Banner Health

Love languages are different ways people give and receive love. Understanding and using love languages can transform a relationship. When partners know each other's love languages, they can express love in ways that make them both feel valued and understood.

How Love Languages Can Help Partners Communicate | Banner Learn how love languages can help couples communicate their needs and desires for love more effectively. Discover strategies to enhance your relationship.

Our Banner Health Clinic team got out on Saturday evening to support the Natrona County Su***de Prevention Task Force at the annual Breaking the Silence Su***de Prevention Walk. According to the World Health Organization, su***de is a major public health challenge across the world, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Unfortunately, Wyoming has su***de rate double the national average and it's an issue that affects communities statewide. September is National Su***de Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of a stigmatized topic.

*If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

In today's world, the pressure to show up – whether in-person or remote – even when we're under the weather is stronger than ever. But pushing ourselves can sometimes do more harm than good to us and our co-workers. So when should we call in sick? Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/when-should-you-call-off-work

Meet Ken!

Ken Phillips’ roots run deep at Wyoming Medical Center. His mother was a unit secretary at the hospital for many years and she was the one who suggested that he investigate the imaging program at Casper College. He did, and has now spent more than 20 years in the department, first in X-ray and for the last 14 years, as a CT tech.

He particularly enjoys the fast pace of responding to trauma patients in the Emergency Department.

“I love leaving at the end of the day and knowing that I gave great care,” he said.

Ken was born and raised in Casper but travels back and forth to see family in Michigan as much as possible. He also enjoys camping, four-wheeling and hanging out with his three dogs.

Our sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends, patients and co-workers of Dr. Samuel Vigneri. Dr. Vigneri was a beloved member of our medical staff and community and will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace.

Engaging in intense physical activity on the weekend can be fun, but it also comes with the risk of injury. With an injury, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Urgent care centers are designed to handle any non-life-threatening injury or illness and are a valuable part of our health care toolkit, especially for active people who love making the most of their weekends.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries and Urgent Care Guide | Banner Learn when to go to urgent care when you get injured on the weekend. Find out common exercise injuries and how urgent care can help you recover quickly.

We hosted lunch and a tour of our East Campus for Leadership Casper’s deep dive into our community’s health care today. Thank you to everyone for coming out and learning more about Banner Wyoming Medical Center!

More than half a million American men have vasectomies and nearly 700,000 American women opt for sterilization (tubal ligation) each year. While most of these procedures are permanent, a small percentage of people may change their minds. Deciding to reverse a tubal ligation or vasectomy is a big choice that could bring the joy of a new child. While some people have success, it’s important to think about the risks and consider all options.

Can I Reverse a Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy? | Banner Health Learn the pros, cons and process of reversing a tubal ligation and vasectomy. Find out if it is the right choice for you and how the procedures work.

Our August Employee of the Month is Matt! Join us in celebrating and thanking him for all he does for our team and patients!

His nomination reads:
"Matt is a team player and calm influence on the team. Matt has agreed to become our unit council chair and is working with the team to reinvigorate the council. His ability to approach his coworkers with respect and discuss difficult situations affecting the entire team during the meetings is appreciated.

Matt displays a patient-centric approach to each case. He is fully focused on the patient and the events occurring in the lab. Matt has an upbeat personality that helps him connect with the patients in the room and helps make their time during their procedure a little less stressful. On return visits of patients, he is empathetic remembering details that they had told him before to put them at ease during their procedure turning them into a person, not just a case of the day.

Matt has served as a resource and mentor to new team members in the lab. Matt is composed and meticulous under pressure while using quick thinking skills. Matt instills confidence and knowledge in his daily dealings with the patients and his co-workers. No question or concern is too minimal to bring to his attention for a response and action. If you need a resource, you can go to Matt. He has the patience to walk you through the most difficult of tasks.

Matt enjoys spending weekends with his boys traveling to games and has coached their sports teams. He is a do-it-yourself project guru at home."

Congrats, Matt, we're so glad you're on our team 💙

We're grateful for people like our nurse Chloe who are willing to tell their difficult stories of loss from su***de. Read more about Chloe's journey to advocate for su***de prevention and awareness in this story from Oil City News.

*If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

'It's affected everybody': Casper mom navigates devastating loss by advocating su***de awareness CASPER, Wyo. — Memories of Ava Thorson were strong among a group of people gathering in Conwell Park on Tuesday night. Her mother, Chloe Thorson, smiled

What started out as a plan to display a few candles in windows on our Neuro unit turned into a community candlelight vigil in the park for World Su***de Awareness Day yesterday. Chloe Thorson, a nurse on our Neuro unit, lost her 13-year-old daughter Ava to su***de last year, and her co-workers wanted to support her in her quest to advocate for su***de prevention, especially in children. About 75 people lit candles in honor of su***de prevention and awareness.

*If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

Join us tonight!

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. We invite the community to join us for a brief candlelight vigil tonight at 8 p.m. at Conwell Park. Bring your phone or an LED candle.

As part of the International Association for Su***de Prevention effort to support su***de prevention, the hospital will also display LED candles in the windows at 8 p.m. and we invite the community to do the same.

Individuals living with psoriasis can experience patches of thick, scaly and raised rashes on different areas of the skin. Finding a balance of skincare and self-care practices that work for each individual's needs is the best way to reduce symptoms and manage flare-ups.

Self-Care and Skincare Routine for Psoriasis | Banner Health If you are one of the eight million people in the US affected by psoriasis, then keep reading to learn about the importance of self-care and skincare.

These kiddos love Dr. Bakhsh as much as we do! If you're looking for a pediatrician for your kids ages 0 to 21, learn more about Dr. Bakhsh here: https://bit.ly/3MGayC4

Could you or someone you know benefit from fall prevention exercise? Learn more about this evidence-based program, Bingocize! Classes start Sept. 11. FREE! But space is limited -- call (307) 577-2581 or email [email protected] to register. Must register by the Sept. 25 class.

Please note: Banner Health Clinic Sage will be OPEN during the planned Conwell Street road closure between 10th and 12 streets beginning Monday, Sept. 9. Please follow Detour routes to access the clinic via 10th Street.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Damage to the skin from this UV exposure builds up over time and increases the risk of skin cancer. From a young age, kids need to learn why sun protection is important and the steps they need to take to protect their skin. Parents can help by setting a good example, making sun protection fun and helping them build good habits.

Building a Sun-Safe Culture for Families | Banner Health Sun exposure can lead to sunburns, skin damage and skin cancer. Here’s how to help kids learn why sun protection is so important, and what they need to do.

If you find yourself facing tension headaches, take a look at your posture. Poor posture can stress your neck, shoulders and scalp and make these headaches more common and intense. Improving your posture and reducing stress can help keep tension headaches at bay. Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/the-link-between-tension-headaches-and-posture.

When thinking of a hospital, some of the first people to come to mind are doctors, nurses or patients receiving medical care. KCWY News 13 recently explored another aspect of care -- spiritual care. One of our two staff chaplains, Sunny Bray, and a room service attendant, Amber Rouse, recently told the story of their unlikely friendship formed in the halls at Banner Wyoming Medical Center. https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/2024/09/05/co-workers-family-casper-native-finds-care-when-she-needed-it-most/

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient. It's often called the “sunshine vitamin,” and is linked to everything from bone health to our immune system. Yet many Americans aren’t getting enough of it. Vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.

Learn About Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin| Banner Health Discover why vitamin D is so important for your health. Learn its benefits, how much you need to take, where to find it and signs you may need to get more.

From all of us to all of you, Happy Labor Day!

Childhood cancer is cancer that occurs in anyone under age 18. The types of cancers found in children may be different from those found in adults and they may need to be treated differently. When childhood cancers are treated earlier, treatments may be less aggressive, so there can be fewer long-term side effects and better overall quality of life. It's important for parents to watch for any unusual changes in their child's health and get medical care quickly.

Warning Signs and Early Detection of Childhood Cancer | Banner It’s important for parents to watch for symptoms of childhood cancer and to make sure children have their checkups. These cancers are often treatable.

Being a mosquito magnet might feel like an unavoidable curse but armed with these tips it's possible to reduce the risk of becoming a blood buffet for these pests. Beyond the nuisance of itchy bites, remember that mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases like the West Nile virus. So protecting ourselves from bites isn’t just about comfort — we are also safeguarding our health.

Why Mosquitoes Love You & Fighting Tips | Banner Health Do you get bitten alive at outdoor events while your friends escape untouched? Find out the reasons behind your mosquito magnetism and how to fight back.

Metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance syndrome, is a combination of findings in people who are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Identifying risk factors and making some lifestyle changes, like eating well and moving more, can help give metabolism a boost.

Your Guide to Navigating Metabolic Syndrome| Banner Health Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Here’s everything you need to know.

Yogurt contains probiotics that help promote gut health and immune function, and a pair of new studies show that adding honey might help these live bacteria survive longer in the gut. (via Verywell Health)

Adding a Spoonful of Honey to Yogurt Might Give Probiotics a Boost New research found that adding clover honey to yogurt can support probiotic survival, but this did not result in additional digestive health benefits.

Drug overdoses can happen in a lot of different ways. Someone on multiple medications could lose track of what they took and when they took it. Someone might swallow a handful of pills in a su***de attempt. Someone might take too much of an op**te or another addictive drug, or not know their drug is laced with fentanyl. The concern with overdoses is that they could lead to a dangerous or deadly outcome, so quick action can make all the difference in saving lives.

What to Know When a Loved One Is at Risk of Overdose | Banner Drug overdoses are a dangerous and often fatal health problem. Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has taken too much of a medication or drug.

For cancer patients, getting the flu vaccine is a key way to stay healthy and safe during flu season. It helps protect against a serious illness, making it easier to focus on cancer treatment without added health worries.

Why Flu Shots Are a Must for Cancer Patients | Banner Health The influenza (flu) vaccine is important for cancer patients to avoid severe complications. Learn why you should get a flu shot and how it protects you.

Wellness screenings are important in maintaining health and uncovering hidden health problems that might go unnoticed until they become serious. For people with dementia, routine health screenings are especially important due to their increased vulnerability to other health problems.

Alzheimer’s Disease: The Importance Screenings | Banner Health Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, why wellness and cancer screenings are important and how routine health checks can lead to better outcomes.

Grief is practically inevitable. Whether it’s an absent parent, an estranged sibling or an ex who made co-parenting a challenge, we may grieve someone who was a negative part of our life. For some people, the trauma of the old wounds, in combination with the loss, may be too much for them to take on by themselves. If that’s the case, seeking professional help from a therapist trained in issues of complex grief and trauma may be helpful.

Tips for Grieving Someone Who Harmed You | Banner Health You may be dealing with a range of emotions when you’re grieving someone who negatively affected your life. Here are some ways to process complex grief.

Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating. About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have trouble sleeping through the night, a symptom of insomnia. These middle-of-the-night awakenings can affect our mental and physical health. They can also impact our quality of life and daytime productivity.

There are things we can do to ease our way back to sleep. And there are things we shouldn’t do as well. (via GoodRx)

How to Fall Back Asleep Fast - GoodRx Struggling with insomnia or falling back to sleep? Discover tips and techniques to help you fall back to sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night.

Engaging in intense physical activity on the weekend can be fun, but it also comes with the risk of injury. With an injury, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Urgent care centers are designed to handle any non-life-threatening injury or illness and are a valuable part of our health care toolkit, especially for active people who love making the most of their weekends.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries and Urgent Care Guide | Banner Learn when to go to urgent care when you get injured on the weekend. Find out common exercise injuries and how urgent care can help you recover quickly.

Montel Fernandez was born in Hawaii but has called Wyoming home for most of his life. He started working on his uncle’s landscaping crew at age 13 and has enjoyed the labor-intensive outdoor work on and off ever since. But when the time came, he decided to pursue a career indoors and became a CNA.

After a couple of years as a CNA at a rehabilitation facility in Casper, he decided health care seemed like a good fit, but he wanted to be closer to the operating room and applied for a job as a sterile processing tech at Banner Wyoming Medical Center. He now cleans and sterilizes devices used in medical procedures.

“I love looking at everything and taking it apart to clean it,” he said. “It’s super interesting.”

He plans to continue his education and eventually become a nurse.

Montel loves working out, hanging out with his fiancée and two dogs at home, going to concerts and traveling back to Hawaii and just about anywhere else whenever he can.

Sugar can taste delicious, and it provides a quick source of energy. However, many people are becoming more mindful of what they eat, including how much sugar is too much. (via Health)

How Much Sugar a Day Is Too Much? Americans eat excess added sugar, which may be detrimental to health. Learn more about sugar and health, and how much sugar to eat each day.

More than half a million American men have vasectomies and nearly 700,000 American women opt for sterilization (tubal ligation) each year. While most of these procedures are permanent, a small percentage of people may change their minds. Deciding to reverse a tubal ligation or vasectomy is a big choice that could bring the joy of a new child. While some people have success, it’s important to think about the risks and consider all options.

Can I Reverse a Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy? | Banner Health Learn the pros, cons and process of reversing a tubal ligation and vasectomy. Find out if it is the right choice for you and how the procedures work.

Autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the earlier stages, and psoriatic arthritis is no different. Because there is no definitive blood test that can diagnose psoriatic arthritis and the similarities in symptoms it shares with rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosing can be tricky.

Psoriatic Arthritis: 6 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore| Banner Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some patients who have the skin condition psoriasis. Here are six symptoms to watch out for.

When we think back to our own childhood, we can probably come up with some times we felt anxious, like going to school for the first time, performing on a stage, trying out for a team or sleeping over at a friend’s house. If a child has anxiety often and it’s interfering with their life and activities, we may need to help them. Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/what-parents-should-know-about-signs-of-anxiety-in-kids

The Wyoming Hospital Association awarded our volunteers "Outstanding Program of the Year" at its annual meeting this week in Casper. The award acknowledges the amazing service our volunteers provide to our patients, visitors and staff every day. Thank you for the thousands of hours of dedicated service you bring to our hospital and community every year and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Bariatric surgery is more than just weight loss. It’s a gateway to a healthier, more fulfilling life. For people struggling with conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and/or joint pain, these procedures offer a path to better health.

The Medical Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery | Banner Health Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss. It can have life-changing benefits for your health. Here are five conditions weight loss surgery can help.