead to early detection. Most women know the importance of breast health and staying current with annual breast exams, but may not know that both screening guidelines and technology is evolving. So we asked George Krakora, MD, a radiologist for the Renown Institute for Cancer, what every woman should know about breast cancer detection and which screening method is right for them. First off, when should women start getting breast exams? Generally, women should start getting breast exams using mammography or ultrasound after they turn 40 years old. But we also want women ages 18 to 39 to talk to their primary care provider and ask for what’s called a formal risk assessment to see if screening is needed sooner. And you want to make sure your care provider is giving you a breast exam starting at age 25. It’s also a good idea to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can report any changes to your care provider. What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Are there any preventive steps women can take? There a few risk factors you can’t control, like your age, family history of breast or other cancers, and if you have dense breast tissue. Your risk for breast cancer increases as you get older, and most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50. Knowing your family history is important because a history of cancer and shared lifestyle can raise your risk. Your breast density can also increase your risk: Women with high breast density are four-to-five times more likely to get breast cancer than women with low breast density. But the good news is there are quite a few things you can do to prevent breast cancer, like not smoking, watching your alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight with good diet and exercise. There are a lot of newer screenings out today. What is the difference between 2-D and 3-D mammography? In a 2-D mammogram, the tech takes X-rays of the breast. These pictures can show the radiologist if there are any lumps or tumors you might not be able to feel. In 3-D mammography, the process is largely the same but more X-rays are taken and it takes a few seconds longer for each image. This kind of exam detects 41 percent more cancers and reduces the number of false-positive results given to patients. This improvement in technology is great for both patients and their care providers. 3-D mammography provides better images of the breast, which allow doctors to more clearly diagnose and avoid false positives, especially in women with dense breast tissue. And what about a whole breast ultrasound. What is that? A whole breast ultrasound uses sound waves to detect cancerous tumors in the breast without using any radiation — it’s an ultrasound just like pregnant women get to check up on their baby. And the exam only takes about 20 minutes. We recommend these exams for patients whose mammograms have shown that they have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it harder for doctors to see any abnormalities, lumps or tumors in a mammogram, so this technology ensures better early detection.

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Did you know certain medications can interact with everyday food and drink? We asked Pharmacy Manager Adam Porath how to take these important medications safely. One in five Americans between the ages of 40 and 75 are currently taking a statin drug to reduce their cholesterol level or to prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Many others also take anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent blood clots from forming, which can increase the risk of stroke. Adam Porath, pharmacy manager with the Renown Institute for Heart and Vascular Health’s Anticoagulation Program, explains how to safely take these medications. What is a statin? A statin is a drug that can lower cholesterol by helping your body absorb cholesterol or by blocking a substance your body needs to make it. The American Heart Association cites a global study reporting the benefit of statins to help reduce heart attacks and strokes. Common statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Which foods or drinks should be avoided while taking statin drugs? Grapefruit juice is the only food or drink that has a direct interaction with statins. Statins do not directly interact with any food but people taking statins should moderate their intake of saturated fats to help lower their LDL cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease. What is a blood thinning drug? Blood thinning drugs, such as warfarin, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixiban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa) and edoxaban (Savaysa), are used to prevent stroke. Which foods or drugs should be avoided while taking blood thinning drugs? If taking warfarin, alcohol and cranberries (including juice) should be avoided. Patients taking warfarin should be aware of foods that contain Vitamin K (green leafy vegetables) and try to maintain a consistent diet of these foods. Warfarin interacts with many over the counter and prescription medications. Patients should consult a pharmacist when starting, stopping, or changing doses of any medication when taking warfarin. Also, patients taking any blood thinning medication should avoid over-the-counter pain relievers (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) How do I know whether to take my medication with food or not? Consulting with a pharmacist is the best resource to determine if a medication should be taken with or without food. In general, all statins and blood thinners can be taken with or without food. The only exception is Xarelto (rivaroxaban), which should be taken with the largest meal of the day If you are a Renown patient you can also review your prescriptions online, request a refill or ask a question via MyChart. With MyChart, you can access all your healthcare information securely 24/7.

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Most prescriptions meds are available in generic form. Find out the similarities and differences between the two and how to determine whether a generic is right for you. Approximately 80 percent of prescriptions sold today are generics. If you’re taking a prescription medication, chances are it’s a generic form of the brand-name drug. But are you getting the same quality in a generic medication? Do generics measure up? The answer in most cases is yes — generics, just like branded products, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. “To have a generic product approved by the FDA, the generic manufacturer must prove that its product is bioequivalent to the branded product,” explains Adam Porath, PharmD, BCPS AQ-Cardiology, BCACP and Vice President of Pharmacy Services. Basically, it has to function the same. “Generic products are extremely well tolerated and will provide the same results as using a branded product,” Porath says. Here’s how generics are the same as name-brand prescriptions: Generic products contain the same active ingredients. They produce the same desired clinical effect and accompanying side effects. Generics come in the same form as their branded counterparts: pill, liquid or inhaler, for example. Release into the bloodstream matches the name brand in timing and strength. Here’s how they differ: Generics generally cost less. Federal law requires generics have different names and look different: shape, size, markings and color. Generics contain different inactive ingredients, like binders, fillers and artificial colors. Different side effects with generics can usually be attributed to these additions. Why do generics cost less? When pharmaceutical companies develop a new drug, they are paying for research, development, clinical studies, marketing — in some cases it can cost more than $800 million and take 10 to 15 years to develop a new drug. “The manufacturers of branded medication products have to recoup their research and development costs,” Porath says. So companies are granted a limited patent to sell their drug without the competition of generic counterparts. “When patent exclusivity ends, the market is open for any generic manufacturer to make a competing product with FDA approval.” Without the same startup costs, companies can sell generics at 80 to 85 percent less. And because more than one company can produce the same generics, competition drives prices even lower.

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Virtual visits are basically secure, video conferencing visits with your health provider. Of course if you are sick, you want to avoid going outside of your house. With Renown Health’s virtual visit program, you can now see a provider from the comfort of your own home. As we work to keep all of our patients home and healthy, we’re here for any ongoing healthcare needs you have. There are two easy ways to access a virtual visit with Renown Health. If you need an urgent care visit, you can get in line using your MyChart account You can make a virtual visit with some Renown Health providers you see currently Virtual Urgent Care from a Renown Provider By using MyChart, you can now login and request to “Talk to a Doctor.” After filling in some information and confirming your healthcare concern, you will be put into a virtual line. The healthcare team will notify you by text or email when a provider is ready to talk to you virtually. Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages. Get To Know MyChart Virtual urgent care visits are available for all ages, and can address: Common cold and cough symptoms Muscular, tendon or joint pains not caused by injury Allergy or sinus symptoms Pink eye Urinary discomfort Diarrhea without vomiting Rashes or skin sores Backache Nail problems Screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) Medication refills (not controlled substances) Symptoms for In-Person Urgent Care Visits Shortness of breath Chest pain Abdominal pain Numbness or weakness of any location that is new Traumatic injuries (including eye injuries or something in the eye) Severe pain of any other body location Dizziness or confusion Bleeding from any location High fever (greater than 102 degrees for all ages) Persistent vomiting Loss of vision Ear pain Substance abuse or psychiatric problems Virtual visits are open 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for Nevada residents. Renown Provider Virtual Visits Many primary and specialty care appointments for adults and children are now available virtually. If you have a provider with Renown Medical Group, call 775-982-5000 to see if you can have a virtual appointment from the comfort of your home. MyChart Assistance If you need assistance with your MyChart account, please call 775-982-6686. For all other questions about scheduling and appointments, please call 775-982-5000.

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Without a doubt, taking medications can not only be expensive, but also confusing. In the United States, generic prescriptions are widely used, with 9 out of 10 people choosing them over a name brand. Pharmacists are a great resource to help us understand the benefits and side effects of any medication. We asked Adam Porath, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy at Renown Health, to answer some common questions about generic drugs. What is a generic drug? A generic drug has the same active ingredients of brand-name drugs. Brand-name drugs have a patent (special license) protecting them from competition to help the drug company recover research and development costs. When the patent expires other manufacturers are able to seek approval for a generic drug. However, the color, shape and inactive elements may be different. Per the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), a generic medicine works in the same way and provides the same clinical benefit as its brand-name version. Why do they cost less? Generic drug makers do not have the expense of costly development, research, animal and human clinical trials, marketing and advertising. This savings is passed on to the public. Also after a patent expires, several companies will compete on a generic version of a drug, further driving down prices.

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Vaccines that provide protection against the COVID-19 virus are bringing us closer to the end of this deadly pandemic. Two different COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in the U.S. today: one from Pfizer and the other from Moderna. Kate Ward, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Clinical Pharmacy at Renown Health and Adam Porath, PharmD, Vice President of Pharmacy at Renown, share what you need to know about these vaccines. When two COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2020, it was cause for celebration. Why? Because according to the CDC, the vaccines are 94 percent or more effective in providing protection against the COVID-19 virus! Many people are seeking information about the new Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Below, our pharmacy leaders provide answers to some commonly asked questions. How do the COVID-19 Vaccines Work? The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines that help your immune system develop antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. The vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to show our bodies’ protein-making cells how to make the spike proteins of the COVID-19 virus. Our immune system reacts to these spike proteins by creating antibodies that can recognize and destroy them. So when a person is exposed to the virus in the future, they will be less likely to get sick. What are the Differences between the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines? The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are very similar, with just a few small differences worth noting. The main difference between the two vaccines is when you should receive your follow-up dose. Patients who receive a first dose of Pfizer should receive their second dose about three weeks later. Those who receive a first dose of Moderna should receive their follow-up vaccination roughly four weeks after their first dose. People 18 years and older can receive the Moderna vaccine while people 16 years and older can receive the Pfizer vaccine. Dosage for the Moderna vaccine is 0.5 ml (100 mcg). Dosage for the Pfizer vaccine is 0.3 ml (30 mcg).

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Much like general physical and mental health, sexual health is an essential aspect of your overall well-being. Therefore, educating yourself on your sexual health is an important piece regarding your overall wellness. Secure & Private Virtual Visits Did you know that many sexually transmitted disease appointments can happen virtually, in the privacy of your own home? Our providers can perform a screening examination for sexually transmitted illness (without symptoms) when it’s convenient for you. This is a great option if the topic makes you uncomfortable during an in-person visit, or if you can’t find time to visit your primary care provider or local urgent care. After the telehealth appointment, your provider will determine the  next steps for you. Remember, in-person visits are always an option as well.   Here’s how you can take charge of your sexual health:  Get Comfortable with Getting Tested  Surprisingly, some people with STDs don't show symptoms, meaning they may not even know they have an STD unless they get tested. Even if an STD shows no symptoms, the result of non-treatment can be serious. Bret Michael Bellard, MD, with Renown Medical Group, shares that it’s important for people to get tested for STDs because if left untreated, they can cause the following health problems: Loss of fertility Pregnancy complications Other health issues  When to Visit Your Primary Care Provider  Who should get tested and how often? “The recommendations are that everyone from ages 13 to 64 should get tested at least once for HIV. All sexually active adults should also be tested for other STDs once a year, and all pregnant women should be tested at the start of their pregnancy,” says Dr. Bellard. Some STDs, like syphilis, can be passed from mother to baby, so it's important for women to get tested as soon as they know they’re pregnant.  Dr. Bellard recommends going to your primary care provider for testing. “They can also give advice on prevention and other health topics.” If you don’t have a primary care provider, this is a great reason to get established with one. Women with an established OB/GYN can have STD testing done simultaneously with their annual pelvic exam. The providers in Renown's network care for patients of all ages and specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN.   Practice Safe Sex  STDs are preventable. Practicing safe sex and getting tested routinely are your best defenses against all types of STDs.  For many, the conversation about sexually transmitted diseases is awkward and many avoid it. To lower your risk of contracting an STD, don’t wait until you’re “in the moment” to have the conversation with your partner about the last time you were both last tested. If you haven’t gotten tested in-between new partners, use latex condoms every time you have sex until you are both confirmed negative of STDs. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly.   To establish Primary Care, visit renown.org/virtualvisits or call 775-982-5000

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Renown Health has two retail pharmacy locations – one at Renown Regional on Pringle Way and another on Locust Street. And while many people think of a pharmacy as where we get prescriptions and pick up refills, it’s so much more. Adam Porath, vice president of pharmacy services at Renown, discusses five benefits of switching to a Renown Pharmacy.  1. Hospital Integration With the Meds-to-Beds Program, the Renown Health Pharmacy delivers prescriptions to patients on the floor when they leave the hospital. Another thing that is interesting about the pharmacy is its integration with providers. So, if there is a problem with your prescription, the Renown Pharmacy can get hold of your provider right away. We also can see your lab results and make sure that the dose you are prescribed is the right one. 2. On-Site Vaccinations The Renown Health Pharmacy has a private consultation area to administer vaccines on-site. Their team routinely stocks more than a dozen vaccines, and you can call either location (Regional: 775-982-7737 and Locust Street: 775-982-5280) to see if what you're looking for is in stock. Appointments are available in MyChart. 3. Compounding Services Only a fraction of pharmacies in the United States provides compounding services. In the Reno/Sparks area, there are just a few and Renown Pharmacy is one of them. Traditional retail pharmacies take drugs received from a drug manufacturer and put them into a smaller container in the individual amount that the doctor prescribed for a patient. A compounding pharmacy provides medications that are not available commercially. For example, a doctor has prescribed a dose that is smaller than what is commercially available. Compounding the medication will provide the dosage as prescribed. Another example could be a child who can’t take a tablet. The pharmacy may be able to use compounding to convert medications into something that is the child can take.

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Bacterial meningitis is probably the last thing on your mind as you help your child prepare for college. Buying books and stocking up on necessities may top your list, but it’s a good idea to ensure your student is up-to-date on their meningitis vaccine. How Bacterial Meningitis Spreads According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people living in close quarters are more likely to spread this illness to one another. For example, you may have heard about the higher risk of meningococcal (or bacterial) meningitis for new college students. The risk is so serious that many colleges and universities require proof of a vaccine for new students moving into campus housing. This includes the University of Nevada, Reno. To clarify, all incoming freshmen under 23 years of age must show proof of their up-to-date meningitis shot. “Bacterial meningitis is considered a medical emergency, and anyone with the signs and symptoms should be evaluated in the emergency room immediately,” says Vanessa Slots, MD, Renown pediatrician. Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis Fever Nausea Vomiting Irritability Headache Confusion Back pain Stiff or painful neck Leg pain Light sensitivity Rash on the torso or lower extremities It’s important to know many of these symptoms for both bacterial and viral meningitis are the same. However, the viral type is more common, often clearing up in seven to 10 days without complications. Nonetheless, you should go to the emergency room to be looked at, as the signs are similar for both illnesses. Why is Bacterial Meningitis Dangerous? This illness moves quickly, and in some cases, it can seem like the flu or severe strep throat and take a few days to develop. Or, it can hit in just hours. “Bacterial meningitis has an overall death rate of 10 to 15 percent despite treatment with antibiotics,” Dr. Slots warns. Another critical point is problems after recovery can also be severe. Frequently these include brain damage, amputations, infections around the heart, seizures and shock.

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Young children under 4 and adults over 65 are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion. Avoid heat exhaustion this summer with some expert tips. Northern Nevada summers can be downright hot, and although the balmy temperatures can feel great, they may cause heat-related illness, also known as heat exhaustion. Infants and children under 4 and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion because their bodies adjust to heat more slowly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs and even cause death. The Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion Heavy sweating Elevation of body temperature Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness, weakness, dizziness Headache Fainting Nausea or vomiting Cool and moist skin Fast and weak pulse Fast and shallow breathing Heat stroke happens when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body loses its ability to sweat. The Symptoms of Heat Stroke Body temperatures rising to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness or nausea Prevention and Treatment Make sure your air conditioner works Stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids Limit strenuous outdoor activities to mornings and evenings Drink plenty of water throughout the day Avoid caffeine and alcohol Do outdoor activities in the shade and wear light, loose clothing Take plenty of breaks and drape a wet bandanna around your shoulders to cool down If you suspect you or someone else is headed toward heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

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