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11Jun
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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10Dec
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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23Jul
This FREE virtual seminar is open to all patients, family members, friends and caregivers. Learn about weight loss surgery and its effectiveness in resolving and improving diabetes and other diseases such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Topics include: Am I a candidate? The types of bariatric surgeries Renown offers along with the risks and benefits of each. Updated success statistics of bariatric surgery, resolution and/or improvement of diabetes and other medical problems. How you can expect to progress through the process and standard medical management following surgery. Lifestyle and nutritional changes needed to be successful. Information about our surgeons performing Weight Loss Surgery at Renown Regional Medical Center. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Email with meeting link will be sent the day before the seminar. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Weight Loss Surgery Education Virtual Seminar
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13Aug
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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9Jul
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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10Sep
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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22Oct
This FREE virtual seminar is open to all patients, family members, friends and caregivers. Learn about weight loss surgery and its effectiveness in resolving and improving diabetes and other diseases such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Topics include: Am I a candidate? The types of bariatric surgeries Renown offers along with the risks and benefits of each. Updated success statistics of bariatric surgery, resolution and/or improvement of diabetes and other medical problems. How you can expect to progress through the process and standard medical management following surgery. Lifestyle and nutritional changes needed to be successful. Information about our surgeons performing Weight Loss Surgery at Renown Regional Medical Center. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Email with meeting link will be sent the day before the seminar. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Weight Loss Surgery Education Virtual Seminar
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12Nov
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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8Oct
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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14May
Led by Renown’s Bariatric Program Manager, this group connects you with peers and leaders so you can support, coach, encourage and lean on one another when you need it most. Whether you are facing post-surgery challenges or thinking about weight loss surgery and want to learn more about the client’s perspective or help reluctant family and friends better understand the process, attending this support group meeting can be invaluable. This support group is an excellent resource where you’ll find people who share your health and wellness goals. We are devoted to people with everyday experiences, sharing their feelings in a safe environment, and developing relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. We’ve found that our most successful clients attend support groups regularly. Video enabled attendance is available. Patients can access remotely and join from any video-enabled device (smart phone, iPad, laptop, or webcam/desktop). Upon registering, you will receive instructions on how to virtually connect. There is no charge to attend this class.
Read More About Bariatric Surgery Virtual Support Group
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Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
You’ve likely heard about bariatric surgery — and perhaps even have friends who’ve done it. But is it a potential solution for you? Here, Dawn Remme, RN, Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Program Manager, provides insight. You may have been struggling with excess weight for years. You’ve tried high-protein diets, low-carb diets and more. Most patients considering weight loss surgery have tried numerous dieting methods. The truth is, some patients who suffer with obesity are successful dieters. Unfortunately though, excess weigh often returns. This impacts their health and the quality of their life. It can be a disheartening battle. Weight loss surgery is a big decision. In making this decision, keep in mind that surgery is only one step toward your goal of achieving better health. It is neither magic, nor is it the “easy way out.” Weight loss surgery can offer you a TOOL to help you become more successful in controlling the disease of morbid obesity. By combining this tool with a lifelong commitment to important lifestyle changes, medical follow-up and nutritional modifications, you have the potential to become a healthier you. Bariatric Surgery By the Numbers Exploring the facts about obesity, how it impacts your health, and how surgery can resolve or significantly improve your chronic medical conditions is the first step to making a decision. Obesity is medically defined as “excess body fat” and is measured by a mathematical ratio known as the Body Mass Index (BMI). To calculate your BMI, we consider your height, weight, age, gender and body build. Here are the standards: “Normal” BMI: less than 25 Overweight: 25 – 29.9 Obese: BMI of 30 – 39.9 Morbid obesity: BMI of 40 or more Morbid obesity (BMI over 40) is a lifelong, progressive disease, and the prevalence of morbidly obese Americans (100 or more pounds over a healthy weight) is increasing rapidly. According to the CDC, the disease of obesity affects 78 million Americans. Further estimates indicate about 24 million have morbid obesity. Serious medical problems known as co-morbidities often occur when someone is morbidly obese. Studies tell us conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and degenerative arthritis increase in severity as the BMI is increasing in patients. When may weight loss surgery be an option? When someone has a BMI greater then 40. If a person’s BMI is 35 – 39.9 and they have significant health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or other diagnosed health conditions related to obesity. Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass Explained To resolve or significantly reduce these health conditions, bariatric surgery can be done when diet and exercise haven’t worked. Weight loss surgery makes changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. The gastric sleeve limits how much you can eat, whereas gastric bypass limits how much you can eat and reduces the absorption of certain nutrients. Other Benefits of Surgery You can greatly increase life expectancy by resolving or significantly improving conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and obesity itself. Infertility can also be positively affected. A significant weight loss and relief from serious health conditions and diseases will greatly improve your quality of life. Studies tell us that type 2 diabetes is resolved or significantly improved in 84 percent of patients following bariatric surgery. Cholesterol levels dropped in 95 percent of patients. And hypertension and sleep apnea showed improvement in 68 and 80 percent of patients, respectively, following bariatric surgery. Bariatric Surgery at Renown In making the decision to move forward to better health, it is important to remember: Obesity is a disease, and the desire to have a healthier, longer, more fulfilling life is possible. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Bariatric Surgery Program page to view more information about Renown Regional Medical Center’s MBSAQIP accredited bariatric program, as well as information about upcoming educational seminars. Or call 775-982-RSVP (7787) to reserve your seat. Learn More
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Alzheimer’s Disease – How to Spot the Signs
Alzheimer’s disease is not normal forgetfulness as we age. Instead, it is a specific form of mental decline. And according to the Alzheimer’s Association it accounts for nearly 80 percent all dementia cases. Natasa Dragicevic, MD, PhD., behavioral neurologist and Alzheimer’s disease specialist with Renown Institute for Neurosciences, weighs in on diagnosing it and the importance of early medical action. How to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease In general, the signs of Alzheimer’s disease occur slowly, getting worse over time. For example, forgetfulness is a daily search – for shoes, keys and other misplaced items. Not only is memory affected, but also speech patterns and behavior. There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. “Specifically, a neurologist should be the one to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease given differences in presentation,” clarifies Dr. Dragicevic. “And ideally a behavioral neurologist (Alzheimer’s sub-specialist) will be managing the treatment,” she adds. Brain Imaging Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease involves multiple approaches and medical providers. In short, medical history is reviewed along with a physical exam, lab tests and other diagnostic testing. “A medical workup includes a variety of tests. These include MRI and other brain imaging, as well as neurological and psychological testing. Furthermore, a lumbar puncture is performed to look for markers of the disease,” she states. What Causes Alzheimer’s disease? Although no one knows the cause, researchers think many factors play a role. Uncontrollable risk factors include your genetics and having a family member with the disease. However, the controllable risk factors include: reducing the risk of head injury and keeping your heart healthy. It’s important to realize that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and diabetes play a role in brain health. Blood loss to the brain causes vascular dementia, leading to long-term blood vessel damage. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease Generally speaking, the signs of this disease differ in each person. Yet noticeable behaviors include: • Losing the way to familiar places • Forgetting to pay bills • Trouble finding the right words when talking • Repeating questions • General confusion • Social withdrawal Alzheimer’s Disease – Benefits of Early Diagnosis Equally important, spotting Alzheimer’s disease early allows more time to benefit from medications and possible clinical trials. Likewise, nutrition and exercise changes can be made, increasing blood flow to the body, and perhaps delaying symptoms. Early diagnosis also allows for personal health decisions and quality-of-life conversations to take place. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these benefits include: 1. Medical advantage 2. Emotional and social comfort 3. Time to plan ahead 4. Cost savings A Brain Supporting Lifestyle “At the present time, treatment is limited,” explains Dr. Dragicevic. “Usually Alzheimer’s is a progressive ongoing disease – any management at this time is purely symptomatic.” However, she states the following lifestyle changes can help support brain health: • New hobbies such as painting, pottery, music classes or learning a new language • Crosswords, puzzles and playing games, such as Scrabble • Brain challenging mobile apps, such as Luminosity • 30-45 minutes of mild to moderate physical activity per day, such as walking • Eating a Mediterranean diet (primarily plant based foods)