I had some time to kill this morning while waiting for my Ford, “Burt,” to be serviced by the capable team at Campagni Ford in Carson City. So I stood outside and surveyed the rolling foothills that surround our state capital. As a 38-year impressionist of Mark Twain I have felt the amplified charge that comes with visiting various haunts that gave our mutual friend his start. I always get chicken skin when I stand where he once stood -Territorial Enterprise, Walley’s Hot Springs, Fox Brewery, our Nevada legislature, and the Ormsby House, which looked better then than it does now…

But today, while gazing out upon those soft brown foothills, silent as they are and were back then, Twain’s words came to me from his timeless book, Roughing It: “We climbed into the foothills and looked back on Carson City nestled in that flat sandy desert, and surrounded by such prodigious mountains that they seemed to expand your soul, until you felt yourself spreading into a colossus, and in that instant, you were seized with a burning desire to stretch forth your hand, put Carson in your pocket, and walk off with it.”

Whereupon something out of body happened. I was besieged by an intense recollection of having gazed upon those Carson foothills before, 1864 perhaps, before Sam Clemens decamped for San Francisco to be unemployed. Instead of pooh-poohing such a fanciful notion, I opened up the moonroof of my mind and welcomed that sensation inside…

A captivating and beguiling awareness slaked my soul, and I stood stock-still until I heard my name on the intercom: “Mr. Twain, ah, Layne, ‘Burt’ is serviced and ready to roll. Please see Adam at checkout.”

Had I not heard that voice calling, I might be standing there still, traversing those leather foothills back to 1864, when those brown hills were a launchpad for the Lincoln of our literature. 

In that all-encompassing moment, I cited Samuel Clemens to myself: “I have never seen an atom of proof to support the fact that there is a future life, and yet I am strongly inclined to expect one.”

Yes, not only do I now suspect that I am living an afterlife, but like Sam, I am strongly inclined to expect another. My brief love affair today with those raw foothills was not my first rendezvous, but a reiteration of an earlier encounter so strong as to harbor itself deep into the heart of this 2025 Nevadan…

I have felt a couple taps on the shoulder from Samuel in my close encounters with him, so today’s excursion back through the ages comes as no real surprise, but rather as a confirmation that there is more to the transmigration of souls to be discovered. So, yes, I’m excited to entertain more of these enticing sensations as I stroll jaunty-jolly through this most interesting expedition that we call human life…

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Fhv4PrH1UuwlhbnTT23zO

As families gather and homes fill with festive decorations, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding residents that winter holidays bring increased fire risks. Simple safety steps can prevent tragedies and help ensure a joyful, fire-safe season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), winter holiday activities—particularly decorations, candles, and cooking—create seasonal hazards that can be significantly reduced through awareness and preventive measures.

Holiday Decorating Safety

The NFPA notes that more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and half occur because decorations are placed too close to heat sources. NLTFPD encourages residents to keep the following precautions in mind:

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and anything that can burn.
• Use indoor and outdoor lights as intended by the manufacturer.
• Replace light strings with worn or broken cords or loose connections.
• Use clips instead of nails to avoid damaging cords.
• Keep decorations away from windows, doors, and exits.

Holiday Entertaining Safety

With guests visiting and kitchens bustling, residents should also:

• Test smoke alarms and review the home fire escape plan with guests.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles and cooking areas.
• Store matches and lighters securely and out of reach.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outdoors and provide deep, sturdy ashtrays; wet cigarette butts before disposal.

Before Heading Out or Going to Bed

• Blow out all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

A Message from NLTFPD

“These simple steps can make all the difference during a time of year when fire hazards increase,” said Fire Marshal James. “Our goal is to support a safe and joyful season for every household in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.”

For more heating safety information and resources, visit:

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/winter-holidays#fire-facts

Originally published in the Lake Tahoe Health System Newsletter

The holiday season is officially here, bringing festive celebrations, winter adventures, and plenty of travel. Whether you’re flying across the country, road-tripping to see family, or heading to the mountains for ski season, travel can throw your body out of its usual rhythm. Long periods of sitting, heavy luggage, tight schedules, and disrupted routines can all contribute to stiffness, soreness, and fatigue.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing practical tips to help you stay comfortable, mobile, and injury-free during your holiday journey. From movement breaks and travel-friendly stretches to safe lifting mechanics, these easy strategies can make a big difference in how you feel, both on the road and once you arrive.

Wherever your holiday plans take you, our Tahoe Forest Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Therapy Services Teams wish you safe travels, healthy movement, and a joyful season ahead.

Author: Jeffrey Cummings, MD – Barton Health

Living in the mountains means embracing winter in all its forms, whether you’re clearing snow from your driveway, carving down the slopes, or simply navigating icy walkways. But winter also brings challenges, especially for one of the hardest-working parts of your body: your shoulder.

Shoveling Reality

Shoveling looks simple, but it’s tough work. Cold weather makes your muscles tighter and lifting heavy snow over and over can strain your shoulders. This can lead to problems like sore muscles or rotator cuff injuries.

Before you start any shoveling, whether it’s snow in your driveway or hay from a barn stall, warm up your shoulders with slow, gentle stretches. Bend your knees to lift and push the shovel instead of throw, taking breaks often. If your shoulder starts to hurt, stop right away. Pain is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. You can also switch to a snowblower, ask for help, or move smaller amounts at a time.

Falls on Ice

Falls on ice are another winter threat. When you slip, your first reaction is usually to reach out and catch yourself. Some falls may cause fractures or rotator cuff tears, which need quick treatment. If you fall and can’t lift your arm afterward, get checked within the first week. Early care can make a big difference in how well your shoulder heals.

On the Slopes

When you’re snowboarding, skiing, or sledding, shoulder injuries can happen if you take a hard fall or run into something. Some common problems include dislocating your shoulder, tearing the rotator cuff, separating the AC joint, or breaking your collarbone (clavicle). These often happen when you land on an outstretched arm or take a big hit. Signs of an injury can include pain, swelling, trouble moving your arm, or even something looking out of place.

Stay Safe This Winter

Wear shoes or boots with good traction, salt or sand your walkways, warm up before being active in the cold, and never rush on ice.

If you fall or feel severe shoulder pain, notice a deformity, or can’t lift your arm, don’t wait. Getting help early gives you the best chance of healing fast and getting back to the winter fun you love.

Dr. Jeffrey Cummings is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specializing in complex shoulder and knee injuries. He sees patients at Barton Health’s offices in Carson City and Gardnerville. Call 530.543.5554 to make an appointment or visit BartonHealth.org to learn more. Join Dr. Cummings for a free webinar, “Understanding Common Shoulder Injuries,” on Thursday, December 11 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.; details at BartonHealth.org/Lecture.