Las Vegas HEALS News

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Mar 05
0

Southern Nevada Health District Announces Positive Case of COVID-19 in a Clark County Resident

By | Press Release

The Southern Nevada Health District is announcing the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Clark County resident. Test results are considered “presumptive positive” until the result is confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient is a male in his 50s who is hospitalized and currently in airborne isolation.

The patient reported a recent travel history to Washington state, where community spread of the virus is being reported, and Texas, which recently reported its first travel-associated case. The Health District is working with its health care partners and leading the effort to quickly identify close contacts of the patient.

While the COVID-19 outbreak is as serious public health threat, the immediate risk from the virus to the general public in Clark County and the United States remains low at this time.

The Health District will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

The public can help the response: 

  • Do not go the emergency department unless it is essential. Emergency departments need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
    • If you have a mild cough, fever, or other respiratory symptoms, contact your doctor first.
  • Practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Stay informed. The COVID-19 situation is changing frequently. Up to date information is available on the Health District website at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Access information about the Southern Nevada Health District on its website: www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, YouTube: www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernnevadahealthdistrict/. The Health District is available in Spanish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Additional information and data can be accessed through the Healthy Southern Nevada website: www.HealthySouthernNevada.org.

Feb 25
0

Southwest Medical Adds Six New Health Care Providers

By | On The Move, Press Release

Southwest Medical has added 6 new physicians to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community:

Kenneth Brandt, DO, joins Southwest Medical (270 W. Lake Mead) as a physician in the adult medicine department.

Jonathan Hyatt, CRNA, joins Southwest Medical (2350 W. Charleston) as a nurse anesthetist in the anesthesiology department.

Michelle Harris, MA, joins Southwest Medical (4750 W. Oakey) as a medical assistant in the adult medicine department.

Katherine Maroquin Enriquez, MA, joins Southwest Medical (4750 W. Oakey) as a medical assistant.

Tiana-Marie Spain, joins Southwest Medical (4750 W. Oakey) as an associate patient care coordinator.

Halima Tabani, joins Southwest Medical (4750 W. Oakey) as an associate patient care coordinator.

 

Feb 18
1

Nevada Donor Network Leverages Groundbreaking Technology to Achieve Rare Heart & Lung Recoveries

By | Medical Innovations and Technology, Press Release

NDN successfully recovers heart after circulatory death for transplant; coordinates its first Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) to prolong viability of lungs for transplant    

Recently, Nevada Donor Network (NDN) successfully reached two pivotal milestones reflective of the team’s dedication to maximizing the gift of life and health through organ, eye and tissue donation. Leveraging groundbreaking technology in transplantation recovery, the organ procurement organization (OPO) coordinated the recovery of a lifesaving heart for transplant after circulatory death; and coordinated its first Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) to prolong the viability of lungs for transplant.  

Thanks to a heroic Nevadan, NDN is the first OPO in Region 5 (Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah) of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), and among the first in the nation to recover a heart for transplant from a Donation after Cardiac and Circulatory Death (DCD) donor. A DCD donation is possible after the heart stops beating; most commonly, donation occurs when a person’s brain has completely and irreversibly stopped functioning, called Donation after Brain Death (DBD).

“Organ donation is possible only when someone has died under certain medical conditions and after all lifesaving efforts have been exhausted,” said Nevada Donor Network Vice President of Clinical Affairs Darren Lahrman.  “DCD is only possible after a family’s decision to transition their loved one to comfort care. Until recently, this type of donation has yielded kidneys, livers and lungs for transplant, which makes DCD donation rare. A grateful recipient in the Midwest is alive today thanks to another family’s generosity.”

Because of another donor hero, the NDN team coordinated their first Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) which has given the gift of life to a grateful recipient who can breathe again. EVLP is an innovative therapy that perfuses nutrients into donated lungs outside of the body to improve organ quality and transplant outcomes. EVLP allows lungs that would previously have been considered unsuitable safe for transplant. Without it, donated lungs must be transplanted within six hours. With this innovative technology, NDN facilitated a second chance at life for someone on the other side of the country.  

“First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to the heroic donors and courageous families whose

generosity has made the gift of life possible for others,” said Nevada Donor Network President & CEO Joe Ferreira. “It is our tremendous honor to facilitate and maximize these lifesaving gifts on behalf of those we

humbly serve. With more than 113,000 people on the waiting list nationwide, including 644 Nevadans, it is our duty to ensure we save and heal as many lives as possible. We proudly share our milestone achievements in hopes it inspires the donation community and the world to consider what is possible.”  

NDN is the only Nevada-based federally designated 501c3 not-for-profit organ procurement organization also responsible for facilitating tissue and cornea donation statewide.  For more information, please visit www.NVDonor.org. 

 

 

 

Feb 18
1

Southern Nevada Health District 2019 Novel Coronavirus Update

By | Press Release

In keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) guidance, the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance is monitoring a number of Clark County residents returning from mainland China. Consistent with CDC guidelines, these individuals did not have symptoms after receiving a medical screening and were allowed to return home and be monitored under a 14-day self-quarantine. The number of people being monitored under these guidelines is subject to change on a daily basis.

Additionally, the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory has received a CDC-developed test kit and will have the capacity to test for the 2019 novel coronavirus. This will allow the Health District to receive results in a more timely manner. Only patients who meet the CDC criteria and have been assessed by a medical provider and the Health District will be tested.  Moving forward and in keeping with its standard disease reporting practices, if additional Clark County residents do meet the CDC criteria of a person under investigation for the 2019 novel coronavirus and require testing, the Health District will only announce confirmed cases of the virus.

 

Feb 18
0

Southwest Medical Adds Six New Health Care Providers

By | On The Move, Press Release

Southwest Medical has added 6 new physicians to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community:

Apeksha Desai, MD, joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) as medical director of on-demand medicine.

Esmeralda Jallad, MA, joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) as a medical assistant.

Phyllis Johnson, joins Southwest Medical (2650 N. Tenaya Way) as an associate patient care coordinator at the Tenaya Surgery Center.

Valerie Diamond, joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) as a patient care advocate in the patient services department.

Carolyn Dy, joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) as an RN case manager in the Resource Coordination Center.

Destini Green, joins Southwest Medical (2716 N. Tenaya Way) as a patient care advocate in the patient services department.

 

Feb 06
1

Desert Radiology Announces the Hiring of Two New Radiologists

By | New Hires, Press Release

The new physicians will specialize in mammography and teleradiology

Desert Radiology, a premier diagnostic imaging company that has served Southern Nevada for more than 50 years, announced that their Palomino corporate office located in the Las Vegas Medical District has expanded their team with the addition of two new radiologists, Dr. Roberto Martinez and Dr. Amir Paydar.

Dr. Martinez previously served as head of nuclear radiology for Delta Radiology in New Orleans, Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Martinez and his family relocated to Las Vegas where he worked for Guam Radiology Consultants providing expertise in general radiology, nuclear medicine and breast imaging, including stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies before accepting a position with Desert Radiology.

Dr. Paydar was previously employed at a private practice in Orlando, Florida where he provided final interpretations on complex neuroradiology cases with a focus on head and neck imaging. Additionally, Dr. Paydar has participated in numerous clinical research studies, contributed to scholarly publications and has presented at several national radiological annual meetings.

Dr. Martinez will primarily focus on providing interpretations for the mammography exams and performing breast biopsies at Desert Radiology’s Palomino imaging center. Dr. Paydar will serve as a teleradiologist providing imaging interpretations and results.

Desert Radiology is Southern Nevada’s largest resource for diagnostic care with more than 80 experienced radiologists. The practice operates 11 outpatient imaging centers and works closely with 12 area hospitals to deliver leading-edge services that include diagnostic and interventional radiology.

About Desert Radiology

Desert Radiology was founded in 1966 and has grown within the Las Vegas community to become the area’s chief resource for the highest quality diagnostic care. Desert Radiology’s staff of radiologists, technical and support personnel promote a reassuring environment that relieves concerns, resulting in the best possible experience for our patients. Desert Radiology works closely with hospitals to deliver leading-edge diagnostic imaging services and is proud to provide radiology interpretations and perform interventional procedures at numerous Nevada hospitals. For more information, visit www.desertrad.com, or on Twitter at @DesertRadiology and Facebook at www.facebook.com/desertradiology.

Feb 06
2

Desert Radiology Adds Advanced CT Scanner Technology

By | Featured, Innovation, News, Press Release

New CT Scanner Provides Superior Imaging Results, Improved Radiation Safety

Desert Radiology, a premier diagnostic imaging company that has served Southern Nevada for more than 50 years, acquired a new CT scanner equipped with radiation dose reduction software packages that will be used at the Palomino facility.

The new uMR 570 MRI machine.

CT, or computed tomography, is a scan that allows physicians to see inside a patient’s body to help diagnose any injury or potential disease. The new Canon Aquilion Prime SP 80 detector row CT scanner is comprised of two dose reduction software packages, AIDR 3D and Sure Exposure, that maintain high quality image detail of imaging results while lowering radiation dosages specific to each patient’s body type.

Additionally, the new scanner comes equipped with SEMR software, which significantly reduces metal artifact for complex musculoskeletal exams. The equipment also features a wide 78 cm entry to easily accommodate patients.

This latest acquisition is a continuation of Desert Radiology’s commitment to advanced high-quality patient care, as they provide the most state-of-the-art radiology procedures and diagnostic imaging available.

The new CT scanner has been installed and patient examinations began on January 27th at the practice’s Palomino location, in the heart of the Las Vegas Medical District. The practice has plans of installing a second Aquilion Prime CT in March at its location in northwest Las Vegas.

“Our team continually studies and researches the best tools available to help improve patient care,” said Vicki Thornhill, Imaging Facility Manager at Desert Radiology. “Our new CT scanners will help our physicians deliver the most accurate results possible.”

Desert Radiology is Southern Nevada’s largest resource for diagnostic care with more than 80 experienced radiologists. The practice operates 11 outpatient imaging centers and works closely with 12 area hospitals to deliver leading-edge services that include diagnostic and interventional radiology.

About Desert Radiology

Desert Radiology was founded in 1966 and has grown within the Las Vegas community to become the area’s chief resource for the highest quality diagnostic care. Desert Radiology’s staff of radiologists, technical and support personnel promote a reassuring environment that relieves concerns, resulting in the best possible experience for our patients. Desert Radiology works closely with hospitals to deliver leading-edge diagnostic imaging services and is proud to provide radiology interpretations and perform interventional procedures at numerous Nevada hospitals. For more information, visit their website, or on Twitter and Facebook.

Feb 05
0

Southwest Medical Adds Five New Health Care Providers

By | On The Move, Press Release

Southwest Medical has added 5 new physicians to help meet the growing need for health services in the Las Vegas community:

Kelli Ann Biggans, PA, joins Southwest Medical (888 S. Rancho) as a physician assistant in the cardiology department.

Julie Cipriani, LPN, joins Southwest Medical Urgent Care (888 S. Rancho) as a licensed practical nurse.

Dolores Lebron-Gallagher, PA, joins Southwest Medical (888 S. Rancho) as a physician assistant in the cardiology department.

 Meagan Schaetzle, MA, joins Southwest Medical (888 S. Rancho) as a medical assistant in the cardiology department.

Jordan Kern, joins Southwest Medical Urgent Care (888 S. Rancho) as an associate patient care coordinator.

Feb 04
0

Clark County Patient Tests Negative for Novel Coronavirus

By | Press Release

The Southern Nevada Health District received notice today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a Clark County resident has tested negative for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). While waiting for the test results the patient’s symptoms had resolved and had remained isolated in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. The adult patient arrived into the United States from Wuhan, China on January 14 and sought medical care on January 28.

“The Health District worked closely with local and state health care partners and the CDC to investigate this case,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, Acting Chief Health Officer of the Southern Nevada Health District. “We appreciate the cooperation and assistance we received,” said Dr. Leguen.

While the CDC considers 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak to be a serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate risk to the public in the United States is believed to be low at this time. Southern Nevada residents who have not traveled to areas in China where the virus is circulating or have had close contact with a patient who has tested positive for the virus are at low risk for infection.

People who traveled to China and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days after they have returned should contact their health care provider. Potential patients are advised to contact their medical provider or emergency department before they arrive so the medical facility can take the appropriate precautions.

The Health District is encouraging the public to follow the current CDC recommendations, which include:

  • Practicing everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
    • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It is important to note there are four common types of coronaviruses that are part of routine testing in health care facilities. These four strains cause respiratory infections, including colds. Currently, only the CDC has the capability to test for the novel coronavirus. Patients who receive a diagnosis of coronavirus in local health care facilities have tested positive for a common strain of the virus and not the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Up to date information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is available on the Health District website at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus.

Access information about the Southern Nevada Health District on its website: www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, YouTube: www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernnevadahealthdistrict/. The Health District is available in Spanish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Additional information and data can be accessed through the Healthy Southern Nevada website: www.HealthySouthernNevada.org.

 

Feb 04
0

February is American Heart Month

By | Press Release

Heart disease, strokes remain leading causes of death

February is American Heart Month, and the Southern Nevada Health District will provide free blood pressure screenings at its 280 S. Decatur Blvd. location on Friday, February 7, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Health District is also reminding Nevadans to take steps to protect their heart health by discussing their risks, such as high blood pressure, with their health care providers and learn how to reduce those risk factors. 

The Health District’s Get Healthy Clark County website’s Million Hearts page offers tools, information, and resources for the public as well as health care providers. In addition, information and resources are available on the Spanish-language website Viva Saludable.

In Nevada, heart disease and stroke continue to be among the leading causes of death. Each December, the United Health Foundation releases its America’s Health Rankings Annual Report. The 2019 report supports the need for heart health education, resources, and outreach to members of the community. The report also found Nevada’s age-adjusted number of deaths due to all cardiovascular disease was 302.6 per 100,000 population — an increase from 294.2 per 100,000 population in 2018. The age-adjusted number for the United States was 260.4 per 100,000 population.

In the United States, an estimated one in three people has heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death. The good news is that there are steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of heart disease, called the ABCS of heart disease risk management. Aspirin therapy as directed, Blood pressure control, lower Cholesterol levels, and quitting Smoking – can help lower heart disease risks. By implementing changes to diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking, most people can reduce their risk of heart disease. 

One of the Health District’s most successful initiatives, the Barbershop Health Outreach Project, addresses some of the disparities among racial and ethnic minorities; these communities continue to be disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. Black adults between the ages of 45 and 54 are more than four times as likely to have a stroke for the first time compared with white adults of the same age. Barbershops were identified as places where men gather and as ideal venues for providing outreach and education in a familiar and comfortable environment. The program model has also been expanded to include beauty shops. For more information about the Barbershop Health Outreach Project and a schedule of screenings, visit the  Get Healthy Clark County Manage Your Risk/Heart Disease webpage.

Health care providers also have access to Health District resources that can assist them when talking to patients about making better choices that can improve their health. The Get Healthy Clark County website provides information for both health care professionals and patients. The Health Care section contains resources that include the High Blood Pressure Resource Toolkit and the Stroke Resource Toolkit.

Additional resources on the Health District’s Get Healthy Clark County website include the Tobacco Prevention resource section. Available materials include brief tobacco-use interventions that providers can present to their patients as well as information about the Nevada Tobacco Quitline. Nevada residents, ages 13 and older who are seeking help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can contact the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) from a Nevada area code.

The Health District also offers a variety of programs and mobile apps that can support people on the journey to a healthier lifestyle. The Road to Diabetes Prevention is a free online program that helps users reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Health District and its partners also offer additional resources including Diabetes Self-Management Classes and a bilingual Nevada Diabetes Resources Directory with information about classes, prevention, clinics, specialists, support groups.

Available apps include Neon to Nature, which allows users to search for walking, hiking, and horse trails in Southern Nevada based on location, amenities, level of difficulty, and more. Half My Plate provides a fun way to motivate users to eat more fruits and vegetables. It’s based on the USDA recommendations, and the app is a customizable tracker that helps users reach their goals for a healthy diet by inspiring them to make half their plate fruits and vegetables. For more information and additional Health District apps, go to the Mobile Apps webpage.

Access information about the Southern Nevada Health District on its website: www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, YouTube: www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict, Twitter: www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernnevadahealthdistrict/. The Health District is available in Spanish on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TuSNHD. Additional information and data can be accessed through the Healthy Southern Nevada website: www.HealthySouthernNevada.org.