Aspen Valley Health

02/14/2026

One organ donor can save 8 lives. That's the power of a single decision.

This National Donor Day, we're honored to spotlight our partners at the Chris Klug Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting organ, eye and tissue donation. Founded by Olympic snowboarder and liver transplant recipient Chris Klug, the foundation works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for those touched by donation and transplant.

At Aspen Valley Health, we believe in the extraordinary impact of compassion and community. Becoming an organ donor embodies that belief in its truest form.

If you're ready to give the gift of life, consider becoming a donor:
https://loom.ly/RR4zZQU

For you. For life.



Photo credit: Chris Klug Foundation

02/13/2026

Meet Miss Cricket 🐾
She is one of our newest therapy dogs, and she recently got all dressed up to spread a little extra love ahead of Valentine's Day! From providing comfort and connection to wagging tails that brighten patients' days, Miss Cricket reminds us that healing happens in so many ways. Whether it's a reassuring presence during a difficult moment or a joyful distraction that brings a smile, our four-legged friend knows the language of compassion.

If you see Miss Cricket around our Medical Center in Aspen or any of our locations, be sure to say hello. She'd love to meet you!

For you. For life.

02/12/2026

Meet our 2026 Healthy Journey Symposium keynote speaker: Dr. Justin Sonnenburg, professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University, whose groundbreaking research at Stanford explores how the gut microbiome influences human health and longevity.

This month, he's bringing his expertise to the Roaring Fork Valley to share what his decades of research have revealed about the gut microbiome and overall health.

Dr. Sonnenburg's work has demonstrated that the gut microbiome is highly malleable and profoundly influenced by lifestyle and diet, meaning you have more control over your health than you might think.

Join us for an evening exploring: The Gut Microbiome is Key to Overall Health
Healthy Journey Symposium 2026
Thursday, February 26 | Hotel Jerome, Grand Ballroom
5:00 pm – Cocktail Reception
6:30 pm – Dinner with AVH Physicians
7:15 pm – Keynote Address with Dr. Justin Sonnenburg
This signature event benefits the Aspen Valley Health Foundation and features a curated menu by the Jerome culinary team.

Reserve your spot: https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/event/healthy-journey-symposium-2026

02/10/2026

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the US and globally. For men, lifetime risk of coronary heart disease is 1 in 2 by age 40. For women, it's 1 in 3.

However, most heart disease is preventable.

This Heart Health Month, Dr. Rebecca Laird, a board-certified cardiologist at AVH, is sharing 10 science-backed practices that don't just prevent disease, they enable longevity. Her research on Blue Zones revealed what communities with the world's longest-lived people have in common. Cardiovascular disease doesn't have to define your story. But knowing your risks and taking action can.

Dr. Laird's Top 10:
💙 Exercise
💙 Sense of Purpose
💙 Social Connection
💙 Healthy Diet
💙 Quality Sleep
💙 Emotional Health
💙 Moderate Alcohol
💙 Healthy Weight
💙 Avoid Smoking
💙 Track Your Heart Health

These 10 habits, combined, can add up to 25 years of increased healthspan.
This Heart Health Month, let's move beyond awareness to action. Schedule with Dr. Laird: 970.544.7388

02/09/2026

For over 40 years, Deb Demeulenaere has been caring for our community as a mammography technologist at Aspen Valley Health's Breast Center. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, she'll drop the ceremonial puck at Pink in the Rink. 🏒 Join us at 7pm as Aspen High School takes on Glenwood Springs at Lewis Ice Arena for a night dedicated to breast health awareness. Wear pink. Watch great hockey. Rally behind our neighbors. 💗

All proceeds benefit T**s Deep For Breast Cancer, supporting Roaring Fork Valley families through education, advocacy and early detection.

📍 Lewis Ice Arena, Aspen Recreation Center
🎟️ Donate: successfund.com/5wkgm

For you. For life.

02/06/2026

Go Red for Women Day ❤️ Today we wear red to raise awareness about a critical health issue: heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women. But the good news? It's largely preventable.

This is your sign to understand your heart health risks and take action. Many women don't recognize the warning signs: chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, jaw pain or back discomfort can all signal a heart attack. Knowing these signals matters.

So does taking charge through heart-healthy choices: managing stress, moving your body regularly, eating nutrient-rich foods, maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Knowledge and prevention can transform lives.

Our Cardiopulmonary and Oncology Rehab team is dedicated to supporting women's cardiovascular wellness every single day. We're grateful for Katie Fielding, RN, BSN; Jeanne Stough, MS; and Melissa Chang, ACSM-CEP, CCRP and their incredible commitment to this mission.

Learn more about women's heart disease risk and prevention at goredforwomen.org. Take charge of your heart health today.

For you. For life. ❤️

02/05/2026

"Greetings, Aspen, and the entire Roaring Fork Valley! I am just a few weeks into the role of CEO at Aspen Valley Health (AVH) and am already incredibly impressed with not only the outstanding quality of our services that results from the deep commitment at every level to the AVH mission of extraordinary healthcare, but also with the culture of excellence, compassion, integrity and trust that is central to everything we do.
Even in my brief time at AVH, it is easy to understand why we have numerous top recognitions for our quality of care, outstanding patient experience and staff satisfaction."

Join us in welcoming our new CEO, Dr. Richard Becker! Read his full welcome letter by tapping the link below.

https://aspenvalleyhealth.org/news/a-new-vision-for-our-community

02/04/2026

This World Cancer Day, we honor the strength and resilience of everyone facing a cancer diagnosis. At Aspen Valley Health, we believe healing happens together.

Our Support for Cancer Patients group meets the second Wednesday of every month at 3:30pm in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Gym. Facilitated by Alexis Bradfield, MS, and Nicole Carroll, RN, it's a safe space to connect with others, share resources and gain practical information.

Whether you're a patient at Aspen Valley Health or receiving care elsewhere in our community, you belong here.
Next meeting: February 11th
New to the group? Reach out to Alexis Bradfield, MS, at 970.544.1566 to learn more and RSVP.
For you. For life. 💛

Learn more: https://loom.ly/_-zf0i4

02/02/2026

Happy February! ❄️

This month's print calendar image captures Matt Michael, PT, DPT, skiing above Laguna del Inca in Portillo, Chile, photographed by Jack Michael, PT, DPT.

From alpine peaks to valley trails, there's nothing quite like the freedom of winter sports. Whether you're chasing powder or enjoying the season at home, we celebrate the active, vibrant life you're living.

For you. For life. 💛

01/29/2026

Stuffy nose got you down?
You've tried everything: over-the-counter medications, steam showers, endless tissues. Yet somehow the congestion persists. So it's not surprising you're turning to essential oils for relief.

However, the greater wellness community often promotes cures without medical credentials. It can be difficult to identify whether essential oils truly do help with a stuffy nose.

At Aspen Valley Health, we believe you deserve evidence-based guidance rooted in science. Our latest Healthy Journey blog explores the best essential oils for congestion that are actually backed by research, how to use them safely and when to seek professional medical care.

Read the full guide: https://loom.ly/8G-Om3Y

Whether you're looking for delicious, healthy recipe ideas, or tips to hit the ski slopes safely, we have everything you need on your healthy journey.

01/28/2026

Join us for Mountain Rescue Aspen's 39th Annual Community Avalanche Workshop on Saturday, February 7th. You'll spend the full day rotating through skills stations designed to build confidence, refresh knowledge and practice with real-world scenarios. This year's conditions are particularly challenging, making this workshop even more critical for anyone heading into the backcountry.

Dr. Scott Gallagher, an emergency department physician at Aspen Valley Health, serves as medical director for Mountain Rescue Aspen and will be supporting this essential community event.

The workshop fills up fast. Sign up and get the full details below.

Prepare to elevate your avalanche safety knowledge and skills with Mountain Rescue Aspen's highly anticipated annual event. This is a FREE workshop, but space is limited.

01/27/2026

🌟 Save the Date: Third Annual Healthy Journey Symposium
This year we're exploring The Gut Microbiome as a key to your overall health with Stanford researcher Dr. Justin Sonnenburg and our Aspen Valley Health physicians. Join us for dinner and groundbreaking conversations about wellness that matters.

February 26 | Hotel Jerome | 5–8:30 pm

Reserve your spot: aspenvalleyhealth.org/event/healthy-journey-symposium-2026/
For you. For life.