There was a time when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a lunchbox staple for many a parent. As we learned more about food allergies and the risks they pose to children, lunchbox menus and lunchroom patterns have changed. This was all for a good reason. Peanuts are the most common childhood food allergy associated
With spring well on its way and daylight stretching into the evening, more people head outside to enjoy everything Colorado has to offer. But with that increase in activity comes a higher risk of injury. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping the season safe and enjoyable. One of the most common
Last year, I had the privilege of becoming the first in the world to use a newly developed guiding catheter to treat hemorrhagic stroke, which is a life-threatening condition caused by bleeding from an aneurysm or vascular malformation (often referred to as an AVM) in the brain. This minimally invasive technique, known as endovascular embolization,
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 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
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
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
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.
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.
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
While it seems mundane, routine lab work is essential to good health. You might not feel ill when your provider recommends a blood screening, but there can be underlying changes occurring. Think of routine lab work as eavesdropping on your body’s internal conversations. While you feel perfectly normal, your blood is carrying countless messages about
Back to school season is a good time to schedule a well-child checkup to ensure your child’s physical and mental health. “Well-child” visits focus on developmental milestones, and present an opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion about the child’s wellbeing. They’re also a great time to complete medical forms required for some school activities
Karen A. Funk, Senior Medical Director, Primary Care-Peaks Region, MD, MPP Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the US, and is a complication of diabetes. However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, the risk of blindness from diabetic retinopathy can be reduced by over 95%. Intermountain Health is making
Before its new name and a move across the highway, Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital started as a tuberculosis treatment center in 1905. By the 1970s Lutheran built a six-floor tower that welcomed more patients to the hospital. Dr. Gary Hahn in 1974 and Dr. Charlie Lesage in 1971 were the first cardiologists at Lutheran. By
As summer approaches, here are some critical steps you can take to reduce your and your loved one’s risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and while it is the least common, it is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1
May is Stroke Awareness Month which gives us the opportunity to share an important message: Most strokes are preventable. And yet, 1 in 20 adult deaths are due to strokes. It’s the fifth leading cause of death in the US and a leading cause of long-term disability. Stroke is the term we use when a
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with hyperactive children, but many adults—especially women—go undiagnosed for years. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder believed to result from a deficiency in the neurotransmitter dopamine. It affects things like memory, attention, focus, mood and learning. ADHD brains constantly seek experiences that spark dopamine release – like taking risks
April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Studies show that every six minutes, someone will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Exercise is the only thing that has been proven to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, so early diagnosis and an effective exercise regime could make a big difference in the future course of the
Recent advancements in technology have helped patients receive less invasive treatments for serious heart conditions that in the past could only be treated with open heart surgery. Now, another one of those advancements is available at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital. Intermountain Health cardiovascular surgeons offer a catheter-based procedure to reduce the risk of stroke in
At Mountain Vista, we take great pride in celebrating the dedication and hard work of our team. 2025 marks a year filled with significant milestones, and we’re excited to honor four exceptional employees who have reached impressive anniversaries in their careers. These individuals have played key roles in shaping the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes
As people around the world increasingly aspire to live longer, healthier lives, the pursuit of reaching the age of 100 has become a topic of fascination. While genetics undoubtedly play a role in longevity, lifestyle choices—particularly nutrition—are pivotal in determining how long and how well we live. Research suggests that a well-balanced diet rich in
In 1985, Pete Townshend sang “Give Blood” with David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame on lead guitar. Without searching for his deeper meaning in the lyrics, let’s take the words at face value. Why give blood, you ask? Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, accidents, and chronic illnesses.
Whether you call it gastroenteritis, the 24-hour flu or Montezuma’s Revenge, food poisoning can be miserable, ruin a perfectly nice weekend, and in some cases, land you in the hospital. Forty-eight million people suffer from a food-borne illness in the U.S. each year. Of these, 128,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 die according to the
There was a time when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were a lunchbox staple for many a parent. As we learned more about food allergies and the risks they pose to children, lunchbox menus and lunchroom patterns have changed. This was all for a good reason. Peanuts are the most common childhood food allergy associated
