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When lifelong trekker and adventurer Dorismae Weber learned her aortic valve was shutting down, she was afraid she was losing something she loved most: her daily walks. But following a trans catheter aortic valve implantation, Weber reclaimed her walking shoes — and her life. This is her story. An avid walker and traveler, Dorismae Weber’s life changed dramatically when she was exploring Mongolia and began having trouble breathing. Weber, 84, learned her aortic valve was shutting down. “It’s scary when you lose what you’ve always done,” Weber says. “I’ve walked all my life, and it’s always been the place I’ve gone to for comfort, for solving problems, for just enjoying. But all of a sudden, I couldn’t do this anymore.” Weber was not a candidate for traditional open heart surgery because she had heart surgery in the past. Then Weber learned about about trans catheter aortic valve implantation, also known as TAVR. She went to see Renown cardiologist Jake Ichino, MD, who put her through a battery of tests before performing the procedure. “Unlike the standard traditional open heart surgery, TAVR is a less invasive approach,” Dr. Ichino says. “We traditionally go up the artery of the leg with a catheter tube device and then we implant a valve without opening the chest.” After the TAVR procedure, Weber was once again able to complete her daily five-mile hikes. “When I woke up, all I can tell you is that I looked around and I thought, ‘I have a whole new life ahead of me — when I was told there was very little left,'” Weber says. She has also planned a trek just below the arctic circle with the environmental group Earthwatch. “I’m here because I had that procedure,” Weber says. “I’m here because they offered that procedure. And I’m very grateful for it, because I wouldn’t be here without it.” To learn more about TAVR, visit Renown’s Institute for Heart and Vascular Health.

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Did you know that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable? Learn which foods should be eaten in moderation to reduce your family's risk of stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the nation and a major cause for disability, killing 130,000 people each year. But did you know that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association? Several stroke risk factors -- high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical activity level, obesity, high cholesterol and heart and artery disease -- can be controlled, treated and improved, right down to the foods we choose to consume each day. Diets high in sodium can increase blood pressure, putting you at greater risk for stroke. A high-calorie diet can lead to obesity -- another risk factor. And foods high in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol will raise your blood cholesterol levels causing blood clots, which -- you guessed it -- can lead to a stroke. The “not-so-fab” five foods listed below play a large role in damaging your body and causing vascular disease, stroke and heart disease and should be avoided on a regular basis. However: Moderation is the key to life, in my opinion. Sure, everyone is going to have a soda here and there or a steak off the grill, but keep it off the main menu.  1. Packaged and Fried Food Have you noticed foods like hot dog buns and bottled salad dressings rarely go bad? Ever asked yourself why? This is due to the use of hydrogenated oils, which are trans fats. Hydrogenated oils stay solid at room temperature and do not require refrigeration. Convenient? Yes. Healthy? No. Unfortunately, many frozen foods and meals also fall into this category, except for frozen fruits and veggies. So here’s the lowdown on trans fats: They’re considered by many experts as the worst type of fat you can consume, raising your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lowering your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. While some meat and dairy products contain small amounts of naturally occurring trans fat, most dietary sources are formed through an industrial process adding hydrogen to vegetable oil, causing the oil to solidify at room temperature.  The FDA is in the process of restricting or possibly banning trans-fats from food in the U.S. A study published in JAMA Cardiology compared data from counties with and without trans-fat restrictions and the findings were substantial: There was a 6 percent decline in hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke in counties with trans-fat restrictions.  Bottom line: Ideally no processed food should pass your lips, but realistically, aim for less than 2 grams of trans fat per day. Skip the store-bought treats at the office and fries at lunch. Also avoid crackers, regardless of what you are dipping them in. Choose to eat fruits to satisfy your sweet cravings and veggies and hummus to satisfy the savory.  2. Lunch meat Processed meats, including bacon, smoked meats and hot dogs, are all on the DNE (Do Not Eat) list, unless you want to play with fire. Processed meats are a no-go if you want to keep your arteries clear of plaque buildup. So what is the alternative to your salami sandwich?  Try a healthy alternative like a tuna sandwich with avocado (a great alternative to mayo) or a veggie sandwich. 3. Diet soft drinks First of all, when a drink is sweeter than a candy bar but it contains zero sugar and zero calories, buyer beware. Many consumers think because a soda is labeled “diet” it’s a better choice, but studies have linked diet soft drink consumption with an increased risk of stroke and vascular disease. In a nine-year study of more than 2,500 people, those who drank diet soda daily were 48 percent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke or die from those events, compared with those who rarely or never drank soda. What else are you supposed to drink? If you must drink soda, break the everyday habit and drink it on special occasions; otherwise water rules. And if you don’t like water, try flavoring your water with fruit slices. 4. Good-old red meat So is there ANY good meat out there you ask? The answer is yes, but it’s not red. In the journal Stroke, an article showed women who consumed large servings of red meat regularly had a 42 percent higher incidence of stroke. Red meat is high in saturated fat, which clogs arteries with plaque. The alternative to red meat is a heart-healthy protein like poultry or fish, or even non-animal products like beans, nuts and tofu.  5. Canned foods Steer clear of factory processed soups, beans and sauces. Canned items all have incredible amounts of sodium or MSG or baking soda/powder to maintain their freshness and shelf life. One study showed if you consume more than 4,000 mg of salt per day, you more than double the risk of stroke compared to diets with less than 2,000 mg. Another tip: When possible, plan and make meals from scratch. Making the wrong meal or snack choices is one of the biggest contributing risk factors for stroke and heart disease. Most people know what good food choices are, but they don’t realize the serious impact the bad choices have on overall health. Learn what is most beneficial to your body to consume. It will be a life changer – literally.

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Fishing can be great for relaxation, and it’s a great family activity. Here are five suggestions for great local fishing spots, plus a recipe for trout if you wind up catching one! There are many ways to unwind in the great outdoors in our beautiful region, and fishing can be easily added to that list. The benefits of casting a line are many. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, fishing was compared to yoga for its links to stress relief. The study notes that fishing brings out the relaxation response that slows down breathing, reduces blood pressure and relaxes the muscles. So, get out there and find some fish. There are many lakes of many styles to practice this ancient art, but here are the five that keep coming up in local conversation, virtual or otherwise. If you want to explore more options, the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s fishing guide can fill you in (and then some!). One thing to note about two of the areas we’ve chosen, Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River. Winter flooding has led regional officials to make necessary repairs to both areas, and there may be restrictions to access, including roads that lead to some of the fishing areas in both of these large bodies of water. Be sure to check first at the sites below before heading out, and you can also go to the flood advisory page for our region on water.weather.gov to check on flooding advisories throughout the summer as snowmelt continues. Five Great Regional Fishing Spots Boca Reservoir Location: Stampede Dam Road, 2 miles north of the Boca exit on Interstate 80 Two types of fish: rainbow trout, kokanee salmon More details: One of the more reliable year-round spots, Boca Reservoir even hosts ice fishing once (or if) the body of water freezes over. It’s located in the beautiful Tahoe National Forest. Donner Lake Location: Take the Donner Pass Road exit from Interstate 80, turn onto South Shore Drive Two types of fish: brown trout, mackinaw trout More details: A great scenic lake at the edge of Donner Memorial State Park, this fishing spot includes a public pier, while its China Cove on its southeast end is also a good place for mackinaw in the fall. Paradise Park Ponds Location: Take US Highway 395 to the Oddie Boulevard exit, follow it about a mile to the corner of Oddie and Silverada boulevards Two types of fish: rainbow trout, channel catfish More details: The Reno-Tahoe area has several urban lakes ripe for fishing, including this longtime spot for anglers. There are two large and two small ponds for a fun experience no matter your skill level. It’s also open year-round. Pyramid Lake Location: Interstate 80 to the Fernley exit, then take the Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake ramp to State Highway 447 Two types of fish: cutthroat trout, Sacramento perch More details: This is one place everyone talks about for fall fishing, as the season, which opens on Oct. 1, is very popular. The lake is run by the government of the Paiute Tribes and has distinctive rules for those who choose to fish here. Truckee River Location: Along Highway 89 and Interstate 80, between Tahoe City limits and Reno city limits Two types of fish: rainbow trout, mountain whitefish More details: This portion of the Truckee is where most of the fishing takes place, although the Reno-Sparks Recreation and Visitors Bureau notes that “this is not a river to fish to death in one spot. There is plenty of room and one should keep moving until one finds some agreeable fish.”

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Ready to start your garden? Get started with these easy-to-follow tips from local expert, Liza Detomasi, Workman Farms. Gardening is in my family. We started Workman Farms in Fallon in 1964 and I started working here when I was 14. I have always had a love for food and enjoy gardening and cooking. Gardening can be great for your health. It has been known to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, put you in a good mood and you benefit from the flavorful fresh produce. If you are interested in starting a garden here is a short intro into gardening in northern Nevada. Step One: Location, Location, Location For the beginners be sure to choose a location in your yard that receives 10 hours of sunlight, it doesn't have to be continuous but a total of at least 10 hours is best. Prepare the ground before you plant with nutrient soil and compost from your local nursery. Step Two: Choose the right plants Northern Nevada can be a bit tricky to grow a successful garden. With our low yearly rain totals and summer heat there are some plants that just don't like it here. But there are many that thrive. Those that do are grouped into two categories – cool weather and warm weather. Cool Weather Veggies Plant in early spring Carrots Beets Celery Broccoli Cauliflower Lettuce Radishes Onions Potatoes Snow peas Strawberries Kale Cilantro Warm Weather Veggies Plant in early May to late spring Tomatoes Peppers Squash Green beans Cucumbers Pumpkin Tarragon Basil Parsley Rosemary Thyme Oregano   Step Three: Enjoy! Always have fun and get creative! Start with a hamburger garden (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickling cucumbers), Salsa garden (tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, tomatillos) or a stir fry garden (snow peas, carrots, broccoli, scallions). Never be afraid to ask your local nursery questions. Easy Plants for Desert Yards The Spruce provides a comprehensive list of nurseries in the Reno area to get you started. Happy planting!

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Meet a couple that's all heart. After each had a heart attack one year apart, they committed to Renown's new Healthy Heart Program and support each other along the road to heart health. Almost a year to the day that Janis VanHorn had a heart attack, her partner, Carl Edson, had one too.  "That kind of doubled the dose of making sure that we were doing everything that we could to continue with our life," VanHorn says. "It's a very life-altering thing.” And after Edson's quadruple bypass open heart surgery, he was grateful for the simple act of getting into the car with the woman he loves. "I was so relieved," he says. "I didn't realize how precious life was until that moment." The couple see the same cardiologist, Richard Seher, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, who recommended they participate in Renown's new Healthy Heart Program, a 12-week, 36-visit intensive cardiac rehabilitation curriculum that includes monitored exercising and cooking classes. Now they're both familiar faces at the program, which is located at the Renown South Meadows Medical Center. After several weeks, Edson says he has lost 10 pounds and VanHorton has lost inches and feels more toned. Tackling the program together has brought the couple closer and given them the opportunity to fuel one another's health goals and longevity. "I would be lost without this man," VanHorn says," and anything I can do to help him live longer, I'm going to do that." Edson adds, "She is to me my whole life, and I mean that sincerely. There's no one else I can turn to that has helped me in my life as she has, and I'm just trying to return the favor in a big-time way. She is my everything."

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Knee pain and injury can restrict movement and make it difficult to be active, but studies show that the right type of exercise can help prevent these issues. It’s no wonder our knees are highly prone to injury. They house a complex network of muscles, ligaments and joints, and are crucial to our agility and daily movements. If you are experiencing knee pain, it’s important to not ignore this message from your body. While it’s fairly common to have occasional aches, if the pain limits your ability to perform normal daily activities like climbing stairs or walking with ease, have a medical professional check it out. “The take-home message here is to listen to your body,” says Amanda Henriques, PT, DPT at Renown Physical Therapy. “We are all built differently and respond to exercise in different and unique ways. Running may feel great for one person, but always lead to injury for another.” At any age, it's important to protect and strengthen your knees to help prevent pain and injury. Here are five tips from our experts: 1. Strengthen your muscles Choose exercises that focuses on the muscles around your kneecaps, hips and pelvis and places extra emphasis on your core. These muscles will absorb some of the stress places on your knees, helping them stay balanced and stable. 2. Maintain a healthy weight Each pound of body weight produces five pounds of force on the knee. If you need to shed weight, start with low-impact activities to avoid increased stress to your joints. 3. Pick the right exercise Opt for exercise that put less stress on your knees, such as cycling, walking or swimming. Choose flat surfaces when walking for exercise and avoid activities that put extra stress on your knees, such as deep knee bends or downhill running. 4. Warm up before working out Don’t overdo the workouts in length or intensity, and stretch after exercise to help prevent injury. 5. Avoid high heels Wear shoes with good arch support specific to your choice of exercise that provide a stable base for your feet and legs. Replace running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. Other athletic shoes should be replaced after 500 miles of wear. These tips can help keep your knees strong and prevent injury. But if you experience an accident or trauma, seek medical attention and follow up with any rehabilitation recommendations you receive. Depending on the injury, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, where you will be guided through individualized exercises to strengthen and heal. “If you listen to your body and take the appropriate preventative measures, you can find the right type of exercise to keep you happy, healthy and fit for life,”

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Not all memory loss is inevitable — there are several things you can do to keep your brain nimble at any age. Find out how brain exercises, a healthy diet and daily movement can improve your brain’s focus. A modest decline in memory is to be expected as we get older. We forget someone’s name but recall it later. We find the need to make lists to remember things more pressing. Manageable? Yes. But frustrating nonetheless. The good news is we don’t have to sit back and succumb to age-related memory loss. There are concrete things we can do at any age to keep our brains sharp, nimble and engaged. Five Simple Brain Exercises 1. Volunteer or participate in meaningful activities outside of work. This engages your brain and emotions in a healthy, positive way. 2. Engage in moderate, regular exercise to tone body and mind. Overall good health is critical to brain health. Even casual daily walking can boost your mental abilities. 3. Eat the rainbow. Choose to include plenty of colorful fruits and veggies and ease up on processed foods in your daily diet. The proper nutrients can improve circulation to your brain, which will amp up your cognitive abilities. Consult your doctor for the best diet and supplement choices for your specific health needs 4. Get a blood test to determine your body’s hormonal and nutrient levels. Specific hormones and nutrients can affect cognition. Be mindful of your cholesterol levels, and if you take cholesterol medications, such as statin drugs, be aware they can also affect your mental faculties. 5. Engage in brain activities like reading, crossword puzzles, Sudoku and Trivial Pursuit. These types of activities can improve your brain’s focus and concentration and — most important — test your memory and general knowledge. You derive more benefit by engaging in these activities consistently for short amounts of time, so make a weekly appointment with yourself to build brainpower.

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Renown’s team of nurses and respiratory therapists discuss what you need to know before undergoing surgery, including fasting guidelines and how to improve recovery. There are several things to know before you undergo surgery, including steps to prepare at home in advance of your procedure.   Fasting Guidelines: No solid foods eight hours prior to surgery You may have clear liquids three hours before your surgery. Clear liquids include water, apple juice and lemon or lime-flavored soda water (not cola). In addition, do not chew or smoke tobacco (regular or e-cigarettes) after midnight the night before your surgery, unless instructed by your doctor or anesthesiologist.

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At 85, James Domingos is still enjoying life as a cowboy, thanks to a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Always rolling with the punches when it comes to life, 85-year-old James Domingos faced his health issues with the same grit. For many years, he roped cattle for friends and rounded up horses for the Bureau of Land Management. In recent years, a pacemaker controlled the rhythm of his heart, but didn’t slow him down. “We used to be able to take walks for 15 minutes in one direction and take the dog,” says Domingos’ wife, Joy. “Then it got to be less and less.” Tests at Renown Health revealed a heart valve was nearly closed. His heart doctor, Jake Ichino, MD, FACC, FSCAI, suggested a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, known as TAVR, which repairs a heart valve without removing the damaged valve. The procedure is recommended for patients who are at high risk for open heart surgery.

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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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If you’re having surgery on your shoulder, why does it matter what’s in your stomach? We asked Dr. Matthew Hoberg to explain more about pre-surgery directives, including fasting. If you have an upcoming surgery, your care team likely gave you instructions to fast before your procedure. But why? We asked Matthew Hoberg, M.D., medical director of Renown Surgical Services, to explain why it’s important to forgo food and drinks before surgery. Why are patients instructed to fast before surgery? Regardless of surgery type or site, we want the stomach to be empty before having anesthesia, because anesthesia can reduce your body’s ability to protect and prevent food or acids from the stomach from entering the lungs. Normally, your body is able to prevent this, but anesthesia medicines make it harder for your body to do so. When food or liquids from the stomach get into the lungs, doctors call it “aspiration.” This is rare, but can be dangerous if it does happen. Solid foods and liquids leave the stomach at different rates too. Solid food takes longer to empty from the stomach than liquids, so the time to stop eating solids (eight hours) is longer than that for clear liquids (two hours). The body has energy reserves to produce needed nutrients and fuel during fasting. Recently, studies have shown it is important to stay hydrated and have some carbohydrates in clear liquids up to two hours before surgery, so clear liquids are allowed until two hours before surgery. There are also special rules for babies and young children who need surgery. For example, you may give breast milk up to four hours before surgery. If your baby drinks formula, you should stop six hours before surgery, and all solid foods you should stop eight hours before. Your child’s doctor or nurse will give you exact instructions. What if you show up for surgery and have broken the no-eating rule? Will surgery be re-scheduled? If patients have not followed the fasting guidelines, surgery will be postponed or rescheduled due to the possible increased risk associated with not having an empty stomach. The exception would be emergency surgery that cannot be delayed in which case special precautions are taken to help prevent anything from getting into the lungs. What other pre-operative rules should be followed to the letter? All instructions given to patients before their surgery or procedure should be followed. There are specific medical reasons behind all the instructions and they are designed for safety — to minimize risks, lower complications like infections and enhance the recovery process to help patients get back to normal as quickly as possible. Also, many patients ask if they should continue taking medications before surgery. The answer is: It depends. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which medicines you should take and when. Some medicines need to be stopped before surgery. But for others, it’s important you keep taking them as usual. You may also get new medicines to take before surgery. You may be asked to take some medications before surgery as part of advanced pain management protocols. If you need to take medicine right before your surgery, you can take it with a sip of water.

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To be on the move is a scary concept when you’re recovering from surgery. But did you know getting up and at ’em could be the key to a quicker recovery, post-surgery? Here’s some expert insight from Renown Surgical Services. The team at  has some news for you: Rest and movement are important to prevent serious complications. Here are some tips about how to get mobile after your procedure — and why it’s fundamentally important. Tip 1: Start Simple While you’re in bed, move your legs and feet up and down. Be sure to ask the nurses to help you get out of bed and into the chair for all your meals, or walk to the bathroom when needed. If you feel up to it, take a walk in the hallways with the nursing staff. Tip 2: The Sooner, the Better This may be surprising, but too much rest is not necessarily a good thing. The old saying “You use it, or you lose it” rings very true to maintaining the strength needed to get yourself out of bed. Beginning the mobility process early in your hospital stay will not only help you maintain strength and function, it may also help you get home sooner. Though it may seem counter intuitive, lying in bed all day can delay your healing time and cause serious complications to arise, including pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis or blood clots, pressure ulcers and sometimes constipation. Tip 3: Mobilize Your Support System Getting out of bed, sitting in a chair for meals and walking around your room or hospital unit can help reduce your risk of complications. The nursing staff will help you out of bed the same day of your surgery if it’s cleared by your doctor. Tip 4: Safety First The nursing staff is here to keep you safe, so make sure you call them for assistance getting out of bed. Even if you think you can do it yourself, use your call light to notify the nursing staff you are ready to get up and move. In addition, new medications can sometimes impair our judgment, balance and safety, so it’s always better to have help even though you may not need it. This is also why you may have a “bed alarm” on, to remind you to call for help and keep you safe while you are recovering. Tip 5: Move, But Manage Your Pain Many people find that getting up and moving actually helps their pain, rather than making it much worse. Taking the right amount of medication at the right times will minimize your pain and help you to get moving. Your care team will work with you on how much pain medication is right to manage any postoperative pain, with the goal for you to be comfortable enough to be able to move and gradually increase your activity each day. Tip 6: Maintain that Momentum at Home Mobility doesn’t end once you’re discharged from the hospital. It’s key to keep moving to maintain health and function. When you first arrive home, it’s crucial to take frequent movement breaks throughout the day. Increase activity as it becomes more comfortable, and be sure to ease back into an active daily routine. If you have concerns about your mobility once home, be sure to discuss this with your doctor at your follow-up appointment. Renown Surgical Services | 775-982-3993 Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your medical condition or the specific surgical procedure planned, or contact the team at Renown Surgical Services. Learn More

Read More About Want to Recover from Surgery Faster? Get Moving!