WINTER 2026An Inside Look at Nevada's Highest Level of CareLorem ipsumCOMPLIMENTARY CLASSES SEE INSIDE• Find Your Inner Artist with Creative Flow• Cough and Cold Season:What Parents Should Know
LifelinesMason's Message | 1Lunch & Learn | 2Providing the Sunshine | 3UMC Transplant Center Makes Strides | 4Cough and Cold Season | 8Health & Wellness Classes | 9UMC is committed to the health and wellbeing of our community, and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that preventive medicine plays a key role in your overall health. If you don’t currently have a primary care provider or would like to find one closer to home, UMC’s Primary Care providers offer you a gateway to Nevada’s Highest Level of Care. Call 702-383-CARE to schedule an appointment with a UMC Primary Care provider today!Senior Celebrations celebrates adults 50 years and better! By joining this program at no cost, you will receive many different membership benefits. Members have access to free health screenings and flu shots; free notary services; office services (free copies and faxing); Café @ UMC discounts; home delivery of our UMC Lifelines Magazine; community blood pressure screenings; and exclusive physician lectures. Additionally, for any inpatient stays at UMC, Senior Celebration members may be eligible to have their Part A Medicare deductibles waived.
Our world-class team members at UMC take pride in expanding access to life-changing care for our community. From groundbreaking clinical technology to convenient clinic locations across Clark County, UMC continues to invest in the future of health care for the people of Southern Nevada. This includes the continued evolution of Nevada’s first and only transplant center. In recent years, the UMC Transplant Center has significantly improved access to life-saving kidney and pancreas transplants. In this edition of UMC Lifelines, we’ve included an in-depth article about the Transplant Center. I encourage you to read this article and learn more about how UMC has built one of the nation’s top kidney transplant programs, offering stellar clinical outcomes and short wait times for patients in Nevada.I would also like to thank our entire community for voting to recognize UMC in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” once again this year. UMC earned “Best of Las Vegas” Gold Awards in five key categories, including Best Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic (UMC Quick Care); Best Primary Care (UMC Primary Care); Best Place to Have a Baby; Best Women’s Health; and Best Radiology. Thank you once again to the many people who voted and honored the thousands of hard-working UMC team members who care for our community every day. Sincerely,Mason Van HouwelingUMC CEOMason’s Message Mason’s Message
fifffflffiflffflflffl flMENTAL HEALTH & OLDER ADULTSUMC OFFERS EDUCATIONAL LUNCH & LEARN CLASSES AS PART OF OUR SENIOR CELEBRATIONS PROGRAM, BRINGING YOU INFORMATIVE, INFORMAL SESSIONS WITH TRUSTED HEALTH CARE EXPERTS. LUNCH PROVIDED.FRIDAY, APRIL 10, NOON - 1 P.M.HEALTHY LIVING INSTITUTE AT UMC | 901 RANCHO LANE • EMERALD ROOMJOIN MEMBERS OF THE UNLV DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY FOR AN IN-PERSON TALK HIGHLIGHTING MENTAL HEALTHTOPICS THAT IMPACT OLDER ADULTS. THIS WILL INCLUDE ROLE TRANSITIONS SUCH AS GRIEF, BEREAVEMENT ANDMAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE. WE WILL ALSO REVIEW INFORMATION ON HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY, SUCH AS HOW TOCOMMUNICATE WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.SPACE IS LIMITED. RSVP: 702-383-7353 (SELF) Are Your Prepared?Led by a team of veteran dads, this class gives expectant and new dads a chance to talk and learn from other men about being fathers. Dads will learn and discuss:· Baby Essentials· Baby Feeding· Labor and Delivery Expectations· Supportive Parenting· Post-partum CareMarch 25 | 5 – 7 p.m.Ask Questions | Discuss Concerns | Gain Confi dence Prepare For The Best Time Of Your Life!2
Rookie DadAcademySupporting dads ontheir new chapter of fatherhoodChild Passenger Safety1,200+ car seat inspections completed and 1,400+ caregivers educatedSenior CelebrationsActivities and events to support mental health and aging, including the Annual Thanksgiving Feast with the largest attendance in over 20 yearsMental Health Activities and education supporting mental health, including creativesocial activities and physician-ledworkshopsMaternal Child HealthProvided education to 1,500+caregivers and parents on topics including breastfeeding, safe sleep and infant care Supporting Familiesin Vehicle Crashes90 new car seats issued to families with children who received care for motor vehicle crashesPROVIDING THE SUNSHINE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY BLOSSOMHLI also prioritized safe sleep for newborns and provided more than 500 soon-to-be parents with the skills and abilities to provide their newborns with a healthy start through our evidence-based programming.As we celebrate these accomplishments, we eagerly anticipate a wonderful start to 2026.In 2025, the Healthy Living Institute (HLI) at UMC achieved remarkable milestones that supported the health and well-being of our Southern Nevada community. The team conducted more than 1,200 car seat inspections and replaced over 950 car seats to enhance child passenger safety. HLI also launched innovative programming aimed at supporting mental well-being for all age groups through artistic expression. The HLI Helmets for Healthy Heads program continues to grow as we address the critical need for safety on e-bikes, e-scooters and other recreational vehicles. We have distributed more than 300 helmets to our youngest community members and expect our program to continue expanding. 3
The UMC Transplant Center is celebrating a banner year, performing close to 200 kidney transplants in 2025. Home to Nevada’s only transplant center, UMC consistently ranks among the nation’s top kidney transplant programs, offering short wait times and stellar patient outcomes. “I feel fantastic!” 83-year-old Frederick Venzie beams at his wife, Anne. Frederick, a retired Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, was on the kidney transplant list for less than two months before he received the call he had been waiting for on January 7, 2025. “Since then, it’s been smooth sailing,” Frederick laughs.More Important MetricsFrederick’s kidney transplant was one of 100 performed in the first half of 2025. Dave Tyrell, clinical director of the UMC Transplant Center, says while these increased volumes are exciting, there are more important metrics to measure his team’s success. “We’re focused on providing successful medical outcomes and improved quality of life for our patients,” Tyrell says. In 2023, the UMC Transplant Center was recognized as the top kidney transplant program in the nation by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) for having the shortest time to transplant and the highest one-year kidney survival rate. “Over the past two years, we’ve not only increased our transplant volumes, but we have also maintained our reputation as a top program with short wait times and a survival rate above the national average, at more than 95 percent,” says Dr. Sunil Patel, medical director and lead transplant surgeon at the UMC Transplant Center. by Emily Antuna, UMC Public Relations CoordinatorUMC Transplant Center Makes Exciting Strides for NevadaDr. Sunil Patel, medical director and lead transplant surgeon at the UMC Transplant Center,reviews upcoming cases with a transplant nurse.4
The Secret to Success The success of the UMC Transplant Center and its patients is a team sport, according to Dr. Patel. “We have the best people in place to help our patients. From our dieticians and pharmacists, to our transplant coordinators and dedicated nurses, there is a small army of people working together to ensure each patient has the best outcome,” Dr. Patel adds. Frederick Venzie says his transplant team made all the difference in his recovery. “I can’t say enough good things about them. Both the teams in the clinic and the hospital somehow made this process enjoyable.” Frederick says. “We really become like family members to our patients because we guide their lives before and after transplant,” adds Dave Tyrell, clinical director. Tyrell says the team has really come together under Dr. Patel’s leadership. “He’s a true maverick,” Tyrell adds. Since the UMC Transplant Center opened in 1989, nearly 2,000 kidney transplants have been performed. “The amazing thing is just under half of these transplants have taken place in the last five years, since Dr. Patel joined UMC,” Tyrell says. “He’s changed the game because his expertise and innovative spirit make it possible for us to take on cases that other centers won’t.” Tyrell adds. Innovation Born of NecessityDue to the complex nature of the federal organ allocation system, Dr. Patel says many organs that are procured in Southern Nevada don’t stay here. “We are competing against metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego, where people have been on the wait list for almost 10 years,” Dr. Patel says. Dr. Patel says there is a second allocation system for organs that require more testing and are at a greater risk of going to waste. “UMC has become a transplant center that is willing to spend extra time to evaluate organs that are considered less than perfect,” Dr. Patel adds. UMC recently became one of 17 hospitals in the United States to have its own in-house perfusion program, which supplies oxygenated fluid to organs to keep them healthy and viable before transplant. Gladys Saucedo, registered dietician at the UMC Transplant Center, speaks with a patient anddiscusses the importance of nutrition ahead of a kidney transplant.5
“With such a high kidney survival rate, the results speak for themselves and people around the country are starting to notice what we are doing is working,” Dr. Patel adds.With the massive success of the kidney transplant program and a growing pancreas transplant program, UMC team members look forward to continuing the world-class care available at Nevada’s first and only transplant center. “We are excited for the opportunity to keep setting new standards and get even more patients back to their lives,” Dr. Patel adds.Patients like Frederick are thankful for the chance to start over. “I am back on the golf course, and Anne and I are heading on the road to take pictures of the stars,” Frederick smiled.Frederick Venzie and his wife, Anne, discuss medications with their dedicated post-transplant nurse.In this special edition of Creative Flow, we are inviting both our youngest and wisest creative minds. Come together to produce a collaborative work of art!Learn and laugh with a difi erent generation. Recommended for children 10 and older & seniors 50 and better. Grandparents and grandchildren are encouraged to attend together, but not required.Monday, April 272 p.m. - 4 p.m.Jr. & Sr.6
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For more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI.It’s that wonderful time of year again in Southern Nevada — temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, and little noses are running. Colds are a normal part of childhood. Each one helps your child’s immune system learn how to fight off germs more effectively. Especially during the toddler years, this can happen six to 10 times a year! But with these colds come missed school days, sleepless nights and the worry that this cold might be something more. Here’s what parents should know:Typical symptoms and what to expect:Most colds last about five days. Common symptoms include cough, congestion, runny nose, mild rash and fever.What helps:Because most colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics don’t work and can actually cause side effects like diarrhea by disrupting healthy gut bacteria. Focus instead on prevention — frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping sick children home. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil for children over six months) can ease fever and discomfort.What doesn’t help:Cough and cold medicines are not recommended and some are actually dangerous for most children. Instead, use honey (for kids over 1 year), saline sprays, gentle nasal suction and a humidifier to relieve congestion.Special tips for infants:Babies must breathe through their noses while feeding or sleeping, so clear nasal congestion before meals and bedtime.Hydration is key:Appetite may decrease, but fluids are crucial — offer water, Pedialyte or diluted sports drinks.When to call your doctor:• Trouble breathing or wheezing• Fever lasting more than five days• Signs of dehydration (decreased urine, dry mouth, no tears)• Extreme tiredness or worsening symptoms• Cough lasting more than three to four weeksCough and Cold Season: What Parents Should KnowBy Dr. Seth Ball, Pediatric Emergency Physician at UMC Children's Hospital8
For more information and to register:702-383-7353 (SELF) , scan the QR code or go to umcsn.com/Healthy-Living-InstituteComplimentary Health & Wellness ClassesFor more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI. 9 Senior Celebrations✅ New ClassesWellness & Lifestyle ClassesAARP Safe Driver CourseSign up for a great class that will teach you how to adapt to changes in yourself, the laws, the car and the road. Refresh your driving skills and discover proven methods to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. By taking this class, you may be eligible for up to three years of insurance discounts.Class fees: $20 for AARP members; $25 for nonmembers. Payment only by cash or check made to AARP. Come 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Please bring your AARP card and driver’s license.Fridays, January 9, February 6 or March 6, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adult CPR/AED TrainingJoin us for a free, hands-on American Heart Association Family and Friends® CPR, CPR/AED training. Learn how to recognize an emergency, perform CPR and use an AED. No certification required — everyone can learn to save a life!Tuesday, January 13, or Monday, March 23, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Conversation Maps®Diabetes EducationConversation Maps®, recognized by the American Diabetes Association, is now offered at the Healthy Living Institute at UMC to promote interactive discussions in a small-group setting of people living with diabetes. Each map addresses a different topic area to assist with self-management of the disease. Light refreshments will be served.Please call 702-383-SELF (7353) for information about our Spanish-speaking class series.Second Tuesday of every month11 a.m.- 2 p.m.Creative Flow Jr. & Sr.In this special edition of Creative Flow, we are inviting both our youngest and wisest creative minds. Come together to produce a collaborative work of art! Learn and laugh with a different generation. Recommended for children 10 and older & seniors 50 and better. Grandparents and grandchildren are encouraged to attend together, but not required.Monday, April 27, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. ✅ DIY Bracelet MakingReady to spark your creativity? Join us for a handson Bracelet Making Workshop. This workshop is brought to you by NAMI of Southern Nevada, supporting mental health through art and creativity. Space is limited.Friday, April 3, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Enhance®Fitness Enhance®Fitness focuses on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance and flexibility — everything older adults need to maintain health and function as they age. Balance exercises are included throughout the class.Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.First Aid and CPR for PetsLearn basic first aid skills for common pet medicalemergencies and how to provide CPR to your cat ordog. This class is not a certification course.Friday, April 3, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Complimentary Health & Wellness ClassesFor more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI. 10 Senior Celebrations✅ New ClassesHeart HealthyHeart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. You can take important steps to protect your heart and stay healthy. Join us to uncover how lifestyle shifts influence your blood pressure, weight and cholesterol to meet your heart health goals. Those who complete the four-part series will receive a heart-healthy gift!Mondays, February 23, March 2, 9 & 16 11 a.m. - noon Heartsaver CPR/AED and First AidAdult and ChildThe American Heart Association’s Heartsaver CPR/AED course trains participants to provide CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). This course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for their job, or to meet a regulatory requirement (e.g., OSHA). Please note that a payment of $50 is required via credit or debit card. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to submit payment. By registering, you are securing a seat in this limited-seat class. If you cannot make it, please call 702-383-SELF (7353).Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m. - noon Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.Stepping On: Fall Prevention WorkshopThe goal of this seven-week series of workshops is to build confidence and reduce falls among older adults. Work with trained facilitators and experts covering topics such as balance and strength, vision, medications, community safety and home hazards to reduce the risk of falls. Those who complete the series will receive fall prevention tools! Seven-Week Workshop: Wednesdays,January 7 - February 18, or April 1 - May 13, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.Stop The Bleed®These sessions provide valuable information about the steps necessary to stop severe bleeding with the appropriate use of pressure, dressing and tourniquets while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.Tuesday, January 13, or Monday, March 23, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.Exclusive Senior Celebrations Events Guardianship and Advance DirectivesJoin Shaunda Phillips, UMC’s Director of Administrative Services, for an informative session on guardianship and advance directives. Learn how to plan ahead, make your wishes known and ensure your important decisions are protected.Friday, March 27, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Hypertension: The Silent KillerDid you know that high blood pressure can damage your heart and health without any symptoms? Please join Mahmoud Mogadam, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, to learn what you can do to prevent high blood pressure and check your numbers to stay healthy. Friday, February 13, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Lunch & Learn: Mental Health & AgingJoin members of the UNLV Department of Psychology for an in-person talk highlighting mental health topics that impact older adults. This will include role transitions such as grief, bereavement and maintaining independence. We will also review information on health care advocacy, such as how to communicate with health care providers. Lunch will be providedFriday, April 10, noon. - 1 p.m.
For more information and to register:702-383-7353 (SELF) , scan the QR code or go to umcsn.com/Healthy-Living-InstituteComplimentary Health & Wellness ClassesFor more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI. 11 Senior Celebrations✅ New Classes Master Gardener: Growing Tomatoes in the DesertJoin us for a fun and informative class with Master Gardner, Glenda Bona. She will be sharing tips on when to plant and to grow thriving tomato gardens and plants in Las Vegas. Learn how to make the most of our desert climate and enjoy a bountiful harvest.Friday, February 20, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better BalanceThis course is designed to improve balance, strength and mobility while promoting the mindbody connection. This class focuses on building core stability and flexibility to prevent falls among seniors. Mondays, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. For Parents and Families Baby Basics: Understanding Your NewbornJoin us to learn the essentials of parenting a newborn from birth to 6 weeks. This class covers newborn care and helpful facts for new parents on infant behavior, safe sleep, recognizing illnessand comforting techniques. *Free booklet and companion web app. Materiales bilingües en Español a pedido.Thursday, January 8, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.Breastfeeding PreparationAttend this informative class to build your confidence by learning what you need to get off to a good start on your journey to breastfeeding success. *Free booklet and companion web app. Materiales bilingües en Español a pedido.Monday, February 2, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Car Seat InspectionsDid you know that three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly? The Healthy Living Institute at UMC is proud to offer free car seat education and inspections from certified technicians. Please email us at [email protected] or call 702-383-SELF (7353) for more information about scheduling your personal education session and inspection. Childbirth BasicsThis class is designed to educate parents about the childbirth process. We will discuss both medicated and non-medicated forms of pain control. We encourage parents to take this course in their seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. *Free booklet and companion web app. Materiales bilingües en Español a pedido.Monday, February 23, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. - noon Eating Made Fun Spruce up your spring meals with superfoods! Watch the demonstration, as UMC's Executive Chef and his team craft delicious and healthy recipes that include some of your favorite superfoods. Light bites and tastings will be served!Friday March 6, 11 a.m. - noon Explore and Learn PlaygroupJoin a Developmental Specialist from NEIS for anhour of music, art, story time, hands-on activitiesand play! For children 1 to 3 years old. Siblings arealso welcome and encouraged to participate!2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the Month, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Complimentary Health & Wellness ClassesFor more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI. 12 Senior Celebrations✅ New ClassesInfant &Child CPR- Family and Friends©This American Heart Association Family and Friends® class teaches family members how to be lifesavers with infant and child CPR skills.Thursday, January 15, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.Fridays, February 20 or April 10, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.Infant Massage: Soothing TechniquesLooking for ways to relax and bond with your baby? Learn to know when and how to give an infant massage. These techniques will help calm, relax, promote sleep and enhance bonding between caregiver and infant. This class can be taken prior to delivery or with infants up to 1 year of age.Monday, January 12, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.Thursday, March 26, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.Library Story TimeJoin staff from the Spring Valley Library for storytime. This fun playdate helps introduce yourchild to books, rhymes and rhythm, music andsong, arts and crafts, and being in a group.All ages welcome. Wednesday, March 18, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.Rookie Dad AcademyThis class led by a team of veteran dads will give expectant or new dads a chance to talk with other men about being a father. Dads will learn baby basics, ask questions, discuss concerns, gain confidence and prepare for the best time of their lives — being a dad! Pizza will be served. We encourage dads to bring their babies.Wednesday, March 25, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Safe@Home®Safe@Home by Safe Sitter is a two-hour program designed for students in grades 4 through 6 to prepare them to be safe when they are home alone. Breakfast will be provided.Monday, January 26, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.Safe Sitter®Safe Sitter is for children 11 to 14 years old and teaches them how to be safe when they’re watching younger siblings or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’s choking, how to perform CPR and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather. *Online registration. No walk-ins. Monday, February 9, or Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Support Groups Joint CampJoin us for this one-hour class designed for a patient and a coach (support person) before undergoing joint replacement surgery at UMC. To schedule for this class, please contact our Orthopedic Nurse Navigator at 702-224-7131.Thursdays, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.Ostomy Las Vegas Support GroupJoin us for a monthly ostomy support group, providing support in English and Spanish. Please call 702-383-1853 or email [email protected] to register.Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.UMC Wellness Center Women's HIV Support GroupJoin us for an afternoon of food, conversation, activities, games and prize drawings. Feel free to bring your children. Thursday, February 12, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
For more information and to register:702-383-7353 (SELF) , scan the QR code or go to umcsn.com/Healthy-Living-InstituteComplimentary Health & Wellness ClassesFor more information and to register,call 702-383-SELF (7353), scan the QR code or visit umcsn.com/HLI. 13 Senior Celebrations✅ New ClassesVegas Milk LoungeJoin our peer-to-peer perinatal support group facilitated by the Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition at the Healthy Living Institute at UMC. We welcome new and expectant parents who are interested in and/or have questions about feeding their babies.Wednesdays, 11a.m. - noonClases en Español Conversation Maps®Educación de la diabetesEl Healthy Living Institute en UMC ofrece clases gratis Conversation Maps®, Educación y autocontrol de la diabetes previendo un grupo de conversación pequeño para gente que tiene diabetes. Cada mapa o modulo trata un tema diferente para ayudarle con el auto-control de la enfermedad. Esta clase es ofrecida en 3 semanas.Por favor, llame para consultar fechas y horarios.CHARLESTON BLVDRANCHO DRIVE TONOPAH AVE SHADOW LANERANCHO LANEPINTO LANEWELLNESS WAY901RANCHO DRIVE TONOPAH AVE SHADOW LANERANCHO LANEPINTO LANEWELLNESS WAY901RANCHO DRIVE TONOPAH AVE SHADOW LANERANCHO LANEPINTO LANEWELLNESS WAY901RANCHO DRIVE TONOPAH AVE SHADOW LANERANCHO LANEPINTO LANEWELLNESS WAY901CHARLESTON BLVDRANCHO DRIVE TONOPAH AVE SHADOW LANERANCHO LANEPINTO LANEWELLNESS WAY901MAP-2024-0001
901 Rancho Lane, Suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89106Your heart is in the right place.With the latest breakthroughs in clinical technology and ateam of industry-leading specialists, UMC is standing by 24/7to deliver the complete cardiovascular care you deserve.From Nevada’s most complex cases to routine procedures,we offer a full suite of services to support the best possiblemedical outcomes. Through Nevada’s ONLY cardiologyfellowship program, we’re also building the next generationof experts to care for our community.Comprehensive Care for Your Heart:• Interventional Cardiology• Cardiovascular Surgery• Full-Service Electrophysiology• Structural Heart Program• Chest Pain Center• Dedicated Intensive Care Unit• Cardiovascular Rehabilitation• Heart Failure Clinic