Las Vegas HEALS News

Lung cancer prevention goes beyond a single day of awareness and is something Desert Radiology champions year-round. By understanding the risk factors that contribute to its onset, DR looks to empower everyone in our community with the ability to make proactive choices.

Nearly every two and a half minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer. And according to the American Lung Association, lung cancer takes the lives of 356 people each day. These staggering statistics are a critical reminder about the importance of prevention and early detection.

Desert Radiology, the leading radiology and imaging provider in Southern Nevada, is committed to the cause and stands tall with its best-in-class care for lung cancer screening. Through state-of-the-art CT screening and outpatient procedures, Desert Radiology is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by lung cancer and paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.

The Best-in-Class Approach of Desert Radiology 
Desert Radiology, a Radiology Partners Practice, is at the forefront of combating lung cancer with its comprehensive and compassionate care. With a proud 56-year history in Las Vegas, our experienced radiologists understand the crucial role of early detection and emphasize the significance of lung cancer screening using advanced CT technology. DR is committed to providing prompt, accurate and personalized care to each and every one of our community members.

CT lung cancer screenings aid in identifying potential abnormalities in the lungs at an early stage, even before symptoms. With this proactive approach, Desert Radiology aims to diagnose lung cancer in its earliest stages, providing patients with a higher chance of successful outcomes.

Embracing Education & Hope In Las Vegas
Our team’s unwavering dedication to offering the best-in-class care for the Las Vegas Valley’s imaging needs–including lung cancer prevention, screening–is a testament to their commitment to creating a healthier, cancer-free tomorrow.

There are several risk factors that may increase the chances of getting lung cancer, research has found. In the United State, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, cigarette smoking is linked to about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths. Using other tobacco products such as cigars or pipes also increases the risk for lung cancer. The good news is that quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of lung cancer. According to the CDC, people who quit smoking have a lower risk of lung cancer than if they had continued to smoke. However, it is still a higher risk compared to the risk for people who have never smoked.

Knowing the leading causes of lung cancer is key to helping lower the chances of getting it. According to the CDC, you can lower your risk of lung cancer by: Not smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, having your home tested for radon, exercising caution at work and avoiding carcinogens–things that can cause cancer.

Emphasis On 5-2-1-0 Guidelines for Healthy Habits

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about childhood obesity and ways to prevent it while also reducing its stigma. For the annual observance, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is teaming up with the Partners for a Healthy Nevada Coalition and other community partners to promote healthy behaviors that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases including obesity. A key focus of this effort is the American Academy of Pediatrics 5-2-1-0 guidelines, which entail the following strategies to develop and maintain healthy habits:

• 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• 2 hours or less of recreational screentime daily
• 1 hour of physical activity each day
• 0 sugary beverages each day

In Clark County, 16.5% of high school students have obesity and 17.7% are considered overweight. Statewide, among children entering kindergarten in fall 2019, 11.1% were considered overweight and about one-fifth (21.3%) had obesity. Nationally, 19.3% or 14.4 million children are estimated to have obesity.

Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain, including behavior, genetics and taking certain medications. Other factors include childcare, school and work environments, access to healthy foods and beverages, and access to safe and convenient places for physical activity. Health risks associated with obesity include diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and more.

As part of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Health District is sponsoring the University of Nevada, Reno – Extension’s 11^th Annual Healthy Kids Festival on September 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Recreation Center, 4775 S. McLeod, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Geared toward children ages 3-8, the free family event features interactive activities from local health, nutrition and physical activity specialists as well as local chefs, food growers and gardening experts.

The Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar has information about other healthy activities for children during September and throughout the year. 5-2-1-0 videos, flyers, posters, communication toolkits and other resources are also available for download in English and Spanish from our Get Healthy Clark County or Viva Saludable websites.

SNHD provides free programs and resources to assist families adopt a healthier lifestyle. They are available in English and Spanish, and are accessible on the Get Healthy Clark County or Viva Saludable websites or by calling (702) 759-1270.

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.

Bowl for the Gold. Lace up those bowling shoes because Bowl for the Gold is back! One of Special Olympics Nevada’s most popular annual events, participants can register as an individual ($60) or as a team of four ($240). Registration includes three games of bowling, food, and non-alcoholic beverages. Special Olympics Nevada athletes will be on hand to help cheer each team on.

In addition to supporting the organization’s sports, education, athlete leadership training, and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities, donations raised during the event will assist SONV in its efforts to establish an independently run chapter in Nevada by the end of 2023. While all fundraising dollars support athletes in Nevada, Special Olympics Nevada is currently under the umbrella of Special Olympics Northern California.

For more information or to register for Bowl for the Gold, please visit www.sonv.org/BowlforgoldLV.

Noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023

Strike Zone Bowling Center at Sunset Station  

 1301 W Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014

About Special Olympics Nevada

Special Olympics Nevada works to create inclusive opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through health, education, leadership development and sports. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for 2,653 athletes who compete in more than 14 competitions in 7 sports annually within the Community Sports Program. The Unified Champion Schools Program encourages leadership development and the growth of Unified Sports®, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to play as teammates. In 2022, Special Olympics Nevada launched a new program, Mindset Matters, which provides mental health and stress management techniques to students in Nevada schools. In a typical year, Special Olympics Nevada impacts more than 17,820 students by promoting inclusion on school campuses. Special Olympics Nevada is also committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Healthy Athletes events, offering screenings and services free of charge. Special Olympics Nevada relies on the support of 759 volunteers and funding from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. More information may be found by visiting www.sonv.org and following on Facebook, Instagram (@specialolympicsnv), Twitter (@SONevada) and LinkedIn.

Due to the recent rain and flooding, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending residents assess areas surrounding their homes for standing water to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sources.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding

Mosquitoes can spread potentially serious diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika. One of the most effective steps people can take to protect themselves from mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito breeding by inspecting around their homes regularly and tipping, tossing or emptying any sources capable of holding even a small amount of water, including:

• Buckets, watering cans, cups, bottle caps or debris that can hold water
• Pet dishes
• Potted plant saucers
• Garbage and recycling cans
• Children’s toys, wading pools
• Patio furniture
• Bird baths, ornamental ponds or fountains
• Outdoor grills
• Recreation equipment

Female mosquitoes lay approximately 100 to 400 eggs, and it takes approximately seven to 10 days for the larvae to mature.

Protect Against Mosquito Bites

The Health District also urges people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of limon eucalyptus or IR3535 or long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Also, ensure any open doors and windows are screened to help prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and biting sleeping occupants.

Report Mosquito Activity

Report increased mosquito activity, including being bitten by mosquitoes during daylight hours, to the Health District’s Mosquito Surveillance Program at (702) 759-1633. Green pools are reported to the appropriate code enforcement agency. Additional resources and contact information are available on the Health District website.

Mosquito activity has been mild in Clark County these past few years. In 2022, no West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were collected by the Health District. This year, West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes have been identified in three ZIP codes (89031, 89074 and 89122).

West Nile Virus, the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. About one in five people who are infected with West Nile Virus develop a fever and other mild symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness. In 2019, there were 43 cases reported in Clark County residents, including one death. There was minimal West Nile activity in 2020, 2021, 2022, and no cases have been reported so far in 2023.

More information about mosquito control is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/.

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.

Spring Valley Hospital has achieved certification as a Gluten-Free Food Service program, joining a handful of other hospitals in the United States, including Valley Health System facilities Centennial Hills, Summerlin and Valley hospitals, to achieve this status.

The Food & Nutrition team at Spring Valley Hospital met the rigorous standards and expectations for safety required to achieve this honor. The team is proud to serve delicious meals for any diet preference on a daily basis and this designation portrays their commitment to provide quality food for patients.

The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) audits and validates restaurants and food businesses that serve gluten-free food.  The GFFS validation program is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a non-profit organization that has been serving the needs of the gluten-free community for over 45 years.  GIG is on a mission to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free.

Spring Valley Hospital will display the validated Gluten Free Safe Spot logo throughout the hospital to represent the independent verification of quality, integrity, and purity of businesses serving gluten-free food. Validation as a Gluten Free Safe Spot establishes trust with gluten-free patrons in the ability of a facility to provide safe gluten-free food.

Established in 2009, GFFS has held its food service establishments to the highest standards. Consumers recognize locations validated as Gluten Free Safe Spots serve gluten-free food that meets the nonprofit GFFS’s rigorous standards and expectations for safety. GFFS validates participating establishments, from restaurants to college dining, senior living, hospitals and more, by visiting locations in-person to ensure they follow best practices for gluten-free food safety and ensure high-quality staff training.

“I’m very proud of our Food & Nutrition team’s hard work to achieve this gluten-free validation,” said Claude Wise, CEO of Spring Valley Hospital. “We strive to meet the diverse dietary needs of our patients, employees, physicians and visitors, especially those who live a gluten-free lifestyle.”

About Spring Valley Hospital
Spring Valley Hospital is a member of The Valley Health System, a network of acute care and specialty hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, outpatient services and physician offices that provide care for patients throughout Southern Nevada and nearby communities. Located in southwest Las Vegas, the 364-bed hospital offers emergency care, advanced cardiovascular, orthopedic and neurological surgeries and procedures, surgical services, women’s health, comprehensive maternity services, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, and specialty programs in stroke, chest pain, advanced wound care and hyperbaric medicine. The ER at Blue Diamond, a freestanding emergency department, and Valley Health Specialty Hospital, a mixed-use medical facility, are both extensions of Spring Valley Hospital. The hospital opened in October 2003, and is celebrating 20 years of caring for the residents and tourists of Las Vegas and outlying communities.

About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 90 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 47 countries. GIG empowers the gluten-free community through consumer support, advocacy and education. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for food service facilities offering gluten-free options. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For information, visit www.gluten.org.

Stands offer nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables

 Following a summer break, the Pop-Up Produce Stands return to Las Vegas on September 5, with additional dates scheduled during the fall and winter. The pop-up stands give people increased access to affordable, locally grown, organic fresh fruits and vegetables. While being open to everyone, the pop-up stands are implemented to help those who experience barriers to accessing fresh produce, including affordability and transportation obstacles.

The pop-up stands, held at the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) Plaza, are a coordinated effort to increase access to healthier foods and address the problem of food insecurity in Southern Nevada. According to Three Square, approximately 274,000 people in Southern Nevada are food insecure, meaning they are unable to access or afford enough nutritious food for their overall health and well-being.

The produce stands program is a partnership among the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) and Prevail Marketplace. Prevail Marketplace is the only farmers market in Southern Nevada to source a majority of their produce from Nevada farmers.

The September pop-up stand will feature new offerings including watermelon, cantaloupe and other seasonal produce. Pop-Up Produce Stands are scheduled at the BTC Plaza, located at 101 E. Bonneville Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89101 for the following dates from noon to 3 p.m., or while supplies last:

• Tuesday, September 5
• Tuesday, October 3
• Tuesday, November 7
• Tuesday, December 5

Customers can use their SNAP/EBT card, cash, debit or credit cards. Last year’s markets resulted in over 5,200 pounds of produce sold and $6,955 in total sales, with over 20% of total sales from SNAP/EBT transactions.

Healthy recipe cards, nutrition education and other health resources will also be available at the pop-ups. For more information, call the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at (702) 759-1270 or visit the Get Healthy Clark County Farmers Markets page. The website also has a list of local farmers markets, including those that accept EBT, SNAP and debit or credit cards.

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.

CMS releases results for 2022. Silver State ACO is successful for the eighth consecutive year earning significant Shared Savings for its Participants by delivering high quality care, and saving Medicare over $35.9 Million 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released results for the 2022 performance year for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Silver State ACO is proud and delighted to announce that it has earned Shared Savings for the eighth year in a row (2015 – 2022).

Silver State ACO’s results are astounding, having saved CMS over $35,991,000 in 2022, and cumulatively more than $232,000,000 over the last eight years.

In 2022, there were a total of 482 Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs in the country. Silver State ACO ranked 20th in highest savings earned and 24^th in highest savings generated for CMS. It ranked #1 in both generated and earned savings in the state of Nevada.

There are only seventeen ACOs that have earned shared savings for the last eight consecutive years. Of these, Silver State ACO ranked third in savings it generated for CMS, as well as in savings it earned, for 2022. The $232,000,000 it saved CMS over the eight years, as well as the total $137,000,000 it earned over that time, are the third highest totals. Of this elite group of ACOs that has earned shared savings for eight consecutive years, Silver State ACO is one of only five operating west of the Mississippi to have done so (the other four are in Texas).

In 2013, CMS launched the Medicare Shared Savings Program in an effort to reduce costs and increase quality for “traditional” fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. It allows groups of physicians, predominantly primary care providers, to voluntarily join together in an effort to accomplish those goals. The program gives providers the opportunity to earn back part of the savings they generate for CMS, by achieving set benchmarks. An ACO is eligible to share in the savings it generates only if it also achieves and reports high quality care and improved clinical outcomes.

Silver State ACO is physician led and is sponsored, in part, by The Valley Health System, Northern Nevada Health System and ScionHealth. Partnering with these established, high quality healthcare providers assists in smooth transitions in the continuum of care. Silver State ACO believes that by working together with the hospital system and a preferred provider network, which includes specialists, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, the beneficiaries get the care they need, at the right time, in the right place, and at the right level.

Silver State ACO provides services and resources to its Participant practices. These include electronically delivering real time notification of patients discharged from acute facilities, as well as providing gaps in care data to physicians to act on when a patient is in the clinic. Systems are in place for coordinating care of patients post discharge, as well as in their homes. These programs assist Participants by identifying resources and opportunities for increasing revenue to the practice while reducing overall costs. Sharing data can help physicians in providing outstanding patient care.

Each Participant practice has a dedicated Quality Coordinator (QC), provided free of charge by Silver State ACO. These highly trained QCs keep the practices apprised of CMS updates and changes, and assist in required quality reporting.

Silver State ACO providers have worked diligently to provide exceptional care while reducing overutilization, redundancy and cost. The results speak for themselves. Over the past eight years, Silver State ACO has been successful in its goal to assist its Participant practices, and save money for CMS, while ensuring continued quality of care to its attributed patients.

For the 2023 performance year, Silver State ACO is comprised of 53 medical practices, with nearly 34,000 attributed beneficiaries throughout the state of Nevada. Silver State ACO looks forward to continued success in assisting its Participants in providing high quality care while reducing Medicare costs.