2014-02-24 HealthCare Quarterly

2014 | VOL. 3

DEEP BRAIN

STIMULATION SURGERY REDUCES SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON’S

SPONSORED BY:

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HOW IS NEVADA’S MEDICAL INDUSTRY CHANGING? This year will bring vast, sweeping changes to the healthcare landscape and to every professional operating within it. New laws, regulations, exchanges and patients are all presenting new challenges to building and maintaining a successful practice.

The basic operations of business are evolving. With rising expenses and flat reimbursements, more and more medical professionals are joining larger practices. Hospitals are also acquiring more physicians, creating groups of professional “hospitalists.” There are advantages to combining forces, spreading the weight of financial support across many instead of few.

And yet, physicians are working harder than ever. They see more patients, requiring more efficient operating methods. They are cross-selling services, offering weight loss programs, allergy testing and X-rays in-office.

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CONTENTS

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TAVR PROCEDURE Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement procedure saving lives in Southern Nevada

28

CALYPSO SYSTEM Technology improves accuracy of radiation treatment for prostate cancer patients

34 COVER FEATURE Deep Brain Stimulation

38

AMERICA’S HEALTH RANKINGS Nevada ranks No. 37 nationally

40

VITAMIN DILEMMA Choosing the correct multivitamin can be a daunting task for many

28 COLUMNS 12

ADMINISTRATOR Renee Coffman, BS Pharm, Ph.D., Roseman University of Health Sciences

14

EDUCATOR Dr. Michael Daubs, University of Nevada School of Medicine

16

HEALTH CARE FINANCE Donald Parker, Gryphon Valuation Consultants

20

DEPARTMENTS

COMMUNITY

WELLNESS Dr. Sean Ameli, Ameli Heart Center

46

THE NOTES

58

News and notes from the health care community

50

NONPROFIT Q&A

Southern Nevada health care events in pictures

60

United Blood Services

52 2014 | VOL. 3

VOLUNTEER Q&A

70

Michealanne O’Neill, Sunrise Hospital

STIMULATION SURGERY REDUCES SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON’S

SPONSORED BY:

CALYPSO SYSTEM BOLSTERS TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER

54 COVER DESIGN: Shannon Moss

HEALTH TIPS The latest health and nutrition news

CALENDAR Upcoming events and classes

BY THE NUMBERS Health care facts and figures

72 DEEP BRAIN

MAKING THE ROUNDS

LOOKING BACK Characters boost spirits at Sunrise Children’s Hospital

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FROM THE EDITOR

E

ach year, the United Health Foundation provides rankings of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis. They’ve been doing it for 24 years as a partnership between the foundation, the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention.

Some of the results can be eye opening.

Nevada is ranked No. 37 among the 50 states for 2013 – the sane spot it held on the list a year ago as well. Topping the list as the healthiest state in the U.S. was Hawaii. It was followed by Vermont, Minnesota, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the Top 5.

Sitting at the bottom of the list was Mississippi. Rounding out the bottom five were Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and West Virginia.

There were some successes marked in this year’s report. They include: • The prevalence of smoking declined from 21.2 percent to 19.6 percent of adults who smoked regularly.

• The prevalence of binge drinking declined from 18.3 percent to 16.9 percent of adults who had binged in the past 30 days.

• The prevalence of physical inactivity declined from 26.2 percent to 22.9 percent of adults who did not participate in physical activity in the past 30 days.

• The incidence of the infectious disease pertussis – or whooping cough – declined from 9.0 to 6.1 cases per 100,000 population.

• The premature death rate declined by 2.4 percent from 7,151 to 6,981 years lost before age 75 per 100,000 population.

As with any set of data, there are always challenges related to healthiness as well. They included: • The percentage of children in poverty – at 21.3 percent of people younger than 18 – remains above 20 percent for the fourth consecutive year. That’s far above the 23-year low at 15.8 pe cent in 2012.

• The percentage of uninsured population increased 15 percent – from 13.9 percent 11 years ago to 15.6 percent – approximately the same as it was in 2012. The percentage of uninsured Amer cans has remained stable over the past four years.

• Nationwide, comprehensive immunization coverage among children ages 19 to 35 months is just 68.4 percent.

• In the past 20 years, the prevalence of low birthweight infants has increased from 7 percent to 8.1 percent nationwide.

For much more on the rankings as they pertain to Nevada, check out the story beginning on page 38 of this issue. UnitedHealthcare of Nevada’s chief medical officer Dr. Laurine Tibaldi spells out the good and the bad regarding health in the Silver State.

I want to thank Nevada State Bank for sponsoring this edition of HCQ. As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas as we fine tune the next few editions of this unique magazine. Please share your thoughts with us at my e-mail address below. We’ll be back with the next issue – featuring Top Doctors – on May 26.

Until next time, Rob Langrell Editor of Custom Publications rob.langrell@gmgvegas.com

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ART DESIGNER SHANNON MOSS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS L.E. BASKOW, CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS, STEVE MARCUS, SAM MORRIS PHOTO COORDINATOR YASMINA CHAVEZ

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR OF SALES OPERATIONS STEPHANIE REVIEA PUBLICATION COORDINATORS KASHMIR DIXON, SUE SRAN MAJOR ACCOUNT MANAGER MARK DE POOTER MAJOR ACCOUNT COORDINATOR KAREN PARISI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES MANAGER GUY BERTUZZI GENERAL SALES MANAGER JAMAL PARKER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES VINCE DUROCHER, JULIE EAGER, JEFF FARGO, FRANCHOT HUTCHINSON, JEFF JACOBS,

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A D M I N I S T R AT O R

ROSEMAN’S MERGER WITH NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE FOUNDATION WILL PROVE FRUITFUL

By Renee Coffman

I

n November 2013, Roseman University of Health Sciences, through its nonprofit subsidiary, Roseman Medical Education and Research LLC, completed a merger with the Nevada Cancer Institute Foundation. The merger allows Roseman University to more efficiently pursue both organizations’ shared missions of advancing medical research and education under the auspices of the university.

The foundation’s assets, which include the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building at 10530 Discovery Drive in Summerlin, sophisticated research equipment and two parcels of undeveloped land, are now part of Roseman University. These resources will advance the university’s already robust research endeavors and provide the ideal facility for the university’s planned allopathic College of Medicine, currently in development.

The positive impact of the merger on Southern Nevada is substantial. In 2011, Roseman began the building of its medical research programs through acquisition of research groups that were displaced by the bankruptcy of the Nevada Cancer Institute. Through leased space in the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building, Roseman provided the researchers the facility, resources and financial backing to continue the groundbreaking research they had already started.

Without this backing, the state could have lost valuable brainpower as these researchers may have moved on to other institutions outside of Nevada. The completed merger fully secures the building and the equipment, providing the stability researchers seek as they concentrate on discoveries that may lead to new therapies for cancer and a variety of other diseases.

Under the leadership of Roseman’s Vice President for Research, Dr. Ronald Fiscus, and with access to Roseman’s highly specialized research equipment and strong collaborations with renowned researchers from around the globe, the university has expanded local medical research beyond cancer and into disease areas that impact populations in our state and region, including diabetes and obesity, and their related pathological complications; Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases; and cardiovascular disease. Roseman researchers are also working on adult stem cell and regenerative medicine and expansion into other areas is planned in the coming years as the university develops its College of Medicine.

To date, Roseman’s research groups have delivered oral presentations at scientific meetings across the country and

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around the world, published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and won numerous local and national awards. These accomplishments contribute to raising the stature of Nevada as a national player in medical research.

With research programs and a facility secured, the university’s development timeline for its College of Medicine is expedited. Roseman’s Board of Trustees gave the university full approval to proceed with planning last December, including the submission of an application with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the accrediting body for medical schools, to initiate the accreditation process.

Roseman is engaging in conversations and exploring collaborations in the Southern Nevada community to continue the comprehensive planning required to start a medical school, including curriculum development and designing its undergraduate clinical training structure. If plans progress as expected, Roseman may enroll its charter class of medical students by fall 2017.

Like with the university’s Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in nursing, Master of Business Administration and Orthodontics residency program, Roseman plans to implement its highly effective educational model in delivery of the College of Medicine curriculum. The model is immersive and incorporates mastery learning, problem-based and active learning, cooperative and team-based learning, and a block curriculum designed specifically to support learning outcomes and the highest level of achievement for all students.

Roseman also assesses students based on its mastery learning philosophy, rather than the traditional testing and letter grading system. Students are assessed regularly on their knowledge and skills, and must score 90 percent or higher on assessments of their programmatic knowledge and clinical skills to progress in their programs.

Throughout the institution’s history, the Roseman educational model has been proven to produce successful graduates, many of whom are practicing in Nevada. The best evidence of this success is student achievement on board licensure examinations; Roseman students and graduates achieve passing rates that are consistently better than national averages, with individual exam scores that are typically much higher than national averages. The university looks forward to applying its unique and effective academic model to medical education.

Further, like with its other academic programs, Roseman’s

WINTER 2014

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E D U C AT O R

IT WAS TIME TO RETURN HOME AND HELP MEDICINE GROW IN SOUTHERN NEVADA

By Dr. Michael D. Daubs

A

community’s quality of life is directly related to the health of its members. For too long, many Las Vegans have not trusted their health care system or its providers. The system has been plagued by one bad story after another, highlighting its failures at the expense of the improvements quietly being made.

As a Las Vegan whose family roots date back to the 1930s, I understand the issues and frustration. As a community, we deserve the same quality of care that is available in other similarly sized cities. I believe this goal is achievable and not as far off as some may think. The key lies in our medical education system. Supporting and improving the healthcare education system in Nevada will undoubtedly improve our overall health care system.

As a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM), I had to leave the state to pursue graduate medical education training in orthopaedic surgery. This type of specialty training was not, and currently is not available in our state. Without a department of orthopaedic surgery at UNSOM, it was a tough hill to climb to get accepted into such a highly competitive specialty.

Having experienced this challenge, I made it my goal to return to the city and state I grew up in and start a residency program in orthopaedic surgery. After holding faculty positions in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Utah and most recently at UCLA, I have now returned home to my calling and taken the position as professor and chief of the division of orthopaedic surgery at UNSOM in Las Vegas.

My goal is to develop a high-quality training program in Las Vegas that attracts outstanding students from Nevada and other medical schools throughout the country. With the support of UNSOM and University Medical Center, we are in the final stages of making this a reality. My experience as a faculty member, at what many consider to be some of the top orthopaedic training programs in the country, has allowed me to develop the blueprint needed to successfully build a high quality program in Las Vegas and attract topnotch orthopaedic surgeons as faculty.

As a spine surgeon at UCLA, I cared for many Las Vegans who made the trip to Los Angeles for their complex spinal

surgery. I witnessed the hardships that traveling out of town for health care had on patients and their families. I am committed to building an orthopaedic department consisting of well trained, ethical orthopaedic surgeons in Las Vegas who are capable of providing the same high-quality care that you might expect to receive traveling outside of the city.

The development of the orthopaedic residency training program will improve the overall quality of care in Las Vegas by providing the community with young, well-trained, orthopaedic surgeons and by providing continuing medical education to all community orthopaedic surgeons through weekly teaching conferences, research forums, peer-reviewed quality assurance meetings and visiting professors from top centers around the country.

The University of Nevada School of Medicine has many excellent residency training programs located in Las Vegas and centered at UMC that supply our city with many welltrained physicians. Without these programs, our city’s physician shortage would be even greater.

Research has shown that about 60 percent of physicians who complete a residency-training program at UNSOM remain in the state to practice. The goal of the leadership of our higher education system and Dr. Tom Schwenk, the UNSOM dean, is to continue the development of residency training programs in Reno and Las Vegas that will help with the shortage of physicians in Nevada.

In addition to growing our graduate medical education programs, the initial plans are being formulated for the development of a leading academic medical system that will be built around a School of Medicine in Las Vegas and UNSOM in Reno. With our support as a community, this will become a reality. Academic medical centers cultivate the enriched environment that is critical to developing outstanding researchers, medical students, and ultimately exemplary physicians that enter practice in our communities.

I believe we can improve the overall quality of life in our city by improving the health of our community. It’s time to sow the seeds and cultivate the healthcare system we all demand and need by supporting the continued development of our medical education system. All of us deserve quality health care delivered right here in our hometown.

Dr. Michael Daubs is a professor and chief of the division of orthopaedic surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas.

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H E A LT H C A R E F I N A N C E

WHAT IS A PHYSICIAN PRACTICE WORTH IN TODAY’S CHAOTIC WORLD OF HEALTH CARE?

By Donald Parker

T

here are many reasons throughout a physician’s career that may require the appraisal of his or her practice, such as changes in partnership structure, estate planning needs or the distribution of marital assets in divorce settlements. But, the most important need for the use of a professionally-credentialed valuation consultant is to ensure that when it comes time to sell, physicians receive full fair market value for their interest in the practice while ensuring that the transaction complies with all applicable regulations such as the Stark laws and anti-kickback regulations.

Planning a transition/exit strategy The reasons for selling a physician practice vary. Some physicians would simply like to get back to the practice of practicing medicine and dispense with management of the practice. In this case, physicians may be willing to transition their practitioner status from employer to employee. For others, instead of a transition, their objective might be better defined as an exit strategy in which they wish to sell their practice (or an interest therein), receiving full fair market value for what they are leaving behind.

In any case, whether planning a transition or exit strategy, there are numerous complex issues that affect the value of all physician practices. As with any business, but especially in the case of physician practices, it is important to begin the planning process well ahead of the anticipated transaction.

The key to any successful transition or exit strategy is securing a team of trusted advisors, including a practice valuation consultant, very early in the process. Retaining professionals that specialize in health care transactions will help assure that any sale results in the receipt of the full fair market value of the practice.

Physician practice valuation In today’s ever shifting healthcare environment, there has been much discussion among valuation professionals, the courts and the IRS regarding to the most appropriate methodologies for valuing physician practices. At the end of the day, however, all parties agree that the most defensible valuation results from a balanced approach based on sound, informed judgment and logic, experienced statistical analysis and the economic realities of the marketplace.

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Determining the value of a physician practice requires addressing a variety of complex issues including, but certainly not limited to: practice specialty; years in practice; patient base (new & recurring); charges & collections; physician production (encounters & procedures), reimbursement rates; referral sources; economic conditions; industry metrics; local demographics; and operational data such as coding conventions, payor mix, provider agreements (including capitation limits) and hospital privileges.

While the underlying fundamentals of valuation are generally the same for physician practices as those for most businesses, there are subtle differences in their level of applicability. The fair market value of a physician practice involves the identification of two distinct categories of assets: Tangible and Intangible.

• Tangible assets include equipment and furniture, leasehold improvements, cash on hand, accounts receivable and certain deposits and prepaid items.

Accounts receivable often require special attention because, while they should only include the amount actually expected to be collected, many physician offices carry accounts receivable at the full amount of the original charges. Further, since most practices keep their books on a cash basis, accounts receivable may not even appear on the financial statements. Finally, very often, accounts receivable will not be included in the sale price of the practice.

• Intangible assets include the practice name and reputation, the assembled work force (physician and non-physician), developed processes and procedures (including technology systems), provider agreements, the established patient base and accompanying medical records, location and telephone numbers, any synergy created by multi-physician practices and goodwill. Of these intangible assets, goodwill typically comprises the greatest value and is also the most difficult to assess a value. The technical definition of goodwill is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that goodwill is defined by the amount of income not directly attributable to identifiable assets.

Goodwill includes such intangible assets as reputation, trade name and work force.

Continued on page 18

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H E A LT H C A R E F I N A N C E

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Valuation methodologies In almost all cases of business appraisal, as with physician practices, there are three generally accepted valuation approaches that should be considered.

• The income approach estimates the value of the practice by determining the present value of the expected future economic benefits.

• The market approach entails comparing the practice to similar physician practices that have transacted in the marketplace, inferring value by relating the price of the practice to the level of collections or physician production.

• The asset approach determines value based on the level of net assets.

In other words, the amount of assets minus all liabilities.

Coloring inside the lines: Determining fair market value While the specific intricacies of physician practice valuation are well beyond the scope of this article, the following touches on some of the more important considerations in estimating value.

Federal regulations, such as the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, mandate that transactions involving physician practices must not only be priced at fair market value, but must also serve a “commercially reasonable” purpose. FMV is defined by these regulations in a manner that is more nuanced than the standard definition of FMV and may preclude consideration of economic benefits that might otherwise be priced into a transaction for other types of businesses.

Standard definitions of fair market value • The IRS has defined FMV as: “The price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell, both parties having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.” [Rev. Ruling 59-60] Fair market value as it relates to physician practices • Stark Law defines FMV as: “The value in arm’s length transactions, consistent with the general market value, means the price that the assets would bring as the result of a bona fide bargaining between well-informed buyers and sellers who are not otherwise in a position to generate business for the other party.”

• The Anti-Kickback Statute further refines the definition of FMV, introducing the following language: “Where the price or compensation

“

“Every valuation engagement has its own peculiarities. Business appraisal has always been

an exercise of part art and part science that endeavors to reach an estimation of value within

a reasonable range.”

has not been determined in any manner that takes into account the volume or value of anticipated or actual referrals.”

Commercially Reasonable • Commercial Reasonableness is defined as “An arrangement…entered into by a reasonable entity of similar type and size and a reasonable physician (or a family member or group practice) of similar scope and specialty, even if there were not potential DHS [Designated Health Services] referrals.” [69 Fed Reg p. 16093] In addition to the above refined distinctions, most recently, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) is driving an increase in hospital and health system acquisitions of physician practices brought about by a push to align patient care across providers, changing reimbursement models and healthcare reform compliance.

This is sure to add to the ever-changing landscape of physician practice valuation even beyond the impact of current regulations and, as such, further demonstrates the need for valuation analysts with specific expertise in the healthcare industry.

It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” proposition Every valuation engagement has its own peculiarities. Business appraisal has always been an exercise of part art and part science that endeavors to reach an estimation of value within a reasonable range.

So, when you ask “What is my practice worth?” a definitive answer may be elusive, but common sense, professional judgment and applied statistical analysis can result in a valuation that is balanced, unbiased and defensible against the potential pitfalls created by ever increasing layers of regulation.

Donald Parker is the founder of Gryphon Valuation Consultants, a Las Vegas-headquartered business valuation firm that provides business valuation and litigation support services to a wide range of businesses across all industries. He is a chartered financial analyst sponsored by the CFA Institute and holds the certified valuation analyst designation from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

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A Red Rock Fertility Success Story. features

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James’ Story Just like any other married couple, Mom and Dad were eager to start trying for kids right after they were married in 2012. However, the couple was told by an OB/GYN that their chance of having a baby was slim to none. They also weren’t given any options for treatment because Mom was annovulatory (did not ovulate each month) and Dad’s sperm count was very low. The couple decided to get a second opinion at Red Rock Fertility Center, and Dr. Mark Severino restored their hopes. He assured the couple that with ULTRA IVF (IVF with genetic screening for the embryos), their chances for having a baby were actually quite good. So they moved forward and within six weeks of starting the cycle they were pregnant! Now this year the couple has welcomed their beautiful son James.

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WELLNESS

WHEN IT COMES TO BLOOD PRESSURE, JUST HOW LOW SHOULD YOU GO?

By Dr. Sean Ameli

B

y now we have all accepted as almost gospel that elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is bad for our health. Specifically it increases our risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

But the recent guidelines from the Institute of Health have raised new questions. For many patients and physicians alike, it brings more confusion as to what blood pressure is too low and what is too high. Those questions become very real issues when it comes time for prescribing medications and making certain that the benefit associated with their use far outweighs their risks.

A normal blood pressure is 120/80. The top number is the pressure generated by the squeezing force of the heart pump action (systolic) and the lower number is the pressure dependent on the relaxation of the blood vessel walls when the heart relaxes (diastolic). As we age, there is less relaxation of the blood vessel walls that results in higher diastolic blood pressure. Our kidneys also go through changes and a chain of hormonal releases result in an increase in our systolic blood pressure as well.

The threshold to treat high blood pressure has been 140/90 for some time. The new guideline (referred to a JNC 8) however, raised that to 150/90 if you are older than 60 with no diabetes or kidney disease. These changes were made based on insufficient evidence in the literature for added benefits of any lower threshold and the potential for more side effects from medication, including dizziness and falls that can be more prevalent with advancing age.

For adults younger than 60, the blood pressure goal remains under 140/90. It’s important to note, that for diabetics and those with kidney disease, the previous guidelines had recommended an even lower blood pressure of below 130/80.

But once again, the art of the practice of medicine and more robust recent data had already relaxed those goals even before the new guidelines, simply by noting more side effects from the necessary additional medications to aim that low.

Hypertension affects 76 million people in the United States alone, of which a third don’t even know they have it or it simply goes untreated. The concern that is raised by the very medical panel of experts – and even those at the American Heart Association – is that by relaxing these thresholds, we would be losing on the significant gains in reducing heart disease and stroke. However, the review of a number of large clinical trials, which are considered as an acceptable

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quality evidence, found that driving the blood pressure levels with medications to the normal target of 120/80, did not prevent any additional heart attacks or strokes.

At the cornerstone of these recommendations and guidelines remains one single common denominator – the emphasis on lifestyle changes. These include losing excess weight, regular daily exercise and eating habits such as a low-sodium intake (less than 2.4 grams a day) with a focus on fruits and vegetables.

Relaxation techniques and stress management have been successful in teaching hypertensive patients ways to elicit a “relaxation response,” which may lower heart rate and blood pressure. Even if these measures do not eliminate our need for medications, following them can result in the need for less medication, lower doses and therefore fewer side effects.

When it comes to the array of medications recommended for a first line of attack, the new guidelines finally confirmed what many physicians had already been doing, which was to no longer insist on all hypertensive patients be placed on a diuretic (thiazide-type) . Instead to use agents commonly known as ACE-inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) or ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) and Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) that were considered well established. African-Americans, however, should be prescribed either diuretics and or CCB as they these continue to be more effective in this patient.

Until now, you’ve been reading on what hopefully will serve as clear and helpful new information that you can arm yourself for a better understanding of your health especially when speaking to your health care providers. Here now is some practical information related to your blood pressure to use in your approach to prevention of a heart attack and stroke: • If we seriously want to reduce our chances of developing HTN, then we cannot avoid daily exercise and eating healthy. Now we could say, there is nothing new about that and easier said than done. Remember when your health care provider writes that prescription along with its associated feared side effects, it’s the price of not at least walking every day, cutting out salt and losing weight.

• Unless we are the president of the United States, our physician doesn’t knock unannounced with a blood pressure cuff to diagnose us with hypertension and prescribe medications. Instead, we go to our physician because we

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don’t feel well or we want to prevent not feeling well. Note that most with hypertension have no symptoms. That’s why it is checked regularly.

Remembering those points should further help understand when we are prescribed their recommendations, it is only because physicians don’t like their patients having a stroke or a heart attack more than the potential side effects of the medications. When our physicians prescribe aspirin, it is not because our bodies are deficient of aspirin. It’s simply because without it, there are not more effective means to reduce the risk of a blood clot in a heart attack. Fortunately for all of us, our health care professionals have no incentives in prescribing medications, but have many for preventing kidney failure. Keep in mind that your physicians would rather see you in their office than in the hospital.

Recently we are being barraged by a tsunami of “guidelines,” each with

new research to guide us as to what the best practice of medicine should or should not include. However the emergence of these guidelines have caused more concern and confusion than clarification for both physicians and patients. At times, some guidelines even conflict with each other. To navigate through all of this, we can follow a single principle: these published recommendations are merely guidelines and not gospel.

The simple fact is that the science of medicine is an ever-evolving field, one that as physicians, we can be proven wrong every day. That underscores the significance of an individualized plan of care tailored to patients’ personal needs. And that is where the art and practice of medicine truly lies.

Perhaps the only gospel in medicine remains the time tested phrase in the Hippocratic oath, “above all, do no harm.”

Dr. Sean Ameli is a cardiologist at the Ameli Heart Center in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.AmeliHeartCenter.com

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TAVR PROCEDURE

OFFERS HOPE TO PATIENTS WITH SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS

By Brendan Bussmann

T

blood through the aortic valve to the body. Eventuhe phrase, “you need to have open heart ally, the heart gets weaker, which increases the risk surgery,” is never something that patients of heart failure because the heart can’t pump enough want to hear from their doctor. Open heart blood to the body. Without treatment, about half of surgery is a major decision for patients and their the people who suffer from severe aortic stenosis die families to make. within an average of two years from this disease.

But what if open heart surgery wasn’t even an opTreatment for aortic stenosis depends on how tion? What if a patient was so sick that they weren’t far the disease has progressed in the heart. If the even a candidate for surgery? stenosis is mild, medication may be prescribed to For patients suffering from the heart disease severe aortic stenosis, this is a very real situation that help regulate the patient’s heartbeat and prevent blood clots. However, as the severity of the stenosis they may face. Many of these patients are cared for progresses, physicians may recommend replacing by their adult children or elderly spouses, who share the diseased valve. in the health care decision-making process. As the “In the past, these patients had no other option baby boomer generation retires and their parents than to accept the fact that they were eventually continue to age, more and more individuals will be going to die from severe aortic stenosis,” said Dr. caring for elderly parents with severe aortic stenosis.

Neuman Jahangir, cardiothoracic surgeon and coSevere aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic division chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery valve opening. This narrowing can restrict normal at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. “This disblood flow and can cause a number of symptoms ease is lethal and has had a very poor life expectancy such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the – until now.” feet or ankles, chest pain and an irregular heartbeat.

A procedure called Transcatheter Aortic Valve This disease can be caused by a birth defect, rheumatic fever, radiation therapy or can be related to age. Replacement, or TAVR, offers new hope to patients with severe aortic stenosis here in Southern Nevada.

In elderly patients, severe aortic stenosis is someThe Heart Center at Sunrise Hospital was the first times caused by the build-up of calcium (mineral deposits) on the leaflets of the aortic valve. Over time, hospital in Las Vegas to perform and invest in this life-saving procedure in a state-of-the-art operating the leaflets become stiff, which reduces their ability room called a Hybrid OR – combining a traditional to fully open and close.

“As physicians, we are seeing an aging patient popu- operating room with a cardiac catheterization lab.

The TAVR procedure allows patients to undergo lation,” said Dr. Branavan Umakanthan, cardiologist aortic valve replacement through two small incisions with the Nevada Heart and Vascular Center. “People are living much longer now than they had in previous in the skin. During the TAVR procedure, the diseased heart valve is removed and a new heart valve is generations. While this is a wonderful evolution, inserted through a catheter. physicians have had to find new ways to care for The surgeon is able to replace the diseased valve their patients with very progressives disease such as through a smaller incision while looking directly severe aortic stenosis.” at the heart through a small, tube-shaped camera.

When the leaflets of the aortic valve don’t fully Sunrise is the only hospital in Nevada capable of peropen, the heart must work that much harder to push Continued on page 26

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Above, the Hybrid Operating Room used for the TAVR procedure. At right, Dr. Neuman Jahangir, a cardiothoracic surgeon and co-division chief of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Photos by Sam Morris

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Continued from page 24

forming TAVR procedures using two different approaches – Transfemoral (passing through the transfemoral artery) and Transapical (passing through the apex of the heart).

“Cardiac Surgery is an evolving field,” Jahangir said. “Until the development of TAVR, we had hit a plateau with regards to the advancements in treating this disease. With TAVR, we’re able to treat an entirely new subset of patients. TAVR gives these very ill patients a new lease on life.”

Perhaps one of the most remarkable components of the TAVR procedure is the multidisciplinary approach that is necessary to provide severe aortic stenosis patients with the best possible care and optimal outcomes. The TAVR team consists of cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, anesthesiologists, interventionalists and critical care physicians and nurses.

“In the Hybrid OR, you’ll find a cardiac surgeon working handin-hand with an interventional cardiologist,” said Dr. Rafael Valencia, cardiologist with the Nevada Heart and Vascular Center.

“Echocardiography and anesthesiology are also key components to the TAVR procedure.”

“The TAVR team meets to discuss every case,” said Dr. Fareed Sheikh, cardiologist with Advanced Heart Care Associates. Dr. Sheikh conducts the echocardiogram during a TAVR procedure. “I provide three-dimensional, real-time images of the valve for the entire procedure so that the cardiac surgeon and interventional cardiologist have a strong visual of the inside of the heart throughout the case.”

“We have amazing nurses in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Unit and the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Sunrise,” Sheikh said.

“I would say that they are the best in town when it comes to caring for critically ill cardiac patients.”

The Heart Center at Sunrise Hospital is the most comprehensive cardiovascular and thoracic program in Nevada. The Heart Center cares for more hearts than any other hospital in the state, and Sunrise Children’s Hospital is the only facility in Nevada to provide pediatric open heart surgery.

“At Sunrise, we are able to treat cardiovascular disease at any age,” Umakanthan said. “We have excellent resources available to us so that we can provide the best possible care for our patients.”

The Heart Center at Sunrise Hospital offers a free Valve Clinic for patients suffering from the symptoms of aortic stenosis. These symptoms may include a heart murmur (an extra or unusual sound heard during a heart beat), chest pain or an inability to perform normal daily activities due to fatigue. To learn more about the Valve Clinic, call (702) 731-VALVE (8258).

Brendan Bussmann is vice president of strategic development and marketing for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Sunrise Children’s Hospital.

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2:25 PM 1/24/14 3:04

PRECISION PERFORMANCE CALYPSO SYSTEM IMPROVES ACCURACY OF RADIATION THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT

By Dr. Michael Becker

M M

edical technology is growing exponentially each

year, making procedures more efficient and easier on

patients. In the area of radiation oncology, and specifically radiation treatment for prostate cancer, one of the most exciting new technologies is the Calypso System.

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Photos by Sam Morris

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Medical technology is growing exponentially each year, making procedures more efficient and easier on patients. In the area of radiation oncology, and specifically radiation treatment for prostate cancer, one of the most exciting new technologies is the Calypso System.

My practice, Nevada Cancer Specialists, is a branch of Urology Specialists of Nevada, an organization focused on the treatment of urologic issues. My practice as a radiation oncologist is broader, and I treat patients with any type of cancer that requires radiation therapy. Nevada Cancer Specialists is one of the only practices in Southern Nevada offering radiation therapy with the Calypso System.

The Calypso System uses GPS for the Body® Technology, or radiofrequency waves, sent via three Beacon® Electromagnetic Transponders, which help keep the target treatment area in the path of a more precise radiation beam.

Each of the three Beacon® Electromagnetic Transponders is smaller than a grain of rice, and they are implanted in the prostate during an outpatient procedure that’s similar to a biopsy.

Throughout the course of radiation therapy, the transponders “talk” to therapists, allowing them to precisely and accurately treat the prostate while avoiding delivery of radiation to almost all of the healthy tissue surrounding the treatment area.

Calypso System technology was cleared by the FDA in 2006.

About two years ago, I acquired this unique technology for Nevada Cancer Specialists. Since then, we have treated about 300 patients using the system, with a 99 percent success rate.

Amazing technology The Calypso System’s GPS for the Body® Technology is such an important development for treatment of prostate cancer because of its ability to deliver radiation rapidly and accurately, which helps to cut down on side effects and improve patient quality of life.

Prior to this technology, side effects from radiation, which can include bowel and rectal, urinary, and sexual dysfunction issues, were much more common. Those side effects are the result of radiation damaging the tissue of healthy organs surrounding the prostate. In studies, and in our experience using the Calypso System over the past two years, patients treated with the Calypso System had far fewer side effects than those who received traditional radiation therapy delivery.

The Calypso System’s tiny electromagnetic transponders are each made of a small piece of gold, which is wrapped in copper wire. The Calypso System’s electronic array – an important piece of equipment that looks deceptively simple, like a plain board made of white plastic – is then placed over the treatment area, and it sends a signal, similar to sonar, which is “bounced” back to the system in order to track the transponders’ location in the body.

Like fillings in teeth, the implanted transponders remain in the body permanently. The transponders don’t include an electronic or battery-operated element, and while they allow clinicians to direct the radiation beam to the correct location, they aren’t radioactive and won’t harm the body in any way.

The transponders’ ability to reveal the prostate’s location at all times is important because prostate motion during treatment

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“

“Patients receiving treatment with the Calypso System come in for regular radiation treatments Monday through Friday for about nine weeks, and meet with their physician once a week to ensure the

treatment plan is working.”

can be frequent and unpredictable – the prostate can move up to 12 millimeters in as little as eight minutes, posing challenges to clinicians delivering radiation therapy. When the prostate moves a great deal, it can be due to factors that are obvious to the patient, like sneezing or coughing, or factors that can go unnoticed, such as the movement of gas in the gastrointestinal tract.

“Our patients often don’t even know they’ve moved, and it’s impossible to see that internal movement just by looking at them, but with the Calypso System we can track the internal movement and adjust,” said Jaylynn Stahle, a Nevada Cancer Specialists radiation therapist. “It’s like having X-ray vision – we can be that accurate.”

Once the patient is prepped, the Calypso System locks onto the transponders and tracks them throughout treatment, detecting even slight movement and continuously transmitting the exact location of the three transponders. This system allows the delivery of radiation with precision and accuracy, because the transponders send information continuously and in real time.

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At far left, Jade Shaltry, a radiation therapist, operates the Calypso System technology at a treatment console area at Urology Specialists of Nevada. Above, Shaltry positions a Calypso array over patient Robert Hall. At left, the system’s tiny electromagnetic transponders are each made of a small piece of gold, which is wrapped in copper wire.

The prostate’s movement is displayed in a series of graphs radiation therapists monitor during treatment, which show movement on the lateral, longitudinal and vertical axes. If the prostate ventures out of the four millimeter threshold around its starting location for more than a few seconds, the therapist will stop the radiation and either wait for the prostate to return to its original location or make an adjustment.

In this way, a smaller “beam” of radiation at a higher dosage can be delivered directly to the prostate, allowing clinicians to deliver maximum radiation to the tumor while avoiding the healthy surrounding tissues and organs. In other words, rather than trying to hit something the size of an acorn with a “beam” of radiation the diameter of a grapefruit, the beam can be mere millimeters larger than the acorn. And since clinicians using the Calypso System technology don’t have to compensate for possible unseen movement with a larger “beam” of radiation, the dose of radiation can be more powerful because the risk of hitting and damaging healthy tissue is virtually erased.

Higher radiation doses have been shown to produce a better outcome, and because it uses a more concentrated dose of radiation, the Calypso System also cuts the actual radiation delivery time to just a few minutes.

Before starting radiation therapy on our patients, we have an initial session and do a treatment planning CAT scan, and I use those images to create the patient’s treatment plan. After that, each time the patient comes in for radiation therapy, we do a quick CAT scan just to look internally and make sure the organs are in the right place, because we want to recreate the same body placement every day, for every treatment, in order to be as accurate as possible.

Unfortunately, not all patients are candidates for treatment with the Calypso System. If a patient has a cardiac pacemaker or has had a hip replacement, they aren’t a candidate for the Calypso System, and in some cases obesity can be a factor because the electronic array must be placed within a certain distance of the transponders to work properly.

Continued on page 32

Photos by Sam Morris

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Patient experience

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Bob Hall, 74, began his radiation therapy with the Calypso System in early January. After a high PSA test, Hall was referred to Urology Specialists of Nevada’s Dr. Mark Leo, and had MRI tests and a biopsy to determine his diagnosis.

“After your diagnosis, they tell you what the possible cures and remedies are,” Hall said. “They discuss it for a long time with you, and we selected the Calypso System because it has some of the best results with the least amount of problems.”

Hall, like most patients, found the transponder implant procedure to be similar to the biopsy in terms of comfort.

Implanting the transponders is a simple outpatient procedure.

As with any invasive procedure, there can be complications, including bleeding and infection, but most patients are able to carry on with normal activities as soon as the implant procedure is done.

“There’s a little discomfort, but that’s about it. It’s nothing that is a terrible pain by any means,” Hall said.

Patients receiving treatment with the Calypso System come in for regular radiation treatments Monday through Friday for about nine weeks, and meet with their physician once a week to ensure the treatment plan is working.

Using RapidArc® radiation technology in addition to the Calypso System has further helped Nevada Cancer Specialists cut down on treatments times, because it delivers radiation constantly while continuously moving in an arc motion around the patient, which is faster than other types of machines that have to start and stop during the rotation process.

“The Calypso System has definitely decreased treatment times, so we can treat more patients in a day,” Stahle said. “The shorter times also help with patient comfort because in general, the quicker we can get them in and out, the happier they are.

“And I think the Calypso System gives patients peace of mind, knowing the radiation is going right to the cancer and not missing and hitting healthy tissue.”

Hall said since beginning his radiation therapy, there has been no pain. In fact, outside of slightly changing his daily schedule to accommodate treatment sessions, there has been virtually no change to his day-to-day life.

“I’m retired, so I come in every day at 10 a.m. I stop with my wife for a cup of coffee, and then we drive in and the radiation is done very quickly,” he said. “And then you look forward to final results when you’re done with radiation.”

Michael Becker, D.O. is a board certified radiation oncologist with Nevada Cancer Specialists and Urology Specialists of Nevada.

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STIMULATION

FOR THE BRAIN DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS) HELPS DISABLED PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

By Amanda Powell

A

s a local meteorologist, Kip Smith works with his hands all day long. Smith was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010 at age 54, although he recalls experiencing

symptoms as early as his late 40s.

His tremors had become so extreme that there was a significant

chance he would have to cut his career short and accept social security disability benefits. The thought of having to leave a job that he loved because of his disease encouraged him to turn to the experts at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

“I was 54 years old when I was first diagnosed,” Smith said. “But looking back, I had the symptoms (of Parkinson’s disease) for at least five years prior to that. So, I believe that I have had Parkinson’s since I was 49 years old. I had a tremor in my right side and my shoulder was very stiff, nearly frozen. I am right-handed, so the disease made it very difficult to do my job. My handwriting had become microscopic. It was very compact and hard to read.”

Continued on page 36

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At left, Dr. James Forage, a neurosurgeon with the Spine and Brain Institute. Below, Dr. Gabriella Gregory, a neurologist with the Nevada Neurosciences Institute at Sunrise Hospital.

Continued from page 35

Smith made the decision to have Deep Brain Stimulation surgery at Sunrise Hospital with Dr. James Forage, an accomplished neurosurgeon with the Spine and Brain Institute.

Developed by the medical device company Medtronic, DBS surgery has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s since 2002. DBS surgery has been clinically demonstrated to reduce some of the most disabling motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.

“I spoke with my neurologist, as well as Dr. Forage and other patients who had the surgery at Sunrise,” Smith said. “Once my insurance company approved the procedure, I told them to go ahead and schedule me for surgery.”

DBS uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas of the brain to reduce some of the most disabling motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, including shaking, stiffness and movement difficulties. In addition, DBS stimulation settings can be adjusted in response to individuals’ Parkinson’s symptoms and the system can be turned off or removed surgically.

DBS is performed in two different stages. During the first stage, a CT scan and MRI are taken of the patient’s brain. These two images are merged together to give the surgeon a complete image of the brain.

From there, a surgical plan is created to pinpoint the exact locations in the brain that are impacted by the disease. A frame is placed on the patient’s head and a local anesthetic is used. Patients are awake during the first phase of the DBS procedure so that they can communicate with their surgeon. Once inside the brain, the surgeon places four wire-like devices called DBS Leads on the exact locations specified in the surgical plan. The DBS Leads look like a smaller version of what is used during an EKG.

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Once the leads are placed and attached to the battery, the surgeon is able to ask the patient to perform routine activities such as touching their finger to their nose, holding a water bottle and other movements that may be normally restricted by tremor. This helps the surgeon to program the battery to the exact specifications of each individual patient.

During the second phase of DBS surgery, the battery is implanted into the patient’s chest and connected to the DBS Leads.

The battery is then turned on and the patient’s symptoms such as tremor and rigidity immediately subside. This second phase is performed under general anesthesia.

“DBS surgery is a transformative procedure that to date has been recommended much later in the disease progression than is ideal or in the patient’s best interest,” Forage said. “When DBS surgery is initiated well before medicines become ineffective, patients experience fewer physical symptoms for a longer period of time.

Kip’s story is one that we like to call the ‘new’ face of DBS. In general, younger patients like Kip, have their quality of life preserved and, in his case, his ability to continue his career.”

Many Americans first became familiar with Parkinson’s in 1998 when actor Michael J. Fox announced that he had been diagnosed seven years prior. Since 2000, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has granted $400 million to find a cure for Parkinson’s. While DBS surgery is not a cure for Parkinson’s, it’s helped more than 100,000 patients who have experienced a loss in quality of life due to this disease.

Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative neurological movement disorder that affects more than 1.5 million Americans. In the U.S., approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Photos by Christopher DeVargas

2/13/14 5:59 PM

each year. Although Parkinson’s ordinarily begins in middle or late life and risk continues to increase with age, the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 60 is rising at an alarming rate. About 10 to 20 percent of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s are under the age of 50, of which about half of this group is diagnosed before 40.

“DBS surgery is a wonderful treatment for Parkinson’s patients,” said Dr. Gabriela Gregory, neurologist with the Nevada Neurosciences Institute at Sunrise Hospital. “I believe that the procedure is currently underutilized. The best thing about DBS is its immediacy to address the issue. Once the device is implanted and turned on, the tremors subside instantly. Plus, it doesn’t have the negative side effects of medication. It is extremely focused, which allows me to provide even better care to my Parkinson’s patients.”

Oral medications can be used to improve motor function for people with Parkinson’s. However, if they work well initially, they may lose effectiveness over time, cause troubling side effects, or both. Additionally, as the condition progresses, the disease may not be well managed on drug therapy alone.

Smith knows all too well about the side effects of Parkinson’s medications.

“Immediately after being diagnosed, I began taking medications for Parkinson’s disease,” Smith said. “These were somewhat effective for a while, but then the side effects got worse. I was also spending upwards of $200 a month on these medications. I finally hit my limit in late 2011.”

There is a “window of opportunity” for when DBS surgery is most effective for Parkinson’s patients. This window begins to close once medications are no longer effective in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Forage recommends that patients speak with their neurologist or neurosurgeon early on in their disease to find out if DBS surgery is right for them.

Smith has no regrets about his decision to have DBS surgery.

He no longer takes medication for Parkinson’s and has returned to many of his normal daily activities. He is able to continue his work as a meteorologist and enjoys working out on his elliptical machine from time to time. Smith has become extremely passionate about sharing his journey with other Parkinson’s patients considering DBS surgery. He travels to conventions, attends local support groups and speaks to anyone he can about how DBS changed his life.

“They tell patients that after DBS surgery, you can expect to function at the same level as your best day on the medications,” Smith said. “For me, I have found that I actually am able to function better than I ever did on my medications. Thanks to DBS, I feel like I have my life back.”

Amanda Powell is associate vice president of marketing and communications at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Sunrise Children’s Hospital.

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HOW

HEALTHY IS NEVADA?

By Dr. Laurine Tibaldi

18.1%

1 in 5

adults in Nevada are physically inactive compared to 22.9% nationally

26.2%

of adults in Nevada are obese compared to 27.6% nationally

1 in 11

people in Nevada have diabetes compared to 1 in 10 nationally

of people in Nevada smoke compared to 19.6% nationally

Rank: 37

57.8%

of students in Nevada graduate within 4 years compared to 78.2% nationally

30.2%

of high school graduates report good or excellent health compared to those who did not graduate

When it comes to overall health, Nevada ranks in the lower half among all 50 states. That’s according to the 24th annual America’s Health Rankings from United Health Foundation.

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T

he report, the longest running of its kind in the country, placed Nevada No. 37 among all 50 states for overall heath, which is the same ranking the state received last year. Here’s a snapshot of how Nevada fared in this year’s report:

Nevada’s strengths • Low prevalence of binge drinking • Moderate prevalence of diabetes • Low incidence of infectious diseases

Nevada’s challenges • Low high school graduation rate • High violent crime rate • Low per capita public health funding Nevada residents are getting some things right. In 1990, approximately 36 percent of the population smoked compared to 18.1 percent in 2013. In the past year alone, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 22.9 to 18.1 percent of adults.

Across the country, seventeen states had significant drops in smoking, with the largest seen in Nevada, Maryland, Oklahoma, Kansas and Vermont. In addition to the decrease in smoking, the prevalence of binge drinking decreased from 18.6 to 15.1 percent of adults.

A number of smoking cessation programs across the state have no doubt helped to decrease the prevalence of smoking, including, the Nevada Tobacco Users Helpline (Helpline), a division of the University Of Nevada School Of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, which provides free and confidential telephone-based counseling for Nevada residents who want to address their tobacco use. For teens, Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) is the American Lung Association’s (ALA’s) voluntary program for teens who want to quit smoking. It is the most researched, most widely used and most successful such program in the United States.

Cardiovascular health has also improved in the state.

In the past 10 years, the rate of cardiovascular deaths decreased by 25 percent from 340.0 to 271.9 deaths per 100,000 of the population. The state has also seen a decrease in the rate of preventable hospitalizations that decreased from 65.3 to 57.3 discharges for every 1,000 Medicare enrollees.

While we should take a moment to congratulate ourselves for these successes, we can’t take continued progress for granted. Significant challenges remain.

At 26.2 percent of adults, the prevalence of obesity is lower in Nevada than the media state; however, more than

560,000 adults are obese in the state. Obesity and especially childhood obesity continues to be a major health crisis.

According the CDC, obesity rates continue to rise especially for young people in Nevada.

Among Nevada’s adolescents in grades 9 through 12 • 13.4 percent were overweight (≥ 85th and < 95th percentiles for BMI by age and sex) • 11.0 percent were obese (≥95th percentile BMI by age and sex)

Among Nevada’s children aged 2 years to less than 5 years • 14.6 percent were overweight (85th to < 95th percentile BMI-for-Age) • 13.6 percent were obese (≥ 95th percentile BMI-for-Age) Other challenges impacting the state include high rate of individuals without insurance. In the past 5 years, the percentage of uninsured populations increased from 18.4 percent to 23.0 percent of the populations. The rate of children in poverty has increased from 9.1 percent to 22.7 percent of persons younger than 18 years.

As UnitedHealthcare’s chief medical officer for Nevada, I have witnessed efforts statewide on behalf of the public and private sectors to reverse dangerous health trends, such as the prevalence of binge drinking and, smoking, immunization coverage, and to improve our overall health outcomes, such as reducing infant mortality and cancer deaths.

Hundreds of programs across the states aimed at fighting diseases and improving care are helping increase the overall health of Nevada residents. Together, we can break down barriers to high-quality care. We can take on obesity as we took on smoking. And we can win. It will take work, certainly, and time, but our health is worth that effort.

For more information about America’s Health Rankings, go to www.americashealthrankings.org.

Dr. Laurine Tibaldi is chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare of Nevada.

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PICKING THE RIGHT

VITAMINS MOST DIETS LACK REQUIRED NUTRIENTS

By Wayne Gorsek

F

or many decades, doctors and health care professionals have recommended multivitamins to their patients, realizing the standard American diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal cellular, immunity, bone, cardiovascular and brain health.

These typical multivitamins claiming to be complete and sold on most retail store shelves and pharmacies are formulated by large drug companies based on RDAs – now called DVs, or Daily Values – that have not been kept current based on the most recent science. Sadly, numerous recent published medical and science studies show they are worthless and, even worse, may cause heart attacks and Alzheimer’s disease.

Flashback to more than 20 years ago when I started studying the diseases of aging at a medical school library trying to help my grandparents, who raised and adopted me. They were suffering from numerous diseases of aging as they entered their 70s and 80s, and I was excited to find published medical journal studies indicating nutrients such as Vitamin C, D3, B-complex, lutein, zinc, selenium, chromium, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, CoEnzyme Q10, grape seed extract, pine bark, green tea with EGCG, turmeric, lutein and others could actually reduce the risk and – more excitedly – reverse or slow the progression of diabetes, Parkinson’s, hypertension, heart failure, depression, loss of balance, fractures and many other terrible diseases they were suffering from.

I found the drugs that doctors prescribed weren’t effective or tolerable in most examples. The side effects were terrible and drugs actually killed my grandfather by causing a massive stroke in the brain and probably caused my grandmother’s heart attack and ultimately death.

What was very sad for me is when I compared the multivitamins on the market versus the actual studies, I found

them lacking the best nutrients entirely. The ones they had also contained far too little to be effective. This is why I started my first vitamin company more than 20 years ago – to formulate an effective multivitamin that actually works.

A great example of this is when a very popular multivitamin did an advertising campaign bragging about adding lutein. Sadly, they only added 250 mcg (1/4 of a mg) when the studies indicate 6-20 mg per day is the effective dosages to benefit patients with macular degeneration. This is the primary disease causing people to lose their vision as they age and there are no laser or drug therapies that prevent or reverse this vision loss. The simple math with lutein shows it requires about 2,400 percent higher levels to actually work versus what is in the typical multivitamin.

Why is this? The primary ingredient in a typical multivitamin is calcium carbonate, the same ingredient used to make concrete, and it only costs a few dollars per kilogram whereas lutein costs several hundred dollars per kilogram. The typical multivitamin being sold costs about $10 per year to manufacture, divide this by 365 days and simple math tells you the cost is under 3 cents per day. Use common sense: Do you really think you can purchase an effective supplement that costs 1/8 of the price of a gumball or 1/25 of the price of a candy bar?

Very sadly the typical multivitamin sold at health food stores is only slightly better, but at a far greater cost. Many of them have too little Vitamin D, B-Complex, the wrong form of B12, the cyanide form versus the active methyl form, no lutein and CoQ10 and other formulation failures in my opinion based on the latest science.

When choosing an effective multivitamin, I recommend you read the supplement facts and only choose a supplement with: • 4,000-5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 Continued on page 42

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Wayne Gorsek, the founder and chief executive officer of Dr. Vita.com, has performed decades of research on multivitamins.

Continued from page 41

• 300-600 mcg range of K1/K2 • 6-20 mg of lutein • 100-200 mg of Coenzyme Q10 • 250-1,000 mcg of methyl B12 • 500-5,000 mcg of Biotin • 200 mcg selenium in the L-selenomethionine form, plus look for green tea standardized for EGCG • turmeric standardized for 95 percent curcuminoids • 300-600 mcg of iodine • 50-200 mg of quercetin.

Also, only choose a multivitamin that has 5 mg of black pepper extract for enhanced absorption, plus capsules provide an easier to swallow and quicker to digest delivery versus rock hard tablets full of artificial chemicals. In fact, the typical tablet is so difficult to swallow that many people can’t tolerate it.

The best multivitamin formulations contain levels of up to 10- to 80-times higher than the typical one. Most multivitamin only contain worthless levels of vitamin D3 – under 1,000 IU per day – and studies indicate it requires 4,000-5,000 per day to reach

optimal blood levels. Doctors have confirmed this.

The minimum target level for optimal disease prevention is more than 50 ng/mL of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. If you test a patient’s blood levels, you’ll find 85 percent or more are below this level.

The benefits of optimal D3 blood levels are numerous. It has been shown that as you age you may lose your sense of balance, and low D3 may be the cause. Low D3 also increases risk of osteoporosis. Lastly, infectious diseases kill more than 50,000 Americans every year.

Flu viruses can induce a massive inflammatory response capable of killing the patient, commonly known as sepsis. As people age, they often over-express these same destructive proinflammatory cytokines. The result is chronic low-level inflammation that damages aging arteries, joints and neurons. By downregulating excess pro-inflammatory cytokine production, vitamin D could save the lives of those stricken with acute influenza, or the dozens of inflammatory diseases that afflict millions of aging Americans each year. Recent studies show auto-immune diseases may be caused by low vitamin D3 levels and effectively prevented and reversed with optimal levels.

Continued on page 44

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Courtesy photo

2/13/14 6:03 PM

HE’S BACK. Michael Daubs, M.D., announces his return to Las Vegas as he re-establishes his practice and spearheads the launch of the state’s first Orthopedic Residency Program with the University of Nevada School of Medicine and UMC.

Michael Daubs, M.D. PROFESSOR CHIEF, DIVISION OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

As someone who was raised in Las Vegas, and who received his undergraduate and medical degrees in Reno, Dr. Daubs understands the importance of training and keeping physicians and medical professionals here at home. Most recently at UCLA’s Department of Orthopedics, he has returned to re-establish his practice treating adult and pediatric patients with complex spinal disorders, including scoliosis.

Dr. Daubs plans to continue his involvement in cutting-edge research and share his vast knowledge of advanced treatments and surgical techniques with those accepted into the proposed Residency Program. Designed to train top-tier medical students, the orthopedic residency’s goal is to keep them in our state.

Working for the health of our communities and creating a higher institution of learning that produces top-notch physicians that stay at home and serve the residents of Nevada.

University of Nevada School of Medicine

0000102004-01.indd 1

Dr. Daubs is now seeing patients at the School of Medicine’s Patient Care Center.

1707 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 160 • Las Vegas, NV • Appointments at 702.671.5150

1/24/14 3:58 PM

Continued from page 42

Antimicrobial peptides are components of the immune system that protect against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Secreted by immune cells throughout the body, antimicrobial peptides damage the outer lipid membrane of infectious agents (including influenza viruses), rendering them vulnerable to destruction by the body’s immune system.

Recent studies confirm that vitamin D dramatically regulates the expression of these antimicrobial peptides in immune cells.

We now have a definitive biological mechanism to explain why vitamin D confers such dramatic protection against common winter illnesses.

Additionally, the cancer risk is reduced with optimal vitamin D levels. Studies indicate low levels increase the risk of breast cancer by 300-600 percent versus optimal levels that reduce overall cancer risk in the 50-70 percent range. Selenium, at 200 mcg per day, has been shown in a study to lower overall cancer mortality by 50 percent. Vitamin D3, selenium and zinc are truly a trifecta of powerful nutrients proven to improve immunity and reduce cancer risk. Levels in typical multivitamins are too low to provide these benefits.

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the first nutrients I studied more than 20 years ago because medical studies indicated excellent benefits for congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s. My grandfather had both, and the drug therapies failed to prevent progression of these diseases that destroy the quality of life and put a terrible burden on the family and caregivers both emotionally and physically. The typical diet only provides 2-5 mg of CoQ10 and typical multivitamins provides zero. As we age, our body’s natural production declines and drugs, such as statin cholesterol lowering drugs, impair the production of CoQ10 and cause nerve and muscle damage.

Look for a multivitamin with 100-200 mg per day and, if you have heart failure and/or Parkinson’s, you’ll need 600-1,200 mg per day.

One study showed a 50 percent reduction in Parkinson’s progression with 1,200 mg of CoQ10 per day. There are no drugs proven to provide this benefit.

The B-Complex vitamins, along with selenium, carnitine and CoQ10, are essential for healthy cell methylation. Studies indicate a lack of these nutrients, and failure of the methylation cycle could cause depression and caner. The typical American diet is very deficient in these essential nutrients as are the typical multivitamins.

Only choose a multivitamin that has 250 mcg or more of the active form of B12 call methylcobalamin versus the cyanide form called cyanocobalamin. This form of B12 has been proven to achieve blood levels similar to injection and may actually protect and regenerate the nervous system. Also look for alpha lipoic acid and chromium in the 200-500 mcg per day range as these nutrients work together to prevent the blood sugar from damaging the healthy cells a process called glycation.

As we age, our blood sugar levels tend to increase and the high end of normal actually doubles our risk of heart disease – your goal should be low end of normal. Eliminate sugar, corn syrup, fructose and other simple sugars that raise blood sugar levels and cause cancer, obesity and diabetes. Sweetened juices cocktails, processed foods and sodas are the worst offenders.

Some of the most amazing nutrients and herbs that I have

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LET’S TALK BENEFITS Turmeric Extract Turmeric Extract, standardized to 95%, is backed by multiple human trails to support healthy inflammation, cardiovascular and joint helath.

Grape Seed Extract Backed by numerous human trials to benefit anti-aging, cardiovascular health, cognition, blood sugar, blood pressure, and more. Up to 30 to 50 times more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin C or E.

Black Pepper Extract Bioperine brand – proven bio availability enhancer – makes Turmeric Extract and numerous other nutraceuticals more bio available in the body.

Red Wine Extract and Resveratrol Potent anti-aging nutrient found in red wine increases the lifespan of three species of animals. The many health benefits have been backed by numerous human trials.

studied don’t have daily values, but provide amazing antioxidant protection against deadly free radicals linked to Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disase and aging. My favorites are green tea (EGCG is an active ingredient), turmeric (curcuminoids are active ingredient), grape seed, red wine, pomegranate, quercetin/bioflavonoids, berries and pine bark. A high quality multivitamin will include all of these.

Wayne Gorsek is the founder and CEO of Las Vegas vitamin company, Dr.Vita.com. He can be reached at wayne@drvita.com.

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THE NOTES

Dr. Mark Penn is the founding dean of Roseman University’s allopathic College of Medicine. He will also serve as chancellor of the Summerlin campus, which houses Roseman’s medical research programs. He joined Roseman in July PENN 2012 as chancellor of the university’s South Jordan, Utah, campus and special assistant to the president for program planning.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Aury Nagy opened Nevada Brain & Spine Care with offices in Las Vegas, Henderson and Bullhead City, Ariz. He was previously a partner with Las Vegas Neurosurgery & Spine Care. Besides his neurosurgery practice, NAGY Nagy serves as spine committee chair and neurosurgery section chief for Spring Valley Hospital as well as an adjunct clinical faculty member for Touro University.

Three plastic surgeons, Dr. Goesel Anson, Dr. Michael Edwards and Dr. Terry Higgins, joined forces to create Anson, Edwards and Higgins Plastic Surgery Associates. The practice is located at 8530 W. Sunset Road, Suite 130, Las Vegas.

Southwest Medical Associates made several changes. Dr. Daniel Frank moved to a national role to oversee clinical documentation and quality improvement and local care delivery; Dr. Sam Bauzon moved to medical director of the clinical documentation and quality improvement department from associate medical director; Dr. Nancy Yu moved to medical director of the achieving clinical excellence department from associate medical director; Dr. John Rhodes is associate medical director of primary care. SMA also added two new providers to its Southwest Surgery Center and one new provider to its Pahrump clinic. Dr. Robert Blackwood and Dr. Agata Vollers joined the surgery center, while Dr. Eric Miller has started at the clinic.

Southwest Medical Associates recognized the performance of its health care providers. Honored were: Dr. Valeria Asimenios, Robert Hulse Sensitivity Award; Rena Rivera, Anne Osborne Sensitivity Award; and Dr. Chang-Hoon Ahn, Family Home Hospice Comfort & Dignity Award. Provider of the Year awards went to: Dr. Samson Otuwa, anesthesiology; Steve Forcier, certified registered nurse anesthetist; John Kvist, nurse practitioner/physician assistant; Laurel Pope, OB/GYN; Dr. Dennis Moore, pediatrics; Dr. Charalee Smith, primary care; Michael Kooyman, specialty; and Dr. Ellen Martin, urgent care.

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The Valley Health System appointed its board of governors for 2014. The new board merges five previous boards for Centennial Hills, Desert Springs, Spring Valley, Summerlin and Valley hospitals. Officers includes: chairman Tom Warden, senior vice president of Summerlin for the Howard Hughes Corp.; vice-chairman Dr. Jerry Schwartz, MDVIP concierge medicine company; and secretary/ treasurer Valerie Murzl, senior vice president of human resources and training at Station Casinos. Other members include: Hannah Brown, Jon Porter, Rossi Ralenkotter, Sig Rogich, Carolyn Yucha, Dr. Flip Homansky, Dr. Dan McBride, Dr. Golam Choudhry, Dr. Michael Gunter, Dr. Peter Scully, Dr. Warren Volker, Dr. Dost Wattoo, Karla Perez, Kim Forbes-Daniels, Ann Savin, Lynn Belcher, John Coldsmith, Margaret Covelli, Leonard Freehof, Robert Freymuller, Sam Kaufman, Elena McNutt, Sajit Pullarkat, and Ernie Stegall.

Several Valley Health System nurses were honored during the March of Dimes Southern Nevada Nurse of the Year awards. Recognized were: Elyse Barnes, Centennial Hills Hospital, winner, charge nurse/general medical and surgical; Lindsay Gambit, Spring Valley Hospital, runner-up, general medical and surgical; Michelle “Mickey” Guerrero, Valley Hospital, winner, charge nurse/specialty; Stephanie Harris, Spring Valley Hospital, runner-up, pediatric critical care; Beth Lee, Spring Valley Hospital, runner-up, surgical services; Amanda Melcher, Valley Hospital, winner, emergency services; Nancy Newell, Centennial Hills Hospital, runner-up, infection control; Sharon Sanchez, Desert Springs Hospital, winner, general medical and surgical; Anne-Marie Schenk, Summerlin Hospital, runner-up, nursing administration; Rosemary Upchurch, Centennial Hills Hospital, runner-up, case management; Kira Volle, Centennial Hills Hospital, winner, women’s health; Susan West, Spring Valley Hospital, winner, surgical service; and Annie White, Valley Health System University, winner, nurses choiceadministration.

Dr. Troy Watson, director of the Foot and Ankle Institute at Desert Orthopaedic Center, and his staff provided foot screenings and footwear to clients of the Salvation Army. Precision Orthotics and Del Webb Middle School also donated to the campaign. Zappos’ sister company, 6pm.com, donated 700 pairs of shoes, as well.

The United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Council opened a medical clinic at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School operated by Positively Kids. It serves more than 700 students.

WestCare, a nonprofit group that helps people with addictions and mental health disorders, has a new website, www.WestCare.com.

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THE NOTES

The Werner Institute for Balance and Dizziness joined with Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers. The company, which specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with peripheral and central nervous system disorders, will operate as Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers at clinics at 9080 W. Cheyenne Ave., Las Vegas, and 9005 S. Pecos Road, Las Vegas.

Dr. Quang Nguyen, D.O., is a medical weight loss endocrinologist at the Surgical Weight Control Center. Nguyen is a doctor of osteopathy and is board certified in internal medicine, hypertension and endocrinology. He also works as an adjunct associate professor at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine and a clinical associate professor at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently passed the American Board of Obesity Medicine certification exam for obesity medicine physicians and is certified in the subspecialty of obesity medicine. Nguyen was among 158 physicians nationally who passed this year’s exam.

WellHealth Women’s Specialty Care is one of 27 organizations nationally that will implement Strong Start Centering Pregnancy group prenatal care intended to reduce preterm births and improve outcomes for newborns.

The initiative is part of Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns, managed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada completed its 3,600-squarefoot expansion of its Southern Hills Cancer Treatment and Breast Surgery Center at 9280 W. Sunset Road Suite 100, Las Vegas. Expansion and enhancements include the extension of the lobby and medical oncology infusion room and five medical oncology exam rooms, two medical oncology scheduling stations and an exam room for breast surgeon Dr. Souzan El-Eid.

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award” for the fifth consecutive year. The award recognizes care for stroke patients.

Sunrise Health System’s MountainView and Southern Hills hospitals were named among the nation’s “Top Performers on Key Quality Measures” by the Joint Commission. The hospitals were recognized for exemplary performance using evidence-based clinical processes that improve care for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgery patients. Southern Hills has achieved top performer status for three consecutive years.

Sunrise Health hospitals and Health to You opened three H2U Health Centers for 8,855 hospital employees and their dependents.

The centers are at MountainView, Southern Hills and Sunrise Children’s hospitals.

Dr. Eileen Shi, Dr. Terence Agustin, along with Samantha Scheible and Candace Moore, both certified physician assistants, joined HealthCare Partners Medical Group, a physician-run group providing primary, specialty and urgent care in Southern Nevada.

Shi sees patients at Durango Pediatrics, 5575 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas. Agustin, who specializes in internal medicine and geriatric care, sees patients at 2225 N. Civic Center Drive, Suite 280, North Las Vegas. Scheible sees patients at the Spring Valley clinic, 5320 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 150, Las Vegas. Moore sees patients at the HealthCare Partners Tenaya Pediatrics Clinic, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 260, Las Vegas.

Thirty-four adult primary care clinics owned by HealthCare Partners Medical Group, a physician-run group of primary, specialty and urgent care providers, have been recognized as patient-centered medical homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, meaning staff emphasizes a strong clinician-patient relationship and personalized health care delivery.

SHI

AGUSTIN

SCHEIBLE

MOORE Three nurses with HealthCare Partners Nevada, a physician-run network of primary, specialty and urgent care providers, received awards at the 2013 Nurse of the Year event. Chief Nursing Officer Patti Berry was named Nurse of the Year. Jamie Simmons, LPN, won and Judith Stephens, RN, was runner-up in the Managed Care category. About 700 nurses were nominated for awards in 25 categories.

Desert Springs Hospital unveiled a Shaper Bariatric Surgery app that allows people to preview how bariatric surgery could transform their physique. The app is available on Google play or Android and Apple app stores.

Dr. Lynn Kowalski, medical director of MountainView Hospital’s Institute for Robotic Surgery, performed her 1,000th robotic surgery. Kowalski is board certified in gynecologic oncology. MountainView is the only hospital in Las Vegas to take part in a clinical trial that uses directed imaging during minimally invasive hysterectomies for cervical and uterine cancer.

LaserMed Solutions opened a location at 777 N. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 200, Las Vegas. It offers Zerona Laser treatment, which uses a cold laser.

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Dr. Bohdan “Bo” Chopko joined the St. Rose|Stanford Clinics as a board certified neurosurgeon and neurointerventionalist. Chopko comes to Las Vegas from Mansfield, Ohio, where he worked at Mid-Ohio Neurosurgical Care. He is also on the faculty of Stanford’s department of neurosurgery.

Esteban Duran-Ballan is executive director and Michelle Kelczewski is director of nursing at the Kindred Flamingo Subacute and Transitional Care Center, which focuses on higher acuity skilled nursing care and transitioning patients from hospital to home. He previously was the administrator of five skilled nursing and rehab facilities in Virginia.

Gov. Brian Sandoval appointed 18 people as members of the Governor’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Council. The council chairman is Dr. Joel Dvoskin, and vice chairwoman is retired Judge Jackie Glass.

Additional members of the council include: Mike Willden, director, Nevada Department of Health and Human Services; Richard Whitley, administrator, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health; Marilyn Kirkpatrick, speaker, Nevada State Assembly; Michael Roberson, minority leader, Nevada State Senate; Pat Hickey, minority leader, Nevada State Assembly; Debbie Smith, assistant majority leader, Nevada State Senate; Katherine Miller, director, Nevada Department of Veterans Services; Dr. Dale Carrison, chief of staff, University Medical Center; Karla Perez, regional vice president, Universal Health Services; Richard Steinberg, president and CEO, WestCare Foundation; Steve Wolfson, district attorney, Clark County; Susan Roske, chief public defender, Clark County; Randolph Townsend, former Nevada state senator; Doug Gillespie, sheriff, Metro Police; Timothy Burch, director, Clark County Department of Social Services; and Monte Miller, CEO, KeyState Corporate Management.

Adelbert Wadsworth is a physician assistant at Urology Specialists of Nevada. He graduated from Touro University Nevada with a master’s in physician assistant studies and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Four local hospitals — Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center, Progressive Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center and Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center — received the 2013 Nevada Hospital Engagement Network Bright Spot: Reducing Harm Across the Board Award.

Honorees demonstrated high-quality patient care and excellence in patient safety indicators.

Circus Couture presented “Possession(s),” a performance, fashion and art event at the Joint at the Hard Rock to benefit the Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, the state’s only nonprofit outpatient clinic treating kids with cancer regardless of insurance.

Local physician Jorge Burgos is a recipient of a 2013 HealthInsight Quality Award. HealthInsight is a private, nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to improving health and health care in Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

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NONPROFIT Q & A

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES

THREE SOUTHERN NEVADA CENTERS: • 6930 W. CHARLESTON BLVD. | LAS VEGAS • 601 WHITNEY RANCH DRIVE, SUITE 20 | HENDERSON • 4950 W. CRAIG ROAD | LAS VEGAS 877.827.4376 | UNITEDBLOODSERVICES.ORG/LV/

Hours of operation: Varies Owned/operated by: Blood Systems Inc. Operating since: 1963 Describe your organization and the services you offer.

United Blood Services of Las Vegas is a nonprofit organization that provides life-saving blood products for hospitals in Southern Nevada, California and Northern Arizona.

What is the hardest part about operating your nonprofit in Las Vegas?

What is your mission?

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood.

UBS works tirelessly to make sure that supply is met when people need it most. UBS relies on local blood donations to make sure blood is available for those in need. Our mission is to provide a safe and ample blood supply while also producing advanced, cutting-edge research for medical professionals.

Whom do you help?

UBS provides life-saving blood products to area hospitals throughout the southwest region. Our programs exist to make a difference in people’s lives by inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply, advancing cutting-edge research, and embracing continuous quality improvement.

What makes your organization unique?

The support we get from the Las Vegas community really makes United Blood Services unique. Our success relies entirely on the generosity of our donors. We are able to supply the need for life-saving blood products in Nevada as well as throughout the southwest region thanks to the kindness of our donors.

What’s the most important part of your nonprofit organization?

The most important part of United Blood Services is ensuring a safe and ample blood supply for Southern Nevadans and any patient in need.

Our No. 1 priority is keeping transfusion patients and blood donors safe.

We always give donors detailed information on who can and cannot donate blood and ensure that they have a safe experience. To make sure our blood supply is safe we utilize nucleic acid amplification testing, a sensitive gene-based test to screen our blood supply for HIV, hepatitis C. Each blood donation is checked for HIV, hepatitis B and C, HTLV, West

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Nile virus, Chagas’ disease and syphilis. Blood Systems Laboratories, our national laboratory, is one of the finest high-volume blood donor testing and infectious disease reference laboratories in the nation.

The hardest part about operating United Blood Services is making sure we have the right amount of donors with the right blood types on any given day to meet the demands of the hospitals we serve, which fluctuates constantly.

What is the best part about operating your nonprofit in Las Vegas?

The best part about operating United Blood Service is that we make a difference in lives by helping a patient have a better quality of life and, in several cases, saving people’s lives.

What obstacles have your organization overcome?

Blood donation requirements constantly change due to new types of viruses, diseases and restrictions that are placed by governing agencies which sometimes makes it hard to find enough donors to keep up with the need. We at United Blood Services are leaders in research and being proactive to address new restrictions placed on blood donors.

How can individuals and businesses help you?

Individuals can help by donating blood at least three times a year. Blood donations only take a small portion of your day and one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Businesses and community organizations can also help by hosting blood drives or providing vouchers and coupons as rewards for donors.

What are some of your upcoming events or projects?

Besides the wide variety of blood drives and promotions UBS hosts throughout the year, one of our most exciting events is our annual Celebration of Life High School Awards and Scholarship Banquet. During this event, UBS awards thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to reward the highest contributing schools. No single group of donors contributes to

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“

“Our No. 1 priority is keeping transfusion patients and blood donors safe.”

UBS more than regional high school students. Approximately 8,250 units of blood were donated during the 2012-2013 school year by students in Clark County and neighboring school districts as part of the United Blood Services High School Blood Drive Program. That number accounts for nearly 30 percent of all blood collected by United Blood Services’ mobile blood drives in Southern Nevada during the school year. To thank these students for donating life-saving blood, United Blood Services awarded 16 scholarships to local schools at the 13th annual Celebration of Life Awards and Scholarship Banquet in May. Scholarships totaling $15,250 were awarded based upon the total number of blood units collected at each high school during the blood drives.

UBS is honored to help students further their education through its annual high school banquet and we are looking forward to hosting the 14th annual Celebration of Life Awards and Scholarship Banquet in 2014.

Anything else to add about your nonprofit and the work you’re doing?

For more than 50 years, United Blood Services has been part of the Southern Nevada community with the commitment to making lives better by providing blood products. We also make sure our donors and patients are the top priority. It takes thousands of volunteer blood donors to ensure we have the products that hospitals and patients need every day.

There is no substitution for blood, so the critical needs of our community are because of volunteer blood donors who unselfishly take time out of their lives to help others.

P R E S E N T E D B Y:

VEGAS INC’s annual special publication Health Care Headliners celebrates compassionate caregivers, innovators in treatment, and visionaries in research in Southern Nevada.

One of the most anticipated special issues and events of the year. Health Care Headliners is a great showcase for any business.

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Contact Greenspun Media Group at 702.990.2443 today to discover all the marketing options available for you and your business needs.

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

At left, United Blood Services celebrates at its annual high school awards. Above, Metro Police, Clark County firefighters and UMC battled each other for a one-day “Heroes Challenge.”

Photos by United Blood Services

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE

MICHEALANNE O’NEILL ADULT VOLUNTEER AT SUNRISE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER

What is your favorite part about volunteering at Sunrise?

My favorite part about volunteering at Sunrise is helping others. I know that the people who I interact with are grateful that I am there.

How long have you been a volunteer at Sunrise?

I have been a volunteer at Sunrise Hospital for five years.

How many hours do you volunteer each week at Sunrise?

Right now, I volunteer eight hours per week in the Human Resources Department.

How can someone else become a volunteer there?

You can fill out the application on our website, www.SunriseHospital.com.

How long do you plan to work as a volunteer there?

I plan on volunteering at Sunrise for many years to come.

What makes for a good volunteer?

I like being someone that people can depend on. I try to be caring and friendly as well.

Do you have a full-time job? If so, where and doing what?

I was a computer drafter for many years. I drew maps for a living. I now work part-time during local conventions and volunteer part-time.

How long have you lived in Las Vegas?

I have lived in Las Vegas for 11 years.

What volunteer activities do you take part in at the hospital?

We have an annual volunteer luncheon and a holiday celebration that I attend. I enjoy those appreciation events very much.

What types of things do you do during your shift at the hospital?

I answer questions at the Human Resources front desk. I also assist with the filing and help set up various events around the facility.

What other activities are you involved in when you aren’t volunteering at Sunrise?

I enjoy working on art projects with my husband.

What is the biggest reward from volunteering?

Knowing that I have helped others and getting to work with all of the great people at Sunrise Hospital is my biggest reward.

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“

“Knowing that I have helped others and getting to work with all of the great people at Sunrise

Hospital is my biggest reward.”

— Michealanne O’Neill

Photo by Sam Morris

2/13/14 6:13 PM

QUALITY CARE, ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. Nevada’s only integrated source for eye, ear, nose and throat care.

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H E A LT H T I P S

NEW PROCEDURE OPENS DOOR TO LIVING LIFE WITHOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH ACID REFLUX

By Dr. Shawn Tsuda

F

or many of us, we enjoy trying new foods and being around friends and family during dinner or a special meal. But for millions of Americans, the joys of eating can be quickly taken away by the symptoms of heartburn.

As a heartburn sufferer myself, I know firsthand that sometimes the symptoms of heartburn can feel like you’re experiencing a heart attack. One in three Americans suffer from heartburn and chronic acid reflux. Many people actually suffer from a condition called Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease without even knowing it.

GERD is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach that functions as the body’s natural barrier to reflux. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter closes immediately after swallowing, preventing reflux. In people with GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter is weak, allowing acid and bile to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

There is now a new solution for GERD patients called the LINX Reflux Management System. Developed by Torax Medical, LINX is a small bracelet of weakly magnetized beads held in a ring on titanium wire. The beads separate to allow food and drinks to pass and then contract again to keep stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

LINX is the first procedure approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of GERD in more than 20 years.

As the only LINX-trained physician in Southern Nevada, I am excited to bring this innovative technology to our community in partnership with Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. Sunrise is the only hospital to offer the LINX procedure in Southern Nevada.

I often meet with patients in my office who tell me that they have experienced the symptoms of GERD for decades. Until now, the only permanent solution for GERD was a procedure called Nissen Fundoplication, which was developed in the mid-1950s and involves wrapping a part of the stomach around the esophagus in an attempt to strengthen the muscle.

As you can imagine, the Nissen is a much more invasive procedure than LINX, which has persuaded many patients to hold off on or shy away from surgery in the past. These patients try to manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medications such as Zantac and Pepcid.

When these medications that are Histamine blockers no longer work, patients turn to Proton Pump Inhibitor medications such as Nexium or Prevacid. All of these medications only treat the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the disease.

More importantly, studies have proven that reflux disease can progress even when PPI therapy has effectively eliminated GERD

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symptoms. Furthermore, daily PPI use has been associated with Barrett’s Esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition), an increase in bone fractures, a higher risk of pneumonia and increased risk of heart arrhythmias. Additionally, the cost associated with lifetime PPI management adds up quickly – ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 per year for brand-name prescription PPIs. The LINX procedure takes less than 45 minutes and is performed laparoscopically. Four small incisions are made and the LINX device is placed above the lower esophageal sphincter. The LINX device augments the weak lower esophageal sphincter, reinforcing the body’s natural barrier to reflux. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps the lower esophageal sphincter resist opening to gastric pressure, preventing reflux from the stomach into the esophagus.

Swallowing temporarily breaks the band’s magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach normally. Magnetic attraction closes the lower esophageal sphincter after swallowing, reinforcing the body’s natural barrier to reflux. The recovery time for this procedure is minimal and, unlike other procedures, LINX is reversible.

Another benefit of LINX is that patients can still vomit, burp and swallow normally a short time after the procedure. This new treatment is an exciting option to patients suffering from GERD in the Southern Nevada region.

Dr. Shawn Tsuda is a board-certified general surgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas. He is fellowship trained in laparoscopic weight loss surgery and is chief of the school’s bariatric surgery division.

Courtesy photo

2/13/14 6:23 PM

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE CUTTING GLUTEN FROM DIET

I

n the battle to get leaner and healthier, people have been targeting many different food groups over the years, from fats to carbohydrates. Now, experts are weighing in on whether or not grains might be a culprit in the growing prevalence of certain diseases, including obesity and dementia.

Experts weigh-in Conflicting opinions on carbohydrates “Carbohydrates are awful for the brain,” said Dr. David Perlmutter, neurologist and author of the new book “Grain Brain.” “Eating carbohydrate foods increases blood sugar levels, which causes inflammation and can lead to dementias.”

However, a recent study conducted by the University of Nebraska showed that eating whole grains, such as barley and brown rice, actually helped decrease inflammation.

Carolyn O’Neil, a registered dietitian, also agrees with these findings that dispute the elimination of carbohydrates in one’s diet.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” O’Neil said. “A study by Centers for Disease Control researchers projected that if grains were eliminated then diets would be extremely low in folic acid, iron and B vitamins.”

A growing number of people are being diagnosed with sensitivity to gluten, which is a condition that can cause a range of health problems. Gluten found in wheat, barley, rye and in oats processed in the same mills as those grains, cannot be digested by those with celiac disease and can affect the health of those who are gluten intolerant.

According to the National Institute of Health, between 5 percent and 10 percent of all people may suffer from a gluten sensitivity of some form. One out of every 133 Americans (about 3 million people) have Celiac Disease.

With healthy dieting elements in mind, and by keeping yourself informed about the facts and benefits of foods, you can make the most educated decision when choosing what to feed your family.

— Courtesy of Family Features

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Operating income Licensed Inpatient Occupancy It's notRank justHospital feature-rich phones, business classNet(loss) Internet and video solutions. revenue beds days rate

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3186 S. Maryland Parkway Las Vegasdependable 89109 • It's service 731-8000 • SunriseHospital.com

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Siena Campus 3001 St. Rose Parkway Henderson 89052 616-5000 • StRoseHospitals.org

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657 Town Center Drive Las Vegas 89144 233-7000 • SummerlinHospital.org

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Leonard Freehof CEO

5400 S. Rainbow Blvd.

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St. Rose Dominican HospitalsRose De Lima Campus

102 E. Lake Mead Parkway • FREE Calling Features

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Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area): RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. In Nevada: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia: Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively, which underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

VEGAS INC | 91

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specialty hospitals

MEDICAL OFFICES ACROSS THE VALLE Y

WE SEE IT FROM HERE

Ranked by January-June 2012 operating revenue

EVERY KISS MATTERS

Space Available on the Hospital Campuses of: ■

Centennial Hills Hospital

■

Desert Springs Hospital

■

Spring Valley Hospital

■

Summerlin Hospital

■

Valley Hospital

Rank

1

3

6

Great tenant mix with strong referral base -

primary care and specialties ■

the entire landscape. One that enables us to anticipate challenges for our clients before they arise.

■

One that gives us the foresight to serve their long-term interests, not just their immediate needs.

7

Competitive lease rates along with generous tenant improvement allowances

At St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, we’re committed to excellence

8

and believe in delivering a higher standard of care. That’s why we

9

pay attention to every detail, for every patient, every single day.

On-site maintenance for quick response

So when one of our patients missed her dog during her stay, we

10

brought him to our healing garden for special visits. When

Think of it as progress meets point-of-view.

you’re healing, it’s the little things that matter.

For more information:

Contact us, and enjoy a fresh perspective.

702 216-2363 dspencer@ensemblere.com /

NATIONAL

3960 Howard Hughes Parkway, Ninth Floor | Las Vegas, Nevada 89169 | T: 702.796.5555

90

79

10,680

Farzin Farhang medical director

$3,424,281

70

10,069

Timothy Deaton administrator

$1,102,571

118

19,564

Bonnie Essex Hillegass administrator

Inpatient days

Top executive

17,277

Jennifer Schomburg CEO

11,500

Kenneth Bowman CEO

15

F: 702.369.2666 Rose de Lima Campus • Siena Campus • San Martín Campus • 702-616-4900 • www.StRoseHospitals.org

LAS VEGAS | PHOENIX | RENO | WASHINGTON, D.C.

Complex Care Hospital at Tenaya

$14,989,002

Harmon Medical & Rehab Hospital

$13,493,464

2170 E. Harmon Ave. Las Vegas 89119 794-0100 • FundLTC.com

Montevista Hospital

$11,658,957

$726,836

52

7,757

Kent Ashley CEO

$11,368,611

$2,461,704

90

13,625

Robert Marshall CEO

$8,547,962

$827,625

61

6,477

Dave Tupper CEO

82

11,293

Darryl Dubroca CEO, managing director

5900 W. Rochelle Ave. Las Vegas 89103 364-1111 • MontevistaHospital.com

Horizon Specialty Hospital - Las Vegas 640 Desert Lane Las Vegas 89106 382-3155 • FundLtc.com

Spring Mountain Treatment Center

$8,436,521

7000 W. Spring Mountain Road Las Vegas 89117 873-2400 • SpringMountainTreatmentCenter.com

3021 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.

Henderson 89052 214-8099 • PsySolutions.com

102 E. Lake Mead Pkwy.

Henderson 89015

Progressive Hospital 4015 McLeod Drive Las Vegas 89121

Spring Mountain Sahara Behavior Institute 5460 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas 89146 216-8900 • SpringMountainSahara.com

Red Rock Behavioral Health Hospital 5975 W. Twain Ave. Las Vegas 89103 214-8099 • PsySolutions.com

$578,493

WELLNESS ROUTINE HELPS SUPPORT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

HealthSouth - Desert Canyon Rehab Center 9175 W. Oquendo Road Las Vegas 89148 252-7342 • DCRH.net

$7,958,203

Kindred Hospital LV - St. Rose de Lima Campus

gordonsilver.com

702.227.7393

142

$5,353,790

2500 N. Tenaya Way Las Vegas 89128

Kindred Hospital LV - Sahara Campus

12

14

LICENSING SERVICES

CALL NOW FOR A CONSULTATION

Licensed beds

$4,597,714

$6,781,399

$15,671,298

5110 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas 89146 871-1418 • KindredHospitalLVS.com

Seven Hills Behavioral Institute

13

www.ensemblere.com

817 South Main St. #100 Las Vegas, NV 89101 | www.NLSlicensing.com | Inquiries@NLSlicensing.com

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas

11

EVERY PATIENT MATTERS

DEBORAH TUSSING SPENCER Senior Vice President

YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR: Gaming, Liquor, Medical Marijuana, and Business Licenses

Net income (loss)

$17,105,571

1250 S. Valley View Blvd.

Las Vegas 89102 877-8898 • HealthSouth.com

4 5

We prefer to view things from a different vantage point. One that allows a thorough assessment of

$20,328,440

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson 10301 Jeffreys St. Henderson 89052 939-9400 • HealthSouth.com

Features: ■

Operating revenue

Hospital

Kindred Hospital Las VegasFlamingo Campus 2250 E. Flamingo Road Las Vegas 89119 784-4300 • KindredHospitalLVF.com

2

$3,364,865

50

$6,777,236

$732,910

58

9,119

$6,635,826

$274,793

28

3,902

7,651

Estrella Sutton CEO

$4,006,807

$387,571

24

2,711

Rosemary Thiele CEO

Deanna Martin CEO

$3,879,074

$1,378,492

30

4,407

Darryl Dubroca CEO, managing director

$2,696,957

$797,369

21

3,374

Robert Marshall CEO

John Hull CEO

Sources: UNLV Center for Health Information Analysis and VEGAS INC research

66 | BOOK OF BUSINESS LISTS 2014

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Lewis and Roca has joined forces with Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons to become Lewis Roca Rothgerber. Effective September 2013, the combination creates one of the largest law firms in the Western U.S. with 250 lawyers across nine offices. The combined firm offers an enhanced and expanded range of services in litigation, real estate, energy and utilities, banking, insurance, intellectual property, gaming, and religious institutions. Because together we’re stronger.

Call 702-939-1146 today or visit cox.com/business Call for offers. Programming may vary by location. Rates vary and are subject to change. Additional costs for installation, construction, connection, relocation, inside wiring and equipment may apply. Telephone service, including access to e911 service, will not be available during an extended power outage or if modem is moved or inoperable. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions apply. Telephone services are provided by Cox Nevada Telcom, LLC. ©2014 CoxCom, LLC., d/b/a Cox Communications Las Vegas, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Shorter days and colder weather may seem to heighten the desire to indulge in comfort foods, just as much as it can lessen the motivation to take part in physical activity, like hitting the gym or taking an afternoon stroll.

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Greenberg Traurig’s Las Vegas office provides the resources of an international law firm for our international city. We want to thank our clients, the community and our friends for the opportunity to serve you — for decades as Nevada lawyers and as Greenberg Traurig since 2005.

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and our experience.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Greenberg Traurig is a service mark and trade name of Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, P.A. ©2012 Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Attorneys at Law. All rights reserved. Contact: Michael J. Bonner in Las Vegas at 702.792.3773. °These numbers are subject to fluctuation. *Operates as Greenberg Traurig Maher LLP. +Operates as Greenberg Traurig, S.C. ^Operates as a branch of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Florida, USA. ~Greenberg Traurig’s Warsaw office is operated by Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak sp.k., an affiliate of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. and Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Images in this advertisement do not depict Greenberg Traurig attorneys, clients, staff or facilities.

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If you haven’t been running in months and plan to jump on the treadmill tomorrow, it’s important to take your new workout in stride. Having high aspirations for your health is a wonderful thing, but there’s nothing wrong with starting small. Setting achievable goals – such as jogging or walking for a certain amount of time each day – will help to keep you working toward the goal of running a 10K in the long term.

Buddy up By now you’ve likely commiserated with friends about the lapse in your health and wellness goals. This is the perfect opportunity to ask someone to partner up in your healthy pursuits. Ask friends, family, neighbors or coworkers if they are interested in joining a gym, taking a boot camp class, or participating in a healthy cooking course.

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Beyond getting in your required fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains through a balanced diet, taking a high quality supplement can help bridge any nutrient gaps.

By incorporating a few of these simple tips into your daily wellness routine, you’ll be on the path to a healthier new you. For more information, visit www.naturemade.com.

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WINTER 2014

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MAKING THE ROUNDS To include your photos in the next issue, contact Rob Langrell at rob.langrell@gmgvegas.com

Entertainers Penn & Teller visited the headquarters of United Blood Services to kick off their “13 Bloody Days of Christmas” promotion. For the 13th consecutive year, the Rio All-Suite hotel-casino headliners partnered with UBS to raise awareness of the need for blood donations. Penn even donated blood to jumpstart the efforts. Donors received two complimentary tickets to Penn & Teller’s show.

Blood donations can be made year-round at two UBS locations: 6930 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, and 601 Whitney Ranch Drive, Henderson. Call (877) 827-4376 or visit UnitedBloodServices.org/LV for more information.

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WINTER 2014

Photos by United Blood Services

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cale n d ar To include your calendar items in the next issue, contact Rob Langrell at rob.langrell@gmgvegas.com

Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health All educational programs are offered free of charge and are held at 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas. For additional information, contact Susan Solorzano at 483.6055 or solorzs@ccf.org.

Visit the patient and family services program calendar at www.keepmemoryalive.org Lunch and Learn Educational Series Wednesdays from Noon-1 p.m.

Feb. 26: Testing the Brain: Why is My Doctor Sending Me to a Neuropsychologist? Justin Miller , PhD, Neuropsychologist, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Find out how neuropsychological testing can be useful for patients, their families & health care providers in making better decisions for care.

Healthier Living Stanford School of Medicine’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, called Healthier Living, begins March 28.

This workshop is designed for individuals with the illnesses we treat, other chronic illness and family caregivers. This free series is held at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health over six weeks. Each session has tools to help enhance your health and well being in the midst of stressful times. Contact Susan, 483-6055, solorzs@ccf.org to sign up.

Huntington’s Disease Support Group 4th Tuesday from Noon-1 p.m.

Feb. 25, March 25, April 22 & May 27.

The group is designed for gene positive individuals as well as adult family members and caregivers. Separate groups are held for gene positive individuals (asymptomatic and early stage) and adult family members. Interested individuals can contact Donna Munic-Miller, PhD at municd@ccf.org or call 483.6035.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 2nd Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

March 11, April 8 & May 13. This group is held for early stage individuals and adult family members who provide care and/ or support for loved ones with Parkinson’s disease. Separate groups meet at the same time. Phone screening for new early stage participants is required. For additional information contact Jenna at 483.6054 or cliffoj@ccf.org.

March 4, April 8 & May 6. This group is for adult family members of individuals with MS. Open to the community and free of charge. For additional information contact Joanne at 483.6006 or fairchj@ccf.org.

Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

This weekly group is held for adult family members who provide care and/ or support for loved ones with memory loss. Facilitated by Donna Munic-Miller, PhD. For additional information, e-mail municd@ccf.org or call 483.6035.

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Spanish Adult Bereavement Group Last Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meets at the Center for Compassionate Care, 4131 Swenson St. Child care is available.

Teen Bereavement Group Last Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meets at the Center for Compassionate Care, 4131 Swenson St. Veteran’s Support Group 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meets at the Veteran’s Village, 1150 Las Vegas Boulevard South.

Nathan Adelson Hospice

MountainView Hospital

Newly Bereaved Group Mondays from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Meets in the chapel at Swenson location at 4141 Swenson St.

For more information, visit our website www.SunriseHealthInfo.com. Call 233.5300 to register at least 48 hours in advance.

Registration is required for all events.

Newly Bereaved Group Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m.

Meets in the medical office building at Tenaya location at 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 350.

Lunch and Learn: U Need to Know Series Join Dr. Leslie Browder, assistant professor of surgery at University of Nevada School of Medicine, specializing in the field of colorectal surgery. Dr. Browder will discuss treatment for disorders and diseases of the colon and rectum.

These may include conditions such as incontinence, polyps, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids and similar complications.

She will also explain about minimally invasive procedures, which includes laparoscopic surgery, by using this state-of-the-art technology can reduce damage to human tissue when performing surgery. Free.

Tuesday, March 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114

Multiple sclerosis Support Group 1st Tuesday from Noon-1 p.m.

Adult Bereavement Group Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. & Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

Meets in the medical office building at Tenaya location at 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 350.

Family and Teen Bereavement Group Eight-week session held quarterly. Meets at the Center for Compassionate Care, 4131 Swenson St. Call 796-3167 for more information.

Parent Bereavement Group Mondays from 1:30-3 p.m.

Meets in the chapel at Swenson location at 4141 Swenson St. Adult Bereavement Group Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

Meets in the large conference room at Swenson location at 4141 Swenson St.

WINTER 2014

2/13/14 6:27 PM

School of Nursing

School of Nursing

SOUTHERN NEVADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MEDICAL SCHOOL

Educating healthcare professionals to serve our community Opened in 2004, this non-profit university has graduated: 651 physicians ~ 323 physician assistants ~ 359 nurses 63 physical therapists ~ 176 occupational therapists

School of Nursing

For more information about Touro University Nevada or if you are interested in a campus tour, please call 702.777.3100 or visit www.tun.touro.edu 874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson NV 89014 Touro University Nevada is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and licensed in Nevada by the Commission on Post-Secondary Education.

Touro University Nevada is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Lunch and Learn: You Need to Know About Covered Medicare Preventive Services Join us for an informative lecture on Medicare Preventive Services: the best way to stay healthy is to prevent or early detection of diseases. Medicare Preventive Services is designed to help you achieve this goal by providing exams, shots, lab tests and screenings. Medicare also includes programs for health monitoring, counseling and education to help you take care of your own health. Free.

Tuesday, March 20, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 Weight Loss Surgery Seminar Learn everything you wanted to know about weight loss surgery from an experienced surgeon. MountainView Hospital is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. Free.

Saturdays, March 8, April 12 and May 10, 10-Noon Wednesdays, March 19, April 23 and May 21, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Bariatric Support Group Join the bariatric support group as members are encouraged to continue to make healthy changes and choices in their lives.

Mondays, March 24, April 28 and May 19, 7-9 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Alzheimer’s Care Givers Support Group This support group provides an opportunity for family, friends, caregivers and others to meet regularly for mutual emotional support and to exchange coping skills with one another in matters relating to Alzheimer’s disease. This support group meets the third Tuesday of every month.

3rd Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114

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Stroke Support Group Join fellow stroke survivors and caregivers and share your experiences and insight on living and coping with life after stroke.

Tuesdays, March 4, April 1 and May 6, 2-3 p.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 Blood Pressure Screening Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114. Free, but reservation is required.

AARP Driver Safety Class Bring your AARP card, driver’s license and something to write with. Attend this class and receive a discount on your automobile insurance. Reservation required. $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks or money orders only – no cash.

Tuesday, March 18, April 15 and May 20, 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 O2 on the Go Support Group The 02 on the Go Support Group is made up of knowledgeable and supportive members who are versed in the area of various respiratory illnesses. They are not medical professionals, but fellow suffers who over time have gained information on living and coping with these chronic diseases.

Fridays, March 21, April 18 and May 16, 10 a.m.-noon.

H2U MountainView Office, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 114 Free Joint Replacement Education Seminar Join Dr. James Manning for an informational lecture on what it entails to have a total joint replacement. This is a free event and lunch is provided.

Wednesday, April 2, Noon-1 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

Free Heart Murmur Clinic Wear comfortable loose clothing for the screening. By appointment only.

Wednesday, April 16.

MountainView Cardiovascular & Thoracic Associates, 3150 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 140, on the first floor of the Medical Office Building next to MountainView Hospital Free Diabetes Overview Class Diabetes can lead to complications such as blindness, heart disease, stroke and even death. Learning how to manage your disease is the first step in living a happy, healthy life. The class is one in a three-part series of informational classes for diabetic adults. Classes are taught by hospital staff.

Tuesday, May 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Diabetes and Nutrition Diabetes can lead to complications such as blindness, heart disease, stroke and even death. Learning how to manage your disease is the first step in living a happy, healthy life. The class is one in a three-part series of informational classes for diabetic adults. Classes are taught by hospital staff.

Thursday, May 8, Noon-1 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Maternity Unit Tour The Maternity Unit Tour gives expectant parents and family an opportunity to view the private birthing suites, nurseries and post-partum rooms. A brief explanation of MountainView’s delivery procedures, visitor rules and items to bring are included. Free.

Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26 and April 9. 16 & 23 and May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturdays, March 1, 15, April 12 and May 3, 1-2 p.m.

Mountain View Hospital, Main Lobby, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

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2/13/14 6:28 PM

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Free Diabetes Medication Class & “Brown Bag” Medication Review The class is one in a three-part series of informational classes for diabetic adults.

Bring your questions and your medications for a review with our knowledgeable pharmacy staff. This class is for adults only; you are welcome to bring a guest.

Wednesday, May 21, 10-11:30 a.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Breast is Best (Breastfeeding Class) This class is to help expectant parents learn tips and tricks for successful breastfeeding, the benefits of breast milk and positioning and latching techniques.

Participants will benefit by bringing a baby doll or stuffed animal that is approximately the size of a newborn for practicing different techniques. The cost of this class is $25.

Saturdays, March 8, April 12 and May 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, First Floor Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Natural Childbirth Four-Week Class This four-week class is to prepare parents for natural childbirth, using holistic methods and Lamaze breathing. Breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as optimal positions for labor will be discussed. Class is limited to six couples. Cost is $80 for all four classes.

Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25 & April 1 and Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22 & 29 and Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, 1 South Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way Childbirth Class The class is designed to assist expectant parents in a better understanding of the third trimester of pregnancy and throughout the labor and delivery process. The cost of this class is $40.

Saturdays, March 22, April 26 and May 24, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, First Floor Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

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What to Expect When you are Done Expecting This class provides information for all parents in knowing how to care for a newborn as well as caring for the mother after delivery, or the fourth trimester. Please bring a baby-size doll or stuffed animal to practice infant care techniques. The cost of this class is $25.

Thursdays, March 27, April 24 and May 22, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

Diabetes Alert Day At-risk for diabetes? Get the facts and take the test! A Diabetes Risk Test (or take it online at www.stopdiabetes.com), Lab screenings: HbA1c ($10); glucose ($5); cholesterol ($5), blood pressure checks; BMI and weight checks; exercise demos; healthy cooking demo; opportunity to talk with Dr. Leon; educational resources; and door prizes. Reserve your spot 616-4900.

Tuesday, March 25, 8-11 a.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

Daddy Boot Camp: Basic Training for New Dads This class is designed to prepare new dads to assist in the care of mom and baby after leaving the hospital. Cost of class is $25.

Tuesday, March 18, 6-8 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

Nevada Health Link Workshop Learn what new insurance plans have to cover (e.g. doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room care, and prescriptions) and if you quality for insurance assistance. Call 616-4900 to reserve your spot.

Wednesday, March 5; 5-6:30 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 7220 S. Cimarron Road, Las Vegas

Sibling Class This class is geared to the 2- to 10-year-old sibling of a new infant. The purpose is to acquaint children with the hospital environment prior to the delivery of the baby.

Responsibilities of being an older sibling, along with special characteristics of a newborn, are presented in a playful way. The cost is $15 per family group.

Tuesdays, March 11 and April 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

MountainView Hospital, Lobby Classroom, 3100 N. Tenaya Way

St. Rose Dominican Hospitals For more information, visit www.strosehospitals. org, or call 616-4900 for class reservations and to learn about other programs.

Movement Disorder Seminar Dr. James Forage and Dr. R.E. Nagy talk treatment therapies including deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease and essential tremors.

Thursday, April 3, 7-9 p.m.

Siena Campus, 3001 St. Rose Parkway, MacDonald Room

Diabetes for Caregivers Grandparents, family, friends and babysitters: learn how to care for a child with Type 1 Diabetes! Registration required 616-4904.

Wednesday, March 19; 6-9 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 7220 S. Cimarron Road, Las Vegas kids rock Kids struggling with extra weight or Type 2 Diabetes are invited to a morning of funfilled activities to help you feel better and live healthier. Ages 10+. Parents must be present. Registration required 616-4904.

Saturday, March 22; 9 a.m.-Noon.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson DASH Away From Hypertension Learn the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for lowering blood pressure from Vanessa Borja, R.D. Thursday, March 13; 10 a.m.-Noon.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

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BECOME A HEALTHCARE PARTNER TODAY. — Tracy Wakefield, MD

“The delivery of quality health care is a team effort.

HealthCare Partners Nevada gives providers the tools and support to provide excellent care to their patients.” – Tracy Wakefield, MD HealthCare Partners Medical Group is one of the largest physician groups and affiliate networks in Southern Nevada, and we look to attract top quality health care providers to meet the growing medical needs of the community.

For more information, visit us online at hcpnv.com.

TOTAL CARE MODEL

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Cardiac Nutrition Learn to eat for heart health from Sharon Nasser, R.D. Wednesday, April 23; 10-11:30 a.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Thursday, March 20; 3-4:30 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 7220 S. Cimarron Road, Las Vegas Lower Cholesterol with TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) Get your numbers right through nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and supplementation from Sherry Poinier, RD, CDE. Thursday, March 6; 9-11 a.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Freedom From Smoking Kick the habit with this supportive, seven-week American Lung Association program. Free.

Tuesdays, April 1-May 13 and Thursday, April 24; 5:30-7 p.m.

San Martin Campus, 820 W. Warm Spring Road, Las Vegas Got SNAP? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Three Square will help you complete and submit your SNAP application free of charge. Call 616-4905 for an appointment.

Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Eating On The Run Sherry Poinier, RD, CDE teaches cooking demo and tips for eating healthy on the go.

Tuesday, March 18; 10:30 a.m.-Noon.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Mindless Eating Dr. Dominic Ricciardi uncovers common weight-loss pitfalls and tips to maintain healthy eating habits.

Wednesday, April 2; 6-7:30 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 7220 S. Cimarron Road, Las Vegas

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Southern Hills Hospital

AARP Smart Driver Program Reduce your insurance rates with AARPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smart Driver program. $20 for members, $15 for non-members. Check only.

Mondays, March 10 or April 14; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Fridays, Feb. 28, March 28 or April 25; 1-5 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

All programs are subject to change. Southern Hills Hospital is located at 9300 W. Sunset Road, Las Vegas. For more information, visit SouthernHillsHospital.com and click Community Info/H2U. Call 880.2700 to register at least 48 hours in advance. Registration is required for all events.

Medicare ABCDs Learn to decipher the Medicare maze and maximize Medicare benefits for you and your family.

Tuesdays, March 11 and April 8; 9-10 a.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

Lunch and Learn: Caring for a Healthy Colon Join board-certified, fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon, Dr. Roger Hsiung as he educates attendees on diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Lunch will be provided free for all attendees. This event is open to the public.

Tuesday, March 18, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Safe Sitter Youth ages 11-16 learn safe, nurturing childcare techniques and medical emergency management. $20 (includes lunch).

Monday, April 14; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Fit 4 Baby Join Fit 4 Mom Las Vegas for an intervalbased prenatal fitness class that combines cardio, stretching and balancing exercises. Register at lasvegas.fit4mom. com or 882-1795. Ten classes for $110.

Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Stroller Strides Join Fit 4 Mom Las Vegas for a total body workout while engaging baby through songs and activities. Register at lasvegas. fit4mom.com. Ten classes for $110.

Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson Infant Development Join Family to Family for this development playgroup for babies up to age 1.

Mondays, 2-3 p.m.

WomensCare Center, 2651 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson

Joint Education Class A joint replacement education classes prepares patients and their caregivers for upcoming hip and knee replacements.

This session provides details on what to expect before, during and after surgery. It also provides an opportunity for patients and their caregivers to ask questions prior to surgery and pre-register, making surgery day as smooth as possible. Free.

Friday, March 14, 2-3 p.m.

Prepared Childbirth Classes Class is designed to prepare parents for birth of a baby. Discussion will include: breathing techniques; labor/delivery, cesarean section, pain management options, post-partum, baby care/feeding.

For practice, bring pillow, small blanket or towel. We will tour our Labor and Delivery suites and Maternal Infant Unit .

The class cost is $45 per couple, which is payable to hospital cashier prior to class.

The class is limited to the first 10 couples only. Registration required.

Saturdays, March 1 and 8 (two-part class), 8 a.m.-Noon, and Wednesdays, March 12, 19 & 26 (threepart class), 6-9 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, Second Floor Childbirth Classroom, 9300 W. Sunset Road

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Free Tour of Women’s Services This tour will be conducted by a registered nurse and will last approximately 30 minutes depending on questions asked.

This tour is designed to acquaint mothersto-be with hospital services. Registration is required; call 880-2700 to register.

Saturdays, March 1 and 8, 12:30-1 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, Second Floor in lobby of Women’s Services, 9300 W. Sunset Road Breastfeeding Class Class informs and supports mom in successful breastfeeding. Dads are welcome.

Bring a baby doll or small stuffed animal to practice feeding positions. $15 per couple is payable to hospital cashier prior to class. Class is limited to first 10 couples. Registration required.

Thursday, March 17, 6-8 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, Second Floor Childbirth Classroom, 9300 W. Sunset Road AARP Driver Safety Class Bring your AARP card, driver’s license and something to write with. Attend this class and receive a discount on your automobile insurance. Reservation required. $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks payable to AARp accepted at the door; no cash.

Thursday, March 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, First Floor Education Room, 9300 W. Sunset Road Adult Diabetes Class: Overview and Nutrition Join Southern Hills Hospital’s Director of Education, Karen Greenberg, RN and Registered Dietitian, Joy DeGuzman as they provide basic education for the newly diagnosed adult diabetic patient. This class covers the basics of diabetes and dietary needs. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 26, 2-3 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, First Floor Education Room, 9300 W. Sunset Road

Adult Diabetes Class: Medications Join Southern Hills Hospital’s Registered Pharmacist, David Barati to learn about medications and their actions and effects on the diabetic patient. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, March 27, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Southern Hills Hospital, First Floor Education Room, 9300 W. Sunset Road

Sunrise Hospital and Sunrise Children’s Hospital Physician Lecture with Dr. Michael Seiff Join us for a free lecture with Dr. Michael Seiff as he discusses a wide variety of spine issues. A light dinner will be served, but registration is required.

Wednesday, March 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital Auditorium, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway Healthy Living Up 2 Me If you or a loved one is living with a chronic condition – including diabetes, arthritis, anxiety, COPD, heart disease, sleep disorders, high blood pressure –attend this Stanford University Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.

The program is a six-week program that teaches applications how to set personal goals and develop the skills needed to overcome the barriers to achieve them, along with improving communication skills, relaxation techniques, community resources, practical exercises and ways to optimize your patient/doctor relationship.

Registration is required.

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 12:30-3 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital H2U Office, 3131 La Canada St., Suite 107 Free Maternity Unit Tour Tour the Labor and Delivery suites and Level III NICU. Sundays, 2-3 p.m.

Meet in the Sunrise Children’s Hospital Lobby. Park in the south parking lot and follow the signs to the hospital.

Prepared Childbirth Class The class is designed to acquaint expectant parents with everything they need to know about the third trimester of pregnancy, labor and delivery, cesarean section, postpartum and newborn care.

A tour of Labor and Delivery and the Maternal Infant Unit is available at the completion of the class. NICU tour available upon request. Class cost is $45. To register, call 233-5437.

Saturday, March 8 & 22, 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer Center at Sunrise Hospital, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250.

Located in the diagnostic center on the north end of the Sunrise campus.

Free Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Class is designed to educate expectant mothers on the benefits and rewards of breastfeeding. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 233-5437 to register.

A complimentary tour of the Maternal Infant Unit is available at the completion of the class. Expecting moms who have preregistered at Sunrise are eligible to enroll in the class and the cost is included in their delivery fees. The fee for the breastfeeding course is $30 to mothers who wish to take part in our education offerings but have not yet pre-registered to deliver at Sunrise.

Monday, March 3, 11 a.m.-Noon.

Sunrise Children’s Hospital, Maternal Infant Unit Classroom, Third Floor, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway

Effective Nutrition Join Paul Watts as he discusses essential and effective nutritional tools to assist in achieving your New Year’s Health and Wellness Resolution. This event is free; reservations are required.

Friday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital H2U Office 3131 La Canada St., Suite 107 Free Car Seat Check Wednesday, March 19, 5-7 p.m.

Children’s Hospital Circular Driveway, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway

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Free Car Seat Check Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.-Noon.

The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2225 Village Walk Drive, Henderson Adult Outpatient Diabetes Class: Overview and Medications This class provides an introduction to the diabetes disease, process and the actions and effects of medications on the diabetic patient. This class is for adults only; you are welcome to bring a guest.

Tuesday, March 4, 2-4 p.m.

3121 S. Maryland Parkway, located across the street from Sunrise Hospital, two building south of Denny’s Adult Outpatient Diabetes Class: Nutrition This class will provide an introduction to the dietary needs of the diabetic patient and the benefits of diet and exercise. This class is for adults only; you are welcome to bring a guest.

Wednesday, March 5, 2-4 p.m.

3121 S. Maryland Parkway, located across the street from Sunrise Hospital, two building south of Denny’s AARP Driver Safety Class Bring your AARP card, driver’s license and something to write with. Attend this class and receive a discount on your automobile insurance. Reservation required. $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks payable to AARp accepted at the door; no cash.

Wednesday, March 12, Noon-4:15 p.m.

Sunrise Hospital H2U Office 3131 La Canada St., Suite 107 Young Survivor’s Breast Cancer Support Group This free breast cancer support group is offered to all women 40 years old and younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. No RSVP required. For more information, call 784-1947.

Wednesday, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer Center at Sunrise Hospital, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250

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Oncology Nutrition Class This is a free class led by Judy Reinhardt, Registered Dietitian and Certified Nutrition Support Clinician at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. Cancer survivors and their loved ones are invited to learn about healthy eating after a diagnosis of cancer.

Wednesday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer Center at Sunrise Hospital, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250 Look Good, Feel Better This class helps individuals with cancer look good, improve their self-esteem and manage their treatment and recovery with greater confidence. To RSVP, call 784-1947.

Thursday, March 27, 10 a.m.-Noon.

Breast Cancer Center at Sunrise Hospital, 3006 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 250 Epilepsy Support Group Meet other people with seizures. Meets in the Sunrise Hospital Auditorium, 3186 S. Maryland Parkway 2nd Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

University Medical Center / Children’s Hospital of Nevada Classes held in the Family Resource Center, 1120 Shadow Lane, Las Vegas. Call 702.383.2229 for more information.

Childbirth Class This is a three-part class designed to teach parents about the birth process, including breathing techniques, comfort measures and relaxation. You should complete your Childbirth class in your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. If you are delivering at another hospital there is $35 fee.

Wednesdays, March 5, 12 & 26, 6-9 p.m., and April 16, 23 & 30.

Infant and Child CPR This course is ideal for schools and students, new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Requires a $10 deposit, refunded when you attend the class.

Thursday, March 13, 2-5 p.m.

Breastfeeding Preparation One of our certified lactation specialist leads this discussion on the benefits of breastfeeding and provides expectant and new mothers with the skills they may need to successfully breastfeed. Birth partners and other family members are welcome to attend. Class should be completed prior to delivery and adults only, please. Free.

Tuesdays, March 11 and April 22, 6-8:30 p.m.

Baby Basics & Post-Partum Care Learn the basics of newborn baby care.

Some topics include: baby behavior, temperament and personality, crying and calming, growth and development. You will also learn how to properly care for yourself after you deliver. Free.

Thursday, April 3, 6-8 p.m.

Baby Basics II: Soothing & Sleeping Receive more information and preparation for your new baby. This is the second part of a “Free Baby Basics” education for new parents or parents who need a refresher. Free.

Tuesday, April 8, 6-8 p.m.

I’m Going to be a Big Brother/Big Sister: Sibling Class This class is designed to ease siblings into welcoming a new member of the family.

Children should be between 3 and 10 years old. Free.

Thursday, April 24, 4:30-6 p.m.

Walk With a Doc This monthly event focuses on getting people moving, interested and engaged in their health. Each 30- to 45-minute walk opens with a 3- to 5-minute health talk and is facilitated by volunteer physicians who answer questions throughout the walk. Walks occur the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Springs Preserve and coincide with the on-site Farmer’s Market.

Free and open to the public.

Thursdays, March 20, April 17 and May 15, 10-11 a.m.

Springs Preserve, 333 Valley View Blvd.

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Scleroderma Odds are, there’s only one thing you know about it: Someone who has it.

Scleroderma means hard skin

but the disease is much more, often affecting the internal organs with life-threatening consequences. One in every 4,000 Americans is affected by scleroderma and four out of five patients are women between the ages of 30 and 50, but it also strikes men and children.

Right now, there is no cure

and there are no universally effective treatments.

But there is hope. Our researchers have recently stopped scleroderma’s devastating internal and external scarring in a laboratory setting. They have also opened the door to possible new treatment strategies by linking the disease to cancer.

The Scleroderma Research Foundation is America’s leading nonprofit investor in medical research aimed at discovering better treatments and a cure. Join us to help patients live longer, fuller lives.

Be a part of the solution.

Help find a cure.

Research is the key.

“An investment in the most innovative research is an investment in a cure.”

1-800-441-CURE www.SRFcure.org

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Scleroderma Research Foundation

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2/3/14 9:22 AM

THE CARDIOVASCULAR DESTINATION

BY THE NUMBERS

26.5 million

Number of noninstitutionalized adults in the United States who have been diagnosed with heart disease.

1,660,290

Estimated number of new cancer cases in the United States in 2013.

100

Estimated number of deaths due to ovarian cancer in Nevada last year, according to the American Cancer Society.

23 percent

Percentage of adults in Nevada who say they don’t exercise. This is on a par with the national average of 23.9 percent.

From routine cardiac procedures to life-threatening emergencies, Nevada Cardiology Associates strive to serve the entire community with advanced healthcare that’s committed, compassionate, accountable and assured. ✚ ADVANCED NON-INVASIVE TESTING ✚ EP SERVICES ✚ INTERVENTIONAL CARDIAC PROCEDURES

20.7

Nevada’s drug poisoning death rate per 100,000 members of the population. The Silver State has the fourth-highest rate of drug poisoning deaths in the country.

2.2 million

Number of Americans who suffer from glaucoma. There are many more individuals who have the disease but haven’t been diagnosed, according to the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group.

35,000

The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease expected to live in Nevada by 2020. The most recent numbers from the Alzheimer’s Association show 29,000 Nevadans suffered from the disease in 2010.

4 percent

Percentage of people with Parkinson’s disease who are diagnosed before the age of 50, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

276,900 NEVADA CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES 3121 S. Maryland Pkwy., Ste. 512 Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.796.7150

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Number of nursing home residents with anemia. These individuals make up 18.6 percent of the nursing home population.

16.9 percent

Percentage of individuals ages 2 to 19 considered obese in 2009-’10, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

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Dedicated to Your Dental Care At Rose Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we want you to have a quality, relaxing dentistry experience. With our state-of-the-art technology, spa-like atmosphere, and friendly personnel, you’ll feel right at home.

As a valued patient of Rose Cosmetic and Family Dentistry you’ll enjoy the following amenities: • DVD movies • Comfortable quilts • Neck pillows • Soothing paraffin treatments • Warm facial towels

We also offer oral sedation to ensure your total comfort during your treatment.

We provide a multitude of family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services. Whether you need a regular checkup, teeth whitening, gum disease therapy, or full-mouth reconstruction, we can deliver! Trust Rose Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to take care of you and your family’s oral healthcare needs.

Dr. Stephen C. Rose graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1979 and was inducted into Tau Kappa Omega and Omnicron Kappa Upsilon. Upon graduation, Dr. Rose completed a one-year general practice residency at the VA hospital in Portland, OR. In 1980, he opened his practice in Las Vegas.

Dr. Michael S. Rose graduated from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2008.

Upon graduation he moved home to Las Vegas to start practicing with his father. Dr. Mike is fluent in Spanish after living in Venezuela for two years.

He is Invisalign certified and has been DOCS Education certified in oral conscious sedation.

Rose Cosm et ic & Fa mi ly Dent i s t ry Stephen C. Rose, DDS | Michael S. Rose, DDS 4230 E. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89104 | P: (702) 459-8998 | E: rosedentalpractice@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday - Thursday | 7 am – 4:30 pm

www.dentalrose.com Se Habla Español

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LOOKING BACK

CAST OF CHARACTERS

By Rebecca Clifford-Cruz In the early 1970s, Sunrise Hospital laid roots for Sunrise Children’s Hospital when they opened the first neonatal intensive care unit in the Las Vegas valley. What began as a 10-bed ward, in a corner on the fourth floor of the hospital’s South Tower, has evolved into a world-class pediatric facility offering services including cardiology, dialysis, oncology, hematology and emergency services. While children recover from illnesses and surgeries, they are surprised with visits by characters ranging from technology savvy robots to friendly furry personalities.

Above right, Vincent Taormina, 16, shakes hands with Millennia the robot during Millennia’s visit to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in June 2004. Millennia, a product of International Robotics, is in town with Alcoa’s Wheel & Forged Products division at The Trucking Show. Photo by Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun Middle right, Aaron Methvin, dressed as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Michelangelo, steps off the elevator to visit with patients at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in July 2009. Photo by Leila Navidi/ Las Vegas Sun Below right, Brock Cuellar, 11, suffering from osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer – receives a hug from Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster during their visit to Sunrise Children’s Hospital in April 2010. Photo by Leila Navidi/Las Vegas Sun Below, The Easter Bunny delivers a basket to Denysha Clark, 3, at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in April 2011. The visit was courtesy of E-BUNNY, a volunteer organization that provides Easter baskets to disadvantaged children in the Las Vegas Valley. Photo by Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun

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From left to right: Matthew H.C. Otten, D.O.; Xin Nick Liu, D.O.; Thommam Kuruvilla, D.P.M.; Timothy James Trainor, M.D; Randall E. Yee, D.O.; Sep Bady, M.D.

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