Las Vegas’ health care has entered a new era with the recent addition of several high-tech medical facilities and expanded health care offerings. Today more than 30 hospitals and medical centers offer quality care from some of the finest physicians and medical personnel in the nation.
“The Las Vegas medical community has grown up and matured in recent years and is regarded as a vital resource for the entire Southwestern United States,” notes Dr. Flip Homansky, medical director for Valley, Desert Springs, Summerlin and Spring Valley hospitals. “People from around the region rely on the medical expertise available in Las Vegas, and we’re building a reputation for quality medicine that we can be proud of.”
Southern Nevada’s growth has spurred the construction and renovation of several new hospitals and medical centers in quick succession in recent years. The new construction has afforded health care centers the opportunity to incorporate the latest technology into their facilities. While finding health care providers in a new city can feel overwhelming, the following information was designed to help ease the burden for new residents.
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With thousands of physicians in the Las Vegas area, finding the right one for your family can be quite a challenge. Luckily, the Las Vegas health care system has a wide assortment of accredited physicians with specialized skill sets.
“The medical community has been proactive in meeting the growing needs of Las Vegas,” adds Dr. Homansky. “We are constantly pushing the envelope of technology to ensure Las Vegans have access to the best possible medical care. We strive hard every day to offer every patient quality health care using the most advanced medical technology available with a caring and compassionate touch. That’s just good doctors practicing good medicine, and that’s what you’ll find in Las Vegas.”
There are several ways to find a doctor that fits the needs of you and your family. The following are points to consider when finding a physician:
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Dehydration in a desert climate can be a serious concern. In humid climates, perspiration stays on the skin. In the desert, however, perspiration evaporates from skin almost immediately, leaving a person with no indication of how much salt and water have been lost. You may not even feel thirsty, but you can’t always rely on thirst as an indicator of fluid loss.
When outdoors, consume at least three to four quarts of fluid per day, preferably water. When engaging in physical activity, this fluid requirement increases to four to six quarts. Also be aware that sodas, coffee, tea and alcohol can contribute to dehydration, so drink these beverages in moderation.
If you become light-headed, the Clark County Health District recommends stopping all activity and moving to a cool or shaded area immediately.
Should dehydration set in, soaking in a tub of tepid water and drinking plenty of fluids will replace electrolytes. Sports drinks are also very good for replenishing lost electrolytes.
In addition to dehydration, people living in desert climates may experience swelling of the feet and ankles, usually after prolonged periods of walking or sitting. Elevating the legs may bring some relief. Later, as you become acclimated to the climate, the swelling will most likely disappear altogether.
Another tip for staying healthy in the desert is to focus on sun protection. There’s nothing more beautiful than a bright sun shining high in a clear blue sky. While some sun is actually good for you, providing much-needed vitamin D, being in the sun for prolonged periods of time increases the risk of skin damage. Wearing light clothes and sunscreen can greatly reduce this risk, allowing you to enjoy Southern Nevada’s beautiful sunny skies.
In the summer, a combination of the heat and low relative humidity can rapidly lead to dehydration. You can lose up to two quarts of water per hour if you are perspiring heavily. As a general rule, and especially when physically active, you should drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice, lemonade, sports drinks) to keep properly hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water all day long.
Many people assume they are escaping allergens when they move to a desert climate. However, many residential and commercial areas of the city have been heavily landscaped, often with plants and trees not indigenous to the desert environment. As such, some people find their allergies follow them to the desert. If you are prone to these types of problems, consult your physician and take great care in selecting the plants and trees you use around your home.
When you’re living in Las Vegas, it may be easy to forget that you’re also living in the desert, and the dangers of skin cancer are real. Here are some tips from the Nevada Cancer Institute for staying safe in the sun:
Minimize your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is highest in the sky and seek shade whenever possible. “A lot of people think they’re going to get more sun at the beach,” says Lisa Roof, M.P.H., sun safety coordinator for Nevada Cancer Institute. “We are at a 1,600 to 2,700 foot elevation, which increases our risk for skin cancer up to 13.5 percent from sea level.”
It is important to wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your head, face, ears and neck. If you are wearing a baseball cap, apply sun block to your ears and neck. When you are outside, always wear sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UV absorption. Wear sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants.
“Sun block is a third line of defense,” Roof says. Be sure to seek shade and cover your skin first. You’ll also want to wear a broad spectrum sun block instead of sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30. One bottle of sun block should not last all summer, and there is no such thing as all-day protection. You will need to reapply sun block every 90 minutes and after swimming, towel dryings or perspiring, even if the label says the product is waterproof.
“Nevada is ranked seventh in the nation for incidence of melanoma and 11th for skin cancer deaths,” Roof says. Having dark skin does not protect you from developing skin cancer, and it is also extremely important to avoid tanning beds, which give an unprotected direct dose of UV radiation. There is no regulation of tanning salons in this state, and some machines even give 15 times more UVA radiation than the sun.
Screening can help detect the early warning signs of skin cancer and may save your life. Know your body and check for skin changes every month. See your doctor once per year and watch for any changes in moles or lesions.
Teaching children how to stay healthy should be a top priority for all parents regardless of location. However, it is especially important that desert dwellers teach their children how to stay healthy in Las Vegas’ unique climate.
A well-balanced diet is a simple way to keep your children sniffle free. Encouraging them to eat fruits and vegetables, and make the food pyramid a regular part of your meal planning.
Encouraging your children to drink plenty of water is a practice that can’t begin too early. Kids of all ages should be aware of the risks associated with living in the desert climate and should know that fluids are the key to staying hydrated. Keeping children out of the direct sun during the hottest parts of the day is another great way to avoid overheating.
Making sunscreen a part of your child’s everyday routine will help prevent sunburns. Nevada sunburns can be extremely dangerous, but they can be avoided by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Avoid strenuous exercises during the hottest part of the day between noon and 4 p.m., and stay in areas that are cool, well-ventilated or air-conditioned. Outside playtime should be reserved for the cool morning hours or the serene desert evenings.
Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is an essential part of keeping your body healthy. It is recommended by experts that you visit the dentist every six months.
This is something that has been engrained in us since we were kids, but many still neglect to practice this simple behavior. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help ensure a healthy mouth.
Be sure to replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn or matted.
Dentists recommend using a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride is instrumental in preventing and killing bacteria which is responsible for causing plaque that leads to cavities and other gum diseases.
Make sure that your everyday diet contains enough calcium, iron and vitamins.
Developing a lasting relationship with a dentist is one of the most important steps to sustaining oral wellness. Your dentist should not perform any treatments until you understand the need and cost involved. Asking friends and relatives for references is a great way to find a dentist that meets your needs.
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Sun Valley Dental in Green Valley offers answers to many common dental questions on its Website at www.sunvalleydental1.com. The following are answers by the experts at Sun Valley Dental to some of the most commonly asked questions at the dentist’s office:
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