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Some people drive for hundreds of miles just to pitch a tent in what we're fortunate enough to call our backyard. From alpine hiking trails and miles of remote forest to desert lakes and spectacular night skies, there's no better way to unwind and explore the outdoors than camping. If you've been daydreaming of hiking trails and swimming holes or looking for a tranquil and adventurous family vacation,  it's time to clear your schedule, pack up the car and venture into the Great Outdoors.  We've got six fun and beautiful camping getaways you need to experience this summer that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. And best of all, they're just a short drive away.  Emerald Bay State Park South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Highway 89 Summer Boat-In Camping: Available by reservation. Accessible by boat or foot.  Cost: $35 per night Dogs? Allowed in campground on a 6 foot leash. They cannot be on trails or roads into Emerald Bay or on the beach.  Information/Reservations: 530-525-7232 or www.reserveamerica.com To say this camping location is stunning is an understatement. If you're seeking a view from your campsite of blue lake waters, thick forest and jutting rocks, than this is the spot for you. This campsite is located on the north side of Emerald Bay, at old Emerald Bay Resort, and offers hiking and walking trails and easy access to Lake Tahoe. There are also large rocks you can jump from into the lake.   Davis Creek Regional Park West Side of Washoe Valley US 395 South  Cost: $20, cash only Dogs? Yes. $1 per night fee per pet and they must be leashed. Information/Reservations: (775) 823-6501 or www.washoecounty.us/parks Located in the foothills of the Carson Range 20 miles south of Reno, Davis Creek campground offers over 60 overnight sites along with equestrian trailheads that provide access to the Toiyabe National Forest. The campsite is well-known for outstanding views of Washoe Valley and Slide Mountain and includes picnic areas, a small pond and nature trails. Showers are also available.  Donner Memorial State Park Truckee, Calif.  12593 Donner Pass Road Cost: $35 per night Dogs? Contact for information. Information/Reservations: (530) 582-7892 or www.parks.ca.gov If you're looking for a little more to your camping adventure than what nature has to offer, Donner Memorial State Park may be the ideal campground for you. The park includes the Emigrant Trail Museum, with historical and regional exhibits including the Donner Party tragedy during the severe winter of 1846, as well as hiking trails, Donner Lake swimming and picnic areas. Fallen Leaf Campground South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 2165 Fallen Leaf Road Cost: $33 to $84/day Dogs? Allowed at tent and RV sites (a maximum of two pets per site); prohibited on beaches. Information/Reservations: (530) 544-0426 Nestled among pine and aspen trees and wildflower meadows, Fallen Leaf offers campers the best of both worlds: mountain landscapes and lake recreation. Located less than a mile away from the south shore of Lake Tahoe, the campground features more than 200 camping sites including tent, RV and several yurt rentals.   There are many shady campsites for campers to choose from, as well as food lockers, toilets, showers and a general store. The lake is only a short walk from the sites and features views of Cathedral Peak (8,200 feet) and Mount Tallac (9,738 feet) and there are several trails for hikers. Pyramid Lake Marina & Beach Camping Pyramid Lake Pyramid Lake Store, 29555 Pyramid Lake Road Cost: $9 per day Dogs? Allowed without restrictions. Information/Reservations: 775-476-0555 or www.pyramidlake.us The largest natural lake in Nevada, just 40 miles from Reno, is located between the Virginia and Lake Mountains on Paiute Indian land -- the Pyramid Lake Reservation. It's an ideal locale for boating and fishing and for those who are looking for remote beach camping and easy access to swimming. There are multiple camping spots around the lake -- including an RV park and designated and open camping -- but campers must obtain a tribal camping permit prior to settling in. Note: This is a desert lake and therefore, has limited shade. Campers should plan accordingly with shade sails and pop up shade tents.  Camp Richardson Resort South Lake Tahoe, Calif.  1900 Jameson Beach Road Cost: Contact for specifics.  Dogs? No.   Information/Reservations: 800-544-1801, reservations@camprichardson.com  Whether you're seeking the solace of a shaded forest or craving lazy beach days, Camp Richardson offers a wide variety of camping and lodging needs. Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Camp Richardson features over 30 cabins, 26 lodge hotel rooms, a beachside inn, duplex and house, as well as 200 tent camping sites and 100 RV sites.  The resort campground offers year-round camping and a wide variety of services, including a marina, sports center, restaurant and a store.

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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.

Read More About Name-Brand Medication vs. Generic: What's the Difference?

Whether watching a 4th of July celebration from her father’s boat on the Saint Johns River or sneaking a peek at a post-game display over Gator Bowl Stadium from her parents’ bedroom window, the fondest childhood memories of Sterling Silver Club featured member are of fireworks. “I love watching fireworks,” says Rhogenia. “And I get just as excited by them now as I did then.” Well, fireworks are certainly a fitting introduction to this Sterling Silver Club member who shines with a spectacular collection of accomplishments, adventures and interests. A Passion for Teaching Rhogenia remembers herself as a happy, carefree child “who read all the time” while growing up in Jacksonville, Florida with her younger sister, Rosemary, and her father and mother, who was a public school teacher. It’s easy to see how this natural enthusiasm for reading (and learning), along with her mother’s influence, would spark Rhogenia’s calling – and passion – for teaching. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education, Rhogenia spent the first 2 years of her career as a kindergarten teacher in a “one traffic light” town in her home state. She then moved to Oakland, California where she taught kindergarten and first grade classes at various schools for 4 years. The Biggest Little City in the World came next, and her stay there would last much longer. In Reno, Rhogenia added a master’s degree to her credits and found a home for her teaching career at Grace Warner Elementary School – where she taught first and second grade for 20 years! During that time, she also took on the additional role of adjunct professor, teaching graduate students for the University of Phoenix, College of Education.   “A great teacher never stops learning,” explains Rhogenia. “I believe the art of teaching is the act of facilitating discovery, for students and also for myself.” In recognition of her efforts, Rhogenia received the Reno Gazette Journal’s Best of Education Award, the Washoe County Teachers Association Distinguished Performance Award, and was also awarded a grant from Learn and Serve America to help her support student programs that gave back to the community. Rhogenia’s favorite quote: “One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.” – Adapted from an essay by Forest Witcraft Commissions, Councils & Space Camp Life outside the classroom also kept Rhogenia busy – and inspired – throughout her career. In 1998, she was selected to participate in an educator externship, and in 1999, was chosen to be a teacher consultant to the Alliance Summer Geography Institute. These opportunities allowed Rhogenia to return to her students with exciting lessons to share about different types of industries and the importance of geography, respectively. In 2002, the governor appointed her commissioner for the state of Nevada’s Commission on Professional Standards in Education. And Rhogenia followed that up with an appointment to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in 2004. She also got to travel. Rhogenia was one of two teachers from Nevada chosen to participate in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher program on its 50th anniversary. Originally established in 1946 to foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan, the trip allowed Rhogenia to represent her state, her country and her race to Japanese dignitaries, business people and students alike. For over three weeks, she toured schools, universities, factories, temples, art galleries and museums, and stayed in the home of a Japanese family for a few days – which she calls the highlight of her trip.  Oh, and then there was the time she went to space camp! The Nevada Teacher in Space Program sent Rhogenia to join teachers from across the county at the out-of-this-world camp in Huntsville, Alabama. On “Team Endeavor,” she learned what it would be like to deliver payloads and perform experiments at the International Space Station, and took a seat in flight simulators and an antigravity chair. The goal of the program was to inspire teachers to help their students learn about the infinite possibilities of math and science. Time for What Matters These days, Rhogenia enjoys spending time on the things that matter most to her. Personally, that means diving into hobbies like genealogy, music, reading, writing, cooking and the occasional card or board game. She also continues to learn and broaden herself through Osher Life Long Institute (OLLI) classes and Retired Living Truth Series seminars. But her greatest joy comes from spending time with family – four generations of her own family, her church family, retired teachers from Warner Elementary and the many acquaintances and friends she’s come to know over the years. Other things worthy of Rhogenia’s time: Giving back to the community, rainbows, sunsets and sometimes, just watching the clouds roll by. Membership & Senior-ship What does Rhogenia think about being a Sterling Silver Club member and a senior? She told us. “Before COVID, it was the face-to-face club events that I liked most,” recalls Rhogenia. “At the Silver Stars Gala, I had such a wonderful time chatting with old and new friends… the fashions, decorations and the food were delightful.” Over the past year, she also found things to love about the club’s virtual events and regularly attends lectures, cooking and yoga classes and weekly meditation sessions – from her home! It Starts with Hello offers some of her favorite club events. “It reminds me of the television show, Cheers, where everybody knows your name!” she grins. “We meet at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are a variety of topics and guest speakers, and with the virtual events, I feel like the presenters are talking directly to me… I have the best seat in the house.” As far as being a senior goes, Rhogenia is living her best life and has some advice to help others do the same. “As a senior, I have the time to explore and take advantage of the many opportunities available out there,” she says. “I live life in the present and to the fullest. I make the most of each day because tomorrow, it will be the past.” Rhogenia feels that the biggest challenges for seniors today are health and isolation, and wants people to know there’s help if they need it. “Sometimes we need a little help to make everyday activities a little easier, or just need a person to talk with,” she explains. “My advice is never be too proud to ask for help with anything! Most people are glad to help or guide you to someone who will.” “Lastly, to seniors, I would like to say this: Love yourself and make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time,” Rhogenia continues. “And give yourself a big hug!” The Sterling Silver Club thanks Rhogenia for dazzling us with her story, her friendship and her collaboration – and we send her and all of our members a “BIG hug.”

Read More About Simply Spectacular Sterling Silver Member Rhogenia

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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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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There are a few simple ways to encourage healthy aging that can translate to an improved quality of life. Here are some expert tips.  What does healthy aging mean to you? If you’re like most people, you’re looking forward to removing the negative from your life — negative energy, thoughts, people and activities that don’t contribute to your best life.  And while that’s a noble goal, too often we forget about ways to strengthen the positive parts of our lives. Expert Herbert “Buddy” Coard III, Ed.D, psychologist with Renown Behavioral Health, provides us with five positive behaviors to focus on to improve happiness and life satisfaction. Healthy Aging in 5 Easy Steps: 1. Connect – Make connections with friends, family, colleagues and neighbors. When you build strong connections, they can help enrich your life with new experiences and opportunities. Besides, having a support system to call upon when you need a favor is valuable as you age. 2. Be Active – Make time to get moving and work those muscles. Being active can include walking, practicing yoga, playing a game of pickleball or dancing. Exercise makes you feel good and keeps you health. Pick a physical activity that you enjoy, and don’t make excuses. Not only will being active help you build stronger muscles, it also helps you build strong connections with others. If you need a workout buddy, Meetup is a great resource to find like-minded people that share common exercise goals. 3. Take Notice – Be mindful and become more curious. Like a child, see the wonder and beauty of the world. Notice the things around you — the weather, the landscape, the mood and feelings of the people around you. By taking notice, it’s easier to learn to appreciate the things that matter. 4. Keep Learning – We never stop learning. Keep trying something new — a new course you’ve always wanted to try or a more challenging task someone has solicited for your help. Challenges keep us on our toes and increase our confidence and excitement in our day. OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nevada, Reno), brings diverse educational and social opportunities to active older adult learners (50+). EPIC (Educational Programs Inspiring the Community), offers a divers curriculum ranging from art classes to Accelerated training certificate courses. 5. Give – Be generous with your time, your knowledge and your talents by giving to friends, family and even strangers. Some easy ways to give is to show thankfulness, smile at people and volunteer. Sharing of yourself to a wider audience gives you a greater reward than just doing things for yourself. Nevada Volunteers Volunteer at Renown Health Practice these five tips to improve happiness and quality of life at any age.

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Often, when we think of Italian dishes, we think of pasta. In fact, there are more than 600 different pasta shapes, each holding the task of delivering Italy’s flavors.  While we all crave pasta, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a cup of pasta shells contains about 166 calories, 6 grams of protein and 32 grams of carbohydrates. When you add all the other comforting ingredients that comes with cooking Italian, it’s nearly impossible to keep it healthy.  Caitlin Bus, Registered Dietitian with the Renown Healthy Heart Program shares a healthier version of an Italian favorite –deconstructed manicotti using zucchini as a substitute for noodles. If you’re looking for a healthier Italian dish and wondering how to use a spiralizer to turn vegetables into noodles, this recipe is for you.

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As we enter the holiday season, many of us are beginning to plan and partake in festivities such as shopping, cooking, baking, holiday parties and family gatherings. While the holidays often bring joy and cheer, the hustle and bustle can also lead to fatigue, stress, anxiety and sometimes depression. To avoid holiday burnout, it’s important to find ways to care for yourself mentally and physically. Galen Gorelangton, the facilitator of Renown’s Heartfulness Meditation program, discusses how yoga and meditation can benefit you. What is yoga and meditation?  Yoga is defined as performing a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises to promote a more flexible body and a calm mind. As you move through poses that require balance and concentration, you're encouraged to focus less on your busy day and more on the moment. Meditation involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques. While there are many different types of meditation and yoga practices, they both share similar benefits including: Reduced stress Lower blood pressure Decreased anxiety and depression Increased energy Better sleep Lower inflammation and pain levels Improved strength, balance and flexibility  Better focus and concentration  And much more!

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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.

Read More About Five Reasons to Switch to Renown’s Modern-Day Pharmacy

As the temperatures continue to rise around northern Nevada, our farmer’s markets and home gardens are bursting with produce – making this the perfect time to prepare a fresh summer salad for you and your family. American salads have come a long way. No longer must we settle for iceberg lettuce topped with pale tomatoes and store-bought salad dressing. Fresh fruits, exotic vegetables and aromatic herbs are proudly taking up residence as entrees on menus around the globe. These refreshing Pritikin salad recipes are chocked full of phytonutrients – plant compounds that provide a host of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits while supporting the body’s natural detoxification process. When it comes to ingredients, freshness counts! Try to use local and unsprayed produce in your salads whenever possible for added nutritional value. Already thinking of ways you can put your own personal touch on these recipes? Andria Herron, dietary educator with Renown’s Healthy Heart Program, encourages you to experiment. “Salads are the perfect recipes to substitute, omit and add in additional ingredients based on your personal preferences” said Andria. Grab the salad bowl, whip out your apron and follow along with Andria as she provides pro tips for creating these delicious recipes. Join our free, monthly in-person or virtual classes today!

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Renaissance Don   The Sterling Silver Club is honored to have thousands of members who’ve led and continue to lead incredibly vibrant and diverse lives. And we’re absolutely thrilled when those members volunteer to share their stories and experiences so we can all appreciate and learn from them.   This issue’s featured member is no exception. From his love of cooking, travel and music to his drive to learn new languages, take on new hobbies and keep himself active and fit, Don is an aspiring Renaissance man who may already be deserving of the title.    Revolutionary Family Roots   Don’s father, who was born in Beijing, China, earned a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and was working on his PhD there on a full scholarship from his home country when the Chinese Communist Revolution occurred. In order to stay in the United States and avoid potentially being thrown into prison by the new communist regime (a fate that befell some of his family members), his father married Don’s mother, who was a U.S. citizen and also a student at Berkeley. Together, they started a family.   “My father met my mother in a class and received his green card by marrying her,” says Don. “They proceeded to have six kids in nine years, I was number three. Dad never finished his PhD, but clearly earned what we like to call his “PSK” degree – Papa with Six Kids.”  Proud (of) Papa: Don’s father was a professor of metallurgy and a brilliant research scientist who was responsible for virtually every breakthrough in the development of titanium in the 1960s.

Read More About Meet Multifaceted Member Don Chang