Banner Health

10/29/2026

Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When a valve becomes narrowed or starts leaking, your heart may have to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.

The good news? There are several treatment options available, and the right choice depends on your individual needs.

Heart valve disease treatment options like repair or replacement depend on valve type, severity, age and overall health. Learn more with Banner Health.

10/29/2026

Healthy relationships bring us closer together — but they also leave room for us to be ourselves.

Have you ever felt guilty for saying no, struggled to make decisions without someone else's approval, or felt responsible for another person's emotions? Blurry boundaries may be playing a role.

Enmeshment can make boundaries feel blurry in families or romantic relationships. Banner Health explains the signs and tips for setting healthier boundaries.

10/27/2026

Is your little one asking to feed again just minutes after eating? Take a deep breath — you may be experiencing cluster feeding!

Cluster feeding can feel exhausting, but it is often normal in newborns. Banner Health shares why it happens, how long it lasts and when to ask for help.

10/27/2026

Is there one easy way to improve your skin care? Sunscreen. Gurman Dhaliwal, MD, a dermatology provider with Banner Health, shares why this simple step matters for your skin.

10/27/2026

Young patients, their families, and hospital team members are getting to experience a bit of early Halloween cheer thanks to a fun donation from Curtis Orthodontics. Every year, Curtis Orthodontics offices host a contest for creatively decorated pumpkins which are then donated to Banner Children's at Desert. From pumpkins portraying Frozen's Olaf to Kermit the Frog and Pikachu, the creative gourds are sure to bring smiles to all who walk through the halls during Halloween season.

10/26/2026

Protein shakes and powders are everywhere these days! From gym enthusiasts looking to build muscle to people trying to improve their nutrition, these supplements promise plenty of benefits. But are they really necessary? And how do you know which one is right for you?

Protein powders can help some people meet protein needs but they aren’t right for everyone. Learn who may benefit, safety concerns and what to check first.

10/26/2026

One of the best ways to catch signs that you could be developing breast cancer is to practice breast self-awareness. It’s about noticing any changes over time during your daily activities, like getting dressed, showering or stretching, without pressure. When you’re aware of your body, you can quickly spot any new or unusual changes that might need attention.

Breast self-awareness is a key way of staying mindful of how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can spot any changes. Here’s what you should know.

10/24/2026

Cloudy or foamy urine? Don't ignore the signs. Your urine can offer clues about your health and changes in its appearance may be worth paying attention to.

Frothy or cloudy urine isn’t always serious. Learn common causes, what other symptoms to watch for and when urine changes may need medical attention.

10/23/2026

When your child has heart surgery, bringing them home is a major milestone — but recovery doesn’t end at discharge.

From managing activity and medications to recognizing warning signs and attending follow-up appointments, knowing what to expect can help parents feel more confident as their child heals.

Banner Health shares what to expect after a child’s congenital heart surgery, including hospital recovery, home care, activity, feeding and warning signs.

10/22/2026

After a head injury, it’s important to know what to watch for — even if you feel fine at first. Symptoms of a concussion or other serious injury can develop hours or days later.

Head injury symptoms may appear hours or days later. Banner Health shares warning signs like worsening headache, vomiting, confusion and behavior changes.

10/05/2026

🫁 October is Healthy Lung Month. A great time to learn more about your lung health and the care available when you need a little extra support.

So, what does a respiratory therapist do?

Respiratory therapists are health care professionals who specialize in caring for the lungs and respiratory system. They may help patients who are experiencing breathing difficulties or managing respiratory conditions, and they can provide treatments and support to help improve breathing.

You may need respiratory therapy if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or other respiratory concerns, or if your health care team recommends respiratory care as part of your treatment.

Across our hospitals, respiratory therapy teams are here to help patients breathe easier and receive the care they need, close to home.

If you have concerns about your breathing or lung health, talk with your health care provider about whether respiratory care may be right for you. Schedule an appointment today: www.bannerhealth.com/physician-directory.

Take a deep breath. Take care of your lungs.

10/01/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 💗

Taking care of your health means making time for the screenings that can help detect cancer early.

A mammogram is an important tool for breast cancer screening, and Platte County Hospital offers mammography services close to home.

Not sure when you should be screened or where to start? Talk with your health care provider about your personal risk factors and when a mammogram may be right for you.

Make time for your health. Make time for screening: www.bannerhealth.com/locations/wheatland/platte-county-hospital.

10/01/2026

Good care starts with understanding what a patient is experiencing
For Austin Matthews, DPM, that means listening to his patients, answering their questions and working together to find a treatment plan that fits their needs.
As a podiatrist, Austin cares for patients with conditions affecting the feet and ankles and takes the time to explain their options along the way.

Outside of the clinic, Austin stays busy with his wife and three children. His family keeps him involved in sports, school plays and band, and he also enjoys learning new skills, including leatherworking.

We're proud to have Austin caring for patients in the Platte County community.

To schedule an appointment, visit: doctors.bannerhealth.com/provider/austin-matthews/1922555.

09/29/2026

🎉 Happy 1st Banniversary, Josie! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Josie Connell, Culinary Manager, on her first Banniversary with Banner Health!

Josie has been an important part of the team over the past year, and we’re so glad to have her helping bring care and hospitality to our community.

Congratulations on one year, Josie! We’re grateful to have you on the team and look forward to celebrating many more Banniversaries to come!

09/28/2026

Your heart is with you every step of the way and it deserves a little attention.

This World Heart Day, challenge yourself to make one heart-healthy change:
💧 Drink more water.
🚶 Take a walk after dinner.
🥗 Add an extra serving of vegetables.
😴 Prioritize a good night's sleep.

Healthy habits don't have to be complicated. Small choices made consistently can add up over time.

09/24/2026

Life gets busy, and it's easy to push routine health appointments to the bottom of the list.

But preventive care is one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of potential health concerns. Annual checkups, recommended screenings and conversations with your provider can help catch issues early, often before symptoms begin.

If it's been a while since your last visit, now is a great time to schedule your next appointment: www.bannerhealth.com/physician-directory.

09/23/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Sandy Dugger, CEO of Banner Platte County Hospital, for being named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 “Community Hospital CEOs to Know” list.

With 36 years of health care experience at Banner Health, Sandy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Wheatland community. Becker’s recognized her leadership in guiding Banner Platte County Hospital, fostering a positive workplace culture and helping ensure patients have access to quality care close to home.

Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation and strong community partnerships—values that are especially important in rural health care.

Please join us in congratulating Sandy on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for all she does for Platte County Hospital and the Wheatland community.

09/21/2026

Amy Johnson, FNP, is a family nurse practitioner who cares for adults through family medicine. She enjoys getting to know her patients and providing care that supports their health and well-being.

Away from the clinic, Amy's interests are just as varied. She enjoys hiking, walking, biking, kayaking, yoga and Zumba. She also has a creative side, spending time crocheting and painting.

We're happy to have Amy as part of the team caring for the Wheatland community.

Amy is accepting new patients: doctors.bannerhealth.com/provider/amy-johnson/451313.

09/16/2026

Caring for someone living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging.

Whether you're a caregiver, family member or friend, remember to care for yourself, too.

Helpful reminders:
💜 Ask for help when you need it.
💜 Stay connected with family and friends.
💜 Take breaks to recharge.
💜 Learn about available community resources.

Supporting caregivers helps support those living with Alzheimer's.
Learn more: www.bannerhealth.com/services/alzheimers.

09/14/2026

School may be back in session, but there's still time to make sure your child's health needs are covered.

Vaccines for Children (VFC) is up and running at Platte County Hospital.
If your child needs recommended vaccinations, check with their health care provider to make sure they're up to date.

A few minutes today can help your family head into the school year prepared.

Make your appointment today: www.bannerhealth.com/physician-directory.