Health and Medicine | 2022 by Arizona Daily Sun

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

HEALTH & MEDICINE

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022 |

How and why I became a fitness professional PRIYA DASS

Flagstaff-based Personal Trainer & Women’s Fitness Specialist

got into exercise and fitness only in the past decade of my life, and it was by chance. I had been very interested in nutrition for a long time and wanted to become a dietitian, but the prerequisite of two years of chemistry deterred me. I knew I wanted to help people lead healthy lives, and so opted for some form of health promotion. Thirteen years ago when I was looking into which graduate program I should join, I decided on a master’s in exercise science (clinical track) because my goal was to work in employee wellness with ordinary folk like myself. I found it laughable that I was getting my master’s in exercise science when all the exercise I did was walking! I used to say to people that I would study my husband exercising because he did actually exercise. During the course of my studies and practical work in cardiopulmonary rehab, I learned how important exercise is for preventing and managing chronic diseases. I incorporated what I learned into my life and the life of my family. I acquired my American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist Certification and their Level 3 Exercise is Medicine credential. A year later we moved to Flagstaff. I started volunteering with physical therapists who were doing cardiac and pulmonary rehab. Finding a job was really difficult. In the meantime, I was helping my adult sons with fitness. In 2019, a friend advised me to become a personal trainer. I laughed and said, “At my age?” Yes, I was 54 years old at the time. I signed up for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-Certified Personal Trainer course and got certified.

Why I wish fitness had always been a part of my life From the time I was a kid, I have had back problems. As I grew older, the problems grew wih me. For the past couple of decades, the physical therapist’s office was my second home. Studying for the CPT exam made me aware of why I had so much back trouble. A weak core. Unfortunately, the damage done to my spine cannot be undone, although I can delay or prevent progression of it. In the same way, I learned how a strong lower body protects your knees. I wish I’d known this earlier.

The types of clients I am passionate about helping When I got into my master’s program, my goal was to help ordinary people like myself, not stars or athletes. I have now narrowed my focus to women in their 50s. Ordinary women, with normal problems, who have spent their lives taking care of their families, having put themselves on the back burner. Now they may be struggling with their weight, with balance and mobility issues, with chronic conditions, with not being able to do all that they want and need to do. They want to reclaim their health. They aren’t ready for the rocking chair yet. They want to live life to the fullest. I am passionate about serving women in their 50s because I empathize with them and their struggles. I know they can take charge of their health, and improve their quality of life by becoming stronger, fitter, having less chronic pain, having more energy, and losing excess body weight. Life events or experiences that have prepared me to be in the position I’m in right now Our life experiences in a way make us who we are. I’ve dealt with a lot of health issues in the past, and am dogged by some even now. Injuries, muscle weakness that resulted in being easily injured, being pre-diabetic, having elevated cholesterol are some of the significant issues I have dealt with. I know what it’s like to not even be able to walk for exercise. I was diagnosed with Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in both my lower legs. After major surgery for those, and long recovery periods, I could finally walk for aerobic exercise. All these experiences have colored the fabric of my life, have made me rethink my own health and wellness, and increased my empathy for others. I can’t say that I am rid of these issues, but they are definitely better controlled (if only my thyroid would behave!). Have I reached perfection? Far from it! But I am on my journey, moving onward and upward. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Priya Dass has her M.S. in clinical exercise physiology, is an ACSM certified clinical exercise physiologist, an NASM certified personal trainer and women’s fitness specialist. She is also a health blogger. Dass helps women in their 50s reclaim their health through fitness, eating sensibly and developing healthy habits. She can be reached at priya@journeytohealthwithpriya.com or (928) 662-9785

To learn some fitness tips from Priya Dass see page L9 M 1

STROKE CERTIFIED

We provide inpatient rehabilitation services for members of our community who are recovering from or living with debilitating medical conditions, such as: • Strokes • Brain injuries • Spinal cord injuries • Orthopedic injuries, including hip fractures • Traumatic injuries • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinson’s disease • Guillain-Barré syndrome • Amputations • Burns • Neurological conditions At Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona, we strive to create a healing and nurturing environment. Our hospital features 40 all-private rooms, a spacious therapy gym with the latest rehabilitative technology, an aquatic therapy pool, and an outdoor therapeutic courtyard.

928.774.7070

928.774.7000

1851 N. Gemini Drive • Flagstaff, AZ 86001

RHNA.ERNESTHEALTH.COM

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HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Sunday, March 27, 2022 |

Skin and Health

Your health might really be written all over your face.

As you age, your skin can change. It can become more thin and tend to bruise easier. It can take longer to heal. It can become more prone to wrinkles, age spots, cancer and other consequences of spending too much time in the sun. But some skin conditions, like dry skin or acne, can be indicative of deeper health problems. Don’t ignore them.

Dry Skin Itchy, dry skin can be a consequence of dry air or sun exposure, but it may also be caused by stress, problems with your sweat and oil glands, dehydration, or more serious problems like diabetes or kidney disease.

Bruises As we age, we tend to bruise more easily. But some illnesses, such as kidney disease and leukemia, can cause you to bruise more easily than you did before. You can also bruise more easily if you have some common vitamin deficiencies, like B12 or folic acid.

Age Spots and Skin Tags These are harmless, usually, and tend to show up more as we age. Age spots are flat, brown spots often caused by spending time in the sun. Skin tags are small, raised growths found on the eyelids, neck and in body folds like the armpit and groin. What you need to watch out for are moles or spots that don’t heal or bleed, are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, change color or are more than one color, are bigger than a pencil eraser, and that change over time. These are signs of skin cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to

your doctor as soon as possible.

Keeping Skin Healthy The National Institutes on Aging offer the following tips for keeping your skin healthy: Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Put it on before you go outside, then reapply at least every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and loose, lightweight clothing. Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps.

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| SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

THE PATH TO HEALING

is paved with experts, care

RHNA helps patients like Jacquelyn Seeger regain independence SVEA CONRAD

Arizona Daily Sun

ehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona admitted its first patient on February 28 of 2018. In the four years since many more have come through its doors. Each patient receives specialized care at the state-of-the-art facility in Flagstaff, which includes private rooms, chef-prepared meals, a gym, swimming pool and a plethora of medical services and experts. The hospital is the first freestanding facility in Northern Arizona to provide inpatient rehabilitation for people recovering from disabling injuries or those living with chronic illnesses. The 40-bed facility atop McMillan Mesa is a locally-managed member of Ernest Health, a network of rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals that treats patients who are recovering from or living with disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. The hospital specializes in care following serious injuries like a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, major or multiple fractures or trauma and amputation of a major limb. They also specialize in the rehabilitation of chronic neurological disorders such as MS or Parkinson’s. Jacquelyn Seeger came to RHNA in early February this year following extensive back surgery. It was through the help of the hospital’s physical and occupational therapists that her healing journey could take shape. After a procedure that saw the longtime Cottonwood resident on the operating table for six hours, Seeger spent a week at Flagstaff Medical Center before being transferred to RHNA. Over the course of her two weeks at the latter, Seeger re-learned to walk–no small feat following an operation like hers. She has been home and fairly mobile since late February and can hardly contain her praise when it comes to RHNA. “Everyone was top-notch,” Seeger said. “From the receptionist to the cleaning staff, the administrators, the nurses, the physical therapists, everyone was just wonderful.” RHNA employs a multidisciplinary staff of nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, physical therapy assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants, registered dieticians, respiratory therapists, licensed social workers and RN case managers. Not to mention cooks, dietary aids and more. RHNA also has a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician and an internal medicine physician who oversee the care of each patient. RHNA offers full inpatient rehabilitation that includes three hours of therapy (combination of physical, occupational, and speech) each day. RHNA patients typically stay for 10-21 days depending on their needs. Infrastructure like the hospital’s 7,000-square-foot physical and occupational therapy gym make its various programs possible. Central to the room is an Aretech ZeroG Gait and Balance unit, a robotic body-weight support system that allows patients to practice balancing and

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

HEALTHIER walking without risk of falling. The ZeroG utilizes a safety harness mounted on an overhead track, allowing therapists ample space to work with patients. Adjacent to the gym is the hospital’s therapy pool, and outside the gym’s large pane windows is a “therapy courtyard” constructed with steps and ramps and portions of gravel ground covering to help patients learn to navigate outdoor spaces. Food is prepared by a skilled crew of chefs and the rooms are private. The transitional room resembles an actual home bedroom and bathroom, where a patient can experience what it would be like to navigate the home environment before they leave the facility. At the end of Seeger’s time at RHNA, which she compares more to a resort vacation than a hospital stay, she was led out the door to a round of applause from the entire staff. “They lined the halls on each side and everyone applauded when I left it was a wonderful feeling,” Seeger said. This is a trademark of the organization, everyone gathering to say goodbye so each patient can leave feeling empowered in the steps they have taken and will continue to take toward healing after their departure. “Our goal is to bring back as much function as possible to give our patients the best quality of life after a serious life event. We have a wonderful staff of case managers who also help to plan for the patient’s needs after discharge,” Donna Ray, director of marketing and business development at RHNA, said. For the patients who are not able to go home following their rehab, RHNA helps set them up to navigate life in nursing, long-term care, or assisted living facilities. The hospital is located in Flagstaff but serves patients from in town as well as surrounding areas, with patients from as far away as Utah and New Mexico. “We consider it a privilege to be able to offer this high-level care and are honored to be a vital part of Flagstaff, Arizona, and the surrounding communities that we serve,” Ray said.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! M 1

HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022 |

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TGEN

Jason Agundez, research associate at TGen North.

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH SCIENCE How TGen North leads the way TGEN NORTH

n 2007, the launch of the Pathogen and Microbiome Division of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (locally known as TGen North and originally directed by Dr. Paul Keim), placed the Northern Arizona lab at the leading edge of a growing number of facilities across the country whose research focused on the detection and prevention of biological threats and viral outbreaks. Today, led by David Engelthaler, Ph.D., the division uses cutting-edge tools and technologies to gain what Engelthaler refers to as genomic intelligence on a host of pathogens and other microbes. In early 2020 when COVID-19 hit, the team at TGen North pivoted to emergency response mode and worked side-by-side with Northern Arizona’s public health and healthcare officials. That effort involved testing, tracking and tracing the novel coronavirus in an effort to combat the pandemic on the local front.

Amber Whitaker, research technician. Having worked closely with Arizona’s health care, public health and tribal communities for years allowed the team to address the early patient testing and viral genomic analysis needs of COVID-19. “We put our heads down and went to work,” Engelthaler said. “At the time we didn’t know COVID would become a pandemic or the scale to which it would grow. Our

only goal was to apply our expertise toward providing actionable information to this novel virus emerging from the other side of the globe.” Shortly after that, TGen became Arizona’s reference lab for COVID-19 viral genome sequencing and analysis throughout the first half of the pandemic and then worked with other sequencing laboratories, as they came on board, to coordinate findings and share

results. Beyond COVID, TGen North faculty have achieved success in multiple areas, including identifying the Haitian cholera outbreak sourced to U.N. peacekeepers; investigating the deadliest medical product contamination case in U.S. history; genomically analyzing the source of a fast-growing, flesh-eating fungus that killed five people following a massive tornado

that devastated Joplin, Missouri; and developing next-generation tools to detect the earliest emergence of drug resistance in tuberculosis, the former number one infectious disease in the world, prior to COVID. “It’s important to remember, however,” Engelthaler said. “These pathogens live in their own universe—their own ecosystems— called the microbiome. And that’s where the second half of our Division’s name comes fully into play.” To that end, TGen North has been part of microbiome science since the very early days. And armed with the latest genomic sequencing technologies they’re able to study the microbial ecosystem at depths far greater than ever before. “Through the work of our faculty and staff in the TGen Integrated Microbiome Center we’re beginning to understand and tease apart that ecosystem to fully understand what it all means in terms of the biology of that ecosystem itself and what it means for human health,” Engelthaler said. By sequencing their genomes, scientists at TGen North are digitizing these microbial ecosystems, where knowledge, i.e., intelligence, can be gained on the interaction of these microbes during health and disease. A great example of this is TGen North’s work with City of Hope studying patients who are going through cancer treatments and the impacts those have on their microbiome. By working closely with clinicians and researchers at City of Hope they are able to provide a greater understanding of those changes that are taking place and how this information may help achieve a healthier state for their patients. “This is a big data science and it does take these big data approaches for us to even ask the right questions and now really begin to understand and answer those questions,” Engelthaler said. Beyond the science, however, is the role TGen North plays in the local economy. Today, more than 60 faculty and staff members work at the TGen North location and consider Flagstaff home. The team consists of microbiologists, genomicists, epidemiologists, computational biologists, immunologists, ecologists and many more that make the science happen. “We have a motto at TGen North: ‘We have the ability; therefore we have the responsibility.’ We take that motto to heart,” Engelthaler said.

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Learn more at coconino.az.gov/wic

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HEALTH & MEDICINE

| SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

About Aspen Integrative Medical Center Aspen Integrative Medical Center (AIM) was founded in 2007 by co-owners Amber Belt and Daniel Rubin. Dr. Belt and Dr. Rubin are both naturopathic physicians with over three decades of combined experience. Their goal when founding AIM was to bring superior quality, cutting edge naturopathic medicine to Northern Arizona. Aspen Integrative Medical Center is located in downtown Flagstaff and continually strives to provide the best naturopathic medical care in Northern Arizona. Amber Belt, ND is the Medical Director at AIM. Her practice is diverse, encompassing general wellness, GI conditions, chronic illness and more. However, Dr. Belt’s experience shines when it comes to the treatment of pain. She utilizes prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) as tools to address musculoskeletal pain caused by damaged joints ligaments, and tendons. Prolotherapy and PRP are regenerative injections that help the body heal, resulting in less pain and improved function. Dr. Belt is one of the most experienced physicians with prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma therapy in Northern Arizona, utilizing regenerative injections to help her patients for 15 years. Daniel Rubin, ND, FABNO is a pioneer in the field of naturopathic oncology and is one of the most experienced naturopathic oncologists in the country. He is the founding president of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and played a large part in the creation of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology. Dr. Rubin is an expert at the integration of conventional medicine and naturopathic medicine for people with cancer. He serves both the adult and pediatric populations. Dr. Rubin provides excellent care for people who are at any stage of cancer, including those who are seeking prevention of recurrence, undergoing conventional treatment, or looking to improve quality of life. Aspen Integrative Medical Center also has a caring, efficient and highly-qualified staff to ensure that top quality naturopathic care is delivered to their patients. AIM’s front office staff, medical assistant and nurses make sure that patient care is delivered at a consistently high level. If you’re looking for excellent natu Patient education ropathic medical care from experienced  Diet and nutritional therapies physicians who utilize the best of both nat Herbal medicine ural and conventional medicine, consider  Nutritional supplements Aspen Integrative Medical Center for your  IV therapy healthcare needs.  Homeopathic medicine If you would like to learn more about  Acupuncture Aspen Integrative Medical Center, please  Prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma visit https://aspenmedcenter.com or call (928)213-5828. You can also follow us on therapy  Medications when appropriate Instagram @aspenintegrative or Facebook  And more! at Aspen Integrative Medical Center.

The benefits of naturopathic medicine ASPEN INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL CENTER

Naturopathic medicine is a unique system of medicine that seeks the root cause of illness, takes the whole person into consideration and preferentially uses natural therapeutics to promote healing. In fact, naturopathic medicine is recognized as one of the original systems of medicine that offers safe, effective, patient-centered care. As patients demand high quality, individualized care naturopathic medicine is poised to shine. Naturopathic physicians are well trained, attending a four-year medical school and passing rigorous board exams before they can be licensed. Naturopathic physicians are qualified to handle a variety of conditions safely and effectively, they will treat you as a whole person, they will not see you as just your illness, they will seek the root cause of illness and they will be a partner in your medical care.

What can naturopathic physicians address through their practice?  General wellness care  Chronic pain  Cancer care  Autoimmune disease  Chronic illnesses  Gastrointestinal issues

 Cardiovascular health  Hormone balance  Blood sugar regulation  Acute illness  And many other conditions Naturopathic physicians are also able to tap into a wide variety of treatments from both the natural and conventional medical world. Naturopathic physicians may use one or more of the following healing modalities to help their patients heal:

Let our hands help heal your hands Our Plastic Surgeons treat a variety of hand and wrist problems:

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1020 North San Francisco Street, Suite 200, Flagstaff, AZ 928-774-2300 • 1-800-962-1390 • www.psna.net

Inspired Naturopathic Care in Flagstaff, AZ Most Experienced Naturopathic Physicians in Flagstaff

Your Career in Health Care. Reimagined.

Serving the Flagstaff community since 2000, The Peaks, A Senior Living Communtiy takes pride in delivering Platinum Service®, our commitment to put residents and their families at the heart of everything we do. We are hiring caregivers, certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and more! BENEFITS CENTERED ON YOU*

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323 N Leroux, Suite B www.aspenmedcenter.com

(928) 213-5828

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HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022 |

Is sodium worth its salt? CHRISTINE MAXA

Special to the Daily Sun

Loved by chefs, sought by snackers and used prolifically in processed foods, salt has a long history of influence on the human palate. Not only is sodium chloride a wanted commodity, our body actually needs it. “Sodium is a mineral that’s essential for life,” explained Dr. Katherine Kenny, president of the Phoenix American Heart Association Board and a certified adult nurse practitioner. “It’s regulated by our kidneys, and it helps control our body’s fluid balance. It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function.” Our desire for salt’s ping of the taste buds, amounting to about 3,400 milligrams (mg) daily, far outweighs our need of 500 mgs daily. Salt’s universal appeal — even animals head for the salt lick — has made this most desired element easily exploitable through the ages.

A valuable commodity

Salt’s recorded history starts some 5,000 years ago. Folks used salt to preserve food because salt inhibits bacterial life. It does this, basically, by sucking the life out of bacteria through osmosis: the water inside the bugs gets pulled outside, which destabilizes the organisms and leads to their death. Crafty merchants and the taxman took notice. Salt’s value rose high enough in medieval Europe to be called white gold. To give an example of salt’s worth, the word salary comes from the word salarium (sal is Latin for “salt”), which referred to the “salt money” paid to Roman soldiers to purchase salt (the word soldier comes from sal dare or “go give salt”). To this day we describe something’s value as worth its salt.

The dark side of salt

Once refrigeration came on the scene, salt shifted entirely to palate pleasure. We not only add salt to make our food taste better, but one study found it to “improve the perception of product thickness, enhance sweetness, mask metallic or chemical off-notes and round out overall flavor while improving flavor intensity.” The food industry took note. Salt has become one of the food industry’s favorite ingredients — the other two being sugar and fat. But salt has a dark side. It lights up all kinds of reward centers in our brain, including the same ones used by cocaine and heroin. That’s why you can’t just eat one (potato chip). And some research shows not enough salt may cause depression. With salt’s incredible allure, it’s logical to wonder how we can develop a healthy relationship with it. Considering the health problems too much can cause, it’s worth trying.

Too much of a good thing

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of salt a day and is moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day. AMA’s lofty goal comes down to salt’s innate action of attracting water. When we get more than we need our body flushes sodium out through the kidneys (and can take with it calcium since the two minerals are regulated by the same molecule). When there’s too much to flush, salt accumulates between cells and increases the body’s blood volume. This causes the heart to work harder and blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

“It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose,” Kenny explained. “The pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the buildup of plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. And the extra water in your body can lead to bloating and weight gain.” For most of us, a healthy sodium intake doesn’t mean cutting out the white gold completely. It could just mean tweaking a couple of eating habits. Since processed foods contain about 80% of our intake of sodium chloride, steering clear of convenience and canned foods is a great place to start. Then consider cutting down on fast food. When ordering food at a restaurant, Kenny advised asking the kitchen to make the order without extra salt. And always taste the food before adding salt. “If you think it needs a boost of flavor,” Kenny said, “add freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime and test it again before adding salt. Lemon and pepper are especially good on fish, chicken and vegetables. Control portion sizes. When we cut calories, we usually cut the sodium too. Ask if smaller portions are available, share the meal with a friend or ask for a to-go box when you order and place half the meal in the box to eat later.” Shaving off a bit here and there not only makes the transition away from too much salt easier but longer lasting. We even may notice we feel better doing it. And that’s worth its weight in gold.

You’re Invited to

SOMETHING GRAND. The public is invited to the Grand Opening celebration of our beautiful new community in Flagstaff. We hope you’ll join us!

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 1 - 6 p.m. Highgate at Flagstaff | 1831 N Jasper Drive See Flagstaff’s most unique concept in senior living. Enjoy appetizers, refreshments and live entertainment. We look forward to seeing you! *For the protection and safety of our residents, we will be following our COVID protocol*

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 Flavor food with onions,



How to start

• S AV E T H E D AT E •

Call: (928) 660-6898 | Email:

Follow Dr. Kenny’s low-sodium tips

Visit: HighgateSeniorLiving.com

 



garlic, herbs, spices, citrus juices and vinegars. Drain and rinse canned beans (like chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.) and vegetables. You’ll cut the sodium by up to 40 percent. If you don’t like the taste of lower-sodium foods right now, try combining them in equal parts with a regular version of the same food. You’ll get less salt and probably won’t notice much difference in taste. This works especially well for broths, soups and tomato-based pasta sauces. Cook pasta, rice and hot cereal without salt. Cook by grilling, braising, roasting, searing and sautéing to bring out natural flavors. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure, Incorporate foods with potassium like sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

| SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

 How are your caregivers vetted? (Criminal background checks, etc.)  What training do you give your caregivers?  How are caregivers monitored and evaluated?  How do you know the caregiver arrived at their shift?

Caregiver quality

Before Comfort Keepers caregivers are placed into a home with a client, their personal backgrounds are checked thoroughly, and criminal backgrounds are re-run monthly. They are also trained before being placed with a client. In addition, Comfort Keepers caregivers are covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance in the event of an injury to the caregiver as well as being bonded and insured. Private caregivers can seek the homeowner’s insurance for injury, and most are not bonded and insured. Also, because of the substantial number of choices in the caregiving field, people will often choose the least expensive option without doing research. Choose a company where caregivers do not lack training and supervision. It is easy to get confused when choosing home care for a loved one. Instead of focusing on the cost, concentrate on the quality of care your loved one will receive. The long-term consequences of hiring an independent agency or private caregiver may not be worth the risk. With knowledge of the options available for in-home care, families can feel satisfied and safe about their choice. There is too much at stake.

Not all home care is the same Comfort Keepers provides quality service for your loved ones CINDY HARRIS

About Comfort Keepers

Owner, Comfort Keepers

The increasing senior population has led to incredible growth in the largely unregulated home care service industry. With many independent companies and private caregivers springing up across the country, it is not always easy for consumers to understand the key qualities that determine a safe and reliable provider. Home care services provide a range of assistance, while allowing seniors to remain in their own homes. The majority of agencies offer a mix of:  Daily living assistance – meal preparation, running errands and transportation  Personal care – grooming, dressing guidance, toileting, and bathing  Home making – light housekeeping and laundry

 Specialized services – com- Although the industry is boompanionship, shopping ing, there is currently little regis Dementia, Alzheimer’s care tration to control how these companies are operating and who their Standards and guidelines workers are,” Christy Socol, BD, Some states require agencies to CSA, of Home Health Care Manbe licensed and meet minimum agement & Practice, said. “Unstandards. Arizona does not re- fortunately, the lack of industry quire a license. However, many regulation means there is a wide agencies are part of a larger orga- variety in terms of the quality of nization and follow strict guide- care that home care companies lines for employment, marketing provide.” and business operations, such as Several independent companies Comfort Keepers. are opening up home care agen“Home care agencies and regis- cies that lack quality and profestries are popping up everywhere. sionalism.

northlandhsopice.org

runsignup.com

LIFE

Join us for our 24th annual Run for Life. We are so excited to be back up and running with the Flagstaff community! Scan the QR code below for more information and to sign up. Thank you for supporting Join usArizona’s for our 24th Run for Life. We are so Northern onlyannual non-profit hospice.

excited to be back up and running with the Flagstaff community! Scan the QR code below for more information and to sign up. Thank you for supporting Northern Arizona's only non-profit hospice.

2022 Wheeler Park Flagstaff, AZ Wheeler Park Flagstaff, AZ

When choosing a home care company, it is important to know what questions to ask before making any decision. Asking questions allows the client or family member to evaluate the best service for their situation. There are many choices of rates for services, but the cheapest is not always the best.  How long has the company been in business?  Are your caregivers insured and bonded?

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RUN FOR RUN FOR LIFE June 18 2022 June 18

Questions to ask a home care company

Providing quality care to the Flagstaff community and surrounding areas going on 19 years. Comfort Keepers provides non-medical, in-home care on an hourly, daily, weekly or live-in basis for individuals needing assistance with activities of daily living. Services are tailored to the individual needs of each client. Care duties include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation for errands and appointments, laundry, recreational activities and more. Comfort Keepers has more than 750 independently owned and operated offices worldwide in 45 US states as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, For more information call (928) 774-0888 or visit Comfort Keepers at 214 N. Sitgreaves St. in Flagstaff.

6AM6AM9AM 9AM

A daily dose of joy

• Personal care

• Incidental transportation

• Companionship and housekeeping

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s care

• Shopping/Errands

• Respite care

• Medication reminders

• Safety solutions

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HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Sunday, March 27, 2022 |

Women

and resistance training Why or why not?

PRIYA DASS

Flagstaff-based Personal Trainer & Fitness Specialist

esistance training: to do or not to do, that is the question. Many middle-aged and older women think that they have done all the exercise they needed to when they were younger, and now it’s time to rest. Some think that walking (maybe even a leisurely stroll) is plenty. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Aging does not just bring on some graying or thinning of hair, but it also leads to declines in our senses, our functional ability, as well as our becoming frailer and becoming more susceptible to disease, especially chronic health conditions.

What is resistance exercise?‌

Decreases risk of injury Helps manage and maintain weight Promotes cardio-respiratory fitness Helps decrease anxiety and depression Helps improve sleep Helps reduce mortality Helps improve cognition Promotes increased habitual physical activity Helps improve self-esteem Helps enhance the performance of everyday tasks/activities of daily living Engaging in regular resistance exercise improves our health, both physical and mental, our energy levels, enabling us to be independent, and live fuller lives.

What research has to say about the benefits of resistance training

Exercise in which you move your limbs Effect on women’s metabolism against resistance provided by your own As women get into their 50s, they combody weight, gravity, bands, bars, or dumb- plain of a slowed metabolism which has rebell weights. sulted in increased body weight. Losing that excess weight becomes more and more diffiBenefits of resistance training‌ cult as well. One of the main reasons for this decreased metabolism is the loss of muscle Improves muscle strength and endur- and bone mass as we age. Muscle mass is more metabolically active ance Builds bone than fat mass, hence, increasing lean mass or Improves balance and mobility Muscle increases our metabolic rate, even-

Family Health Center

NACA Family Health Center is dedicated to providing quality healthcare to all who seek it: Native and non-Native peoples; those who have insurance and those who do not. NACA’s Family Health Center is committed to providing compassionate, culturally relevant care to guarantee the best health outcomes for our patients.

Behavioral Health

NACA Behavioral Health Services utilizes a wide variety of counseling techniques that honor our unique population, their customs, culture and beliefs (including Traditional & Western orientations). Our philosophy is that balance and harmony are central to the goals of wellness and healing. We believe that at any point in our lives, we have the ability to change/transform our lives for the better. With this in mind, we encourage progress by building on the strengths of our clients, their families and communities.

tually causing more fat loss. The more fit you are, the more fat you will burn. In a cross-sectional study comparing female athletes and sedentary women ages 18-69, it was found there was no difference in the percentage of body fat and fat-free mass, i.e., muscle and bone between the oldest and youngest women athletes. The BMR (basal metabolic rate) of the older athletic women was similar to the BMRs of the younger women, not that of the women of their own age group. Wow! So an older woman who is working out regularly can have the metabolism of a youngster. Hence the importance of building and maintaining lean mass throughout life with muscle and bone-building exercise and diet. It’s never too late to start. Effect on Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a group of cardiovascular disease risk factors that occur together and increase one’s risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Resistance exercise, as well as aerobic exercise, can both help prevent or manage Metabolic syndrome. Resistance exercise performed at least two days per week can reduce the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome and its individual components. Many studies have shown that resistance training improves blood sugar control more

than aerobic exercise. Resistance training has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides. Resistance exercise has also been shown to help reduce blood pressure in people who had high blood pressure. Effect on bone health Resistance exercise not only builds muscle strength and mass, but it also increases bone mass and the strength of the specific bones beings stressed and can help prevent, slow down or even reverse the loss of bone mass in individuals with osteoporosis. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Muscle weakness is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis, making resistance training essential for reducing the development or progression of this disorder. Resistance training can help reduce pain and disability in those affected by osteoarthritis. If you were earlier doubtful of whether resistance training was necessary, I hope you are now convinced that it is essential for a variety of reasons. We want to age well, and resistance training helps us do that. It helps us remain stronger, fitter and more able to do what we want and need to and helps us prevent or better manage chronic health conditions.

AnniversAry Promotion hAs been extended!

Celebrating 43 Years $ with 43 initiation Your membership includes: • 2 Clubs • 3 pools (including a salt pool, a lap pool and an outdoor pool) • 4 Steamrooms, 6 Jacuzzis and 4 Saunas • 2 Kids Clubs • 9 Courts • State of the Art Strength and Cardio Equipment • Indoor Track, Gymnasium • Personal Training

Supportive Services

Supportive Services is a program that offers various direct or coordinated supports to aid individuals or families in meeting their overall social well-being with financial or supportive resources, including referrals or emergency financial support.

• Small Group Training • Physical Therapy • Swim Lessons • Tanning on site plus much more!

Expires 3/31/22

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1500 E. Cedar Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 928-526-2968 | www.nacainc.org

FAC East 1500 N Country Club Rd. • 928-526-8652 | FAC West 1200 W Rt. 66 • 928-779-4593 www.flagstaffathleticclub.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlagstaffAthleticClub

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| Sunday, March 27, 2022

HEALTH

HEALTH & MEDICINE

ARIZONA DAILY SUN

comes first

Northern Arizona University supports community through various services Educating the next generation of healthcare leaders puts Northern Arizona University in a unique position to provide wellness services that expand health equity locally. At NAU, community members can access services such as low-cost dental cleanings, physical therapy, speech therapy and hearing evaluations. High-level nursing students provide health screenings, administer vaccines and much more. Here are a few of the ways NAU increases access to healthcare services and invests in strengthening the northern Arizona community.

Dental Hygiene Clinic‌

One of NAU’s most popular community services is the Dental Hygiene Clinic. Under the direct supervision of faculty members, dental hygiene students provide area residents with affordable, preventative dental care for those who can least manage the cost. This service can help patients avert serious and expensive dental and other medical problems down the road. Clinic appointments generally last from two-and-a-half to three hours and include cleaning, exam, x-rays and fluoride. A flat fee is charged for appointments and insurance is not accepted or billed. The cost is $65 for adults; $60 for NAU students, alumni, faculty, staff and anyone over the age of 65; and $45 for children ages 13 and younger. Sealants are $5 per tooth. Through the Smiles for Veterans program, veterans ages 60 and older receive free dental care at the clinic. Qualifying adults can also access free dental care at NAU through the Coconino County Dental Care Voucher program. Special Kiddie Clinics are held several times a year to provide care to children ages 2-12.

Appointments are required for all services, and the clinic is located on the NAU campus. To schedule an appointment, call 928-523-3500 or email dentalhygiene.clinic@nau. edu. For information about Smiles for Veterans, call Mark Lamberton at 520-245-2997 or email smilesforveterans@gmail.com. For more information about the NAU Dental Hygiene Clinic and a link to the Coconino County Dental Care Voucher application, visit nau.edu/ dental-hygiene/clinic.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAU

Physical Therapy Clinic‌

Another popular and long-standing program is the free NAU Physical Therapy Clinic. Held on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and open to anyone age 18 or older, the free clinic has a dual purpose. According to Michelle Cook, an administrative associate for the prestigious PT program, “It teaches our doctoral students to work with patients and provides free physical therapy to anyone in need.” Cook says the clinic’s patients include students whose family insurance doesn’t apply in Flagstaff, people with insurance whose benefits have run out or have an expensive co-pay, and the uninsured. Patients can be seen three times, and services are focused on musculoskeletal complaints, including strains, sprains, aches and pains. Doctoral PT students work under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists. In addition to the regular clinic, PT students also work with patients with neurological issues resulting from, for example, stroke or traumatic brain injury. Intensive, two-day evaluations are offered once each semester for these patients, and regular clinic appointments are held on Tuesdays. The department also conducts intensive, two-day evaluations for pediatric patients at various times throughout each year. To make an appointment for the Friday PT clinic, call 928-523-4092 or email nauptclinic@nau.edu; or

visit nau.edu/physical-therapy/ pt-clinic for more information. Patients interested in the neurology clinics can also contact Cook at 928-523-4092.

Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic‌ NAU’s Communication Sciences and Disorders department hosts a Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic open to all ages that offers a full range of speech, language and hearing services, including voice evaluation and treatment, cognitive retraining, audiological evaluation and hearing aid dispensing. The therapy programs can be customized for individuals and groups in various settings, including the NAU campus, schools, hospitals, and residential care facilities. Services are provided by graduate student clinicians working under the direct supervision of clinical faculty certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The clinic provides services for accent modification, aphasia, audiology services, child language

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disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, dysphagia, fluency disorders, literacy, motor speech disorders, speech sound disorders and voice disorders. According to Department Representative Stacey Magee, the department also sponsors a choir, the Mountain Tremors, for Parkinson’s patients. Research has shown a proven benefit—the slowing and possible reversal of symptoms— from the vocal training and mental cognition necessary to sing as a group. On the other side of the age spectrum, the department offers services to very young patients. Parents of children up to age five with concerns about their child’s communication development can access free speech, language and hearing screenings. Fees may apply for Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic services. For audiology services, the department bills insurance and contracts with several insurance companies and Medicare. Other services are charged directly to the patient. For more information, visit nau.edu/ csd/clinic, call 928-523-8110, or

email shclinic@nau.edu.

School of Nursing‌

Students in NAU’s popular nursing program provide various community services across the region, including schools, hospitals and shelters for the unhoused. According to Dawn Rivas, the interim director of the School of Nursing, the department deploys student nurses wherever they can be of use. “We send students to [Flagstaff Unified School District], to help with COVID mitigation and developmental screening on some children. At North Country [Healthcare], we provide pediatric home health care. Last semester we went to Winslow Indian Health Care Center and did flu clinics. This semester we’re going to Flagstaff Family Food Center. We partnered our psychiatric rotation with the Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition to reach out to elders in their homes.” The list goes on, she said, including home health agencies, community places, homeless shelters, and wherever else people may need help.

NOMINATE A NURSE TODAY! Celebrate a nurse by nominating one who has made an impact in the lives of others. Ten honorees will be featured in a special section in the Arizona Daily Sun to commemorate National Nurses Week. To nominate a nurse go to azdailysun.com/Contests