Starting this month, Colorado’s FAMLI program now provides 12 weeks of paid leave to parents whose newborns need neonatal intensive care. This expansion — introduced under Senate Bill 25-144 — is in addition to the existing 12 weeks of PFML benefits under the Colorado FAMLI program, as well as the additional 4 weeks available for birthing parents who experience
Car accidents don’t always look dramatic. Sometimes there’s no broken glass, no ambulance ride, and no obvious injury in the moment. You walk away thinking, “I’m fine.” Days or weeks later, the pain shows up—neck stiffness, headaches, low back pain, tingling down an arm or leg. At that point, many people wish they had been
In meetings I’ve had the first few weeks of this year I’ve heard, “oh work, yeah, just drinking from a fire hose over here,” more than I’m comfortable with. Things are spewing towards them too fast to even absorb or respond coherently to. And then there’s the state of the world. When you read this
With regular screening, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. That’s a message we continue to deliver to help save lives, and this year, we have the arrival of self-collected HPV testing, a breakthrough that puts screening in patients’ hands. Intermountain Health will begin offering self-collected HPV testing this spring, becoming one of the first health
Should we start tackle football this year? What about his weight? I’m worried he’s not eating enough and too focused on protein. Are we letting them have too much screen time?” Parenting can feel like a long line of questions and worries—wasn’t I supposed to get a handbook for this? Today, kids are growing up
Intermountain Health’s mission of Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. We know that social determinants of health – things like food security, mental health resources, economic stability, access to healthcare, and more – play a huge role. These non-medical factors – the conditions where people are born,
As Valentines Day approaches, the season of love arrives. Retail stores are filled with heart shaped candies, roses, and gifts to express love and devotion. I find it important to learn from those around you. Advice, unsolicited or not, can teach you quite a bit about life. You can find various articles and websites that
EMS for Children Colorado has recognized Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital as a Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) as a Pediatric Advanced facility—confirming the hospital’s emergency department is equipped, trained, and organized to deliver high-quality care for infants, children, and adolescents. Lutheran Hospital, located in Wheat Ridge, achieved a 99/100 pediatric readiness score. The
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.
