Utah Valley Specialty Hospital

09/14/2025

It's EVS Week! 🎉 Join us in honoring our Environmental Services professionals who keep our healthcare facilities clean, safe, and welcoming. Their dedication ensures a healthy environment for patients and staff every day. 🙌 How do you appreciate our EVS team? Share your gratitude below!

09/08/2025

After an injury, spinal cord shock is a temporary phase where reflexes and movement stop. It can last from hours to weeks and makes it difficult to assess the full extent of an injury. Paralysis is the lasting loss of movement and sensation below the injury, which can be partial or complete.
Key differences include duration, reflex activity, muscle tone, and impact. Spinal shock is short-term, with a complete loss of reflexes and flaccid (limp) muscles. As it resolves, reflexes may return, revealing the true extent of paralysis. Paralysis can be flaccid or spastic (stiff), with varying reflex activity, and is often permanent.
In short, spinal shock is a temporary physiological response to spinal cord injury, while paralysis is a longer-term or permanent outcome of that injury.

09/03/2025

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. At Ernest Health, we are dedicated to providing specialized therapy and support to enhance recovery and quality of life. Interested in learning how our programs can make a difference? Reach out to us today! 💙

09/02/2025

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. At Ernest Health, our LTAC hospitals are dedicated to early detection and effective treatment to save lives. Learn how our specialized care teams are making a difference in sepsis outcomes. Share to spread awareness and help others understand the importance of prompt intervention. Together, we can make a difference. 💙

09/01/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day! 💼✨ Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of everyone across industries. How are you spending your day? Share with us below!

08/25/2025

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against deadly diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before a vaccine is approved and recommended for use, it goes through extensive testing labs and clinical trials with thousands of volunteers. After approval, numerous health agencies continuously monitor vaccine safety. But fears still linger, often based on myths, outdated studies, or misinformation. Here are three common myths about vaccines and the scientific truths behind them:

Myth #1: Vaccines cause autism.
Truth: This claim came from a study that was later proven to be fraudulent and retracted. Large-scale research continues to show no link between vaccines and autism.

Myth #2: Too many vaccinations weaken the immune system.
Truth: The current vaccine schedule is carefully tested and safe. Vaccines actually strengthen the immune system.

Myth #3: Vaccines cause new virus variants.
Truth: Variants come from viruses mutating as they spread, not from vaccines. Vaccines help reduce the transmission, slowing the development of new variants.

If you have questions about receiving a vaccination, speak to your healthcare provider.

08/18/2025

When temperatures rise, breathing can become more difficult – especially for people with underlying health conditions. While lung or heart disease may come to mind first, several lesser-known factors also can contribute to breathing difficulties in hotter weather, including anemia, anxiety, allergies, asthma, infections, dehydration, and fatigue. Chronic conditions like COPD, irregular heart rhythms, and autoimmune diseases also may flare up in the heat.

If you or someone you know experiences ongoing or sudden shortness of breath in hotter weather, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider.

08/11/2025

If you’re looking for some low-impact exercise to participate in this summer, here are some options that are easy on the joints while promoting physical and emotional well-being:

• Swimming and water aerobics. Water buoyancy takes pressure off the body’s joints.
• Walking. Builds endurance and circulation.
• Tai Chi. Enhances balance and neuromuscular coordination.
• Stretching and Resistance Band Exercises. Help with strength and range of motion.
• Yoga. Promotes flexibility, balance, and relaxation.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise plan.

08/06/2025

08/06/2025

August is National Immunization Month! 💉 Vaccines are a proven, safe way to safeguard your health and protect your loved ones from serious diseases. Stay informed, stay protected. Have you spoken with your healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination?

08/04/2025

What is mechanical ventilation? When someone can’t breathe properly on their own, a ventilator may help. This life-saving machine moves air in and out of the lungs – delivering oxygen the body needs and removing carbon dioxide. Ventilators are used when patients are experiencing respiratory failure or severe breathing problems.

Mechanical ventilators work by:
• Delivering air through a fitted mask or a breathing tube inserted into the nose, mouth, or throat
• Warming and moistening the air to keep the airways comfortable and functional
• Breathing for the patient or assisting with breathing as needed, depending on the patient’s condition

Mechanical ventilation gives the body time to rest and heal while ensuring vital organs get the oxygen they need.

08/01/2025

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. 💪 Early and intensive therapy plays a vital role in managing SMA and improving quality of life. Learn how tailored treatment plans can make a difference. Have you or someone you know been impacted by SMA? Share your story or questions below!