October 21, 2011
Hike Spooner Lake in Northern Nevada
Lake Tahoe, Nevada, near Spooner Lake
If you’re looking for a great way to get outdoors and keep your family healthy and active, try a leisurely hike. The two-mile loop around Spooner Lake lets you enjoy marvelous meadows, abundant aspens, and wonderful wildflowers while strengthening muscles and burning calories. This unique trail has interpretive displays placed along the way, which are great descriptive and educational tools. Should you want to step up your exercise, you’ll discover that Spooner Lake is an ideal starting point for other hiking experiences. It is a major trail head that leads to Marlette Lake, the world famous Lake Tahoe Flume Trail, and the Tahoe Rim Trail (www.tahoerimtrail.org).
For more information on area pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides and Apple Hill visit www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/NVpumpkins.php and http://www.applehill.com/ To learn more about the health benefits of sunlight, check out http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/articles/2008/06/24/host-of-health-benefits-attributed-to-sunlight.htm
October 20, 2011
Why Not Hit a Local Park?
Get out and play with the entire family!
See the links below for specific parks in the Northern Nevada, Reno-Tahoe area.
There are plenty of local and regional parks in our area to take advantage of, and a lot of ways for the whole family to get fit and have fun, too. Begin by thinking of what activities you and your family or friends can do together. Many parks offer a wide range of recreational outlets, including basketball courts, kickball areas or even soccer fields. Pack along a few fun items– such as a football, Frisbee, tennis rackets, croquet set or bicycles– and your day is set. Be sure to bring along some healthy snacks or a picnic lunch to keep your energy up and your body hydrated. Friends and athletics are a great way to set the stage for a longer and healthier life, while at the same time saving you a little money on electricity with the home TV in the off position.
For more information on local parks visit http://www.carson.org/index.aspx?page=621, http://www.visitcarsoncity.com/recreation/parks.php and http://renotahoe.about.com/od/parksrecreation/Parks_Recreation.htm
Snow Playground This Winter
Take advantage of a Winter wonderland
With an expected wonderful base of snow on the nearby Sierra this Winter, December should be a great time to head for the hills to enjoy the best sledding and snow-tubing spots. Mountain resorts and area snow parks offer great and relatively inexpensive snow playgrounds. To find the best places to have family friendly snow fun in our area, visit http://www.viamagazine.com/destinations/snow-play-sierras.
Sledding is another great way for friends and family to get outdoors, feel exhilarated and work up a sweat, but remember there are risks, so make sure you prepare yourself for the day and take the necessary precautions– like going to a licensed snow play area, wearing a helmet, and watching out for one another.
For more information on sledding and snow play safety, visit http://www.cvshealthresources.com/topic/sledsafety.
Explore the Black Rock
This desert playa is unlike any other around the world.
The Black Rock Desert is a unique and beautiful part of the historic emigrant trails through Nevada. The vastness of the Black Rock Desert playa allows for a multitude of diverse and healthy outdoor activities. Enjoy back country or emigrant trail hiking, motorcycle or ATV trekking, hunting, horseback riding, land-sailing, rock hunting or just camping out under the stars. Spend a little time studying how to stay safe and enjoy the Black Rock, then grab your gear and enjoy a wild time, outdoor Nevada style.
Also, remember that the Black Rock is part of nationally protected wilderness and a little forethought allows us a great opportunity to not only keep ourselves healthy but learn how to keep our surroundings healthy as well.
For more information on the Black Rock Desert check out http://blackrockdesert.org/friends/ and to learn about “Leave no trace” principles take a look at http://www.lnt.org/
Nevada’s Singing Mountain
Sand Mountain is a unique recreation area located just 25 miles east of Fallon, Nevada on Highway 50.
Its 4,795 acres of slowly shifting sand dunes provide challenge, excitement and awe for off-road enthusiasts, hikers and sand boarders.
Stay awhile, as camping is welcome, and you will not only have a healthy time from all the physical activity, but you will learn why Sand Mountain has earned the nickname—”Singing Mountain”
As with all recreation areas, learn the rules and safety instructions beforehand and your time there will be better for all.
Find out more about one of Nevada’s most interesting experiences at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_programs/recreation/sand_mountain.1.htm
July 5, 2011
Two New Interventional Cardiologists Join Carson Tahoe Cardiology
Please join Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare and Carson Tahoe Cardiology (CTC) in welcoming Dr. Stephen Tann and Dr. Nathan Ho to our acclaimed healthcare team. Both board certified doctors are joining the CTC office located in Eagle Medical Center – 2874 N. Carson Street, Suite 102.
Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Nathan Ho
We are proud to welcome Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Nathan Ho to Carson Tahoe Cardiology. Dr. Ho specializes in Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Interventional Procedures. He graduated from Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, AZ; completed his residency at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA and did his cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, OK.
In his spare time, Dr. Ho enjoys trail running, basketball and skiing. However, most of his free time is spent chasing around his two toddlers, “It’s just a terrific joy to see them get excited over little things. Makes you appreciate and in turn find renewed enjoyment in the important things.”
Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Tann
We are also welcoming Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Tann back to Northern Nevada. He is returning after receiving advanced fellowship training in Interventional Cardiology and minimally invasive catheter based treatments.
Dr. Tann graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and completed his residency at Vanderbilt University. He did his cardiology fellowship training at Medical University of South Carolina, endovascular medicine and interventions fellowship at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA and interventional cardiology fellowship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.
In his spare time, Dr. Tann likes to play guitar, ski and surf. He also enjoys music production and independent film.
For more information on either doctor, click here; to schedule an appointment please call 775.841.6700
April 22, 2011
Introducing Carson Tahoe’s Green Leaf Program
In honor of Earth Day, Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare has adopted a new “Go Green” Program. The Green Leaf Program was put into place to recognize employees that go above and beyond to care for our environment.
Darrell Baugh, RN
In the inaugural kickoff ceremony Dr. Field, VP of Medical Staff and creator of the program, presented Darrell Baugh, RN with the first Green Leaf pin. For six months, Darrell has been the leader of the battery recycling project. The batteries are used in monitoring devices for telemetry patients and have to be changed for each new patient. As you can imagine, the hospital goes through batteries pretty quickly. Darrell estimates that 40 pounds of batteries are recycled every two weeks, and that’s just the boxes on the second floor alone! There are two additional recycling boxes in the Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit. Darrell has done a great job of organizing this project and going above and beyond to not only care for patients and our community, but also to care for the environment. Thank you Darrell for helping Carson Tahoe turn a new leaf. We’d also like to thank Administration for providing financial support for this project.
April 19, 2011
Dr. Dina Tack, Oncologist
Dina Tack, MD, Oncologist
Introducing our newest partner in Oncology, Dina Tack, MD.
Please join Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare and the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center in welcoming Dr. Tack to our acclaimed healthcare team. Specializing in breast and lung cancer – Dr. Tack works from a depth of experience, with a passion for patient care. She is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Oncology.
Dr. Tack graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship training at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in hematology and oncology.
In her spare time, Dr. Tack loves to travel with her husband and three boys. She enjoys running and exercising.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 775.445.7960
Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics
1535 Medical Parkway, Suite B
Carson City, NV 89703
March 4, 2011
Exercise Regularly – Your Heart, Body and Soul will Thank you
While there are numerous benefits to exercise and physical activity, one of the most important benefits is heart health. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease and stroke. People who don’t exercise have higher rates of heart disease and death compared to people who perform even mild to moderate amounts of physical activity. Even activities like gardening, walking or golfing can lower your risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No.1 killer in America, affecting more than 13 million Americans. CVD encompasses a variety of disorders and conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels in the body. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a process in which cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries of both the heart and body. This plaque restricts blood flow to vital organs including the heart. Reduced blood flow to the heart and organs can result in a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and a proper diet can help reduce the formation of this detrimental plaque. Even a moderate exercise program can help people reduce the “risk” factors that lead to CVD.
Taking the following steps can normally reduce a person’s risk for CVD:
• Quit smoking
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Control high blood pressure even if medication is needed
• Exercise to maintain muscle mass and flexibility
• Eat nutritious, low fat foods
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control diabetes
Regular exercise improves cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (bad), raising HDL (good) and by reducing triglyceride levels. Exercise is very effective in lowering blood pressure as well. Blood pressure is the tension in the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps blood with each beat. If the pressure is elevated above normal and remains high for a period of time, this can be damaging to the organs of the body including the heart, vessels, brain and kidneys. Over 50 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure, making it the most common heart disease risk factor. Additionally, people who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure than people who are not active.
Exercise also helps in maintaining a healthy weight and in retaining muscle strength. Excess weight puts significant strain on your heart and worsens several other heart disease risk factors, such as diabetes.
Research has shown that obesity itself increases heart disease risk. By eating properly and exercising, you can maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Developing a steady exercise program is an easy way to make an impact on your cardiovascular health; however, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.
In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, at least four times a week. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming. Yoga and Pilates are also excellent sources of exercise and strength. If you choose an activity you enjoy, it’s more likely you’ll stick with it.
Remember, it’s important to warm-up before starting your aerobic exercise and to cool-down upon completion of your session. Start with shorter time sessions and gradually build up to optimize time frames.
While exercising, you are effectively improving your cholesterol levels, lowering your blood pressure, getting active, maintaining a healthy weight and overall, reducing your risk of heart disease. Exercise presents so many wonderful benefits, but heart health is by far one of the most important.
Dr. Rachel Chaney is a cardiologist at Carson Tahoe Cardiology, on staff with Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare.
Here's to Your Health 