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970-925-1120

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Aspen Valley Health
0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

Directions | Locations

Sign up for the Newsletter to receive the latest News & Events from Aspen Valley Health.

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Aspen Valley Health is available 24/7 to provide you with the expert care that you need!

Phone:

970-925-1120

Get In Touch:

Send us a message

Address:

Aspen Valley Health
0401 Castle Creek Road
Aspen, CO 81611

Directions | Locations
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Healthy Journey

Know the Signs: Six Health Emergencies and How to Handle Them

July 1, 2025

Learn to spot and respond to these common health scares—and even save a life. Health emergencies may hit suddenly—and when they do, they can be terrifying. Knowing the signs and how to handle health emergencies makes all the difference when it really counts. “Time is…
Healthy Journey

What Is Measles? Facts About This Powerful Disease

June 27, 2025

While measles has long been controlled by mass vaccination, recent outbreaks of the virus—also known as rubeola—remind us that understanding and being able to recognize and help prevent the spread of the disease is essential to public health. Here’s what you need to know.   …
Healthy Journey

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

June 25, 2025

From your primary care doc to your child’s pediatrician and every healthcare provider in between, there’s one piece of medical advice you’re bound to hear more than once this summer: wear your sunscreen! So, why is this protective layer so essential and, more importantly, how…
Healthy Journey

How Much Caffeine Should You Have Per Day?

June 23, 2025

It’s a necessary part of your morning routine, or maybe your reliable pick-me-up when the afternoon doldrums roll in. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), caffeine is recognized as the most utilized psychoactive stimulant worldwide. In short, we love the stuff, and sometimes…
Birth Center

Understanding and Supporting Maternal Mental Health

June 20, 2025

Pregnancy, delivery and the first moments and days of a new baby’s life can be a joyous time. However, it’s also a time of extreme exhaustion, tremendous hormonal fluctuations and monumental adjustment. It can be easy to simply characterize maternal mental health behaviors as par…
Healthy Journey

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy at Any Age

June 11, 2025

Brain health might feel like an obscure concept—how do we actually care for one of the most mysterious organs? What does it look like to nurture the mind and keep our neurons firing? Does staying physically active really improve my mental acuity? All valid questions,…
Healthy Journey

What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

June 4, 2025

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, is a cardiac disorder in which a significantly reduced blood volume returns to the heart after a person stands up after lying or sitting down. When this happens, the person can experience frightening symptoms, such as lightheadedness or fainting…
Healthy Journey

The Relationship Between Autism and Social Skills

June 2, 2025

Having autism and “being on the spectrum” are terms that can carry a lot of weight in our society. However, autism spectrum disorder is complex, with a range of symptoms, implications and treatments for those who have it and their caretakers. Here, we take a…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Hiking Snacks to Take on the Trail

May 30, 2025

Summer’s here and that means it’s time to take a hike! From West Maroon Trail to Buckskin Pass, Ruedi Trail’s winding wooded path to a day spent walking to Thomas Lakes, the Roaring Fork Valley offers some of the country’s most coveted trails and treks.…
Healthy Journey

Elevating Men’s Health

May 30, 2025

The Ultimate Guide for Lifelong Wellness   If you have to think about when you last visited your doctor, it’s probably been too long. Life gets busy, but prioritizing your health can help you stay strong and live better as you age. Our guide to…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Dinner Ideas for Your Picky Eater

May 30, 2025

If you have a picky eater in your family—and honestly, don’t we all?—it’s good to have a cadre of easy, crowd-pleasing go-tos in your recipe box. Keep weeknights, picnics, playdates and potlucks simple with these healthy picky eater meals and dinner ideas.    Mini Veggie…
Healthy Journey

Good Sleep Hygiene Tips: Simple Habits for Better Rest

May 28, 2025

Longer days mean more light and more reasons to play outside and stay up late. However, as the seasons shift from winter’s short, cozy days to the many invitations of spring, it’s important to maintain proper sleep hygiene and establish healthy habits for better rest.…
Healthy Journey

Early Signs of PCOS

May 25, 2025

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that can affect women who are of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 8–13% of reproductive-aged women suffer from PCOS globally, with up to 70% of those women going undiagnosed. Knowing the…
Healthy Journey

Lifestyle Choices for a Healthy Heart

May 23, 2025

We all know how important heart health is, but when was the last time you considered ways to improve your ticker? Incorporating lifestyle choices that strengthen cardiac health is important, especially as we age. These efforts typically have farther reaching benefits as well, improving overall…
Healthy Journey

What Are the Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements?

May 20, 2025

If you’re looking for a rewarding personal resolution in the new year, making a point to donate blood as often as possible is an excellent one. Donating blood truly does save lives on a daily basis, and many blood banks are in need of donations…
Healthy Journey

Back in Action

March 3, 2025

A patient’s journey from debilitating pain to eternal gratitude When Hillary Simon crafted a Superman cape with a bold “K” for spine specialist Dr. Stuart Kinsella, it wasn’t just a gesture of appreciation. It was a testament to the life-changing care she received at Aspen…
Healthy Journey

Elevate Your Health: Spotlight on Healthy Aging

February 2, 2025

Join Us for the Second Annual Healthy Journey Symposium Health and wellness innovations are helping us live longer and fuller lives in the Roaring Fork Valley. Find inspiration and learn more at Aspen Valley Health Foundation’s (AVHF) second annual Healthy Journey Symposium putting a spotlight…
Healthy Journey

Crucial Ski Safety Tips Every Skier Should Know

January 13, 2025

The ski season has arrived. Before you head to the hill, it’s important to take stock of your ski safety checklist, ensuring you have the proper equipment, information and skills to make your time skiing rewarding while avoiding potential accidents and injury.
Healthy Journey

First Tracks Ahead: Mindful Movements for a Safe Winter Ski Season

November 22, 2024

By checking off these early-season boxes, you’ll be ready for your best turns, from first tracks to post-après laps. Skiing and snowboarding have unique demands on the body compared to summer sports. This can catch us off-guard and leave us feeling sore after opening day…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Meals You Can Make with Holiday Leftovers

November 20, 2024

‘Tis the season for indulging in new recipes, wholesome meals, mulled spices and all of the comfort home-cooked holiday meals bring. Of course, in addition to full plates you’ll find fridges packed with leftovers afterward. Whether you’re a leftover lover or not, this is a…
Healthy Journey

Loneliness in Men: Why Friends and Family are Crucial to Men’s Health

November 7, 2024

Loneliness can seem like a small and subtle thing in our lives—even peripheral. But combating loneliness is essential to men’s health and wellbeing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that more than one-third of adults over 45 feel lonely. One study published in…
Healthy Journey

Ways to Incorporate Self-Care into Your Daily Routine

September 30, 2024

In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it can be easy to forget about Number One. Prioritizing self-care is an essential part of overall wellbeing, but it does require a little bit of effort. However, once you’ve established a self-care daily routine, it’s…
Healthy Journey

What Vaccines Do You Need as an Adult?

September 30, 2024

Even though the days are still warm, cold and flu season is just around the corner. This has us taking a closer look at vaccines, and which ones you need as an adult. It’s important to note that vaccines are an important part of any…
Healthy Journey

Know the Signs of Thyroid Disease

September 30, 2024

The thyroid gland is something we might hear a lot about when it comes to our bodies, but maybe not one we understand all that well. This small-but-mighty, butterfly-shaped gland is a key part of the endocrine system, and sits in the front of the…
Healthy Journey

How to Keep Good Mental Health While Aging

September 30, 2024

Getting older has its pros and cons. With age comes wisdom, experience, joy and freedom. However, as we get older, we can also be prone to the stresses and anxieties of society, loneliness and decreased mental stimulation and physical activity. Bolstering mental health now helps…
Healthy Journey

How You Can Support a Loved One with Cancer

September 30, 2024

As we get older, it becomes almost impossible to move through life without being impacted by cancer. According to cancer.gov, “In 2024, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 611,720 people will die from the disease.” The…
Healthy Journey

Don’t Risk It: Know the Signs of Skin Cancer

September 5, 2024

Soaking up the sun’s rays is a favorite warm weather pastime. However, make sure you keep proper skin protection top of mind—especially in the mountains—all year round. Skin cancer can creep up on us, and it can be difficult to detect if you don’t know…
Healthy Journey

Soaking It Up

August 15, 2024

Discover the history and health benefits of soaking in hot springs—and visit the Roaring Fork Valley’s local hot spots. Step into a hot spring, and you can immediately feel your stress melt away. Settling in for a soak, though, isn’t just relaxing. It also offers…
Healthy Journey

Growing Our Own

August 5, 2024

New Graduate Nurse Residency Program Nurtures Tomorrow’s Healthcare Heroes Nurses keep hospitals running smoothly, doing everything from providing compassionate care to advocating for patient safety by assessing changing situations, identifying problems and working to optimize patient outcomes. In the face of healthcare workforce shortages across…
Healthy Journey

Shedding New Light on Vision Care

August 5, 2024

Discover how Light Adjustable Lenses™️ are helping patients see better, for longer, after cataract surgery. When Ellen Chance Sanders, MD, became Aspen Valley Health’s ophthalmologist last year, she brought deep expertise and a new technology—Light Adjustable Lenses™️—to the Roaring Fork Valley. Now, a year later,…
Healthy Journey

Everything You Need to Know for Proper Eye Care in the Mountains

August 1, 2024

Living in and enjoying our unique mountain lifestyle means spending time outside in the sun. It's always a good time to learn more about eye health and keeping your eyes safe at altitude. Here are some tips for proper eye care in the mountains.
Healthy Journey

How to Physically Train for a Long-Haul Backpacking Trip

July 15, 2024

Summer is here, the snow has turned to river runoff, and the days are nice and long, which means it’s hiking season! If this is the year you’ve decided to up your backcountry game and tackle some longer treks, make sure you’re up to the…
Healthy Journey

More than Testosterone: The Benefits of Caring for Men’s Hormones

July 15, 2024

If you're taking more interest in men's health, we invite you to take a moment to understand men’s hormones and how to maintain and care for hormone health. According to the National Institutes of Health, hormones play a variety of roles in men’s health, including…
Healthy Journey

The Art of Wellbeing

July 5, 2024

Learn why music and art are key to your wellbeing—and how to add more of both to your life. Imagine you’re at the grocery store picking up dinner, feeling drained and irritable. Then, somewhere between the produce aisle and dairy, your favorite song starts playing.…
Healthy Journey

Nature’s Bounty: Your Guide to Eating Local This Summer

July 2, 2024

Fresh, seasonal produce tastes better—and is better for the planet. Plan your summer menu with this roadmap to local fare. The peak produce season is upon us, with tender greens, crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes ripe for the picking. Summer’s bounty invites us to savor…
Healthy Journey

Kids’ Craft Corner: Step-by-step Terrarium Garden

May 30, 2024

Bring nature inside by using this step-by-step guide to making a terrarium mini-garden. It’s the perfect summer project for kids and adults alike. All you need is a glass container, rocks and charcoal, soil and plants. Let’s get started!
Healthy Journey

More Than Estrogen: The Benefits of Caring for Women’s Hormones

May 3, 2024

As we usher in Women’s Health Month, we do so with an increasing attention on the unique aspects of women’s bodies, namely hormones. Often synonymous with puberty, mood shifts, reproductive health and menopause, hormones play an important role in women’s overall health. Understanding their purposes…
Healthy Journey

How Environment Can Have a Positive Impact on Health

May 3, 2024

Our environment is one of the biggest influential factors on our health. Factors like the air we breathe and the water we drink have a role. Even how we interact with the natural world play a big part in our overall wellbeing. With spring here,…
Healthy Journey

Feeling the Pressure of Burnout? Try These Techniques

May 3, 2024

For many of us, our schedules tend to ramp up in the spring, which makes it a very good time to gauge if there are any areas in your life in which you’re experiencing burnout. Exhausted? Depressed? Irritable? Find yourself procrastinating even the smallest tasks?…
Healthy Journey

The Essential Guide to Preventing and Treating Hiking Injuries

May 1, 2024

As the winter snow melts, vast hiking trail systems throughout the West start to emerge. There’s something undeniably inviting about a walk along hillsides or into the mountains. It’s nature’s invitation to go a little higher, explore a little deeper, and discover that bird’s eye…
Healthy Journey

Outdoor Activities to Share with Your Kids

March 25, 2024

If you’re looking for a reason to spend more time outside with your kids, the list is endless. Benefits of spending more time outside with little learners can lead to better sleep, reduced stress, improved moods, physical movement, an increased appreciation of nature, creativity, social…
Healthy Journey

Are You Taking Care of Your Kidneys?

March 25, 2024

In simple terms, you can think of your kidneys as part of your body’s waste management system, removing waste products from the body. But these dual organs – located in your mid-back around your lower rib cage – provide a host of other essential body…
Healthy Journey

A Heads Up on Brain Injuries

March 5, 2024

March is a month of awakening – not just for nature, but also for traumatic brain injury awareness. Did you know that in the United States alone, there are more than 5.3 million individuals, both young and old, living with permanent brain injuries? It's a…
Healthy Journey

What Is Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation?

February 15, 2024

February is American Heart Month – a great time to take stock of your cardiac health and, if needed, consider cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. What is cardiopulmonary rehabilitation? It's a multi-pronged approach to improving heart health in people who have experienced or are experiencing heart or lung…
Healthy Journey

Supplement Your Health This Winter With These Vitamins

February 14, 2024

Winter can stress our systems in all sorts of ways, but the onset of cold and flu season and – in many parts of the country – the lack of direct sunlight are probably the most notable. While you settle into hearty soups, healthy winter…
Birth Center

Baby Cafe’ New Day!

February 7, 2024

Bosom Buddies -Baby Cafe (English and Spanish) Facebook page  Breastfeeding support-NEW DAY! Thursdays from 11:30am-1:00pm at the El Jebel Community Center (2nd floor WIC office). No appointment needed as this is a free support group. You can meet with a CLC and weigh your baby…
Healthy Journey

Flurries of Fun

February 6, 2024

Randy’s Top Picks for Your Perfect Snow Day WITH RANDY EIS, NRP, FP-C, CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC Since 1972 I’ve been captivated by the beauty and adventure just outside my door in the Roaring Fork Valley. Wintertime in Aspen is magical, and it draws people from…
Healthy Journey

The Community Benefits of Donating Blood

January 29, 2024

Did you know January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month? Starting the new year with a donation to your local blood bank is a rewarding way to give back to those in need in your community and beyond. By participating in your local blood drive,…
Healthy Journey

How a Dietitian Can Help You Meet Your Health Goals

January 26, 2024

New year, new you? If you’re dedicated to pursuing a healthier lifestyle in the year to come, working with a dietitian can be a great first step. Skip the hours of internet searching trying to figure out which foods are in, which foods are out…
Healthy Journey

Living Well at Altitude: The Five Pillars of Healthy Aging

January 3, 2024

Discover the keys to aging well so you can enjoy your best life longer. Yes, it’s true: getting older brings significant life change that can make it harder to stay active, nimble and mentally strong. The good news is that adopting a few healthy habits…
Healthy Journey

T(app)ing Into a Healthier You

January 3, 2024

Staff picks of the most useful mind and body apps.   Check out our Top 5 Mind/Body Apps for achieving better overall health and wellness. Your smartphone can be a useful tool in taking a positive step toward self-care.
Healthy Journey

Outdoor Activities to Beat the Winter Blues

December 18, 2023

Snowflakes are falling. The Roaring Fork Valley is blanketed in a beautiful winter white. Everyone is anxious to make those first turns or pull out the snowshoes for the season. It’s winter in the mountains – a beautiful time of year, but one that can…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Winter Breakfast Ideas

December 18, 2023

Breakfast is an elemental part of the day year-round, however, the colder temperatures of winter require more energy output, making that first meal of the day even more important. Kick-start your morning with heart-healthy, wholesome, nourishing ingredients and yummy flavors – the perfect pairing to…
Healthy Journey

Winterproof Your Sleep Routine

December 6, 2023

Say goodbye to drowsy: Tips for getting a good night’s rest this season. The alarm jolts you awake, but it’s still pitch black outside and you feel as if you’ve barely closed your eyes. Winter mornings have a way of making it harder than ever…
Healthy Journey

Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

November 20, 2023

With the holidays quickly upon us, it’s easy to get lost in sugarplum day dreams of our favorite holiday indulgences. Abundant meals, office treats, creamy cocktails, holiday parties, and gatherings with friends and family can overflow with challenges to maintaining an otherwise healthy lifestyle. At…
Healthy Journey

Embracing the Joy of the Season: Mental Preparation for the Holidays

November 1, 2023

The holiday season is a time of celebration. We gather, enjoy, cook, connect, reflect and share in the joy that was the year past. However, the holidays can also cause anxiety – the hustle and bustle of shopping, financial stress, social gatherings, the dog knocking…
Healthy Journey

Handling Winter Bugs: Comparing RSV, COVID and Flu Symptoms

October 30, 2023

Now that the throes of the COVID pandemic are behind us, it might be easy to shrug off seasonal illness. However, with COVID-19 added to the list of seasonal concerns, along with RSV and the flu, it’s crucial to differentiate between the three as winter…
Healthy Journey

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 3, 2023

This October, join the tidal-wave movement in the fight against breast cancer. Nearly all of us have been touched by someone who has been diagnosed with this disease. Joining forces is an excellent and empowering way to stay informed, promote early detection and support your…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Fall

September 22, 2023

Fall brings a comfort with it – warm colors, cozy sweater weather, shorter days and an invitation to enjoy wholesome locally-sourced food. While the cooler climes of autumn typically evoke hearty soups, it’s also the perfect time to incorporate a nutrient-dense breakfast into your daily…
Healthy Journey

Get Outside: How Nature Can Provide Stress Relief

September 6, 2023

If you live in the Roaring Fork Valley, or are just visiting, it’s impossible to ignore nature. The beauty of the natural world is all around, but have you ever thought about how spending time in it can improve your mental health? Mounting evidence suggests…
Healthy Journey

Leaning In: The Lifesaving Power of Trusting Yourself

August 31, 2023

February 21st started as an ordinary day for Marion Garrett of Snowmass Village. She woke up and went to Snowmass Chapel where she works as a ministry coordinator. She felt a little lightheaded and had some soreness near her ribs but chalked it up to…
Healthy Journey

Creating a Back-to-School Morning Routine

August 18, 2023

It’s that time of year – shorter days, school supply lists and parents doing their best to get the family back on a routine before school starts. A well-structured morning routine is a powerful tool for everyone. It establishes the tone for the day, sends…
Healthy Journey

Protecting Your Muscles: How to Prevent Sarcopenia

August 16, 2023

As we age, we begin to lose strength and muscle mass, however, for some, this can happen more quickly. Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass due to aging. It affects your musculoskeletal system and can increase the risk of falls and fractures, as…
Healthy Journey

The Positive Effects of Sobriety on Your Health

August 8, 2023

If this is the year Dry January extends well beyond winter, you’re on the right track. Science shows choosing to be sober, or avoiding alcohol, has myriad positive impacts on your overall wellbeing at every age. As society begins to adopt the idea that opting…
Healthy Journey

Preventing and Treating Backcountry Bug Bites

August 8, 2023

Summertime means mountain time for those who live in the Roaring Fork Valley. Exploring the area’s rivers, lakes and peaks comes the inevitable onslaught of things to think about, like sun exposure and bug bites. Bugs become notably worse after a particularly rainy season, which…
Healthy Journey

What is Pelvic Health Therapy?

June 27, 2023

“Pelvic health therapy is another way to approach patient care with a focus on the pelvis and the roles it plays in our lives, including stability, mobility, continence and sexual functions.” - Dr. Ellen Barlow, PT, DPT  
Healthy Journey

Backcountry Safety: Summer Edition

June 27, 2023

Summer fun in the Colorado backcountry has inherent risks, but with the right skills, resources and preparation, you can set yourself and your group up for a successful trip and enjoy everything the backcountry has to offer. We've talked at Aspen Valley Health before about…
Healthy Journey

High Altitude Eats: Recipes for Staying Hydrated

March 4, 2023

Staying Hydrated is an Uphill Challenge Staying hydrated is an uphill challenge we all face the moment we wake up in the morning. For starters, I recommend getting a refillable water bottle to keep waste out of the landfill. Plus, you can decorate your vessel…
Healthy Journey

Going All In for Women’s Health at Aspen Valley Primary Care

February 7, 2023

“My goal is to make every patient I see healthier and better off for making an appointment with me. I strive to provide compassionate care for all adults across the medical spectrum.” - Caroline Mears, DO, Internist at Aspen Valley Primary Care
Healthy Journey

It’s Heart Health Month! Do You “Know Your Numbers?”

February 3, 2023

Knowledge is Power Knowing and understanding your numbers can help determine your heart disease risk. While there are factors that we can’t control, like family history or age, the good news is we can control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index and blood sugar…
Healthy Journey

There’s Still Time to Get the Health Coverage You Deserve

December 30, 2022

Are you looking for health insurance for this year? Great news! There’s still time to hit the January 15 deadline to enroll in an individual or family plan through the Connect for Health Colorado online marketplace.   Coverage for Coloradans, by Coloradans. If you are…
Healthy Journey

Do You Feel More Tired in Winter?

December 28, 2022

Check out these four tips to boost your energy. You are not alone if you tend to feel more fatigued in winter. In fact, this condition is so common that many studies have produced science-based remedies to help you invigorate your winter months. Just don't…
Healthy Journey

Ask the Experts: Partners in Emergency Response

November 2, 2022

Mark Falender, Emergency Management Coordinator at AVH, and Gabe Muething, Chief of Emergency Medical Services for the Aspen Ambulance District, provide insights into how the two organizations work together — and with other local agencies — to handle crises in the community.   Can you…
Healthy Journey

For the Record

October 4, 2022

Aspen Valley Health has Epic, the gold standard in electronic health records   Patients will now experience a significant upgrade to the care and services they receive from Aspen Valley Health’s Network of Care. Epic, a comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) system, launched on October…
Healthy Journey

3 Soup and Sweater Weather Recipes

September 16, 2022

Shorter days and cooler nights call for warming and hearty vegetable soups. Vegetable soups offer an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and flavor. Serve as a side or make them the main course – these nutrient-dense dishes are low in calories and carbs but…
Healthy Journey

Early Detection is Key in Breast Health

September 16, 2022

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Here are some tools and skills to help detect breast cancer when it is most treatable. Keeping you informed and empowered with ongoing breast health services and education is our priority. Learn these tools and practices from the Breast…
Healthy Journey

How to Mentally and Physically Prepare for Surgery

September 2, 2022

Surgery often makes our lives much better in the long term. But in the short term, the idea of a visit to the operating room often carries an emotional weight that can feel overwhelming. This is a normal emotion for nearly everyone and there are…
Healthy Journey

COVID-19 and Flu Shots Pack a 1-2 Punch Against Winter Viruses

August 31, 2022

As the weather gets colder, most of us will be spending more time indoors where viruses can spread more easily in close quarters.  The FDA has approved new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. If you are not up-to-date on your COVID-19 shots, now is the time to start…
Healthy Journey

7 Ways to Naturally Reduce Chronic Pain

August 25, 2022

How to Reduce Chronic Pain Naturally The idea of dealing with pain to no end is a daunting and scary concept. However, there are a variety of ways to manage chronic pain naturally, and potentially reduce it in the process. Let’s take a look at…
Birth Center

Bosom Buddies Expands to El Jebel

August 4, 2022

Weekly sessions offer breastfeeding mothers support in English and Spanish   Breastfeeding mothers living downvalley have a new weekly option for both group and clinical support in El Jebel.   Aspen Valley Health has long offered the Bosom Buddies program, a social group that provides…
Birth Center

Aspen Valley Health Redesignated as “Baby-Friendly”

August 4, 2022

Breastfeeding programs are key for official recognition from Baby-Friendly USA   Aspen Valley Health was among the first Colorado hospitals to win a Baby-Friendly designation in 2015. This year, the Hospital was redesignated as Baby-Friendly by Baby-Friendly USA, just ahead of National Breastfeeding Month and…
Birth Center

A Pregnant Woman’s Guide to Hiking

July 28, 2022

7 Tips for Hiking While Pregnant Hiking offers a variety of health benefits for moms-to-be – increased cardiovascular health, a clearer mind, and a great way to get outside before baby arrives. If you’re hiking for two, a few additional considerations should come into play.…
Healthy Journey

Our Path of Progress

July 1, 2022

The Network of Care we enjoy today is the result of generous support by our community and donors, and many important decisions and hours of hard work on behalf of the Aspen Valley Health Board of Directors, physicians and staff. Here’s a snapshot of our…
Healthy Journey

10 Essential Safety Tips for Every Hike

July 1, 2022

It's wildflower season! And it's time to lace up your hiking boots and treat yourself to one of the many incredible trails and legendary wilderness destinations in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you opt for a low-impact walk around the ghost town of Ashcroft or…
Healthy Journey

Boost Your Productivity with a Power Nap

May 19, 2022 | Healthy Living Wellness

“I’m just going to close my eyes for a second.” We’ve all uttered those words at one point or another in the middle of a busy or trying day. For many, a midday nap is considered a guilty pleasure – something we sneak in when…
Healthy Journey

Campsite Cooking: Food Prep & Fire Safety Tips

May 19, 2022 | Healthy Living Nutrition

Summer is just around the bend, which means it’s time to pack up the tents, sleeping bags, camp stove, kids, dogs and s’mores ingredients and head to your favorite trailhead or campsite for some summer backpacking or camping. When you do, it’s important to know…
Healthy Journey

Impact Your Wellbeing with a Microadventure

April 18, 2022 | Exercise Healthy Living Wellness

Blooming branches, longer days, warmer temps – these are all signs it’s time to get outside and enjoy the wilds around us. There aren’t many places where this is easier to do than the Roaring Fork Valley. When you’re ready to shed winter’s cabin fever,…
Birth Center

Sisters, Not Twins

April 7, 2022 | Birth Center Breast Feeding

"The girls" are sisters, not twins. So, they may behave differently or commonly one may produce more milk than the other. I have heard many nicknames "righty and lefty" the "stud and the dud", well you get the picture. It is very common for one…
Healthy Journey

How to Prevent, Recognize and Treat Frostbite

March 14, 2022 | Healthy Living

You know the feeling – that latest storm cycle dropped at least 12” and you can’t wait to get first tracks; the Nordic course is perfectly groomed and calling your name; your pup really wants to go play in the snow, or friends are heading…
Healthy Journey

The Effects of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema

March 14, 2022 | Healthy Living

What Is Pulmonary Edema? Pulmonary edema is a dangerous condition – and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Small air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, are normally filled with air, allowing us to breathe. In the case of pulmonary edema, these alveoli begin…
Healthy Journey

Why Risk It? Helmets Save Lives

March 4, 2022 | Community Healthy Living Sports Medicine

Like wearing a seatbelt in the car, wearing a helmet while skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and cycling is a great habit to get into and could mean the difference between life and a debilitating injury or even death.   Aspen Valley Health has a long-established program…
Healthy Journey

How to Know How Much Water You Should Drink Daily?

January 31, 2022 | Healthy Living

It’s a big question, but a very important one we should ask and answer in proper hydration – every day. How do I know how much water to drink daily? Your daily water-drinking intake depends on a variety of factors, including how much you weigh,…
Healthy Journey

A Guide to Preventive Health Checkups for Men

January 31, 2022 | Healthy Living Wellness

As men age, preventive healthcare checkups become increasingly more important. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited the doctor during the past year.” Visiting your healthcare provider for a yearly exam is an…
Healthy Journey

Power-up Your Performance

January 26, 2022 | Exercise

This Race Season, Beat the “Bonk” with Science-backed Sports Nutrition Lauren Mitchell, MS, RD, CSSD provides nutritional consultations at Aspen Valley Health. Here she answers some of the most frequent questions she receives from athletes of all ages and levels. I want a competitive edge…
Healthy Journey

What Vitamins Should I Take Daily?

January 13, 2022 | Healthy Living Nutrition

The Most Essential Daily Vitamins for Men & Women The turn of the new year often marks a renewed commitment to health and wellness. It’s a great time to take stock of current habits and how we can supplement our nutrition and exercise programs to…
Healthy Journey

Is It Time to Reset Your Healthy Palate?

December 30, 2021 | Healthy Aging Healthy Living

Raise your hand if the excesses of holiday feasting have caught up with you. If you didn’t raise your hand, well, there's always next year. The festive gauntlet between Thanksgiving and the New Year often includes seconds of mashed potatoes with lashings of gravy, “just…
Healthy Journey

Power-up Your Early Ski Season Fitness

November 29, 2021 | Healthy Living

Photo: Jack Michael catching freshies. Getting in shape for the ski season or your vacation is a great way to avoid injuries and have more fun!   Aspen Valley Health physical therapist and ski patroller, Jack Michael, DPT tells you how! It’s never too late…
Healthy Journey

3 Healthy Vegetable Soups to Keep You Warm This Season

November 1, 2021 | Nutrition

It’s fall, or as it’s also known, soup season! Changing leaves, chunky sweaters and cooler temperatures practically beg you to fill your crockpot with hearty vegetables and savory spices. Vegetable soups offer an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and flavor. Serve as a side…
Healthy Journey

Dive into the Dietitian Demo Archive!

October 28, 2021 | Nutrition

A Buffet of Bite-Sized Episodes to Choose From! Whether you are training for a marathon, considering a plant-based diet or trying to make a few healthy changes, Aspen Valley Health's Dietitian Demos are created with you in mind. Meet our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) Kristy…
Healthy Journey

What Every Woman Needs To Know About Dense Breasts

October 6, 2021 | Breast Cancer Healthy Aging

Debra Demeulenaere, Mammography Technician at Aspen Valley Health's Breast Center, answers your questions on what every woman needs to know about dense breasts. Deb has been with Aspen Valley Health for over 45 years and has performed mammography for three generations of women, some in…
Healthy Journey

Achievements, Assets and Challenges

October 5, 2021 | Community Healthy Living Wellness

AVH Board members represent a wealth of diverse experiences and strengths   With two physicians, two attorneys and a successful local business owner, the Aspen Valley Health Board of Directors certainly has a wealth of diverse experiences to call upon when making decisions. And while…
Healthy Journey

Take Time to Nurture Your Heart Health

September 29, 2021 | Healthy Aging Healthy Living

Tara Richardson, MS is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist at Aspen Valley Health's Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. She enjoys instilling lifelong healthy habits in her patients. Tara is pictured above on a recent outing with some of her Oncology Rehabilitation patients.   It's World Heart Day and…
Healthy Journey

How AVH is Leading the Transformation of Healthcare

September 1, 2021 | Community Healthy Living

Aiming to provide availability, accessibility and affordability for all   In recent years, you may have heard about Aspen Valley Health’s efforts to promote population health, to bring more primary care providers to the community and to work toward achieving the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s…
Healthy Journey

Aging Well in Aspen: An Interview with Maggie Gerardi

September 1, 2021 | Community Wellness

In honor of September being Healthy Aging Month, we sat down with the director of Whitcomb Terrace, Maggie Gerardi, to understand more about this assisted living residence for seniors and what makes it so valuable for the Roaring Fork Valley community.   For starters, Whitcomb…
Healthy Journey

Save the Date: The Health Fair is Back

July 2, 2021 | Community Healthy Living Wellness

After a hiatus due to COVID-19, expect a different experience  Aspen Valley Health is planning to host its popular annual health fair over two weekends this fall, for the first time since the onset of COVID-19. “We’re grateful to be able to bring this important…
Healthy Journey

Five Tips for Healthy Living at Altitude

March 5, 2021 | Healthy Living

Life in the Roaring Fork Valley is about as majestic as mountain living gets. Spring and summer are set to a backdrop of wildflowers, winding rivers, endless trails and long, sun-filled days. Fall offers world-class fishing and hiking along some of the most coveted ridges…
Birth Center

Postpartum Self Care Tips with Juliette Coughlin, PT

March 4, 2021

Join us at 2pm today during Bosom Buddies Support Group- for our breastfeeding Q&A with heather Knott, RN-IBCLC and postpartum self care tips for mom, with our special guest Juliette Coughlin, PT. Email hknott@aspenvalleyhealth.org for your personal ZOOM invitation. Interested in more helpful advice on…
Birth Center

Postpartum Mental Health with Kate Moyer, LSMW, MA

February 25, 2021

Join us Thursday 2/25/21 at 2pm during Bosom Buddies Virtual Support Group  led by Heather Knott. RN-IBCLC for a conversation with Kate Moyer, LSMW, MA about postpartum coping and positive mental health strategies. Call 970-544-1130 or email hknott@aspenvalleyhealth.org to request your personal ZOOM invitation. Interested…
Birth Center

Bosom Buddies Guest Speaker Today 2:30pm

February 18, 2021

Ellen Barlow is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Aspen Valley Health who specializes in individualized assessment and treatment of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Diagnosis may range from back pain through urinary incontinence, which are often experienced during pregnancy, in the postpartum period and…
Birth Center

Bosom Buddies Guest Speakers

February 11, 2021 | Birth Center Breast Feeding Postpartum Pregnancy

Aspen Birth Center Presents Guest Speakers: BOSOM BUDDIES A social group that also provides professional and peer counseling for breastfeeding mothers. Led by: Heather Knott, RN-IBCLC JOIN US WEEKLY – THURSDAYS, 2 – 3 pm Virtual and Interactive via ZOOM! Thursday, February 11 Guest Speaker:…
Healthy Journey

Failure to Launch? Event Offers Help for Pandemic Fatigue

February 1, 2021 | COVID-19

Learn how COVID-19 may be affecting your resolutions. Subject matter experts from Aspen Valley Health and Aspen Strong came together in a virtual panel discussion to answer questions submitted by the public about pandemic fatigue and the many resources available, including financial support, in an…
Healthy Journey

An Affordable Option When It Comes to Long-Term Senior Care

November 17, 2020 | Community Healthy Living

There is a wealth of research on the relationship between financial stress and how it uniquely impacts the physical and mental health of senior citizens. With the commercialization of senior care, finding an affordable, highly-individualized person-centered residence is at odds with what is increasingly becoming the institutional warehousing of seniors for profit.…
Healthy Journey

Live Long, Strong and Healthy with Diabetes

November 3, 2020 | Healthy Living Nutrition

One hour. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, that is all the time you need to start getting informed, motivated and inspired to move forward in your life ? with the help of Laurie Osier, RDN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) in Aspen…
Healthy Journey

What to Know About Backcountry Ski Safety

October 8, 2020 | Exercise Healthy Living

What you Need to Know Before Going Backcountry Skiing As ski areas have begun announcing COVID-19 strategies designed to restrict access and reduce crowding (and maximize safety), retailers are reporting record early season sales of backcountry and uphill ski equipment. Winter sports enthusiasts seem to be planning for fewer opportunities to…
Healthy Journey

Staying Healthy This Flu Season

August 31, 2020 | Healthy Living Vaccinations Vaccines

With flu season approaching, the CDC and health experts are advising to get a plan in place for a flu shot this fall. This year brings the threat of dual pandemics, or a “twindemic,” of both COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Ensuring you have an influenza…
Birth Center

Traveling with Your Family During a Pandemic

July 16, 2020 | COVID-19 Travel

Travel during pandemic is stressful! But reasons arise why you may need to make a trip with your little one. According to Experts at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Health experts don’t yet…
Birth Center

COVID-19 Presents Unique Barriers

July 8, 2020 | COVID-19

Good supports are vital to the mental health of mothers. However, COVID-19 presents unique barriers to engaging supports, particularly those outside of the home. Partners are a logical first choice, but if one is not present (or able), it may be helpful to seek outside…
Healthy Journey

2020 Rescue Fund supports expanded COVID-19 testing at AVH

July 2, 2020 | Community COVID-19

2020 Rescue Fund supports expanded COVID-19 testing at Aspen Valley Health with $470,000 grant As communities across the country work to safely reopen their economies, one critical element of nearly every plan involves readily available testing for COVID-19. Pitkin County is no exception. The 2020…
Birth Center

Some Good Nutrition News

June 4, 2020 | Nutrition

Craving some good news and positivity? Amid lockdowns, people are eating healthier, cooking their own food, and consuming more fruit and vegetables, according to preliminary results from a worldwide Corona Cooking Survey. Based on analysis of answers to the survey by 11,000 people in 11…
Healthy Journey

COVID Q&A with Dr. Brad Holmes

June 1, 2020 | Community COVID-19

At Aspen Valley Health, Dr. Brad Holmes is one of three hospitalists, the physicians who provide care at the bedside, managing patients who have been admitted to the hospital. Dr. Holmes is also a member of the Medical Advisory Team to Pitkin County Public Health,…
Healthy Journey

COVID-19 Community Update: From Our Board of Directors

April 20, 2020 | Community COVID-19

Dear Community Members, On Monday evening, the Aspen Valley Health Board of Directors reviewed in public session the hospital’s response to the COVID-19 crisis through direct reports presented by the hospital’s Incident Command Team. Importantly, Monday night’s meeting afforded us an opportunity to share with…
Birth Center

Managing Postpartum Depression and Isolation During the Pandemic

April 15, 2020 | COVID-19 Postpartum

Up to one in five women will develop postpartum depression, a condition that can adversely affect the thoughts, emotions and functioning of mothers, as well as the mental health of their partners and children. Adjusting to parenthood after delivery is challenging under normal circumstances, let alone in…
Birth Center

COVID-19 Community Hotlines

March 26, 2020 | COVID-19

COVID-19 help hotlines/ línea comunitaria: Aspen to Parachute COVID-19 community hotline 970-429-6186 (English or Español) Garfield County Public Health call line: 970-945-1377, ext. 8120 (English or Español) CO-HELP 1-877-462-2911 or COHELP@RMPDC.org (multiple languages) Provided by: Garfield County Public Health Department- working to promote health and prevent disease Interested in more…
Birth Center

COVID-19 Children’s Health

March 26, 2020 | COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information for Children’s Health Advocates Updated March 24th, 2020 Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause symptoms similar to the common cold, like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. They can also lead to more serious respiratory diseases, like…
Birth Center

Celebrate International Women’s Day March 8, 2020

March 9, 2020 | Community Women's Health

How do we ensure that a woman's right to breastfeeding support is realised in the era of generation equality? The solution includes: more equal sharing of care work within the parenting team, enhanced community understanding of existing inequalities, engaging with men and boys to support…
Healthy Journey

Keeping Young Athletes at the Top of Their Game

March 3, 2020 | Community Exercise Sports Medicine

AVH athletic trainers focus on student wellness Local young athletes and sports enthusiasts have plenty of options to choose from all year long. During the winter months, it’s hockey, basketball, snowboarding and skiing. In spring, they look forward to baseball and lacrosse. Once fall rolls…
Healthy Journey

Keeping Critical Care Close to Home

January 30, 2020 | Community Comprehensive Care

AVH Receives Level III Redesignation Following its recent successful redesignation as a Level III Trauma Center, Aspen Valley Health continues its commitment to providing Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors with round-the-clock access to emergency care. “Our patients and their families often tell us how…
Healthy Journey

The Campaign for Aspen Valley Health

January 8, 2020 | Community

Hospital Expansion Elevating Healthcare in our Community To meet the needs of our community – today and in the years to come – Aspen Valley Health has developed a master facilities plan to upgrade and expand its physical plant. Over the past ten years, Aspen…
Healthy Journey

Healthy Aging for the Mind and Body While Living at Altitude

November 10, 2019 | Healthy Living

In the Roaring Fork Valley, seniors often note they’re not getting older; they’re simply getting better. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, winding walking paths, and inherent community spirit, it’s easy to see why they feel this way. During the "off-season", it’s a great time to reflect…
Birth Center

Exercise While Breastfeeding

September 19, 2019 | Breast Feeding Exercise Wellness Women's Health

Exercise While Breastfeeding Moms face many barriers in the postpartum period, in regards to life balance, motherhood, breastfeeding, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise program. In the August 2019 Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, authors surveyed more than 600 moms…
Healthy Journey

Better Healthcare for All

August 21, 2019 | Community Comprehensive Care Healthy Living Wellness

Aspen Valley Primary Care provides care for the whole family When everybody in our community has convenient access to high-quality healthcare, our population as a whole benefits. That’s the main tenet of “population health” — and one reason Aspen Valley Health is actively recruiting more…
Birth Center

Anyone Can Be a Superhero!

August 6, 2019 | Breast Feeding

Celebrate World Breatfeeding Month Protect your right to breastfeed! Anyone can be a superhero. Colorado laws allow breastfeeding in public. Employers in Colorado are required to provide private space, not a toilet stall, and break time to pump or breastfeed. #COHealthyKids #WBW2019 #COBreastfeeds Talk to…
Healthy Journey

Meet Joseph L. Schuller, MD, FHRS

July 31, 2019 | Community Comprehensive Care

AVH's New Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist The heart is perhaps the body’s most vital organ, pumping oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients to the rest of the body. Helping our residents and visitors maintain a healthy cardiovascular system is an important part of the specialized medical…
Birth Center

Fathers are Key Team Players to Breastfeeding Success

June 17, 2019 | Breast Feeding Fathers

Fathering norms are constantly changing. Fathers nowadays are more involved in the day-to-day care of children and share more work at home, a vital and ongoing change in the long road towards gender equality. Fathers are more and more involved in caring for babies and have a profound influence on…
Healthy Journey

Your Guide to Hiking & Backpacking

May 30, 2019 | Exercise Healthy Living

Although hiking and backpacking are relatively safe sports, many situations can, and do, happen that require advance planning and safety precautions. And the best time to prepare for them is before you hit the trails. First-aid and survival kits​ A first-aid kit is a must.…
Birth Center

Reality: New Moms Fall Asleep Feeding Their Babies

April 30, 2019 | Breast Feeding

Where will you be when (not if) you fall asleep while feeding your baby? Dr. Ann Kellams-breaks down the reality of feeding your baby at night, and how to prepare safe feeding spaces, in her blog written for the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Healthy newborns wake easily and…
Healthy Journey

Changes Coming to Our Oncology Program

April 24, 2019 | Comprehensive Care

New Physician, Same Great Care Continuity is important in any healthcare situation — especially for cancer patients and their families. That’s why Aspen Valley Health (AVH) is working to ensure a smooth transition to our new oncology physician, Stephen Mayer MD, PhD, FACP. We are…
Birth Center

Product Recall: Fisher Price “Rock and Play”

April 11, 2019 | News

Public service announcement: MONDAY, April 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Ten infants are known to have died in the Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play sleeper since 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns. In a joint statement with Fisher-Price, the CPSC said it voted…
Birth Center

Recommendations for Breastfeeding Families During Travel

March 26, 2019 | Breast Feeding Travel

What are key recommendations for breastfeeding families during travel? Summer trips are right around the corner! Some breastfeeding families are apprehensive about travel, not knowing the accommodations for nursing or pumping in all the places they will be. The US Center for Disease Control has…
Birth Center

Stay Home! You Are Ill!

March 11, 2019 | Wellness

We are in the thick of influenza season right now. March is typically a big month for influenza illness as we welcome travelers from around the world. The CDC has recently issued an update that a second wave of more severe influenza is circulating and Colorado…
Healthy Journey

Discover All of the Benefits of the Midvalley Imaging Center

February 28, 2019 | Comprehensive Care

A Q&A with Midvalley Imaging Center's Natalie Johnson: Q: Besides a competitive MRI price with no “gotcha fees,” what are some other benefits you can expect from the Midvalley Imaging Center? A: High-quality images, no waiting, ample parking at our convenient Basalt location, and personalized,…
Healthy Journey

The Sooner the Care, the Better the Health Outcomes

January 31, 2019 | Comprehensive Care

Direct access helps physical therapy patients save time, money and hassle It’s a fact: Providing patients with direct access to physical therapy services is proven to improve medical outcomes, lower costs and make wiser use of healthcare resources. Now, area residents and visitors can enjoy…
Birth Center

Flu Season Officially Begins….

January 2, 2019 | News Vaccinations Wellness

The 2018-2019 influenza season has officially begun, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Increases in flu activity summarized in CDC's most recent FluView report, including increases in influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of laboratory-confirmed flu cases nationally, have signaled the start of the 2018-2019…
Healthy Journey

New Year Reboot: January Detox by Chris Miller, MD

December 28, 2018 | Healthy Living Wellness

It’s a new year, and a great time to reset healthy eating. Call it a reboot, or a detox, but if the holiday decadence leaves you with food cravings, weight gain, fatigue, headaches, joint pains, and basically not feeling your best, it’s time to reset…
Healthy Journey

AVH Traumatic Brain Injury Program Provides Healing and Hope

December 27, 2018 | Comprehensive Care

As an avid skier and mountain biker, Michael Hayes had suffered his share of concussions. So at first he wasn’t surprised when, after a skiing accident in February 2018, he began to experience symptoms such as disorientation and irritability. Images taken in the Emergency Department…
Birth Center

National American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month

November 15, 2018 | Wellness

Native American Heritage Month recognizes the histories and continuing invaluable contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native people in the United States. This month honors the rich diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures, traditions, and languages, and it focuses on how heritage intersects with…
Birth Center

Halloween Tips from the National Safety Council

October 31, 2018 | Community Wellness

Kids love the magic of Halloween: Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms and dads, often there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. In 2016, 7,330…
Healthy Journey

Population Health

September 28, 2018 | Community Comprehensive Care Healthy Living Wellness

How and why AVH is helping to make Aspen a healthier place for all Every day seems to bring news of a major medical breakthrough in the diagnosis or treatment of disease. In the marble halls of Washington, D.C., and in statehouses across the nation,…
Healthy Journey

The Breast Center at Aspen Valley Health

September 27, 2018 | Breast Cancer

Expert breast health services closer to home. Call it the “backyard advantage.” For women in the midvalley, the need for many breast health services used to mean a long drive to and from Denver. But now, the Breast Center at Aspen Valley Health (AVH) offers…
Healthy Journey

3 Reasons to Consider Attending a Health Fair

September 27, 2018 | Community Healthy Living Wellness

From free screenings to important blood tests, health fairs provide services that cost less than a doctor’s office visit Roaring Fork Valley residents who have seen insurance premiums skyrocket in recent years are used to shopping around for the best health care deals, which is…
Birth Center

National Emergency Preparedness Month

September 19, 2018 | Breast Feeding Community

Key Facts about Breastfeeding and Emergencies Emergencies often occur when least expected, and sometimes when we are least prepared. They can include a wide range of unsettling events, including personal or family crises, public health emergencies (such as a flu pandemic), acts of terror and…
Healthy Journey

Outstanding Quality and Cost Savings

August 22, 2018 | Community

Midvalley Imaging Center provides great MRI value Shopping around for an MRI in the Roaring Fork Valley? If so, the Midvalley Imaging Center is rewriting the rules of healthcare with a mission to provide MRI services at a lower cost without compromising quality. The center…
Healthy Journey

Whitcomb Terrace

July 31, 2018 | Community

Assisted living -- with emphasis on living! The request, when she first heard it, struck Maggie Gerardi as both unusual and wonderful. As director of Whitcomb Terrace Assisted Living, Gerardi was accustomed to acting on requests from residents interested in visiting local art galleries, restaurants,…
Birth Center

Newborns: Backs or Tummies?

July 30, 2018 | Birth Center

Should Newborn Babies Sleep on Their Backs or Their Tummies? According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's (NICHD) "Back to Sleep" Campaign, healthy babies should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is…
Birth Center

Working Together: Breastfeeding and Complimentary Foods

July 25, 2018 | Breast Feeding Nutrition

Working Together: Breastfeeding and Solid Foods Breastfeeding, like many other aspects of parenting, is a gradual process of increasing independence and self-mastery on your baby’s part and a gradual stepping back on yours. You may have already experienced the beginnings of this process during the…
Healthy Journey

Take Charge of Your Health!

July 1, 2018 | Community Healthy Living Wellness

AVH health fairs offer important health screenings at big savings! As part of its vision to help make our community the healthiest in the nation, Aspen Valley Health (AVH) is proud to announce its schedule of 2018 public health fairs with free and low-cost medical…
Healthy Journey

Our Volunteers Make a Difference Every Day

July 1, 2018 | Community

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Aspen Valley Health (AVH). Here are experiences from two of our volunteer unit leaders who make a difference in the lives of the hospital’s patients and staff. When Deborah Konig became an AVH volunteer about…
Birth Center

Happy Father’s Day

June 18, 2018 | Community Fathers

The love of a father is a foundation for the future of a child. When mothers, fathers and family members work as a team around the care of children, it creates a haven within which these children can grow and thrive as mentioned in the…
Birth Center

National Police Week

May 17, 2018 | Community

Happy National Police Week 2018 Thank a local law enforcement officer for all they do to keep our families and communities safe! May 13-19th, is National Police Week.  From bicycle rides and 5k runs to candlelight vigils, awards ceremonies and memorial services in honor of…
Birth Center

Diaper Drive at Aspen Valley Health

April 9, 2018 | Birth Center Community

The OB nurses at Aspen Valley Health are dedicated to bring this cause to the attention of the generous families in our valley. Unfortunately, there are families in our area and the state of Colorado that do not have the resources to provide disposable diapers for their infants…
Healthy Journey

AVH Spotlight: Diagnostic Imaging

February 16, 2018 | Comprehensive Care

Walk into the Diagnostic Imaging Center at Aspen Valley Health (AVH) and you may wonder if you're inside a medical facility at all. The walls are papered with photos, cartoons, inspirational quotes and thank you notes from patients. The lighting and the chairs are soft.…
Healthy Journey

On the Front Lines of Patient Care

January 8, 2018 | Community Comprehensive Care

Paramedics do a lot more than just get you to the hospital Many people think paramedics just come to your home, put you in the ambulance and take you to the hospital. In fact, though, today's paramedic is a true medical practitioner with a broad scope…
Birth Center

Quick Antiviral Treatment of Influenza Is Critical

January 5, 2018 | Vaccinations Wellness

Influenza activity, predominantly from A(H3N2), has increased significantly in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which issued a health advisory Wednesday. Given the characteristics of this season's flu, the CDC is recommending, in addition to the flu vaccine for prevention, increased use…
Healthy Journey

A Healthier Holiday Season: Part 5 with AVH Dietitians

December 30, 2017 | Healthy Living Nutrition

With the holidays upon us, we turned to our very own Aspen Valley Health Dietitians—Kristy, Sandy and Laurie—to answer some common questions about eating healthier during the holidays. Plus, we have included some tasty recipes to try! This is the final part — thank you…
Birth Center

Sharing Is Caring – but Is It Safe?

December 12, 2017 | Breast Feeding Wellness

Milk Sharing The sharing of human milk has existed since the beginning of time. Mothers have either breastfed children who were not biologically related to them or expressed and shared milk with a child other than their own. In early times if a baby did…
Birth Center

Moms-to-be Can Protect Against Newborn Whooping Cough

October 4, 2017 | Infant Health Pregnancy Wellness

In 2012, as whooping cough continued its deadly comeback, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that women get vaccinated against the bacterial infection during each pregnancy. A new CDC study finds that the preventive measure works. The vaccine, called Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), cut the…
Healthy Journey

Getting Ready for Ski Season

September 30, 2017 | Exercise Healthy Living

Proper preparation is the key to enjoying your time on the slopes! It takes at least six weeks to get in shape for ski season. Not only should you strengthen your legs, but you should also focus on "core stability," which means strengthening your abdominal…
Birth Center

Safe Soft Baby Carriers and Slings

August 31, 2017 | Infant Care

To help keep infants and babies safe, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of infant sling carriers and prevent deaths and injuries to young children. Infant sling carriers are worn by the parent…
Birth Center

World Breastfeeding Month 2017

August 1, 2017 | Breast Feeding Community

Aspen Valley Health and World Breastfeeding Week Promotes Breastfeeding Support throughout the Community   August is World Breastfeeding Month, an annual celebration of breastfeeding to increase breastfeeding awareness to improve the health of mothers and babies. The Aspen Birth Center Lactation Consultants and team will…
Birth Center

Bosom Buddies Wednesdays at Aspen Birth Center

June 20, 2017 | Birth Center Breast Feeding

Bosom Buddies- Breastfeeding Support and Social time! Aspen Valley Health employees, Rachel Lahr, RN and Kate Spencer, PT- show off their adorable babies, Zora and Violet during Bosom Buddies at the Aspen Birth Center. Come and visit us and enjoy ongoing breastfeeding support, comraderie and social time with new moms and their…
Healthy Journey

The Effects of Altitude on Aspen Visitors

May 17, 2017 | Healthy Living

Aspen, Colorado and Snowmass Village are approximately 8,000 feet in elevation. If you’re skiing or hiking, you may ascend another 3,000–4,000 feet. There is less oxygen and less humidity available to you than at sea level, and a variety of symptoms can result. For most…
Birth Center

Work-Life Balance Helps Your Baby’s Brain

January 6, 2017 | Infant Health Wellness

Most of us understand that a baby’s earliest months and years are the most critical for brain development. But did you know that a baby’s relationships with parents and caregivers actually stimulate that process? The following article is written by a woman who has dedicated…
Birth Center

Pregnancy Related Mood Disorders Are No Laughing Matter

December 20, 2016 | Mental Health Pregnancy

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, postpartum depression (PPD) and sometimes referred to as pregnancy-related mood disorder, is one of the most common and serious postpartum conditions, affecting 10–20% of mothers within the first year of childbirth. Studies have found that up to 50%…
Birth Center

Breastfeeding Emoji?

November 17, 2016 | Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding Emoji? Why not? By Sarah Friedmann On Thursday, the Unicode Consortium approved a breastfeeding emoji, along with 55 other new emojis. The breastfeeding emoji has garnered particular excitement, not only because it will allow women to visually depict an activity in which many of them engage…
Birth Center

Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

November 3, 2016 | Breast Feeding Nutrition

Congratulations!  You have grown a happy healthy baby on the inside, now what to eat? Enjoy the article below and feel free to call Aspen Birth Center- Lactation Services with any questions or needs for breastfeeding advice or consultations. 970-544-1130 Tips for breastfeeding moms from Mayo…
Birth Center

FDA Warns Against Homeopathic Teething Products

October 4, 2016 | Breast Feeding Community Infant Care

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against homeopathic teething tablets and gels, recommending that consumers cease letting infants and children use the products because they pose health risks. Homeopathic teething tablets and gels are readily available online and in retail stores but…
Birth Center

Introducing Your Baby to Pets

September 21, 2016 | Community Infant Health

With September being National Baby Safety Month, it’s a great time to learn about introducing babies to pets. Below is important information about establishing the relationship between babies and pets, as well as general safety measures that should be taken. Planning Ahead To help minimize…
Healthy Journey

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

July 30, 2016 | Breast Cancer Healthy Living Women's Health

The most important thing to know about breast cancer is that early detection saves lives. Early detection has contributed to the happy, active and fulfilling lives of many thousands of women. Early detection also increases your treatment options and aids in the process of reconstruction,…
Healthy Journey

When to Go to the Emergency Department

July 30, 2016 | Community Healthy Living

Aspen Valley Health provides emergency care for serious illnesses and injuries at any hour of the day or night. Walk-in treatment is also available for minor ailments. Most illness and injury can be treated at Aspen Valley Health or the After Hours Medical Care Clinic…
Birth Center

World Breastfeeding Week 2016

July 28, 2016 | Breast Feeding Community

Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development THE WBW CYCLE Through #WBW2016, WABA sets out raise awareness of the links between breastfeeding and the SDGs, whereas WBW 2017 will focus on Goal 17 - partnership building. This method of working is essential for sustainable impact and…
Healthy Journey

Preventing Sunburn

June 30, 2016 | Healthy Living

Skin cancer is the most serious concern related to sunburn. But a more immediate concern for the vacationer to Aspen and Snowmass Village is that a severe sunburn can ruin your trip. That's right. Every year, we see many people in our emergency department and…
Birth Center

Heading to Rio? Protect Yourself from Zika Virus

June 24, 2016 | Travel Vaccinations Wellness

Are you or any loved ones heading to the 2016 Summer Olympics? See the CDC recommendations for travelers in this infographic. Interested in more helpful advice on your pre- and post-natal journey? Let us know your interests and receive tailored articles from Aspen Valley Health.…
Birth Center

Dads Make it Work!

June 10, 2016 | Fathers Infant Care

The month of June, we celebrate DADs everywhere! But, When it comes to myths about parenting, let's face it, dads take a lot of sh*t. Hey Dad, have people said ridiculous things to you, when you are with your children? You take your child to the playground or…
Birth Center

Food for Thought: Gluten-free for Healthy Kids?

May 17, 2016 | Nutrition

So much talk about gluten -free diets  yet, it may have risks for today's healthy children. Other than a small percentage of people who have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, gluten — a mixture of two proteins found in grains like wheat and barley and…
Birth Center

Lock up Your Detergent Pods

April 26, 2016 | Community News

In Colorado we know children are having trouble discerning "Edibles" from candy.... which is frightening in itself.  But, for those who do not indulge, are your handy-dandy detergent PODS safely locked away? Despite repeated warnings about the dangers to young children from laundry detergent pods, calls to…
Birth Center

Second Time Moms Appreciate Hospital Changes

April 4, 2016 | Birth Center Pregnancy

As an RN and lactation consultant at Aspen Birth Center, I am always excited to recognize and welcome back our "repeat customers". I am eager to brag about our recent Baby Friendly Hospital Designation status, but not so I can "toot our horn" or display the "feather in our cap"....but instead,…
Birth Center

Patagonia – FMLA done right

March 22, 2016 | Community FMLA

Patagonia-sure, their gear is tough, and the clothing is trendy, yet functional...but I have found new respect for this company who is seemingly, trying to do a lot of things right. The following excerpt is taken from the web blog named "The Cleanest Line". This Weblog is for the…
Birth Center

If You Are Pregnant: Herbs Are Drugs

March 1, 2016 | Pregnancy Wellness Women's Health

Pregnant and breast-feeding women commonly consume herbal supplements, possibly because they believe that “natural products” are safer than drugs. However, even though some have been available for hundreds or thousands of years, we know little about their effects on the embryo, fetus, newborn, or nursing…
Birth Center

Q and A for Pregnant Women: Zika Virus

February 16, 2016 | Pregnancy Vaccinations Women's Health

What is Zika virus? Zika virus is a mosquito-borne single-stranded RNA virus related to dengue virus. In the Americas, Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti, but Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can also transmit the virus. How is Zika virus transmitted? Zika virus is transmitted…
Birth Center

Daddy Matters…Really!

February 2, 2016 | Fathers

New mothers can really influence Dads and facilitate your partner’s involvement in ways that will be helpful not only for Dad, but for you and the baby as well. Moms- your input is the key to an important piece for getting Dads involved! Please share this with them....(that is,…
Birth Center

Human Milk for Human Babies

January 19, 2016 | Breast Feeding Infant Health Nutrition

General Guidelines: In general, only breastmilk or formula should be used if your baby is less than six months old. Simple as that. NO cow's Milk until 12 months? Use of cow’s milk before a year is controversial among experts. You might want to get your…
Birth Center

Not Your Mother’s Weed…

December 15, 2015 | Community Women's Health

It's legal in Colorado. Why would marijuana harm your unborn baby? The major active compound in all cannabis products is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), or simply THC. Research has established that THC can rapidly cross the placenta barrier, resulting in fetal plasma concentrations of THC equivalent or even…
Birth Center

Paternity Leave?

December 1, 2015 | Community Fathers

A Recent article in GQ magazine brought the topic of paid paternity leave to the forefront of today's political venue. With all the talk about equal wages, it would only follow suit that equal FMLA benefits should ensue for a very integral part of the family.…
Birth Center

Vitamin D to Breastfed Infants

October 8, 2015 | Breast Feeding Infant Health Nutrition Wellness

(Reuters Health) - - Infants may get enough vitamin D from breast milk if their mothers take high-dose vitamin D supplements, a U.S. study suggests, offering a potential alternative to the vitamin drops parents are currently  sometimes advised to give nursing babies. Pediatricians recommend that…
Birth Center

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Month!

August 11, 2015 | Breast Feeding News

August is World Breastfeeding Month and a time when the world celebrates breastfeeding and builds awareness and support. This year the  theme is Breastfeeding and Work: "Let’s Make It Work" which aims to empower and support all women to successfully balance work and child-rearing, an important part of…
Healthy Journey

RSV & kids

July 30, 2015 | Healthy Living

As the weather gets colder, your little one may battle the symptoms of a cold. If so, be aware: what appears to be an ordinary cold could be more serious. Your child may have respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a highly contagious disease that…
Birth Center

Don’t Ignore Depression

June 5, 2015 | Mental Health Postpartum Women's Health

Postpartum depression has certainly gained its share of attention in the public's and professional's eyes with states from Oregon to New York implementing legislation in recent years to encourage screening for the problem.   We are learning that Pregnancy alone, is a large risk factor to the clinically depressed patient.  From chemical…
Birth Center

Happy Mother’s Day

May 12, 2015 | Community

Our Bosom Buddies social and support group of breastfeeding mothers, and lactation consultants, wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! Come join us Wednesdays at the Aspen Birth Center 11am -12:30pm weekly. Heather Knott RN-IBCLC Lactation Services Coordinator Childbirth Education Coordinator Aspen Valley Health Interested in…
Birth Center

Flying the Not-so “Breastfeeding-friendly” Skies…

April 8, 2015 | Breast Feeding Travel

Not all US airports have followed the lead of Burlington International Airport in Vermont. They have the most modern of lactation stations, designed by Mamava- for the breastfeeding and pumping travelers:The modular lactation station allows a mother to breast-feed her baby or use a breast…
Birth Center

Poison Peril

March 17, 2015 | Community News Wellness

NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK March 15-21st: In 1961, Congress established National Poison Prevention Week as a national celebration each year during the third full week of March. The observance is sponsored by the National Poison Prevention Week Council, a group of public and private partners committed to reducing unintentional…
Birth Center

No Visitors, Please!

February 24, 2015 | Community Infant Health

Everyone is so excited to see the new baby, but put on your protective armour and figure out a polite way to ask: "Is everyone healthy?  What's that?  Little Johnny has '"just" a little runny nose?" Repeat after me now: "We should probably take a raincheck? " "You can…
Birth Center

Health Insurance for Women

January 27, 2015 | Women's Health

Enroll in a Health Plan The Marketplace is now open for 2015! Get health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace until February 15, 2015 and learn about no-cost preventive services available to women. If you already have coverage through the Marketplace, learn about Coverage to Care and other resources to…
Birth Center

My Mom is a Lactation Consultant…

January 13, 2015 | Breast Feeding Community

My mom is a lactation consultant. Can you tell? From building a snowman, or an anatomically correct breastfeeding snow-woman, to traveling across America in a large pink RV to promote breastfeeding, our kids are no worse for the wear. They are learning to be breastfeeding advocates,…
Birth Center

Infant Sleep

December 30, 2014 | Community Infant Care Infant Health

Of the 18 years I have been a childbirth educator, professional nurse and the 14 years spent as a parent of two children ....I think nobody gets MORE crazy, than when it comes to the topic of getting your infant to SLEEP...zzzzzz  at night!  This topic…
Birth Center

Historical Perspectives: Baby Jesus Was Breastfed

December 23, 2014 | Breast Feeding

Interesting that all the holiday cards and pictures that are out there, do not portray the bond between the mother, Mary and (breastfeeding) infant, Jesus.  My guess is that Jesus was certainly NOT a bottle baby? As a matter of fact, all of the historical pictures on…
Birth Center

The Stuff That Makes Us Human…

November 18, 2014 | Community Infant Care Infant Health

The human infant is a helpless creature at birth. He is immobile, he cannot follow his mother like a Giraffe, and his mother does not leave him in a nest for extended periods, while she hunts for food. Unlike some other primates, he cannot even…
Birth Center

The Magnificent Seven: Prenatal Exercises

November 14, 2014 | Exercise Pregnancy Women's Health

"Is it safe to exercise while pregnant?" This is one of the most commonly asked questions I hear among active, healthy pregnant women, especially those living in the outdoor culture of the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valleys. For the most part, the answer is "yes"…
Birth Center

Trick or Treat!

October 31, 2014 | Community

Going trick-or-treating? Follow these safety tips from the Center for Disease Control. S- Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible. A- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. F- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to…
Birth Center

Paid Maternity Leave – the New Political Platform?

October 23, 2014 | Community FMLA

Wow, I think all the political ads have been soaking into my brain. I woke up wondering what are some of the issues am I worried about?  Which senator should I tweet this morning? What are some of the back to basics things that could…
Birth Center

Nobody Likes to Be Rushed, Especially Babies!

October 17, 2014 | Infant Health Labor Pregnancy Women's Health

Press release-Washington, DC: September 23, 2014 The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is calling upon healthcare providers and pregnant women to avoid induction of labor at any time during pregnancy unless it is medically necessary, and should especially not be done for convenience. To read…
Birth Center

Midwives Make a Difference

October 10, 2014 | Community Comprehensive Care Midwife

Happy National Midwifery Week 2014! The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. With roots dating to 1929, ACNM sets the standard for excellence in midwifery education and practice in the…
Healthy Journey

Preventing Ski Injuries

September 30, 2014 | Exercise Healthy Living Sports Medicine

Tips to Preventing Ski Injuries The following precautions will help you avoid ski injuries: Ski in accordance with your physical condition. Skiing, like any other sport, requires muscular strength and flexibility for control. The more control you have, the safer you will be. Have all…
Birth Center

Basic Training for New Dads

September 30, 2014 | Community Fathers

Greg Bishop, the author of Crash Course for new Dads states, when it comes to being a new dad, the cave man set the standards.  Greg uses language, humor, and case scenarios that appeal to the male mind. He goes on to say funny things like, "Human…
Birth Center

What is a Baby-friendly Hospital?

September 26, 2014 | Birth Center Community

So you ask. "What is Baby Friendly? Were the hospitals not baby friendly before?" and...why is this best for our family? Watch Video about Baby Friendly Hospital practices It's a difficult job learning all the "buzzwords" and being a new consumer during one of the most important periods…
Birth Center

To Immunize or Not to Immunize?

September 19, 2014 | Infant Care Infant Health Vaccinations Wellness

Good question? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. The AAP is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists.…
Birth Center

The 10th Breastfeeding Commandment (throw out 1-9)

September 12, 2014 | Birth Center Breast Feeding

As a Registered Nurse, Childbirth Educator, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and mother of two breastfed infants...I would like to share with you my strong desire and commitment to provide education to new families throughout our local communities. If anyone was to describe me in…