Arizona Health & Living Magazine East Edition August 2014 by Arizona Health & Living Magazine, a Division of Great Central Sun Media Group

Dream Big Issue Is Your Smartphone Outsmarting You? Ways to Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups Must-Know Tips to Grow Your Business

Kate

Beckinsale On Career & More

OCT OBER2013 az heal t handl i vi ng. com

AUGUST 2014

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Year Anniversary The Truth about Your Afternoon Pick-Me-Up Can Cataracts be Prevented? Strategies to Take Advantage of the Present Moment The Ultimate New Business Card

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Contents

A Division of

Publisher Great Central Sun Media Group Executive Editor Lisa Padilla Assistant Editor Alfie Mendoza Celebrity Photo Editor Pure Intent B.C. Group Graphic Design Pure Intent B.C. Group

Contributing Writers Grey Stafford Michelle Talsma Everson Katie Snyder Nidah Chatriwala Elisabeth Davies Gary Marriage, Jr. Hillel Presser Marsha Friedman Zenovia Andrews Berny Dohrmann PR by the Book Walter Levin Dr. Jack Wolfson Vickie Milazzo

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

About us: Great Central Sun Media Group, a media and marketing firm, 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.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 Health

Pick up a free copy inside locations.

28 Mind & Body Strategies to Take Advantage of Present Moment

30 Spirit Becoming a Competent Conversationalist

34-41 Healthy Chatter Local Doctors, Experts & Business Owners Answering Frequently Asked Questions

LIFESTYLE & LIVING

DREAM BIG

52 Special Feature Home Products

54-57 Career, Business & Finance Must-Know Tips to Grow Your Business; Five Keys to Effective Delegation; Books are the New Business Card; Is Your Smartphone Outsmarting You?

SENIOR LIVING 60-63 Aging Well

How Your IRA Can Become Your Tax Nightmare; Plan Ahead for Your Online Hereafter

44-47 Family, Kids & Relationships Is Graduate School Right for You?; How to Help High Schoolers Choose the Right College

48 Fitness, Nutrition & Sports The Truth about Your Afternoon PickMe-Up

10 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Kate Beckinsale On Career & Family

Ways to Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups; Can Cataracts be Prevented?

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

50 Celebrity

COMMUNITY FEATURES INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

Know Your Neighbors; Heart of the Community; Neighborhood Buzz; Community Activists; Products & Books; Hometown Docs

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

elcome, to our Dream Big Issue. I believe everyone has dreams. However, it seems as though many confuse subconscious dreams with reality. People often erroneously think that the subconscious is in charge, when in fact it is the complete opposite. The dictionary meaning of subconscious is the part of the mind of which one is not fully aware but which influences one's actions and feelings. If you look up what the subconscious does, you will find it takes care of making life easier for you by creating automatic behaviors and reactions for everyday life events. How? By previous/present experiences and listening to the instructions, you give it during your affirmations and thoughts—it will only deliver the emotions and feelings of what you continuously think. If you look up the meaning of the word dream in a dictionary, you will find it is a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep. Now, if you look for scripture on dreams you will find God revealed Himself to men in the Old Testament in dreams, visions, experiences and symbols. However, God is now revealing Himself through His written Word. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” Hebrews 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” John 1:1, 14-16 12 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Now, God has blessed us with the gift of free will, therefore allowing us to create our experience—and not without guidance! “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.” Proverbs 4:3-26 Are you happy with what you have or are creating for your life or have you settled? We create the experience. Change your thoughts. Change your words. Change your world. Dream big.

God Bless You! Here to serve,

Lisa Padilla

editor@azhealthandliving.com

Save a life. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Drive HoMe buzzeD. DRIVING.

November 2012 | azhealthandliving.com BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK

azhealthandliving.com | May 2012

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

SUPPORT LOCAL

Contributed by PR by the Book

Luca Lashes

Valley parents help families conquer childhood firsts

or every parent who has watched a child tremble in the hairdresser's chair, drag their feet to swim lessons, help has arrived. Luca Lashes is a collection of eBooks and interactive apps for children four and under that turn the “fear of firsts” into fun. Created by Valley parents and longtime educators Nicole and Damir Fonovich, the series was inspired by their little boy, Lucas, and their desire to help him through all of his childhood firsts, such as the first swimming lesson, first plane ride, first trip to the dentist, first haircut and more. “As a parent, the 'firsts' were a huge source of anxiety,” Nicole says. “Childhood discovery should be a learning experience and an opportunity for parent/child bonding. That's why we created Luca Lashes, to help fellow parents remove the fear and worry associated with the firsts.” Nicole and Damir recruited a team of editors, illustrators, music composers, translators, and narrators to create an educational and fun answer to every parent's struggle. The result: a whimsical, multilingual (English, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese) line of children's e-books and apps based on a boy with magic eyelashes that give him special brave powers in all his ‘scary’ firsts. Why e-books and apps? “We wanted to think ‘green’ and modern,” they explain. “We are completely aware that our route is non-traditional, but perhaps if more books were available in this format, we could save even more trees. Additionally, publishing through the e-book format gives an author much more control over the process, so it seemed like a natural choice for us. By publishing as an e-book, we control our content, our time, our energy and our effort. We created apps because we had so many ideas to make our series much more interactive, and really make the illustrations come to life.” There are currently nine books in the series that follows Luca as he (and his parents) conquers fearful firsts, from brushing his teeth to visiting mommy in the hospital. Parent suggestions at the back of each book and on YouTube highlight key teaching concepts and offer questions parents can use to prompt learning opportunities. 14

August 2014| azhealthandliving.com

“As parents, we understand that firsts can be incredibly difficult,” the authors say. “They not only make your child anxious, but we can get incredibly nervous and feel totally unprepared, too. So we wanted to create a way to help both parents and kids, and therefore help their relationship. By giving them tools to go through firsts and make them not something to be afraid of, but ways to learn. We want to turn ‘Firsts’ into Fun!” New technology also allows for interaction with the words and illustrations. For example, the Luca Lashes: The BrownEyed Boy with the Magic Eyelashes app allows readers to listen to the school bus as it honks and drives away, hear the dog bark, and turn Luca's bedroom lights on and off. In the Luca Lashes Learns to Brush His Teeth app, kids see toothpaste being squeezed onto the toothbrush, hear the sound of toothbrush bristles, and hear frogs "ribbit" and ducks "quack" in the background. Photo courtesy of PR by the Book & Luca Lashes LLC.

Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation. They also added gynecological cancer treatment to their Awards and honors for the series include the Cynopsis: growing list of patient services, another first for the West Kids !magination Honorable Mention, Creative Child Valley. Magazine Preferred Choice Award, a Dr. Toy Best Pick for 2013 and a National Parenting Publications Award. Today, the practice now boasts 52 physicians, more than 200 employees and 20 partner offices Valleywide, including “We are working on the next nine books in our series and several in the West Valley cities of Peoria, Avondale, can’t wait to continue the adventures,” they say about the Glendale, Surprise and Wickenburg. future. “We are all getting better at our processes as we go and are excited to continue our work together as a team.” “We are a cancer center without walls whose services stretch into every inch of this community, offering the West Valley with the best doctors, best treatment technologies and best research in the country,” Dr. Reed 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 www.lucalashes.com 623.773.2873 www.arizonaccc.com

The Smallest of the Antelope Blue duikers are the smallest of Antelope standing just over 1 foot in height and weigh less than 10 lbs. These small horned animals prefer the cover of Central African rainforest habitat. Unlike many of their larger antelope cousins, blue duikers are shy and usually solitary. Their diet is also unusual for an antelope consisting of fruit, flowers, insects and even carrion. Their name Blue duiker comes from the bluish tint of their adult coat. WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO , AQUARIUM & SAFARI PARK 165th Ave. & Northern 623.935.WILD (9453) www.wildlifeworld.com This space is sponsored by Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

azhealthandliving.com | August azhealthandliving.com | July 2014 2013 15 15

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

SUPPORT LOCAL

By Katie Snyder

Severson Sisters

Empowering & Inspiring “Super Girls” very year, more than 30 percent of teens are affected by bullying in some way, but one Valley organization is determined to help change that.

“After dealing with low self-esteem and being bullied at a young age, I wanted to find a way to help other young girls cope with these issues,” Carrie Severson, founder of Severson Sisters says. “So, I sought out to start an initiative that would empower girls from a young age.”

In January 2011, Severson Sisters was born—a nonprofit organization that aims to give girls, in fourth through eighth grades, the tools to form healthy relationships and make bullying obsolete. Through afterschool programs, the organization is able to help girls find their inner “super girl.” “It’s our mantra, passion, and commitment to young girls in the Valley to help them seek their inner ‘super girl’ through our foundation,” Carrie Severson says. By employing a team of teachers, psychologists, social workers and life coaches, the organization is able to create a curriculum, which is then delivered to girls in an afterschool program at participating Valley schools.

“We call it the Super Girl Program,” Severson says. “It’s a six part program, once a week for 90 minutes.” According to Severson, the semester programs are built on six core principles: respect, relationships, peer pressure, competition, body image and acceptance. Each part of the Super Girl Program provides different tips and tools that teach the girls how to maintain healthy relationships with their peers. In addition to equipping them with a plan for how to handle bullying situations in life that match their personality. Dance, crafts, cookbooks, dream boards, and cards are just some of the ways the organization helps the girls cope and talk about adversities. “Creative expressions encourage the girls to open up, and the girls are subtly asked questions about bullying and issues they face daily,” Severson says. “This coupled with the Super Girl Kits gives the girls’ concrete ways to address conflicts in their lives.” The program also teaches the girls how to communicate better with their parents as well. “After just a few weeks in the program, parents and teachers begin to see a shift in behavior,” Severson says. “And by the end of the program those girls lacking a voice, get their voice and learn to show empathy for those around them.”

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Photos courtesy of Jeff Farmer & Severson Sisters

Severson Sisters has expanded its Super Girl Program by training Facilitators here in the Valley as well as in California, Wisconsin, and soon New York. Since launching, Severson Sisters has served 1,200 girls locally. By the end of 2015, their hope is to have expanded into every school across Arizona.

in Scottsdale. Cost is $20 per person. Price includes crafts, two hours of bowling, pizza and a beverage.

“Just $200 helps get one girl through a semester of our Super Girl Program,” Severson says. “We know that with the support of our communities, we can help empower these girls and help them find their light early in life.” Severson Sisters relies on donations to keep up the good work. You can show your support for the organization by attending their back-to-school, ‘Bowling Against Bullying’ event Saturday, Aug. 23, from 2-5 p.m. Families and children of all ages are invited for an afternoon of bowling, crafts and connecting. This event will be held at AMF Scottsdale Lanes, located at 7300 East Thomas Road,

855-5-SISTER (855-574-7837) 6929 N. Hayden Rd. C4 #466 Scottsdale www.seversonsisters.org

azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

Be InformeD

NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ

Taste Unique Flavors & Support Make-A-Wish Arizona The 2nd Annual Gelato Wars will take place from Aug. 1 - 31. Ten of the Valley’s most popular chefs head into the freezer to create their one-of-a-kind gelato concoction for Gelato Wars. The chef who sells the most gelato at all three Gelato Spots combined – wins! The winning chef will receive a custom molded gelato cone trophy, $500 cash and have a $5,000 check presented on their behalf to Make-A-Wish Arizona. As a special treat to celebrate the kick-off to Gelato Wars, guests who buy two scoops of gelato at any of Gelato Spot locations Friday, Aug. 1, from 5 - 8 p.m. will receive a voucher for a free wood-fired pizza (one per person). Voucher is redeemable anytime from Aug. 2 - 31 at the Gelato Spot in Old Town Scottsdale only. For more information, visit www.gelatospot.com.

REDW Receives FitPHX Award REDW LLC., one of the largest certified public accounting and business-consulting firms in the Southwest, is pleased to announce that it is among the first 33 FitPHX Business Award winners after completing training on strategies to help its employees, lead healthier lives. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Councilman Daniel Valenzuela recognized REDW and the other companies at a ceremony recently for participating in FitPHX’s partnership with the Healthy Arizona Worksites Program. The program is a public health initiative developed through the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, and the Arizona Small Business Association. Mayor Stanton, Councilman Valenzuela, and Olympic Gold Medalist Misty Hyman lead the FitPHX citywide initiative. To learn more, visit www.phoenix.gov/fitphx.

Game Manufacturer - Calling all Young Inventors! From now to Oct. 15, children ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to participate in leading board game Manufacturer University Games’ 22nd Annual National Young Game Inventors Contest. Children are encouraged to submit their original board game idea for the chance to win fun prizes including the opportunity to have their game manufactured and included in the University Games 2015 lineup. Additional prizes include a family vacation to San Francisco, California (includes four nights lodging and airfare for up to two adults and one child, valued over $6,000), a $10,000 savings bond for college and a complete library of today’s hottest board games from University Games. Board games can focus on any subject matter, however entries are limited to board games; card games and toys will not be accepted. Entries will not be judged on artwork. The contest is sponsored in part by Toys“R”Us® and publishing partner Scholastic Parent & Child® magazine. For complete rules and entry forms visit, www.NYGIC.org. 18

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Breast Cancer Resource Expo

Join My Hope Bag for their annual Breast Cancer Resource Expo Saturday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. This expo is geared toward those with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors and their family members. Educational workshops will be presented throughout the event covering topics voted on by the breast cancer community. Food and beverages will be available for purchase via an on-site cafĂŠ and full service restaurant. There will be seating and water areas throughout the venue for individuals to connect with each other. The event will be held at the Tempe Mission Palms located at 60 E. 5th Street, in Tempe. For more information or businesses interested in participating as a vendor visit, www.myhopebag.org.

Free Bowling at Uptown Alley!

On Saturday, Aug. 9, celebrate National Bowling Day with free bowling at Uptown Alley located at 13525 North Litchfield Road, in Surprise. Uptown Alley is offering one free game of bowling (with shoes) from 8 - 10 a.m. They will also be offering a great breakfast menu that morning from their full-service restaurant, Red Embers Bar & Grill. Uptown Alley is a 60,000 square foot family entertainment venue featuring bowling, an arcade, two-level laser tag, an ultra-lounge and more. For more information, visit www.uptownalleysurprise.com azhealthandliving.com |August 2014

C OMMUNITY ACTIVISTS

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azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

INSPIRATIONAL HOMETOWN DOCS

NEVER LOSE FAITH

By Katie Snyder

Dr. Michael Brad Bayless

Serving children and families with an integrated health approach Dr. Michael Brad Bayless always knew he was destined to help others, but it was not until he went to college that he found his calling. “Growing up I was surrounded by kids with different levels of dysfunction,” Dr. Bayless says. “I saw the impact it had on their lives and realized I had a chance to make a change and make something better.” Dr. Bayless went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s in psychology from Northern Arizona University. Shortly thereafter, he went to Arizona State University, where he received both his masters and Ph. D. in psychology. In 1982, Dr. Bayless opened his first practice — Bayless health care — a behavioral health care system focused on children and families in Central Phoenix. “We believe in treating the whole person,” Bayless says. “Our unique business model incorporates physical and emotional wellness with behavioral and physical health to create a healthy lifestyle overall.” Determined and with a vision in mind, Bayless later took his unique business model out of the office and into the community — volunteering his services with homeless teenagers and inner city youth. “Health impacts the whole family, not just one individual,” Dr. Bayless says. “Many of these kids and families couldn’t afford to get the help they need. I knew that I needed to do something.” When he was not treating patients, Dr. Bayless looked for any opportunity to help those in the community. He dedicated over 30 years helping homeless teenagers and inner city youth overcome their behavioral health issues. “Between pressures from peers and troubles at home, it can be hard to be a kid these days,” Dr. Bayless says. “Many of these kids experience emotional and physical health problems, causing them to behave in negative ways.” His work earned him a variety of awards from peers, health care entities, and community organizations, including the prestigious Carver Center Health and Science Leadership Award. 22

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Pictured above: Dr. Michael Brad Bayles

“It’s a great when you know that you’re making a difference,” Dr. Bayless says. “But when your peers and colleagues recognize the things you’re doing and the impact it’s having, it makes it all worthwhile.” Today his knowledge and expertise has helped him expand Bayless Healthcare. With over 64 staff, 12,000 patients and growth from a single location to four in Phoenix and Chandler—Dr. Bayless and his team are able to effectively help people of all ages and socio-economic classes by offering a comprehensive list of emotional, physical and behavioral health services and treatments. According to Dr. Bayless, their unique business model allows them to treat the whole patient. Rather than sending them to numerous doctors, Bayless Healthcare can consult, evaluate, and treat patients in one place. “We want to help people understand how integrated health benefits patients and the communities around us,” Dr. Bayless says. “Everything we do is to improve the patient experience and outcome. Most companies have their mission statements hanging on the wall. We make it our goal to live ours.”

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

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

“Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.” ~ Proverbs 16:3

azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

health

PREVENT

By Ms

Ways to Prevent Psoriasis Flare-Ups

kin is the human body's largest organ, spanning roughly 3,000 square inches and weighing about 6 pounds on the average human. Flexible and rugged, skin also is susceptible to damage, and conditions that affect the skin can be visible, embarrassing and troublesome.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition blamed on an improperly functioning immune system. The body may detect a perceived anomaly and attack itself. When a person is suffering from psoriasis, his or her skin cells are produced at an accelerated rate, resulting in red, raised, and scaly patches on the skin known as plaques. Plaques typically appear on the scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet and are welldefined. About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member with the disease. Studies show the emotional and social effects of psoriasis are more significant for women than men, but both can be affected negatively by symptoms. There is no cure for psoriasis, and some people are affected more severely than others are. In addition, certain factors can aggravate psoriasis and lead to flare-ups. Understanding these triggers may help those affected by the disease better manage their symptoms. Although some of these triggers are not backed up by firm scientific evidence, many people with psoriasis attest to their accuracy.

Overexposure to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight and other forms of ultraviolet rays can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of psoriasis, and some dermatologists may even prescribe UV treatment. However, overexposure to the sun can worsen symptoms, particularly if men and women get sunburn. There is a fine line between what is too much sun and enough sun, which is why those with psoriasis should only undergo UV treatment under the care of a dermatologist.

Stress. Doctors do not know exactly why, but psoriasis and

stress seem to be linked. As stress escalates, flare-ups of psoriasis may become more common. In turn, flare-ups can lead to additional stress. Finding ways to reduce stress may result in clearer skin. Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation may help alleviate stress.

Hot water. Bathing or washing in very hot water can worsen

symptoms of psoriasis. Use lukewarm water and a moisturizing soap. Some dermatologists recommend colloidal oatmeal or Epsom salts in a bath to soften skin, relieve itching, and help slough off scaly patches. Additionally, avoid situations that will lead to dry skin, such as exposure to hot or cold weather. Use moisturizer and reapply as needed.

August 2014

| azhealthandliving.com

Certain foods. Some people with psoriasis note that certain foods and beverages trigger their flare-ups. Tomato and pepper-based products and acidic or alcoholic beverages may cause flare-ups. Infections. After a bout of strep throat or an ear infection, people with psoriasis may find their condition takes a turn for the worse. Though doctors do not quite understand why, certain infections and medications to treat those conditions can cause psoriasis to act up. Discuss your psoriasis with your physician before taking any medication. Hormones. Women may find that hormonal changes trigger their psoriasis. Research is not clear as the connection between psoriasis and hormones, but doctors do know that pregnancy and menopause can cause psoriasis to worsen or even appear for the first time. Others find that an increase or decrease in estrogen levels improves their psoriasis symptoms. But Symptoms are unique, and psoriasis outbreaks need to be evaluated on a person-to-person basis. Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune condition in the United States, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans according to recent studies.

Can Cataracts be Prevented? By MS

n the United States, there are more cases of cataracts than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration combined. The prevalence of cataracts makes some wonder if they can be prevented. According to The Mayo Clinic, studies have yet to determine a way to prevent cataracts or even slow their progression. However, eye doctors and other experts say that certain strategies can help keep the eyes and the body healthy, which may keep cataracts at bay.

Regular eye examinations Visiting the eye doctor on an annual basis, or as recommended by an optician or ophthalmologist, can help detect cataracts and eye problems early on. This helps prevent vision loss and enables patients to take proactive steps to treat their cataracts. Cataract surgery, which is now a common procedure and can usually be done with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, is a common way to treat cataracts. During cataract surgery, the lens inside the eye that has become cloudy from cataract formation is removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens, or IOL, to restore clear vision.

Quit smoking Smoking affects eyesight and eye health. Research suggests that smoking increases a person's chances of developing cataracts. The lenses of the eyes are mostly made up of arranged proteins, and sometimes these proteins stick together, breaking their careful formation and affecting the transparency of the lens. Cigarette smoke can damage the proteins in the lenses, causing them to stick together more readily, increasing the chance that cataracts develop.

Protect the eyes Always wear sunglasses with UV protection, particularly glasses that block UVB rays, when spending time outdoors. Remember, ultraviolet rays can be present even when it is cloudy outdoors, so make it a point to put on your sunglasses before stepping outside.

Manage diabetes Although the reasons why are still not fully understood, individuals with diabetes mellitus face a greater risk of developing cataracts. That risk may be elevated by as much as 60 percent. When increased blood sugar enters the lenses of the eyes, sorbitol forms, and both this and fructose can build up in the lenses. Increased sugar causes water to be absorbed inside the lens, resulting in swelling and increased cloudiness. By treating high blood-glucose levels, those with diabetes may be able to keep cataracts from forming.

Improve the diet A healthy diet should be a priority for everyone, including people at a greater risk for cataracts. Eating foods high in antioxidants like beta-carotene, selenium and vitamins C and E may help prevent cataracts. That is because antioxidants help the body to fight free radicals, which can contribute to cataracts later in life. A 2000 article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted two Harvard University studies that noted the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in the development of cataracts. The studies noted that individuals whose diets were high in lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods had a 19 to 22 percent lesser chance of developing age-related cataracts than those who do not incorporate these foods into their diets in high quantities. Foods that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin include green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and peppers, winter squash and eggs. Cataracts tend to be most noticeable when vision begins to grow cloudy. However, cataracts also can cause glares and halos; a myopic shift, in which a person who was once nearsighted becomes farsighted, and vice versa; drop in color vision; lens discoloration; and poor night vision. Those experiencing these symptoms should have an eye examination to confirm or rule out cataracts. azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

MIND & BODY

FIND BALANCE

By Vickie Milazzo, author of Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman

Strategies to Take Advantage of the Present Moment

t is possible to create a life that excites and energizes you. However, first you have to make a conscious choice to step out of your old, unfulfilling one. It is a choice you have to make over and over again—if you do not your old patterns will suck you back in. To achieve wicked success you have to cultivate a new, resourceful mindset. Here are nine strategies that can help you do exactly that.

Break the feel-good addiction. Remember, where you

focus is where you will yield results — and because we like to feel good, we gravitate toward what is easy instead of what is productive. We major in minor accomplishments, wasting time surfing the Internet, watching TV and hanging out on Facebook. It is time to let go of time-sucking distractions. The more superficial things you engage in the more superficial your life and accomplishments will be. So the next time you have a break at work or the next time all the kids are out of the house, instead of checking your email, Facebook or texts, use the time to take a step toward achieving one of your goals. 28

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Stop being the Chief Everything Officer – do not say “Yes” by default. It is a hard lesson to learn but in order to

be wickedly successful, you have to understand that by saying “no” to some things you will have the time and energy to say “yes” to the right things. If you are, feeling overwhelmed and pulled in every direction you will not be able to lead yourself, much less anyone else.

Do something big every day. You eat a whale the same

way you eat an apple – one bite at a time. The wickedly successful understand that to accomplish any project you cannot expect to do it all at once. Find something you can improve and start improving it – one bite, one-step, and one day at a time.

Stop hanging with the biggest losers. When you

choose to participate in negative behaviors, they rub off on you. Think about it this way— if you are struggling to achieve a goal, you should not hang out with someone else who is struggling to achieve that same goal. If you want to be great at golf, you do not hang out with a bad golfer. The view from the top is meant to be shared. Find someone who is already there to share it with, not someone who has never seen it.

Expand what you are willing to believe about yourself. Studies show that women will underestimate their

own abilities, judging themselves lower than their skills prove, while men overestimate their abilities, judging themselves more competent. If you see yourself as powerless, that is what you will be. Anytime you find yourself entertaining doubts or trying to limit what you think is possible, remind yourself of your past successes. Let them infuse you with confidence and bolster your resolve.

Do not wait for conditions to be perfect. Along the

way to becoming wickedly successful, you may have to redefine what success looks like for you. Conditions will never be perfect – there will always be something muddying the water, even if it is just a little muddy. The challenge is accepting that you have to keep on giving your best even when things are not perfect. Misguided perfectionism can keep you from stepping out and going for what you want. Perfectionism can also rob you of the enjoyment of experiences. Distinguishing what does and does not require perfection is the hallmark of wickedly successful women.

Surround yourself with as many successful mentors as possible. Inept coaches do not fail to help you – they

help you to fail. Look around you for others whose work you admire and model yourself after them instead. Take your advice from people with a proven positive record of accomplishment. Accepting the leadership of others does not make you less capable of achieving your goals. It actually boosts your abilities. Do not be afraid to ask for advice—and when you get good advice, do not be too proud to follow it.

Regenerate your passion for work. Do you remember why you wanted the career you have? Tap back into the frame of mind you had when you were just starting out. Ask yourself, “What can I do to become passionate about work again?” When you take this inward look, it is entirely possible you will see the path ahead going in an unexpected direction. Your passion might lead you somewhere else. You will know passion when you have found it because you will feel amazingly engaged and energetic. Desire will become energy and you will have plenty of it to create your new life—your real life.

Take care of yourself first. If you stepped back and

looked at your daily routine objectively, as if it were happening to your best friend, what would be your advice? Slow down? Take a few deep breaths? Do not be so busy taking care of others that you forget to take care of yourself. You cannot be your best self if you are not your own self.

azhealthandliving.com |August 2014

CONNECT WITHIN

spirit By Elisabeth Davies, MC, counselor and author of Good Things Emotional Healing Journal: Addiction

Becoming a Competent Conversationalist

ow do you know if you are a competent conversationalist? If you are the type of person who enjoys meeting new people, finds it easy to talk to strangers, connects easily with others, and notices that people effortlessly open up to you, you probably are a natural conversationalist. According to Nancy Ancowitz, business communication coach, adjunct instructor at NYU, and author of SelfPromotion for Introverts, approximately 50 percent of Americans are introverts and feel more energized from being alone, rather than in social situations. For people who prefer solitude, becoming a competent conversationalist requires practice. Here are a few steps to help you become a better conversationalist.

Be approachable. If you adopt the attitude that people are

interesting and that you can learn something from each person you meet, this curiosity will lessen apprehension and allow you to be more accessible to others.

Be a Good Listener. Listening is a tool that enhances your ability to carry on a conversation. If you concentrate on what people are saying to you this will help you move the conversation along and contribute to the subject matter being discussed. Giving others your undivided attention when they are speaking with you sends the message that they are valued and what they have to say is important, therefore encouraging ongoing dialogue.

Dialogue. The word dialogue means ‘flowing through

words’. It is important to remember that a conversation is a flow of words between two people, and monopolizing a conversation can cause others to tune out because their words are not being heard. Give time for your listener to respond to what you are saying and share their opinions on the topic you are discussing.

Allow for new learning and development. According

to Janice Tazbir, RN, MS, CS, and associate professor at Purdu University, about 30 percent of the population’s dominant learning style is auditory. Individuals with an auditory learning style learn best through listening—lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening to what others have to say.

Shape the image you present to others. People learn

who you are based on the words you use. When you speak, others can tell by your words if you are intelligent, confident, stressed, angry, kind, trustworthy, etc. The words you choose, when conversing with others can leave a lasting impression.

Create a better image in the business world. Conversation skills can be a gauge with which others measure your capabilities. Colleagues are often appraised by communicating knowledge and value they have to offer others. Take advantage of your improved ability to express yourself. Conversation is a primary means for which to

do this. It allows you to ask for what you need and to share your viewpoints, opinions and feelings.

Influence how others think and respond to a situation. Being a good conversationalist allows you to share

When speaking, be polite and respectful if you want others to receive what you are saying. Sticking to one topic at a time allows your receiver to follow what you are saying. Organizing your thoughts beforehand can help you get your point across.

new and helpful information with people, empowering them to make more positive decisions.

Body language. The message your body sends can be critical feedback for you when communicating. If the receiver is becoming defensive or distressed, pause and assess how you are coming across as a communicator. Create an atmosphere that is conducive to healthy conversation. Here are a few of the many benefits of being a competent conversationalist.

Build healthy relationships. In today’s age of technology, it can be difficult to be present and attentive, decreasing the ability to bond in relationships. You overcome the detrimental use of technology by having conversations, which is necessary to develop closeness and cohesiveness in a relationship with others.

30 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

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“Together We Can Make a Difference”

HEALTHY CHATTER

Doctors, Businesses & Experts Answering Frequently Asked Questions

azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

ASK QUESTIONS

expert talk

Q. My vision is not as good as it used

Q Is neuromodulation the chronic pain

A. There are a multitude of issues that can

A. The nervous system is a circuit that

to be. Am I going blind?

happen with our eyes that will lead to decreasing visual function. In today’s world, the vast majority of these issues are treatable, particularly if they are managed at an early stage. Early diagnosis of the problem often results in treatment that is more effective.

Q. What are the main causes of blindness? A. Cataracts are the world's number one cause

of blindness, and more than 22 million Americans have cataracts in one or both eyes. A person's risk of developing cataracts increases with age. It is caused by clouding of the natural lens, but is treatable with modern surgical techniques, which include specialized implants that can potentially get your vision to where you may not even need glasses.

Glaucoma is a disease that steals vision because of high pressure in the eye. Experts estimate that about 2.3 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with glaucoma, while another 2 million have glaucoma, but are not aware of their deteriorating eyesight. Early treatment with drops or laser is very successful at preventing further vision loss. Macular degeneration occurs in older individuals and affects 10 million Americans. Diabetic retinopathy is a vision threatening condition that affects approximately half of the 18 million Americans with diabetes. A thorough annual eye evaluation is critical in prevention and increasing the probability that your sight will be crisply maintained for a lifetime.

treatment for the 21st century?

encompasses the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Interruption along the course of this loop from the periphery to the brain and back can lead to pain. It is a complex system. In fact, if you could lay nerve fibers traversing the human body end-to-end, you would literally have miles of fibers. This complexity makes treating chronic pain difficult. Promising developments, called neuromodulation, have come to the forefront in the field of chronic pain management. Neuromodulation means taking control of lost nervous system function via electrical stimulation. The concept has been around for years. What is new and exciting is the discovery of techniques that may turn off overactive nerves, awaken sluggish nerves, most importantly (over time) remodel, and even repair the nervous system. Newer techniques of neuromodulation are proving successful with even the most difficult cases that have resisted other therapies. Currently, two non-surgical neuromodulation techniques are showing great promise for the relief of chronic pain. One directly stimulates the brain while the other noninvasively stimulates the spinal cord. The techniques are called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDC) for the former and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation or (ts-DC) for the latter. Current research suggests that tDC and ts-DC treatment can enhance the function in those areas of the nervous system that have decreased activity or calm areas that are overactive.

Q. How are spider veins treated? A. Spider veins are a common problem among the young and old. Spider veins are small blue and red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the legs but sometimes present on the face and chest. There are many treatments available.

Sclerotherapy is a treatment of diseased veins using a saline solution, which is injected into the veins, sometimes with the help of ultrasound. This solution irritates the vein valve and then closes them. This is not only done for cosmetic reasons, so your insurance may or may not pay for it depending upon the diagnosis and condition of the disease. Sclerotherapy is typically done only on the legs. IPL and laser treatments are used to treat spider veins on the face and chest. With these treatments there is typically little to no down time, but redness and discomfort may last for hours to days. Insurance will not pay for spider vein treatment, but the cost is usually minimal. Consult your primary care physician or vascular specialist to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Chronic pain patients now have a way to reduce pain without surgery or injections. –Dr. Walman Walman Eye Center 602.222.2020

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

–Dr. Kukurin Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network 623.547.4727

–Dr. Sharma Arizona Vein & Laser Institute & Med Spa 602.298.VEIN(8346) 602.298.LIPO(5476)

Q. When playing sports, is it necessary to wear mouth guards? What protection do mouth guards offer?

A. It is great to see high school football teams back to practice and volleyball teams gearing up for the season. Have you thought about how you or your athlete will stay healthy and be able to play every game? There are several important things to know so that you can help keep your athlete’s teeth in healthy condition. First, if you have a future Peyton Manning or aspiring Kerri Walsh, then make an appointment today to get them a mouth guard. Mouth guards can be custom fitted to help cushion the mouth, teeth and jaw. These are not just great for protecting that wonderful smile; they also help prevent serious injuries like concussions, fractured jaws, teeth, and serious cuts into the cheek or tongue. Custom-made or mouth-formed guards, which your dentist can fit for you, are the best and most comfortable protection for even a casual, non-competitive athlete. These will protect not just teeth, but also braces or other dental appliances in which you have already invested. Just make sure to rinse the guard with soap and water or mouthwash after each use. There are various levels of risk involved in different sports. With the help of your dentist, you can have the right type of mouth guard for you or your athlete’s sport of choice.

– Dr. Kim Litchfield Dental Care 623.738.3027

Q. How can I tell if my child’s vision is Q. When is snoring more than just a affecting their learning?

minor annoyance?

A. This fall is a good time to evaluate if your A. Our country is sleep-deprived—desperate child is having vision issues that may be affecting their learning. Does your child find reading difficult? Does your child get frustrated when reading? Does your child easily quit or give up when attempting to read? Answering yes to any of these questions means there is a possibility that your child has a visually related learning problem. Not all children with learning difficulties have vision problems but 20 percent of all children have difficulty in learning because their visual system is not functioning properly. Many are misdiagnosed as having a learning disability or ADD. Many of the children with learning related visual difficulties pass vision screenings at school or at the pediatrician. Many of them actually see 20/20 but still have vision related issues.

for restful nights, to awaken easily, and be functional throughout the day without needing a nap. The anxiety and stress of our busy world certainly make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, those dreams of being rested are even more difficult to achieve when nights are fraught with the tossing, turning, snoring, choking, or gasping for breath of oneself or a bed partner. Millions are disturbed throughout the night by sleep-disordered breathing caused by airway obstruction. Sleep-disordered breathing is a serious health problem, and initially appears as snoring. Although snoring is generally viewed as a minor annoyance, it can be the first sign of a problem with a range of severity. Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is marked by a greater loss of airway patency than snoring. Those who suffer from UARS are generally young, female and may experience gastroesophageal reflux disorder, asthma, depression and hormonal imbalances.

Eye charts test visual acuity; can you see it or not. Best functioning vision is so much more than just having the ability to see 20/20. It involves how the eyes adjust focus from near to far or far to near and how the eyes process what they are seeing. Individuals Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious can sometimes have serious visual problems and often life-threatening problem when and yet still see 20/20. sleepers stop breathing for 10 seconds or more (apnea), or breathe at a decreased rate Some of the symptoms a child experiences and depth (hypopnea). Choking, gasping for can be some of the following: headache when breath, and long periods without breathing reading, words slide together when reading, are all signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. loses place when reading, and giving up easily when reading. If your child has any of these Snoring, UARS, and OSA are all serious symptoms, schedule them to see an eye doctor. conditions that should not be ignored. Not only do they affect sleep, they are detrimental to an individual’s health. –Dr. Baird The Village Eyecare 623.931.2943

–Dr. Croft Vistancia Orthodontics 623.566.0800 azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

GET ANSWERS

expert talk

Q. Could conservative treatments help

Q. What Treatment Options are Available

A. Spinal disc is a cartilage consisting of an

A. The revolutionary Hetter Peel is the latest

my back pain?

outer ligament layer called the annulus fibrous and a soft, jelly like substance in the middle surrounded by the annulus fibrous called the nucleus pulposus. When you suffer back pain and neck pain, you might wonder if you have a herniated disc or spinal joint disease. The fact is that about 40 to 50 percent of adults have degenerated joint disease or a herniated disc without symptoms of pain. Although problems of spinal disc and joints are common causes of the pain, most of the cases respond well to conservative treatments. A herniated disc could be caused by trauma or acute injury. It can be an age-related degenerated change due to the loss of the water content inside the nucleus pulposus. This may produce pain, numbness tingling and muscle weakness of the low back, neck, arm and leg. The spinal disc and joint come together function in weight bearing and body movement. A spinal injury will generate change in the joint, weaken and stiffen the joint and muscle. An increase in movement in the joint and disc slow down the process of the degenerated change, strengthening the muscle and improving healing of the disc. If you picture a rusty door hinge, while slowly and gently moving the hinge back and forth, you gradually improve its range of motion and the rusty surface becomes smoother while regaining some of the luster. With regular gentle movement and maintenance it is gradually back to its normal function. The same is true for your spinal joint under gentle conservative approach.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Dr. Qiu Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network 623.972.8400

36 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

for Severely Sun Damaged Skin?

treatment, which provides a dramatic change to wrinkly, aged skin and severe sun damaged skin. The Hetter Peel is performed by a plastic surgeon, making a lifelong improvement in the tone and texture of your skin. Whether treating mild to moderate or the most severe skin damage, the dramatic improvement in your skin from this procedure is unmistakable.

Aging Effects on Facial Skin The aged appearance of the skin is a result of time, gravity, sun exposure and other environmental factors. The combination of these factors causes progressive thinning of the skin due to the loss of collagen, micro scarring from repetitive facial movement and irregular pigmentation including bronzing, age spots, pre-cancers or chronically red, irritated areas. For many years, plastic surgeons have been frustrated with the search for rejuvenation procedures to correct aging effects of facial skin. While facelift surgery provides the answer for structural laxity, the tone and texture damage of the skin is not addressed. The Surgical Hetter Peel successfully alters the deep structures of the skin and improves advanced skin damage.

Laser Treatments as the Alternative As technology improves, laser therapy certainly has a place for rejuvenation of the aging face. These options are attractive because of the shorter recovery time. However, to achieve the most dramatic results for advanced skin damage with a lasting benefit, the Hetter Peel is the best option.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Drs. Pamela & Gael DeRouin Dermacare Cosmetic Surgery 602.680.5348

Do you have a health related question for one of our health partners? Get an Answer! Submit your question to experts@azhealthandliving.com

Q. What causes low back pain?

A. Eighty percent of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life. The lower back is subject to large amounts of mechanical stress and strain, leading to several major causes of low back pain. The spine supports the weight of the upper body. Thirty small bones called vertebrae enclose the spinal cord. Between the vertebrae are spongy pieces of cartilage, known as discs, which prevent the vertebrae from grinding against one another. As we age, these discs gradually wear away and shrink. Discs can also become injured and tear. The jelly-like center of the disc can protrude, known as a herniated disc. A herniated disc can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain to radiate down the leg. A narrowing of the space around the spinal cord can also put pressure on the nerves. This narrowing generally occurs from bone spurs that develop as we age due to osteoarthritis. This is a condition known as spinal stenosis. The compression of the nerves in the lower back can cause pain in the legs when standing or walking for long periods. Other common types of low back pain include sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and facet joint syndrome. In summary, multiple pain generators exist and a full history and examination along with imaging is necessary to determine source of pain. Multiple treatment options for low back pain are available at Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center specific to the underlying cause of the pain.

Q. Under what conditions can brain training work?

Q. The summer has damaged my skin. What can I do to get its luster back?

A. Throughout your life, you are met with many challenges that depend on an operational brain. No matter what your age, you need a highly functioning brain that is capable of adapting to new situations and demands.

A. Summertime is fun time for most of us,

According to Dr. Alvaro Fernandez, the author of a new book called, The Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness: How to Optimize Brain Health and Performance at Any Age states, “We expect cross-training the brain to soon become as mainstream as cross-training the body is today, going beyond unstructured mental activity and aiming at maximizing specific brain functions.” Studies are still being performed all over the world. However, Dr. Fernandez states, in his book that evidence is growing that brain training can work. Fernandez feels there are five conditions should be met and translate into meaningful real world improvements: 1. It must engage and exercise a weak area of the brain with the capacity or the neural circuit identifiable to be relevant to real-life outcomes. 2. It must target a performance that is capable of growth beyond what comes easy or is unilateralotherwise it is an exercise in vanity similar to building the largest biceps in town while neglecting the rest of the body. A critical question is, “Which brain function do I need to optimize?” 3. A minimum dose of 15 hours per targeted brain function performed over 8 weeks or less is necessary for real improvement. 4. Training must adapt to performance, require effortful attention and gradually increase in difficulty. Interactive training, which is now available, has the capacity to constantly monitor your level of performance and adapt accordingly.

5. Continued practice is required for continued benefits. –Dr. Lundquist -Dr. Benson Excel Brain Fitness Center Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center 602.451.8043 623.535.9777

but the activities associated with summer can wreak havoc on the skin. Between the blazing sun, wind, chlorine and salt water the skin can be left with little hydration, spotted and dull. While proper sunscreen use is mandatory, some damaging rays do penetrate as summer calls for many more hours out in the elements. Proper internal hydration is a must in the summer as we utilize water daily to keep cool in the scorching Valley heat. Proper exfoliation can allow your skin to better absorb the topical moisturizers we rely on. A monthly chemical peel or microdermabrasion will most certainly help with a healthy summer glow. Pigment deposition is also very common from sun exposure, which can be treated with chemical peels and laser treatments. The result is clear, even-toned skin free of brown spots. Some patients prefer the long-lasting effect of the laser Photo Facial treatment, which will address redness of the neck, cheeks and chest. Photo Facial is coupled with another laser called Laser Genesis, to correct severe redness and texture issues. If correction of more than one issue is desired, other devices such as eMatrix and Active FX may be used to erase lines, brown spots, and smooth texture all in one treatment. It is like getting all new skin! There are many options to accommodate all needs and restrictions.

–Dr. Maltais Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead 602.843.4040 azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

JOIN & SUPPORT

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. Dao DanThuy N. Dao, D.O., specializes in all areas of pediatric health and provides comprehensive care for children from birth to 18, especially those with chronic medical conditions. She is board-certified through the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Dao graduated from Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and has worked in Phoenix for 10 years. She is fluent in English and Vietnamese. Midwestern University Multispecialty Clinic mwuclinics.com /az/ms |623.537.6000

Dr. Wen

Dr. Mallory

Dr. Mallory graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in 2007. He and his wife have four children. He enjoys golfing and many outdoors activities such as hunting, riding ATV's or playing at the beach. Professional Associations: American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentists. Volunteer/Service Experience: Past faculty member at University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine; youth coach for Surprise Arizona Youth Sports; youth leader for the Boy Scouts of America; consultant for local dentists; national instructor for dentist covering many subjects. Festival Dental Surprise | 623.584.4015

Arrowhead Dental Peoria | 623.878.5400

Canyon Dental Surprise | 623.546.8400

Dr. Walman

Gerald B Walman, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) was born in Toronto, Canada, and obtained his MD and specialization in Ophthalmology from University of Toronto. He is a board-certified specialist in both Canada and the U.S. and has provided comprehensive eye care to Arizona since 1978. He has deep international experience in cataract, implant, Lasik and eyelid cosmetic surgeries and has developed a skilled team for excellence in eye care. Walman Eye Center walmaneye.com | 602.222.2020

Dr. Croft

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.

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.

Sage Health Family Medicine esagehealth.com| 623.535.3857

Vistancia Orthodontics vistanciaortho.com | 623.566.0800

38 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Drs. 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.

Dermacare Cosmetic Surgery azdermacare.com| 623.535.7050

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.

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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.

The Village Eyecare thevillageeyecare.com| 623.931.2943

Dr. Qiu 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

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with quality care and to reach their health goals. He has been practicing in the West Valley since November 2011. Kukurin Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition Network litchfield-park-chiropractic.com | 623.972.8400

Dr. Lundquist

Dr. Kim

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.

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.

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

Litchfield Dental Care LitchfieldDentalCare.com| 623.738.3027 azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

BUSINESS TALK

Q. How does Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium &

Safari Park contribute to conservation and education beyond its gates?

A. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari

Park recently announced this year’s recipients of its annual Animal Care & Conservation awards. These financial awards of $1-2000 each were created to recognize worthy efforts in field conservation, public display and education, and basic research designed to preserve our planet and inspire future generations to care about wildlife and wild places. In addition to several organizations such as the Sahara Conservation Fund whose work has long been supported by Wildlife World, this year's announcement includes a deserving first time award recipient known as the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI.org), which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and reintroducing stranded marine animals such as sea lions. Historically, award winners have had a significant connection to species and ecosystems that are integral to our vast collection such as endangered primates, rhinoceros, tigers, cranes and African antelope. As we continue to grow and unveil additional species, like Arizona's only sea lions, the conservation focus of future recipients will expand as it has with this year's first time recipient. The remaining recipients include: The Cheetah Conservation Fund (cheetah.org) Zoological Association of America Wildlife Conservation Fund (zaa.org) The International Crane Foundation (Savingcranes.org) Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (zcog.org) Gibbon Conservation Center (gibboncenter.org) International Rhino Foundation (rhinos-irf.org) Sahara Conservation Fund (saharaconservation.org) The Association of Zoo & Aquarium’s Conservation Endowment Fund (aza.org) Have a safe and fun rest of summer! And be sure to always watch your kids around water.

– Dr. Grey Stafford Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park wildlifeworld.com

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Q. Is wheatgrass a fountain of youth? A. Without enzymes, life is not possible. Like cells, enzymes lose their internal life span capacity as well as their ability to neutralize toxins; especially important, as we are exposed to more and more toxic substances we ingest, inhale and apply to our body. Wheatgrass is a storehouse of enzymes. Anti-aging must occur from the inside out. Skin and body rejuvenation is largely dependent on enzyme activity; wheatgrass juice provides just that spark to ignite the cellular renewal processes. The body can instantly convert chlorophyll from wheatgrass into fresh blood because its molecular structure is almost identical to that of human blood; supporting the anti-aging theory by maintaining healthy, clean blood. According to research performed by Dr. Peter Rothschild, M.D. at Smith-Kline Bio-Science, young grasses are excellent sources of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging enzyme. This human study used 70-year-old seniors who are naturally slower to respond than a younger population. Nevertheless, the serum levels of the seniors increased an average of 230 percent overall in the group and as much as 730 percent in 1 individual. Seven of the 10 participants more than doubled their blood levels of SOD. Wheatgrass is an excellent source of SOD. The high levels of assimilation are because the supplement is a whole foods concentrate with all of its synergistic conutritional factors.

Q. Do you have a good friend or family member whose behavior seems to be a little off lately? A. After 19 years in the non-medical home care

business, we have noticed certain patterns develop seasonally. During the warmer summer months, one of them is a predominance of urinary tract infections (UTI). An ailment affects both men and women. It increases as the heat rises and the body needs better hydration. It really does not matter how much time you spend outside in the summer. Our bodies still need plenty of water. When temperatures soar, increased perspiration means an increased need for fluids. If you do not drink enough water, you will become dehydrated and there is a good possibility you will develop a UTI. One of the side effects of a UTI is a change in behavior. A person can experience elevated anger/agitation, confusion, listlessness, loss of appetite, depression and at worst, hallucinations. If you notice any of these signs, you may want to schedule a visit with your doctor. If you are referred to the emergency room, they will hydrate you, give you antibiotics and you will notice a difference very quickly. Every summer about 30 percent of our clients experience this common illness. We encourage everyone to watch for the warning signs. We would also like to encourage everyone to reach out to those in need, especially during the hot summer months when donations to food banks and other nonprofits typically decline.

Get maximum nutrition with the only wheatgrass powder that includes the roots, which contain SOD in the roots and the leaves. – Ken & Barb Hall Best Organic Wheatgrass 1.888.260.GREEN (4733) bestorganicwheatgrass.com

–Lola Judy Sun Cities CareGivers 623.974.2397

Q. Why do hearing aids come in so Q. What is an observation stay and will

Become a community partner. Together we can make a difference. What are you waiting for? James 2:26

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many different shapes and sizes?

Medicare pay for these services?

A. The size of a hearing aid used to be an indication of the severity of hearing loss. With more primitive circuitry, we had to create more space between the speaker and the microphone in order to prevent feedback from occurring. People with mild to moderate hearing loss could have very small instruments all the way up to very large behind the ear (BTE) instruments for profound hearing loss.

A. Observation stays occur when patients go

With advancements in technology, we are now able to get much more power out of much smaller instruments. Now, in many cases, someone with a severe hearing loss can wear some of the smallest instruments available. This has also introduced a few new styles of hearing aids known as the open fit BTE and the receiver in the canal (RIC) BTE. These instruments allow the wearer to maintain an open ear canal and significantly reduces the occlusion effect. Occlusion is the plugged up feeling that some hearing aid wearers experience when their hearing aids are in.

to an emergency room and receive medical services to help doctors determine whether you should be formally admitted or discharged from the hospital. While observation stays may last as little as a few hours, they may also last a lot longer. Medicare considers the services received during an observation stay as outpatient services and will bill it under Medicare Part B. Therefore, after the $147 Part B deductible has been satisfied, Medicare beneficiaries will be responsible for 20 percent of all charges while under observation for treatment and care. This will include physician services, lab tests, X-rays and medically necessary medications. This is unlike Part A of Medicare that covers most inpatient services after a deductible of $1,216 is satisfied per 60-day benefit period. Medicare Part A provides general nursing services, medically necessary medications, X-rays, supplies, appliances and equipment. It is also important to note there is an additional requirement to receive care provided in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Medicare beneficiaries are required to receive services as an inpatient for three consecutive days before entering a SNF. Observation stays will not satisfy this requirement.

All of these advancements result in more accuracy during the fitting process, which ultimately leads to a more comfortable and precise fitting. The physical style of the hearing aid is as important in the fitting process as the capability of the circuit itself. If you would like to learn more about Please be aware, the above information pertains hearing aid styles, circuitry and what they to “original Medicare” and does not apply to can do for you, contact your local hearing Medicare Advantage plan members. health care professional today. – Brian Emery Emery Hearing Centers State Licensed HIS 623.792.7151

– Tina Borges TRB Insurance Service 602.758.8998 azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

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. © 2012. All rights reserved. IC1037-A

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LIFESTYLE & LIVING

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” ~ Luke 1:37

azhealthandliving.com |August 14

FAMILY, KIDS & RELATIONSHIPS

BE AVAILABLE

By MS

Is Graduate School Right for You?

ccording to the Council of Graduate Schools, graduate schools received 4.3 percent more applications for entry into master's and Ph.D. programs in 2012 than in 2011. Despite the apparent growing interest in graduate programs, the number of students who began graduate studies decreased between 2011 and 2012, suggesting that perhaps graduate school is not for everyone, even those who go through the arduous application process. Much of the reason for that decline in enrollment can likely be traced to the cost of graduate school; costs have grown larger during the recession, when even colleges and universities felt the sting of a sagging economy. Determining if taking on such debt is ultimately worth pursuing an advanced degree is a decision each individual has to make on his or her own. However, more than just finances come into consideration when professionals are deciding if graduate school is the right way to further their careers.

Career ambition. Many people pursue an advanced degree out of intellectual curiosity, while many others do so in an effort to resuscitate their careers or facilitate a transition to a new career. Ask yourself if your career has reached a plateau and the next logical step is an advanced degree. If a graduate degree aligns with your career goals, then you likely will not regret pursuing such a degree regardless of the cost. On a similar note, if a graduate degree is required in another field you want to transition into, then the cost of that degree likely will not be too much of a hindrance. But if a graduate degree isn't necessary for your career but more of a shortcut to furthering that career, then the cost of pursuing the degree might not be worth it, and it could be something you grow to regret when loan payments come due.

Family. Graduate degrees are not easy to come by, and the work required to earn such a degree is considerable. Professionals 44

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

An advanced degree can be a great way for professionals to advance their careers. with families must consider the impact their pursuits of advanced degrees may have on their families. Many professionals pursue advanced degrees part-time, which means they may not earn their degree in two years like full-time students will. Professionals with families must decide if the graduate degree is worth a three or four-year investment and the sacrifices that will need to be made during those three or four years.

Location. The right graduate program for you will not necessarily be close to home. Unlike younger students or recent college graduates, professionals often have established ties within a community. This includes a network of friends and fellow professionals. Leaving that life behind to pursue an advanced degree likely will not be easy, so professionals considering such a pursuit should weigh the impact such a move may have on their quality of life and if that sacrifice is worth pursuing the degree.

Tips for Kids with a Big Dream By Walter Levin, 11-year-old unicyclist and author of The Kid Who Went To The Moon

Focus on how you are going to feel once you have made some progress If you are a person who has a hard time sitting down to work on something, whether it is an essay for school or cleaning your bedroom, think about how good it feels when you are almost done. Being almost there can actually feel even better than finishing!

Have faith that whatever you are trying to do will get a lot easier with practice You really can do anything with practice!

Do not be afraid to ask for advice or other help Sometimes we forget that we are surrounded, by people who know things we do not knowâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and who can help just by giving some advice or showing us, what we are doing wrong. It is not a fail if you need to ask someone for help to keep you moving toward your goal. It is actually smart. Some people waste a lot of time reinventing the wheel when they could be using that time to create something cool and new!

azhealthandliving.com

|August 2014 45

FAMILY, KIDS & RELATIONSHIPS

BE PRESENT

By MS

How to Help High Schoolers Choose the Right College

hoosing a college or university is the first big decision of many teenagers' lives. A youngster's choice of college can impact the rest of his or her life, and it's important that kids recognize the gravity of this decision.

Many kids, in particular those who realize the impact that their choice of college can have on the rest of their lives, are overwhelmed when colleges begin sending information about their programs and campus life. Such information, especially when it is unsolicited, may begin to arrive at the dawn of high school student's sophomore year, long before many teenagers have begun to think about where to pursue their educations after high school. However, as daunting a task as choosing a college may seem, teenagers should enjoy the process, as the choice of where to go to college is unlike any other decision many students will make for the rest of their lives. Parents also can ensure the process goes more smoothly by helping their kids find the right school. That is especially true for parents who have already been through the process with an older child. Even parents going through the process for the first time can take the following steps to help youngsters find the right college.

Discuss finances with kids at the outset of the selection process. While the choice of where a student

High school students choosing a college or university benefit when parents chip in to make the decision process go more smoothly.

46 August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

goes to college should ultimately rest with that student, it's important that parents explain their financial situations to their kids at the outset of the selection process. Explain how much you can contribute toward tuition and fees, and explain the differences between loans and grants. Some kids may expect their parents to foot the entire bill for their education, but such situations are increasingly rare thanks to the rising cost of a college education. Make sure kids know the financial obligations they will be taking on should they take out loans to pay for their education.

Ask kids to list fields of study they may want to pursue. While incoming college freshman do not necessarily need to choose a major upon enrolling, kids who know their interests and what they may want to one day do for a living may be more likely to find the right college or university for

them. Parents can ask kids to write down a list of their interests, including potential career interests. This can help kids narrow down the list of colleges and universities they are considering. Kids who list multiple potential fields of study may benefit by choosing a larger school with more available programs. This can allow them to pursue more than one major or even switch majors without transferring to another school.

Visit campuses. Student-athletes who hope to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level may be limited to a certain number of official campus visits, but nonathletes face no such restrictions. While college is first and foremost about getting an education, it is also an opportunity to grow as a person. Campus visits can give kids a feel for campus life, which can help them determine if a given college or university is somewhere they are liable to feel comfortable over the next several years. Parents can accompany kids on campus visits and ask questions their kids may not know to ask. Traveling to various campuses can be expensive, so parents might want to delay campus visits until kids have narrowed down their lists of potential colleges.

Stay involved. Some kids may succumb to the pressure of choosing a college and detach themselves from the process as a result. Stay involved in the process so kids continue to approach it with the right attitude. If kids appear to be struggling with their decision, act as a sounding board for them so they can let off some steam and clear their heads. High school students choosing a college or university benefit when parents chip in to make the decision process go more smoothly.

azhealthandliving.com |August 2014

FITNESS, NUTRITION & SPORTS

STAY ACTIVE & FIT

By Dr. Jack Wolfson, natural cardiologist at Wolfson Integrative Cardiology

The Truth about Your Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

id you know you could overdose on caffeine? It is true. From energy drinks to shots — these popular products have long been used among teens and adults alike to help increase alertness and enhance performance. Though they are a widely accepted stimulant, they pose a real health risk if not careful. How?

Most energy drinks not only deliver a stiff dose of caffeine —sometimes as much caffeine as in 1 to 3 cups of coffee— but also a massive dose of sugar. This combination can be dangerous and possibly lethal. While their funky packaging and cool names continue to make them popular among teens and young adults, health experts are warning against them more than ever and encouraging consumers to learn about the risks of these popular drinks. What is the impact on health? According to health experts, consumers can experience a laundry list of symptoms, including: 48

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

High blood pressure Routinely downing drinks and shots can increase systolic blood pressure to dangerous levels. If you have high blood pressure, a heart rhythm problem, or other health concerns, you could have more heart-related side effects from consuming one of more of the drinks or shots on a regular basis.

Heart attacks Caffeine and taurine may act in tandem to overload the heart cell with calcium. Electrically, calcium overload may lead to irregular heartbeats, heart palpitations, cardiac arrest, and even sudden cardiac death.

Headaches According to the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, headaches are the most common side effects among energy drink consumers. Research shows it leaves energy drink users with headaches, and suffering from "jolt-and-crash" episodes.

Unfortunately, these products still line grocery store shelves across the country. What can you do to protect you and your loved ones? While you may love the immediate feel-good effects of caffeine, overdosing can harm your health. If you or a loved one struggle with low energy or regularly feel fatigued, here are some healthier alternatives to give you the pick-me-up you need.

Eat healthy and avoid sugar The ups and downs from sugar consumption cause damage to the adrenal glands, zapping your energy.

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If your body is feeling fatigued, you may not be getting enough sleep. Our ancestors went to sleep with the sundown and awoke with the sunrise. You would be wise to do the same.

Drink plenty of water Our bodies need a minimum of eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. If we are even a little dehydrated, our metabolism can slow down, leaving our bodies feeling fatigued. Always carry bottled water in glass so you avoid the chemicals found in plastic.

Stay active Research shows that exercise leads to natural endorphin production that will keep you alert throughout the day. You will also sleep better.

Get the stress out Poor mental health can lead to fatigue so try your best to relax. Whether it is a long night studying, you are tired at work or you are trying to enhance your performance, consider the health risks before consuming energy drinks or shots. Your body will thank you. azhealthandliving.com |August 2014

Celebrity By Nidah Chatriwala

ENJOY LIFE

Kate

Beckinsale

Living the Dream

ate Beckinsale is one English pearl. She was born into a film family back in London, Britain. According to People Magazine, she watched her father, Richard Beckinsale, grace the big screen with his awe-stirring acting. Beckinsale’s father passed while she was very young and that gave birth to her turbulent yet courageous journey into adulthood. Going by The Independent’s reports, in her teenage years, Beckinsale experienced depression, an eating disorder and even had nervous a breakdown. Her decision to seek professional treatment helped her compose herself. As she experimented with her interests at school, she realized she would like to be an actor just like her parents. “I grew up immersed in film. My family were in the business. I quickly realized that my parents seemed to have much more fun in their work than any of my friends’ parents…” Beckinsale says in an exclusive interview at Festival-Cannes. She soon appeared on minor TV shows and films. Her good acting soon made headlines in popular newspapers here. It then did not take long for Beckinsale to make her move into Hollywood. Since then, she continues to mesmerize viewers with her onscreen presence and her soft-spoken personality attracts many. Falling in love was in Beckinsale's fate as well. How long would last? Beckinsale did not know when she fell head over heels for actor Michael Sheen.

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

Sheen and Beckinsale have a daughter named Lily. Unfortunately, the fairytale did not transpire into marriage and the relationship ended. Beckinsale life’s focus and drive is her daughter Lily. She has made sure her daughter does not have a scornful relationship with her biological father.

“Last week, Lily was talking about a friend whose parents are divorced: ‘Oh it’s so sad!’ And I said ‘Do you never feel like you’re from divorced parents? Because you are, even though Michael and I weren’t technically married.’ And she goes, ‘No! Divorced parents wait in the car outside and everyone is mean to each other, and it’s not like that with us,” Beckinsale shares with SELF Magazine. Today, Beckinsale is married to director Len Wiseman whom she sees as her “modern dream come true,” reported by SELF Magazine. Beckinsale is grateful to have created a dreamy family where Wiseman and Sheen co-parent Lily as equals. “The thing you do mainly is try to focus on the good side of it and the funny side of it, which is Lily walking around the house going ‘Daddy!’ and several people saying ‘Yes?,” she adds in her interview with SELF Magazine. In the interview with SELF Magazine, Beckinsale even mentions her phase as a single mother. During that time, her goals to keep Lily happy took the front seat as she locked up career dreams in the trunk. “The whole juggling baby-acting thing has kept me quite busy, but now I’m in my little Renaissance period. I’m starting to brew. I’m going to do it,” Beckinsale exclaims in her interview with SELF Magazine. azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

SPECIAL FEATURE

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career, business & Finance

PLAN & SAVE

By Berny Dohrmann, chairman and founder of CEO Space International and inventor of Super Teaching

Must-Know Tips to Grow Your Business Here are eight essential tips for shaping a good idea into a great business.

You cannot build a business as a hobby project.

Entrepreneurship should never be a casual endeavor. Building a thriving business in today’s market means devoting yourself fully to the mission you intend to accomplish via the company. Setting your business aside for any length of time can lead it down a slippery slope you may not be able to crawl back up from. Keep yourself organized; set clear goals you can accomplish, and dedicate yourself to making sure your ideas come to fruition.

Wrong sequence ends in business failure. One of the

biggest hurdles to business growth is the lack of a detailed planning system. No matter how big your idea is, expecting overnight success can cloud you to the practical considerations that can quickly grow larger than your ability to deal with them. Move your business forward one-step at a time, and more importantly, know where you are going before you try to get there.

Advertising is naked without PR. Flashy ads are no

substitute for a well-thought out communications strategy. In the age of information, every business needs a sensible way to spread its ideas and brand to clients and consumers ready to buy. An idea is useless without a suitable voice to present it to the world. Build your advertisement strategy around the people best suited to get you to the next step of your objective.

Never say no to growth. In today’s market, you cannot

afford to miss the opportunities that can get you from onestep to the next. While defining a plan for growth and future investment is necessary to guide your business decisions, nothing should ever be set in stone. 54

August 2014 | azhealthandliving.com

The difference between wealth and income is how many people you benefit. All the growth in the world means little if you do nothing to benefit those who helped you get there. Your team and periphery support network need to be included in the rewards in direct correlation with the effort they put into the business’s success. While numbers need to be your first concern when it comes to sustaining yourself and your ideas in the market, make sure you measure your success by more than just a bottom line.

As you grow it, it will grow you. Do not get tunnel vision when it comes to everyday business. In today’s business world, every connection you make can be a game-changing opportunity. Never walk away from the chance to shake hands with a potential partner no matter their value to you and your business at the moment. Grow your network every chance you get.

Nothing will grow you more than growing your dreams. While it is important to consider all of your decisions through a filter of practicality, you should never be convinced you could not achieve what you have set out to do. Businesses never fail because a dream is wrong; they fail because they choose the wrong path to achieve it. Remember that the more work you put into getting somewhere only makes the achievement more meaningful in the end.

Competition slows everything down. If your definition of progress includes hurting other companies along the way, you are not on the fastest lane to success. Although the market environment may appear inherently competitive at first glance, a collaborative perspective on business can make everyone’s ideas a reality faster than they could through isolation and bitter fights for market share. Look at your competitors as potential partners and find a way forward for everyone involved.

Books are the New Business Card

By Marsha Friedman, CEO of EMSI Public Relations and co-host on The News and Experts Radio Show with Alex and Marsha

rite a book. “A book?” some say – with obvious horror. “I’ve never written a book!” Yesterday’s business cards are today’s books. They give their authors immediate credibility, opens the door to journalists, talk show hosts, bloggers and anyone else creating content for hungry audiences. Who will they turn to as an expert source of information? There are some caveats. A poorly conceived, poorly designed, poorly written or poorly promoted book is worse than no book at all. Your book must professionally represent your unique message – and you. Not a writer? Not a problem. There are thousands of talented freelance writers and editors who can help. So do not worry about that just yet. The first step is planning, and that is up to you whether you will actually do the writing.

Decide on your book’s main idea. The central focus will be what drives the entire project, so it must match the message you want to convey and it must excite you. If you are bored from the get-go, you will likely never see your project through to the end. A great way to test ideas is by running them through these five questions: 1. What message am I enthusiastic about that I want to convey? 2. Who can benefit from it? 3. How will it help them? 4. Why am I the one bringing this idea to them? 5. How can I make my points unique and different from what has already been said on the topic?

Pay attention to your own reactions as you testdrive your ideas. Which idea makes you smile? Which excites you creatively? Which hits the essence of what you are about – what you enjoy, think about and create every day? It may be an idea

you never even realized inspired such passion in you.

Consider what you really want to achieve by promoting yourself or your business. Business owners obviously want to grow their business and see it flourish; some people want to build careers as speakers. However, often, there is something deeper driving us and we may not even be aware of it. Taking the time to do some soul-searching to identify your real motivation can help you clarify your message and find your book’s focus. It is never too late to write your book. I know it seems daunting, but remember, the first time you do anything, and it is often a challenge. Remember how hard it was wobbling down the sidewalk on your first bicycle? You may have crashed a few times, skinned your knees and bumped your head, but you got back on and kept trying. azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

career, business & Finance

PLAN & SAVE

By Zenovia Andrews, author of All Systems Go and MAXOut: I Want It All

5 Keys to Effective Delegation

It is a common occurrence among the most talented people in the corporate world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; highly skilled and qualified workers make the leap from valued employee to uncertain business owner.

Focus on the strengths of your team. Delegation is not

Unfortunately, rather than becoming a master of their own business, many of these entrepreneurs work twice as much as they did in their safe corporate job, unwittingly committing themselves to becoming the lowest rung on the ladder.

Focus on your own strengths, and then plug the holes. Few of us are great at everything! If bookkeeping is

People believe that starting a new business is supposed to mean they will have to work much longer hours, and that is why most new businesses fail early.

a dump-and-run tactic. Know your employees and allow them to do what they do well, give them responsibilities and authority. They will be happier and so will you.

not your thing, hire an accountant. If you do not have marketing experience, find someone with proven skills. Trying to perform jobs that you do not do well will require twice as much effort with less-than-satisfactory results.

Be the resource king or queen. Your employees are only

Entrepreneurs need to be the brains and oversight of the operation. It is not wise to work for your own business. Sixteen-hour days get entrepreneurs lost in the minutiae. They lose perspective and burn out.

as good as the resources they have. Make sure that they are equipped to do the best work for you on a daily basis. Running out of stock, not having new software and not shelling out for that desperately need printer, is not good delegation.

Business owners need distance for perspective, and the best way to create that is by knowing how to delegate duties to employees.

Become the fire, ice and motivation behind your team. When they need guidance, give it to them; when they

Owners need to be the strategic visionary who hires, trains and develops the best talent available, and then delegates work. Here are five keys to effective delegation.

Understand that your team is made up of human beings. No one can work nonstop, so get your timing right. Know what each employee can handle, and never overwork them. Most people perform at their best when they are consistently busy but not rushed or pressured. 56

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need appreciation, offer it to them. Inspire, motivate, and lead by supporting your delegated decisions and following up on them often.

Business owners need to be the big thinkers: to identify patterns both good and bad; to become an idea machine and testing fanatic; to fill out details from outlined strategy; to be aware of market trends; to always have one eye on the competition; and to develop an instinct for the people with whom you like to work.

Is Your Smartphone Outsmarting You? ByVicky Milazzo, author of Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman

e love our smartphones. There is no denying it. In fact, we love them so much that we never want to put them down. Most of us constantly check for text messages, emails, and the latest Tweets and Facebook updates at all hours of the day, whether we are in a meeting, at lunch with a friend, or just at home in front of the TV. Of course, it is easy to justify our smartphone love. They help us get more done. They allow us to stay plugged into what is going on at the office. They help us organize our schedules, remind us when to pick up our dry cleaning, and manage our growing social networks. Being overly tapped into what is happening on our smartphones is not a good thing. We suffer burn out from always being plugged into work, and as a result, our overall productivity suffers. Our relationship-building skills suffer because we are not used to communicating with people face to face. And in some respects, we stop thinking. For example, if your smartphone died, would you know when your next meeting was, what time your flight was leaving? When used responsibly smartphones can be great tools. However, many would admit to allowing them to take over their lives. As a result, opportunities that are happening right in front of you are being missed. Here are five easy steps to take back your life from your smartphone.

Turn off cyberspace. There is no greater blow to productivity than breaking your concentration to reply to an email or text as soon as it hits your smartphone. If you are doing nothing but responding to emails and texts, you are bouncing around like a pinball. Unless a response is necessary in order for the sender to move ahead on a task or project, it is okay to let them have the last word. The more you are connected to your smartphone the less you are connected to yourself and the important task.

Tame the social media beast. Smartphone apps make it fun and easier than ever to read our friends’ status updates

and to see the photos they have posted on Facebook. It makes us feel good when they like something we have posted or when we are tagged in one of their photos. That is one reason social media is so addicting – it is like experiencing human hugs all day long. Now that you understand why you like it, it is time to tame the beast and take back your time. Facebook and Twitter will not be evaluating your performance at year’s end and probably cannot qualify you for a pay raise either.

Turn off the lights and your phone. More and more of us are using our smartphones as watches and alarm clocks, keeping it plugged in to recharge on the bedside overnight. So long as your phone is plugged in, so are you. Take a break from your phone. Can you really get the REM cycles your body requires if you are still connected? Crunch kale instead of candy. Games are fun but they have their place and that is not at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table. Words with Friends can wait until you have had words and meals with family. There is no room in the restroom for a phone call. We all know that smartphones carry more germs than a toilet seat. The last place you want to be sitting and using your smartphone is a toilet seat, regardless of how many paper liners you have stacked up on that seat. azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

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

SENIOR LIVING

“Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.” ~ Isaiah 46:4

azhealthandliving.com |August 2014

aging well

STAY HEALTHY

By Gary Marriage, Jr., independent retirement advisor and CEO of Nature Coast Financial Advisors

How Your IRA Can Become Your Tax Nightmare

Uncle Sam wants you! That is, he wants you to spend your Individual Retirement Account in a manner that he finds appropriat. Millions of Americans have put away money into their IRA throughout their professional life, which the government encourages with tax-deferred growth throughout the working years, allowing employees to accumulate more money faster – but there is a catch. The government’s Required Minimum Distribution, RMDs including 401(k)s, 403(b)s or 457 plans, paint retirees and their employer-sponsored retirement plans into a corner. That is because by the time retirees reach the age of 70½, RMDs require individuals to make withdrawals, which are heavily taxed. Here is a theoretical example of John and Mary Smith:

Smooth sailing … at first. By age 65, the couple have

saved $500,000 in their IRA, and because they have been taking no income from it, they are averaging a 6 percent return each year. They sail along smoothly, compounding the growth in the account and earn a return of $40,147 by age 70. However, halfway through that year …

Compounded tax liability. At 70½, John’s individual retirement account has an accumulated value of $669,113. Therefore, his RMD – the amount he is required to withdraw – is $24,420. 60

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John and Mary were not expecting the tax bill this creates, which, in their 25 percent tax bracket, is a staggering $6,105! More upsetting to the couple, however, is that this scenario will continue for the rest of their lives.

Down the road. Fast forward to age 90 and the total

withdrawals the couple have been forced to take reaches $908,005. The total taxes owed are a staggering $227,001 – which goes straight to Uncle Sam! Worse, still, when John and Mary pass away, their children will pay taxes on the remaining money – likely at a much higher tax rate.

The solution. Rather than wait for the inevitable RMD, John and Mary can convert to a Roth IRA. This entails taking their distributions early, at age 65, even though they are not required to do so. Each year for 10 years they withdraw $67,934, pay a tax bill of $16,983 from that sum and return the balance to the account. The net effect throughout the 10-year period is a total taxable distribution of $679,340 for a total tax bill of $169,835. The good news for John and Mary, however, is that they are now done paying taxes on this account, forever. They went from taxable distributions of $1.6 million to just $679,000, thus reducing the amount they owe on taxes by almost $1 million — and the money that their beneficiaries receive will be tax-free. This scenario considers a number of variables, all of which are different for everyone. The sooner you begin the conversion process, the more you stand to gain.

HAVING TROUBLE

FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE

MEDICARE MAZE?

Do you need answers to any of the following questions? What is Medicare? What does it cover? How much does it cost? When is it available to me? Is “traditional” Medicare all I need? Does Medicare cover my prescriptions? What are the A, B, C, & D’s of Medicare? What options are available to me with Medicare? These are only a few of the many questions that require honest and accurate answers before a well informed healthcare decision should be made. I can provide the answers and options to help you choose the right path.

Call today!

Insurance

Services

Tina Borges

602.758.8998

aging well

STAY HEALTHY

By Hillel Presser, attorney and author of Financial Self-Defense (Revised Edition)

Plan Ahead for Your Online Hereafter

Many of your online accounts – from automatic bill payments to eBay – may remain active after you pass away, unless you take steps to ensure they do not.

property, like domain names. They may need access to your health records, particularly if you passed under questionable circumstances.

Automatic bill pay, for example, can theoretically keep tapping your bank account long after you are gone or, at least, until your money is.

There is the sentimental stuff – photos and emails – that your family may want as a remembrance of you, and the libraries of music and e-books, which may represent a considerable investment on your part.

It is important to make sure your online bank and shopping accounts, even your social media, can be closed out, or that your loved ones are authorized to access them. You may ask, ‘Why would I care if I am gone? It can create real headaches, and more heartache, for your family. Bank and shopping accounts will be vulnerable to identity theft, which would affect your estate if someone opens credit cards in your name. You might have valuable intellectual 62

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The problem is, even if you provide a family member with all of your accounts, log-ins and passwords, they may not be legally allowed to access them. In many cases, they may be violating the accounts’ terms of service or violating federal privacy and computer fraud laws. Some states have laws governing online materials, but they are different and which of your accounts are covered depends on where the provider is located.

What can you do to ensure your family is not left with a virtual nightmare after your passing? Create a list of all of your accounts, including log-in names, passwords, and answers to any security questions. Obviously, your list will need to be securely stored. Since you will need to update it regularly as you add accounts or change passwords, it will be easiest if you keep the list on your computer in a password-protected folder. Some versions of Windows allow you to create protected folders, but you may need to get third-party software to do this, such as free AxCrypt. Remember to create a backup of your list, whether it’s on a jump drive or printed out on paper. Store the backup in a secure place such as a safe deposit box. Do not put password information in your will, which is a public document.

If you have a Google account, set up the new inactive account manager In May 2013, Google became the first site to give users an option for choosing what becomes of their content if they should become debilitated or pass. Under the profile button, click “Account,” scroll down to “Account Management,” and you will find instructions for “Control what happens to your account when you stop using Google.” You can select how long the account should be inactive before your plans are set into motion; choose to whom you want to offer content, such as YouTube videos, Gmail, Google+ posts, Blogger and Picasa Web albums, or whether it should simply be deleted.

Appoint a digital executor Perhaps the simplest way to ensure your online life is taken care of is to appoint a digital executor – a tech-savvy person who will be willing and able to carry out your wishes. Authorize the person to access your inventory of login information and spell out what you want done with each account. Whether it is providing access to loved ones or business partners or deleting it. The digital world has grown and transformed so rapidly, the law has not kept up, which makes managing your digital afterlife challenging. Until there are more consistent laws and procedures governing this area, it is best to plan ahead, leave clear instructions, and be sure you have a list of accounts where your estate lawyer or a loved one can find it and access it. It will make a world of difference to your survivors. azhealthandliving.com | August 2014

If an adult suddenly collapses, perform Hands-OnlyTM CPR. Call 911

then push hard and fast

n the center of the chest.

Hands can do incredible things.

handsonlycpr.org

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family. You will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith and a driver named Jesus—you will make it to a place called success.” – Author Unknown

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37