Intermountain Sanpete Valley 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! 🦃

Today, we pause to reflect on the incredible gift of community. We are so grateful for each of you—your support, kindness, and connection make our community stronger every single day.

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it’s a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we come together. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, sharing a smile, or simply being there for one another, these acts of care create a ripple of goodness that touches us all.

From our family to yours - Wishing you a day filled with warmth and gratitude.

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

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

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

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

Welcome Dr. Ryan K Christensen, DO – Family Medicine with OB!

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Ryan K Christensen to our team! A board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Christensen brings a compassionate, full-scope approach to care—including prenatal services and women’s health.

Originally from Pleasant Grove, Utah, Dr. Christensen earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University, attended medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his residency at Lincoln Family Medicine. He is a proud member of both the AAFP and AMA.

Dr. Christensen’s philosophy centers on personalized care and patient autonomy. He believes in empowering patients with the best information to make decisions that align with their values—free from judgment or pressure.

🩺 Clinical Interests Include:
• Prenatal care & deliveries (vaginal & C-section)
• Women’s health & newborn circumcisions
• Skin biopsies, skin tag removal & cryotherapy
• Toenail removals
• Joint, tendon sheath & soft tissue injections
• Casting & splinting
* Continuity of care and providing care for whole families

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.

11/14/2025

❤️ Heart Health & Hormones: What Women Should
Know
Dr. Amanda Donahue, cardiologist at Intermountain
Health, shares a powerful reminder for women
navigating perimenopause and menopause:
“Don’t be afraid of hormone replacement therapy.”
It’s okay to consider HRT—when used appropriately,
it does not harm your cardiovascular health.
✅ Talk to your doctor
✅ Know your options
✅ Prioritize your well-being
Your heart matters. Your comfort matters. You
deserve both. 💪

11/11/2025

Today, we honor our heroes.
On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all who have served in the armed forces. Thank you for your service and your unwavering commitment to our country.

11/07/2025

There will be a FREE ATV course offered in Fountain Green on November 15th. Please use this link for further details and to register! https://recreation.utah.gov/off-highway-vehicles/education/youth-atv-hands-on-course/ We will see you there!!!

11/01/2025

Happy Halloween everyone! Be safe at there.

10/24/2025

🌟 Welcome Dr. Zackary Cowan! 🌟

We’re thrilled to introduce Zackary Cowan, MD –- one of our physicians at the Manti Clinic! A proud Utah native, Dr. Cowan grew up in Northern Utah County, where he developed a love for the outdoors—spending time snowboarding, camping, fishing, hiking, and playing sports with his brothers.
After serving a mission in Detroit, Michigan, he returned to study neuroscience at BYU, where he also played on the men’s soccer team and met his wife. His journey then took him back to Michigan to attend medical school at Western Michigan University, where he was honored as the Outstanding Student in Family and Community Medicine.

Dr. Cowan completed his residency at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden and now brings his passion for helping individuals and families live their healthiest lives to our community. He treats patients of all ages and has special interests in:

✅ Sports & musculoskeletal conditions
✅ Lifestyle & preventive medicine
✅ Joint Injections
✅ Weight management
✅ Women’s Health

Join us in giving Dr. Cowan a warm welcome! 👏

10/20/2025

🎉 What a Night! 🎉

Our 2nd Annual Ladies Night Out was a huge success — and it’s all thanks to YOU! 💖

From delicious food 🍽️ to hands-on CPR instruction 🫀 for infants and children, DIY face scrubs 🧖‍♀️, and so much more — the evening was packed with fun, learning, and laughter.

To all the amazing women who came out and celebrated with us: thank you for making it unforgettable! 💃

We can’t wait to do it all again next year! 💐

10/08/2025

Ladies Night Out – TONIGHT!
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM

Grab your girlfriends and head over for an evening full of fun, freebies, and fantastic info! 💃✨

* Enjoy free treats & gifts
* Learn life-saving CPR techniques for infants and children
*Make a cute craft to take home
*Get empowered with women’s health resources

It’s all happening tonight — and best of all, it’s FREE!
We can’t wait to see you there! 💕

09/03/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Cat Wray, our DAISY Award Honoree at Sanpete Valley Hospital! 🌟

"Everywhere you go, you shine and share your light with those around you. You bring purpose to everything you do and bless the lives of everyone you care for."

Cat's compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence truly embody the spirit of the DAISY Award. We are so proud to celebrate her and the incredible impact she makes every day. 💐💙