Utah Valley Specialty Hospital

01/05/2026

Looking for a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep and helps others?

Consider pledging to donate blood at least twice this year. Blood supplies are often at their lowest during winter months, especially January, because of the holidays, travel schedules, seasonal illnesses, and inclement weather. Fewer donors can lead to shortages nationwide.

Blood donations help a multitude of people, including those who have experienced accidents, surgeries, organ transplants, and chronic illnesses. According to the American Red Cross, a single blood donation can help save more than one life. Help make a difference by making a donation.

01/01/2026

🎉 Happy New Year from all of us at Ernest Health! As we begin 2026, we're dedicated to supporting your journey to better health and well-being. Let’s make this year one of progress, resilience, and new achievements. How are you planning to prioritize your health this year? Share your goals with us!

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone a joyful and safe holiday season! 🎄✨ At Ernest Health, we’re grateful for our community and committed to supporting your recovery journey in the new year. How are you celebrating this festive season? Share with us below!

12/22/2025

12/17/2025

Congratulations to Kaitey Dettmann, SLP on completing her Clinical Career Ladder!

12/15/2025

Happy Hanukkah from Ernest Health! 🕎 Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with light, hope, and celebration. How are you commemorating this special time? Share your traditions with us!

12/08/2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord. For individuals living with MS, daily choices can play an important role in supporting overall health and managing symptoms.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes that while there is no single diet that’s proven best for MS, healthy eating habits can help support long-term nervous system wellness. Its recommendations for good health include:
• Preparing meals at home whenever possible
• Including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily routine
• Choosing whole grains instead of refined grains
• Limiting processed foods and added sugars
While you move through the holiday season, these guidelines can serve as helpful reminders. Incorporating more whole foods, planning balanced meals, and making mindful choices at gatherings can support overall well-being for those living with MS and for anyone striving for healthier habits.
If you have MS or care for someone who does, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about nutritional strategies that best fit your individual needs.

12/01/2025

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. Early signs can look different from person to person, but common symptoms may include shaking or tremors, smaller handwriting, loss of smell, sleep issues, stiffness or slow movement, constipation, a softer voice, reduced facial expression, dizziness, stooped posture, or trouble swallowing.
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have Parkinson’s. Many other conditions can cause similar changes. If you notice new or worsening symptoms, it’s important to speak with your physician for proper evaluation and guidance.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from Ernest Health! 🦃🍁 We're grateful for our dedicated team, patients, and community. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday filled with gratitude and connection. How are you expressing your thanks this year? Share with us below!

11/25/2025

Being a loved one’s caregiver takes compassion, dedication, strength, and patience. But as demands get heavy, it’s also important to recognize that you as a caregiver need to take care of yourself as well. This protects not only your physical and emotional well-being, but it allows you to be more fully engaged with your loved one as well.

Here are some ways to stay resilient and healthy while serving as a caregiver:
• Accept help from others and share the workload. This might include letting others run errands, make meals, provide transportation to appointments, or just providing companionship for your loved one.
• Keep up with your own healthy routines such as medical check-ups, sleeping, staying active, and eating well.
• Make space for short breaks, even if it’s a few minutes of quiet, a quick walk, or a conversation with a friend. These quick breaks may help you recharge and reduce the chance of emotional burnout.
• Connect with other caregivers through a support group either online or in person.
• Set realistic expectations and boundaries with yourself and your loved ones. Call in professional help when you need it.

11/11/2025

Honoring our heroes this Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Your dedication inspires us every day. How are you celebrating and showing gratitude today? Share your gratitude below!

11/10/2025

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection when the air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and may fill with fluid or pus. This can lead cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pneumococcal (pneumonia-preventing) vaccination is recommended for children younger than 5 years old and adults 50 years or older. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for children and adults who may be at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease, such as those who have immunocompromising or chronic conditions.

Currently, there are four vaccines recommended for protection against pneumococcal disease in the United States. More than 80% of healthy adults who receive the PPSV23 pneumonia vaccine develop protective antibodies usually within 2-3 weeks after the vaccination. In healthy adults, these antibody levels can last for up to 5 years. Overall, the vaccine is estimated to be about 60-70% effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the strains it covers.

If you have questions about the pneumococcal vaccine, consult with your physician.