Health & Wellness
Column: How the Covid-19 pandemic made me a better person
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/05/2021 - 4:39pm
We have lived through an historical moment. Has it changed you? It has certainly changed me and reinforced my desire for Bliss.
Less is Good
I grew up playing with whatever was available. We would run around the fields, climb trees, build rock & tree forts, and build mud pies. Our imaginations allowed us to create anything out of anything.
Alzheimer's Association provides free online classes and support
Submitted by paula on Sat, 04/03/2021 - 8:59pm
The Alzheimer's Association provides free online classes to help people understand dementia and alzheimers. People may register by calling 1-800-272-3900 or by visiting alz.org and searching by zip code.
They offer recurring classes that are open to everyone. The classes listed below will be offered on the same day and time each month:
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
2nd Thursday, 3-4:30 p.m.
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
1st Monday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
3rd Tuesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
Dementia Conversations
Barton expands partnership with UC Davis Children's Hospital to benefit new moms and babies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 7:52am
Barton Health is expanding its relationship with UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento to offer more specialized care to newborns in the Lake Tahoe region.
The arrangement increases Barton’s ability to care for more at-risk newborns by providing increased access to UC Davis specialists and experts including a neonatologist, and neonatal specialists within the pharmacy, respiratory therapy and nutrition departments. Barton team members will have access to education opportunities through UC Davis Health to ensure training and new skill acquisition.
Public health agencies collaborate on new mini-documentary about vaping epidemic
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/21/2021 - 11:44am
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Partnership Douglas County (PDC) in collaboration with public health agencies, substance use prevention coalitions and DreamPilot Films, announced the first of two mini documentaries on youth substance use in Nevada as part of a 2021 Nevada Youth Advocacy series.
Two-day South Lake Tahoe vaccine clinic
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 7:49pm
UPDATE: Use these links for appointments.
Sunday (3/21): https://www.calvax.org/reg/6132150932
Monday (3/22): https://www.calvax.org/reg/9410226153
_ _ _
The City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with El Dorado County in holding a vaccine clinic Sunday and Monday, March 21-22 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The clinic will take place at the South Tahoe Recreation Center at 1180 Rufus Allen Boulevard for those with appointments only.
Special Carson Valley veteran's vaccination clinic
Submitted by paula on Sat, 03/13/2021 - 11:17am
Event Date:
March 18, 2021 - 1:00pm
All veterans who are registered patients with the VA (Veterans Affairs) are eligible to participate in an upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
On Thursday, March 18, the VA clinic will be held at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To secure an appointment, current patients should call 775.782.5265 or come by the clinic but space is limited.
If not a current patient, call 775.328.1293 with your DD214 and income information to see if qualified.
The Senior Center is located at 1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, Nevada.
Column: One year later, a look back on the pandemic
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/04/2021 - 7:20pm
A year ago, February 2020, Barton Health moved quickly to meet the emerging global public health crisis and prepare for its anticipated arrival in our region. Long days and nights were spent planning to ensure we were prepared to care for this community as well as our team members as best as possible amid the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.
Barton Health to vaccinate pre-registered high-risk patients at drive-up clinic
Submitted by paula on Mon, 02/22/2021 - 8:32pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health will be vaccinating 1,600 people during a drive-up vaccination clinic for pre-registered high-risk patients on Friday, February 26.
In partnership with the El Dorado County Public Health Department, Barton is receiving the limited allocation of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the county’s vaccination effort. Following California’s tiered, age-based system for vaccination distribution, Barton will administer the doses during an all day long on February 26 at Lake Tahoe Community College.
Free virtual Opioid Summit to examine issues in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/16/2021 - 12:00pm
Event Date:
March 24, 2021 - 10:00am
The El Dorado County Opioid Coalition (EDCOC) is hosting a free virtual summit, Addressing the Opioid and Overdose Crises in El Dorado County on Wednesday, March 24 from 10 AM to 1 PM. The opioid epidemic has been called the worst drug crisis to hit the US, with 2020 having the highest overdose deaths on record. Every year, tens of thousands of Americans die from opioid and other drug overdoses, devastating families, and our communities.
COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan explained
Submitted by paula on Thu, 02/11/2021 - 1:23pm
Across the nation the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations continue to garner daily headlines, often painting a picture of slow rollouts struggling under high demand.
While it’s good news that so many people are eager to get vaccinated, the phased approach which prioritizes one group over another has left many with questions. Why can’t everyone get a vaccine now? How come someone I know got theirs early? When will it be my turn?
National vaccine framework
Column: Understanding COVID-19 vaccines
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/21/2021 - 11:05pm
There’s a good chance you or someone you know will soon get a COVID-19 vaccine. El Dorado County is in Phase 1B-Tier 1, which allows residents in certain age categories to now receive a vaccine, along with other identified essential worker categories.
This is great news. The more people who vaccinate, the sooner we will again be able to safely engage in more activities. Many people ask how the vaccines do and don’t do, and how they work in our bodies. Here’s an overview.
What each vaccine does
South Lake Tahoe residents may be called upon to participate in community health needs assessment
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 5:20pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every three years Barton Health does an assessment of the health needs of the community, a tool that guides new programs and funding opportunities.
Questions from the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) will address individual health choices, as well as environmental and social issues. Responses will be used to help Barton Health identify areas of opportunity and improvement for our local population, as well as foster partnerships and award health grants to help meet the outstanding health needs of our community.
Barton's expanded use of telemedicine expands care during COVID-19 and reduces need for transfer
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/06/2021 - 3:43pm
As the second wave in COVID-19 cases increased the need for critical patient care at Barton Health, access to critical care specialists became increasingly important. To address this need, Barton Health has formed a partnership with Eagle Telemedicine, a team of experts including intensivists and specialists that expand access to a higher level of care when patients need it most.
New company expands to do COVID-19 home testing for the holidays
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2020 - 11:00am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a concern that group gatherings over the holidays could lead to another spike of COVID-19, a new local company has expanded its operations to address the concerns and protect the public with at-home testing for the coronavirus.
Barton Health starts vaccinating front line healthcare workers
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/18/2020 - 3:45pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has begun the process of inoculating its frontline healthcare workers at the South Lake Tahoe hospital. The first 500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were received from the State of California Thursday.
Doses received during the vaccine rollout in Phase 1a have been specifically allocated for healthcare workers and hospital Skilled Nursing Facility residents, under California’s tiered vaccination plan.
Column: ’Tis the season for a little self-care
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/16/2020 - 12:30pm
With the holidays already upon us, one thing is certain this year – the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on millions of Californians, causing us to rethink so much of our daily lives, including reprioritizing family time and our mental health. The holiday season may add more challenges to parents who are balancing career, teacher and caregiver duties, as well as dealing with unanticipated illness, burnout and unemployment. Each of these challenges, for some of us, can make the season feel like the added pressures are insurmountable.
Column: Cultivating cheer everywhere
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/16/2020 - 8:42am
Tahoe is a wonderland. Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play. For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.
Tread Lightly
In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag. She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes. The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.
Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 2:20pm
As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.
New ear, nose, throat specialist joins Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 11:08am
Barton Health has welcomed Alexander Manteghi, DO, to the team of providers as its new Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician in South Lake Tahoe. Dr. Manteghi
is treating children and adults, delivering a full array of surgical and non-surgical ENT medical services; including allergy therapy, treatments for ear and throat infections, sinus and nasal issues, head and neck illnesses, snoring, voice, and hearing problems.
Need health insurance? Virtual services have your enrollment covered
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 11:00am
State health insurance exchanges, like Covered California and Nevada Health Link, are now in open enrollment - the time when we can sign up for coverage for the year ahead. It’s always a good idea to make sure you and your family have health insurance, and with the current surge of COVID-19, you don’t want to be uncovered. Luckily, there are many options for families and individuals to enroll virtually, including free, bi-lingual enrollment services offered here in our community.
Douglas County Public Health Officer issues guidance after rise in COVID-19 cases
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 4:46pm
Douglas County has recently seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in an extremely short period of time. This is part of a regional and statewide trend in rapidly increasing confirmed COVID-19 infections and they are experiencing strain to their healthcare system and first responders.
Column: COVID’s current impact on our community
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 3:20pm
The COVID-19 virus is widespread throughout the South Lake Tahoe community. Transmission is taking place at its highest rate to date largely due to cooler weather moving gatherings indoors. Any gathering outside of your immediate household is now the largest vehicle for spread.
Celebrate safely this holiday season
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 10:47am
The holidays are upon us, bringing a time to celebrate and gather. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, however, even small in-person gatherings are a contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases we are seeing across the nation and in our own community. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, family, and community healthy and safe.
Barton Health updates community on their surge preparedness
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 7:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The safety of patients and healthcare workers is Barton Health’s top priority. The health care system has operations in place to continue to meet the demand for medical services as COVID-19 cases surge across the nation and Lake Tahoe. After preparation for the anticipated increase of patient volume this fall and winter, aspects of Barton’s plan are being implemented to meet the needs for patient care.
Barton Health brings back services to Robert Maloff Orthopedics & Wellness Center
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/10/2020 - 7:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With services stopped during the first months of the pandemic due to safety concerns, Barton Health is bringing back health and wellness programs to its Robert Maloff Center for Orthopedics & Wellness.
Barton Health welcomes two new primary care doctors to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 11:21am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has welcomed two new primary care providers, Krista Ault, MD and Tyler Peterson, DO, at its network of family care medical offices in South Lake Tahoe.
These physicians will expand community access to care, a priority of Barton’s in response to its Community Health Needs indicating access to health services being a top concern of surveyed residents in the local area.
Column: A safer, healthier haunting this season
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/27/2020 - 10:46pm
Seasonal holidays like Halloween will be different this fall to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Finding safe ways to celebrate can create magical memories, and lower the risk of exposure to yourself, your family, and your community. The decisions we make on this one day can have a ripple effect beyond our own families. Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for you and your children to get creative, and maybe even invent some new traditions for your family. It's also a great opportunity to model flexibility and a positive spirit.
Barton Health to use $100K grant to bolster mental and behavioral health services
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/22/2020 - 10:11pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is partnering with local therapists to expand care to vulnerable community members thanks to a $100,000 grant from Health Net®.
Through the Barton Community Health Center, Medicare and Medicaid patients can schedule virtual visits with Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Marriage Family Therapists contracted through Barton’s secure telehealth platform.
This cooperative effort builds upon Barton’s expert psychiatric services, and makes additional patient care available in a time of need.
Virtual UC Davis lecture: Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Human Health
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 2:25pm
Event Date:
October 29, 2020 - 12:00pm
Join UC Davis for a virtual lecture on the Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Human Health with Kent Pinkerton, Ph.D. on Thursday, October 29 at 12:00 p.m.
Column: Adjusting with the Times
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/13/2020 - 3:29pm
Overwhelm, aggravation, annoyance, frustration, irritation, unsettling. . .What other words can you think of to describe our current circumstances? Luckily, there is a cure for all of these feelings. You already know what I am going to say: Yoga.
Just Stop
Column: Delivering care for mothers and babies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 10:31am
As a mother and as a physician, I understand there are many unknowns right now for moms as they prepare to deliver their babies. Despite the challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health continues to provide compassionate care that puts mothers and babies first. Barton’s practices in place honor the needs of mother and child while upholding everyone’s health and safety.
Column: The importance of breast cancer screening
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/01/2020 - 8:17pm
The reminder to schedule a breast cancer screening test comes on strong during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This month, let each splash of pink you see be an encouragement to get screened with a self-exam, physician exam, or a mammogram.
It’s also a good time to get a feel for your own unique breast density, and establish a baseline to help identify warning signs of breast cancer, including:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast
- Dimpling or skin irritation of breast skin
- Localized, persistent breast pain
Column: Coping skills to help you during these challenging times
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 9:19pm
There are times in life when we all face crisis situations or when stress of everyday life becomes overwhelming and unmanageable. This can be due to job pressures or job loss, relationship struggles, death, divorce, or any major life changes. Whatever the circumstance the emotions that carry with it can be painful, overpowering, and stressful. They often create unwanted physical sensations and arousals, and effect daily living and coping skills.
Speaker panel on student's health during COVID-19 sponsored by Barton - Postponed
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 2:41pm
Event Date:
October 8, 2020 - 5:00pm
September 30, 2020 - This event has been postponed.
Barton Health will be hosting a virtual speaker panel on student health during COVID-19 on Thursday, October 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The free community wellness webinar is to help educate parents on the current COVID-19 protocols for schools and daycare centers, and share tips for student wellbeing during the pandemic.
The speaker panel:
• Dr. Rhonda Sneeringer, Director of Pediatrics
• Dr. Tracy Protell, Child Psychiatrist
• Annamarie Cohen, Ph.D, Director of Special Services for LTUSD
Flu Shot Clinics set for South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and Alpine County
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/19/2020 - 11:38am
Each year flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. While it is unclear what will happen this fall and winter, if there is COVID-19 and
flu at the same time, this could place a tremendous burden on our health care systems and cause many additional illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Now more than ever, it’s important that everyone do their part to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu and COVID-19, according to Alpine County Health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson.
Warning signs and resources to know during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 3:28pm
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. During the month of September, the El Dorado County (EDC) Behavioral Health Division encourages the community to “know the signs, find the words, and reach out” to prevent suicide, as well as learn about local suicide prevention resources.
Join Carson Tahoe for an Online Discussion on Navigating Memory Care
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 1:05pm
Event Date:
September 22, 2020 - 10:00am Carson Tahoe invites the community to join a free webinar on September 22 at 10 a.m., led by internationally recognized memory care expert David Troxel, MPH. The engaging online discussion will provide insight into the effective techniques and approaches for caring for loved ones living with forgetfulness, memory loss, Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Location
Online
United States
See map: Google Maps
Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety: Five practical tips
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/16/2020 - 12:00pm
Event Date:
September 17, 2020 - 5:00pm
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time check in with yourself and loved ones. So many of us are struggling to keep our mental health in check right now. It’s normal to feel anxious about the impacts of COVID-19. Preventing our worries from consuming us can reduce stress and uncertainty—and even more severe behavioral health issues like suicide.
Barton Health expands services, welcomes new psychiatrist Dr. Joe Hibbeln,
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 3:11pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Internationally recognized psychiatrist, Joe Hibbeln, MD, has joined Barton Health’s team of expert mental and behavioral health providers. A board-certified physician, Dr. Hibbeln is working with patients over 18 years of age at Barton Community Health Center in South Lake Tahoe.
COVID-19 test results now in 2-5 days in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/22/2020 - 5:04pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Results from COVID-19 testing at the two state-sponsored, free sites in South Lake Tahoe and Placerville are currently expected to come back in 2-5 days. These tests are available for any El Dorado County, Alpine County, or State of Nevada resident wanting to be tested for the virus.
Apple Hill and other county agricultural businesses receive COVID-19 operation guidelines
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/20/2020 - 10:33am
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Agricultural businesses including those at the popular Apple Hill received instructions this week from El Dorado County on safety precautions and procedures. These were created to ensure operations are safe in light of the COVID-19 pandemic when they open for the 2020 harvest season.
Tahoe Youth & Family Services holds "Miles for Recovery" virtual event
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 3:18pm
September is right around the corner and we have an exciting activity for you to participate in while celebrating National Recovery month. This month-long event is designed to educate Americans on mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to celebrating the work of individuals in recovery and providing support to affected families and patients.
Rheumatologist Leah Krull, MD joins team at Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 8:49am
Board-certified rheumatologist, Leah Krull, MD, has joined the team of medical experts practicing at Barton Health. A physician skilled at addressing autoimmune and joint diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and lupus, Dr. Krull is treating patients at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe.
Rheumatology manages conditions that affect joints and the body as a whole due to systemic inflammation.
Back-to-school immunizations offered in El Dorado County
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/27/2020 - 3:30pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - When kids will be physically going back to school this fall is unknown, when they do immunizations will need to be up-to-date.
South Lake Tahoe COVID-19 testing place to remain at LTCC
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:58am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As confirmed cases continue to rise in El Dorado County, Lake Tahoe Community College announced it will continue to serve as an appointment-only COVID-19 testing center through August 2020. The college’s standalone Physical Education building is the only large-scale COVID-19 active virus testing site in the entire county.
El Dorado County Opioid Coalition launches new campaign - Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2020 - 11:50am
The El Dorado County Opioid Coalition (EDCOC) has launched its new opioid prevention public education campaign, "Your Pain is Real. So Are the Risks.”
The EDCOC works to prevent opioid addiction and overdose in El Dorado County through its treatment, safe prescribing, and naloxone distribution programs and has now started working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Column: Mental health and substance abuse
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 10:31am
Out of four adults who are living with a serious mental health issue, more than one will also have a substance use problem. It is referred to as having a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. While a mental health issue has unique symptoms and requires different treatment from those of a substance use disorder, they affect each other greatly.
Tips for a great grill season
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/16/2020 - 9:39pm
With the weather lately, chances are you have already started cooking dinner outdoors. Grilling and eating dinner outside can also be a great way to more safely interact with friends and family. Here are a few tips to ensure your grilled meals are delicious, healthy, and easy all summer long.
Column: Denying mental health in adolescents
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 1:35pm
Graduation, getting a driver’s license, and puberty, all milestones of the adolescent years. With the expected biological, emotional and mental change, it’s easy to underestimate just how much adolescents must cope with. As moods and appetites consistently change, it can be difficult to notice if an adolescent is experiencing any mental or emotional distress. However, noticing any change in the mental health condition of adolescents is important for early intervention and treatment.
Column: Wear a face mask to help your community stay healthy
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 1:53pm
As temperatures at Lake Tahoe are heating up, so are discussions about wearing a face mask in public. While science continues to reveal new information about the coronavirus, one thing is clear: wearing a face mask slows the spread of COVID-19, if enough people wear them.
