What if doctors could tell you decades in advance whether you’re likely to develop lung disease? Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are working to make that idea a reality. Dr. William Vandivier, a professor in the pulmonary division at CU and director of UCHealth’s Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) program, is
The winter months consist of colder temperatures, varying weather conditions, and the potential for ice. Winter conditions, changing schedules, and holidays can impact the ability for socialization and leaving the home, leading to a potential for isolation. Social isolation and loneliness have the potential to lead to negative health impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and
Recently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Suicide Prevention announced that the suicide rate for youth ages 10-18 has fallen to its lowest level since 2007. In Jefferson County, Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital is supporting suicide prevention and mental health work through the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. In 2025, Intermountain
I’m not an expert in numerology or astrology, and I definitely don’t dictate my life choices in response to my horoscope, but 2026 is an interesting year in these two fields of study. In numerology we just exited a nine year and entered into a one year, the beginning of a new cycle. The energy
When most people think of the dentist, they imagine bright lights, uncomfortable procedures, and the faint hum of a handpiece. But for Dr. Kevin Schwandt of Reclaim Integrative Dentistry & Implant Center, dentistry is about something much more—it’s about helping people understand and support the connection between their oral health and systemic health. Dr. Kevin
Substance use during pregnancy is a growing public health concern and accidental overdose is a leading cause of maternal death in Colorado. In my role as a recovery nurse advocate at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, I am part of a team that works to meet this challenge by ensuring mothers with a substance use disorder
The holiday music has started to follow us everywhere we go. Whether you’re in the car, the grocery store, or even in your own room the ballads of joy and holiday spirit surround us. The holidays are typically a time filled with family, celebrations, traditions, and joy. Despite these festive times, the holidays can be
Sometimes, one small gesture can change everything, like a cup of coffee, a walk around the block or a shared meal. These moments may seem insignificant, yet they quietly connect us and remind us that we belong. Loneliness, on the other hand, can feel like a heavy weight in your chest. It lives in silence,
Each month, Andrea Burch, President of InterMountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. Lutheran recently earned an ‘A’ Grade from Leapfrog –
As the lung screening navigator at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, I have the privilege of guiding patients through one of the most critical journeys in healthcare—early detection of lung cancer. My role is dedicated to helping people at risk for lung cancer access timely, effective screening and, if needed, navigate the complex steps that follow.
Welcome to December. You made it. This month heralds a time of looking back to look forward, as well as making wishes for gifts and hoping they get granted, and then some. As you look forward into 2026 you may also be dreaming of what you want to build, change, create, and make real. One
Each month, Andrea Burch, President of InterMountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. Caring for the behavioral health needs of our communities
Aging is an expected part of life; we know that we will age but we may not know what aging may entail. As we are all different, we may not age in the same way as our peers, or we may not exhibit the same signs of aging as our peers. As we get older,
As the season of gratitude approaches, many of us pause to reflect on the people, experiences, and blessings we hold dear. One thing that often gets overlooked, however, is our smile. Beyond lighting up family photos and holiday gatherings, your oral health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being—from your heart and brain to
My brother died in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, and for a few days, the holiday spared me from having to break the news to anyone beyond our family and those closest to him. But as Monday drew near, I wrestled with how to tell my team I wouldn’t be back to work yet
Flu season is on the way, and it’s time to get the flu shot to protect yourself and your family from serious illness, Intermountain Health experts say. Flu typically makes you feel rotten for three to five days. But it can be more serious for young children, older adults, and others with certain health conditions.
As I’ve been connecting with clients, mentors, and friends the last few weeks it feels like everyone has reached a soul level of exhaustion. No matter what they do they can’t seem to shake it. Are you feeling it too? We’re nearing the end of a very emotionally and physically chaotic year where many people
Each month, Andrea Burch, President of InterMountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. How many K-9 units do you have at the
Bringing home a new baby is one of life’s most joyful milestones—and one of the most overwhelming. Around the country, nurses with the Family Connects program have had the privilege of meeting thousands of families during this incredibly special and vulnerable time. Whether it’s the first baby or the fourth, each family deserves support, reassurance
As we age, we experience changes in every aspect of our life. Changes such as our appearance can be easier to accept. We expect this change and can observe the same changes to those around us. There are some changes, such as a decline in mobility and ability to complete activities of daily life, that
Untreated hearing loss impacts more than physical health. Beyond the physical dangers of untreated hearing loss, including doubling the risk of developing dementia, professionals also notice its effect on mental health. Hearing centers like HearingLife, located in Wheat Ridge, inform customers about the connection between untreated hearing loss and mental health concerns. A large poster
For many people, a minor cut or a sore that breaks the skin isn’t a large cause for concern. With basic medical attention and keeping the site clean, the wound heals on its own. For others, a wound that won’t heal can be cause for great concern. About 8 million people in the U.S. live
Have you ever stopped to think what a prosperous life would look like for you? Or ever defined your why behind working as hard as you do on what you do every day? One of the best ways we align with and stay true to our happiest path is by defining things on our own
What began as a minor inconvenience soon escalated into a daily challenge. At first, it was just a subtle pinch in my shoulder, appearing every few days and quickly dismissed. But as the discomfort grew more frequent—eventually surfacing with almost every movement—my concern deepened. My immediate thought was, “Oh no, not again.” For anyone who
