Arizona Health & Living Magazine_EAST EDITION_DEC 2012 by Arizona Health & Living Magazine, a Division of Great Central Sun Media Group

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

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Winter is a Wondrous Time at Verde Canyon Railroad • December through March is Eagle Watch. In addition to bald and golden eagles, you may see Great Blue Herons, Coopers Hawks and Kestrels. • On Sunday, January 27, Have Lunch on the Rails. The train remains parked at the station, where you will dine on top of 1200 tons of solid steel. Moving from one unique train car to another you’ll savor the flavors of Verde Canyon Railroad’s signature dishes, wine, beer and specialty cocktails. • On February 10, Rhythm on the Rails returns to Verde Canyon. Seven diverse musical groups, featuring rock, country, folk and story-telling will move through the train and play a private concert in each car. • Verde Canyon Railroad sweetens your Valentine experience with the 11th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Train February 13-17. Heavenly chocolates and private-label Champagne are a perfect way to toast love, friendship and family. 4The December 2012Traveled | azhealthandliving.com Distance 20 Miles.

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azhealthandliving.com | November 2012

Contents Publisher Great Central Sun Media Group Executive Editor & Business Coach Lisa Padilla editor@azhealthandliving.com Senior Managing Editor AlďŹ e Mendoza Assistant Editor Michelle Talsma Everson Celebrity Photo Editor Lori Romano

Kaci Kinnett Robyn Moore Alison Bailin Batz Glenn Swain Kimberly Greene Terri Johnson Paula Renaye Robert Hopper Dr. Paul Griner Jane Atkinson V. Michael Santoro John S. Rizzo

LIFESTYLE & LIVING

40 Special Feature Holiday Gift Guide

28 Fashion & Beauty

Holiday Sparkle Lookbook

Graphic Designers KZ Creative Services Jessica Lopez

Fashion Editor Marlene Montanez

Digital Media Davin Design & Development

Contributing Editor Heather Lacey

Distribution Smart Drop Marketing

Contributing Writers Grey Stafford Jessica Lawless Nidah Chatriwala Jessica Pinkerton Jennifer Hutchison Sam Bullard

30 Healthy Fitness & Sports

Do Not Resolve to Exercise for Your Health in 2013

32 Family, Kids & Relationships How to Find Mr. Right under the Mistletoe; Divorce & Children During the Holidays

Special thanks to God, our advertisers, community partners and readers for making this magazine possible.

How to Protect Your Small Business Online

HEALTH & WELLNESS 46 Health

Burnout Plaguing Physicians

48 Mind, Body & Spirit

Surviving Holiday Gatherings; Why You Might Need to Get Over Yourself

34 Home & Garden

About us: Great Central Sun Media Group, a media and marketing firm, was founded in 2009 to empower individuals and businesses to make positive decisions that not only impact their health, but the health of the communities they call home. We are on a mission of successfully publishing community magazines, to be used as a powerful source by which the new generation can follow to be encouraged, motivated, inspired and educated to live a healthier lifestyle. We strive with faith to spread healthy living information that will enlighten everyone to know that the word "health" is not just about physical fitness but rather a combination of the mind, body and spirit - and when balanced, creates a synergy of well being and healthy living. We practice what we print by offering our services free to non-profits and charitable causes, as well as being accountable and environmentally responsible by publishing on recycled paper printed with soy ink.

Arizona Locally Owned Business

54 Spirit

Tips for Surviving Less than Perfect Holidays

Bring More Light into Your Home; Safety Tips for the Extreme Holiday Decorator

SENIOR LIVING

36 Celebrity

60-63 Aging Well

Uma Thurman

A Division of

Ten Underappreciated Super Foods; Homemade Bread for the Holidays

42 Career, Business & Finance

Arizona Health & Living is published monthly. All rights are reserved. The entire contents of Arizona Health & Living are copyright 2012 by Great Central Sun Media Group, LLC. Reproduction in whole or part, or use without written permission of the publisher, of editorial, pictorial, or design content, including electronic retrieval systems is prohibited in the United States & foreign countries. The trademark and tradename, Arizona Health & Living, is owned by Great Central Sun Media Group, LLC. The publisher does not assume responsibility for statements or work by advertisers. The contents in Arizona Health & Living, such as text, graphics, and other material ("Content") are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your medical condition. The calendar of events presented is provided as a service and does not represent an endorsement or recommendation of specific events or sponsors. The publisher in no way sponsors, endorses, promotes or administers any products that are featured within the publication.

40 Diet, Nutrition & Recipe

Recession Proof Your Retirement Account; Great Gift Ideas for Seniors

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE Know Your Neighbors Heart of the Community Neighborhood Buzz Community Talk Community Activists Travel & Leisure A Taste of AZ Expert Talk Community Health Partners Calendar

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

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azhealthandliving.com | November 2012

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To make sure your New Year’s resolution kicks off to the right start ...and sticks!

This New Year, resolve to do God’s Will!

s we are in preparation to welcome the New Year 2013, it feels as if it was yesterday when we were launching our first edition of Arizona Health & Living – West Valley in August of 2009 with a mission of empowering individuals and businesses to make positive decisions that not only impact their health, but the health of the communities they call home. A mission of successfully publishing community magazines throughout Arizona to be used as a powerful source which the current and new generation can follow to be encouraged, motivated, inspired and educated to live a healthier lifestyle. Striving with faith to spread healthy living information that will enlighten everyone to know that the word “health” is not just about physical fitness but rather a combination of the mind, body and spirit - and when balanced, creates a synergy of well-being and healthy living. This mission still holds true and grows stronger every day. I believe in order to have complete health one must undergo many transformations, but one that must take place is a spiritual awakening. God must be the center of your attention, for through him we have light, clarity, direction and purpose, followed with success, accomplishment and fulfillment. If we hold to God’s promise and do right by him there should be no need for resolutions year after year - many times the same ones. I hope that if you are reading this it is because you are now an avid reader of our magazine and supporter of our mission. If I am correct, then I would like to take the time to thank you. May God bless you! It is because of you that we can continue to awaken others. At many times in my life I have questioned how one person makes a difference or how this makes a difference. It is in these times that I receive a phone message, letter or email applauding us for our boldness in faith, thanking us for a message in our magazine that was meant to be read by them due to circumstances in their lives. Granted, I know that not everyone is ready - clearly, it is all about timing. However, as a firm believer, this does not steer me away, it only strengthens me. I am answering my call - Yes! One person along with others – together we can make a difference! If this is your first time reading our magazine, we have three community editions. Whether it is our West, North and now East, we hope you enjoy and share it with others. With this said, I have to end this message - I am still requesting more pages but I am grateful for this one and leave you until next time with this… Anything is possible with God! If you feel this to be true but you cannot seem to picture it, then it is time for you to resolve to do God’s will, reflect on his mercy and favor this New Year! You will then know the Only Resolution that needs to stick is God’s! God Bless You! Here to serve,

Lisa Padilla editor@azhealthandliving.com

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Odds of having 3 multi-platinum albums

1/ 1,650,000

Odds of having a child diagnosed with autism

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Toni Braxton encourages you to learn the signs of autism at autismspeaks.org Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference. azhealthandliving.com | November 2012

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

Art and Soul

SPEND LOCAL

By Nidah Chatriwala

Chandler Center for the Arts revamps its preservation of art and culture

hile many think of it as a great place to see a live show, the Chandler Center for the Arts (CCA) is so much more. The ingenious building and its programs are the results of community leadership and partnership united to preserve arts and culture in the East Valley. “It [the CCA] was a joint project between the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District,” explains Katrina Pappas, general manager of the CCA. “They agreed to jointly construct and operate the center and it actually opened in 1989 under that arrangement—and it continues to be operated in that way today.” According to the CCA website, the center is equipped with three theatres and a 2,000 square foot exhibition gallery. With a total seating capacity of 1,500, the unique design of the center allows for two rear sections of the main auditorium to rotate 180 degrees to become two more intimate performance spaces: the 350seat Hal Bogle Theatre and the 250-seat Recital Hall.

touring artists. For example, this year we had stars from NBC’s Saturday Night Live’s Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, and Tim Meadows, who have a huge following and they did some comedy sketches.” Coming up next year is the Roots and Boots tour, which showcases legendary country artists Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, and Joe Diffie. “It’s a good draw for Chandler, and in return, when people come to see a show, it’s also about dining and doing some shopping, and making a day of it,” Pappas explains. “So certainly, the arts center is an economic driver for Chandler.” When asked about any special holiday programs, Pappas highlights “Zoppé An Italian Family Circus,” which has become an annual tradition at the center, drawing more 5,000 attendees every year. It starts the day after Christmas and carries on for 10 days.

Pappas says that the center underwent renovations in 2010 when they updated their cooling system and added new rigid systems, providing a superb quality of sound for live performances.

“It’s a traditional circus, which is vastly popular and that’s why it’s the show of the year,” she shares. “What’s really neat about it is that they bring in performers from all over the world and it’s just this heartwarming event that speaks to all age groups.”

Also keeping a diverse range of audience in mind, Pappas says they wanted to make it comfortable and memorable experience for all. So, they increased accommodations for the disabled attendees aligning with the American Disability Act.

As far as community work is concerned, Pappas says the center’s mission is to serve as an inclusive cultural institution for the public to reach all segments of the population for both the performing and visual arts.

Other recent changes include brand new carpeting, fire system, and a new terrace. “The terrace was completely reconstructed; it opened up the look and feel to the building,” Pappas adds.

“For example, every year since 1996, we’ve done a free summer concert series and this is a great way for people who may not otherwise be able to engage in the arts to come and just experience live performance art,” she says.

Aside from facility transformation, the CCA is known for inviting national and local artists to perform at the center. “We get people from all over the country,” Pappas enthuses. “I think it’s because people tend to follow artists and we bring national

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

They also have the Arts Path Program, where they donate free tickets to non-profit organizations to give to their constituents. And most recently, the Youth Advisory Council, which helps prepare youth for careers not only in the arts but in leadership as well. Photo Courtesy of the Chandler Center for the Arts

“We have a volunteer program in which we engage all people locally and we give them opportunities to give back,” Pappas adds. Recently, the CCA started an annual program called Eat Your Art Out Chandler, which is a localized outreach tool for participating Chandler restaurants to donate funds to support the art center’s programs. “It’s a great way to engage the local community and Chandler residents in a night of wine and dining, and the proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts,” she says. Furthermore, their current goals entail coming out of the lagging economy and maximizing their ticket sales so they can maintain growth fiscally. Also, looking into the future, they are in the process of creating a long-range blueprint that would help them be the onestop for visitors to enjoy arts and culture.

250 N. Arizona Ave. Chandler 480.782.2680 chandlercenter.org

A Baby Tapir Moves from the Nursery to its New Home By Grey Stafford

With more than 600 species, it is always baby season at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium! One growing baby is a 4-month-old tapir. A distant cousin to the horse and rhinoceros, the tapir has a notable prehensile snout used to forage for plants and leaves near sources of water. There are three subspecies of tapir found in South America and one from Asia; each species is listed as threatened due to poaching and habitat loss. Now weighing more than 40 pounds and on his way to a few hundred pounds—this “little” guy recently moved from the baby animal nursery into a spacious new outdoor exhibit.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium 165th Ave. and Northern Ave. 623.935.WILD (9453) wildlifeworld.com This space is sponsored by Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Moving is the best medicine. Keeping active and losing weight are just two of the ways that you can fight osteoarthritis pain. In fact, for every pound you lose, that’s four pounds less pressure on each knee. For information on managing pain, go to fightarthritispain.org.

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

SUPPORT LOCAL

By Kaci Kinnett

Feed My Starving Children Brings Hope and Nutrition Tempe site home to a large base of volunteers

ore than 18,000 children around the world die daily of hunger related causes, a statistic almost impossible to comprehend. This astounding number can leave many wondering what can be done to end the devastation. A chance to make a difference in the world can start right here, in Tempe, with the great folks at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC).

“One cup serving meets their [the children’s] nutritional needs for an entire day,” says Janine Skinner, developmental advisor for FMSC’s Tempe location. It wasn’t until 1993, after a church group actively pursued volunteer opportunities, that FMSC began to approach an idea of having volunteers as the meal packers, thus producing a unique volunteering experience for all, including children as young as five. “Having volunteers pack this food might not have been the most efficient way but the experience was making a difference,” Skinner explains. “It’s an opportunity to directly help these kids across the world. It’s global impact, but you can do it right here in your own backyard. You can feed 35 kids in two hours of volunteering. There is nothing like it.”

FMSC, headquartered in Coon Rapids, Minn. and celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, has been on a mission “to feed God’s starving children, hungry in both body and spirit.” As a Christian-based non-profit, they are driven by faith in their work and service to starving children in more than 70 countries worldwide. Started by a Minnesota business man who returned from a mission trip to Honduras with an overwhelming need to make a change, FMSC is a direct result of his passion to bring large scale relief.

As for how the Minnesota-based nonprofit came to Arizona, Skinner says it

was “a calling.” After chaperoning their children’s middle school youth church event in January 2007, she and her husband happened to catch a presentation about FMSC and, after some quick research, the family was on board. “We ended up calling Mark Crea [FMSC’s executive director] and asked him how we could get involved. We flew to Minnesota that summer and loved what we saw,” Skinner says. “We hosted our first mobile pack event at our small Lutheran church out in Ahwatukee in November 2007 and people immediately were asking when we could do it again and, at that point, we just knew we had to keep going.” After reaching out to other small churches and eventually targeting larger establishments, the volunteer base was steadily growing and ready for the next challenge. In 2009, FMSC hired Skinner as a development advisor to officially grow in Arizona and, with a little help in the

In 1989, FMSC joined forces with food scientists from both Carhill and General Mills to create a product that was especially crafted to aid in the nourishment of starving children. This product, now called Mannapacks, include rice, soy, vegetables, a vegetarian-based chicken flavoring, and vitamins and minerals.

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Photos Courtesy of Feed My Starving Children

form of free empty warehouse space from a volunteer, the site became a temporary space for packing on weekends.

FMSC is always open to more volunteers whether they may be individuals or groups. Skinner explains their Saturdays fill up fast but slots during the weekdays are often available within a few weeks. Future volunteers can sign up on the FMSC website, as well as read more about the cause.

“The momentum is still going strong. We expanded our operations in March and are now open Tuesday through Saturday,” Skinner says. “We fill up quickly. People come whether it is through corporate retreats, kids and their school trips or through church groups. It’s amazing.”

With each meal only costing .22 cents and 92% of all donations going towards the food programs, FMSC is doing their part to reduce the magnitude of child starvation.

Skinner explained that their plans to expand beyond Tempe are in the works, with a hope to have a new location in Phoenix by 2014. They are currently developing their launch event for April 2013, a million meal packing event to raise funds doing what they do best; packing meals. T:7” S:7”

“Our goal is to pack a million meals in just 24 hours,” she said.

“Things quickly changed that would have not happened without the generosity of the gentleman volunteer,” Skinner says. “We opened up volunteer spots six months in advance and they would fill up immediately. We could not handle the amount of volunteers who were interested.”

The volunteer base and donations grew solely through word-of-mouth. Within a year and half, filled with busy weekends of volunteers anxious to make an appearance, the FMSC board voted to make the Tempe location a permanent site in September 2011.

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azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ

BE INFORMED

By Jennifer Hutchison

Phoenix Tire Company Starts Educational Community Garden Phoenix-based Community Tire Pros (CTP), in collaboration with area master gardeners, recently broke ground on a community garden that will bring fresh vegetables to an area considered a “food desert.” Initiated by CTP as an educational and sustainable venture, the automotive company hopes the plots will eventually develop into a local farmers market where kids and adults alike can participate in learning, growing and monthly food exchanges. “We have an extensive selection of resources that would help kids to learn more about the importance of planting, gardening and oil replacements,” says Patricia Fleischmann, director of first impressions with CTP. “It’s our objective to help teachers and parents make this not only a really fun outdoor experience, but a learning tool for building a healthier, stronger community. ” CTP, a full service automotive and repair shop, has been serving the community since 1991 and actively participates in improving area neighborhoods. The Community Salsa Garden will be located near Durango and Central Ave. in Phoenix. For more info, visit communitytiregarden.org.

Apricot Lane Boutique Opens New Store in SanTan Village Apricot Lane Boutique, a celebrity-fashion inspired retail store, opened its doors in SanTan Village last month and promises to wow even the most discerning of fashionistas. Denim-lovers will need a moment to catch their breath at the mouth-watering selection of Miss Me, Hudson and other premium jeans. Rounding out your wardrobe, Apricot offers a quality brand-name selection of Miss Me Couture, kensie pretty, and Costa Blanca. Complete your look with sweaters, shirts, skirts, handbags, accessories and affordable jewelry. Local owners Dan and Paula Auden, together with their daughter Sara, want each purchase to be individualized and unique, and pledge that no matter what your body type is, there’s something for everyone. “We have so many great things coming in each week; we made sure there is something for every age and style this fall in our store,” they quip. Based out of Peoria, Ill., Apricot Lane Boutique began as a mother-daughter enterprise that has blossomed into a nationwide franchise operation. For more information, visit apricotlanepeoria.com.

H&M Retailer Expands to Chandler’s Fashion Square Making a name for itself in California, Chicago and along the East Coast, Swedish clothing retailer H&M opened its 6th Arizona store last month in Chandler. Known for its edgy fashion selections, customers can expect the signature “store within store” concept for accessories, lingerie, sports apparel and maternity. “Since opening our first store in the state in 2009, Arizona continues to be essential in our strategy to reach even more consumers in these promising markets. Our ultimate goal is to provide consumers with unbeatable value by offering fashion and quality at the best price,” explains Daniel Kulle, U.S. president at H&M. The Chandler shop will offer the latest fall trends such as tailored coats, oversized sweaters, and embellished jewelry for women. Also available are suits, turtleneck sweaters, and leather accessories for men. This location will also carry a children’s collection. For more information, visit hm.com/us. 18

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

The Melting Pot Offers Limited Time Features The Swiss have a saying—Fondue creates a good mood. Fans of The Melting Pot restaurant would likely agree. Known for its legendary molten cheese and chocolate creations, the eatery is now offering guests new and limited-time features. Diners at all three Valley locations can experience bacon and brue cheese fondue, which is a combination of brie, gruyére and emmentaler cheeses applewood smoked bacon, onion, mustard and black pepper. Chocolate lovers can dive into a white chocolate crème brûlée, a melted version of the popular French dessert. A non-fondue strawberry almond salad that features a raspberry black-walnut vinaigrette will also be available for a limited time. Fondue, which has been around for centuries, gained popularity at parties and restaurants around the 1950s. The shared crock of cheese or chocolate blend is a unique centerpiece that serves as both the meal and, oftentimes, the topic of conversation. The Melting Pot has locations in Scottsdale, Glendale and Ahwatukee. For more information, visit meltingpot.com.

Gilbert-based Ballet Etudes Kicks Off Nutcracker Season For some, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without seeing The Nutcracker performed live on stage. Last month, Ballet Etudes, a local pre-professional ballet company, kicked off their 2012/13 season with the annual Nutcracker Sweet Tea. The event, which was held at locations in Queen Creek and Mesa, marked the beginning of the 26th annual production of The Nutcracker. Ballet Etudes was created in 1986 as a way to duplicate the experiences of a professional ballet company. Besides The Nutcracker, dancers ages 9 to 18 perform in Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Peter Pan and Cinderella. This year, the popular story of Clara, Fritz, Drosselmeyer and the Mouse King will be performed at the Chandler Center for the Arts through Dec. 2 and Mesa Arts Center on Dec. 14-16. Tickets range from $10-$36 and groups of 10 or more receive 20% off. To learn more, visit balletetudes.net.

East Valley Residents Receive Hon Kachina Award for Volunteer Efforts Since 1977, the Hon Kachina Council has recognized more than 400 volunteers who go above and beyond for their causes. The council is comprised of Valley business and community leaders and works to promote volunteerism by recognizing extraordinary individuals. This year there were eight recipients; three from the East Valley who stand out for their efforts to make a change in other’s lives. H.C. “Mac” McClure of Mesa voluntarily flies thousands of miles a year transporting life-saving blood to remote areas of Arizona. As a member of Flight for Life since 2006, McClure has averaged 1,300 miles a month, more than any other pilot in the program. Greg Jenson and Dwight Smart, also of Mesa, are both carpenters who work with chronically ill children, designing bedrooms with the hope of enhancing the healing process. Volunteering for Room for Joy, the duo meet with children along with their families and design spaces which are both conducive to their medical care and fun. Learn more at honkachina.org. azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS

GET INVOLVED

By Glenn Swain

Helping Dialysis Patients Through Innovation & Determination Scottsdale man creates an improved dialysis system

evin Marinan woke up one night nearly two years ago with an idea that he knew would help the more than 485,000 Americans who suffer from kidney failure each year. Marinan’s idea became PermaChase, a new valve system for dialysis machines that is expected to slash healthcare costs and drastically reduce inconveniences for dialysis patients. For years, dialysis box units have been built with water connections behind a wall. When a water line begins to leak, operators have to break through that wall to resolve the problem. Repairs take time, and often displace patients in need of regular, life-sustaining treatments. Also, wall boxes that are continuously in use periodically develop mold. A general contractor by trade, Marinan and his Scottsdale-based Marathon Resources, Inc. has focused primarily on building dialysis centers across the southwest. Over the years, he’s been involved with the construction of hundreds of dialysis centers. His new idea focused on the dialysis patient. “I just felt like things needed to be done differently,” he says. Marinan believed the boxes could be built more efficiently, and in a way that is easier to clean and repair. He consulted with a few friends as his idea began to develop. “If you surround yourself with people that are smarter than you, you’ll succeed,” Marinan says, laughing, while giving kudos to his extensive network of professional contacts developed over his years in the field. Marinan sketched a version of his vision with architect Matt Lamont and brought

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

it to Jack Dillon, who helped engineer the product. Dillon works for Medical Solutions International, the company that designed the most widely-used dialysis stations on the market. Another friend, a successful inventor, recommended the trio meet with a patent attorney. The attorney conducted a search and discovered the idea was unique for the market. “If you make a mistake you’ll have some problems,” Marinan says of needing a patent attorney. “It’s nothing to actually apply for the patent, but it takes a while to get it.” PermaChase is patent-pending now, and is currently being used at a clinic in Tempe. PermaChase manufactures the plastic used in the valve box; Medical Solutions International assembles and installs the valving; and Marathon handles the installation at dialysis clinics. “It’s the best way right now to make it work,” Marinan explains of the operation. There is certainly a need. Each year in the U.S. more than 100,000 Americans

are diagnosed with kidney failure, an irreversible condition which is fatal without a kidney transplant or lifesaving dialysis treatments. “This is treatment these patients need to live,” Marinan says. “For patients, whose treatment usually means undergoing dialysis for four hours at a time as often as three times a week, disruptions at their normal treatment location can bring inconvenience in finding a dialysis center for their life-saving care. It’s important that we do everything we can to give them as normal a life as possible.” Marinan plans to market the costcutting dialysis boxes to new clinics or those undergoing renovations. The challenge he faces is bringing change to the healthcare industry that has used the same equipment for decades. “In the dialysis industry, many processes have occurred the same way for years, and many products have been used for years,” he says. “Our product brings a revolutionary idea to the market. Our biggest challenge is changing minds.” Photo Courtesy of Kevin Marinan

It Takes Some Courage, But Saving Money Is Worth The Leap.

Get Free Savings Tips

Put Away A Few Bucks. Feel Like A Million Bucks.

Feed The Pig.org 44

azhealthandliving.com | November 2012

COMMUNITY TALK

Q. What do holiday travelers need to know about Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium? A. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium spans about 60 developed acres (with another 50 under development) and features more than 600 species and thousands of animals. Over the past 25 years, one of the hallmarks of Wildlife World has been to create a familyfriendly experience that brings animals and visitors closer together with innovative habitats and displays. For example, last winter Wildlife World opened the all new Dragon World. Thanks to strong visitor support, a fourth aquarium exhibit building was added in October. Wildlife World was also the first zoo to build a public lory parrot feeding. Three times each day, visitors can enter their habitat and hand feed the tropical birds. Another popular destination is the giraffe feeding station; high atop the elevated platform, visitors can look eye to eye with the world’s tallest land mammal as they drop a few pellets onto the waiting tongue of the eager giraffes. While these and other interactive animal experiences like the turaco bird feeding, stingray touch tank, and the always popular children’s petting zoo filled with baby goats and deer are meant to be fun, they also serve a much greater purpose—to introduce people of all ages to wildlife through safe and meaningful encounters. Take some time this holiday season to slow things down and enjoy a fun day and evening at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. We are open every day of the year including all holidays. —Gray Stafford, PhD Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium wildlifeworld.com

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Q. What will help combat holiday stress?

A. The holidays can be accompanied by stressful times. The dictionary defines stress as “a specific response by the body to a demand put upon it.”

Q. I always want to help in some way during the holidays but never know where to start—any ideas? A. With so many needs in the community, it is sometimes difficult to choose a favorite

Personal health and wellness can go beyond the absence of major illnesses. It involves resiliency, an ability to enjoy life, and maintain balance. During the holiday season we can lose these elements of wellbeing due to the many pressures that can come with the demands it brings; office parties, family gatherings, shopping for gifts, and the many other events during this busy time of year.

charity. It is especially important during the

A few tips to help lessen the pressure: make use of checklists and calendars; listen to relaxing music; maintain healthy social relationships; surround yourself with people who are positive and optimistic; exercise regularly; practice relaxation techniques; get plenty of rest; eat healthy; and take nutritional supplements.

your food donations, consider a cash gift as

A known fact is that stress causes the body to be acidic and we also know from research that an alkaline body is an important element to good health. One of the best supplements for stress is wheatgrass powder with the roots as it is a very high alkaline food supplement. The benefit of an alkaline environment is a body that will tend to heal itself. The more alkaline food you consume the more alkaline your body will become.

centers, assisted living facilities and senior

So, when you find yourself fatigued, the king of alkaline food, Best Organic Wheatgrass, may be just the ticket for a healthy, happy, and vibrant holiday season.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

—Best Organic Wheatgrass 1.888.260.GREEN (4733) bestorganicwheatgrass.com

holiday season to find ways to give back, whether it is with a monetary donation or the gift of time. Our favorite year-round charity is our local food bank and we encourage everyone to think of the food banks during the holiday season. While they are always in need of a way to give back this year. They can make your dollars stretch much farther and your cash donations allow them to purchase the items they need the most. The holidays are also a great time to give the gift of your time as a volunteer. Skilled care centers are just a few places where there are folks who would enjoy a friendly visitor; and some of their activities departments use volunteers to help with planned activities. Whatever your choice for giving back, take time to count your blessings and share with others less fortunate this holiday season.

to all of you from all of us at Sun Cities CareGivers! —Lola Judy Sun Cities CareGivers 623.974.2397

Q. What is degenerative disc disease and can the Laser Touch One relieve my pain? A. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of low back pain and also one of the most misunderstood disorders. Much of the misunderstanding comes from the term “degenerative disc disease.” It sounds like a progressive, very threatening condition. However, this condition is not strictly degenerative and is not really a disease. The term “degenerative” implies that the symptoms get worse with age. The term does apply to the degeneration of the disc but does not apply to the symptoms associated getting worse. Another source of confusion is created by the use of the term “disease.” This is actually a misnomer. Degenerative disc disease is actually not a disease at all. It is actually a condition that at times can produce pain from a damaged disc. Disc degeneration is a normal part of aging. All of us will exhibit changes in our discs consistent with a greater or lesser degree of degeneration. The real question is “How can I manage the pain associated with the condition?” Much of the symptomatic pain associated with degenerative disc disease is soft tissue inflammation and muscle spasm, as the body looks to provide itself with stability. The Laser Touch One allows the body to reduce inflammation and reduce the strain put on the muscles. After only one 2-4 minute self-treatment there is typically a noticeable pain reduction. With use of the Laser Touch One regularly a person can experience well managed, if not total, pain relief. —Cheryl L. Davis,LBMT 623.204.0800 ltostore.com/az0003

Q. Did you know Arizona is home to the entire known population of desert nesting bald eagles in the United States? A. Learn more during Eagle Watch aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad! Verde Canyon Railroad’s Eagle Watch is more than just an excursion. It’s more than an expedition filled with scenic wonders and a stress-free escape. It’s a journey to the very heart of America. Searching for the ultimate American symbol while riding on a treasured symbol of freedom makes for a stirring, memorable adventure. Verde Canyon is a landscape that seems to have been created just to bring trains and eagles together: A narrow high-walled canyon carved by one of the last freeflowing rivers in Arizona. Dramatic and isolated, it remains an unspoiled holdover from the frontier. Passengers relax in grand comfort as the train rumbles into stunning terrain where bald and golden eagles swoop from wind-gnawed cliffs and fierce sunsets streak the sky. Each winter, migrating bald and golden eagles join resident pairs in this ancient sanctuary. Verde Canyon is a protected breeding area closed to the public. Only the Verde Canyon Railroad provides this exclusive opportunity to view these extraordinary raptors in their natural habitat. Outdoor viewing cars, accessible from both first-class and coach accommodations, are the perfect venue to bird watch in Arizona’s most scenic winterscape. And while the rail cars maintain their vintage style, they’ve each been upgraded to provide passengers with a thoroughly modern level of sophisticated comfort and service. —Teresa A. Propeck Verde Canyon Railroad verdecanyonrr.com 800.456.3117

Become one of our Community Talk Partners and help us make a difference in our community. Call 602.348.9894 or email advertise@ azhealthandliving.com

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

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Kids will spend 26 minutes texting really “important” messages. How about two minutes to brush their teeth? Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.

~ Joel Osteen

LIFESTYLE & LIVING

Our attitude should not be, “I have to take care of the kids,” or “I have to mow the lawn today.” It should be, “I get to take care of the kids God has blessed me with,” or “I get to go out and mow the lawn today. That’s part of the house that God has provided.” See every opportunity as a gift. Count your blessings and watch Him multiply them exceedingly all the days of your life!

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

TRAVEL & LEISURE By Sam Bullard

RELAX & PLAY

Santa’s Workshop Comes to Life in Arizona at the North Pole Experience Holiday magic adds to Flagstaff’s winter wonderland

very child dreams about the North Pole from the moment they hear the name “Santa.” The feeling of magic, wonder and mystery never goes away—and for Arizona families, it can now become a reality.

will perform a secret knock on the massive wooden doors, tour Santa’s Toy Hall of Fame, meet Alibaster Snowflake (Santa’s head elf), and are invited to work side-by-side with the other elves, building toys in the workshop.

For hundreds of years, the magic and mystery of the North Pole has enraptured the hearts and minds of children all over the world. Now families can experience that magic first-hand by visiting Santa’s real, top-secret workshop set in the deep forest of the breathtaking town of Flagstaff.

Once inside, families will be granted top-secret access to Santa’s ‘Area 47’ Sleigh Hanger, which features his famous sleigh fitted with some of the most advanced technology in the world, including runway lights, radar systems and more. Children will stare in wonder as they walk through Santa’s main Toy Factory Floor, complete with soaring ceilings, toy slides and his Toy Development Laboratory, where he designs and creates all his new toys. But the magic does not stop there!

The North Pole Experience (NPX) is a one-of-a-kind, interactive Christmas adventure that brings Santa’s Workshop to life for families everywhere. Guests begin their trip to Santa’s workshop with a ride on either the Candy Cane or Snowball Express, special Christmas trolleys that follow the exclusive route to experience and access Santa’s magical headquarters through the portal in Flagstaff. Once families arrive to the workshop, children 26

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Children will then take a seat at Elf University (EU) to learn from elves at the top of their class about right and wrong and on how to act accordingly throughout the year. They will venture off to nibble on cookies and sip snowman soup (hot cocoa) in the bakery as they sing familiar Christmas carols, and before they leave the workshop, they will enjoy Top two photos (left to right) are by Nicole Rimsza Photography. All other photos are courtesy of the North Pole Experience.

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special one-on-one family time with Santa himself; making memories by sharing Christmas wishes and taking photos. The adventure ends with a warm and personal storytelling session with Mrs. Claus. As an added bonus, families are invited to experience the unique opportunity of having Breakfast with Santa the following morning for more memories and photo opportunities. Nestled at 7,200 square feet, the North Pole Experience trolley launches from another premier holiday tradition in Arizona; The Little America Hotel, which is decked out in millions of Christmas lights over the holidays and framed by the majestic San Francisco Peaks.

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Flagstaff creates the perfect winter landscape filled with holiday spirit and many events for NPX families to embrace, including the Arizona Snowbowl, multiple snow-play areas, the Flagstaff Nordic Center, the Northern Lights Holiday Parade, Bearizona, ice skating at Jay L. Lively Activity Center, and the Great Pine Cone Drop, to name a few! Families can also explore the many historic sites and venues throughout Flagstaff, and other fun activities the city provides. The NPX season runs through December 28. Tickets are required before arriving to Little America and can be purchased in advance online. Adult workshop tickets start at $55 and $49 for children 18 months and up. The website, northpoleexperience.com, offers complete online booking capabilities including North Pole Experience workshop tickets, meal tickets for the NPX dinner buffet, Breakfast with Santa, and links to lodging partners starting at $99 a night. Private cabins or other hotel accommodations are also options for North Pole Experience guests. (Children ages four and under eat for free for both the NPX dinner and Breakfast with Santa.) Have a magical holiday season!

North Pole Experience Flagstaff, Arizona 480.779.9679 northpoleexperience.com azhealthandliving.com | December 2012 21 27

FASHION & BEAUTY

FEEL GOOD & REJUVENATE

By Marlene Montanez

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like a little bit of glitz and glamour to get into the holiday spirit. From sparkly accessories to bold, beautiful brights, there are plenty of ways to work a bit of glam into your wardrobe this holiday season.

OASIS Backless Pleat Dip Hem Dress, $130 Oasis. andotherbrands.com.

Gloria Chandelier Earrings in Starlet, $110 Kendra Scott Jewelry, Scottsdale Quarter, kendrascott.com.

Candies Black Patent Heels, $49.99 Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, locations throughout the Valley, kohls.com.

Black Pencil Skirt, $39.95 H&M, locations throughout the Valley, hm.com.

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Blue Sequin Sweater, $129 H&M, locations throughout the Valley, hm.com.

Black Sequin Clutch, $13 H&M, locations throughout the Valley, hm.com.

OASIS Chevron Tights, $17 Oasis. andotherbrands.com.

azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com | | December December 2012 2012

29 23

STAY ACTIVE

HEALTHY FITNESS & SPORTS MS Contributed By Robert Hopper, By Ph.D., Author of Stick with Exercise for a Lifetime

Do Not Resolve to Exercise for Your Health in

2013

s the New Year looms, forget one of the most commonly made resolutions.

It’s time to make a different kind of commitment if you want to stick to an exercise routine after the first few weeks of 2013. For millions of Americans, the holiday visions of sugarplums are followed by visions of better health in the New Year. Unfortunately, by the time February arrives, most of us find ourselves back where we were in years past—avoiding exercise and feeling guilty and frustrated. While visions of improved health and fitness can get most of us started on an exercise program, they’re notoriously weak motivators over the long haul. Fun is what really keeps us motivated. The more pleasure we get from a physical activity, the more likely we are to stick to it. Here are seven steps to enjoying exercise for life—and reaping the health benefits that flow from it.

Step #1: Have fun!

Summon your passions in choosing lifetime activities. Revel in a hundred different recreation and leisure options, ranging from kayaking to ballroom dancing to archery to bicycle riding to bocce ball to backpacking, in addition to the tried-and-true standbys of swimming, tennis and golf. Forget the drudgery and get on your dancing shoes!

30 December2012 2012||azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com 2 December

Step #2: Get a coach.

Think only the Michael Phelps’s of the world have coaches? Think again. Your most valuable asset, a coach, is any teacher, instructor or class leader who guides the development of your lifelong exercise program.

Step #3: Get on a team...even if they don’t

Our Goal is to Get You

Active for Life!

call themselves one. Joining a formal team, league, class, or getting involved with a group of people who exercise together offers companionship, support, and an opportunity to socialize. All of these help to make exercising what it should be—fun!

Step #4: Take time. Making exercise a priority means making time for it. Gradually integrate exercise into your day-to-day life. Step #5: Supplement your “main dish” activity

with a “side dish” fitness program. When you reach the intermediate skill level, you may well develop a desire for greater strength and stamina. A new motivation for fitness such as weight training or Pilates can give you the physical boost to become a better surfer, skier, dancer, tennis player, etc.

Step #6: Lose yourself in the zone of continuous improvement. Athletes know of the addictive power of improvement, how it keeps them growing and getting better. Step #7: Use the psych-up and the self-con.

Win at championship moments. We all know the feeling. You have been doing so well and suddenly you’re hit with the temptation to start slacking off on your routine. Find essential strategies for giving your healthy self the edge over that little voice that urges you to hit the couch with a bag of chips.

The Difference Between Health and Fitness Understand the difference between health and fitness. The two are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Lower blood pressure, reduced stress, a dip in cholesterol, and a reduced risk of serious illness are health benefits that accrue from exercise. You can get them from low-impact, leisurely activities like bocce ball or even gardening. Fitness benefits such as muscle toning, flexibility, and greater endurance can be gained from activities that are more rigorous. If you do not want to climb mountains or run marathons, don’t worry! There are many activities to do and reap the health benefits.

Dedicated Board Certified Physical Medicine & Pain Specialists providing you with an individualized approach to improve pain, function & quality of life. We offer the latest innovative techniques in interventional pain including platelet rich plasma therapy, ultrasound-guided interventions and spinal cord stimulation.

We offer treatments for: D Neck and back pain D All joint pain (knees, hips, etc) D Muscle and nerve pain D Sciatica

Schedule your consultation TODAY! 623.535.9777

Dr. Wendi Lundquist, DO

You don’t need to be a great athlete to learn from one. Few of us will compete in the Olympics, but the mental and physical strategies of Olympians can help us stay on track.

D Sports injuries D Headaches D Rotator cuff problems and more

Dr. Andrew Barker, DO

3400 N. Dysart Rd., Ste. H131, Avondale

www.activelifepaincenter.com azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com | December | December 2012 201231 3

Family, Kids & Relationships

BE PRESENT

Contributed By Jane Atkinson, of By Author MS The Frog Whisperer: A Three-Step Approach to Finding Lasting Love

How to Find Mr. Right Under the Mistletoe

Tips for Successful Women Fed Up with Kissing Frogs Does he want children? Does he go to church? This will help you identify the characteristics and values of your Mr. Right so you can recognize them when he comes along. Get happy in your own head. Once again, it’s all about attraction. Putting out positive, confident energy will attract the same. Besides, it’s never a good idea to rely on other people to make us happy. If you need to recover from old hurts, lose weight or find a job, take care of that business first.

Think you’re ready?

Test yourself with this quick quiz. Are you happy with yourself or are you miserable because you’ve put on 50 pounds since your divorce?

oth women and men are waiting longer and longer to get married for the first time, according to the Census Bureau, and fewer women are having babies before their 40th birthdays, the Centers for Disease Control reports. Interestingly, more and more women are having babies well into their 40s. Could it be that it has become more difficult for couples to connect romantically? Women are likely to be more independent and professionally successful than they were a generation or two ago, and that’s wonderful, but it can come with baggage. We are less likely to think about the energy we’re putting out to others, particularly the opposite sex, and that energy has a lot to do with how people react to us. Finding Mr. Right requires taking your eyes off work and focusing on yourself more. What can you do to become the person you would want to date?

Here are a few tips for finding “the one”: Figure out what you’re looking for. Have you thought hard about what kind of person you are looking for? One trick is to visualize your perfect day. Are you at the beach? Traveling? Is the man with you quiet or chatty? Is he serious or funny? 32 December2012 2012||azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com 4 December

Are you looking for someone to rescue you or take care of you? If you answer “yes” to this one, you may not be ready. Is there room in your life for a relationship or do you have three kids and work a 60-hour week? Has enough time passed since your last relationship or are you still wounded? Now, get yourself fabulous. Rather than, “Why can’t I find a good man?” ask yourself, “Who do I need to become to attract the man who is perfect for me?” It’s not about changing you; it’s about being your best you. Part of that is your mojo – your self-esteem. If your mojo is slipping, you’ll attract control freaks, players and jerks. Pump it up with a makeover, a workout, a sincere inventory of your attributes. Get out there! Put on your sexy jeans and get yourself out the door. Where to start looking? If you enjoy working with your hands, volunteer for a Habitat for Humanity project. If you’ve always wanted to learn Italian, take a class. If you love to do yoga, check out a new studio. Perhaps you find a new church. The list of meeting spots for singles is a long one: bookstores, supper clubs, book clubs, gyms, golf courses, rowing clubs, dog parks.

"Divorce, Children and ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" By MS

very child is different, each coping with divorce in various ways. Still, there are some ways to make the transition easier on children during the Holidays and after.

*Experts say that adults can recover from hearing verbal attacks, but children don’t heal so easily. Therefore, divorced parents should never bad-mouth each other in the presence of their children -- even if the venting is valid.

*Children may feel out of place switching from home to home

in joint-custody situations. Enabling them to bring personal items to and from Dad’s and Mom’s homes may help kids feel more comfortable.

*Despite a couple’s differences, they should make an effort to

make parenting styles and schedules consistent at both homes. If one parent is seen as easy-going while the other is a taskmaster, it can create rifts and feelings of preferential treatment. Although it may be difficult, separated parents should set guidelines for parenting that are consistent regardless of where the kids are staying.

HuNGEr roots For tHE HoME tEAM, too. 1 IN 6 AMErIcANs struGGlEs WItH HuNGEr.

*Accept that children may have a preference over one parent

from another. It’s nothing personal, and it even may occur if the parents are still happily married, say experts.

*Let kids express their feelings whether they’re happy ones or angry ones.

*Tailor language to the comprehension level of the children.

Keep discussions simple and answer questions as easily as possible: “Mommy and Daddy aren’t getting along well and think it’s best to live apart.”

*Even if the topic isn’t brought up, reassure children that the divorce wasn’t their fault. Reassure them the reasons didn’t lie with something they did.

toGEtHEr WE’rE

*Try to keep relationships with former in-laws as normal as possible for children. They are still part of the family in the eyes of the kids and are involved in their lives.

*The child shouldn’t be a messenger between divorced people.

He or she also shouldn’t have to give a play-by-play of what occurred while at the other’s house.

Hunger is closer than you think. reach out to your local food bank for ways to do your part. Visit FeedingAmerica.org today.

azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com | December | December 2012 201233 5

Home By MS

Decorate & Improve

Bring More Light into Your Home enable small ones to be placed in rooms and connected through interior tubes that reflect the light. French doors also can bring in a lot of light. Separate a dark room from a bright room with a set of French doors to spread even more light throughout the home. walls with lighter colors *thatPaintreflect light more effectively. Dark-colored floors and walls tend to absorb light, enhancing a cave-like atmosphere. light fixtures that allow *forPurchase a higher wattage of light bulb,

which will be brighter. You may find higher wattages even in energyconserving compact fluorescent bulbs and LED bulbs.

home without ample lighting can be uncomfortable. Dark rooms can exacerbate feelings of depression and make a home feel less inviting to guests. However, bringing in more outside light or supplementing with artificial light can quickly transform the atmosphere of a space.

the direction in which a home faces. Apartments and homes that face north will be dark most of the day. Rather, those that face south will have ample sunlight. In addition, look at how many trees are on the property. Even a home that faces south can have compromised sunlight if many trees hamper it.

Daylight hours begin to shrink in the northern hemisphere starting as early as September. When daylight savings time is in full force, it can get dark as early as 5:00 in the afternoon. While this premature darkness may be ideal for animals that are hibernating for the season, for humans who remain active throughout the year, increasing the amount of light that is present in a home is a goal each winter.

curtains and blinds all the *wayOpen throughout the home during the

There are different strategies to let in more light when the sun sets.

When purchasing a new home, be conscious of window placement and 34 December2012 2012||azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com 6 December

winter months. Not only will this let in more light, but it also may warm the home from the sun, cutting down on heating costs.

Clean the windows. Dirt and grime that accumulates on windows can affect how much sunlight filters through. When planning a home renovation *project, consider adding a window on a wall where there currently is none or think about the inclusion of skylights to let in more light from above. Innovations in skylight technology

lights at varying heights to *castStagger equal light throughout rooms. Task lighting, overhead lighting and decorative ambient lighting can combine to achieve a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Use solar lights outdoors to add *extra illumination outside, which can make your home more welcoming when arriving home at night. rooms of clutter as such items *canClear interrupt the flow of light. If you find that the light in your *home is still lacking and you can

benefit from a burst of extra light therapy, consider the purchase of a therapy lamp that simulates sunlight. Set the timer and have it face you in the morning or afternoon. There are also alarm clocks that wake you with the simulation of a rising sun.

To banish winter doldrums, sometimes the key is to let more light into a home.

B:4.625”

Safety Tips for the Extreme Holiday Decorator

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By Ms

aking holiday decorating to extremes is fun. But accidents can happen, especially when using many electronic decorations on the outside of the house.

Follow these safety precautions for outdoor decorating from CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, to help make sure your house is noticed for the right reasons: Put your faith in the magic of the holidays but don’t fall for fakes. Whether it’s a waving Santa, rocking sleigh, or lightup Rudolph, avoid counterfeit electronic decorations that haven’t been certified for safe use. Look for the mark from an accredited certification organization like CSA Group on light strings, extension cords, and animated displays. Make sure lights are for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Keep old holiday traditions, not old holiday lights. Carefully inspect light strings each year. Discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. Sparkle without the spark. Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working with outdoor wiring. Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original. To avoid a shock from damaged wire, use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place. Stay dry. Keep electrical connectors for outdoor lights above ground, out of water, and away from metal gutters. Connect outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power. Don’t overextend yourself. Use heavy-duty extension cords for high wattage decorations and large electronically animated displays and don’t overload extension cords. It’s more than a faux pas to keep lights up all year. Outdoor holiday lights are made for seasonal use only; extended exposure can lead to damage. After the holiday season, take down decorations and store them in their original packaging to keep the proper use instructions for next year. azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com | December | December 2012 201235 7

JOB NUMBER: PCH0-SMKY-p4176 4.625X10

Date: 5-29-20

CELEBRITY

ENJOY

By Marlene Montanez

Strong, Stunning

Despite personal trials, Thurman comes out on top

t just 15 years old, Uma Thurman left boarding school to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Classmates and even family members would tease the lanky blonde for her awkward looks and skinny frame. So it’s with no surprise the young Thurman channeled her energy into transforming herself into new characters as an actress. Her first role was in the 1988 film, Dangerous Liasons, followed by the racy, NC-17 film, Henry & June. She quickly shed any images of having been an awkward, gangly-looking teen and was on the map as a talented and stunning actress. Today, the 5’11", 42-year-old actress has quite the film career behind her, including bringing in more than $300 million worldwide for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill franchise. “Uma managed to pull off being an action star better than most men,” says Chris Columbus, director of Percy Jackson, in an interview with W magazine. But Thurman’s public success hasn’t come without taking its toll on her personal life. In 2005, her

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

marriage to fellow actor Ethan Hawke ended after a much-publicized alleged affair between Hawke and a 22-year-old Canadian model. From 2005 to 2007, Thurman was stalked by a mentally ill fan who sent threatening notes to the actress and was later sentenced to probation and psychiatric treatment. And, gossip magazines came knocking at her door once again when Hawke married his pregnant girlfriend, Ryan Shawhughes, who was the nanny of her and Hawke’s two children. With the past behind her, Thurman is now celebrating happy beginnings, most notably with the birth of her newest daughter, Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson, known as “Luna” to friends and family. It is her first child with longtime boyfriend Arpad Busson.

Change Your Words. Change Your World.

Sponsored by

Like many actresses today, Thurman balances motherhood and her career with grace. “You know, I do care about my work, and it is part of me. And I am a mother, but I need to do what I’m good at doing,” she said in an interview with W magazine. “You really can’t let go of all of yourself…. Even your kids need you to be who you are.” This month, she co-stars opposite Gerard Butler, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jessica Biel and Dennis Quaid in Playing for Keeps, a film about a former athlete who starts coaching his son’s soccer team, only to find himself admired by all of the single moms. The actress is also taking on racier roles once again. She is the latest to sign on to a controversial movie by Lars von Triers that includes other big-name actors like Nicole Kidman and Shia LaBeouf. Her role in the film isn’t clear yet, but fans will sure be watching! With an ever-evolving career and a growing family, we’re excited to see what’s next for this inspiring star.

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

SPECIAL FEATURE

HYDRO FLASK

Hydro Flask is a reusable water bottle that truly performs in any environment. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks icy cold up to 24 hours (even in the blazing sun!) and hot drinks for up to 12 hours. Aluminum free. one hundred percent Stainless Steel. Lifetime warranty. Five percent of proceeds donated to charity. The Hydro Flask is available at Cabela’s. $19.99 and up at hydroflask.com.

RONCO DEHYDRATOR

The Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator doesn’t let produce, vegetables, or meat go to waste. Food can be longlasting, “healthy” and cost-effective. The prep work is minimal and the “cooking“ hands-free. Dehydrating allows consumers the ability to create their own nutritious snacks from 100% natural ingredients with no additives or preservatives! $39.98. Available at Target stores, Target.com and Ronco.com.

POSTCARDLY

Send postcards using your own photos this holiday season! Simplify your life and make someone smile! Postcardly helps people use their email to send photos as printed postcards, delivered by U.S. mail worldwide! Share your memories, personalized thank-you notes, party invitations, and more with Postcardly. Recommended by CNET, Family Circle, and others. Starting at .99 cents at postcardly.com.

MOONJAR

Moonjar is a three-part moneybox with sections labeled “Save,” “Spend,” and “Share.” The kit includes a family guide and passbook to help children learn how to manage their money. Moonjar helps children learn to achieve goals by budgeting and understand how to use and think about money−all while establishing the foundations for long-term security and independence. $25 at moonjar.com.

DISCOVERY BOXES

Know a kiddo that loves crafts? A gift subscription to Green Kid Crafts is a perfect gift! Each month, they’ll get a package in the mail with three fun and earth-friendly activity kits. Every box is built around a different nature-related theme with exciting projects that build confidence and boost creativity. $19.50 a month at greenkidcrafts.com.

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

COOKIES FOR A CAUSE

Be a “Good Cookie” this holiday season! National Nonprofit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has created some delectable gift sets available for purchase online. ALL of the proceeds go to fund pediatric cancer research. Whether it’s 2 dozen cookies in flavors of your choice or a baker’s gift set, it’s sure to please! Prices range from $29.99 to $59.99 at cookiesforkidscancer.org.

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

SMILES SCIENCES WHITENING PEN

The Smile Science Pen is a cosmetic solution for people who want a white, brighter smile. Developed by dentists, used twice daily, Smile Sciences will whiten your teeth by several shades within one week with a less expensive, non-invasive, and quick process. The Smile Sciences pen was featured on the CBS show "The Doctors" on June 16, 2012. $78 at smilesciences.com.

BRACKETRON STONE BATTERY

A stylish and eco-friendly mini portable power supply for juicing up your mobile device on the go. The pocket-sized battery comes in models for iPhone, Android and other micro USB devices, and will recharge your device for up to three hours. Shuts off automatically when your device is fully charged to save energy. $34.95 micro USB and $39.95 pin. brackerton.com.

EVO FITNESS BIKE

This innovative indoor cycle is perfect for any home. With its unique sway frame, users engage in a full body core-activating workout, while experiencing the feel of a road bike. The bike boasts the first fitness application of a planetary gear mechanism in its Orb™ Gear Drive. No belt, chain or external flywheel, which means less maintenance. $1,299 at relayfitness.com.

GPS SPORTS WATCH

The new GPS Sports Watch comes with a 2.4 GHz digitally coded wireless Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) chest strap to help fitness enthusiasts track their workout analysis and provide important information on physical condition, including heart rate zones, during strenuous indoor and outdoor activities. $149.99 at pyleaudio.com.

AOC 16” PORTABLE USB MONITOR

This lightweight monitor is the ultimate laptop accessory. The monitor is completely powered by connecting it to your laptop’s USB port and does not require a power cable. Perfect for adding an extra monitor for added productivity and screen space on-the-go. $139 at .

CHEWYLOU DESIGNS

ChewyLou founder, Alyssa Dinowitz, designed her collection of T-shirts after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. They are comfortable and lightweight, but their mission is simple: To inspire goodness through positive thought and promote physical and spiritual strength featuring inspiring words like Believe, Joy and Gratitude. Partial proceeds benefit a wide variety of charities. Starting at $20 at chewyloudesigns.com.

WHAT’S YOUR VIRTUE

Lip Bliss™ from What’s Your Virtue® lip gloss has the perfect combination of radiant shine and subtle color to match your personality and complexion. Lip Bliss™ bundles fortifying castor, cranberry, safflower seed, and peppermint oils, plus the protecting properties of anti-oxidants, green tea extracts, and moisturizing vitamin E. Gluten free, not tested on animals, and contains no parabens. $12 at whatsyourvirtue.com.

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

TASTE OF AZ

DINE LOCAL

Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson

It’s no secret that our great state is home to a delicious blend of restaurants serving up all types of cuisine. When it comes to ﬂavorful dishes, Valley eateries do not disappoint. To help tantalize your taste buds, here are some delicious dishes that are now being served at a restaurant near you.

Green Pozole with Chicken New to SOL Cocina’s fall menu, this wheatfree, winter comfort dish features homemade chicken soup simmered with big, fluffy kernels of hominy nixtamal, epazote and a green pepita salsa. This main-course soup is topped with diced avocado, onion, cilantro and chicharron. SOL Mexican Cocina is located at Scottsdale Quarter, 15323 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. For more information, visit solcocina.com.

Roasted Acorn Squash Soup A great starter on their current dinner menu, Litchfield’s at the Wigwam Resort offers this delicious Roasted Acorn Squash Soup just in time for the chilly winter evenings. Made with roasted acorn squash, cotija cheese, mole verde, and the chef ’s garden cilantro, this is one must-try Southwestern soup. This dish is available for $7 at Litchfield’s at The Wigwam, 300 East Wigwam Blvd., in Litchfield Park. Visit wigwamarizona.com for more info.

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Seared Sockeye Salmon Sashimi Looking for a sashimi option that’s less than 200 calories? Look no further than Kona Grill’s Seared Sockeye Salmon Sashimi. The dish features “pickled onions rolled in fresh sockeye salmon topped with yuzu tobiko on crisp cucumber chips finished with a yuzu ponzu sauce.” At only 133 calories with five grams of fat, three grams of carbs, and less than one gram of sugar, you can’t ask for more. Available at Kona Grill locations across the Valley. Visit konagrill.com for more details.

Homemade Honey Almond Granola The perfect healthy breakfast or brunch item, this dish features protein-rich, nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh berries and—of course— granola. Find it at the Perk Eatery, 6501 E. Greenway Pkwy., #159, Scottsdale. Get there early as the eatery is only open from 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit perkeatery.com for more details.

Seared Sesame Ahi Tuna Love ahi tuna? Try this delish dish from Z’Teja’s. The ahi tuna is rubbed with crushed blackened seasoning, seared rare, and then topped with peppercorn vinaigrette, spicy soy mustard and wasabi. You can’t ask for more! Available at all five Z’Teja’s locations across the Valley. Learn more at ztejas.com.

If you have a favorite dish at a Valley-based restaurant, please e-mail a description and high resolution image to editor@azhealthandliving.com to be considered for a future issue! azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

DIET, NUTRITION & RECIPE

EAT HEALTHY

Contributed By Kimberly Greene On Behalf of TOPS Club

Underappreciated ‘Super Foods’ Do you know what’s in your fridge? Believe it or not, many ordinary foods in there have extraordinary nutritional value. Whether it’s a vegetable or seed, these foods can add ﬂavor and health beneﬁts to any meal or snack. Here are ten ‘super foods’ that you may already have at home.

Beans Beans (also known as legumes), including kidney, black, white and red beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are a powerful source of protein and complex carbohydrates, as well as fiber and important vitamins and minerals. Eating beans has been proven to help reduce cholesterol levels, body weight, the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some instances of cancer. Add a variety of beans to your meal, whether they are fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.

Garlic With a distinct flavor and fragrance, garlic contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that protect against heart disease, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and provide anti-clotting features. It also offers vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium.

Onion Whether they are sliced, diced, chopped, or pureed, onions have a pungent flavor and a lot of nutrition, containing fiber, minerals, and vitamins C and B6. There has also been research to learn more about onions’ polyphenol and sulfur compounds, which may reduce the risk of cancer and boost immune function and heart health.

Sunﬂower Seeds Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which serves as an anti-oxidant and contains anti-inflammatory properties. They also offer B vitamins, heart-healthy polyunsaturated oil, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and phytosterols, a compound known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Add sunflower seeds to a fresh salad, mix them into chicken salad, sprinkle them over meat, or grind them up for a spread.

Black Pepper This common spice is a great way to boost a meal’s flavor without adding calories. Also, capsaicin, the substance that gives pepper its heat, is known for its anti-cancer properties and inflammation reduction, which is the root of chronic disease. Use ground, cracked, or whole versions of pepper. 42

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Canned Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are not only a versatile ingredient, but they are also a powerhouse of anti-oxidants and nutrients, including lycopene, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and iron. Keep some in your pantry for pasta and rice dishes, soups, stews, casseroles, ethnic meals, and other concoctions.

Peas Green and yellow vegetables, including green peas, are often associated with reducing the risk of heart disease. Garden, snow, snap, dried, and other varieties of peas are also loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and B, minerals, fiber, and protein. They are a great source for eye-healthy compounds beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Include peas in a soup or stew, toss them into a salad, or eat them as a snack.

Bell Pepper Bell peppers come in a variety of vibrant colors – green, red, yellow, orange, and purple. Peppers offer powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Enjoy cooked or raw peppers and their many health benefits.

Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds are a rich source of copper, which can provide arthritis relief. They also contain calcium and magnesium, which may lower blood pressure, protect against osteoporosis, and more. Mix them with steamed vegetables, sautéed fish or chicken, or add sesame seeds to homemade bread.

Celery Celery is a simple, yet important vegetable, offering vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can reduce cholesterol and protect against cancer. Add celery to soups, stews, meats, side dishes, and other meals.

Homemade Bread for the Holidays By Ms

Entertaining family and friends often entails sitting down to a good meal. Hosts can have the meal catered, but many prefer to whip up a favorite recipe or try something new. While the entree often gets the bulk of the attention, hosts who want to go the extra mile can spend some extra time supplementing the meal with some homemade side dishes. Bread makes a perfect side dish or appetizer for many meals, and those who want to try their hand at baking their own bread should consider the following recipe for “Southwest Cornbread” from Linda Collister’s Quick Breads (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Southwest Cornbread Makes 1 medium bread

1 scallion, sliced

2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 cup fine yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup corn oil

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 extra-large eggs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 pat of butter

1 rounded teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves

1 9-inch cast iron, ovenproof skillet or an 8-inch square cake pan

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Put the corn kernels, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pine nuts, sage, scallion, and flour in a large bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl, beat the oil with the eggs and buttermilk, then stir into the dry ingredients to make a thick batter. If you are using the skillet, heat the pan with the pat of butter in the oven until foaming -- about 3 minutes. If you are using a cake pan, then grease it well. Pour the batter into the hot skillet or the prepared pan and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve while still warm, either straight from the skillet or turned out of the pan onto a cutting board and cut into large squares. Best eaten the same day. Not suitable for freezing.

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

Career. business & finance

Budget & Save

By V. Michael Santoro, Co-author with John S. Rizzo of Niche Dominance: Creating Order Out of Your Digital Marketing Chaos

Breaking

Bad Reviews

How to Protect Your Small Business Online

Market Your Reputation

t happens all the time: The hardworking crew at a small business loses customers thanks to the sour grapes of one person.

Once reviews are posted, use a welldesigned online marketing strategy to drive targeted traffic to your website. Ensure that your website can convert this traffic into customers. Additionally, showcase these thirdparty reviews on your website.

It could be a disgruntled employee, an angry customer or even a competitor. Anyone can post a bad review online and hurt your business. Unfortunately, most business owners are not even aware that these bad reviews are out there. Seventy-two percent of buyers trust reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 70 percent trust consumer opinions posted online, according to a recent Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising Survey. A bad review published in a newspaper, or broadcast on radio or TV, is shortlived, but a bad review posted online can live indefinitely. With consumers now researching an average of 10 reviews before making a buying decision, and 70 percent trusting a business that has a minimum of six reviews posted, business owners need to be proactive in developing their online reputation. You need several positive reviews. Online searches have been streamlined, combining reviews with maps, payper-click advertising, local business directories and Facebook Fan pages. As damaging as bad reviews can be, positive reviews can be equally constructive. The following steps are an Internet marketing strategy called â&#x20AC;&#x153;reputation marketing.â&#x20AC;? 44 December2012 2012||azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com 8 December

Manage Your Reputation

Develop a 5-Star Reputation Begin by having your happy customers post great reviews about your business. Strive to have at least 10. Have each post to one of the following: Google Plus Local, Yelp, CitySearch, SuperPages, YP.com, your Facebook Fan page, etc. This needs to be a continuous process. Proactively ask your customers to post reviews.

Regularly check that the reviews being posted are positive. You can use Google Alerts for your business name; however, you will need to check the local directories, too, since Google Alerts do not pick them up. By building up the positive reviews, you can counter a poor one by sheer volume. You should also quickly post a reply to a negative review if they occur. Always be professional and indicate what action you have taken to remedy the situation.

Create a Reputation Marketing Culture Train your staff to ask customers for reviews and to deal immediately with any customer who appears unhappy. A positive culture will encourage customers to post positive reviews about your business.

~ Joel Osteen

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Today, you can choose to have a different spirit. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t listen to what everyone else says; listen to what God says. Choose to believe His Word, choose to obey Him, and He will lead you into your promised land!

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

Health

PREVENT

Contributed By Dr. Paul Griner, Physician, Professor & Author of The Power of Patient Stories: Learning Moments in Medicine

New Study Shows

Burnout Plaguing Physicians

ore than 45 percent of physicians are experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, accordingtothefirstnationalstudyonthetopic.

Burnout can lead to misdiagnoses. It’s vital to spend time talking to and listening to patients – thorough patient histories and observation and a good physical exam are often the difference between an accurate diagnosis and a wasted battery of unnecessary diagnostic tests. Burnout can be characterized by, detachment, diminishing empathy and emotional exhaustion – all of which can impede a physician’s ability to thoroughly and accurately assess patients. The Archives of Internal Medicine study, published in August, surveyed 7,288 physicians, and assessed them using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Nearly half, 46 percent, reported at least one symptom of burnout. Specialties that were most at-risk were family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine -- those that benefit most from taking time to listen to patients because they are often the first point of patient contact. The strategies to address this problem must recognize that burnout begins early in one’s medical career, during medical school and throughout residency training. Here are a few suggestions for overwhelmed physicians: First, take care of yourself. It sounds simple, but it is something doctors repeat so often to patients, they have often ceased hearing the words: Eat well, get adequate rest and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself physically is fundamental for coping with stress and the negative emotions, such as frustration and anger that can come with working in any field. Take time to nurture relationships. Having meaningful relationships with colleagues and co-workers can 46 10

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

make your work more gratifying. Take some time – even a few minutes a day – to get to know them. They can provide a sounding board, a sympathetic ear, or ideas for solving problems. And you can do the same for them. Devote more time (at meetings and lunch) to the rewarding aspects of medicine, sharing patient stories and humorous anecdotes, and less time on frustrations. Actively listen to your patients and pay attention to what’s going on in their lives. It will not only help you give them better care, you will find it makes your work more interesting and satisfying. Do what is necessary to achieve a work-life balance. If you are not spending relaxed time with your loved ones, having some fun outside of work, or enjoying interpersonal relationships, you are at a greater risk for burnout. Just as taking care of yourself physically is vital, so is taking care of yourself emotionally. If necessary, identify a colleague who seems to have achieved this balance and spend some time with him or her.

"Do what is necessary to achieve a work-life balance. If you are not spending relaxed time with your loved ones, having some fun outside of work, or enjoying interpersonal relationships, you are at a greater risk for burnout."

Why advertise with

The Right Target Audience It is the most important factor, which makes a world of difference and will move your business from market penetration, to market domination.

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2012

Results

Participate actively in health reforms that will return a greater level of control to physicians and their patients. These include payment for value and greater patient participation in decision-making about care. Reorganizing primary care practices to allow more time for complex patients and recognition by insurers that excessive hassle is bad for patients and physician are also vital. These changes should lead to more satisfied patients and physicians and less burnout.

"The ultimate reason to advertise and your choice of where to advertise is return on investment. A cheap ad campaign that produces few results ends up being an expensive ad campaign. With this in mind, we track our ROI in all advertising that we do. The WVH&L campaign by far has produced the best return on investment of any advertising vehicle we tried. And we've tried a lot." - Dr. K.

Preventing burnout needs to start early. Teachers must give medical students and residents the tools to cope with and reduce the stresses that cause it.

Start Your Growth NOW!

This is not the first survey that has found a heightened level of burnout among physicians. Doctors need to be in tune with their patients, asking, listening and connecting the dots. They can’t do that effectively if they’re burned out.

Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Nutrition Network

Call Or Email Today 602.348.9894 advertise@azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com||December December2012 2012

47 11

mind & body

Find Balance

Contributed By Paula Renaye, Author of The Hardline Self Help Handbook

Why You Might Need to Get Over Yourself

o you know someone who complains all the time and blames everyone else for his or her problems?

What if that person was you? Choosing the hardline approach to self-improvement takes courage. It’s hard to take that first look in the mirror and not blink. But it’s absolutely essential. It’s also critical to remember that while this is about facing hard truths, it’s not about beating ourselves up over where we are in this moment. We have all made plenty of mistakes, and if we had time machines, we would probably go back for some do-overs. But we can’t, and keeping our shame and guilt fresh just keeps us stuck, feeling guilty and ashamed, which serves no one. 48 12

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Whatever you find yourself continually complaining about, either make changes or admit you don’t want to and stay silent about it; part of the method the “Stick and Carrot” formula.

The Stick Denial + Delusion = Long-Term Increasing Pain. If you keep ignoring reality and continue to create delusions so you can live in denial, your pain will get worse. It may give you the illusion of relief in the short term. At some point, one of two things will happen; either you will reach your personal threshold tolerance for pain or you will give up, become sad and bitter, blaming others and perpetually complaining to anyone who will listen.

The Carrot Self-Respect + Action = Joy. Freeing yourself from an unhappy situation will not only relieve you of that internal turmoil, but will also clear a space for joy that you can’t have now because your energy is focused on avoiding pain. Once you make friends with reality, reclaim your self-respect, and do what you need to do, you’ll be amazed at how good you feel and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. You will also be amazed at how much time there is for fun and happiness, since your world no longer revolves around how you can fix or spin your unhappy situation.

stop complaining about life and start living it.

5 Ways to Surviving

Gatherings this Season

Contributed By Paula Renaye, a Professional Life Coach and Author of The Hardline Self Help Handbook

uring holiday, get-togethers there are only two moods you can go- up or downward. Whether you’re the smiley face among frowners, or the bit depressing one yourself, there are tricks you can use to keep the table talk from getting lethal. You can take control simply by thinking about what you choose to say − or not say. If you hear yourself criticizing, judging or complaining, you’re part of the problem. Happy, self-respecting people don’t find it necessary to dump on others to make themselves feel good. If someone else is the problem, simply don’t give them the ammunition they need. Instead, try these tactics:

Do not say anything negative. Period. And

no one-downing! One downing is the opposite of oneupping. It’s the art of coming up with something worse when someone else talks about their problem. No matter what negative thing anyone says, or how much you agree with it or don’t, resist the urge to respond with a negative. Instead ….

Dodge, distract and detour. Turn things around with a question − a positive one. If you need to, make a “happy list” of questions before you go, so you will have some at the ready. And remember, there’s no law that says you have to answer a question just because someone asked it. With negative people, it’s best if you …

Do not talk about yourself. The only reason negative people care about what you’re up to is because they want something to ridicule, brag or gossip about to make themselves look or feel good. Don’t go there. Whether you just filed bankruptcy or won a Nobel Prize, keep it to yourself. No good can come of it. None. And why do you need to chatter about yourself anyway? It’s better to find some praise for someone else than to expect someone to praise you.

Do not share your woes. Even if you’re in a tough place and could really use a shoulder to cry on, don’t start laying your woes on a Negative Nell. Even in a weak moment, when you’ve had a not so great day, talking about it with a negative person is a bad idea. You might get a microsecond of sympathy, but that’s only so they can launch into telling you how much worse they have it. So, no talking about yourself, unless, you want to be the talk of the party, family and the town.

Do your homework and become like Teflon. Think of the times people said things that made you feel bad or made you feel the need to defend or explain yourself. If you want to avoid going down that trail again, start hacking away at the jungle of your own emotions. Get over needing anyone’s approval or blessing. If you are still waiting for negative relatives to validate you, you’re in for a long wait. Don’t set yourself up to be miserable. Get over it and go prepared. azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

MIND & BODY

FIND BALANCE

By MS

Alcohol and Drugs Impair Driving Ability

illions of people die each year due to alcohol and drug related motor vehicle accidents. Many people simply do not realize how much alcohol and drugs affect one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. Drugs, whether they are illegal or legal, can impair a person’s motor skills, leading to accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says almost 30 people in the United States die each day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. That equates to one death every 48 minutes. Many other accidents and fatalities can be traced back to other substances, whether legal or illegal. Using drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can be linked to roughly 20 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths in the United States. Compounding the problem is that these drugs are often used in conjunction with alcohol.

What is BAC? BAC, or blood-alcohol concentration, measures the amount of milligrams of alcohol that is in 100 milliliters of blood. Each drink a person consumes increases his or her BAC. The legal BAC varies all over the world. Some countries have a zero-tolerance policy, while in Canada and much of the United States the legal limit is .08 percent. That means anything more than 80 milligrams of alcohol is punishable. But a person can still suffer side effects of alcohol consumption if their BAC is below the legal limit. Between .03 and .06, a person may experience mild euphoria, trouble concentrating, a relaxed feeling, talkativeness and decreased inhibition. Between .06 and .08, feelings may be dulled, peripheral vision can decrease, and drivers may have poorer depth perception and struggle to recover from glare.

Drugs that impair driving Using drugs can also make it hard to operate a motor vehicle safely. Many drugs can affect the body in ways that make it dangerous to drive. A person may not think they are driving under the influence after taking a cold or allergy pill. However, many of these pills can impair driving ability because they tend to cause drowsiness. 50 22 December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com

Drugs that act on the brain, such as psychoactive drugs, antidepressants, sleeping medications, and anti-anxiety drugs, can impair reaction time, judgment and motor skills. Most medications that can prove dangerous while driving will carry a warning label that advises against driving or operating heavy machinery. Illegal drugs have their own share of negative effects. Research indicates that marijuana is one of the most prevalent drugs detected in individuals fatally injured in driving accidents. The Emergency Medical Services Authority says marijuana can cause reduced concentration, difficulty perceiving time and distance, poor speed control, inability to read signs, drowsiness, and distraction. Cocaine can mask fatigue and impair a person’s ability to concentrate. Impulsive behaviors can lead to risk-taking. Some research suggests that antagonistic effects can be produced when cocaine is mixed with alcohol. The EMSA says the use of amphetamines can interfere with concentration, impair vision and increase the driver’s willingness to take risks. It is better to err on the side of caution and avoid the use of any drugs or alcohol if you plan to be driving.

April 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

GET ANSWERS

expert talk

Q. I have diabetes. Why does my family doctor advise me to have my eyes checked yearly? What can diabetes do to the eyes?

Q. My fear of the dentist has kept me from the preventative oral care I need. Are there sedation options for me?

A. Diabetes can have both temporary as well as permanent effects on the eyes. If the level of your blood sugars fluctuate significantly, sugar actually enters into the eye’s natural crystalline lenses and affects focusing. Your eyes will focus differently with a very high blood sugar as opposed to a low one, and this fluctuating vision will vary with the level of your sugars.

A. If you have a fear of the dentist, you are not alone. Serious anxiety keeps many people from seeking proper preventative dental care. Unfortunately this fear often leads to neglect which can mean gum disease, tooth loss, severe dental decay and abscesses in addition to other serious More importantly, diabetes can have more significant long-lasting effects on the eye. dental problems. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to develop cataracts probably because of these blood sugar fluctuations. Once diagnosed, cataracts can be successfully treated and vision can be restored so well with the newest generation of specialized implants that you might have excellent vision without the burden of glasses! Once the cataracts are removed, fluctuating blood sugars will not affect the focusing of your eyes.

There are various levels of sedation that can help the fearful dental patient. The sedation available for patients with anxiety span from “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide) to help you relax to oral sedation (pill form) or IV sedation where the patient is asleep and has no memory of the procedure. The other significant effect of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This condition shows up early as dilated retinal blood vessels (microaneurysms) and if left untreated can expand, break, cause retinal hemorrhages and ultimately loss of vision that is difficult to restore. If, however, these are diagnosed early through a yearly exam with an ophthalmologist, these small vessels can be treated and sealed off with laser treatments, thus helping to prevent future loss of vision.

Your dentist or dental specialist can help you decide what sedation option is appropriate for you and your procedure. What is important is that you do not let your fear of the dentist keep you from the proper care you need.

–Dr. Walman Walman Eye Center 602.222.2020

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

–Dr. Augustine Jason J. Augustine DDS, MS, PC 602.978.6910

Q. What is kyphoplasty and am I a candidate? A. Sometimes as we age our bones become thin, resulting in osteoporosis. When this happens, the vertebral bodies that make up the spinal column become fragile and weak. Compression fractures can result from this, causing increased pain and debilitation. In addition, these fractures create a forward curvature in your mid-back area that pushes you to lean forward, changing your center of gravity. There is a procedure available that can help correct this and almost instantly reduce the pain you’re experiencing if the compression fracture is new. Kyphoplasty is an innovative way to improve pain from the compression fracture and promotes restoration of the vertebral body. This is now available to be done in the outpatient setting, if your physician feels that you are a good candidate. Under X-ray guidance, the compression fractures are identified, and through a needle, a balloon is inflated and medical grade cement is placed. Once the cement has solidified, often the pain will be reduced and function and mobility will be restored. This is a fairly low-risk procedure that can help dramatically improve your quality of life. In addition to treating osteoporotic compression fractures, it can be utilized for traumatic compression fractures. A physician knowledgeable in this area can discuss with you whether or not you're a candidate. –Dr. Lundquist Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center PLLC

Q. How are spider veins treated? A. Spider veins are a common problem among the young and old. Spider veins are small blue and red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the legs but sometimes present on the face and chest. There are many treatments available. Sclerotherapy is a treatment of diseased veins using a saline solution which is injected into the veins, sometimes with the help of ultrasound. This solution irritates the vein valve and then closes them. This is not only done for cosmetic reasons, so your insurance may or may not pay for it depending upon the diagnosis and condition of the disease. Sclerotherapy is typically done only on the legs. IPL and laser treatments are used to treat spider veins on the face and chest. With these treatments there is typically little to no down time, but redness and discomfort may last for hours to days. Insurance will not pay for spider vein treatment, but the cost is usually minimal. Consult your primary care physician or vascular specialist to determine the best treatment plan for you. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dr. Sharma Arizona Vein & Laser Institute 602.298.5476

Q. What are some quick fixes to look my best for the holidays and New Year? A. Getting through the holidays can be quite a rush, so a speedy, affordable way to look your best is a must-have on the list. Depending on your time and budget there are many options for brightening up your appearance. The best way to narrow down your needs is to categorize what you see. When coming out of summer here in the Valley, skin may appear to have more brown spots, red spots, freckles or vessels. Some treatments that address blotchiness or uneven color, while being kind to the pocketbook, are treatments such as laser rejuvenation, laser vein, laser skin resurfacing, facial chemical peels, enzyme treatments and microdermabrasions. At-home products may be added to continue the freshfrom-the-spa glow for the holidays! The best way to address skin sagging, wrinkles and lines is multi-treatment oriented. Skin-tightening lasers will address the skin laxity by encouraging natural collagen production to firm the skin. Botox or Dysport may be used to soften animation lines created while frowning or smiling. Dermal fillers can literally fill lines and wrinkles, making them disappear. They will also replace lost or migrating volume in the face. By artfully replacing facial volume, the face will appears lifted and more youthful. Many areas can be treated to achieve this elevated look, such as the tear troughs, cheeks, temples and eyebrows.

Become one of our Expert Talk Community Health Partners and help us improve the health of our communities, one reader at a time. Together we can make a difference! Join us now! Call 602.348.9894 or email advertise@azhealthandliving.com

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dr. Maltais Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead 602.843.4040 azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

Connect Within

spirit Contributed By Terri Johnson, Author of the newly released book, Overcoming the Nevers

The Happiest Time of the Year?

Tips for Surviving Less Than Perfect Holidays

or all the promise of joy, peace and harmony that comes with the holiday season, the reality for millions of people is that the season is anything but a celebration. For many, it’s a reminder of lost loved ones, personal disappointments and dreams left unfulfilled. By confronting a never-ending and unproductive cycle of negativity, the elusive joy of the holiday season can be found not just now but every day of the year. You never thought you would get divorced, but you did. You never dreamed you would find yourself in an abusive relationship, but you are. You never thought you would need to lose 200 pounds, but you do. And you never thought you would be 45 years old without a job, losing your home and drowning in debt, but you are. We start to believe lies about ourselves, such as “I’m undeserving.” We escape our pain and these toxic feelings into unhealthy behaviors and addictions. There is freedom from the struggle; there is hope in discovering the truth; there is a way to fall in love with who we are to experience a joy-filled season, and more importantly a joy-filled life. Here are a few tips for overcoming the “nevers” that drag many down during the holiday season:

Acceptance >Do you have the strength to make the changes necessary to turn a situation around through an attitude of acceptance? The journey starts with accepting that you can’t change others, but you do have power over your own life. Discovery >Confronting the truth about who we are deep 54 14

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

inside helps us overcome our painful past and discover the basis for those “nevers.”

Surrender >What we surrender ourselves to ultimately becomes what we turn to or upon which we rely. The question then is - what are we surrendered to? Is it something firm, solid and long-lasting or something that hurts us in the end? Joyfulness >Hold tight to your unique gifts and talents to enrich your own life and impact the lives of those around you. Build on what you’re good at; what makes you special and what makes you feel good about yourself. Faith >Until we accept love for ourselves from God, from

others and towards others, the healing will not begin. Embracing love is an ongoing process that starts with learning to like yourself. The process of confronting internal struggles and the “nevers” of life isn’t easy, but no treatment program, no diet and no New Year’s resolution can be successful without breaking down the essence of individual struggles and making the necessary adjustments to attain the life you deserve. If the life you are living is full of unacceptable and disappointing things and you don’t want to spend another year like this, the only thing holding you back right now is your own confusion, self-doubt and anger. You don’t have to keep doing what you’re doing or feeling what you’re feeling, but you do need to come to terms with yourself and surrender yourself to faith that there is a better way.

STROKES ARE THE NUMBER-THREE KILLER

IN THIS COUNTRY, YET MANY PEOPLE DON’T EVEN

KNOW WHAT THEY ARE. THEY DON’T KNOW THAT MORE

OF THE BRAIN CAN BE SAVED IF A STROKE IS DETECTED AND

TREATMENT IS RECEIVED IMMEDIATELY. STROKES BEGIN WHEN A

W I T H A S T R O K E , T I M E L O S T I S B R A I N L O S T. BLOOD VESSEL IN THE BRAIN BECOMES BLOCKED OR BURSTS. BLOOD FLOW

IS CUT OFF. TISSUE IS STARVED FOR OXYGEN, AND PARTS OF THE BRAIN DIE.

IF NOT TREATED QUICKLY, ABILITIES AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE CAN BE

LOST. YOUR BRAIN IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION.

GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE.

If you suddenly have or see any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately: Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Severe headache with no known cause

Learn more at StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE. 56

June 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

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Community health partners

Medical Questions Ask our community health partners. Dr. Maltais

Dr. Sharma

Kulbhushan Sharma, M.D., FACS, was included in the “2009 Top Surgeons” by the Consumer Research Council of America. Dr. Sharma is board certified in general surgery and is also a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons. He did his vascular fellowship at the Arizona Heart Institute under worldrenowned cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Edward Dietrich. He has been practicing as a general and vascular surgeon for more than 14 years in the Valley and is the founder and medical director of Arizona Vein and Laser Institute, which opened in 2004. Arizona Vein & Laser Institute arizonaveinandlaser.com | 602.298.5476

Dr. Kukurin

Dr. Shannon Maltais is dedicated to the ongoing commitment of achieving optimal health and beauty by focusing on the whole body. Her philosophy supports the use of internal antiaging factors such as nutrition, IV therapy, homeopathy and detoxification, as well as external factors that support the correction and prevention of the aging process. She believes it is never too early or too late to begin the journey of prevention and correction via natural, safe and effective means.

Dr. Kukurin was one of the nation’s first chiropractic physicians to attain board certification as a chiropractic neurologist. Over the past 20 years he has pioneered many techniques of integrative neurology which applies alternative medicine techniques like acupuncture and herbal therapies to the treatment of common neurological disorders like neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease and other chronic neurological conditions.

Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead physicianskinarrowhead.com | 602.843.4040

Kukurin Chiropractic & Acupuncture kcpv.info| 623.547.4727

Dr. Walman

Gerald B Walman, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) was born in Toronto, Canada, and obtained his MD and specialization in Ophthalmology from University of Toronto. He is a board-certified specialist in both Canada and the U.S. and has provided comprehensive eye care to Arizona since 1978. He has deep international experience in cataract, implant, Lasik and eyelid cosmetic surgeries and has developed a skilled team for excellence in eye care.

Dr. Barker Dr. Barker graduated from medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2002. After completing his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Loyola University Medical Center/Hines VA Medical Center, he started a practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2006. In 2010, he moved to Avondale, Arizona, to join Active Life Physical Medicine and Pain Center.

Walman Eye Center walmaneye.com | 602.222.2020

Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center activelifepaincenter.com| 623.535.9777

Dr. Lundquist

Dr. Augustine

Wendi Lundquist is a dedicated interventional pain specialist uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat patients with musculoskeletal and nerve pain. Along with being board certified in physical medicine, rehabilitation and pain medicine, she is an osteopath that understands the complexity of pain and treatment of a patient as a whole person. Her primary focus is to treat and repair the underlying problem.

Jason J. Augustine, DDS, MS, PC, has been practicing periodontics and implant dentistry in Phoenix for 11 years. He earned his doctorate degree in dentistry and a master’s degree in science and periodontal surgery from Ohio State University. Dr. Augustine performs a wide range of non-surgical, laser-assisted and surgical treatments for the management of gum disease. He also has extensive training in cosmetic gum procedures and surgical implant dentistry. In addition to his private periodontal practice in North Phoenix, he lectures privately, and is an associate professor at the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Augustine maintains an active membership in numerous dental organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology. In his recently remodeled office, Dr. Augustine stays current with the latest advances in his field.

Active Life Physical Medicine and Pain Center PLLC activelifepaincenter.com | 623.535.9777

Jason J. Augustine DDS, MS, PC northphoenixperio.com | 602.978.6910

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

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Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today. Learning disabilities, hearing loss, speech delays, violent behavior and, in rare cases, seizures and even death: these are just some of the effects lead paint poisoning has on young children. If your home was built before 1978, lead paint on your walls, doors, windows and sills may be dangerous. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just large paint chips that can cause damage. In fact, three granules of lead dust are enough to poison your child. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make all kids lead-free kids. To learn more about the simple steps you can take to safeguard your family, log on to LEADFREEKIDS.org or call 800-424-LEAD.

azhealthandliving.com | November 2012

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. There are plenty of teens in foster care who would love to walk an extra block for you. 1-888-200-4005 â&#x20AC;˘ adoptuskids.org

November 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

SENIOR LIVING

Did you know that the ability to forgive others is a gift from God? The Bible tells us that if we don’t forgive others, we cannot be forgiven. If we don’t forgive, we are blocking the ability for God to work in our lives. But when we choose to forgive, we are choosing God’s way and opening the door for Him to heal our hurts and restore our souls. ~ Joel Osteen

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012 59

aging well By MS

stay healthy

Great Gift Ideas

for Seniors

xchanging gifts has become synonymous with the holiday season. Family members exchange gifts with one another, men and women trade gifts and greeting cards with their coworkers and students participate in grab bag gift exchanges in the classroom. Giving gifts is such a big part of the holiday season that shoppers may run out of gift ideas before they have crossed everyone off their lists. For example, it might not be easy to find the perfect gift for the senior citizen on your holiday shopping list. Seniors might not be up-to-date on the latest gadgets or might have downgraded from a home to a more manageable living arrangement, so knickknacks or decorative items for the home may not be too practical. The following are a few tips for gifting seniors this holiday season.

Warm things up. As men and women age, many develop medical conditions that require medication. Medications like blood thinners can make seniors feel the cold more than others, so a gift that can keep seniors warm through the winter can make a great gift. A thick wool sweater or a fleece blanket is both practical and thoughtful.

Open a seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes to e-readers. Many seniors find that maintaining a household is simply too much work once all the kids have grown up and moved out. As a result, many move from private homes into apartment complexes geared to the senior set or even into assisted living facilities that make it easier to deal with the daily demands of life. When seniors make such a move, they sacrifice space for convenience. Personal libraries may no longer be possible or practical, but an e-reader such as Amazonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kindle or the Nook(R) from Barnes & Noble allows seniors to store their favorite books in one small and convenient place. 60 16

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Give the lap of luxury. Many seniors are on fixed incomes, which greatly limit how much disposable income they have to treat themselves to something nice. But seniors still love a trip to the spa or a round of golf just as much as their younger counterparts do. Savvy shoppers know that deals can be had on such luxuries, and it just takes a little patience and research. Sign up for a service like Groupon to gain access to exclusive discount offers to a variety of luxury offerings, including spa treatments, cruise vacations and rounds of golf. Signing up is free and easy, and you might just find a deal that makes a senior’s holiday season.

Go healthy. Many men and women embrace a healthier lifestyle as they age. Seniors who might have been too busy raising a family to focus on their own health are typically encouraged by their physicians to exercise and embrace healthier eating habits. Gift-givers can help seniors on their quests to become healthier by buying them a membership to a local fitness club, many of which provide classes designed specifically for seniors. Fitness clubs typically offer discounted memberships to seniors, who might even be eligible for rebates from their health insurance providers if they meet established attendance requirements. Seniors who suffer from arthritis might benefit from a membership at a nearby yoga center.

Give the gift of communication. Sometimes the best gift is the simplest gift. Seniors love to speak with their children and grandchildren, so why not give the gift of communication. If you haven’t already, alter your cellular phone plan to a family plan that gives seniors unlimited minutes when calling family members so they can speak to their grandkids as often as possible. You can even go the extra mile and upgrade a senior’s computer so he or she has access to instant messaging and videoconferencing services, allowing seniors to see just how fast their grandchildren are growing even if those youngsters are on the other side of the country.

Like what you're reading? Don't miss another issue of

Pick up a free copy inside any CVS pharmacy or have a free digital copy delivered monthly to your inbox. For a free digital subscription send a blank email to subscribe@azhealthandliving.com.

Including seniors in a family cellular phone plan so they can easily keep up with their children and grandchildren is one way to put a smile on their faces this holiday season. azhealthandliving.com azhealthandliving.com||December December2012 2012

61 17

aging well By MS

Interact

Recession Proof Your Retirement Account A

struggling economy can have both instant and long-term consequences. When the economy is suffering, consumers tend to spend less in the short term while making financial decisions that affect them over the long haul. One of the biggest quandaries men and women face during a recession or economic downturn is how to approach their retirement accounts, most notably a 401(k). When the economy begins to struggle, men and women may notice their 401(k) plans are struggling right along with it, losing money that most were counting for their retirements. This can induce a certain degree of panic, as account holders worry about their financial futures and how they are going to get by should the recession last and their retirement accounts continue to shrink. But such panic might be unwarranted. According to the investment management firm Vanguard, participant saving and investing behavior had returned to prerecession levels by 2010, and participant account balances actually rose 13 percent in the years 2005-2010, despite the considerable market shock that occurred during the recession of 20082009. Those figures illustrate that even during a particularly bad economic swoon investors will return to their typical behavior sooner rather than later. Therefore, it pays to avoid overreacting at the onset of a downturn and maintain your peace of mind. While some people manage to maintain a cool head during times of economic struggles, others may lose sleep when the next recession or downturn rears its ugly head. To avoid succumbing to such stress, consider the following tips to protect your retirement accounts should the economy once again take a turn for the worse. 62 18

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Pay attention to your portfolio. Young people just beginning their professional careers are often told to enroll in a 401(k) program as soon as possible, but to avoid making any changes in the

near future once the account has been set up. While no investors, young or old, should allow an automatic reaction after a bad financial quarter to dictate how they manage their retirement accounts, that doesn’t mean you should ignore an account entirely. Pay attention to your portfolio, examining it at least once per year so you can adjust your investments if need be. Just don’t allow a sudden reaction to a bad quarter dictate these adjustments, which should only be made after a careful examination of your retirement account portfolio and its performance. If you’re happy with the performance, don’t change a thing.

Reduce your risk as you age. Financial experts can often predict when the economy will thrive and when it will struggle. But unless you are such an expert, avoid playing with fire. As you age, reduce your risk with regard to your investments. Young people can afford to take on more risk because they have more time to make up for a risk that doesn’t work out. Men and women age 50 and older have no such luxury and should reconfigure their retirement accounts as they age so their investments are less risky and more conservative. This strategy should be put to use even if you lost a substantial amount of money during a previous recession or downturn. It might be tempting to try to make up for lost money, but that strategy carries considerable risk, and you might end up depleting your retirement savings a second time.

Spread the money around. When contributing to a retirement account such as a 401(k), the standard is to deposit 6 percent of each paycheck into that account. If you’re depositing more than 6 percent into your retirement account, consider decreasing your retirement contribution to the standard amount and depositing the extra money into a highinterest savings account. The savings account will not put your deposits at risk, and if the economy is faring well, you will still be doing well with your 401(k) while ensuring some of your money will not suffer should the economy suddenly take a turn for the worse.

Don’t cash out too early. When the economy struggles, many investors have discovered they simply don’t have the stomach for investing. That is perfectly understandable with certain investments, but a retirement account should not be

one of them. Cashing out a retirement account too early could incur substantial penalties that, if your retirement account was affected poorly by a bad year, may only further deplete an account you likely spent years building. Avoid the temptation to cash out early if your retirement account is struggling. It’s often not worth the steep price.

Investors age 50 and older should begin to reduce the risks associated with their retirement accounts, choosing more stable investments as they age. azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

63 19

Saturday 1 5th Annual West Valley Senior Men’s Softball Tournament 8 a.m. Pebble Creek & Goodyear Community Park, Goodyear westvalleyrecreation.com, 623.936.2754 Free to the public

Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo 6-10 p.m. every night in December The Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix phoenixzoo.org, 602.273.1341 Tickets start at $7

Monday 3 Arizona Derby Games Start times vary Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix info@arizonaderbygames.com Tickets start at $12

Thursday 6 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band “Wrecking Ball” World Tour 6:30-9:30 p.m. Jobing.com Arena, Glendale jobingarena.com, 623.772.3200 Tickets start at $110

Saturday 8 Festival of Cheer 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria festivalofcheer.com Family-friendly event; tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids Las Noches de las Luminarias 5:30-9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix dbg.org, 480.481.8188 Other dates available; see website for more details Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade 5 p.m. Tempe Town Lake, Tempe millavenue.com/events/fantasyoflights, 480.355.6060 Family friendly event with Santa and fireworks

Sunday 9 America’s Sweetest Race 5K: 7:30 a.m., 15K: 8 a.m. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale hotchocolate15k.com Finish off a 5K or 15K with chocolate! Volunteer opportunities available

Tuesday 11 The Addams Family Various dates and times available ASU Gammage, Tempe asugammage.com, 480.965.3434 Tickets start at $30

Friday 14

Glendale Glitters Holiday Spectacular (2-day event) 5-10 p.m. Historic Downtown Glendale visitglendale.com/events , 623.930.2299 Free to the public

Saturday 15

12K’s of Christmas 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Freestone Park, Gilbert 12k.com, 480.609.3978 Proceeds benefit Maricopa County Animal Care and PACC 911

Sunday 16 Cardinals v. Lions 2:05 p.m. University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale universityofphoenixstadium.com, 602.379.0102 Tickets start at $25

Sunday 23

Cardinals v. Bears 2:25 p.m. University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale universityofphoenixstadium.com, 602.379.0102 Tickets start at $25

Tuesday 25

Saturday 29

Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade 11 a.m. Central Phoenix fiestabowl.org, 480.350.0900 Free to the public; seating available starting at $25

Monday 31

December 2012 | azhealthandliving.com

Calendar times and dates may change. Please confirm before attending.

"As believers, we should set the standard in all areas of life. People should see the depth of your character and your spirit of excellence and know that you are a child of the Most High God. Today, make the decision to honor Him in all that you do because you are His representative, His hands and feet in the earth." ~Joel Osteen

December

azhealthandliving.com | December 2012

Look No Further!

Relief is right here in Arizona Dr. Kukurin was named a Top Chiropractor by the Consumers Research Council of America. He is listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare. With over 20 years of experience using acupuncture, chiropractic and science based nutritional therapies, the results produced by our methods have been featured on local TV newscasts, published in scientific journals, indexed in the National Library of Medicine and have been presented Knee Pain at medical conferences at Johns Hopkins and the Peripheral Nerve Society.

Diabetic Neuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis If you are suffering from lower back, buttocks and or leg pain or your feet or legs are cramping, numb or burning especially at night, you almost certainly have a condition which involves the nerves of the legs. The largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve (pictured in red to the right), starts in the lower back, runs through the muscles of the buttocks and down to the tip of the toes. If this nerve gets irritated, you can experience really terrible pain anywhere along the course of the nerve. You may also experience burning, numbness and odd sensations in your muscles. Irritation of this nerve may produce severe cramping or crawling sensations in your muscles. Of course, your back and leg pain can be caused by a pinched nerve in your lower back. This can be from a vertebra that is out of place, it can be caused by a slipped disc or it can be caused by spinal stenosis or any combination of these problems. Each of these conditions, bad discs, spinal stenosis or displaced vertebrae have very different treatments. Knowing exactly why you have your back and leg troubles is absolutely essential for effective care.

Headaches, Vertigo, TMJ, Migraines, Sinus Headache Neck and Shoulder Pain, Pinched Nerves, Tennis Elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Spinal Stenosis, Sciatica, Lower Back, Hip and Leg Pain

So how do you find results? The answer is called Integrative Neurology. Neurology is the study of the nerves. This allows us to diagnose tough nerve conditions like spinal stenosis, disc problems and neuropathy. What happens next truly separates our integrative neurology approach from anything else available to help correct lower back, hip, leg and foot problems. We have pioneered techniques to decompress nerves, but also use a number of natural substances that have been shown in recent scientific studies to help nerves re-grow and repair. There are no current drugs that can do this. But that’s not all. We combine special electrical stimulation techniques with acupuncture. A combination that has been shown to correct abnormal nerve function and promote nerve repair. There simply is no better or more comprehensive system for diagnosing and correcting the cause of spinal stenosis, neuropathy and other conditions that cause lower back, hip and leg pain and numbness. To find out how we can help you or learn more about our award winning doctor and treatments, visit our website at www.kcpv.info or if you need help now, call us at 623.547.4727. You’ll be glad you did!

KUKURIN CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE & NUTRITION NETWORK Dr. George Kukurin, DC DACAN

12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C304, Avondale AZ • www.kcpv.info azhealthandliving.com | November 2012 67 Preferred provider for most insurance plans including BCBS, Cigna, Aetna & more.

November 2012 | azhealthandliving.com