If you read last month’s column, you’ll remember the bison were my inspiration, as they are often these days. They’ve managed to make themselves front and center for April too. I recently led a facilitation for business owners who are so incredibly talented, care deeply about each other and their teams, but they tend to
In Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, the path to healthcare often starts long before a doctor’s visit. It starts with a question: Do I have insurance coverage, and if I do, how do I use it? At Doctors Care, that question is treated as a vital part of care. Through a growing partnership with Intermountain
As a urologist, I see how common and disruptive urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor concerns can be. About one in four women over age 20 experiences a pelvic floor disorder, yet many hesitate to bring it up. My goal is to address the topic directly and respectfully—so patients feel informed, heard, and comfortable exploring
In integrative dentistry, your mouth isn’t seen as an isolated system. Instead, it’s recognized as a dynamic part of the body—closely connected to the nervous system, immune system, and energetic pathways that influence overall health. One framework highlighting these connections comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): the concept of meridians. Meridians are energetic pathways through
Have you ever stopped to notice how you handle discomfort or hard moments? I come from a long line of avoiders who will do everything in their power not to do that uncomfortable thing that will move the needle, have that hard conversation that will re-strengthen that relationship, or invest in a coach, therapist, or
I often get asked how I got started in a career in nutrition. The answer is simple: I believe deeply in the power of prevention—and the power of choice. The follow-up questions are usually more personal. How do I lose these last 10 pounds? Do I have to eat kale? (I really don’t like kale.)
As spring is coming upon us, our opportunities to be active and social increases. Spring brings pleasant weather, more sunshine, and increases social opportunities. With warmer weather we see an increased ability to be outside, interact with others, and being active. What are different ways to spend time outdoors this spring and stay active? Attend
In trauma care, minutes don’t just matter — they decide outcomes. At Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, we recently launched a new approach to care for patients with the most catastrophic penetrating injuries, including stabbings, shootings, and impalements. It’s called our Direct to Operating Room (Direct to OR) program, and it reflects a simple but powerful
For many people, navigating public benefits can feel overwhelming or even impossible. Confusing applications, language barriers, technology challenges and life crises often stand between individuals and the support they urgently need. That is where Benefits in Action (BIA) steps in. BIA is a Colorado-based nonprofit that has spent more than a decade helping individuals and
Most of us grew up believing that once a cavity starts, a filling is inevitable. But modern dentistry—and a better understanding of oral biology—has revealed something surprising: very early cavities can sometimes be reversed through a process called remineralization. What Is Remineralization? Your teeth are constantly going through a cycle of demineralization (losing minerals due
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
