Intermountain South Cache Valley Clinic

04/02/2026

Did you know that an early Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis and treatment can help patients not just survive, but thrive? ✨

About 1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease today. That number is expected to grow to 1.2 million by 2030.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and many patients tell us they feel discouraged in those early days. However, there’s hope. With the right care team and the right treatment plan, people with Parkinson’s can go on to live decades of high‑quality life. 🧠

This is not a disease that will stop you in your tracks. It’s something we manage, just like we manage other chronic conditions such as heart disease.

If you have any questions or concerns about Parkinson’s, contact your primary care physician. They can then refer you out to a neurologist for further assessment as applicable.

04/01/2026

Austin Holder is an occupational therapy assistant at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Austin was recently recognized with an Intermountain L.O.V.E. Award for the quality of care, compassion and empathy he shows his patients.

Austin is an amazing example of embodying Intermountain's mission and goes above and beyond for his patients and colleagues. He helps everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.

If you would like to nominate an Intermountain caregiver for a L.O.V.E. Award, please do so here: https://ihex.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YVApgCwqyEw1Dw

04/01/2026

Our patient Jonathan gave us his honest, in‑the‑moment reactions to trying the FIT test for the first time.

Colore**al cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, but is often highly treatable when it’s caught early. Early screening can save lives. 💙

The at‑home FIT test checks for hidden blood (or altered DNA) in a stool sample. It’s simple, noninvasive, and requires no prep or dietary changes.

✏️ Fill out the label�
🧪 Collect your sample�
📬 Mail it back within 24 hours�
📱 Get results in your Intermountain Health patient portal

If your test comes back positive, make sure to schedule a follow‑up colonoscopy for a complete screening.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4tdv3JE.

03/31/2026

What you eat today can help protect your health tomorrow.

In our latest video, Ashley Magistrelli, a registered dietitian with Intermountain Health, breaks down the foods to limit — and the foods to lean into — to help reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Ashley explains how simple, sustainable nutrition choices can make a meaningful difference, including:

🚫 Foods to avoid or limit:

• Processed meats
• Excess red meat
• Highly processed foods
• Foods high in added sugars
🌱 Foods that support a healthier colon:
• Fiber‑rich fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and legumes
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats

A balanced, plant‑forward diet doesn’t just support digestion— it can play a key role in lowering colon cancer risk and improving overall well‑being.

🎥 Watch Ashley’s full breakdown in the video to learn how small changes can add up to long‑term protection.

03/30/2026

“One moment he was saving lives. The next, his own life was on the line.”

During a routine surgery, McKay-Dee Hospital’s Chief Surgeon, Dr. Todd Grunander, started feeling off. Hours later, after a series of tests, he heard words no one expects—an aggressive form of colon cancer that needed immediate surgery.

Today, Dr. Grunander is sharing his story with courage and hope, reminding us why preventive care and listening to your body truly matter.

💙 His message: Don’t wait. Get screened. Take symptoms seriously. Life can change in a single day.

03/30/2026

Today, we’re celebrating the doctors who care with skill, compassion, and heart.

We thank our doctors and the time you take to listen, the expertise you bring every day, and the difference you make for patients and families across our communities.

Happy Doctors’ Day! ♥️

03/28/2026

March is National Kidney Health Month, and Dr. Taylor Moody, a nephrologist at Intermountain Health, is sharing what you need to know to protect these small but mighty organs.

Your kidneys quietly filter waste, balance electrolytes, help make red blood cells, and even support bone health. But kidney disease often develops silently, which is why early detection matters.

Two simple tests — a blood test and a urine test — can help determine your Kidney Risk Score. Talk with your primary care provider about when you should be checked.

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Obesity

• Autoimmune disease

• Anatomical or genetic kidney conditions

• A history of smoking

Healthy habits to support your kidneys:

• Stay hydrated (aim for clear to light-yellow urine)

• Manage blood pressure and blood sugar

• Eat more plants and fewer red meats

• Move your body — even a daily walk helps

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Get 7–8 hours of sleep

• See your primary care provider regularly

People with chronic kidney disease may also benefit from meeting with a registered dietitian, in person or via telehealth.

And remember limiting sodium, avoiding NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, and keeping conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure under control can make a big difference.

Your kidneys work hard for you — take time this month to return the favor.

03/27/2026

Big numbers and a big crunch! 🥬
Our cafes and bistros go through 186,029 pounds of Romaine and 41,145 pounds of mixed greens every year.

Lettuce is full of fiber and micronutrients, natural nitrates, and other antioxidants that support heart health and can help lower blood pressure when eaten regularly.

We partner with a cooperative that holds higher standards for how crops are grown, handled, and prepared. Every batch of greens is triple‑washed, then bagged and delivered fresh to our facilities so caregivers, patients, and visitors get produce at a high quality.

03/27/2026

Taking a break from your phone doesn’t mean you’ll disconnect from life. Instead, it provides an opportunity to reconnect with it.

Phone or scroll breaks (even for a few minutes) help you make choices about how you want to spend your time. Try going phone‑free for a couple of hours, leaving it in another room, or even taking a full “social media holiday” for a day, weekend, or longer.📱

If you choose to go phone free for a few hours, leave the phone in a part of your house that you won’t spend too much time in.

Reassess and see how it makes you feel afterwards. 😊

03/26/2026

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers — especially when it’s caught early. March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and updated guidelines now recommend starting routine screenings at age 45.

Knowing the signs matters: changes in bowel habits, re**al bleeding, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, anemia, or fatigue should be discussed with your doctor. Many factors can increase your risk, including age, family history,
inflammatory bowel disease, lifestyle habits, and lower screening rates in some communities.

A colonoscopy remains the most effective screening tool, but at‑home FIT kits can also support regular monitoring for those at lower risk. If a FIT test comes back positive, a follow‑up colonoscopy is essential.

If you’re 45 or older — or have a family history of colore**al cancer — talk with your doctor about the right screening plan for you.

Early detection saves lives.

For more information check the link in our bio.

03/25/2026

We’re continuing to redefine the dining experience inside our hospitals. 🍽️

You won’t hear us call them cafeterias anymore because what we offer goes far beyond that. Our hospital cafés and bistros bring you elevated healthcare cuisine, warm hospitality, and thoughtfully crafted meals in inviting spaces made for our patients, their loved ones, and our IH caregivers.

Whether you’re visiting a loved one or taking a well‑earned break, we’re here to make every meal feel nourishing, comforting, and prepared with care. ♥️

What is one of your favorite meals from our cafes or bistros?

08/24/2018

Many studies over the past 20 years have shown that eating healthy meals can improve memory and concentration, boost your creativity and problem-solving, lift your mood, and build overall health. Follow the link below for some awesome recipes:

Intermountain chefs share healthy recipes and cooking tips to provide fresh ideas for making healthier eating choices to help you LiVe Well.

08/22/2018

Because our environment has a large impact on our health and well-being, an important part of living well is doing our part to take care of the environment. We can work together as proactive communities to foster a safe, happy, and healthy world for years to come.

Making healthy choices is important, but it's not enough to counteract poor environmental conditions that affect our health.

08/17/2018

OPT OUT. Most Utahns struggling with opioid addiction received their first opioid prescription to treat a short-term injury or after surgery.

To manage pain, opt out of opioids. Some of these treatments may actually work better and have fewer risks and side effects:

-A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®)
-Naproxen (Aleve®)
-Physical Therapy
-Exercise
-Certain medications that are also used for depression or seizures
-Interventional therapies (injections)
-Cognitive behavioral therapy

08/15/2018

Depression is more than just feeling sad or a little under the weather. Depression is an illness caused by problems with the chemicals in your brain. This chemical imbalance affects how you feel, think and act. Research has shown that it's a medical illness just like diabetes or high blood pressure.

08/13/2018

Nearly 40 kids in the U.S. die every year in hot cars.Fortunately, there are safety habits you can easily implement that can help save the life of your child.

Mother of two, Felicia, shares her story about how easily an accident can happen to anyone, and the importance of never leaving your child alone in a car.

08/10/2018

Dr. Washburn received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He completed his family practice residency in Rapid City, South Dakota. In his spare time, Dr. Washburn likes to spend time with his wife and four daughters and enjoys the outdoors and baking.

To learn more about Dr. Washburn, click here: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/find-a-doctor/w/washburn-jesse-c/

Call 435.755.3300 to make an appointment!

08/08/2018

Safely dispose of your leftover or expired opioids by using a medication drop box. These permanent community collection sites are FREE and can be found at law enforcement agencies and participating pharmacies across the state.

Find your nearest drop box here: http://useonlyasdirected.org/throw-out/

08/06/2018

As parents, helping our kids through the changes taking place in their bodies and minds can be daunting, but the more you know about puberty, the better equipped you’ll be to talk about it. Here are a few tips.

As parents, helping our kids through the changes taking place in their bodies and minds can be daunting.

08/03/2018

Only 48% of Utahns talk to their doctors about the risks associated with opioids. Don’t just listen—have a conversation. Before you take an opioid, take a moment to ask your doctor these five questions:

07/30/2018

Make sure you know where all of your children are before you start to drive away, but with a full house - or a full neighborhood - you can never assume that everyone is out of harm's way.

Backovers and frontovers are accidents that happen when an infant or child is accidentally rolled over by a moving vehicle in a driveway or parking lot. Learn how to prevent these tragedies from happening.

07/27/2018

Where and how you sleep, your sleep habits, and even the type of mattress and pillow really do matter.

Nothing feels better than a good night’s sleep. Where and how you sleep, your sleep habits, and even the type of mattress and pillow really do matter.