Righteous Heart Issue Forgiveness & Inner Peace Easy Ways to Find Time for Exercise
Unique & Personalized Valentine’s Day Gifts Your Best Marketing Tool is Still the Most Basic One Cardiovascular Disease Tests That Can Save Your Life!
OCT OBER2013 az heal t handl i vi ng. com
FEBRUARY 2014
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 54 azhealthandliving.com
4
Tips for Couples Merging Bank Accounts How Childhood
Affects Your Adult
Relationships
What Causes Low Vision?
Pastors Joel & Victoria Osteen Secrets to a Twenty-Six Year Marriage and More!
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Contents
A Division of
Publisher Great Central Sun Media Group
Contributing Writers
Executive Editor Lisa Padilla Assistant Managing Editor Alfie Mendoza Celebrity Photo Editor Pure Intent B.C. Group Lori Romano Graphic Design Pure Intent B.C. Group
Grey Stafford Lori Romano Michelle Talsma Everson Marsha Friedman Betty Hechtman Dr. Howard J. Rankin Susan Apollon Elisabeth Davies Dee Louis-Scott Yuval Kaminka Christian E. Megrelis Thelma Zirkelbach
HEALTH & WELLNESS
48 Special Feature
Valentine's Day GIft Guide
24 Health Cardiovascular Disease:Tests That Can Save Your Life; What Causes Low Vision?
28 Spirit
Forgive and Love Unconditionally; Find Inner Peace
Contact us: Great Central Sun Media Group, LLC 16845 N. 29th Ave. Ste. #754 Phoenix, Arizona ,85053 623.335.0771 Advertise@, Editor@, Calendar@,Press@ @ azhealthandliving.com www.azhealthandliving.com www.facebook.com/ArizonaHealthandLiving www.twitter.com/AzHealthLiving
52 Celebrity
Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen Secrets to a Twenty-Six Year Marriage and More
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.
Special thanks to God, our advertisers, community partners and readers for making this magazine possible. Arizona Health & Living is published monthly. All rights are reserved. The entire contents of Arizona Health & Living are copyright 2014 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.
Arizona Locally Owned Business
Pick up a free copy inside locations.
30 Mind & Body
Emotional Isolation: Tips to Reconnect; How Childhood Affects Your Adults Relationships
34-41 Healthy Chatter
Local Doctors, Experts & Business Owners Answering Frequently Asked Questions
LIFESTYLE & LIVING
Tips for Couples Merging Bank Accounts; The Best Marketing Tool is Still the Most Basic One
SENIOR LIVING 60-63 Aging Well
44 Fitness, Nutrition & Sports
Easy Ways to Find Time for Exercise; The Nutritive Power of Apples
46 Family, Kids & Relationships
Ten Things You Can Do To Make Your Relationship Better; Ways to Develop Meaningful Friendships; How to Encourage Your Kids to Play a Musical Instrument
10 February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
54 Career, Business & Finance
Encore Careers:Finding Work that Feeds the Soul; Life after ‘Till Death Do Us Part’
COMMUNITY FEATURES INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
Know Your Neighbors; Heart of the Community; Neighborhood Buzz; Community Activists; Products & Books; Hometown Docs; Calendar
T:10”
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.
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November 2012 | azhealthandliving.com ©2012 Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
MakeGod Your
Top Priority!
“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” ~ Psalm 15:1-2
W
elcome to our Righteous Heart Issue. Nowadays, many live hurried lives, while trying to meet the demands of relationships and commitments, there is seldom time left for thinking about anything else. However, there is only one commitment and relationship that should be put FIRST—Our relationship with God. I believe the righteous choice is always the one which puts our relationship with God first. How can you interact righteously with others or fulfill your commitments—if you are not placing God FIRST? Our relationship with God should always be the first priority! If you love someone more than you love God or you are in a relationship where you commit sin in order to keep the relationship – You are NOT—And will never be righteous in that relationship—Stop trying to justify your actions! “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:37-38. We cannot be both selfish and righteous! God knows 12
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
our needs—you can live making it your goal to fulfill these needs or you can be right with God and everything will fall into place. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33. What is a right relationship with God? God’s will for us is to know him. No good works without knowing Him accomplishes his will! “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39. When the objective of our lives is a right relationship with God we open the doors to all the blessings He has in store for us. Make God your first priority—and the rest of your life will fall into place. Until, next time...
God Bless You! Here to serve,
Lisa Padilla
editor@azhealthandliving.com
Odds of having 3 multi-platinum albums
1/ 1,650,000
Odds of having a child diagnosed with autism
1/88
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
© 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment.
13
SUPPORT LOCAL
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS By Michelle Talsma Everson
The Network of Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO)
S
Recommending the best, most reputable in the Valley
ince 2005, The Network of Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) has helped Valley residents find locally owned and honest auto repair shops. General Manager Jay Jennings says the growing business started out of necessity. “Almost 10 years ago one of my business colleagues had his SUV warrantee run out and was looking for a shop in his neighborhood. He asked his friends, neighbors and used the Yellow Pages and could not tell the difference between any of the shops,” Jennings recalls. “So my business partner Alan Tarr did some research and found out that a lot of people had that same problem finding an honest and reliable shop.” The solution? NARPRO.com—an online destination created by Jennings and Tarr that allows local consumers to search for honest, reliable and highly rated neighborhood auto repair shops. “It took a number of years to determine the standards and vetting processes to make sure that all of the recommended shops are high quality and integrity,” Jennings says. “Over the years we determined that there were 26 tests of quality, integrity and customer satisfaction that needed to be met to make sure that the shops are reliable and honest in their business dealings,” Jennings explains. NARPRO’s tests include everything from quality mechanics and services to customer feedback.
“The shops that are recommended by NARPRO are locally family-owned and not a part of a national chain,” he continues. “This means you're keeping your dollars in the local community and supporting Ariz. families.” As NARPRO has grown, so has its commitment to the community. The organization gives back to several local nonprofits, including Helping Hands for Single Moms. On Saturday, Feb. 8, NARPRO is partnering with The Safe Kids Coalition of Maricopa County to host the annual Car Seat Event at three Valley locations from 9 a.m. to noon. During the event, parents, grandparents and guardians can have their car seats examined by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. NARPRO will also staff all three-event locations with vehicle safety experts and will be on site to look at vehicles and provide tire check-ups. NARPRO will be donating a quality used car at the event to a deserving mom through Helping Hands for Single Moms. “We believe in giving back to the community and there are things we can do as a network of shops that could not be done by an individual business owner—like supporting Helping Hands for Single Moms in addition to working with the Safe Kids Coalition of Maricopa County,” Jennings says. In particular, the Car Seat Event hits close to home for NARPRO, he adds. “Partnering with the Safe Kids Coalition
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February 2014| azhealthandliving.com
Photos courtesy of NARPRO
Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation. helps sure that parents and all children’s They make also added gynecological cancer treatmentcaregivers to their have the correct child safety seat and that theyfor are the installed growing list of patient services, another first West safely,” Valley. Jennings notes. “Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children and we want to reduce that to zero.” Today, the practice now boasts 52 physicians, more than Car Eventoffices locations: 200 employees andSeat 20 partner Valleywide, including several in the West Valley cities West of Peoria, Avondale, Valley Central Phoenix Glendale, Surprise and Wickenburg. Goodyear Park & Ride North Phx. Baptist Church 13183 W. Cornerstone Blvd. 5757 N. Central Ave. “We are aPhoenix cancer center without walls whose services Goodyear East stretch into every inch of Valley this community, offering the West Valley with the Target best doctors, best treatment 1525 S. Power technologies and best research in Rd. the country,” Dr. Reed Mesa says. “Cancer is a disease of survivors – and we want to keep it that way.”
Arizona Center for Cancer Care 14155 N. 83rd Ave., #127, Peoria 602.257.0033 623.773.2873 www.arizonaccc.com www.narpro.com
New African Lion Habitat at New Safari Park Expansion! One of the featured exhibits in Wildlife World's all new Safari Park expansion is a new African lion habitat. The dedicated lion habitat has a new night house, shade trees, lion-sized "furniture" and a pool for the animals to use. Over the next few months, zookeepers will be observing how our young male and female lion pair is settling into their new home. Worldwide, large felines are in serious decline. Over the past 20 years, African lion populations have plummeted due to poaching and conflict with humans. Unless trends are reversed, lions may soon become extinct over much of their historical range. WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM 165th Ave. and Northern 623.935.WILD (9453) www.wildlifeworld.com This space is sponsored by Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Moving is the best medicine. Keeping active and losing weight are just two o 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 | February 2014 15 15 azhealthandliving.com | July 2013
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
SUPPORT LOCAL
By Elisabeth Davies, MC
Paper Clouds Apparel "Helping Others Never Looked So Good" “My mother was a bus driver for children with special needs in Chico, Calif. One of the little girls on my mother’s route would spend the duration of her ride drawing. When the bus arrived at school, the little girl often gave my mother her artwork. During a visit home, I saw one of the little girl’s drawings on the refrigerator and thought the characters she’d drawn were fantastic! Being the ‘T-shirt junkie’ that I am, I commented that the artwork would look great on a shirt,” Founder and CEO of Paper Clouds Apparel, Robert Thornton says. In 2009, Thornton founded Paper Clouds Apparel, a business with giving at its core. Thornton had suffered a baseball injury that forced him to redefine who he was outside of being an athlete. “I’d been searching for a new professional path, after pursuing a career in baseball and always knew I wanted to do something to help others,” Thornton says. “More and more youth are being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, going from 1 in 500 children in 1995 to 1 in 50 children in 2011. Individuals identified as having autistic disorder have impairment in social interaction. They may have difficulty with eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, body posture, gestures and the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others. “It is very important to address people who have special needs as individuals,” Thornton says. Thornton shares Paper Clouds Apparel’s purpose is, to showcase the creative minds and artistic abilities of individuals with special needs while raising funds to provide financial support for special needs schools and organizations. They achieve this goal by selling T-shirts, hats and totes featuring artwork designed by individuals with special needs. Every two weeks Thornton teams with a different organization such as the National Autism Association, Reece’s Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Grant fund and Ability Path, who help fund individuals with special needs. He chooses artwork from three to four of their special needs population and puts it on T-shirts, totes and hats. In return, the organization helps promote their artists 16
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
by directing supporters to Paper Clouds Apparel website to purchase their art-cladded clothing. Fifty percent of all net proceeds are donated back to the organizations to increase funding for special needs causes. “We have had artists with special needs ranging from 11 months old to 70 years of age. In 2013 we teamed with about 24 different organizations across the country, who share my passion to support individuals with autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disorders,” Thornton says. To further assist individuals with special needs, Paper Clouds Apparel uses third party organizations such as Trilogy Inc., an adult group home for individuals with developmental disorders, to employ their residents to package and ship apparel to customers. Currently, Paper Clouds Apparel products are sold at Thornton’s home office. “Next year, a friend of mine who I used to play baseball with is building a large facility. He is going to allow me to have an office at his facility so I can directly hire individuals with special needs to apply their skills,” Thornton says.
The artists who produce the artwork and the organizations that help support these individuals with developmental disorders are Paper Clouds biggest customers. “I sell about 200-400 T-shirts per month. About 65 percent of our clients return to buy apparel from other special artists and organizations. We currently carry about 15 different art designs. T-shirts for youth are $18.00 and T-Shirts for adults run from $23.00 to $28.00,” Thornton says. In December 2013, Paper Clouds Apparel won a contest put on by Kind Snacks. They competed with 80 businesses that follow the ‘kind philosophy,’ which is committing to do an act of kindness for someone. Paper Clouds Apparel won the contest by having six thousand of their online fans volunteer to do a kind act for someone. This provided Paper Clouds Apparel a $10,000 grant. Thornton says part of the grant money will be used to create a more userfriendly website that will allow consumers to custom develop their own T-shirts.
3434 N. 11th St. Phoenix 602. 525.1315 www.papercloudsapparel.com © 2011 United Way Worldwide.
“Millions of dollars have been cut from the Federal budget for individuals with developmental disorders. I got a call recently from a mother who asked if I could help her blind
son get a Guide dog. That costs about $13,500. I want to be able to help with more special needs causes like this. In the past year, our fan base on Facebook went from a couple of hundred to over 10,000. The more people that support us by buying our apparel, the more we are able to make a difference for these individuals with special needs,” Thornton says.
UNIQUE APART
UNITED TOGETHER
We come from different places. We come to different conclusions. But underneath it all, we share a passion for improving the human condition. When we LIVE UNITED, we create real, lasting change in the building blocks of life: the education, income and health of our communities, our families, even the person next to us. Real change won’t happen without you. SIGN UP TODAY AT LIVEUNITED.ORG.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
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azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
17
Be InformeD
NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ
Hike Through Beautiful Mountain Scenery at South Mountain Park for a Great Cause! On Feb. 22, join other Valley neighbors at the 31st Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix event. Thousands will hike to bring awareness to cancer and the Society's lifesaving work, while celebrating survivors and honoring loved ones. Participants can climb as part of a team or as an individual. There will be a festival at the top and bottom of the mountain to celebrate the event/participants. Registration prior to Feb. 19 is $40 and includes an event T-shirt, snacks and entertainment. After Feb. 19 and through day of the event, registration fee will be $50. This is a non-competitive event open to all ages and abilities. Businesses, schools, hospitals, service organizations, clubs and friends/family members of those with cancer are encouraged to register to support the American Cancer Society’s mission. The event will be held at South Mountain Park at 10919 S. Central Ave., in Phoenix. Registration for this event begins at 5:30 a.m. and the climb starts at 7 a.m. To learn more about this event or register, visit www.phoenixclimb.com or call 602.952.7552.
Ice Den Announces Acquisition of Polar Ice Chandler; to be Renamed Ice Den Chandlerer Just in time for the Winter Olympics, Polar Ice Chandler has a new name and new owner. The Burke family, who own the highly popular and successful Ice Den in North Scottsdale and brought NHL hockey to Arizona, purchased the facility in January renaming it Ice Den Chandler. While the Burke family sold the Phoenix Coyotes in 2001, they have maintained ownership of the Ice Den, which they originally developed as the training facility for the Coyotes NHL team. The Chandler facility will serve as another training center for young athletes in both figure skating and hockey year-round. Ice Den Chandler, as it will now be known, is at 7225 W. Harrison St. Visit www.coyotesicechandler.com for more information.
On Feb. 12, join other servicemen and women, retired military, political, business, civic and philanthropic leaders from around the state to honor leaders who are a voice for those serving our nation at The Arizona Veteran’s Hall of Fame Society annual Patriotic Gala. This event will take place at the Phoenix Airport Marriott at 1101 N. 44th St. Phoenix. This year’s honorees include Copper Sword, Mr. Donald Brandt, President and CEO, Pinnacle West and APS, Copper Eagle, Salt River Project and Copper Shield, Arizona Representative Jonathan Larkin. Registration will begin at 5 p.m.; tickets for the event are $60 for veterans and $75 for nonveterans and guests. Event proceeds go to The Arizona Veteran’s Hall of Fame projects assisting veteran organizations and fund scholarships for returning veterans seeking to further their education. To learn more about this event or register visit www.avhof.org/events. 18
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
My Sister’s Closet & Well Suited Store Moves to New Urban Space
Eco-Chic Consignments is happy to announce the first My Sister’s Closet, recycled designer consignment shop, is moving to a new urban space at Town & Country Shopping Center. Join the sisters when their stylish new doors open starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, the same day shoppers get their first peak at springtime looks. The new space will be behind Nordstrom Rack at 4859 N. 20th St. Seated on cement floors underneath an exposed ceiling, the new 6,373square-foot space will offer shoppers a more modern and fashionable feel with the same great deals on designer handbags, shoes, clothing, hats, accessories and jewelry. Get there early! The first 100 in line receive a free Swag Bag with goodies. Call 602.954.6080 for more information. For other store locations in Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak and Chandler visit www.mysisterscloset.com.
Orangetheory Fitness Opens in Chandler
Orangetheory Fitness, a one-of-a-kind, group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength, recently celebrated its grand opening of their 10th location in Ariz. located at 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Ste. C-7, in South Chandler. Orangetheory’s heart-rate monitored training is designed to keep heart rates in a target “orange zone” that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Each class is led by skilled personal trainers to ensure you burn an average of 1,000 calories per class. For more information call 480.794.1055 or visit www.orangetheoryfitness.com. azhealthandliving.com |February 2014
19
COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS
GET INVOLVED
By Lori Romano
MonaLou Callery Stands Up Against Violence Giving hope to survivors
A
fter suffering for years at the hands of an abuser who crippled her confidence, left physically and emotionally scarred, MonaLou Callery finally found the strength to break free. However, her story does not end there. Not only did Callery learn to stand on her own and heal her broken spirit, she also made it her mission to help other victims become empowered and break the cycle of violence. In addition, she’s doing it one woman, one training session and one cup of coffee at a time. “In general if you ask someone if they personally know someone who has been physically or sexually abused, they typically answer no,” Callery says. “But, domestic violence, sexual abuse and trafficking are issues that affect all of us—our communities, our workplace, our health, our livelihood, our families, our children and our future. The ripple effect in fact devastates our economy. Violence in all its forms does not discriminate.” One of the first projects MonaLou was hired to do in Ariz. was develop the very first Domestic Violence Advocacy Training Manual for the Arizona State Domestic Violence Coalition. The manual provided 40hour training for individuals wanting to become victim advocates. And she didn’t stop there. In 2002, Callery filed paperwork for The National Advocacy & Training Network (NATN), a nonprofit organization that provides training and technical assistance to both the general public and professionals, who deal with domestic violence. Callery used monies that agencies paid for her training courses, which included Domestic Violence 101, How to Identify the Primary Aggressor for law enforcement and Identifying Victims of Domestic or Sexual Abuse in Your Practice for medical and dental professionals.
20
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
After learning that many battered and sexually abused women were being turned away from traditional shelter programs in Ariz., Callery opened the first transitional housing program called Support, Education, Empowerment & Directions (SEEDs). Unlike traditional, short-term shelter programs, SEEDS offers housing for up to 24 months, case management, food, clothing, job training and support services in four locations. The goal? To address the unmet needs of battered and sexually abused women in recovery, keeping them safe and assisting them in becoming self-sufficient. “When I started SEEDS, I had no funding, but I had the support of community members and volunteers and I was determined to provide safe homes without discriminating against women who also had other issues,” Callery says. “We take in women with children, women who have histories of substance use, prostitutes trying to escape their pimps, and battered women coming out of prison. No woman deserves to be abused, period!”
In 2008, local business owner, Luis Prado, donated a café to the NATN, which quickly became Cup O’Karma: Community Café for a Cause. The workforce development program provides on-the-job training for women in the SEEDs program. Located in Mesa, Cup O’Karma has become a community mecca. Offering award-winning coffee and specialty drinks, a meeting place for local businesses and a variety of activities including Monday Night Comedy, an Artwork Gallery for local artists, Open Mic for budding musicians and poets—and even a Children’s Story Hour hosted by children’s book authors and BookPALs. Looking forward, Callery hopes the program that has already helped many women in Ariz., can continue to grow.
HuNGEr roots For tHE HoME tEAM, too. 1 IN 6 AMErIcANs struGGlEs WItH HuNGEr.
“As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I know all too well what it feels like to be desperate and lose hope,” Callery explains. “My ex used to tell me every time I picked up the phone to call the police, ‘It’s about power and money Mona, and you don't have either.’ I gave up on the system. What motivated me to go back and work in it was the opportunity to help other women. What’s unique about NATN’s programs are the survivors. They are part of every aspect of our development—our policies, procedures and programs. Most of our employees are former SEEDs residents. We are always looking for volunteers, in-kind or cash donations or partnerships with businesses that will create jobs for women. I’m always hoping that Mariska Hargitay or Oprah Winfrey or another human rights activist will discover the work we are doing and call. My vision is bigger and replicable, but we need help.”
toGEtHEr WE’rE
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 |February 2014
21
INSPIRATIONAL HOMETOWN DOCS
NEVER LOSE FAITH
By Lori Romano
Dr. Zaher Akkad Focuses on
K
Matters of the Heart
nown in cultures throughout the world from the seat of the soul to the essence of life, the human heart has fascinated humanity for centuries. As he began his medical studies in his home country of Syria, Dr. Zaher Akkad found himself falling in love with this vital organ. “When you start learning the physiology of the heart, see the valves opening and closing, and hear the sound it makes as it pumps blood throughout the body, it is a fascinating process,” Dr. Akkad explains. “I saw how crucial the heart is to everything else in the body. Heart disease is still the highest cause of mortality for men and women across the globe and I felt this was an area I wanted to tackle when I finished medical school.” From that day forward, Dr. Akkad kept firmly fixed on his goal. He finished medical school and began his specialty training in Cardiology. After finishing his studies in Syria, Dr. Akkad was accepted into the Internal Medicine program at Wayne State University in Detroit. “The most important thing people can do to keep their hearts healthy is to focus on prevention,” Akkad says. “I see people every day who are young and think they are healthy and then they show up in the ER with a heart attack. I start asking questions and find out they smoke, they have family members who had heart attacks or they have high cholesterol, but they never thought about it before. It is important for people to educate themselves, identify risk factors, and take steps to prevent problems before they happen.”
At Wayne State University, Dr. Akkad completed a 3-year Internal Medicine program, a 3-year Cardiology fellowship, a year of advanced training in Echocardiography and a year of Interventional Cardiology, as well as serving as a member of the Wayne State faculty. Dr. Akkad is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography. He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of Cardiomyopathy, Myocarditis and Congestive Heart Failure. In 2004, Dr. Akkad flew to Phoenix to interview for a position with Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona. “I knew I wanted to come to a big city, where I could practice at a high-level of advanced medicine,” he says. “I don’t have any 22
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
family in Arizona and I didn’t know much about Phoenix. I came to visit in March. It’s funny, earlier that day I’d shoveled snow and scraped ice from my windshield of my car. I called my wife after my interview that day and told her I was eating lunch on the patio and enjoying the sunshine. We thought it was something we could try, that it would be an adventure. Ten years later, I’m still here. It has been a good fit.” “The unique thing about us is that we try to get the top notch care to areas where they may not have access to it all the time,” Dr. Akkad explains. “For six years, I’ve been going to Maricopa every Friday. When I started going, there were no cardiologists in the area at all. There were primary care and internal medicine doctors, but anyone needing a cardiologist was being sent to Casa Grande or Chandler. The patients love it. I’m really proud of the work I do there.” Having traveled halfway around the world following his interest the human heart, Dr. Akkad admits that his biggest passion is his patients. “I see people in the hospital, getting admitted, maybe coming to the ER in a heart attack code situation. They come in the sickest state you can imagine with no blood pressure, squealing in pain,” Dr. Akkad says. “And then I am able to restore the blood flow to normal, and relieve that pain. I get to see the family and tell them that their loved ones are healing and that they will be OK—those are the most satisfying moments of my career.”
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Save a life. Don’t Drive HoMe buzzeD. DRIVING.
November 2012 | azhealthandliving.com BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK
azhealthandliving.com | May 2012
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~ Phillipians 4:8 Make positive thinking a top priority. We are what we think –and become what we speak. Be right with God, change your thoughts, change your words—change your world!
azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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health By MS
PREVENT
What Causes Low Vision? Anyone with reduced vision that is not corrected by some method of lenses or surgery is considered to have low vision or be visually impaired. Low vision may cause slight vision loss or even blindness.
L
ow vision is a term used to describe the inability to see clearly. Even after correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses, many people still cannot see well and test at lower than 20/40 vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology defines low vision as what happens if ordinary eyeglasses, contact lenses or intraocular lens implants do not provide a person with clear vision.
Causes of low vision Many factors contribute to the onset of low vision, including disease, aging, injury and heredity. The following are some of the more common causes of low vision.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a common eye condition among people age 50 and older. In fact, it is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, says the National Eye Institute. When a person has AMD, the macula, which is the most sensitive part of the retina responsible for fine-tuning images received by the eye, deteriorates and does not work properly. Though there might be some vision, images will not be clear. The most common form of age-related macular degeneration is known as non-exudative or "dry" form. This generally causes vision loss that develops gradually. More rapid and severe vision loss comes from exudative, or the "wet" form, of macular degeneration. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid and blood. Cataracts. A clouding of the lens of the eye that usually develops with aging. It may be present at birth or be the result of an injury to the eye. Depending on the severity of the cloudiness of the lens, vision can be impacted greatly. Cataracts may form because of long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and advanced age or trauma. 26
February 2014
| azhealthandliving.com
diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and advanced age or trauma.
Glaucoma. When a person has glaucoma, eye damage occurs to his or her eye when there is a buildup of fluid pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause visual field loss, which over time might escalate to blindness. Glaucoma is often dubbed "the silent thief of sight," because in most cases, it progresses slowly and vision loss is not immediately apparent.
Diabetic retinopathy. Vision can fluctuate daily because of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to develop abnormal offshoots that leak blood and interfere with vision, eventually causing severe damage to the retina.
Retinal detachment. This occurs when the retina
separates from its underlying layer. The portion that detaches may be rendered useless and cause total impairment of vision. Some retinas can be surgically reattached and vision may be restored partially if surgery occurs promptly.
Aniridia. This occurs when the iris, which is responsible
for controlling the diameter and size of the pupils and regulating the amount of light reaching the retina, fails to develop normally. If the iris is not functioning properly, extreme sensitivity to light and an inability to see clearly may result.
Treatment for low vision An optometrist may conduct various vision acuity tests to determine what might be the cause of vision loss. Each type of low vision problem requires a different approach to treatment, so it is important you correctly diagnose the problem before beginning treatment.
Your Heart
M
What You Should Know
any people mistakenly assume cardiac arrest and heart attack is the same thing. However, a sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. In fact, there are distinguishable differences between the two that are best explained by detailing what is actually happening when someone experiences either one.
What happens during a heart attack? During a heart attack, blockage occurs in one or more of the heart’s arteries. That blockage subsequently prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Research indicates that many people with symptoms of a heart attack actually delay seeking treatment for more than two hours. In a 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found the average delay in arriving at the hospital after the start of a heart attack was roughly two and a half hours. Eleven percent of the more than 100,000 cases examined in the study waited more than 12 hours from the start of symptoms before seeking treatment. Those symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath and discomfort in other areas of the body that do not improve after five minutes.
Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest requires immediate treatment. It’s best to seek treatment promptly for both a heart attack and cardiac arrest, but those experiencing cardiac arrest are at much greater risk of death if treatment is not sought immediately. Men and women, young and old, should also keep in mind that a heart attack can sometimes lead into cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of seeking treatment as soon as any symptoms of heart attack begin to appear.
How is a heart attack and cardiac arrest prevented? The goal is to keep blood flowing through the body as smoothly as possible. This means avoiding blood clots and the buildup of plaque in the arteries. That might sound simple enough, but plaque buildup and the process of coronary artery disease has been shown to begin as far back as childhood, when diets are not typically tailored to avoid heart disease.
By MS
Steps to Take ª Exercise regularly. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. ª Eat a healthy diet. A diet low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables, is ideal. ª Stop smoking. ª Don’t procrastinate. These changes can’t wait until tomorrow.
Heart Tests to Ask Your Doctor About ª Cardiac Calcium Scoring ª Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness Test
While it’s impossible to go back in time and change certain lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise routines and regimens, there are ways adults can reduce risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest.
What happens during cardiac arrest? When a person is experiencing cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and suddenly becomes irregular. The heart begins to beat very fast while the ventricles may flutter or quiver. Blood is not being delivered to the body during cardiac arrest and a genuine fear is that blood flow to the brain will be reduced so drastically that a person may lose consciousness. azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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CONNECT WITHIN
spirit By Susan Apollon, author of Touched by the Extraordinary, Book Two: Healing Stories of Love, Loss & Hope
Forgive and Love Unconditionally Find inner peace
T
oo many people simply go through the motions of living. They race from one stressful obligation to another with no time to simply be, holding grudges and repressing their true feelings. They worry obsessively about what might happen tomorrow and in the process, they miss what is happening today. Here are some tips on how to be truly happy.
Love and forgive yourself unconditionally This may seem like an odd way to begin, but self-love and forgiveness, which may be thought of as two sides of the same coin—are at the heart of everything. Before you can make peace with any emotional baggage you may be carrying around, you must first make peace with yourself. The adage is true: If you want to love others unconditionally, you have to first love yourself—and loving yourself is really the key to resolving deep-seated feelings of pain from the past.
Choose to forgive others Refusing to forgive other people for their wrongs (or for what you perceive as their wrongs) is one of the most toxic acts a person can commit. The bad feelings that arise whenever you think of some past offense are a sign that you should forgive the person who hurt you. Doing so will dissolve the tension between the two of you and will make the event far more pleasant.
Forgiveness is a function of love It is vitally important that you learn to forgive the people who have wronged you. Remember that everyone on earth is walking their own path and is trying to do the best they can. The strongest choice you could possibly make is to let go of any unresolved anger and choose to forgive them. It is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. The choices you 28 February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
make have different energetic vibrations and forgiveness and love carry with them the highest resonance. When you don’t forgive, you deny yourself a higher energetic payoff. What if there is someone in your life you are simply not ready to forgive? That is OK. Just accept there is a price to be paid in terms of your own peace of mind. Life is about constant growth, know that one day you may be better equipped to let go of old grievances. Until then, continue to love yourself unconditionally and treat yourself well.
Know what you can and cannot control Learning that you can control only your own actions and feelings is vital to becoming a happier person. Many people cannot forgive others and move away from past pain because they do not understand this fact. Control struggles are huge emotion and energy drainers. The moment you understand that you can manage, only your own feelings and thoughts, you will find power you did not know you had. When you continue to hold someone accountable for an old grievance, you allow him to hurt you all over again. However, when you choose to let it go, you give yourself permission to heal and release the ghost that was holding you captive. Another way to look at an old grudge is to remind yourself that everyone is simply doing the best he or she can do under the circumstances. Perhaps your parents did not always make great choices when they raised you, but they did the best job they could. Remind yourself of this whenever you feel overly critical of another person or feel offended by their actions. You have to learn how to accept the choices those around you make and vow to focus only on what you can control.
Learn to “Face, Embrace and Replace It"
If you’re dealing with grief—perhaps due to a death in the family, an estrangement from someone you love, or a divorce—don’t try to deny your pain. Rather, make a conscious effort to work through it. If you need to cry, cry, even if you are at work and have to leave the room. You might even set aside an evening to get in touch with your grief. Fix the cocoa you used to drink with your mother or go through your photo albums. It is healthier to feel the sadness and loss than to detach yourself from it. It is right and normal to grieve; just do not make it the dominant part of who you are.
Do not overcommit your time or your money Most people vow that this year they will not stretch themselves too thin (physically, emotionally and financially), but somehow spend all their time exhausted, frazzled and broke. It is hard to feel joyful and loving when you are overcommitted. It really is OK to turn down invitations if you do not feel like being around others or to spend the whole weekend holed up with a good book or some movies. It is your life and you get to live it your way. Also, be careful not to live beyond your means. No one can live a peaceful life when deeply in debt and stressed about money. Make a strict budget if you want to get out of debt now. Your finances will not improve unless you take action. In taking action, you will find a hidden wellspring of self-esteem because you are sculpting your own future.
Get in the joy zone No one expects you to be bubbling over with cheer all the time. The “joy zone” can be thought of as a space of quiet contentedness. You can achieve this state of being by staying true to yourself and focusing on good thoughts. Of course, you can also take little shortcuts that instantly up your joy quotient. Listen to your favorite feel-good album or attend a worship service to reconnect with a higher sense of awareness. Remember, above all that peace and joy are contagious, so if you put it out there, chances are very good that you will get it back! You can also seek happiness by committing random acts of kindness. It can be something as small as saying, ‘Have a blessed day’ to a stranger or donating money to a charity. The act does not matter; it is the love behind the act that counts.
are responsible for and are in control of your thoughts. With a little effort and practice; you will find that it is easy to be serene and even lighthearted in situations that may have once made you uncomfortable.
Use the Law of Attraction to create joyful experiences Every morning when you wake up, the ball is in your court in regards to how you want to spend your day. If you exude bitterness, anger or self-pity, then you cannot expect others around you to feed you good cheer by the spoonful. Remember the law of the universe: Like attracts like. Even if you do not feel charitable or joyful, put a smile on your face and intend to feel better—you might surprise yourself by actually feeling better. You can even use this rule to adjust the moods of those around you by spreading the joy you feel. A heartfelt “I’m so glad to see you!” can set the tone for social events and unexpected encounters alike.
Take care of yourself. You will look and feel better. Make sure that you are getting plenty of sleep. Eat well so your body will stay strong. Avoid the urge to overeat, especially if you are doing so for emotional reasons—you will just feel sluggish and cranky afterward. Spend some time each day alone and quiet to help you regain your inner balance. Find time to exercise each day, even if it is just a tenminute walk or some gentle stretching in the mornings. When you take the time to look your best, you will feel your best.
Manage your expectations.
Remember that life seldom looks like a spread in Better Homes & Gardens. Most people’s living rooms aren’t picture perfect, even during dinner parties and someone can usually be counted on to get sick, make judgmental comments or burst into tears during the salad course. Dogs have accidents on new sofas, picnics get rained out and teenagers get pregnant. Accept that fact and your happiness will not depend on circumstances.
Stay in the moment Think about the vast amount of time you spend dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. You may realize that you spend very little time actually existing in the present moment! This is very unhealthy. In fact, it is the source of virtually all anxiety and depression. Your energy is far more powerful when it is there with you as much as possible.It is especially important to stay in the moment when you feel anxiety, dread or anger creeping in. Do not let these feelings and emotions take over. You azhealthandliving.com |February 2014
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MIND & BODY By Christian E. Megrelis, author of Glossary of Hope
FIND BALANCE
Emotional Isolation Steps to reconnect and restore happiness
E
motional isolation is a growing problem, with more than one out of three adults aged 45 and older describing themselves as chronically lonely. The factors are easy to identify, high unemployment, marriage rate at a historic low, increased reliance on technology over face-to-face communication. The main problem of tomorrow is that people are becoming inwardly focused and cut off from their neighbors. The global crisis is not only economical but individual. We are pulling farther away from our human connections to our own detriment. According to a recent AARP study, emotional isolation has been found to cause or exacerbate a number of diseases, from Alzheimer to cancer and is as high a risk factor for mortality as smoking. There is quality of life to consider as well. Lonely people are not happy people, hence the increased stress that causes physical illness. However, we can change, individually and collectively, if we heed the wisdom that has endured for 2,000 years. Here are five time-tested steps anyone can take to reconnect and restore happiness.
Work on loving everyone – from the stranger on the bus to your worst enemy. This is difficult, but you do not need to do it perfectly to see the benefits. How does one take this from intellectual concept to practice? With humanitarian acts—stop and help the person who has fallen down. Smile and say something kind to the harried store clerk. Give – not just what is easy to give. 30
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Do not judge! Another that is deceptively simple but gets easier with practice. Passing judgment on others is actually a very selfish act; we do it in order to feel better about ourselves, but it really is not effective in that regard. When you catch yourself commenting negatively about someone else, whether loud or in your mind, stop yourself and consider your own flaws. Honesty demands you focus on and correct those before your neighbor’s.
Forgive. Holding a grudge or seeking revenge for perceived wrongs is a primitive impulse response. Forgiveness is a cerebral sentiment that comes from the cortex of the brain – the source of reason. Reason is what allows us to resist dangerous primitive impulses in able to achieve objectives that are more farsighted; such as social life, which is impossible without forgiveness.
Do good that makes a difference. Feeling we have no purpose in life or being unsure what our purpose is can lead to despair or indifference often resulting in sterile ambition, delusion or conceit, all of which serve to isolate us from others. We all have a purpose, whether or not it is easily discernible. Whatever place is yours in society, bring your brick every day to the never-ending construction of a happier world and you will quickly recognize your purpose.
Have faith. You do not have to subscribe to a particular religion or follow dogmatic rules to have faith. Faith is the belief that there is something greater than us, the creator of the world in which we live, guiding all with an order and a purpose. Faith brings with it a connection to all other living things.
How Childhood Affects Your Adult Relationships
By Dee Louis-Scott, author of Believe in the Magic
New polls suggest “father hunger” is continuing to alter the family structure in the United States. A recent poll by The Associated Press finds 42 percent of women would consider having a child without a partner. Additionally, more than 24 million daughters and sons in America live in homes without their father, according to the U.S. Census data. There are many fathers and mothers who are unmarried, yet both are very proactive in their children’s lives and do a great job with their children. Unfortunately, the number of fathers living outside the home of their children often reflects a lack of participation from most of those fathers. A girl’s first love is her father and if he has abandoned her, she will find herself in romantic relationships that are similarly unhealthy later in life. If a father treats his daughter like a princess, she will demand better treatment in her romantic relationships. However, if he treats her poorly, she will come to expect that and even seek it out in future relationships. Here are a few relationship tips to break the cycle of unhealthy relationships. Consider your relationship with your father. Ladies, what kind of chemistry do you have with Dad; do you even have a relationship with him? How might this be influencing your romantic decisions? Take an in-depth look at the relationship between you and your father. A painstaking review will help you avoid sabotaging a current or future romantic bond. The first thing to do and probably the hardest is to recognize and define the problem, if any. Take time for you. Get up every morning with the thought that you are rebuilding your life. Reward yourself, perhaps with a massage, a good book or a long bike ride. While reflecting in your solitude, think about the role you played in the failure of your relationship. Consider your past relationship mistakes and be honest. Remember, as long as you make it the other person’s fault, you will remain a victim. When you are ready, ease back in to new relationships. Take a little longer than you normally would to get to know someone. Enjoy the dates and learning about each other. See your potential partner as they are and not how you want them to be, because when we are in a low place it is easy to put a high value on a person’s potential. Trying to change a man is a bad idea; relax and enjoy getting to know more about him to decide whether you are compatible the way he is. azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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Give your skin
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“Together We Can Make a Difference”
HEALTHY CHATTER
Doctors, Businesses and Experts Answering Frequently Asked Questions
azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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ASK QUESTIONS
expert talk
Q. Now that I’m in my 40s, I am finding it harder to read things close up. Is this serious and are there options, other than glasses, available?
A. Starting at birth, the natural focusing crystalline lens of our eyes start losing the ability to focus on near objects. By one year of age, a baby can generally focus on items within a couple of inches of their face. As years go by, the ability to focus so close continues to regress until about age 40, or so, when we have no more arm length to stretch out our reading material for focusing. At that time, we need help with near focusing, in the way of glasses. Sometimes a simple pair of drugstore readers will help the situation. For some individuals, however, a prescription pair of glasses is necessary. For those who wish to strengthen their vision without glasses or contacts, there are Lasik procedures that can provide a permanent fix to the problem. In addition, some of the newest procedures, involving refractive lensectomies with multifocal implants, can also be an excellent option to strengthen your vision and free yourself from glasses or contacts. A visit with your ophthalmologist will help determine what options would be best for you.
–Dr. Walman Walman Eye Center 602.222.2020
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February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
Q. Is whiplash really a simple tissue
Q. What are varicose veins and some
A. Unfortunately, auto accidents and
A. Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled veins
injury?
resulting whiplash injuries are common in Arizona. The perception is that whiplash injuries are self-limited, simple soft tissue neck sprains that will resolve with or without treatment. Even more unfortunate is the lack of scientific research studying whiplash and its long term consequences.
For doctors experienced in treating patients with whiplash, the results of recent studies are not surprising. This new research will help clear up many of the misconceptions about whiplash injuries. Studies, from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the European Spine Journal demonstrated that one in two whiplash patients will experience long term pain and disability lasting between 17 to 30 years! Other research shows whiplash is associated with future health problems, including increased incidence of headaches, neck pain, shoulder problems, balance disorders, dizziness and even decreased overall health, years after the whiplash injury. Whiplash clearly damages the joints and ligaments of the spine, but also appears to cause damage to the nervous system that frequently is associated with lifelong symptoms. Management of these injuries requires comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation. Standard treatment is most often given to help to repair damaged muscles; however, most current treatments fail to address the nervous system malfunction which is now known to occur in patients suffering from whiplash. To avoid the newly identified long term ill-health affects of whiplash injuries, it is important that neurological rehabilitation be a part of an overall comprehensive treatment approach. –Dr. Kukurin Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network 623.547.4727
treatment options for them?
that can resemble the twisted roots of a tree. They develop when the one-way valves in veins that carry blood to the heart are faulty. Blood backs up in the veins as a result and stretches the vein. Varicose veins are very common; anyone can develop varicose veins, but women are at a greater risk than men. Common symptoms of varicose veins are pain and swelling, night cramps, discoloration of the skin, tired legs with prolonged standing and popped up veins. Similar to varicose veins are spider veins, which are smaller and closer to the skin surface. Pregnancy, age and stretching of the veins are contributors to varicose veins. Being overweight, standing for long periods of time and wearing restrictive clothing are other contributors. There are a number of treatments that have been developed for varicose veins. The most modern available is called EVLT (endovenous laser ablation therapy). A laser is used in a 45-minute procedure to close the incompetent vein. This procedure is performed right at the facility under local anesthetics. Another of the many treatments offered is sclerotherapy, where a solution is injected into a vein to scar it and close it. Feeling good about oneself involves being happy about what is on the inside and outside. Hiding legs and feet due to varicose veins can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, especially as the weather warms. Contact us for more information. Dr. Sharma Arizona Vein & Laser Institute & Med Spa 602.298.VEIN(8346),602.298.LIPO(5476)
Q. How can you reduce anxiety about going to the dentist? A.
Dentists hear about fears and anxiety on a daily basis. It’s terrible to hear that patients have had experiences that have kept them from making their oral health a priority. Unfortunately, many people have had a bad experience visiting a dentist from bad customer service to poorly done work. However, that should not discourage you from taking care of your teeth and gums. The best way to decrease your dental anxiety is, of course, to find the right dentist that will take the time to get to know you and listen to your concerns. With the internet at our disposal, many feel overwhelmed by the number of offices in their area. The best way to find a dentist that does quality work and treats their patients with care is by word of mouth. Ask your family and friends where they go and what they like about their dental office. Almost every dental office would be glad to answer your questions. Do not be afraid to call and ask what treatments they provide. Calling in is also a great way to gauge their customer service and their scheduling availability. If you know your fear is bigger than just finding the right office, you can speak with the office about what they offer to make their patients comfortable. If they can win you over with headphones, eye masks or a movie, it is great to know that they prioritize your comfort.
Q. Can people multi-task successfully?
increase my risk of heart disease?
A. According to newer studies, experiments show that while we think we can handle several tasks at once, most of us cannot.
Kat McGowan, who recently summarized the research of three professionals in an article,“Meet the Supertaskers,” (Psychology Today, 2014), stated, “The very concept of multi-tasking is a myth. Our brains don’t do two things at once; instead, we rapidly switch between tasks, putting heavy burdens on attention, memory and focus.” Cognitive psychologist, David Strayer, an attention specialist, found that only 2.5 percent of the population he studied had the exceptional ability to juggle two demanding tasks at the same time without mishap. The studies of Adam Gazzaley, neurologist and neuroscientist, further emphasized that juggling tasks without making mistakes relies on the ability to weed out distractions, which is what super-taskers are able to do. Daphne Bavelier, a brain and cognitive scientist, offers evidence that focus and attention are malleable, can be strengthened and those who consistently (but not addictively) took part in action videos “…handle multiple streams of information efficiently.” Should we strive to be multi-taskers? According to McGowan’s article, it turns out that those who multi-task the most are the least able to handle it. They have poorer memories, more difficulty switching tasks and are worse at filtering out irrelevant information. To be most successful, focus on one task at a time and block off as many sources of distraction and interruption as possible to get demanding, important work done.
– Dr. Kim Litchfield Dental Care 623.738.3027
Q. Does sleep-disordered breathing
–Dr. Benson Excel Brain Fitness Center 602.451.8043
A. Restful sleep is like a respite for your body. The body doesn’t shut off completely, but while asleep it is allowed to rest from the normal pace at which it must function during the day. The heart needs this well-deserved relaxation. However, just as the body relaxes, so does the airway. If you suffer from sleepdisordered breathing (SDB), instead of getting a restful sleep, your body is shocked awake every time your airway becomes obstructed. The rush of adrenaline to wake you causes your heart to beat faster and taxes its functioning. A rapid heartbeat causes the blood to attempt to circulate faster through the body, resulting in high blood pressure. The National Institutes of Health determined in 2000 that “people with obstructive sleep apnea are at special risk for high blood pressure.” The Journal of the American Medical Association reported, “Middle-aged adults with sleep apnea have a 45 percent higher risk of high blood pressure than people without the condition.” The endothelial lining of the coronary vessels helps regulate circulation of blood cells is affected by the imbalance in nitric oxide that a lack of oxygen creates. The journal Sleep links the dysfunction of endothelial lining to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty material and plaque in the arteries thus causing coronary artery disease. Lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain is the primary cause of ischemic stroke. SDB compromises blood flow and oxygen, increasing the likelihood of a stroke.
–Dr. Croft Vistancia Orthodontics 623.566.0800 azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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GET ANSWERS
expert talk
Q. How is pain is generated and
Q. How can I control eye allergy
A. When you experience pain, your brain receives the pain signal through the nerves of your body. The peripheral nervous system starts from the spinal cord, and branch out to all of the body organs and tissues. As a network of nerves, the peripheral nerve collects and sends information to your brain. The brain analyses the information, then sends the signal back through peripheral nerve to decide the appropriate response of the body.
A. One of the best things about living in Arizona is the weather. Unfortunately with our beautiful weather comes allergies. It seems that no matter what time of year, something is always blooming. With spring just around the corner allergies will increase greatly.
managed?
As the communication between the brain and body, the nerves are responsible for bringing pain signal to the brain. When we suffer pain from muscle and bone, the muscle and bone do not send pain signal to the brain, but the nerve tissues surround them do so. When you experience muscle soreness after a heavy workout, it does not mean your muscle is hurt, it is the nerves that around the muscles that have the conversation between the brain and the muscle. Acupuncture has been considered an effective treatment for many kinds of pain. According to study on pain management, there are processes that help to explain the effect of acupuncture. Acupuncture points, those strategy body points spread around the body are related to the pathway of the nerve signal. While being stimulated by the acupuncture needle, the acupuncture points affect the brain or the central nervous system to produce more pain control hormones or chemicals. These chemicals affect the transfer of the pain signal and improve the body’s tolerance to pain. According to the principle of the Oriental Medicine, the stimulation improves the innate and healing ability of the body. Studies have suggested acupuncture provides pain relief and functional recovery of osteoarthritis knee. –Dr. Jack Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network 623.972.8400
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symptoms?
Common signs and symptoms of allergies include red, swollen or itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing or sneezing, itchy nose mouth or throat and possible headache from sinus congestion. Allergies affect between 30 to 50 percent of people in the U.S. and of those about 75 percent have symptoms that affect the eyes. The most effective method is to control allergies is to avoid those things that cause your allergy symptoms. This is definitely easier said than done. If you can’t avoid the allergen then you need to try medications. Medications that can greatly alleviate the symptoms of eye allergies can be as simple as an over-the-counter eye wash to “rinse” the offending allergen away or may need to be a prescribed eye drop or oral medication.
–Dr. Baird The Village Eyecare 623.931.2943
Q. What are the benefits of a brow lift? A. If you are bothered by a sagging forehead
or expression lines in the brow region, a brow lift may be right for you. A Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon can help you determine which of the following type of brow lift is right for your face. Minimally-invasive brow lift. Typically, the most evident sign of brow aging is descent and hooding of the outer third of the eyebrow. This exaggerates the wrinkling of the upper eyelid skin. The lateral brow (outer portion) usually descends more than the medial brow because that portion of the brow has no direct attachments to the forehead muscles or skull. This technique is used to lift the lateral portion of the eyebrow (up toward the temples). The procedure can be performed inoffice and no IV sedation is required. When combined with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), this technique is effective in preserving or restoring facial harmony. Full brow lift. This surgery is more comprehensive. It is designed to address the entire forehead and improves eyebrow position, forehead wrinkles, wrinkles high on the bridge of the nose and frown lines. Light IV sedation is required for this procedure. In this procedure, the whole forehead is mobilized. The muscles that produce the deep vertical wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows, (“the angry 11’s”) are partially removed. The result is a dramatic improvement and provides a freshened, revitalized look with a natural appearance. –Drs. Pamela & Gael DeRouin Dermacare Cosmetic Surgery 602.680.5348
Q. What is the newest in regenerative treatments for pain?
A. For many years, stem cells have been one of the hottest topics of medical research. Many believe that these primary building blocks of our bodies have an unlimited regenerative potential. Amniotic fluid is rich in stem cells. It is also full of healing growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). In addition, it has specialized proteins and collagen fibers essential for tissue repair. Medical research shows that all of this together provides supportive clinical benefits by charging the body's natural regenerative processes. Amniotic fluid is harvested from planned cesarean section births and no fetal cells are utilized. Without any fetal cells, amniotic fluid does not raise the same ethical concerns associated with stem cells. Amniotic fluid is the next step in regenerative medicine. Currently it is used for chronic wounds especially wounds caused by venous insufficiency and diabetes. Acute wounds can be treated to prevent or decrease scarring. Amniotic fluid also has a wide use in sports medicine. It is used to treat joints sprains, strains and tendonitis. Surgeons have begun using it as well to increase healing and for reducing scar formation in spine, pelvic and abdominal surgeries. Research is still in its infancy but very promising outcomes have been observed. I have almost 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine with prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma therapy and now amniotic fluid treatments and am truly excited about the outcomes.
–Dr. Lundquist Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center 623.535.9777
Q. I was diagnosed with macular degeneration. What is it and what does it mean? A. You are not alone. Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years old in the U.S. ARMD is defined as the gradual destruction to the most photosensitive portion of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for our clear, sharp, detailed vision. ARMD can be dry or wet. Dry ARMD is a gradual wasting away of the macula with a slow, progressive visual loss. Wet ARMD can occur in any stage of dry ARMD and characterized by the formation of leaky blood vessels that lead to a hemorrhage. ARMD has many associated risk factors such as smoking and genetics, but increased age is the most common.
Q. Are there non-surgical options for a face and neck lift? A. There is a new generation skintightening device leading the way in the fight against sagging jowls, turkey neck and tired eyes. Ultherapy is a nonsurgical treatment designed to lift, tighten and firm the skin of the face and neck. It is drastically different in its tightening and lifting ability because it not only tightens skin, but also the deep muscular layers underneath. The same foundational layers typically addressed in a surgical facelift. Ultherapy is the first ultrasound technology to receive FDA clearance for a non-surgical brow, jowl and neck lift. Single areas may be treated or full face and neck for a more complete lift. A visible lift is commonly seen immediately following the procedure, with optimal results occurring over three to six months. There are no pre or post treatment restrictions. No down time, surgery, incisions, injections or scars and it is done in 60 minutes. Technology is providing amazing ways to stay safely looking young!
You will not go completely blind with ARMD. ARMD only affects central vision and your peripheral vision will remain intact. There are steps to take to minimize the damage. Eating dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, can help to increase the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, which play a role in maintaining a healthy macula. Using eye vitamins with the AREDS formula has shown to slow down the progression of dry ARMD in people who already have it. However, the use of eye vitamins as a preventative measure has not been proven and is not recommended. The use of ocular injections of anti VEGF medications is the standard of care in wet ARMD.
Ultherapy drives sound waves into skin and deeper support structures that tighten existing collagen and stimulate more collagen growth over the next three to six months. This device utilizes ultrasound energy to visualize the area being treated then accurately delivers pinpoint energy to focused structural layers of collagen.
Vladimir Yevseyenkov, O.D., Ph.D. Midwestern University Eye Institute 623.537.6000
–Dr. Maltais Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead 602.843.4040 azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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MEET OUR health partners
Dr. Kukurin
Dr. Sharma
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.
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.
Kukurin Chiropractic & Acupuncture kcpv.info| 623.547.4727
Arizona Vein & Laser Institute arizonaveinandlaser.com | 602.298.5476
Dr. Maltais
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. Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead physicianskinarrowhead.com | 602.843.4040
Dr. Walman
Dr. Wong
Peter Wong, D.O., specializes in women’s health at the Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic in Glendale, Ariz. He graduated from MWU’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at the New York Downtown Hospital/ Weill-Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Wong’s special interests include abnormal Pap smear management, obstetrical care and menopause. He is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic mwuclinics.com |623.537.6000
Dr. Wen
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.
Stanley Wen, MD, board certified, Family Practice Medicine, received his biology degree from the University of Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He moved to Goodyear with his family in 2004. While working for Banner Estrella Medical Center, Dr. Wen witnessed the shortage of primary care physicians and the long waits for patients. This prompted his desire to open a family clinic and, in December 2008, Sage Health Family Medicine was born.
Walman Eye Center walmaneye.com | 602.222.2020
Sage Health Family Medicine esagehealth.com| 623.535.3857
Dr. Lundquist
Dr. Croft
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.
Devin Croft graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. He practiced for two years as a general dentist in Minnesota before entering an orthodontic residency at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he earned a master’s of science in Oral Biology and specialty certificate in Orthodontics. Dr. Croft is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Dentistry, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is a diplomat of the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Dentistry and is working toward his diplomat status for the American Association of Orthodontics.
Active Life Physical Medicine and Pain Center PLLC activelifepaincenter.com | 623.535.9777
Vistancia Orthodontics vistanciaortho.com | 623.566.0800
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Dr.'s Pamela and Gael DeRouin Pamela DeRouin, M.D., and Gael DeRouin, D.O., are co-owners of Dermacare Cosmetic Surgery in Goodyear. Dr. Pamela DeRouin is a board-certified physician who has practiced in the Phoenix area since 1999. She has a special interest in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine and is a member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. . Gael DeRouin is a well-accomplished surgeon with more than 20 years of training and experience. He holds dual board certifications in both Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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Dr. Baird
Brian O. Baird, Optometrist, has has been practicing full scope optometry for more than 10 years. Dr. Baird was born and raised in Provo, Utah, and completed his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University. He obtained his Doctorate of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. Dr.
Baird owned and operated Polson Family Eyecare, in Polson, Mont., for seven years before selling that practice and moving to the sunny state of Arizona in November 2007. Dr. Baird has been practicing in Surprise more than two years. His hobbies include spending time with his family, running and being outdoors.
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Dr. Payne Dale Payne, M.D., Ph.D, FACS, specializes in cardiac surgery, vascular surgery and thoracic surgery. Dr. Payne attended medical school at Ohio State University College of Medicine and graduated in 1979. Dr. Payne received Cardiac Surgery and Thoracic Surgery training at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Payne also has successfully treated hundreds of patients with venous disease. Arizona Vein & Laser Institute arizonaveinandlaser.com | 623.249.2710
Dr. Qiu
Dr. Kim
Dr. Kim has been practicing general dentistry for 12 years, including implants and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. He graduated from New York University with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and completed a general practice residency at St. Barnabas Hospital. Dr. Kim has a strong passion for dentistry and caring for his patients. He believes in developing a trusting relationship with his patients and helping them feel relaxed in his care. In his free time, Dr. Kim enjoys traveling with his wife and their two children.
Litchfield Dental Care LitchfieldDentalCare.com| 623.738.3027
Dr. Yevseyenkov
reach their health goals. He has been practicing in the West Valley since November 2011.
Vladimir Yevseyenkov, O.D., Ph.D., specializes in low vision and vision rehabilitation at the Midwestern University Eye Institute in Glendale, Ariz. He has experience from the Chicago Lighthouse Institute and Illinois Eye Institute and is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Dr. Yevseyenkov’s special interests include low vision rehabilitation, hereditary eye disorders, and vascular diseases of the eye.
Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network litchfield-park-chiropractic.com | 623.972.8400
Midwestern University Eye Institute mwuclinics.com /az/ei |623.537.6000
Dr. Jack Qiu is a board certified chiropractic physician and acupuncture practitioner. He received his training in Chinese Acupuncture and Tui Na therapeutic massage. His priority is to help his patients with quality care and to
azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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BUSINESS TALK
Q. As Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
marks its 30th year of operation in the West Valley, what is on tap for the new season?
A. Wildlife Zoo celebrated the beginning of its 30th anniversary year with the grand opening of an all-new, 15-acre safari park expansion. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured zoo guy, Jungle Jack Hanna, along with dozens of civic leaders, zoo visitors and members of the news media. The safari park is the largest expansion since the Wildlife World aquarium opened in 2008. This newest set of attractions increases developed areas to more than 75 acres and includes another dining option for guests. Once a few remaining animals arrive this spring, the safari park will feature a few known favorites and several brand new species including greater kudu, baboons, rock hyrax, wildebeest, Watusi cattle, cheetahs and more. It also features a new African lion habitat and a variety of African birds and other ungulates. Visitors can walk around the park and take a tram ride through several animal exhibits. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium receives zero taxpayer funding. No tax dollars have ever been spent to build or operate Wildlife World. We are extremely grateful for three decades of visitor support from the hundreds of thousands of guests to Wildlife World each year. They have made our growth and demonstrated commitment to ever improving animal well-being in a family friendly and fun environment possible. Be sure to look for more exciting 30th year anniversary announcements!
– Dr. Grey Stafford Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium wildlifeworld.com
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Q. Can wheatgrass help your heart? A. Any disorder of the heart that affects its capability of functioning normally can be termed as a heart disease. Blocking or narrowing of the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), which supply blood to the heart, is the most common cause of heart disease known as coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis results from excess plaque – fat deposits on the walls of the blood vessels that cause hardening of the arteries. A study conducted on the benefits of wheatgrass for heart disease and published in the May 2010 issue of Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, found that supplementation with wheatgrass in subjects consuming high-fat diets resulted in improved blood cholesterol levels. This study involved 30 animal subjects. The authors noted the antioxidant effects of wheatgrass appeared to be responsible for the decreasing of total blood cholesterol levels and increasing the good HDL cholesterol and vitamin C blood levels. Another benefit of wheatgrass is transhydrogenase, which strengthens the heart muscle and SOD, a cellular repair agent. If you consider taking wheatgrass for a medical condition such as heart disease, you should first talk to your health care provider. Ann Wigmore, an early proponent of wheatgrass, noted a major reason for wheatgrass's effectiveness is the significant amount of chlorophyll, which helps increase the oxygen supply to the heart.
Q. My mother needs some help but is
always reluctant to have a “stranger” in her home when I suggest trying home care services. How can I convince her to try having a caregiver in her home?
A. Many folks are wary of having someone they do not know well in their home and some can be hesitant to accept outside help when it is time. Why not give your mother the gift of care for Valentine’s Day this year? Not only is it a way to show your love and concern for her well-being, but it can be a useful way to introduce her to the idea of having regular help. Sun Cities CareGivers carefully screens all employees and we match caregiver and client to assure a successful working relationship. We offer gift certificates for two hours of service or longer and can assist with household chores, meal preparation, personal care or transportation to appointments, shopping and social outings. For more information about our company, rates and service please, call or visit our website at www.sccaregivers.com. Happy Valentine’s Day from everyone at Sun Cities CareGivers!
Wheatgrass is a powerful detoxifying agent, which rids the body of harmful toxins and fights free radicals. Use Best Organic Wheatgrass (roots and leaves combined) as your heart healthy supplement. – Ken & Barb Hall Best Organic Wheatgrass 1.888.260.GREEN (4733) bestorganicwheatgrass.com
–Lola Judy Sun Cities CareGivers 623.974.2397
Q. Why should I advertise my business? A. No matter how wonderful your service or product is, if you don't advertise, nobody will know. The goal of advertising should be to cost effectively reach the largest audience possible to attract new patients/customers. If done correctly, advertising can be a wonderful investment; if done poorly, advertising can become financially draining. Here are four tips to start a successful advertising plan: 1.. Go after your target audience; in the right places! No product or service will appeal to everyone. Do research to understand who your audience is and determine what they read, watch and listen to. Find your market and be everything you can be to that audience. 2.. Highlight your competitive advantage; what makes you unique? Find your competitive edge. Too many ads highlight all the features and services and fail to sell their specific benefits. Unless you highlight these benefits, how can you deliver value to potential patients/customers? 3.. Establish your image. You have a car full of hungry kids and there are only two places to stop for lunch; you recognize the McDonald’s arches but you have never heard of the other place. Where will you stop? Image counts; don’t lose a chance to make an impression. 4. You have to spend money to make money. Advertising is not the place to cut corners. Doing so affects the bottom line. Successful advertising may cost some money, but that is because it works. – Great Central Sun Media Group 602.335.0771
Q. Are there any side effects to longterm, un-treated hearing loss? A. There are side effects to living with hearing loss. These problems can compound over time and become even more difficult to correct. Early detection is very important. Some of the problems associated with longterm hearing loss are acoustic atrophy and dementia. Acoustic atrophy comes from living without hearing certain sounds for long periods of time. Your brain can lose its ability to interpret certain sounds that are not presented to it on a regular basis. This can affect the ability to understand specific speech sounds and a person’s overall ability to communicate. It can also create a problem known as recruitment. This is an issue where someone experiences discomfort with loud sounds sooner than they should due to the absence of that sound over time. Recruitment is something that can be overcome through appropriate instrumentation and counseling. There are several aural rehabilitation programs available There are several studies that show a direct link between untreated hearing loss and dementia. This is an issue that would need to be discussed with your medical doctor in order to obtain all of the facts. In many cases, screening for hearing loss will cost you little to nothing out of pocket and can significantly increase your chances of a successful fitting of instruments. Contact your local hearing healthcare professional today and schedule a test.
Become one of our expert or business talk partners. Together we can make a difference. To learn more, call 602.348.9894 or email healthychatter@
– Brian Emery Emery Hearing Centers State Licensed HIS 623.792.7151
azhealthandliving.com.
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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.
Results
"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 AZH&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. Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Nutrition Network
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LIFESTYLE & LIVING
“ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.� ~ Matthew 6:33 Make God your top priority. Put God first and all else will fall into place.
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FITNESS, NUTRITION & SPORTS
STAY ACTIVE & FIT
By MS
Easy Ways to Find Time for Exercise
M
any men and women cite hectic schedules as the primary reason they fail to get enough exercise Commitments to work and family may dominate your schedule, but daily exercise can drastically reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and help reduce stress. Exercise can vastly improve quality of life and even life expectancy, it is imperative that even the busiest men and women find time to exercise several times per week. The following are a handful of ways to do just that.
Transform your commute
Daily exercise can improve your quality of life while significantly reducing your risk for potentially deadly diseases. Even the busiest men and women can find time to exercise every day when motivated to do so.
Many men and women find their commutes to be a significant waste of time. Instead of sitting in traffic or napping on public transportation, consider transforming your daily commute into an exercise regimen. If you live close to your office, ride your bicycle to work each day rather than driving or taking the bus or train. If that is not an option, avoid working during your commute so you are not stressing out on your way into or home from the office. Instead, spend your commute listening to an audiobook in the car or reading a book if you take public transportation. Use your commute as an opportunity to exercise, ease into your day or unwind after a long day rather than extending the workday.
Make the most of your lunch hour Many working professionals are aware that a big lunch in the middle
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of the day can drain them of energy and make the afternoon crawl. So instead of indulging in a big lunch, use your lunch hour to squeeze in a workout. If your company has an on-site fitness facility, visit it during your lunch hour. If not, walk around the campus during lunch instead of sitting at your desk. Exercising during your lunch hour is a great way to squeeze in a workout and chances are your afternoon productivity will benefit from your midday workout.
Get up early Many who exercise in the morning often rave about the impact such workouts have on the rest of their days. While it might not be easy to rise when it is still dark, waking up as little as 30 minutes before you normally do can work wonders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and some muscle-strengthening activities that focus on all the major muscle groups on two or more days per week. Setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier and making the most of that dusty fitness equipment in the basement is all that stands between you and a much healthier lifestyle. Once you get used to exercising in the early morning hours, you might realize just how much more energy you have throughout the day and how little you miss that extra sleep in the morning.
The Nutritive Power of Apples By MS
Who has not heard the old adage, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? It may seem unlikely that one fruit could be so effective at maintaining good health, but apples really are a super food. Apples are a member of the Rose family and are related to pears, peaches, apricots and plums. Though considered a fall fruit, apples can be enjoyed year-round thanks to commercial food production and importing. Apart from being sweet, sometimes sour and refreshingly crisp, apples pack a number of nutritional benefits. Research has shown that apples can help to reduce a person's risk of heart disease and help those with diabetes. In addition, apples can help fight cancer and prevent dental problems. According to new information from long-running studies published in the British Medical Journal, eating at least two servings a week of whole fruit, particularly apples, blueberries or grapes, reduces a person's risk for type 2 diabetes by around 23 percent. Apples are high in many antioxidants and, as a result, this makes them especially valuable at fighting illness. For example, the disease-fighting compounds in antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers by neutralizing free radicals. Apples also are very high in fiber. Fiber is needed to help a person feel full and can regulate digestive function. Fiber also can help reduce cholesterol by preventing the buildup of cholesterol-causing plaques in the blood vessels, improving cardiovascular function and possibly reducing risk of a stroke as a result. In addition to working their magic inside of the body, apples can have a noticeable impact on physical appearance, as well. Apples are sometimes referred to as "nature's toothbrushes" because they can brighten and clean the teeth. The crisp, abrasive texture stimulates the gums and removes debris from the teeth. In addition, the natural mild acidity of apples helps to stimulate saliva production that can rinse away germs that lead to plaque. An apple weighs in at less than 100 calories per serving, making them a low-fat and ideal snack any time of the day. Because they are low in calories and full of fiber, apples can help men and women maintain a healthy weight. azhealthandliving.com |February 2014
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FAMILY, KIDS & RELATIONSHIPS
BE PRESENT
By Dr. Howard J. Rankin, author, clinical psychologist and president of the American Brain Association
10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Relationship Better Ask yourself, do I want to be right or do I want to be happy? In many arguments, there is no right or wrong, merely different perceptions. However, couples will often get to the point where they are just trying to prove their point and win the argument, rather than genuinely listen and try to solve the problem. This is a failing tactic for two reasons: 1) Even if you come up with a brilliant, winning point, your partner’s not likely to accept it—at least not right away. The effective communicator gets the other person to own the idea, not force it down his or her throat. 2) Trying to win merely polarizes the partners and feeds their anger and resentment, making the discussion very unproductive if not downright destructive.
In general, try to create a positive environment for communication If you want anyone, your partner in particular, to talk about his innermost feelings and thoughts, you have to create an environment in which he feels safe doing so. Early in my career I was working with a couple where the wife complained that her husband did not communicate with her—and sure enough, he sat silently through several counseling sessions. During our fourth session, he finally opened up and his wife immediately attacked what he was saying. He promptly stood up, said, ‘That’s why I never say anything,’ and left, never to be seen again.
Do not take arguments at face value
Talking things out is the best and most effective way of resolving conflicts. If you cannot do it, you will surely resort to less effective and more destructive ways of expressing your feelings.
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Few arguments are what they appear to be about on the surface. This is important to realize, especially if you and your partner are having the same argument repeatedly. The truth is that arguments about trivial things, like laundry, are generally about control. Even conflicts about sex and money are really about control. Once you know that control is a problem issue you will at least have a clue as to how to address it. Of course, in a relationship, both partners cannot have 51 percent all the time. Still, if there is a mutual sense that control is by and large equitably distributed, these sorts of arguments are much less likely to occur.
Let your partner finish what he or she is saying Things are headed south when partners start interrupting each other. It is a sign that at least the interrupting partner is out to win and has stopped listening.
Do not bring other people’s views into the argument It can feel good to hash out your relationship issues with your mother, your best friend or around the water cooler at work. However, it is not helpful to drag their opinions into a heated discussion with your partner. Consider this: It is unlikely your friends will disagree with you, especially as you almost certainly presented only your side of the incident. Chances are you have never had someone say to you, “I polled 100 random people I don’t know, presented both sides of the argument in a balanced way and 63 percent of those polled agreed with me.” It is not helpful to drag other people into a discussion that should be between you and your partner only. What you are doing is trying to create witnesses for your point of view as if you were in front of a judge. You might want to reconsider your “let it all hang out” policy altogether. The problem with discussing sensitive relationship issues with your friends, family and coworkers is that it influences their attitude toward your partner, which will not change after you have reconciled.
Remind yourself: You are not in front of a judge Some people argue with their partners as if they were addressing the judge and jury. This tactic will not get you very far. Here is why: Your partner is not a coolly objective third party or a computer. Your Spock-like logic is wasted on him, especially in the heat of the moment. Every productive communication is about emotion and respect, rather than dispassionate logic. Remember, people are emotional beings with the ability to rationalize, not logical beings with feelings.
Do not bring up ancient history To some extent, this argument tactic reflects a gender difference. Typically, women are more likely to see the patterns in events with emotional significance so that today’s transgression resonates with many similar occasions in the past. Men do not get this and think their partners are being irrelevant and overly critical. Here is the bottom line: Given that memory is imperfect, influenced by the present, unless this transgression is an exact repetition of past behavior and represents a destructive pattern of behavior, leave past events out of current discussions.
Speaking of gender differences… realize they exist No doubt about it: Men and women are made differently and this truth is the source of many pitfalls. In general, women see the world in terms of connections and relationships, men see it in terms of status and power. This leads to some interesting
differences in communication—even in the meaning of words. For example, the word “sorry” to a woman often connotes empathy whereas for men it is more likely to mean a confession or an apology. A well-intentioned man can make a sarcastic comment to his wife, which amongst his male friends would be the cause for laughter and bonding. Unfortunately, said to his wife, these words can create anger and hurt.
Extend the fuse Once the brain chemicals that underpin anger and frustration get going, it is hard, if not impossible, to stop them. So one mutual goal in sensitive discussions should be to “extend the fuse,” because once it has been lit, the argument is going nowhere productive. The longer you can stay respectful and manage your emotions, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Avoid abuse and threats and NEVER use the D-word It should go without saying that the first signs of abuse or threat end any chance of a useful discussion. Constantly bringing up the threat of divorce in every argument is not helpful—and constantly making threats as an arguing tactic but never following through on them is likely to backfire as they lose any potential power they might have after a while. In general people vary in their ability to present arguments, in their communication and influence skills—but don’t rejoice too much if you happen to be better than your partner at this. If one partner feels overmatched in a verbal discussion, he or she simply won’t compete and will find other ways of expressing themselves—like passive-aggressiveness, deceit or other ways of acting out.
Ten Things Not to Take on a Romantic Interlude ª Children
ª Portable TV
ª In-laws
ª Work
ª Friends
ª Two Cars
ª Laptops
ª Pets
ª Cell Phones
ª Electronic Games
azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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SPECIAL FEATURE
ENJOY LIFE
Valentine's Day Gift Guide
Perfectly balanced exfoliators that will leave her skin hydrated, soft and kissably-smooth.
Isola Body Scrubs
www.isolabody.com
Capture the spark with
Forever Brilliant Earrings
www.moissanite.com Win his heart with a meaningful,“manly” accessory that includes an inspirational word/saying or name/date of choice.
Custom Leather Cuff
www.lisaleonardonline.com
Quickly set the mood with these rich soot-free aromas! Eucalyptus Mint (NEW), Bamboo Green Tea and Island Spa and Vanilla.
Isola's 100% soy candles www.isolabody.com
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February 2014| azhealthandliving.com
Give the gift of relaxation with the pink mat and pillow from Bed of Nails! Featured on the Dr. Oz show, this legendary concept in modern day form stimulates acupressure points with over 8,000 non-toxic plastic spikes.
Bed of Nails Pink Mat & Pillow
www.bedofnails.org Impressed App is offering a Limited Edition Valentine’s Day book design perfect for telling your romantic story. Users can create photo books from their iPad by uploading and combining photos with their own voice recordings —making a unique gift!
Impressed App
www.impressedapp.com
Embrace her spirituality with this chic accessory collection, enveloping a spiritual meaning of each piece. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the homeless!
Grace Cayre Collection www.gracecayre.com
This 3-inch hand-cast pewter heart, tied with a ribbon color of your choosing can be handstamped with names, dates or special phrases —a forever keepsake!
Pewter Heart Wall Hanging
www.lisaleonardonline.com
To Be A woman: 31 Powerful Essences to Awaken Your True Self by Vanda Teixeira is a nightstand keeper! This book of love, honor and wisdom takes the reader through a spiritual journey of discovery, adventure and growth —a beautiful gift for all women!
To Be A woman: 31 Powerful Essences to Awaken Your True Self
www.tobeawoman.co
Send thoughtful, real gifts quickly using a smartphone or the web.
Yiftee
www.yiftee.com
azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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FAMILY, KIDS & RELATIONSHIPS
BE PRESENT
By Yuval Kaminka, founder of JoyTunes, (www.JoyTunes.com)
5 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Play a Musical Instrument Even during the frustrating times, don’t let your child give up. Imagine if Mozart’s parents let him throw in the towel, we may have lost one of the greatest talents the world has ever known!
E
ighty-five percent of the population wished they learned to play an instrument, but gave up from the frustration of learning the basics. Mastering an instrument takes time, dedication, discipline and concentration—it is no wonder getting a child interested in playing—and practicing—an instrument is not an easy task!
Get Involved. Be actively engaged in your child’s music
This is especially true today, with seemingly unlimited distractions taking up attention spans. Learning a musical instrument is just not at the top of many children’s priority list of preferred activities. In order for a child to become interested in playing an instrument they need to be engaged, be motivated and have fun!
Enroll with an Expert. Choose a teacher that encourages
Not only is learning to play an instrument a rewarding experience, research from Brown University shows that children who play an instrument perform better on standardize tests and have overall higher IQ scores than their non-musical counterparts. This is because learning music stimulates brain function used to understand math, science and engineering.
lessons. Ask to hear what piece your child is working on, if they learned any new skills recently or if they know facts about the composer, they are playing. Make sure they are staying committed to their practice time and reassure them that their hard work will pay off!
and inspires your musician in training. A good music teacher will get children more interested in playing and practicing, as well as make sure that your child is receiving proper instruction needed to master their craft.
Song Selection. Choose music that your child will enjoy playing. Yes, the classics are vital, but let us face it; your child would rather play the latest chart-topping pop song. The more they relate to a piece of music the more likely they will be driven to perfect playing that piece.
Be their Biggest Fan. Set aside special times for your
Pick Properly. Choosing the right instrument is perhaps
child’s performances – even if it’s just for one song in the living room. Create a system of rewards to encourage your child. Anything to encourage more practicing will help your child improve their skills, which in turn will make them more excited to continue to learn.
the most important way of getting children interested in playing music. If possible, have your child test out a few instruments before they choose a final one. While your child may think a certain instrument looks cool, a difficult instrument might intimidate them at first, so try something more basic when first starting out.
Investing time and energy into your child’s music education takes time and patience but is most certainly worthwhile. Sticking to their lessons, improving their skills and mastering an instrument will be something your children will thank you for in the future.
Here are five tips to help encourage your children to play an instrument.
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Photo Courtesy of JoyTunes
Develop Meaningful Friendships
Strong, trusting friendships are crucial to our sense of peace, happiness and well-being. However, many of us build walls to protect ourselves from hurt, fear, rejection, disapproval and other painful emotions –and that is natural. Some walls are healthy. However, the invisible walls we are often not even aware of prevent us from experiencing the honest, real relationships that can benefit us in many ways. Here are three ways to dismantle unhealthy walls to develop meaningful relationships. Identify the walls you have. We build walls in response to many things – real and perceived threats, fears, conditioning and rejection. Many of us put up walls to hide our weaknesses; if you have trouble asking for help, this may be you! Acknowledging and being honest about your weaknesses allowed you to grow stronger. In addition, asking for help from friends offers those friends the gratification of giving. Making a list of your walls and understanding why they are there is a good place to start the process.
Change Your Words. Change Your World. Sponsored by
If the wall is unhealthy, identify the steps necessary to dismantle it. Sometimes we erect walls to protect ourselves from ourselves. One of my walls revolved around being needed too much. I tend to take on a lot, then exhaust myself getting it all done so I built a wall to prevent people from seeing that I cannot do it all . I pushed away those I feared might demand too much of my time and energy. I dealt with that wall by setting limits with others and myself. I say no when I need to, which allows me to build friendships instead of pushing people away. Arm yourself with words of inspiration. Powerful words help when we need positive reinforcement or reassurance when the way ahead looks scary. Calling upon a quotation that you believe in provides both. Write down the quotes, Bible verses or other inspiration that have great meaning for you. Each day, read one, reflect upon the meaning, pray or meditate and contemplate the message it holds for you. These words will stick with you and you will have them to call upon when you need them. Creating deeper, honest friendships begins with opening our hearts to others. azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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CELEBRITY
ENJOY LIFE
By Lori Romano
Joel Osteen’s Message of Hope Rings Through the Valley
“God’s dream for your life is bigger than your own,” Pastor Joel Osteen told the sold-out crowd at Jobing.com arena. “I believe none of us are going to go out the way we came in.” Joel knows the power of God’s dream; as a child, he watched his father, John Osteen, inspire local parishioners from the pulpit of Lakewood Church. Though John often invited Joel to step up and preach, Joel always declined. “My father tried to get me up there to minister many, many times and I never felt like I had it in me,” Joel shares in an interview with Huffington Post. “He didn’t pressure me but he certainly asked me hundreds of times and I would always tell him no.” Joel left home to attend Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, majoring in radio and television communications. In 1982, he returned to Houston and helped his father create a television ministry. Though his father still invited and encouraged him to preach, Joel was content to stay behind the scenes, and imagined he would spend his life as a radio and TV producer. He spent the next 17 years producing his father’s televised sermons. When his father became ill, Joel felt compelled to face his own insecurities and continue spreading his father’s message. In 1999, Joel stepped up to the pulpit for the first time. When John Osteen passed away later that week, Joel began preaching full-time. He was installed as Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church later that year. Today, Joel and his wife, Victoria, are spreading a powerful message of faith, hope and encouragement to millions across the globe. Each day, the audience continues to grow. In fact, it grew so much that in 2005, Joel moved Lakewood Church to the Compaq Center, a 16,000-seat area that once housed the Houston Rockets professional basketball team. According to the stat sheet maintained by Andrea Davis, Senior Director of Media Relations at Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen Ministries, Joel currently has 1.3 million daily email subscribers, 210,000 direct mail recipients and more than 6 million audio and video podcast downloads per month. 52
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
He has 2 million Twitter followers and more than 5 million followers on Facebook—and that television ministry he created for his father 31 years ago is now seen by more than 10 million viewers around the globe every Sunday. In addition, Joel is a celebrated and world-renowned author. His first book, Your Best Life Now (2007), rose to #1 on The New York Times Bestsellers list, where it remained for the next two years. Other bestselling titles include The Christmas Spirit (2010), Become a Better You (2007), It’s Your Time (2009), Every Day a Friday (2011), I Declare (2012) and Break Out! (2013). Victoria Osteen’s Love Your Life: Living Happy, Healthy and Whole (2009) debuted at #2 on The New York Times Bestsellers List. Including other popular products such as calendars, devotionals and journals, Joel and Victoria have more than 30 titles and 22 million units published worldwide.
With all the pressure that comes from working such a hectic schedule and being in the spotlight, Joel and Victoria have achieved a great balance, both in their working lives and in their 26-year marriage. So, what is their secret?
“We keep a lot of humor and laughter in the home,” Joel shares with Huffington Post. “A lot of times these days, people let the stress of life take the joy from the home. When you can laugh and you can have joy, that’s very healthy. Victoria is easy going. She’s very spontaneous and fun. I can hear her laughter all through the house. It sets the tone for the house. I like someone who can laugh. The second thing is respect. We just do our best. We don’t always agree with each other but we make the decision that we want to treat each other with respect.” This healthy home life is what helps Joel face some of his toughest critics. Some accuse Joel of being a televangelist while completely ignoring the content of messages or the ways he goes the extra mile to connect with those who are drawn to his ministry. Phil Munsey, Senior Pastor of Life Church in Irvine, Calif., has witnessed Joel and Victoria’s dedication to the ministry firsthand. “Joel addresses addictions, bad habits, dysfunction, relationship issues, shame, ungodly self-images and other ‘sins’ people face,” Munsey writes in his article The Joel Osteen Most People Don’t Know for Charisma News. “Though rarely mentioned, Joel and Victoria do not take a salary from the church or ministry. Expenses like air transportation, hotels, even food, are paid by them personally. In fact, Joel and Victoria are Lakewood Church’s largest contributors…No one is perfect, but for 14 years, Joel has proven to be an honorable man giving honor to Christ.” Joel does not shy away from his critics. Instead, he chooses to see them as another challenge put in his path to help make him a better person and better servant. “When you’re in the public eye, there’s criticism, there’s judgment, there’s things written about you that’s not true,” Osteen shares in an interview with Huffington Post. “There are times, like any of us, we have to make a decision that my best days are still in front of me; I may be down but I’m not going to stay down. I’m going to get back up again. That’s the whole power of faith and trust and hope. You’ve got to have a spirit of determination and resolve that this is not going to defeat me…whether its cancer or disappointment or a divorce, you’ve just got to have that resolve because it’s easy to sink into depression. You start getting bitter. It’s using your faith in the wrong direction; your drawing in negativity and more bitterness and more discouragement. You’ve got to chance it. Just say: this was a bad break, this was not fair, but I’m still in control. Know that God can turn things around and use it to your advantage.” It is precisely this message of faith and determination that Joel and Victoria began to share on the road in 2004 with the launch of their Night of Hope events. Filled with music, worship, words of encouragement, special testimonies and Photos courtesy of Joel Osteen Ministries
inspiring messages, the two-and-a-half hour Night of Hope events have filled arenas in cities across the globe. In 2014, the Osteen’s will visit 11 cities on the Night of Hope tour. They kicked off the New Year with a visit to the Valley. “Happiness is a choice,” Joel told the Phoenix crowd. “How you start the year determines how the rest of the year will go…See each day as a gift from God. Get up in the morning and choose how you are going to live and I would encourage you to live happy.” 3TV reporter Karen Brown joined the more than 600 people who stood in line Thursday Jan. 2, at the Barnes & Noble near Shea Boulevard and Loop 101 for a chance to meet Joel in person at his Break Out! book signing. The event was just a small prelude to the Jan. 3 Night of Hope event, where more than 13,000 gathered to hear Joel’s message. “You know, I never dreamed I would be doing this,” Joel told Brown, during a short interview at the book signing. “You know, for many years I worked behind the scenes, but part of our message is that God’s dream for you are bigger than your own…I believe I talk about the everyday issues of life. I’m not here to beat people down, condemn people. I’m here to lift people up and let them know that they can overcome and get past mistakes. Our message is about lifting people up. There’s already enough pushing people down.” To learn more about the Osteen’s ministry, visit www.joelosteen.com. Tune in for the Sunday morning broadcast of the Lakewood Church service or follow Joel on Facebook and Twitter. azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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career, business & Finance
PLAN & SAVE
By MS
Tips for Couples Merging Finances
Though it is not always easy, merging finances early and discussing goals can ensure newlyweds get off on the right financial foot.
C
ombining finances can be a touchy subject for many couples, especially those who had not given much thought to their finances prior to tying the knot. However, there are steps couples can take to make the process of merging finances go more smoothly.
wedding, so avoid this potentially problematic pitfall by paying down existing debts with your newly merged finances.
Discuss finances early and often. Allowing finances
expenses like mortgage payments, food and utilities should be the responsibility of each partner and a joint account should be established to handle such expenses. When opening a joint account, discuss how much and how often each partner will contribute money. One partner might earn considerably more money. Therefore, work out a reasonable agreement that details how much each partner will contribute each month and whether such contributions will be made on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.
to be the elephant in the room is a mistake, as couples do not want to begin their lives together treading lightly around an issue as significant as finances. Couples should discuss their expenditures and spending habits as early as possible, as one of the biggest hurdles newly married couples must clear is coming to grips with one another's financial habits. If such habits have already been discussed, then developing a financial plan will be much easier once that time comes. When discussing finances, define both short-term and long-term goals and how each of you can adjust your spending habits to make those goals come true.
Pay off any debts. The cost of weddings has skyrocketed over the last several decades and many newlyweds find themselves in a considerable amount of debt upon returning from their honeymoons. When merging finances, couples should prioritize paying down such debt, it is a significant source of stress for newlyweds and long-married couples alike. Newly married couples with little or no debt should avoid spending above their means in the months after they get married. Such spending is common, as newly married often want to fully furnish their new homes or reward themselves for pulling off their weddings. However, new debt can be just as stressful on a marriage as debt from the 54
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
Make a note of mutual expenses and open a joint account to pay for those expenses. Mutual
Make concessions for one another. When merging finances, couples often discover that they do not see eye to eye, on how each person spends money. Couples who successfully merge their finances often notice the importance of making concessions with regard to their partners' spending on certain hobbies or luxuries. As long as those hobbies are not putting couples in debt or jeopardizing their financial goals, couples can make concessions so their partners continue to be happy and enjoy their favorite activities. Merging finances is an issue that looms for many newlyweds or couples about to tie the knot. Though it is not always easy, merging finances early and discussing goals can ensure newlyweds get off on the right financial foot.
Your Best Marketing Tool is Still the Most Basic One By Marsha Friedman, author of Celebritize Yourself
New concepts are constantly emerging in marketing. There is a lot to be said for new strategies, but it sometimes seems people are dazzled by novel approaches. They forget there’s one enduring strategy that never fails — and that is Honesty. You can only do so much telling customers and prospective clients about who and what you are. At some point, you have to show them—and if the experience you provide doesn’t match with how you have represented yourself, company, practice, product or book, they will not only walk away—but most likely take others with them. There are many ways your honesty or lack of it can be revealed. Here are a few top marketing strategies. Be honest about what you can do—and what you cannot. There is usually a way around an obstacle if you are flexible and creative in problem-solving. However, when you cannot make something happen — be honest and maintain your integrity! Keep your word. If you offer a “money back guarantee,” honor it upon request. If you say you will pay a referral fee, pay it immediately. If you say, you will have something done by a certain date, move earth to meet the deadline. If for some reason you cannot, let the customer know, tell them why and be prepared to help mitigate the consequences if possible. (The corollary rule on deadlines is do not promise more than you can deliver!) Remember, there is a fine line between attention getting and trickery. In marketing, the competition for attention is overwhelming, so we draw upon all of our creativity to make ourselves stand out. That is fine. Tricking people is not. In fact, some tricks — like the old bait-and-switch tactic — amount to fraud. Others may not have legal consequences but can be just as damaging. It boils down to the Golden Rule for business — do unto your clients, customers and prospects as you would like done unto you. Sometimes, it requires some hard decisions but in the end, integrity is the most valuable marketing tool in your arsenal. azhealthandliving.com |February 2014
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Budget & Save
Career. business & finanCe By V. Michael Santoro and John S. Rizzo, co-authors of Niche Dominance: Creating Order Out of Your Digital Marketing Chaos
I
Protecting Your Online Business Reputation t happens all the time - the hardworking crew at a small business loses customers thanks to the sour grapes of one person.
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. According to a recent study from Nielsen’s, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy. Online consumer reviews are the second most trusted form of advertising with 70 percent of global consumers surveyed online indicating they trust this platform. 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.
Negative reviews are damaging but positive reviews can be equally constructive.
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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. Here is a four-step Internet reputatiom marketing solution to protect your small busines online.
Develop a 5-Star Reputation Begin by having your satisfied customers post great reviews about your business. Strive to have at least 10. Have each post to one of the following: Google Plus, YP.com, Yelp, Super Pages, Local, Citysearch, your Facebook Fan page, etc. This needs to be a continuous process. Proactively ask your customers to post reviews.
Market Your Reputation 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.
Manage Your Reputation 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 they are not picked up by Google Alerts. 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.
You don’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 • adoptuskids.org
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SENIOR LIVING
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands that the word of God be not blasphemed.� ~ Titus 2:1-5
azhealthandliving.com |February 2014
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aging well
STAY HEALTHY
By Betty Hechtman, author of Cozy Mysteries and Yarn to Go
Now’s the Time for a Heartfelt Encore Finding work that feeds the soul
T
hey are called second acts, encore careers or reinventing yourself – the completely new and different jobs people take in midlife or later.
Today, making that jump is more likely to be a matter of following the heart than it was during the throes of the economic recession, when professionals caught up in corporate layoffs discovered they were too old to find jobs in a poor market and too young to retire. They started second careers not to follow a vocation but to pay the bills.
No matter what age you are, if there is work you feel called to, you should give it a try — you may experience a joy unlike any you have ever known. Here are a few tips for people considering an encore.
Do Your Homework
No matter what age you are, if there is work you feel called to, you should give it a try — you may experience a joy unlike any you have ever known. 60
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
There is nothing more disappointing them jumping in to something new only to become disillusioned and frustrated because you did not take the time to prepare. If your dream is to open a particular business, research the market. Is there a demand for what you hope to sell? Should you give it a trial run as an online business before investing in shop space and other overhead? Start by checking the resources at score.org, a nonprofit supported by more than 12,000 volunteers dedicated to helping small businesses off the ground. For other encore pursuits, you might take classes or spend a few hours a week working as a volunteer to learn the ropes.
Join a group of like-minded people This is particularly helpful for aspiring artists who want to paint, play music, write a book or indulge some other creative talent. You can brush up on your skills and make valuable contacts by becoming a part of a community, joining a writers circle or finding a group of hobbyists. You may find your skills develop much more quickly with the support and guidance of collegial peers who are all helping one another achieve a dream.
Consider working in one of the five most popular encore fields Most people seek their second careers in health, education, government, environment and nonprofits — all fields expected to provide abundant job opportunities in the next couple of years, according to encore.org, a nonprofit that supports second careers “for the greater good”. If you need training to qualify, now is the time to get it. Invest now in the education and you can soon have a job that feeds the heart, the mind – and the body! azhealthandliving.com | February 2014
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aging well
STAY HEALTHY
By Thelma Zirkelbach, author of Stumbling Through the Dark, www.widowsphere.blogspot.com
Life After ‘Till Death Do Us Part’
P
erhaps the only bad thing about a lifelong romance is, eventually, someone has to pass on. Short of an unnatural occurrence – a violent crime, a suicide pact and a plane crash – a wife or husband will be forced to go on alone. After decades of shared life, love and happiness with your partner, surviving “till death do us part” can be as wandering lost in a foreign wilderness.
When you are grieving – whether your loved one is suffering from a terminal condition or he or she has recently passed – practical things like funeral arrangements, short to long-term financial issues or even what’s for dinner can seem very conceptual, abstract and far removed from what you are feeling. However, the biggest challenge is having no one with whom to share your life. Here are five areas in which couples can prepare for both the process of dying and life after death.
At the hospital We tend to take our health for granted until we do not feel well. Sometimes, it is something we cannot shake. When a spouse gets sick and requires extended hospital treatment, be ready for a shortage of parking, general uncertainty and an irregular schedule. 62
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Finances This can be one of the most difficult areas because, too often, couples do not prepare for the eventuality of a death well in advance. While older couples are more likely to be financially prepared for a death, younger couples are often caught blindsided by the loss of a spouse. Consider getting professional assistance from a financial expert.
Spirituality What is often put aside as secondary in daily life can quickly become the primary thought for someone who is grieving. Understanding each other’s views on matters of life and afterlife before a loss is helpful.
More things can still happen Just because one sad thing is happening to you does not cancel out the possibility of another one happening, which is even more reason to show love, regularly, to the people you care about the most.
The journey of letting go “To live in this world, You must be able … To love what is mortal…knowing…Your own life depends on it…And when the time comes to let it go...let it go,” Mary Oliver’s poem in Blackwater Woods.
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
©2004 American Heart Association Made possible in part by a generous grant from The Bugher Foundation.
June 2012 | azhealthandliving.com
SATURDAY 1 9th Annual Sedona Marathon
8 a.m. www.secondamarathon.com
AZ Road Racers 20th Annual Desert Classic Marathon
Surprise 7:05 a.m. www.arizonaroadracers.com
2014 Senior Olympic Festival
Tucson 2-Day Event, for ages 50 and up www.tucsonseniorgames.org
TUESDAY 4 Main Street Event Casa Grande
5:30 – 9 p.m. www.cgmainstreet.org Entertainment, dining, Western heritage
THURSDAY 6 Sedona Yoga Festival 5-Day Event
www.sedonayogafestival.com Choose from more than 50 yoga classes and healing arts workshops
Dancing With the Stars AZ 2014 Scottsdale www.azkidney.org Benefits the National Kidney Foundation
FRIDAY 7
Momma’s Organic Market (Peoria Farmers Market at Park West) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Every Saturday 20th Annual Chocolate Affair
www.mommasorganicmarket.com
Petting zoo, fresh produce, face painting and more
3-Day Event, Glendale www.visitglendale.com
Buckeye 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.buckeyeairfair.com Science and Tech Expo
Ann Buckeye Air Fair
Phoenix – Papago Park 8 a.m. www.getsetaz.com
14th Annual Chinese New Year 5k Run & “Wok”
SATURDAY 8
SUNDAY 2 62nd Annual Great Canadian Picnic
Phoenix – South Mountain Park 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.canadianpicnic.com
Xterra McDowell Mountain Ultra/Trail 7k & 15 Mile Fountain Hills 8 a.m. www.aztrailrace.com
61st Annual Parada Del Sol Parade Scottsdale 9 a.m. www.paradadelsol.org
2014 Heart & Sole 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Goodyear 7 a.m. www.goodyearaz.gov
26th Annual AZ Renaissance Festival
Runs through all of February 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekends www.royalfaires.com/arizona
St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor 5k Anthem www.4peaksracing.com
We’ve Got Your Back Race for Spinal Health Scottsdale www.spinerf.org/race/scottsdale
Women's Monthly Gathering
Spirit of Faith Family Church Phoenix, 11 a.m. www.spiritoffaithaz.com
FRIDAY 14
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
35th Annual Contemporary Crafts/Main Gallery Mesa, Runs through April www.mesaartscenter.com
SATURDAY 15 Daddy Daughter Dance Tolleson - Wigwam 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. www.tollesonaz.org
58th Annual VNSA Used Book Sale
MONDAY 17
Phoenix - State Fairgrounds 2-Day Event www.vnsabooksale.org
PRESIDENT’S DAY FRIDAY 21 2014 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series 3-Day Event, Chandler www.racewildhorse.com
SATURDAY 22 31st Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer
Phoenix – South Mountain Park 7 a.m. – Noon www.phoenixclimb.com
Chasing Hope 5k/10k
Peoria,. 8 a.m. https://startlineracing.com 100% of proceeds to help underprivileged children
SUNDAY 23
Flavors of the West Festival Litchfield Park - Downtown 12 – 6 p.m.
www.flavorsaz.com or 623.826.5552 Bringing together over 25 top West Valley restaurants to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital
TUESDAY 25
Valentine Dance & Dessert Buffet
Sun City West Hillcrest Dance & Social Club 7 – 10 p.m. 623.546.6845
THURSDAY 27
Vitality & Nutrition with Essential Oils Free Seminar
6-7 p.m., Avondale RSVP 623.535.9777 Refreshments provided
FRIDAY 28
19th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
3-Day Event 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.thuderbirdartists.com
Parada Del Sol Rodeo
Scottsdale 4-Day Event,1 p.m. www.paradadelsol.org
February 2014 | azhealthandliving.com
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Calendar times and dates may change. Please confirm before attending.
February “ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.� ~ Romans 13:8
MAKE A RESOLUTION TO TRANSFORM YOUR BODY! Only CoolSculpting allows you to freeze and eliminate stubborn fat without needles, special diets, surgery or downtime. This non-surgical body contouring treatment is FDA-cleared, safe and proven effective. So what are you waiting for?
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Mention this ad and get $100 off on your Body Contouring Treatment. is a breakthrough, non invasive procedure that uses cooling technology to noticeably eliminate fat without surgery. Physician Skin Solutions is proud to be among the first in the area to offer this revolutionary treatment. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. OFFER! $1200 66 November 2012 INTRODUCTORY | azhealthandliving.com
18275 N. 59th Ave., Ste. C-116 Glendale, AZ 85308 (602) 843-4040 physicianskinarrowhead.com
CoolSculpting is a registered trademark and the CoolSculpting logo, the Snowflake design, and Let’s Get Naked are trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. Results and patient experience may vary. Consult your physician. Š 2012. All rights reserved. IC1037-A
Celebrate the New Year with CoolSculpting!
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.
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.
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 To find out how we can help you or learn more about our award winning doctor troubles is absolutely essential for effective 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! care.
KUKURIN CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE & NUTRITION NETWORK
12409 W. Indian School Rd. #C304, Avondale AZ • www.kcpv.info azhealthandliving.com | November 2012 67
Dr. George Kukurin, DC DACAN
Preferred provider for most insurance plans including BCBS, Cigna, Aetna & more.