HEALS Healthcare Magazine June Theme is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

By | Featured, News

The theme for May’s Las Vegas HEALS Healthcare magazine is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month We invite anyone interested in having content featured to send materials to Adriana. Those interested in placing advertisements can also email Adriana to send in materials, or ask any questions you may have.

Advertising Specs

1/4 Page -3.5″ w x 4.5″
1/2 Page -7.5″ w x 5.5″
Full Page 8.5” x 11”

Advertising Options

Quarter page $100
Half-page – $150
Full page – $275
Advertorial – $550
Front Cover – $675
Back Cover – $375

Articles/human interest pieces – 500 – 600 words (please include pictures)

*All submissions must be received by the 10th of every month. If you need our assistance designing your ad, our designer can help (for an additional fee)

UNLV Medical School Graduation Honorees

By | News

2025 Medical Student Award Winners

Barbara Atkinson Service & Leadership Award

Jessica Fields

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

Kendall Chaffin and Hannah Murawsky

Excellence in Medical Education Award

Thomas Iida

Outstanding Achievement in Research Award

Kian Habashi

Outstanding Service to the Community Award

Leora Abrams and Kendall Chaffin

Exemplary Professionalism Award

Gemma Lagasca and Timothy Shaw

Student Affairs Recognition Award

Daniel Dawson and Kencie Ely

Gwen Amsrala Memorial Award

Charissa Alo

Outstanding Student in Family and Community Medicine Award

Jared Diaz

Lisa Yao Memorial Scholarship in Family and Community Medicine

Daniela Lemus and Raul Marquez

Outstanding Student in Internal Medicine Award

Madison Elmer

Outstanding Student in Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics Award

Daniel Dawson

Outstanding Student in Pediatrics Award

Genesis Trejo

Outstanding Student in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Award

Noa Klausner

Outstanding Student in Surgery Award

Joshua Ho

Faculty Recognition Award Winners

Outstanding Faculty for Phase I

Laura Shaw, MD

Outstanding Clinical Faculty

Misti Song, MD

Outstanding Resident Teacher

Declan Feery, MD, Surgery

Outstanding Community Faculty

Archer Grimley, MD, Family Medicine

Venkatachalam Veerappan, MD, Neurology

Outstanding Clinical Department

Family and Community Medicine

Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society Inductees

Student Inductees

Leora Abrams

Sophie Ahmad

Kendall Chaffin

Madison Elmer

Kian Habashi

Thomas Iida

Kristine Liang

Lily Liu

Salman Mohammed

Hannah Murawsky

Ye Eun Nam

Edward Pizio

Timothy Shaw

Faculty Inductees

Angelica Honsberg, MD, Internal Medicine

Resident Inductees

Cory Colombini, MD, Plastic Surgery

Sana Gurz, MD, Internal Medicine

Tahne Vongsavath, DO, Internal Medicine

Gold Humanism in Medicine National Honor Society Inductees

Student Inductees

Charissa Alo

Daniel Dawson

Madison Elmer

Jessica Fields

Thomas Iida

Hiba Kauser

Gemma Lagasca

Natalie Osborn

Genesis Trejo

Emily Weinschreider

Faculty Inductees

Amber Champion, MD, Internal Medicine

Glendell de Guzman, MD, Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics

Misti Song, MD, Internal Medicine

Josephine Sun, MD, Pediatrics

Fellow Inductees

KaChon Lei, MD, Cardiovascular Medicine Fellow

Resident Inductees

Mary Froehlich, MD, Surgery

Gursharan Narwal, MD, Family Medicine

Juliann Shih, MD, Internal Medicine

Jessica Tay, MD, Pediatrics

Daun’lee Warren, MD, Pediatrics

Southern Nevada Health District Releases 2025 Community Health Assessment

By | Featured

The Southern Nevada Health District, in collaboration with community partners, has released the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA), a comprehensive evaluation of Clark County’s  health needs, strengths and available resources. The assessment is now available on the Healthy Southern Nevada website.

As part of the prioritization process, the Health District and community members met on April 30 to review key health indicators and collectively identify the most pressing public health issues in Clark County. Based on this collaborative assessment, the top three health priorities selected were:

1. Access to Care

2. Chronic Disease

3. Public Health Funding

Additional community meetings are planned this summer to continue the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) which will guide future public health strategies.

The CHA serves as a foundational element of public health by supporting its three core functions: assessment, policy development, and assurance. It serves as a vital tool for identifying health challenges and assets, informing policy and evaluating public health efforts. The overarching goal is to achieve health equity by identifying urgent health issues in the community and aligning resources to support healthier outcomes.

During the assessment process, common themes emerged from the feedback provided by the community participants, including:

  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Access to Care
  • Mental Health
  • Chronic Disease
  • Public Health Funding
  • Environmental Factors
  • Substance Use
  • Infectious Disease

The assessment process incorporates three key evaluations: the Community Partner Assessment, the Community Context Assessment and the Community Status Assessment. This work was conducted using the Mobilizing Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) framework developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. MAPP is a community-driven strategic process that encourages collaboration and data-informed decision-making.

“This process emphasizes collaboration across organizations and active community engagement,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer of the Health District. “It recognizes that meaningful health outcomes result from collective efforts rather than the actions of any single entity.”

The 2025 CHA is designed to inform the public, stakeholders and organizations about the current health status of Clark County residents. Its findings will help to identify strategic priorities and the development of a CHIP, which will direct health initiatives and interventions for the next three to five years.

For more information on the CHA and CHIP process, go to Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) – NACCHO. Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at Community Planning for Health Assessment: CHA & CHIP | Public Health Gateway | CDC.

Why Some Women May Need to Rethink Relationship with Alcohol

By | News

By Dr. Lisa Saul, Chief Medical Officer of Women’s Health for UnitedHealthcare

If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind after a long day or shared cocktails with friends, you’re not alone. But here’s something you might not know: alcohol affects women differently than men—and not in a good way.

Women’s bodies process alcohol differently, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects. And in recent years, alcohol-related health risks for women have skyrocketed. The former U.S. surgeon general recently warned that alcohol increases cancer risk, while studies show that alcohol-related deaths among women have jumped by nearly 15% in the past two decades.

So, what does this mean for you? It’s time to take a closer look at how alcohol affects women at different life stages —and what you can do to protect your health.

College, cocktails and consequences

College and early adulthood often come with happy hours and weekend parties. But did you know that nearly 29% of women aged 18-25 report binge drinking? This can lead to higher risks of accidents and alcohol poisoning. Moreover, binge drinking during these formative years can cause long-term changes to brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence.

Why pregnancy and alcohol shouldn’t mix

Pregnancy comes with its fair share of stress, and some women may wonder if an occasional glass of wine can help them relax. But despite common myths, no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Even small amounts may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lifelong developmental challenges. Despite these risks, nearly 14% of pregnant women report drinking and about 5% reported binge drinking.

The “Mommy juice” trend 

A glass of wine to de-stress after a long day? Sounds harmless—until it’s not. For some, the rise of “mommy wine” culture has made drinking feel like a normal part of parenting. But heavy drinking among women has surged by 41% since the pandemic, putting mothers at higher risk of liver disease, heart problems, increased anxiety and depression, and developing alcohol dependence over time.

Perimenopause and beyond

As women approach perimenopause, alcohol can hit harder due to hormonal shifts, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. For African American women, alcohol-can exacerbate the risk of heart problems such as hypertension and cardiomyopathy, which are already more common in this group.

Hormonal changes during this life stage may also lead to intensified cravings for alcohol, increasing the risk of dependency. Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression are more pronounced during perimenopause. For many women of color, additional factors such as chronic stress from societal pressures, weathering, and discrimination can further impact their mental well-being.

The cancer connection

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently highlighted a strong link between alcohol use and six types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers. This is particularly concerning, as rates for some of these cancers are rising among younger adults.

But here’s the good news: you can take steps to greatly reduce your risk. According to the AACR, 40% of all cancers in the United States are linked risk factors we can control, such as making better choices around alcohol, not smoking, staying active and improving our diets.

Alcohol-related dementia
Did you know that chronic drinking can lead to alcohol-related dementia? This condition happens when long-term heavy drinking causes serious brain damage, leading to memory loss, trouble solving problems, and changes in behavior and personality. The good news is that cutting back on alcohol can help manage and even improve these symptoms over time.

Taking charge of your health

While being mindful of alcohol is a great first step, prioritizing your overall well-being is just as important. Here are some ways to stay on top of your health.

  • Understand the impact of alcohol. Think red wine is good for your heart? New research says otherwise—no amount of alcohol is healthy. Educating yourself about alcohol’s effects can help you make more informed choices.
  • Make a plan. If you chose to drink, set limits, alternate with water, or explore non-alcoholic alternatives. Consider finding social activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.
  • See your doctor regularly. Routine checkups can help identify early signs of alcohol-related health risks, including high blood pressure, liver issues, and increased cancer risk.
  • Explore available resources. Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide support for mental health, stress, and substance use concerns. You may also have access to digital health tools, telehealth visits and wellness programs.
  • Lean on a support system. Instead of relying on alcohol to unwind, try stress-relieving activities like walking, journaling, or connecting with a friend. Surround yourself with people who encourage balance and healthy choices.

It’s never too late to rethink your drinking

If you’re concerned about your drinking or need guidance, reach out to a healthcare provider, explore behavioral health resources through your insurance, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Soda Free Summer Challenge Underway

By | News

The Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has launched its annual Soda Free Summer Challenge, now underway through August 31. The campaign encourages everyone to choose healthier beverages in favor of soda and other sugary drinks.

Sugar-sweetened beverages—including popular choices like sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, and sweetened coffees and teas—are a leading source of added sugars in the American diet. A standard 12-ounce soda can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar. Added sugars contribute to issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and tooth decay.

“Excessive sugar consumption is associated with many negative health outcomes” said Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Limiting or eliminating sugar sweetened beverages from your diet is one way to reduce consumption of added sugars.”

Nationally, 63% of youth and 49% of adults report having sugary drinks once daily or more. On average, children consume more than 30 gallons of sugary drinks per year, enough to fill an entire bathtub. The average American consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day. Adolescents (12-19 years old) are the highest consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages. In Clark County, 13.2% of adolescents drank one can, bottle or glass of soda at least once per day during 2023, up from 11.4% in 2019.

According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar per day. For women, the recommended daily maximum is 6 teaspoons. Adults and children are encouraged to limit sugary drinks and opt for healthier alternatives including water, unsweetened tea and plain milk.

Consumers are advised to read nutrition labels to determine how much added sugar is included in their drinks. For more information on sugary drinks and the Soda Free Summer Challenge visit www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org or www.VivaSaludable.org.

5 Tips for Prioritizing Mental Health This Mental Health Awareness Month

By | News

By: Dr. Donald Tavakoli, UnitedHealthcare National Medical Director for Behavioral Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a great time to check in with yourself, the people in your life and explore ways to prioritize emotional well-being. With one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, taking small, intentional steps to support mental wellness may have a very meaningful impact. This month, and in the months ahead, there are simple yet effective ways to focus on your mental health. Here are a handful to consider:

1. Stay Connected to a Strong Support System
Social support can play a critical role in mental well-being. Research shows that strong social connections are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. In fact, according to UnitedHealthcare’s College Student and Graduate Behavioral Health Report, young adults are increasingly turning to their peers for emotional support more than any other outside influence. Whether it’s friends, family or colleagues, maintaining these connections may provide stability and encouragement during life’s ups and downs.

2. Build Healthy Habits
Lifestyle choices may have a significant impact on mental health. Regular physical activity, proper sleep, and balanced nutrition may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety an  depression. Studies have shown that individuals who engaged in regular exercise experience lower levels of stress and improved mental well-being. Even small changes, like a daily walk or practicing mindfulness, may make a significant difference.

3. Limit Online Time
Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety, especially among young people. It’s important to keep in mind that a person’ssocial feed may not reflect their actual life story. Instead, try to embrace the difficulties of life as normal, focus on the present, and prioritize your offline relationships.

4. Take Advantage of Mental Health Resources
Exploring available mental health resources available through your health plan can be a great first step. For example, some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer digital self-care tools such as Calm Health, coaching, 24/7 mental health support lines for “in-the-moment” support visits, along with in person and virtual visits, allowing individuals to access support in a variety of ways. If you’re unsure where to start, sign in to your health plan or call the number on your insurance ID card.

5. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
If feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression start to feel overwhelming, reach out to your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have a PCP, establish a relationship with one. Your PCP will provide valuable insights and care, and referrals if needed. Getting the right support can guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Please remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t just important this month – it may be something that
benefits overall well-being year-round. Even small, consistent efforts may lead to long-term improvements in
emotional resilience and quality of life.

For more mental health resources, visit uhc.com.

Living Strong: How Women May Maintain Bone Health and Prevent Falls

By | Featured, News

by Lien Hoang, MD, Medicare & Retirement
UnitedHealthcare of Nevada

As we grow older, women and men begin losing bone density and mass, which may make us more susceptible to bone-related conditions and injuries. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, often resulting in fractures and other serious health issues. With many older adults wanting to live independently as long as possible, good overall health is crucial. Maintaining strong bones and preventing falls may help.

Know Your Numbers – CMS recommends women 60 or older receive a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA bone scan, as bones change due to menopause and decreases in estrogen. The bone scan measures the mineral content, particularly calcium, to determine bones’ density. Based on the results, providers may recommend treatments. This test is generally covered under Medicare and other health plans.

Understand Your Risks – While bone density naturally decreases over time, the amount, speed, and impact of loss may be slowed so take stock of what you eat and drink, and how much you exercise and move. Also, review your family’s health history to help determine what health conditions may be hereditary. Be sure to share this with your physician.

Eat Right and Exercise – Consider including foods high in Vitamin D and calcium as part of a well-balanced diet. Discuss with your health care provider the possibility of incorporating weight-bearing exercises into your workout routine. Activities like walking, jogging, and exercises that improve balance and coordination might be beneficial. New to exercise? Start off slowly as any additional movement can have benefits as you gain strength.

Make Your Surroundings Fall-Proof – Look around your home – inside and outside. Can you safely pass by tables, chairs, and other furniture? Are all the rugs and floorboards secure? Are there grab bars and handrails? Are bare floors slippery, even when dry? What about outside your home? Are there holes, cracks, uneven spots? Address these obstacles and other worries to make your home safer inside and out.

Dress for Safety – In addition to ensuring clothes do not drag the floor – a potential trip hazard, be mindful of what you are wearing on your feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers, or slip-proof socks or slippers. Specifically designate these as “inside wear only” if you do not want to track the outside dirt and grime into the home.

Stay Aware – Maintaining annual well visits may help address health issues and concerns early, including bone health. And if something seems not quite right, say something.

While we cannot prevent all injuries no matter how careful we are, maintaining strong bones, gaining strength, and improving balance may lessen the impact of a fall and speed recovery – even from other injuries. So, bone up on your health for a stronger future.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

Summerlin Hospital Hosting Stroke Awareness Events Every Wednesday in May

By | News

In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, healthcare providers at Summerlin Hospital are hosting information stations every Wednesday in May from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby, located at 657 N. Town Center Drive, Las Vegas, 89144.

During each event, visitors will learn the acronym BE FAST; meet with registered nurses and therapists who specialize in post-stroke care; and receive information about stroke support groups hosted at sister facility Valley Health Specialty Hospital.

BE FAST represents the following symptoms:
B             Balance – sudden loss of balance
E             Eyes – loss of vision in one or both eyes

F             Face – face looks uneven; person has a lopsided smile
A             Arm/Leg – weakness on one side
S             Speech – slurred speech; trouble speaking or confusion
T             Terrible headache – described as a thunderclap headache or worst headache of your life

There are several kinds of stroke, including transient ischemic attack (a mini stroke warning); ischemic stroke (most common); and hemorrhagic stroke (blood vessel rupture). Additional strokes are cryptogenic (because the stroke can’t be determined); and brain stem stroke (occurs in brain stem and affects both sides of body).

No matter what type of stroke someone may experience, it’s urgent to call 9-1-1. Someone experiencing a stroke should never drive themselves to the hospital. By activating 9-1-1, patients can arrive at the hospital quickly and under the supervision of first responders.

Summerlin Hospital is an Advanced Primary Stroke Center as certified by The Joint Commission and American Stroke Association.

About Summerlin Hospital
Summerlin Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, caring for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. Located in the master-planned community of Summerlin, the hospital offers emergency care, advanced cardiovascular care, women’s health, comprehensive maternity services, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a children’s medical center, surgical services, oncology care for adults and children, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine, cardiac rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy services for adults and children. The ER at South Summerlin is an extension of Summerlin Hospital.

Updated information about The Valley Health System can be found on:
Facebook: TheValleyHealthSystemLV
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/thevalleyhealthsystem
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-valley-health-system
YouTube: www.youtube.com/TheValleyHealthSystemLV

UHS of Delaware, Inc. Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution of this information is prohibited, and may be punishable by law. If this was sent to you in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Valley Health System

Valley Health System Celebrates Nurses Week Offers New Programs for Nurses

By | Featured, News

May 6 marks the beginning of National Nurses Week, a week-long recognition of nurses throughout the United States and the compassion and care they provide in multiple health care settings.  The week concludes on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the pioneer of modern nursing.

The Valley Health System, which includes multiple southern Nevada hospitals, freestanding emergency departments and outpatient services, has almost 4,400 registered nurses among its ranks.

Often referred to as the backbone of the hospital, RNs can be found in dozens of settings, ranging from the Emergency departments to Education, Intensive Care Units to Infection Prevention, Maternity Services to Medical/Surgical care unit, Cardiology to Case Management, Surgical Services to Information Technology and many other areas of expertise.

Valley Health System nurses have also taken extra steps in their lifelong learning process to voluntarily earn and maintain the highest credentials within their specialty; these include 70 different professional certifications in areas ranging from the Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) to case management, obstetrics, nurse management, perioperative nursing, critical care, medical surgical and other areas of nursing expertise.

Nursing in a hospital setting offers many different career pathways. Nurses may choose to specialize in a particular field, including neonatal care, pediatrics, oncology, neurology, cardiology, labor and delivery, perioperative services and more. Some may choose to branch off into the fields of quality, risk management, employee health, education and information services.

“Nurses have been considered the most honest, ethical and trusted profession for more than 23 years [according to Gallup+] for a reason,” said Karla Perez, Regional Vice President, Acute Care Division of Universal Health Services, Inc, who operates through its subsidiary The Valley Health System in  Las Vegas, Desert View Hospital in Pahrump, and Northern Nevada Health System in Reno/Sparks. “They are patient advocates at the bedside and in the procedural rooms. They listen, they educate, they work tirelessly to secure resources for patients. They aren’t afraid to show their emotions during difficult situations and their capacity for empathy is unparalleled.

“I’ve worked with nurses for more than 40 years and every year, my appreciation increases for their incredible leadership throughout the entire hospital. They are fully dedicated to caring for their patients, utilizing teamwork for the best outcomes, and continually seeking opportunities to improve their professional knowledge and our health system,” said Perez.

Within The Valley Health System, there are multiple opportunities in place to join, learn and expand one’s nursing skill set.

Summerlin Hospital Birthplace Volunteer Program
This program is especially for nursing students who are interested in the field of Labor and Delivery. Through the volunteer program, this is a dedicated labor and delivery support team comprised of nursing students and compassionate doulas who volunteer their time to enhance the birthing experience for expectant mothers. This unique collaboration not only provides valuable hands-on training for nursing students, but also ensures mothers receive continuous emotional and physical support during labor, fostering a nurturing and empowering environment during one of life’s most significant moments.

Nurse Apprentice Program
The Nurse Apprentice Program (NAP) is designed for those who have been accepted into an accredited nursing program and have completed at least one semester of basic nursing courses. The NAP program supplements a student’s coursework the opportunity for a paid position on a nursing unit and additional on-the-job training. Currently, the NAP program is available at various VHS hospitals and opportunities are posted on the Careers page of the websites.

Fun Fact: Since the program’s inception in 2021, Summerlin Hospital has hired 62 Nurse Apprentices.

Career Growth
Within The Valley Health System are multiple opportunities for growth and development. A partial listing includes:

Remarkable RN Program – This is designed especially for new nursing graduates and includes a yearlong Residency program, a Self-Care course and an eight to 12-week Internship in the area where they will be working (i.e. Med/Surg, ICU/IMC, ED or Perioperative. Each Remarkable RN also has a preceptor nurse to provide guidance and assistance during the residency year.

Fun fact: The VHS RN Residency extends throughout the first year of nursing practice so the candidate can continually grow and apply learned paradigms during unit experiences.

Gap Program – a fast-track program that consists of one month of classes and preceptorship on a medical/surgical nursing unit, to bridge that training gap in order to promote success in the nurse’s new acute care setting. This program is for nurses who may have switched from a non-acute setting (i.e., home health or long-term care) to an acute setting (hospital).

Clinical Ladders – a structured program for nurses to advance in their career while remaining in their current clinical setting, providing direct patient care.

LEARN Preceptor Program – a program for nurses who are interested in helping new nurses gain skills, confidence and knowledge.

Specialty internship programs for nurses who want to specialize in Intermediate Medical Care, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine, Medical/Surgical, Periop 101, Labor & Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics.
Fun Fact: The 725 nurses at Valley Hospital represent over 7,100 years of nursing experience, benefiting patients in our community!

Additional classes for RNs
Following the completion of specialty programs, training internships are available for new IMC and ICU nurses. For all ICU and IMC nurses, a wide range of advanced classes are available, including:
– caring for open heart surgery patients
– caring for heart and cardiac cath lab patients after they leave the ICU
– targeted temperature management for the post-cardiac-arrest patient
– caring for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
– caring for patients on an Impella device for the heart
– caring for patients with an intra-aortic balloon pump
– caring for patients with a neurological emergency, including stroke and neuro surgery
– caring for patients with an epidural for pain management
– deep dive to understand the 12-lead ECG

Recognition and Thanks
In addition to National Nurses Week, our nursing stars are also recognized via the DAISY award program, which is a national recognition program, and a variety of hospital-based and community nursing awards.

Has a nurse changed your life for the better? A thank you note, or a DAISY nomination is always appreciated!

To learn more about nursing careers, visit: valleyhealthsystemlv.com

+ Americans’ Ratings of U.S. Professions Stay Historically Low

About The Valley Health System
The Valley Health System is comprised of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician practices, caring for patients throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding communities. The Valley Health System offers a wide range of healthcare services including emergency care, surgical services, advanced cardiovascular and advanced neurological care, orthopedic care, women’s health, maternity and Level III neonatal intensive care units, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, orthopedics, pediatrics, weight loss surgery, acute rehabilitation, psychiatric services, wound care, and outpatient therapy.

Health District Offers Free Diabetes Classes

By | Uncategorized

The Southern Nevada Health District continues its schedule of free diabetes self-management, education and support classes, offered in English, Spanish, in-person and online.

Diabetes ranks as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and is the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. Individuals with diabetes are also at an increased risk of severe complications from flu and COVID-19. In 2023, 12.8% of adults in Clark County, or about 300,000 people, were living with diabetes. In Nevada, approximately 380,000 people—11.9% of the state’s adult population—have been diagnosed with the condition. Nationwide, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, with 8.7 million unaware of their diagnosis, putting their health at greater risk. Each year, an estimated 1.2 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

The Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers diabetes classes throughout the year at the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Facilitated by trained health educators, participants learn how to manage their blood sugar, stay physically active and adopt healthier eating habits.

The Health District is currently accepting registrations for in-person classes in May and June:

Spanish:
May 12 and 19, 10 a.m.—noon

English:

June 18 and 25, 9 am—11 a.m.

To register, call (702) 759-1270, email gethealthy@snhd.org or complete the Diabetes Self-Management Interest Form. Registration for Spanish-language classes is available at the Viva Saludable website.

To learn more about diabetes resources in Southern Nevada, go to Get Healthy Clark County|Local Diabetes Resources or Viva Saludable|Recursos locales para la diabetes. For information about additional classes, events and programs offered by the Health District, visit the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar.