Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital

12/12/2025

A round of applause for Laura Eddington, RN, in Med/Surg who is a Daisy Award winner and L.O.V.E. Award honoree. L.O.V.E. means “Living Our Values Everyday” and is a top award at Intermountain.

This nomination, submitted by a patient’s family member illustrates what makes Laura such a great nurse:

After a major surgery, a patient was in unbearable pain—vomiting every few hours. Despite strong pain medications, nothing seemed to help. His spouse, desperate for answers, turned to medical research and discovered a possible solution: using a protein pump inhibitor (PPI).

When she approached Laura with this information, Laura didn’t just listen—she truly heard her. Laura understood the urgency and called the doctor to recommend the change and stop the anti-nausea medications. The doctor agreed, and the vomiting stopped. For the first time in days, the patient could begin to recover.

Laura’s quick action was a turning point. She not only eased the patient’s discomfort but also transformed the spouse’s experience. Her kindness and empathy turned a desperate situation into hope.

The patient’s wife shared, “Laura's compassion transformed me from a helpless bystander into a valued partner in my husband’s care. Her actions weren’t just a part of her job – they were an act of true partnership and compassion.”

“Laura brings so many amazing qualities to our team,” said Jamie Cox, nurse manager of Heber’s Med/Surg unit. “She consistently demonstrates kindness, patience, and genuine care. What sets Laura apart is her commitment to putting the patient's needs first-ensuring patients feel heard and respected. Laura listens, empathizes, then makes a thoughtful plan of care for each of her patients.”

Congratulations, Laura! We’re so glad you’re part of our team!

12/04/2025

Wrapped season is here! And so is our ultimate pump up playlist for our caregivers. Check out our top songs across all our hospitals and clinics.

Which song gets you through the day? Drop it below! 👇

12/01/2025

Such good information from our friends Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital.

12/01/2025

Get ready: E-bikes are on the rise for many Christmas wish lists. 🚲

These trendy electric and battery powered bikes come in a variety of types. They range in look and can go up to 40 miles per hour speeds.

🚨Trauma data from Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital campuses in Utah have found a 66.7% increase in e-bike-related injuries among children and teens in the past year. High-speed incidents and lack of helmet use are contributing factors to these serious injuries.

To better educate and empower you to make good safety decisions for your future riders, consider these tips:

🚲 Follow all state laws and local ordinances.
🚲 Wear a helmet, every ride, every time, and make sure it fits properly. Ensure the type of helmet aligns with the e-bike’s classification.
🚲 Supervise riders under age 14.
🚲 Follow traffic laws and ride with traffic. Stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield to pedestrians.
🚲 Stay alert and don't use phones or headphones.
🚲 Check the e-bike’s brakes, tires, and lights before riding.
🚲 Wear bright or reflective clothing.
🚲 Use front and rear lights.

E-bike laws vary from state to state, though most classify e-bikes in three categories, depending how fast they can go with and without pedaling.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/48CF1Na.

12/01/2025

11/30/2025

✨ There is hope when fighting diabetes! ✨
Brooke, a registered dietitian with Intermountain Health, reminds us that managing diabetes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools and mindset, you can take control of your health. 💙

Here are five simple steps Brooke recommends:
1️⃣ Get your hemoglobin A1C levels checked– Keep track to understand how food and activity affect your levels.
2️⃣ Eat balanced meals – Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies.
3️⃣ Stay active – Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days.
4️⃣ Lose weight - a modest amount, losing between 5-7% of your body weight, can significantly improve blood sugar control
5️⃣ Take medications as prescribed – Consistency is key to keeping your body in balance.

💡 Brooke’s message: You are not alone. Small steps add up to significant changes.

For more information, check the link in our bio.

👉 Share this with someone who needs encouragement today. Together, we can fight diabetes with hope and strength!

11/30/2025

Thanksgiving Day surprise! 💗👶💗

Baby Luna Grace surprised her parents Vannessa and Dax just 3 minutes shy of Intermountain Medical Center when contractions intensified in the middle of Thanksgiving traffic, and baby Luna was delivered in their own own hands in the front seat of the minivan!

Thanksgiving will never be the same for the Lowe’s after welcoming their healthy 5 lbs 6 oz bundle of joy!

11/28/2025

You read that right. Some women who have never had diabetes before may develop diabetes during pregnancy known as gestational diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

🤰Gestational diabetes has no symptoms so it’s important to complete a glucose screening test between 24-28 weeks. Doctors or midwives recommend this for all pregnant patients.

There are increased risks or complications for mom and baby during pregnancy or delivery with gestational diabetes.

These include:
• Getting high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
• Preterm births.
• The need for a cesarean delivery.
• Other delivery complications since babies are more likely to have a larger than normal birthweight.

HOWEVER, moms don’t need another stressor. We have specialized teams ready to walk alongside you in your and your baby’s wellbeing.

Visit the https://bit.ly/43E17MG to connect with our Women’s Health team.

11/27/2025

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from Heber Valley Hospital! 🍂

We're deeply grateful for our dedicated caregivers, whose compassion and expertise make a difference every day, and for our patients who trust us with their health and well-being.

Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or connecting with friends from afar, we hope your day is filled with warmth, gratitude, and joy.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday! 🧡

11/27/2025

The chefs at Intermountain Health are busy preparing Thanksgiving-themed options for all who will be in our facilities on Thanksgiving Day! 👨‍🍳

That is no small task since they serve 35,000 meals daily across Intermountain Health!

Baked sage gnocchi has been on past Thanksgiving menus as an alternative to turkey. If you are still scrambling for a delicious dish, consider this hit! 🍽️

Step 1
In a large pot bring water to a boil. Add gnocchi into the boiling water with a strainer and cook briefly just to soften the gnocchi. Approximately 1-2 minutes. As an alternative steam the gnocchi.

Gently toss the gnocchi in some of the oil to prevent sticking. Lay out in a single layer on parchment lined sheet pans. This may need to be done in batches. Do not crowd the gnocchi.

When all gnocchi is partially cooked, immediately sear on a flat top, in a tilt skillet. Sear on medium high heat. Gnocchi should be browned on both sides so that it has a bit of a hard crust but is not burnt. Cool down completely before using to finish the recipe.
*This step is essential to success, and the Gnocchi must be treated gently, so it doesn't break or stick together.

Once seared, the gnocchi is easy to work with. Gnocchi can be done up to two days in advance and held cold until ready to mix with other ingredients and cook.

Step 2
Toss the vegetables with the oil and the salt. Lay out in a single even layer on parchment lined sheet pans.

Roast at 400 degrees until the vegetables are browned and mostly cooked, but not turned to mush, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool.

Step 3
Combine cheeses, seasonings and sage. Toss together with the vegetable mixture and gnocchi. Pour vegetable broth into a large shallow pan. Add gnocchi and vegetable mixture and spread evenly over the pan.

Bake covered at 375 degrees for approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove the cover and continue to cook until gnocchi is hot and begins to brown on top, approximately 10-15 more minutes.

Yield: 12 servings of one cup each.

For more information about food services or other jobs available at Intermountain Health visit the careers page at https://bit.ly/48dr3jy.

11/26/2025

Help us keep our caregivers and the community safe this holiday season.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like:
✅ Fever
✅ Cough
✅ Runny nose
✅ Red or watery eyes
✅ Rash
✅ White spots in the mouth

Please call ahead to your provider or consider a video visit. In an emergency please go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

As we head into the holidays, remember to:
🦃 Stay home if you’re sick
👍 Stay up-to-date on your vaccinations
🧼 Practice good hygiene: Wash hands, cover coughs, and consider masking in crowded indoor spaces.

Thank you for helping us keep our community healthy and safe!

11/26/2025

The good news about prediabetes?🗞️
You CAN do something about it.

🩸There are risk factors you can change to lower your chances of prediabetes and diabetes, including:

• Not getting enough physical activity.
• Having a poor diet.
• Are overweight or obese.
• Smoke and use to***co.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Have high cholesterol.

Don’t feel guilty or discouraged if you have these risk factors. There are ways to manage them and our teams are ready to help you. ❤️

Do you want to find out if you’re at risk to have prediabetes?
Visit https://bit.ly/4icidHd to take our 1-minute diabetes risk quiz.

11/24/2025

Welcome back to our diabetes series! 👋
Let’s talk a little more about the differences between types 1 and 2 diabetes.

Early detection is the key to treat both types of diabetes. It may decrease the risk of diabetes-related complications.

🩸Some common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

• Frequent urination.
• An increase in thirst.
• Increased hunger — despite eating.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Blurry vision.

• Specifically for T1D, abnormal weight loss.
• Specifically for T2D pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.

Your health care provider may suggest screening for type 1 diabetes if you have a family history of it.

It’s important to chat with your doctor if you think you may have these symptoms.
For more information, and to find a doctor closer to home, visit https://bit.ly/47WHfWh.

11/20/2025

Exciting news for Heber Valley Hospital! We've been recognized with the 2025 Performance Leadership Award by The Chartis Center for Rural Health! 🎉

This award celebrates rural hospitals that deliver quality care and an outstanding patient experience — and we’re proud to serve our community with compassion and excellence every day.

💙 Thank you to our amazing caregivers for making this possible!

11/20/2025

Have you heard of an A1C? Not everyone is aware of the role that A1Cs play when it comes to diagnosing diabetes. Here’s a brief run down!

🩸Lowering your A1C—even by 1%—reduces complications by 40%.

Diabetes can be diagnosed through a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels (A1C) over the span of 3 months.

If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough of a hormone called insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly.

This causes glucose — your body’s main source of energy — to stay in your blood instead of going into your cells and can lead to serious health problems.

We offer virtual classes to help you build healthy habits and lower your risk.

Way to Wellness is taught by our registered dietitian nutritionists. Check out https://bit.ly/48kQUXX for more information.

11/18/2025

We’re proud to share that our dear friend and colleague, Sharlene Cole from Surgical Services has been honored with the 2025 Rural Impact Award by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. This prestigious honor is meant to recognize healthcare providers that are on the front lines of rural health care.

Here are a few wonderful things to know about Shar:

Sharlene has dedicated over 21 years to the community and patients at Heber Valley Hospital. She exemplifies the power of compassion and accountability in nursing. She has taught the value of maintaining a personal touch—ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for.

Shar is known throughout the hospital as someone who gets things done. Whether it’s tracking down imaging appointments or making sure labs are drawn, she consistently goes above and beyond, even when the issue isn’t directly within her role.

Her dedication to patient care and her thoughtful, solution-oriented approach inspire everyone around her and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

She has known, cared for and loved her people with all her heart and soul. She laughs, cries and everything in between with our caregivers, patients and families. Shar is a treasure, and we are so lucky to have her! Congratulations, Shar!

11/18/2025

Do you know the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

🧠 There are many different types of dementia — including Alzheimer’s.
Dementia is an umbrella term for types of diseases where there is damage to memory or thinking parts of the brain. People can have more than one type of dementia.

There are more than 55 million people worldwide living with dementia in 2020. This number is expected to double every 20 years.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and if you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, we see you. Please make sure to also take care of your own physical and mental health. You matter too. ❤️

To learn more about dementia and Alzheimer's, visit https://bit.ly/4hWE9WG.

11/17/2025

Do you or someone you know have diabetes? 1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high.

🩸November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
Common symptoms that someone may experience include:

• Urinating often.
• Feeling very thirsty.
• Feeling very hungry — even though you are eating.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Blurry vision.
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal.
• Weight loss — even though you are eating more (type 1).
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet (type 2).

Hang out with us all month as we share more information about the different types of diabetes and some tips to address it.

Visit https://bit.ly/47WHfWh for more information.

11/17/2025

Be prepared for the unexpected this winter.

Learn how to winterize your vehicle with a comprehensive emergency kit checklist. Discover must-have items for warmth, visibility, traction, and communication. Get expert tips on winter driving safety, vehicle maintenance, and injury prevention during cold-weather activities. Take the Safe Winter Pl...

11/13/2025

Join us on Saturday, November 22 | 4 to 7 p.m. at Timpanogos Middle School for a wonderful night of education, entertainment, food, and fun. FREE for the whole family! Sponsored by the Wasatch Community Foundation

11/08/2025

Congrats to our fearless leader, Si Hutt! We’re grateful for his commitment to our community!

Si Hutt is the administrator of the Intermountain Health Heber Valley Hospital.

11/05/2025

Help us bring the joy of the season to Heber Valley Hospital!
We’re looking for talented pianists and string musicians to fill our hospital lobby with the comforting sounds of the holidays from December 1 - 26. Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply love to play, we’d be thrilled to have you share your gift. Sign up for a 30-minute slot.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

11/03/2025

We're collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, and other winter essentials for individuals and families in need throughout Heber Valley.

Collection boxes are located throughout the valley, now through November 14.

Every donation makes a difference. Whether it’s a cozy coat or a pair of warm gloves, your generosity will help keep someone warm this season. Please share this post and help spread the word.

11/01/2025

Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not fun to be in the hospital. Especially on Halloween.