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Weight loss and healthier living tend to top most people’s lists of New Year’s Resolutions. So if you’re like the vast majority, here’s help — a comprehensive look at all of Renown Health’s programs that will help you lose weight and tackle metabolic challenges. Quick quiz: How many of the following apply to you? You have a need to lose weight, but you haven’t been guided on how to make sustainable change; You’re experienced a recent rapid weight gain, but lab tests didn’t reflect a change in your health; You’ve experienced a life-changing event that caused weight gain; You have problems with where you are carrying your weight, such as your mid-section; You’ve tried other weight loss programs, but they didn’t work. If you found yourself nodding in agreement to any one of the above statements, Renown’s programs can help. They cover the spectrum of helping with weight or metabolism challenges. But the million dollar question is: Where do you start? How to Lose Weight and Live Healthier Ideally, it’s best to start by talking with your primary care provider. Your provider knows your medical history and concerns related to your health. Talk to your provider about your past history with weight loss and gain. Your primary care provider will assist with the referral process and provide you with options you might not considered on your own. Most importantly, by starting with your primary care provider, you can take full advantage of all your health benefits. Renown offers four weight loss/management programs: Medical Nutrition Therapy Meet one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian at Renown’s Health Improvement Program to discuss your health goals. You may qualify for this program if you have: Heart or kidney disease Gastrointestinal issues Weight gain or weight loss Food allergies or sensitivities High blood pressure or high cholesterol A thyroid condition Diabetes – classes available, including: Type 2 Diabetes, insulin and gestational diabetes management during pregnancy (Offered in English & also in Spanish). For more information, call 775-982-5073. Medical Weight Management This program includes a one-on-one appointment with a board-certified bariatric doctor. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment plan to meet your needs and medically manage your overweight or metabolic challenges. Treatment options in this program may include nutrition changes, meal replacements, medication, exercises and also behavioral therapy. Here are a few qualifications for the program: A BMI of 25 or higher and health risk such as Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gout, osteoarthritis, infertility or polycystic ovarian syndrome A BMI of 30 and higher A metabolic problem such as diabetes, fatty liver and is not responding to regular medical care. Those with a metabolic problem may be considered normal weight, however may need to lose fat mass or reduce their waist size to get healthier. An increased risk of heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes, regardless of weight that is not responding to regular medical care. For more information, call 775-982-5073. Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery We understand that the desire to have bariatric surgery is a choice you are making for your long-term health. Our team provides education on the necessary steps before, during and after surgery to ensure you are successful in controlling your obesity. You may qualify for this program if you have: A BMI of 40 or more, or: A BMI of 35 to 39.9 with significant health problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes or diagnosed arthritis To learn more, visit our Bariatric Surgery. You may also attend one of our monthly Weight Loss Surgery Seminars to learn if you are a candidate. Dietary Consultation at Renown Medical Group Many people aren’t aware that you can schedule short, frequent visits with a registered dietitian at Renown Medical Group locations in Reno or Sparks. Telehealth is also available at the Renown Medical Group – Fernley. Qualifications include: A BMI of 30 or greater You have a primary care provider with Renown Medical Group Medicare or Senior Care Plus member Since this program is only offered through Renown Medical Group, you must be an established patient. To establish with a primary care provider, call 775-982-5000. Talk to your primary care provider to see if you qualify for one of Renown’s weight management programs. Going through the referral process is the best way to ensure you are taking full advantage of your health benefits.

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As an avid soccer player, Sarah saw her fair share of doctors growing up. However, it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease affecting how the body ingests gluten, that she became passionate about healthcare. “I couldn’t figure out what was going on,” Sarah said. “I was getting sick, and my symptoms were getting worse.” Thankfully, after seeing a handful of doctors, she was on the path to recovery.  “I remember being so relieved, and still am! Now I can focus on getting better,” said Sarah. The most important change people make after being diagnosed with celiac disease is the shift to a gluten-free diet. For many, Sarah included, living gluten-free is a lifestyle change. Thankfully, Sarah sees significant improvements in her health after adjusting her diet. “No one should just accept their symptoms as part of life,” said Sarah. Her increased awareness of health and nutrition motivated Sarah to study biology at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). “I want to be a pediatrician so I can help patients, especially kids, figure out treatment plans.” said Sarah who credits her experience living with celiac disease as her inspiration. Dancing for Kids’ Health Currently a senior at UNR, Sarah is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a co-ed international medical fraternity. Together with her classmates, she is bringing new energy and ideas to philanthropy. Sarah and the members of Phi Delta Epsilon are doing things differently and in many ways redefining what it means to give. This year, they are on a mission to raise funds for kids’ health at Renown Children’s Hospital. And they are doing this by dancing. The UNR Dance Marathon is part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon, a student-led, year-round philanthropic movement that unites students across the United States and Canada. Collectively, they raise critical funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. And Renown Children’s Hospital is our northern Nevada CMN partner hospital. Since 1991, over 400 college campuses and thousands of students have raised $300 million for kids. Sarah is the executive director of UNR’s chapter. “So far this year we’ve already raised $10,000 for Renown," said Sarah. Most of the fundraising happens on the day of the dance marathon. But throughout the school year, students hold mini fundraisers on campus and in the community. One hundred percent of the funds raised stay local, impacting Renown’s youngest patients. For every dollar donated, 18% helps provide charitable care, 15% goes to life-saving equipment, 12% supports medical research and 55% provides education, patient services and advancement services. “It's inspiring that we banded together to help kids in our community,” said Sarah. Last year they raised over $18,000. They are hoping to exceed that number at this year’s dance marathon in April.

Read More About Why I Give: Sarah’s Story

In August 2016, six-year-old Jakob was admitted to Renown Children's Hospital with what seemed like a common ear infection. Jakob's condition quickly progressed, and he started experiencing neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking and a full-body shutdown. Doctors, neurologists and specialists from Renown worked with doctors from Stanford, where he was ultimately diagnosed with Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE). BBE is a rare, autoimmune response that attacks the nerves in the body due to an acute illness such as a cold, flu or, in Jakob's case, an ear infection. Jakob could not breathe or eat and experienced paralysis on the side of his face, throat, stomach, bowels, lungs and legs. In addition, he started to rapidly lose weight as well as body function. Jakob lost half his body weight which resulted in the need for a Gastrostomy tube. This device is placed surgically and gives direct access to the stomach to give the child the nutrition needed. He also needed occupational therapy, and after three and a half months of ICU respiratory therapy, surgeries and treatments, he was released home to regain his strength. Forever Grateful Anica, Jakob's mom, said, "If it were not for the quick response and unconditional support and compassion from the team at Renown, Jakob would not be here today." Jakob's family is forever grateful to the staff, community and expertise at Renown for their unwavering commitment to their son and family during their most trying time in life. "When I met Jakob on the first day of his illness, so much was unknown. My team and I were worried, as his symptoms were very unusual. His rapid deterioration, after being a perfectly healthy child, was clearly terrifying for his parents. Handing over a child's care to a team of strangers is one of the scariest things that can happen to parents,” said Dr. Kris Deeter, Physician in Chief at Renown Children’s Hospital. “However, Anica and Jeremiah were also very clear that they did not want Jakob transferred somewhere else. So, we used all our resources to care for him, arrive at a diagnosis, and start aggressive therapies. They listened to every word we said, educated themselves, and became partners in Jakob's care. We all became part of Team Jakob, and soon, he proved to us just how strong he was." Today, Jakob is 13 years old and thriving in every aspect of his life. He is currently on the honor roll in school and finds joy in his newfound passion for the violin. He loves spending his free time learning about mixing music, making new friends and traveling to different parts of the country. This summer, he will travel to Europe to explore his passion for culture. The family says, "We owe it all to the family and staff at Renown."

Read More About Jakob’s Journey at Renown Children’s Hospital