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Our Aspen High School seniors graduated last weekend, the Food and Wine Classic is just around the corner, and soon we will be hearing the sweet sounds of music as the Aspen Music Festival season arrives at the end of the month. The old saying that we “came for the winter and stayed for the summer” rings true at this time of year, for many of us, particularly as we put air in our bike tires and pull out our hiking boots. Our town will soon be buzzing again with visitors and part-time residents seeking cool mountain air and high-country splendor for which we are world-famous.
At Aspen Valley Hospital, we recognize that many of us, our physicians and staff, have chosen to make this community our home precisely because of the outdoor and cultural amenities that Aspen and our valley have to offer. It is the majesty of our mountains, our blue skies and our high meadows, and clear running streams and endless trails that make life worth living here, despite the worsening challenges of housing and affordability. This is also why we have provided our employees with extra financial support to help them get out there and enjoy the emotional benefits of being in nature and finding solace in an otherwise chaotic world. In this, we and the community are united in our quest for the joy and renewal that time spent outdoors can provide.
Of course, we also know that our mountain wilderness and our elevation also carry risks of injury and illness that are a part of the bargain. Whether it’s a twisted ankle on a rock or root, an over-the-handlebars launch, or high-altitude sickness, as humans we are prone to requiring medical assistance from time to time. This is why we at AVH consider our mission of providing extraordinary healthcare to include the services that will mend and restore our outdoor adventurers. Let’s face it, stuff happens and when it does, AVH and our network of care is there – in multiple locations – for when we are needed. And we’re also there to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
In this issue, we provide some insights into our network of services, including the Snowmass Clinic, which is an accessible and affordable alternative to the emergency room. You’ll hear from a grateful patient who is alive and well today thanks to our trained and prepared professionals who stand ready when things really go wrong. You’ll also learn about how your diet can fuel your performance with a little help from our registered dietitian, Lauren Mitchell, who is also certified in sports dietetics.
We are one community with a shared love of nature and its healing and restoring powers. As we hit the trails and the roads, and enjoy the numerous community events this summer, we do so secure in the knowledge that AVH stands ready to respond when things don’t go as planned. Of course, if your adventures involve riding two wheels, or in some cases four, remember to wear your helmet!
Be safe, enjoy, and I’ll see you on the trail.
Dave
