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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 over 30 hospitals and medicalcenters 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 fast-paced growth has spurred the construction of several new hospitals in quick succession in recent years. According to Recruiting Nevada, 11 new health care facilities are planned by 2009 and major renovations are planned or are underway on many of the existing facilities. The new construction has afforded health care centers the opportunity to incorporate the latest technology into their facilities.

An innovative medical initiative being heavily promoted is the development of a multi-million dollar Academic Medical Center near the “South Strip” at the confluence of U.S. 95 and I-215. Such a facility would be used for clinical and laboratory research as well as patient care and would serve as a teaching environment for medical specialties and research.

“It has been rewarding to observe the response from throughout the community to the creation of an academic and research-based organization that is committed to the mission of preventing, detecting, caring for and curing cancer and employees of the institute who have come from around the world benefit from the healthy lifestyle offered by the climate in the Las Vegas Valley, the diversity of services, the overall low stress environment and the ‘can do’ attitude that is universally found throughout the region,” said Heather H. Murren, CFA, the institute’s Chief Executive Officer. “These, among other factors, separate Las Vegas and Nevada from other cities, regions and states.”

The Southern Nevada Health District, one of the largest local public health districts in the nation, serves a population of 1.5 million, representing 69 percent of Nevada’s population. Public health services are available to all Las Vegans, regardless of income.

Finding a Doctor
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:  

• Check your health plan. If your employer offers health insurance, visit your company’s human resources office. Most members of health plans must choose physicians with their plan. Your employer can usually provide you with literature about hospitals and doctors that will accept the company’s insurance. Most hospitals have comprehensive websites to aid in the research process. The valley also has a number of physician referral services.
• Family, friends and co-workers are a good resource for finding a physician. Ask what people like best and least about their doctors.
• Determine how important location is to you. Also, evaluate if gender and age are an important consideration.
• When searching for a physician, make sure the doctor is board–certified. All U.S. board-certified physicians are listed with the American Board of Medical Specialties. Visit (www.abms.org) or call (866) 272-2267. The American Medical Association provides information about U.S. licensed physicians at www.ama-assn.org.
• Another resource is the State of Nevada Board of Medical Examiners (http://medboard.nv.gov). This site can help you verify that a medical doctor, physician assistant or practitioner of respiratory care has a state medical license. For additional information, you can call the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners at (888) 890-8210 (toll-free from within the state of Nevada) and press “0.”
• If you are searching for a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), call the Nevada State Board of Osteopathic Medicine at (702) 732-2147.

Staying Healthy in a Desert Climate
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.

Staying Hydrated
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.

Desert Allergies
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.

Skin Protection
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:

–Avoid 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.”

–Cover Yourself
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 sunblock 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.

–Wear Sunblock
“Sunblock 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 sunblock instead of sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30. One bottle of sunblock should not last all summer, and there is no such thing as all-day protection. You will need to reapply sunblock every 90 minutes and after swimming, towel dryings or perspiring, even if the label says the product is waterproof.

–Know the Risks
“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.

–Get Screened
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.

Keeping Children Healthy
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. The following are some great tips for keeping children healthy:   

• Healthy eating. A well-balanced diet is a simple way to keep your children sniffle free. Encouraging them to eat fruits and vegetables and making the food pyramid a regular part of your meals will pay dividends to their health.
• Hydration. Encouraging your children to drink plenty of water is a practice that can’t begin to 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.
• Sunscreen. 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 sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Pick appropriate “playtimes.” 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.