Las Vegas HEALS News

As a significant cold snap grips the nation and our state,  staying safe and warm can be a challenge no matter where you live. UnitedHealthcare shares five simple tips to help Southern Nevadans prevent and identify cold-related illnesses and staying safe and healthy during extreme cold and winter storms. Take a look, and be sure to share these insights with friends and family:

1. Cold temperatures don’t actually make you sick

People often think winter weather makes them sick, but the temperature isn’t to blame. While some research suggests the influenza virus may survive better in colder, drier weather, other factors are at play. Winter lifestyles usually mean spending more time inside in close quarters with others who may be sick, which makes it easier to contract things like the flu or a cold.

Consider these tips that may help strengthen your resistance to wintertime illness:

• Get the flu shot – the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot, with rare exception. To find a flu shot location near you, visit UHCFluLocator.com.
• Consider the COVID shot as well. You can get the flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time, along with additional vaccinations.
• The CDC also recommends a RSV vaccine for people 60 and older, as well as another option, a monoclonal antibody injection, to help protect babies and toddlers up to 2 years old.
• Eat healthy foods – fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins like vitamin C, which is good for your immune system.
• Exercise – it can also help boost your immune system to better defend against infections.
• Get enough sleep – adults 18-64 should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Wash your hands – it helps remove germs and prevent infections.

2. You don’t lose most of your body heat through your head

If you’ve been yelled at as a kid for running outside without a hat on, it was probably justified with the fact that most of your body heat escapes through your head – but it’s not true. Heat loss really depends on what body part is exposed. It’s still recommended to wear a hat when outdoors, because prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

To help avoid the risk of your core body temperature dropping below 95 degrees, be sure to wear:

• A hat
• A scarf or mask that covers your face and mouth
• A water-resistant coat
• Mittens or gloves
• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
• Water-resistant boots

3. Lack of sunlight isn’t the only reason for SAD

The cold dreary winter months can bring on feelings of sadness, known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But it’s not just due to the lack of sun. Wintertime can mean busy schedules, family stress and holiday spending, which all can trigger SAD.

If you think you have SAD, talk to your doctor. They will do a thorough evaluation and may offer medical treatment options. Consider trying some lifestyle and home remedies to help reduce stress and improve your mood:

• Brighten your environment. Open your blinds to let some natural sunlight into your home.
• Practice mindfulness. Yoga and meditation may help reduce your stress to help you cope with SAD.
• Go outside. Enjoy the fresh air by taking a walk or simply sitting outside. Even when it’s cold, bundling up and being surrounded by  nature almost immediately affects stress and may improve wellness.
• Exercise regularly. Your body will release endorphins, which help fight stress and can trigger positive feelings in your body.

4. Don’t jump into a hot bath after being freezing cold

Your first instinct after coming in from the cold may be to get warm as fast as you can. But avoid jumping into a scorching hot tub too soon, as it may cause a rapid drop in blood pressure if your body temperature fluctuates too quickly – which could make you feel faint or even become unconscious.

Instead, allow your body to gradually warm up. Throw on some more layers, a pair of fuzzy socks or slippers and cuddle up by the fire with a toasty seasonal drink.

5. Understand the difference between a cold and a flu

The common cold and the flu are both upper respiratory infections. However, they are caused by different viruses, and the symptoms may be more severe with the flu virus versus a cold.

Remember that symptoms alone may not be enough to tell the difference between the two.

• More than 200 viruses can cause a common cold (rhinovirus is the most common)
• The seasonal flu is caused by the influenza A or B virus. This is why a vaccine is available for the flu and not for colds.

Facts about the common cold

• Colds are usually milder than the flu.
• People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
• Symptoms usually include sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, headache, and fatigue.
• Symptoms usually last for 7 to 10 days and may last up to 2 weeks.
• Colds usually do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, infections, or hospitalizations.

Facts about the flu

• The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
• The flu tends to occur in the colder months of the year.
• Symptoms of the flu are worse than the common cold and may include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).
• Fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common with the flu and more intense than when associated with a cold.
• The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated annually.

Medical Maternity Pilot Home Program Designed to Improve Maternal and Prenatal Care Access for High-Risk Pregnancies in Rural Counties

To kick off National Maternal Health Awareness Day on Jan. 23, SilverSummit Healthplan, Nevada Health Centers, High Risk Pregnancy Center and Hera Women’s Health are announcing the launch of a program aimed at improving access to maternal and prenatal care for high-risk pregnancies in the city of Pahrump, in Nye County. The program expects to start seeing patients in late 2025.

Named the Medical Maternity Home Program, this collaborative effort will involve coordinated patient care and outreach, while leveraging maternal-fetal medicine; obstetrician-gynecologists; advanced practitioners; behavioral health providers; community health workers; Women, Infants, and Children services; and telehealth services to reach affected pregnant women in Nye County.

“We are grateful for SilverSummit’s vision, support, and partnership as we prepare to launch this program in Pahrump,” said Nevada Health Centers CEO Walter Davis. “Right now, women who are expecting must travel long distances to get prenatal care. This can be expensive and time consuming, and by offering OB services locally, in tandem with primary care and other wrap-around care, we keep people in their communities, getting the care they need and deserve.”

Pahrump has approximately 49,000 residents, including 8,000 women of reproductive age (15 to 50 years old). Access to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care is severely limited, with the nearest facilities more than 60 miles away, creating significant barriers to timely and consistent care. *Key statistics include:

· In 2023, Pahrump recorded 344 live births with a preterm birth rate of 13.4% (national average: 10.4%), scoring an F on the March of Dimes Preterm Birth report card.

· The infant mortality rate is 8.22%, compared to the national average of 5.8%.

· Nye County is classified as a maternity care desert with limited access to care.

“Nye County is a maternity care desert, meaning that there are an insufficient number of maternity care providers,” said Dr. Steven Evans, chief medical officer for SilverSummit Healthplan. “This scarcity in maternity providers results in pregnant women needing to travel long distances to receive prenatal and postpartum care, which contributes to poor birth outcomes such as pre-term birth and low birth weight.”

“Our goal with the Medical Maternity Home Program is to bring together a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure every mother and baby in rural Nevada has access to the high-quality care they deserve,” said Dr. Brian Iriye, president of Hera Women’s Health. “By fostering partnerships and utilizing innovative solutions, we aim to overcome the challenges faced by underserved communities and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes across the region.”

The Medical Maternity Health Program will:

· Provide prenatal care and monitor pre-term birth rates.

· Implement evidence-based protocols to enhance quality and ensure proper maternal-fetal medicine referrals by following national guidelines and protocols. It will also utilize, SilverSummit Healthplan’s Project Guardian, which tackles the provider shortage by enabling remote health monitoring statewide. Using a cloud-based system, healthcare providers can track patient health via a synced app. If an issue arises, a nurse is alerted to coordinate care. This initiative integrates technology to enhance patient accessibility and care.

· Provide on-site consistent maternal care and obstetrical services at least two days a month.

· Provide maternal-fetal medicine consultation (in-person and or via telemedicine), high level fetal ultrasound, behavioral health (telemedicine), and treatment for opioid use disorder (telemedicine).

· Provide professional education (obstetrical emergencies) to family practice physicians and clinical support staff.

Nevada Health Centers will utilize its existing office space in Pahrump and provide complex case management delivered by registered nurses to at-risk women. The High Risk Pregnancy Center and Hera Women’s Health will provide various prenatal services, including ultrasounds, genetic counseling, behavioral health as appropriate by provider level, and delivery services. Funding for the Medical Maternity Health Program will be provided by the Centene Foundation, which will allocate $1 million over three years; an additional $100,000 will be provided by SilverSummit Healthplan.

For more information on the Medical Maternity Health Program, please contact 702.563.4600.

*Data sourced from United States Census Bureau; March of Dimes; American College of Physicians, Annuals of Internal Medicine 2020: Volume 172; Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

About SilverSummit Healthplan
SilverSummit Healthplan (SilverSummit) is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. Established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a Centene Corporation company. For more information, visit www.silversummithealthplan.com.

About Centene Foundation
Centene believes that successful corporate citizenship is defined by investments in community-based institutions and organizations that address the needs of communities while advancing initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person, and community development.

Since 2004, the Centene Charitable Foundation has sought to make a difference in the communities we serve by investing in innovative programs and services that embrace all populations regardless of ability, age, race or economic status. Centene believes in treating the whole person, not just the physical body. That belief inspires us to support community partners that bring the arts, education, and health and social services to every population regardless of barriers that may exist.

About Nevada Health Centers
Established in 1977, Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Health Center program dedicated to providing access to quality healthcare throughout Nevada. NVHC operates 20 health centers; five mobile programs, including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, Mammovan, Nevada Children’s Health Project, Mobile Medical Services, and Mobile Dental Services; and seven Women, Infants, and Children offices in southern Nevada. Our core services include family medicine, dentistry, behavioral health, and pharmacy, and we accept Medicaid, Medicare, Nevada Check Up, and most private insurances. We also offer a sliding-fee discount program based on family size and income. For more information, visit www.nvhealthcenters.org.

About High Risk Pregnancy Center
At the High Risk Pregnancy Center in Nevada, we are devoted to protecting the health of mothers-to-be and their unborn babies. As obstetric subspecialists, our highly trained and experienced maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctors offer the most advanced testing and treatment options available for reducing pregnancy risks. In fact, our team has been on the leading edge of MFM (also known as perinatology) for more than two decades. Since then, we’ve introduced many new capabilities in Nevada and have made a substantial contribution to the modern standard of MFM care. Today, we still lead the way in technology, procedures, and commitment to the women in our care and their unborn babies. Learn more about the High Risk Pregnancy Center.

Programs offer education, support, recipes and other resources

As the new year gets underway, the Southern Nevada Health District begins its schedule of free diabetes self-management, education and support classes, offered in English, Spanish, in-person and online. The 2025 schedule of classes starts in mid-January.

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 238,102 people, were living with diabetes. In Nevada, approximately 283,700 people—11.3% 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.

District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said the classes provide personalized services to help people manage diabetes. He said, “Participants can learn valuable, practical skills to fit diabetes care into their lives, while discovering what works best for their health.”

The Health District is currently accepting registrations for in-person classes that run through mid-May:

English:

February 19 and 26: 10 a.m.–noon

March 19 and 26: 10 a.m.–noon

May 15 and 22: 10 a.m.–noon

Spanish:

January 22 and 29: 10 a.m.–noon

February 20 and 27: 2-4 p.m.

March 17 and 24: 10 a.m.–noon

April 15 and 22: 2-4 p.m.

May 12 and 19: 10 a.m.–noon

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.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2025 Task Force Meetings return on Thursday, January 16 at Viticus Group, with the HR Task Force Meeting is set for Feb 6th. Click on one below to get involved.

Viticus Center – Eastern Campus
5810 S Eastern Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
See Map

Legislative Task Force Meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Learn more + Register

Workforce Task Force Meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Learn more + Register

Physician Engagement Task Force Meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Learn more + Register

HR Task Force Meeting
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Learn more + Register

Nevada Donor Network (NDN) is excited to announce another record-breaking year. In 2024 over 2,500 lives were directly saved or healed through the donations of heroes who said yes to organ, eye, and tissue donation. The NDN team facilitated the recovery of lifesaving and healing gifts from 206 organ donor heroes, 924 tissue donor heroes and 1,444 cornea donor heroes last year. Additionally, NDN, with the help of the medical provider community and regulatory entities, an unprecedented1,706 heroic mothers graciously donated their birth tissue, a record-breaking increase of 450% over the prior year. As the only Nevada-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO), NDN serves millions of Nevadans and thousands of Americans across the country in the facilitation of organ, eye and tissue donation.

On behalf of the heroic donors and families they serve, NDN made the gift of life and healing possible through thousands of tissue grafts, 631 organs transplanted which represents a 28% increase from the prior year, and sight restoration to 2,400 recipients in 2024.

Using internationally recognized metrics, NDN leads the nation by reaching 73 organ donors per million of population served (DPMP) and 224 organs transplanted per million of population served (TPMP) based on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and U.S. Census data.

“We are honored to serve the selfless donor heroes and their courageous families that make the gift of life and healing possible. I am proud of our team’s commitment to our lifesaving and healing mission, and we thank our community partners for collaborating with us to save and heal lives and build a pro-donation community,” said President and CEO Joe Ferreira. “We encourage all Nevadans to learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation and register to become heroes.”

There are currently over 100,000 Americans, including more than 650 Nevadans, who are waiting for a lifesaving gift on the organ transplant waiting list.  One heroic organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, can heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation, and can restore sight to up to two people through cornea donation.

About Nevada Donor Network

Nevada Donor Network is a federally designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) committed to maximizing the gift of life and health through organ and tissue donation. Established in 1987, Nevada Donor Network is one of only 56 OPOs in the U.S. serving more than three million people in the state of Nevada and 100,000 potential transplant recipients across the country. They work collaboratively with hospital staff and community partners to promote research and provide a strong support network to courageous donor families who’ve turned loss into hope.

At Nevada Donor Network, they encourage Nevadans to help individuals in need of life-saving transplants through education, research and action. Nevada Donor Network is a member of Donate Life Nevada, an affiliate of Donate Life America, whose state-wide efforts encourage Nevadans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. For more information, please visit www.nvdonor.org/.

The Just One Project announced they will launch a first-of-its-kind Mobile Pantry in January through its Groceries on the Go program, part of a multi-year collaboration with UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid. The Mobile Pantry will deliver low-cost healthy groceries to Nevadans living in Las Vegas’ food deserts.

Brooke Neubauer, Founder and CEO of The Just One Project and Joe Fu, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid gathered at Clark County School District Family Support Center Community Market on December 2 to celebrate the milestone. Following a check presentation recognizing UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Nevada Medicaid’s more than $750,000 donation to help make the Mobile Pantry a reality, the community enjoyed an exclusive sneak peek of the Mobile Pantry.

“Since our collaboration began in 2021, The Just One Project and UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid have provided fresh, nutritious groceries and services to 17,000 individuals across Las Vegas,” said Brooke Neubauer, Founder and CEO, The Just One Project. “As the need for food security grows in Southern Nevada, we are incredibly grateful that our ongoing collaboration enables us to better serve our community.”

Since 2021, the collaboration has provided more than 664,400 pounds of food to Nevadans in local food deserts, and the Mobile Pantry represents an ongoing commitment to continue providing underserved communities with access to healthy and affordable produce and groceries.

“We know our health is affected by things like having access to healthy food and reliable transportation, so UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid and The Just One Project are eager to team up to help remove these barriers so that individuals and communities can live healthier lives,” stated Joe Fu, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid.

For more information about The Just One Project and the Groceries on the Go program, please visit https://thejustoneproject.org/programs/groceries-on-the-go/.

About The Just One Project
The Just One Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves 23,000 Southern Nevadans monthly who are facing food insecurity, through mobile and client-centric grocery distribution of fresh produce and pantry essentials. The Just One Project also provides wraparound services and self-development programs to help its clients on their journey to self-sufficiency. The organization’s operational model is designed for flexibility and scalability, allowing The Just One Project to nimbly meet the needs of the community as demand grows and shifts. To learn more, visit www.TheJustOneProject.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter.

About UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid
UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In Nevada, UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid administers healthcare benefits for Nevada Medicaid and Nevada Check Up beneficiaries. UnitedHealthcare Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid is part of UnitedHealthcare, one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit www.myhpnmedicaid.com.

The theme for December’s Las Vegas HEALS Healthcare magazine is International Sharps Injury Prevention 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.

Ad Specs
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8 ½ x 11 Full pages

Member Ad Costs
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Half-page – $125
Full page – $250
Advertorial – $525
Front Cover – $650
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Quarter page $150
Half-page – $250
Full page – $500
Advertorial – $1,050
Front Cover – $1,300
Back Cover – $700

NOTE: Content must be received by the 10th of each month

Health District urges vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older to protect themselves and others

 The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting the first flu-related death in a Clark County resident—a woman in her 70s. While reports of respiratory and influenza-like illnesses locally remain minimal, seasonal flu activity has slightly increased nationally, particularly among children. Emergency department and urgent care visits for influenza-like illness are also increasing. The Health District is encouraging everyone to protect themselves and others from spreading the flu or getting severely ill by getting the flu vaccine.

“Our condolences go out the family and friends of the woman who died,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “We know the flu causes severe illness and deaths every year, and I want to remind everyone that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine this season to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Flu season typically peaks between December and February but can last until May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Adults 65 years and older, children younger than 2 years old, pregnant people, and those who are immunocompromised or with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from the flu. Caregivers for children too young to be vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated themselves to provide protection. Flu vaccines are available at Health District clinics as well as doctor’s offices and pharmacies throughout Southern Nevada.

The Health District also encourages people to take steps to stay healthy. Simple steps can reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Stay home when sick and limit contact with others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue away after using it.
• Take a COVID-19 test if flu-like symptoms develop. Free self-test kits are available at Health District vending machines throughout Clark County. Find locations at www.snhd.info/covid-testing.
• Take antiviral drugs for flu if prescribed by a doctor.

The Health District Influenza Snapshot and Influenza Report by Age Group is available each week at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/news-info/statistics-surveillance-reports/influenza-surveillance/.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.