UCHealth

Prolonged shortages of popular new weight loss drugs including Zepbound and Wegovy are causing frustrations for patients, pharmacists and medical providers, and there’s no immediate relief in sight.

What happens if you suddenly stop taking drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, and are there any safe alternatives? We consulted our experts.
Learn more ➡️

Shortages of popular weight loss drugs prompt warnings not to use compounded versions of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound Severe shortages of weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are prompting warnings from doctors and pharmacists.

Three years ago, David Schlicht had his eye on qualifying for the Olympics, but one fateful jump changed everything.

David had just landed a cork 720 trick on a mountain-sized inflatable airbag when a gust of wind flung the airbag and him into the air, causing him to plummet 60 feet to the ground. His injuries were serious and extensive.

Faced with countless surgeries or a below-knee amputation, David chose to reclaim his active life and had a below-knee amputation of his right foot.

“I ultimately decided I would like to continue doing what I love: going on seven- and eight-mile hikes, skiing, fishing, and being outdoors. So, I decided I wanted to get an amputation,” said David.

Now, at 19, David is back doing all the things he loves. Read more about David’s positivity and determination:

Once aiming for the Olympics, skier embraces new life after heart-wrenching accident David Schlicht was 15 when an untethered, inflatable airbag that was supposed to protect him instead sent him plunging 60 feet to the ground.

Running offers numerous benefits: it's cost-effective, it allows you to explore your city or enjoy the great outdoors, it can boost your mental health and it can introduce you to a new community 🏃‍👟

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide:

How to start running Running offers numerous benefits for your health. Here are reasons why you might want to lace up those shoes and get started running.

We all know drinking more water is good for us, but do we know why? Let's dive into five reasons to you should stay hydrated:

Five reasons water is so important to your health Water is critical to our bodies. Why? It helps with digestion, boosts weight loss, moisturizes skin and detoxifies. Drink up.

When Pete Ryan had a stroke on the golf course, quick thinking and the innovative UCHealth Mobile Stroke Unit saved his life. This specialized ambulance, equipped with a CT scanner and telehealth system, provided immediate care and rapid diagnosis, leading to a successful clot removal surgery at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.

Pete's incredible recovery highlights the life-saving power of this advanced medical technology and the importance of timely stroke intervention. He's now back on the golf course, feeling incredibly grateful.

"I got so amazingly lucky, and I don’t want to waste this opportunity. I got a second chance.”

UCHealth Mobile Stroke Unit responds within minutes to save Centennial man stricken with brain clot while on the golf course A mobile stroke ambulance in Aurora and Colorado Springs delivers care for those suffering a suspected stroke before they get to a hospital.

Healthy Kids Run Series ➡️ Cross-country record holder 🏃‍♂️

On July 6, 1924, the Johnstown Meteorite fell from the sky during a funeral.

This meteorite is only one of five in Colorado — and the first ever recorded — to be seen falling to the ground, according to the Meteorical Bulletin Database from The Meteoritical Society.

For the 100th anniversary, join us in celebrating this unique piece of Colorado history with the "I landed in Johnstown – Meteorite Centennial Celebration" on July 6, 2024. Events include a memorial dedication ceremony, a rock and gem show, expert presentations and a drone show! It’s a perfect day to get active, engage with the community and enjoy educational activities for all ages.

Want to dive deeper into this fascinating story and find event details? Read the full article here:

Meteor crashed near Johnstown 100 years ago July 6, 2024, commemorates the centennial of the Johnstown Meteorite’s landing just outside town, a rare event witnessed by funeral-goers.

The ultimate guide to discover the best fireworks displays across Colorado for the Fourth of July🎆

And remember, refrain from setting off your own fireworks. Instead, let the professionals astound you.

Celebrate the Fourth of July safely at these Colorado fireworks displays A sign that the pandemic is easing is that many fireworks displays are back in 2021 after some cancellations throughout Colorado last year.

Summer has arrived! ☀️ With tons of outdoor events and activities to choose from, it’s a wonderful time to head outside and enjoy the warmer weather.

Whether you’re looking to explore the natural wonders of our beautiful state, enjoy a picnic and live music or attend a one-of-a-kind event, here are some ideas of things to do in Colorado in July:

6 things to do in Colorado in July Whether you’re looking to explore natural wonders or attend a one-of-a-kind event, here are ideas for things to do in Colorado in July.

Enter for your chance to win the ultimate family weekend when we take on Salt Lake on July 20th courtesy of UCHealth!

🏟️ » https://bit.ly/3Y0l7XR

Proudly supporting the 50th anniversary of Denver Pride: the ultimate celebration of love, diversity and equality.

It was an incredible turnout and a huge thank you to all of our UCHealth volunteers!

It is HOT🥵🔆 Temperatures are reaching record-breaking highs in Colorado and around the world. Extreme heat can be dangerous, so it's important to learn how to prevent heat stroke and dehydration.

How to stay cool and safe when summer temperatures get extreme Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer. Here is how to stay cool and safe during times of extreme heat. Hear from an expert.

Imagine being on the brink of paralysis, with just a sliver of hope keeping you from a life-changing injury.

In August 2022, Chad Whitaker broke his neck and learned he suffered an "incomplete" neck fracture, which means it didn't fully cut through his spinal cord. Chad's journey could have ended in paralysis, but thanks to his incredible resilience and swift actions his story took a different turn.

It was near midnight when Chad was rushed to the emergency department at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs. Due to an accident that occurred out of state, he was unable to get out of the car, so the security officer and two nurses helped him onto a gurney.

Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, was notified of Chad’s injury and progressive neurologic deficit. Within hours, Chad was in an operating room for his first of several surgeries.

“Chad’s incomplete spinal cord injury was quite severe,” said Dr. Sielatycki. “He broke and dislocated his C6 vertebrae. The spinal cord at C6 controls the biceps, hands and the entire lower body. He had a little bit of toe movement and some spotty sensation in his feet, but left untreated, that would have been his permanent state.”

During the initial surgery, Dr. Sielatycki accessed the injury from the front of Chad’s neck. He was able to reduce pressure and realign Whitaker’s dislocated C6 vertebrae. A CT scan showed a second surgery was needed to completely release pressure off the spinal cord. This time, Dr. Sielatycki gained access from the back of the neck.

Tragedy struck when less than 24 hours later, Chad was in deep pain again. Dr. Sielatycki ordered an MRI, which showed that a hematoma had developed, causing Chad to lose function in the legs.

“I remember asking Dr. Sielatycki point-blank, ‘Why are we doing this here?’ I wondered why Chad wasn’t being transferred to a larger facility,” says wife Lily Lewis. “We all want the best care for our loved ones; I had no idea that the best care was right here in Steamboat. This was Chad’s third surgery in less than two days. Dr Sielatycki told me that the goal was motion preservation, and he was intent on doing what he could so Chad had a shot at mobility again.’’

A few days after the third surgery, Chad’s pain started to subside and he was able to squeeze his wife’s hand. Finally, there was a turning point in his care.

Lily and Chad’s daughter, Isabelle, was six years old when the accident occurred. The day they reunited Chad wore a Philadelphia Phillies hat and a favorite shirt. He was seated in a chair instead of the hospital bed – Isabelle entered the room. She lit up at the sight of her father, tears in their eyes.

“He’s crying, she’s crying, there were smiles and tears all around,” said Lily. “I knew at that moment we’d be ok no matter what Chad’s recovery in Denver would involve.”

Read Chad's full story and recovery process:

Hometown care keeps Steamboat man from paralysis after he broke his neck After suffering a broken neck in an accident, Chad Whitaker relied on his hometown hospital and a spine surgeon to save him from paralysis.

Katheleen McCluskey has experienced more than most: serving in the U.S. Army, becoming a widow, raising two daughters, and facing homelessness and addiction. But her story doesn’t end there.

Veterans Trauma Court and Next Chapter were crucial in helping her turn her life around. Next Chapter, a UCHealth-led organization based in Colorado Springs, provides free behavioral health and psychosocial support for veterans and their families.

“Between Vet Court and Next Chapter, I would not be here without them. I wouldn’t. I would still be out, I’d still be on the street, I’d still be out there using,’’ she said.

On June 12th, UCHealth teamed up with Denver’s pro football players, local media celebrities, and social media influencers for Healthy Swings, our annual charity home run derby. This year, $120,000 was raised to support Next Chapter’s partners, including Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, NAMI, and Silver Key.

The event was filled with excitement and community spirit, supporting organizations and veterans like Katheleen who were in attendance.

“I am proud,” she said, reflecting on her journey and the support she received.

Read more about Katheleen’s inspiring journey and the impact of Healthy Swings:

Healthy Swings charity event raises money for Next Chapter partners, benefiting veterans UCHealth has hosted Healthy Swings, a charity event that has raised more than $650,000 to benefit Colorado non-profits, for 6 years.

Colorado has a new Juneteenth holiday, and it’s a wonderful time for everyone to celebrate freedom. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in the U.S. finally became free.

There are several celebrations happening all across the state, find one close to you ➡️

Celebrate Juneteenth in Colorado, a day to mark freedom for former enslaved people Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in the U.S. finally became free. Here's how to celebrate.

No other American city has more recipients of the Medal of Honor – the highest military honor – than Pueblo, Colorado. Known as the ‘Home of Heroes,’ Pueblo honors these military legends and their achievements in memorials and public art.

Visiting these attractions is a great way to explore history and honor veterans who have helped to make our nation great.

Learn how to pay tribute to these heroes➡️

Known as the 'Home of Heroes,' Pueblo honors its veterans and Medal of Honor recipients Pueblo, Colorado, is home to four Medal of Honor recipients. The city, known as the ‘Home of Heroes,’ honors the recipients in many ways.

When was the last time you had a moment to yourself? A moment to reflect, and just breathe?

Yoga is a great way to clear the mind, move the body and yes – take a moment for yourself. In our busy day to day we often forget we deserve that. Colorado has some of the most beautiful places from Red Rocks Ampitheatre to City Park to get outside and practice yoga.

Interested? Discover more here:

Outdoor yoga: Top spots from Red Rocks amphitheater to your park or county fair Get the essence of Colorado while being empowered and enlightened at these outdoor yoga opportunities throughout the summer months.

Yesterday, we teamed up with Denver's pro football players, local media and social media personalities to knock it out of the park, raising $120,000 for veterans at this year's Healthy Swings Home Run Derby with the Colorado Rockies ⚾

All proceeds will go to Next Chapter, which provides behavioral health and support for veterans and their family members.

What if we told you there was a hobby that is free, for all ages and will bring more excitement to your day to day? It’s right in front of you. Take a look outside – what do you see?

Bird watching. From a backyard feeder to your neighborhood park, wetland, patch of prairie or mountain forest, you can spot beautiful birds.

“Bird watching doesn’t require binoculars or even a field guide. It’s as simple as enjoying what you see,” said Zach Hutchinson, a community naturalist and community science coordinator for Audubon Rockies.

Hear more from Hutchinson on Birding 101:

Birding for beginners: Spot birds in your backyard and beyond Birding is a great hobby for beginners and pros of all ages. You can draw birds to your backyard and see them all day or head out early to hear them sing.

Looking 14,000 feet below, you embrace that fulfilling moment, taking in what you have just achieved. You're gazing out into the distance, the air is crisp, the views are wide, the wind against your face. The season for climbing 14ers is upon us. Pikes Peak, Mount Bierstadt, Long Peak – just to name a few of the most popular peaks here in our beautiful state.

Are you interested in climbing your first? Well you’re in luck, we have you covered! Read more on where to climb, and what you need to know:

Want to try climbing a Colorado 14er? Now is the time to start planning. If you’re interested in climbing your first — or your 14th — 14er, now is the time to start planning. Here are popular 14ers and advice.

Two veterans discovered healing and camaraderie through their shared passion for the great outdoors 🏕️🎣⛰️

Bo Perry is a Navy veteran who finds solace and purpose in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and camping. Not about to let an upper body injury crimp his style, Bo opted for a unique shoulder surgery with Air Force veteran Dr. Benjamin Kam, a fellow outdoor lover and fishing enthusiast.

A shared passion for the outdoors and shoulder surgery brought these two military veterans together Resurfacing arthroplasty shoulder surgery involves placing a cap on the humerus (ball) bone and avoiding surgical work to the socket area.

On a hot summer day, nothing beats lounging in a tube and floating down one of Colorado's many waterways 🌊 Whether you seek the tranquility of a lazy river or the thrill of navigating a few rapids, Colorado offers the perfect summer tubing experience for everyone.

Follow these tips to stay safe and have fun:

Great Colorado summer tubing floats When runoff is over and the hot summer sun is out, cool off with one of these Colorado summer tubing floats. And do it safely by following these tips.

🗣️ Calling all families

We're partnering with UCHealth to host a Family Soccer Clinic on June 25th at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park!

Don't miss out on the fun and sign up today » https://bit.ly/3Vo1MxV