March 2025 eNewsletter

Tahoe Forest Community Health

Tahoe Forest Wellness provides a wide variety of services to Tahoe Forest employees as well as our Tahoe Truckee community. The Wellness team works very closely with our Tahoe Forest Community Health team.

The Community Health department focuses on creating and sustaining innovative programming that addresses identified needs in the community. The small, yet nimble, team consisting of Population Health Medical Director Megan Shirley, PA-C, MBA, Maria Martin, Maison Power, Lizzy Henasey, and Brooklyn Dreher relies on collaboration with other TFHS departments, key stakeholders, and community organizations to tackle a wide variety of complex population health needs from multiple angles.

Community Health priority areas include:

• Health disparities
• Substance misuse
• Chronic disease management
• Mental/Behavioral health
• Preventive care

Click here to learn more about the Community Health Spotlight.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month and National Nutrition Month!

Did you know?

• Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States.
• Many cases of cancer of the colon or rectum are preventable – early detection through screening can significantly improve survival rates.
• The five-year relative survival rate for cancer localized to the colon or rectum is 91.1%, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program.

Are you at risk?

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), factors that increase your risk of colon cancer include:

• Older in age (especially over 50) – but younger cases are rising!
• Family history of colon cancer.
• Overweight or obesity (having an elevated body fat percentage).
• Eating too much red and processed meat.
• Physical inactivity.
• Engage in smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption.

How can you reduce the risk of developing colon cancer?

Get screened – save your behind!

• Start at 45 (earlier if you have risk factors)
• Colonoscopies can prevent cancer by catching it early.
• The American Cancer Society recommends regular screenings—talk to your doctor!

Don’t have cow, eat more plants!

• Fiber up! Aim for 30-38g per day (men) and 25-30g per day (women).
• Get your fiber fix from:
  • Whole grains (oats, quinoa, whole grain bread, brown rice)
  • Fruits & veggies
  • Beans & legumes (lentils, peas, black beans)
  • Nuts & seeds
• Fiber-rich foods also pack essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—your gut will thank you!

Cut back on red & processed meat

• Swap out steak & pork for chicken, fish, or turkey.
• Avoid processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, sausage —those curing salts are bad news!

Ditch the smokes & booze

• Alcohol turns into cancer-causing compounds—limit to one drink per day (if any).
• Tobacco smoke is loaded with carcinogens—quitting reduces your risk.

Small changes = big benefits! Take control of your health and give your gut the love it deserves.

Article written by Brooklyn Dreher, MS, RDN, LD, Wellness Dietitian, Tahoe Forest Health Systems.

Brooklyn Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Tahoe Forest Hospital, primarily focusing in pediatric nutrition at TFH and IVCH, community nutrition, as well as nutrition and wellness for all ages at the TFH Center for Health. Brooklyn received her Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from University of Nevada, Reno, and her Master’s in Nutrition from the University of Rhode Island. She provides individual nutrition counseling as well as group classes.

You can reach Brooklyn at [email protected]. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call (530) 597-3769.

Education and discussion regarding healthcare decisions in advance of end of life. During this class we will discuss advanced directives, POLST forms, assignment of durable powers of attorney, how to ensure that your wishes are honored at the end of your life.

Dr. Joy Koch has 22 years of experience in hospice and palliative medicine, and forty years of experience in primary care.

Join us in person at Incline Village Community Hospital, or on Zoom

When: March 6th 12:30-1:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Incline Village Community Hospital, 880 Alder Ave, Incline Village NV

A 6 week exercise class for people with Parkinson’s disease that is an energizing and active power class. Our goal is to give you the tools to live your healthiest and most active life in the mountains.

When: Starts March 7th
Cost: $90 for 6 week session
Location: Tahoe City Physical Therapy Clinic

Get out of your cooking rut and come get INSPIRED at our monthly Health Supportive Cooking Club! Each month, our Registered Dietitian will provide a fun and interactive cooking demo. You get to taste test and take home easy, healthy, and delicious recipes!

Led by Cardiac Rehab Dietitian, Lisa Fligor, MS, RDN. March Topic: Sheet Pan Dinners

When: March 24th, Monday 5-6:30 pm, offered monthly
Cost: $30
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

Therapeutic massage can help increase range of motion, decrease inflammation, decrease pain, increase flexibility of the connective tissues and, overall help speed up recovery time from injuries.

Therapeutic massage benefits include:

• Loosen muscles
• Improve muscle tone
• Increase flexibility
• General tissue health
• Relieve muscular tension
• Encourage general relaxation

When: Appointments available most days of the week – call for an appointment!
Cost: $110 for 60 minutes, $150 for 90 minutes (gratuity included)
Location: Tahoe Forest Wellness

Meet our massage therapist team!

See all of our current classes and programs

Try this meatless meal idea! Ditch the meat replacement burgers that often have more sodium and saturated fat than a regular burger. Instead enjoy these homemade veggie burgers.

Ingredients

• 1 14-ounce can of no salt added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
• 1 medium white onion, diced
•  ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons salt-free chili powder
• 2 egg whites
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients together in a food processor. Pulse until chunky consistency (not pureed). Using a spatula, scrape out mixture into a medium mixing bowl.
2. With wet hands, scoop (about ½ cup) of the chickpea mixture and shape into patties. Place patties on a plate.
3. In a large, hot skillet, evenly spray a small amount of non-stick cooking oil.
4. Sauté chickpea burger patties on both sides until hot and golden brown.
5. Serve on a whole wheat bun with veggies and your favorite condiments and enjoy!

Serves 8 – 1 patty per serving
Recipe Source: Lisa Fligor, MS, RDN