Latest news with #IntermountainHealth
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What it's like to live with sensory sensitivities
When Roger and Carrie take their family out for a fun evening, they always know the location of the closest exit. But it's not for the reason you might think. Their 13-year-old daughter Lily has autism and sensory processing disorder. This means her brain processes senses differently and some senses become overwhelming. Deseret News has agreed not to use the family's last name to protect the teen's privacy. Growing up, Lily was sensitive to taste, texture, sound and smell, which would affect the food she'd eat, the clothes she'd wear and the places she could go. According to her mom, Lily would 'know the smells I did not even know existed.' 'Helping Lily to feel safe has become a family project,' Carrie said. One in 36 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder, which 'equates to about 25,000 children in Utah,' according to Intermountain Health. Sensory sensitivities are common in children with autism. A 2022 paper by University of Utah's Huntsman Mental Health Institute found that 74% of children with autism are affected by sensory sensitivity. That equates to 18,500 children in Utah based on the previous estimate. Sensory sensitivities can vary and are not associated with an individual's IQ, Dr. Deborah Bilder, one of the researchers for the paper, emphasized to the Deseret News. 'It's just a different way of experiencing aspects of the senses. It's not abnormal. It's not bad. It's not impaired. It's just different,' Bilder said. Some individuals are sensory avoiders, meaning it's harder for them to ignore sensory intake, according to Autism Speaks. This is called hypersensitivity. Someone who experiences hypersensitivity with bright lights, including the sun, could choose to wear sunglasses or a hat to help avoid a sensory overload. There is also hyposensitivity, which means individuals seek out sensory intake. That could look like someone spinning and needing to move. Per Autism Speaks, experiencing both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity is common. 'It's really about finding that right balance for that person to be able to experience what they want to or need to experience,' Bilder said. On a family trip to Yellowstone National Park a few years ago, Lily's family was creative in how they helped her handle her sensitivity to smell. To help cover up the smells of Yellowstone, including the sulfuric fumes from the thermal pools, Lily's parents put Vicks VapoRub under her nose. Though VapoRub has its own strong scent, it's a familiar smell for Lily and would be more comforting than the strange smells of the park. The mask she was wearing due to the COVID-19 pandemic also helped, Lily said. In that moment, she said she was thinking, 'OK, I don't want to smell it. I don't want to fall off. Don't run. Don't push me. I just need to be on the path.' VapoRub is just one of the many ways Lily's parents, Carrie and Roger, have had to think outside the box to make the world a more sensory-friendly place for their daughter. Carrie keeps items such as Lily's favorite scented chapsticks, headphones and fidget tools in her purse. Taylor Swift's music has also been a helpful tool for Lily on hard days. 'Taylor Swift helps me get through it,' Lily said. Carrie added, 'Taylor's really doing more than she knows for our family.' When they go out, Carrie and Roger take separate vehicles and leave at different times. Carrie joked that that might make some people question the state of their marriage. 'Lots of times, we end up missing half of whatever we're going to because one of us will leave with her if it becomes too overwhelming,' Roger said. Carrie added, 'There are also family activities that we divide up for because we just know this will not be successful, but we have other kids that need experiences and need time together.' When Lily was younger, free early intervention and occupational therapy were helpful resources for the family as Lily was introduced to new exposures in positive and safe environments. But it's been difficult to find activities and events that are sensory inclusive for Lily and the rest of the family, Carrie said. 'I think that the sensory-friendly spaces exist. I don't think that a lot of people know about them, where they are,' she said. 'The challenge for me is that I don't know what exists, and I feel like we just kind of go it alone, you know? And sometimes we take a chance and we hope for the best, and other times, we just kind of say, 'I think we pass on that experience. I don't think it's gonna work out.'' Sporting events and plays heavily incorporate bright lights and loud sounds to create fun and engaging atmospheres. But those features could make it impossible for someone with sensory sensitivities to enjoy their experience. Multiple organizations are trying to create sensory-friendly events and spaces to make Utah more sensory inclusive for individuals like Lily and her family. Utah Valley University's Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism is one of those organizations. With partners in the community, the center organizes autism and sensory-friendly events throughout the year such as Quiet Santa and Moving Mountains soccer camp. They also collaborate with the Timpanogos Symphony and Orchestra every year for a special performance that leaves the lights on in the auditorium. UVU's Noorda Center also offers sensory-friendly performances for most of its children's plays. For communities to create more sensory-friendly events like these, Laurie Bowen, the director of the Melisa Nellesen Center, believes individuals with autism should be included in the planning process from the beginning. These events can be a great opportunity for families with children who have autism, but Carrie said, 'That exists only if you know about it, and if you're available on this certain day.' Bowen recognizes that and acknowledges that as a university, the center 'can't do all of it.' 'Our goal really is to make a community of belonging, and with that is arming other people with information so that they can also become part of that group that is addressing and assisting,' she said. One of the organizations that has stepped up to make more spaces and events sensory inclusive — including some that may have seemed impossible for someone who is hypersensitive to attend — is the nonprofit KultureCity. Husband and wife duo Dr. Julian Maha and Dr. Michele Kong founded KultureCity in 2014. A few years prior, Maha and Kong had taken their neurodivergent sons to a local museum in Birmingham, Alabama, when one of their sons experienced a sensory overload. They were asked to leave after their son started engaging in stimming behaviors to regulate his senses. Stimming behaviors are characterized by repetitive noises, movements and habits. That experience stopped Maha and Kong from daring to try new public experiences with their sons for years, KultureCity's Meg Raby Kinghoffer told the Deseret News. When one of their sons pointed out they never went anywhere, Maha and Kong organized a sensory-friendly night with the Birmingham Zoo. Their sensory inclusive vision grew from there and led to the creation of KultureCity. Utah has over 20 certified KultureCity venues with sensory rooms and/or sensory bags. A map of and information for each of the venues can be found on the KultureCity website and app. These venues include the Delta Center, the Clark Planetarium, the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, schools, stores, libraries and even police departments. The Salt Lake City Police Department was the first police agency in the U.S. to be certified in KultureCity's sensory inclusive training, according to Kinghoffer. SLCPD officers now carry sensory bags in their patrol cars to assist individuals who may be experiencing sensory overwhelm. In those sensory bags, you'll find fidget tools, headphones to dull the loud sounds of their environment as well as a visual communications card and feelings thermometer for when an individual may be unable to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Those items can be found in every KultureCity sensory bag. With KultureCity, Kinghoffer travels across the country for the nonprofit's activations and pop-ups, including the opening of the Salt Lake City International Airport's first of three sensory rooms in March and the NCAA women's basketball Final Four in Tampa, Florida, in April. In Tampa, not only was it special to see children benefit from the sensory bags and room, but Kinghoffer said it was 'really a beautiful thing when you see adults stepping up to request for the accommodations that they need, and seeing them just really kind of, in a sense, being seen and known in a public experience like that.' Businesses looking to become more sensory inclusive can reach out to KultureCity or the Melisa Nellesen Center for guidance. Bowen said the center exists to support autism and teach others how to as well. 'The whole reason we're here is to assist families and individuals with autism to get their needs met,' she said. Becoming sensory inclusive 'doesn't take much' and 'the impact is huge,' Kinghoffer said. The decision to do so will open the world up to more people with sensory sensitivities, like Lily. 'If people are not in this world, there's somebody you don't even think about. Something like a Jazz game is super amazing, and it's a little smelly — depending on who you're sitting next to — and (has) bright things. It doesn't have to be. There are ways to kind of change environments to make them more accessible, if we think about it, if we're aware,' Carrie said.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Intermountain Health breaks ground on new St. George clinic
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Intermountain Health broke ground today, May 30, on a new primary care clinic in southern Washington County. The new facility will serve an immediate need for the growing St. George community. On Friday morning, the organization held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest facility, the Desert Color Parkway Clinic – Primary Care, which will bolster access to medical services for locals. The clinic is expected to open by the summer of 2026. The new clinic is built on a 35-acre lot, which will 'provide space for a future medical campus to expand to include a freestanding emergency department after the opening of the Primary Clinic.' Intermountain Health's new lot is located directly southeast of exit 2 on I-15. The project will be managed by Jacobsen Construction. 'This area has been growing immensely, and we are working to make healthcare as accessible as we can,' said Natalie Ashby, president of St. George Regional Hospital and the Southwest market for Intermountain Health. The Desert Color development, a 'community seamlessly blend[ing] the serenity of outdoor living with luxurious residences and exclusive amenities,' their website states, is just one part of the population growth in St. George and surrounding cities. The St. George area also features its own airport and an array of high-end golf courses. You can stay updated on progress with Intermountain Health's new location here. Intermountain Health breaks ground on new St. George clinic 'World's deadliest cats' return to Utah's Hogle Zoo with three new feline residents Stephen Miller on report of Musk drug use: We're worried about drugs crossing the border Labor Department suspends Job Corps centers operations, drawing bipartisan pushback State Department restructuring scraps office dedicated to relocating Afghan allies Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Intermountain Health first in nation to expand stem cell collection for CAR-T Cell Therapy bringing innovative cancer procedure to Southern Utah
ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – Intermountain Health is now offering a national first-of-its kind expansion of CAR-T Cell Therapy, bringing cutting-edge cancer care closer to patients in Southern Utah and Nevada. Intermountain's new CAR-T Cell satellite clinic in St. George marks a significant milestone to improve access to FDA approved CAR T-cell therapies at a regional clinic – and is the first time in the United States that CAR T-Cell collections are now available at a remote site away from a primary treatment center. Before expanding the CAR T-Cell therapy program, patients in southwest Utah, Nevada and beyond, had to travel hundreds of miles to Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City for collection, transplant, and follow-up care. This innovative expansion of stem cell collection and CAR T-cell collection procedures at the Intermountain Health St. George Cancer Center provides advanced cancer treatment options closer to home for patients in the region. 'Expanding CAR-T Cell Therapy to Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, state-of-the-art cancer treatment,' said Brad Hunter, MD, medical oncologist and director of the CAR T-cell program at Intermountain LDS Hospital. 'This clinic will significantly enhance the quality of care for patients in Southern Utah and beyond our state boarders, offering them hope and healing without the need to travel long distances.' CAR-T Cell Therapy is a form of immunotherapy that harnesses the power of a patient's own immune system to fight cancer by genetically reprogramming T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. 'This therapy has shown remarkable success in treating certain types of leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and we're grateful for the chance to make it more accessible,' said Dr. Hunter. This process is customized to each individual oncology patient and involves collecting the patient's immune cells or T cells, which are then sent to a different location and re-engineered. About two to three weeks later the patient will travel to Intermountain LDS Hospital for the re-programmed cells to be transplanted back to the patient. The new cells then target and kill the cancer cells by binding to the specific proteins or antigens on the cancer cells. The patient is observed to confirm the treatment is working and then sent home, with follow up appoints close to home. Jacqueline, 68, from Las Vegas, Nevada, received CAR-T therapy for her Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year at Intermountain LDS Hospital and says it saved her life. 'It was really miraculous,' said Jacqueline. 'I could see the back of my throat and see the lymph nodes, so swelled up and then within two weeks of the treatment, suddenly, they were just gone. They even scanned me and everything was gone.' Jacqueline and her husband had to travel to Salt Lake numerous times and stay for a month, they say the new Intermountain Health St. George CAR-T Cell satellite clinic will save some miles and will be nice for future cancer patients to have treatment, 'just down the street.' CAR T-Cell therapy is currently FDA approved for patients who have a variety of hematologic cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), B-cell lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. For more information about the Intermountain Health CAR-T Cell Therapy program and services, go to Intermountain Health. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Sposored by Intermountain Health. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Perimeter Partners with Intermountain Health to Study the Potential Clinical, Social and Economic Benefits of Using OCT and AI to Reduce Cancer Reoperations
TORONTO and DALLAS, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. (TSXV: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical technology company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Development Support Agreement ("DSA") with Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. This agreement creates the framework for the two organizations to partner on a number of future studies evaluating the potential value of using Perimeter's OCT and collecting additional data to support the continued development of the Company's artificial intelligence ("AI") algorithms. In the first of these studies, Intermountain Health will support a retrospective analysis of population level reoperation rates and incremental healthcare costs associated with reoperation for patients who underwent initial breast-conserving surgery ("BCS") at select hospital sites. "At Intermountain Health, we understand the significance of innovation, like Perimeter's proprietary wide-field OCT interoperative margin assessment technology, that has the potential to optimize surgical oncology outcomes for patients, and support efficient delivery of care," said Teresa Reading, MD, medical director, breast surgery, Canyons Region at Intermountain Health who is involved with the clinical use of this technology. "We look forward to initiating this first study among our BCS patient population, as well as potentially expanding to other tissue types in the future." "Intermountain Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system. It shares our commitment to improving both the patient and provider experience through innovation. And with its own health plan, Intermountain Health is uniquely positioned to evaluate the total cost of cancer reoperations - not only to the patient, but also to the payer," commented Adrian Mendes, Perimeter's Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited about how this partnership can help shape our commercial and market access strategies as we work to advance not only our next-generation, AI-enabled Perimeter OCT system for use during BCS through the FDA PMA approval process, but also as we look to expand into other tissue types beyond breast." About Intermountain Health Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit health system with 33 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain Health is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. About Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. Based in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, Texas, Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (TSX-V: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) is a medical technology company driven to transform cancer surgery with ultra-high-resolution, real-time, advanced imaging tools to address areas of high unmet medical need. Available across the U.S., our FDA-cleared Perimeter S-Series OCT system provides real-time, cross-sectional visualization of excised tissues at the cellular level. The breakthrough-device-designated investigational Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI represents our next-generation artificial intelligence technology that has recently been evaluated in a pivotal clinical trial, with support from a grant of up to US$7.4 million awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's ticker symbol "PINK" is a reference to the pink ribbons used during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perimeter B-Series OCT is limited by U.S. law to investigational use and not available for sale in the United States. Perimeter S-Series OCT has 510(k) clearance under a general indication and has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA specifically for use in breast tissue, breast cancer, other types of cancer, margin evaluation, and reducing re-excision rates. The safety and effectiveness of these uses has not been established. For more information, please visit Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future financial position, business strategy and strategic goals, competitive conditions, research and development activities, projected costs and capital expenditures, research and clinical testing outcomes, taxes and plans and objectives of, or involving, Perimeter. Without limitation, information regarding management's views regarding the second quarter, the potential benefits of Perimeter S-Series OCT and Perimeter B-Series OCT and the expected benefits of Perimeter's updated version of its ImgAssist AI are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, any particular result will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Perimeter's control. Such forward-looking statements reflect Perimeter's current view with respect to future events, but are inherently subject to significant medical, scientific, business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. In making forward-looking statements, Perimeter may make various material assumptions, including but not limited to (i) the accuracy of Perimeter's financial projections; (ii) obtaining positive results from trials; (iii) obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and (iv) general business, market, and economic conditions. Further risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those applicable to Perimeter and described in Perimeter's Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on Perimeter's SEDAR+ profile at and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Perimeter does not intend, nor does Perimeter undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws. Stephen Kilmer Investor Relations Direct: 647-872-4849 Email: [email protected] Adrian Mendes Chief Executive Officer Toll-free: 888-988-7465 (PINK) Email: [email protected]
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Perimeter Partners with Intermountain Health to Study the Potential Clinical, Social and Economic Benefits of Using OCT and AI to Reduce Cancer Reoperations
TORONTO and DALLAS, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. (TSXV: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical technology company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Development Support Agreement ("DSA") with Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. This agreement creates the framework for the two organizations to partner on a number of future studies evaluating the potential value of using Perimeter's OCT and collecting additional data to support the continued development of the Company's artificial intelligence ("AI") algorithms. In the first of these studies, Intermountain Health will support a retrospective analysis of population level reoperation rates and incremental healthcare costs associated with reoperation for patients who underwent initial breast-conserving surgery ("BCS") at select hospital sites. "At Intermountain Health, we understand the significance of innovation, like Perimeter's proprietary wide-field OCT interoperative margin assessment technology, that has the potential to optimize surgical oncology outcomes for patients, and support efficient delivery of care," said Teresa Reading, MD, medical director, breast surgery, Canyons Region at Intermountain Health who is involved with the clinical use of this technology. "We look forward to initiating this first study among our BCS patient population, as well as potentially expanding to other tissue types in the future." "Intermountain Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system. It shares our commitment to improving both the patient and provider experience through innovation. And with its own health plan, Intermountain Health is uniquely positioned to evaluate the total cost of cancer reoperations - not only to the patient, but also to the payer," commented Adrian Mendes, Perimeter's Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited about how this partnership can help shape our commercial and market access strategies as we work to advance not only our next-generation, AI-enabled Perimeter OCT system for use during BCS through the FDA PMA approval process, but also as we look to expand into other tissue types beyond breast." About Intermountain Health Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a not-for-profit health system with 33 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain Health is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. About Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. Based in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, Texas, Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (TSX-V: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) is a medical technology company driven to transform cancer surgery with ultra-high-resolution, real-time, advanced imaging tools to address areas of high unmet medical need. Available across the U.S., our FDA-cleared Perimeter S-Series OCT system provides real-time, cross-sectional visualization of excised tissues at the cellular level. The breakthrough-device-designated investigational Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI represents our next-generation artificial intelligence technology that has recently been evaluated in a pivotal clinical trial, with support from a grant of up to US$7.4 million awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's ticker symbol "PINK" is a reference to the pink ribbons used during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perimeter B-Series OCT is limited by U.S. law to investigational use and not available for sale in the United States. Perimeter S-Series OCT has 510(k) clearance under a general indication and has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA specifically for use in breast tissue, breast cancer, other types of cancer, margin evaluation, and reducing re-excision rates. The safety and effectiveness of these uses has not been established. For more information, please visit Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future financial position, business strategy and strategic goals, competitive conditions, research and development activities, projected costs and capital expenditures, research and clinical testing outcomes, taxes and plans and objectives of, or involving, Perimeter. Without limitation, information regarding management's views regarding the second quarter, the potential benefits of Perimeter S-Series OCT and Perimeter B-Series OCT and the expected benefits of Perimeter's updated version of its ImgAssist AI are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, any particular result will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Perimeter's control. Such forward-looking statements reflect Perimeter's current view with respect to future events, but are inherently subject to significant medical, scientific, business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. In making forward-looking statements, Perimeter may make various material assumptions, including but not limited to (i) the accuracy of Perimeter's financial projections; (ii) obtaining positive results from trials; (iii) obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and (iv) general business, market, and economic conditions. Further risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those applicable to Perimeter and described in Perimeter's Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on Perimeter's SEDAR+ profile at and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Perimeter does not intend, nor does Perimeter undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws. CONTACTS: Stephen Kilmer Investor RelationsDirect: 647-872-4849Email: skilmer@ Adrian MendesChief Executive OfficerToll-free: 888-988-7465 (PINK)Email: investors@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc. View original content to download multimedia:
