December 2015, Healthy Cells Magazine Phoenix

VALLEY OF THE SUN

east valley area

Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional

DECEMBER 2015

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• Nutritional

Processed and Red Meat Products

Is There a Safe Amount ?

Holiday Planning With Dementia How Does HIV/AIDS Affect Women?

Benefits of Prepaid Funeral Plans

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letter from the owner

Happy Holidays

D

ecember is upon us once again, the end of another year, and Healthy Cells Magazine is grateful for the opportunity to provide another year of trustworthy health information, resources, and answers to questions that concern our community.

As we plan for 2016, I’d like to ask, what would you like to read or learn more about? We’d like your thoughts, comments, topic ideas, and health questions. What health concerns do you have? Do you have questions you’re too shy to ask your doctor? Would you like information about Cancer, Pet health, Nutrition, Men’s health, etc.? Send me your questions, and I’ll look for the right professional to address your concerns. Healthy Cells Magazine is for you, the community; a resource to help us learn more about our health, and what steps we can take to live a healthier life. Please use my contact info below.

We, as a community, are a melting pot of various cultures and beliefs from around the world.

How fortunate we are to celebrate our own traditions and learn about other cultures without the threats people often face in other countries. We may not agree with another person’s beliefs, but that doesn’t mean we don’t accept our differences, and respect each other’s beliefs.

From my tradition,

I Wish You A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Monica Tegg/Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine®, East Valley, PO Box 6233, Chandler AZ, 85246 Monica@healthycellsmagazine.com, www.healthycellsmagazine.com/phx, 480-204-3090, #healthycellsAZ, Facebook.com/healthycellsmagazine.phx

Here’s what our advertisers are saying about Healthy Cells Magazine:

F

ive years ago, I left a secure position at an insurance agency to start my own business as an independent insurance agent. The first couple years, I was blessed by personal referrals from

colleagues and existing clients, but trying to expand beyond that and find the right marketing was challenging. After meeting with Monica Tegg at Healthy Cells Magazine, I was intrigued by her approach with content marketing, and the demographics her magazine reaches. Over the last two years of advertising and writing articles, the phone has been ringing. It’s been a wonderful way to reach new clients. It feels more personal, and readers can see that I can help them navigate through the complexities of Medicare. Thank you to Monica and her amazing staff for all their help!

Patty J Vieira Independent Insurance Agent Insurance Resources 480-220-7233 To Promote your Business, Contact Healthy Cells Magazine Today.

480-204-3090

monica@healthycellsmagazine.com December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

DECEMBER 5

Shin Splints: Relief of Pain and Prevention

6

Physical: Best Practices for Flu Prevention and Related Complications

8

2015

This Month’s Cover Story:

Volume 3, Issue 12

Processed and Red Meat Products

Is There a Safe Amount?

page 16

Cover story photos by inhauscreative/iStock

Nutritional: What Are GMOs?

10

Emotional: Don’t Just Survive the Holidays — The Key to a More Restful Night’s Sleep

12

Holiday Gatherings: Opportunity to Create a Family Health Tree

13

Healthy Substitutions: Dietary Differences? Keep Breakfast Satisfying With Smart Substitutions

14

Health News: Derma Health to Offer Nonsurgical Treatment for Double Chin

15

Quality Family Time: Making Spirits Bright for the Whole Family This Holiday Season

19

Family Health: Holiday Planning With Dementia

20

Raise Awareness: How Does HIV/AIDS Affect Women?

22

Hearing Health: If Someone You Love Has a Hearing Problem, Here’s How You Can Help

24

Drink Responsibly: Tips for Healthy Holiday Celebrations

25

Prearrangements: Benefits of Prepaid Funeral Plans

Healthy Cells Magazine® is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine® are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

26

Bladder Cancer: Blue Light Procedure Helps Doctor Better Detect Bladder Cancer

Healthy Cells Magazine® is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the East Valley, including medical facilities and other waiting rooms. Healthy Cells Magazine® welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the East Valley area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

For advertising information, contact Monica Tegg, owner, Valley of the Sun Edition Cell: 480-204-3090 • Fax: 309-691-2187 PO Box 6233, Chandler, AZ 85246 monica@healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine® is a division of: 1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616 • Ph: 309-681-4418 • Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine® is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the East Valley.

shin splints

Relief of Pain and Prevention

By Dustin Hall, LMT, Keystone Body Therapies

D

o you suffer from aggravating pain in the lower leg when running? Do you have cramping in your feet, pins and needle sensations in the legs, or complete numbness?

You may suffer from shin splints. Shin splints can be characterized by damage to, or inflammation of, the connective tissue joining the muscles to the shin bone (tibia). This normally happens with excessive exercise, walking, running, and jumping, especially up and down hills.

The tibia has four major muscles that attach to the inner border of the bone through the connective tissue, called the tenoperiosteum. These four muscles are tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallicus longus, and soleus. When we exercise, these muscles will contract and stress the tenoperiosteum. Damage to the tenoperiosteum or inflammation will occur when the stress becomes too forceful or repetitive. Typically, the pain experienced with shin splints runs along the inner border of the shin. In more acute cases, the person may only feel aches or stiffness along the inner border following activity. People with this condition will mostly experience the pain when firm pressure is applied on the inner border of the Tibia,

Dustin Hall, LMT

specifically on the lower third of the tenoperiosteum. Amongst the pain, you may also feel muscle tension, thickening, or lumps.

In some severe cases, swelling, redness, and hot spots may also be detected along the tibia.

Structural Physiotherapy and deep tissue massage treatments for shin splints are very successful, and give relief after the first session, in most cases. By lengthening the connective tissue (fascia) in the lower leg, and ridding all the trigger points, patients will have great results. Along with the bodywork, you will need to conduct some re-patterning exercises to allow for proper movement, and increased range of motion.

Therapists at Keystone Body Therapies are trained to do just that, with amazing results! Call for a free 30-minute consultation to find out how we can help you live a pain-free, healthy life! Check us out online at www.keystonebodytherapies.com, call 480-686-8647, or email us at keystonebodytherapies@gmail.com. Keystone Body Therapies (formally known as Structura Body Therapies), Your Body, our Understanding.

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December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

physical

Best Practices for Flu Prevention and Related Complications

Sheriolyn Curry, Mdiv, CSA

Submitted by Sheriolyn Curry, Mdiv, CSA, Comfort Keepers

E

verything in life is all about strategy! There’s a strategy to playing chess, a preferred strategy used to hit certain aisles at the grocery store, and a best used strategy for mastering new information. So why not have a healthy “strategy” to ensure that you don’t contract the FLU virus, causing you to deal with all of its unhealthy nastiness, in addition to the related complications?

Here are 5 recommendations, in order to help you avoid what DOESN’T have to be the inevitable: 1. B e sure to get your annual flu vaccination! Different strands come out every year, so by getting the annual vaccination, you’ll know that you’re ahead in the fight to stay healthy. For new or existing Arizonians, don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t get the flu here, due to all of the beautiful weather!

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

2. Try your best to minimize your exposure to the flu virus. If you must go into a hospital, medical setting, or a patient’s home where people could possibly be infected, be sure to protect yourself! Always wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with someone who is sick.

3. Monitor any ill workers with customer-facing jobs. ALL employees who have a high level of contact with the public, should NOT come to work sick. These employees have a much higher chance of spreading the flu, and dealing with other complications. However, no one should spread the flu at any job.

4. Be sure to use Standard Precautions. It is ALWAYS important to use standard precautions, such as washing your hands often, and using gloves when caring for someone who is ill, regardless of whether or not they exhibit flu-like symptoms. This is just a great precaution against ANY virus or illness.

5. C onduct “Environmental Infection Control.” Be sure to use soap and water to thoroughly wash down any common surfaces that are touched by everyone. When used with precaution and according to the directions on the label, bleach can also be a great germ killing tool that is used to deliver environmental infection control. Just be sure to follow up with a thorough rinse or wipe with plain, warm water. Lysol, in the spray form, can also be a good option when water submersion is not an option.

sinus infections, bronchitis, dehydration, and pneumonia. These complications are increased for the population of high risk individuals; however, they can cause hospitalization, and even death!

High Risk Individuals.

There are certain populations of people that are at a higher risk of catching the flu, who could possibly have much more serious related complications as a result of contracting the flu. High risk individuals include: pregnant women, women who’ve delivered babies within two weeks, young children, people 65 and older, people with chronic health issues (such as asthma, heart disease, any condition that weakens the immune system, or morbid obesity), anyone who works in the medical and home care field, and anyone with other chronic health conditions. Anyone who falls under any of these categories should IMMEDIATELY see their doctor, AND follow the best practices that we’ve outlined here. If you or someone you love falls into this category, utilize appropriate prevention strategies.

Comfort Keepers of Chandler provides peace of mind by offering all levels of Interactive Caregiving, and a wide variety of other Senior services. Call us today to discuss your particular care needs at 480659-9201. Visit www.comfortkeepers.com or email chandler@comfortkeepers.com. Se habla español. Richelle Hulett-Ivy, MBA, MAED/ AET, is the General Manager of Comfort Keepers-Chandler. Richelle’s customer-facing and management experience includes over 20 years in Social Work and Education. She relocated to Arizona from Illinois seven years ago, and has a heart for helping others.

Related Complications.

Just in case you’re thinking that the flu isn’t so bad, here are some of the related complications that can occur as a result of contracting the flu: ear infections (especially in younger children),

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Hopefully, these top 5 strategies will not only help to keep you healthy, but it’ll also help to make you more aware of how to effectively prevent the flu and avoid the related complications. As Walgreens now says, “Be Well!”

About the Author: Richelle Hulett-Ivy, MBA, MAED/AET, is the General Manager of Comfort Keepers-Chandler. Richelle’s customer-facing and management experience includes over 20 years in Social Work and Education. She relocated to Arizona from Illinois, seven years ago and has a heart for helping others.

Resources available upon request.

Photo credit: OcusFocus/iStock

Dan DiPomazio, CPA, PLLC 1820 E Ray Road, Suite A113 Chandler, AZ 85225 Office – 480-264-5140 Cell – 602-524-2004 Fax – 480-264-5142 dan@dipomaziocpa.com Helping individuals and companies with personalized accounting services, tax planning and tax preparation.

December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

nutritional

What Are GMOs?

G

MOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering (or GE).

This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature, or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.

Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights.

Are GMOs safe?

Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them, and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands, and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment.

Many of these items appear as added ingredients in a large amount of the foods we eat. For instance, your family may not eat tofu or drink soy milk, but soy is most likely present in a large percentage of the foods in your pantry.

GMOs may be hidden in common processed food ingredients, such as: Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, and Yeast Products.

Are GMOs labeled?

Unfortunately, even though polls consistently show that a significant majority of Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, the powerful biotech lobby has succeeded in keeping this information from the public. In the absence of mandatory labeling, the Non-GMO Project was created to give consumers the informed choice they deserve.

How common are GMOs? In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80 percent of conventional processed food.

Do Americans want non-GMO foods and supplements?

Polls consistently show that a significant majority of North Americans would like to be able to tell if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs (a 2012 Mellman Group poll found that 91 percent of American consumers wanted GMOs labeled). In addition, according to a recent CBS/New York Times poll, 53 percent of consumers said they would not buy food that has been genetically modified. The Non-GMO Project’s seal for verified products will, for the first time, give the public an opportunity to make an informed choice when it comes to GMOs.

What are the most common GMOs? The most common GMOs are soy, cotton, canola, corn, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, and squash (zucchini and yellow).

Where does the Non-GMO Project come in?

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization with a mission of protecting the non-GMO food supply, and giving consum-

Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

ers an informed choice. We offer North America’s ONLY third party verification for products produced according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance. Our strategy is to empower consumers to make changes through the marketplace. If people stop buying GMOs, companies will stop using them, and farmers will stop growing them.

Why does the Non-GMO Project verify products that have a low risk of containing GMOs? Some ingredients that seem low-risk may have less-visible highrisk ingredients. For example, dried fruit, raisins, and similar fruit are sometimes packed with a small quantity of oil to keep them moist. This oil is sometimes high-GMO-risk. As such, it is critical that we do take the time to look carefully at ingredient spec sheets during the verification process, to ensure that risks like this are effectively mitigated, even in apparently low-risk products.

Through verifying low-risk products, the Non-GMO Project’s work builds consumer interest and industry investment in NonGMO, even for crops that aren’t genetically engineered yet. Biotech is constantly working to patent and commercialize new organisms (salmon, apples, etc.), and the more companies that have committed to Non-GMO production, the more resistance these new developments will see prior to release.

What are the impacts of GMOs on the environment?

Over 80 percent of all GMOs grown worldwide are engineered for herbicide tolerance. As a result, use of toxic herbicides like Roundup has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced.

GMO crops are also responsible for the emergence of “super weeds” and “super bugs,” which can only be killed with ever more toxic poisons, like 2,4-D (a major ingredient in Agent Orange).

GMOs are a direct extension of chemical agriculture, and are developed and sold by the world’s biggest chemical companies.

The long-term impacts of GMOs are unknown, and once released into the environment these novel organisms cannot be recalled.

How do GMOs affect farmers?

Because GMOs are novel life forms, biotechnology companies have been able to obtain patents with which to restrict their use. As a result, the companies that make GMOs now have the power to sue farmers whose fields are contaminated with GMOs, even when it is the result of inevitable drift from neighboring fields.

GMOs therefore pose a serious threat to farmer sovereignty, and to the national food security of any country where they are grown.

How can I avoid GMOs? Choose food and products that are Non-GMO Project Verified.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. We support your right to know what’s in your food. For a complete list of Non-GMO Project Verified Products, please visit our website: www.nongmoproject.org.

Photo credit: Vesna Andjic/iStock

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L Y ALDA CO T December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

emotional

Don’t Just Survive the Holidays The Key to a More Restful Night’s Sleep

Beth Hamann, DDS

Shari Aftahi, DMD

Submitted by Beth Hamann, DDS & Shari Aftahi, DMD, Koala Center for Sleep Disorders

W

hile the holidays should be a time to celebrate with family and friends, they can often be stressful and exhausting — especially when you find yourself traveling, going to bed late, or having a house full of guests. If you are all too familiar with poor sleep and fatigue, that stress is only compounded.

Lisa, a hospital receptionist, had suffered from chronic fatigue, headaches, and depression for years before she was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder affecting 18 million Americans. Lisa recalls never feeling rested or having energy, no matter how much she slept. Over time, the fatigue took a toll on her professional and personal life; however, she notes, “It really hit me at Christmas, when I was so tired I couldn’t stay up past seven pm to spend time with my family.”

Unfortunately, Lisa’s story is common for those struggling with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing is “briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep,” according to the National Sleep Foundation. OSA involves complete obstruction of the airway, which can occur when the tongue and muscles relax during sleep, the lower jaw falls back toward the throat, or Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

the airway becomes blocked. These obstructions may cause a person to stop breathing and briefly awaken hundreds of times a night. Symptoms of OSA include chronic snoring, interrupted sleep, insomnia, headache, irritability, and excessive sleepiness during the day.

While these and other symptoms are stressful at any time of year, they can especially impact your health and well-being during the holiday season. Late night parties, the stress of family gatherings, and sleeping in different beds, for example, could leave anyone more exhausted than usual. As a result, those suffering from OSA may find themselves too tired to enjoy evening festivities, falling asleep early, and experiencing poor quality and quantity of sleep. After a fitful night’s sleep, many with OSA wake up with headaches, which is annoying on any day. However, having a morning headache can ruin special events, such as Christmas morning.

Furthermore, when relatives are all sleeping under one roof, snoring can be a real issue. It is not only embarrassing to those suffering from OSA, but also an interruption to those sleeping in

the same room or house. A survey by the British Snoring and Sleep Apnea Association found that 54 percent of people have had their holidays adversely affected by snoring.

Fatigue can also be a safety issue during the holidays, as many people hit the roads to visit family and friends. Driving while sleepimpaired can be dangerous for those struggling with OSA, and can negatively affect others on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 100,000 accidents each year are caused by tired drivers. The majority of these accidents occur at night, when the body is most fatigued.

However, if you think you might have sleep apnea, you can go beyond simply surviving the holidays, at least where sleep is concerned. Consider speaking with your doctor about having a sleep study performed to determine whether or not you have OSA. The good news is that it is a treatable condition. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and Oral Appliance Therapy.

Oral Appliance Therapy is an excellent option for many struggling with OSA, especially those who have had limited success with CPAP. Lisa, who was unable to use CPAP due to a latex allergy, found great success with her oral appliance, which is similar to an athletic mouth guard, but less bulky, and completely non-invasive. The purpose of the appliance is to hold the jaw in a position that allows the airway to remain as open and firm as possible during sleep, preventing snoring and sleep apnea. Since getting her oral appliance, Lisa no longer experiences extreme fatigue, headaches, or depression. She has been able to return to normal life, and has energy to work and celebrate important events with her family and friends.

Insurance Resources, LLC Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together

How to Sleep More Soundly During the Holidays • Try to be as consistent as possible with your sleep routine.

• If you are traveling, bring your own pillow and sleep necessities.

• Plan to get a good night’s sleep before you travel.

• T ake frequent breaks to stretch and clear your head when driving.

• N ever drive while sleepy. Try to share the driving responsibilities with someone else.

• T ry to keep up good habits while traveling: drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, exercise, and spend time in fresh air.

For more information about sleep apnea, Oral Appliance Therapy, and how the appliance can conquer sleep apnea, fatigue, headaches, and other health conditions, please visit Koala Center for Sleep Disorders at www.KoalaSleepCenters.com/Phoenix–Biltmore or call 602-357-9845.

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Suite 220 Chandler, AZ 85225 December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

holiday gatherings

Opportunity to Create a Family Health Tree

Leslie A. Davis, CDP

Submitted by Leslie A. Davis, CDP, The Summit at Sunland Springs

S

pending time together during Christmas and other holidays provides the perfect opportunity to talk with parents, grandparents, and great grandparents about their childhood memories. Important questions to ask are the health history of generations that are no longer with us to create a Family Health Tree.

What Is a Family Tree for Health?

A family health history is a written record of a family’s health.

The history contains information about a family’s medical conditions, lifestyle habits (for example, whether or not anyone in the family has smoked), and where and how family members grew up. It’s like a family tree — for health.

What a Family Health History May Reveal You can use a family health history to see if you, your children, or your grandchildren might face an increased risk of developing serious health problems. These health problems might be common ones, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. They could also be less common diseases that are passed from one generation to the next, such as hemophilia, or sickle cell anemia.

People can’t change the genes they inherit from their parents, but they can change things like diet, physical activity, and medical care to try to prevent diseases that run in the family.

This is good news, because many diseases result from a combination of a person’s genes, lifestyle, and environment.

Actions That May Reduce Disease Risk A health care professional can use a family health history to help assess a person’s risk of certain diseases. The professional might recommend actions to lower the chance of getting those diseases.

Actions to Reduce the Risk of Disease May Involve: • lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more • getting certain medical tests • t aking medicines that are more effective based on your specific genes

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For example, a son with a family history of diabetes might be told to lose weight and exercise more. A daughter who is considering having a baby might get tested to see if she carries a gene for a rare condition that runs in the family.

How You and Your Family May Benefit For older adults, a family health history might help explain why you have developed certain health conditions. It is important to know that simply getting older increases the risk of many diseases, too.

Creating and sharing your family health history with your health care professional can help you stay healthier. Perhaps the biggest benefit is providing information that may help your children and grandchildren live longer, healthier lives.

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Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

healthy substitutions

Dietary Differences?

Keep Breakfast Satisfying With Smart Substitutions

W

hen it comes to breakfast, the options are truly endless.

However, these days, dietary sensitivities to dairy, eggs, nuts, and meat-free lifestyle choices can make it challenging to serve a breakfast that’s nourishing and satisfying for everyone.

Fortunately, making smart substitutions and choosing alternative ingredients can allow you to savor breakfast without sacrificing any of your favorite dishes. Here are some common dietary differences, and easy ways to accommodate them at the breakfast table: • D airy Sensitivity — One dairy substitute that works for many people who are sensitive to dairy due to lactose is Lactaid. It’s 100 percent real, farm-fresh milk, with all the vitamins and calcium found in regular milk, just without the lactose, which can cause discomfort. If you’re sensitive to dairy due to lactose, you can have Lactaid milk — not only with your morning cereal, but also in any breakfast recipe that calls for milk. You can make muffins, banana pancakes, fruit smoothies, and French toast using Lactaid. Check out more delicious recipes from Lactaid and celebrity chef, Melissa d’Arabian, at recipes.lactaid.com.

• E gg-free — Whether you follow a vegan diet that eliminates all animal products, or have a sensitivity to eggs, you can still enjoy your favorite egg-based breakfast dishes. The countless food substitutes make it easy to enjoy the foods you love, regardless of the diet. Many vegan quiche recipes, for example, replace the eggs with tofu. Egg-free pancakes rely on vegetable oil and baking powder to produce fluffy, smooth griddlecakes.

• N ut-free — If you’re a fan of granola, but want to follow a nutfree diet, you don’t have to give up this nutritious breakfast favor-

ite. You can make your own granola, and replace nuts with a variety of healthful, delicious seeds, such as sunflower seeds.

Have a breakfast recipe that calls for peanut butter? Try sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter as a substitute. Recipes that rely on nuts for crunch and texture (such as banana nut muffins) can also benefit from replacing the nuts with seeds.

• V egetarian — Many people choose meat-free lifestyles for a number of reasons, including the health benefits of a diet rich in veggies. It’s possible to follow a vegetarian diet while still enjoying some of the flavors of popular breakfast meats. Vegetables make wonderful additions to omelets and breakfast burritos, and a number of companies offer meat-free products that mimic the taste and look of bacon or sausage.

• G luten Sensitivity — Millions of Americans have found that eliminating gluten from their diet helps them feel healthier. Until recently, it could be challenging to find gluten-free breakfast foods, but now, many grocery stores offer gluten free breads, muffins, and other foods. It’s also easy to make your own glutenfree breakfast foods at home, thanks to online recipe banks like allrecipes.com, food.com, and even foodnetwork.com.

Accommodating dietary differences doesn’t have to be difficult.

Here is a recipe for those with dairy sensitivity due to lactose, from Lactaid Brand. For more information and recipes, please visit www.brandpointcontent.com.

Photo credit: Josef Mohyla/iStock

Banana Mango Smoothie

Ingredients 1 c. reduced Fat Lactaid Milk 1/2 c. sliced bananas, frozen 3/4 c. cubed mango, frozen 1/4 c. cooked white beans, rinsed 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract

dash cinnamon Directions: Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until smooth (about 1 minute).

Recipe from Melissa d’Arabian

December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

health news

Derma Health to Offer Nonsurgical Treatment for Double Chin Submitted by Derma Health

H

ave you ever looked in the mirror and felt unhappy with your appearance because of your “double chin”? Perhaps you’ve even considered surgery to remove the fat in this area.

Derma Health announced today they will soon be a provider of Allergan’s newest revolutionary, non-surgical treatment that will reduce or eliminate the unsightly “double chin” that so many people experience.

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kybella® as the first and only non-surgical injection for improving the appearance of moderate to severe “double chins,” known in the medical community as submental fullness. Kybella joins Allergan’s other widely known facial aesthetic products, like BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVEDERM® XC, JUVEDERM VOLUMA® XC and LATISSE®. Allergan is a leading global pharmaceutical company, and has been a trusted source for medical aesthetic products for years.

Submental fullness is a common, yet undertreated condition that can create an aged appearance. It can affect adults — both women and men – of all ages, weight, and gender. Influenced by multiple factors, including aging and genetics, submental fullness is often resistant to diet and exercise. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery estimates two-thirds of consumers are bothered by submental fullness.

“Our goal at Derma Health is for our clients to look and feel their absolute best, inside and out! Having what is commonly referred to as a “double chin” can make someone feel unhappy about their appearance,” says Trish Gulbranson.

Before Kybella, surgery was the only option for patients with submental fullness. Kybella is a non-animal formulation of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break

Before Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

down and absorb fat. Once these fat cells are destroyed, they cannot store or accumulate fat.

At Derma Health, Kybella will be administered by highly trained and board certified doctors through injections, under a patient’s chin to destroy fat cells. Up to six treatments may be administered per patient no less than one month apart, and each in-office treatment lasts about 20 minutes. The most common side effects reported include bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area.

Our caring physicians and staff at Derma Health specialize in FDA-approved, non-surgical and minimally-invasive treatments for creating beautiful skin.

Derma Health, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is a leader in medical aesthetic technology and premiere skincare services. A core Derma health premise underlying everything we do is that a healthy body on the inside creates healthy beauty on the outside.

Staffed with highly credentialed and experienced medical personnel (medical doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and laser-certified aestheticians), five clinics blanket the metropolitan Phoenix area.

Our clinics are sanctuaries where individuals find encouragement and experience, uplifting their hearts and spirits.

Derma Health will be offering this service in the near future.

If you have any questions about Kybella ® availability, please call 602-903-3011 or visit us online at dhiskin.com/health.

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After

quality family time

Making Spirits Bright for the Whole Family This Holiday Season

Jamie Flesher, RN, CMC, CMCN

By Jamie Flesher, RN, CMC, CMCN, Legacy Home Care, LLC

I

n the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s hard to forget that the festive season isn’t just about the kids, the big dinner, the tree, and the parties. Our older parents, grandparents, and relatives are often the loneliest at this time of year, but there are things we can do to make sure they feel loved and included.

Here are tips to keep every member of your family happy and healthy as you get ready for Christmas and the New Year.

• Include them as much as possible. Especially if the seniors in your family aren’t as mobile as they used to be. Offer to pick them up and drop them off, or arrange for a cab, or for someone else to do the driving.

• Recognize their limitations. Grandma may be used to whipping together turkey dinners for 12, but her hands and eyes aren’t what they used to be. Encourage your older family members to take it easy, and let you pamper them for a change, but let them help with smaller, less complicated tasks if they want to participate.

• Listen to their stories. Many of our older relatives live in their memories. Encourage them to talk about holidays gone by. If they keep albums, ask to see the pictures. They may have some wonderful traditions from their childhood that you can incorporate into your own family’s plans.

• Give the best gift of all — your time! “Most of the seniors I work with say the best gift of all is spending time with family,” said Flesher.

Unhurried, uncomplicated family time will mean the most to your loved one, and will create memories to last all year long.

•D on’t let it end. The week after New Years’ is often the hardest for seniors, with the excitement over, and families getting back to their normal routines. Make it your New Years’ Resolution to spend more time with your older relatives throughout the year.

It’s often around family gatherings or holidays that you’ll notice your older parent, grandparent, or relative isn’t doing as well. You worry about them eating right, or worse yet, falling — and no one to help them.

If you feel it’s time to bring in some help, Legacy Home Care will be there. Our caring service makes it possible for the elderly to maintain as much independence as possible, by providing the appropriate in-home assistance and companionship. In that way, we lift spirits; not only of the elderly, but of the family caregivers, as well. Please call our office for a FREE consultation, home safety assessment, or a free 30 minutes phone consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager, 480-777-0070. Visit our website at www.legacyhomecare.net. Jamie can be reached by email at Jamie@legacycarehome.net.

Photo credit: monkeybusinessimages/iStock December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

Processed and Red Meat Products

Is There a Safe Amount ?

M

ore than half of the meat products Americans consume is red meat, and nearly a quarter is processed meat.

Processed meat products include bacon, deli slices, sausage, hot dogs, and any other meat products that have been preserved with additives or otherwise manipulated to alter color, taste, and durability. Current dietary guidelines recommend limiting red and processed meat products, but eliminating them may be the safest option, because scientific research continues to identify health hazards these products pose.

What Makes These Meat Products Dangerous?

Both red and processed meat products contain high levels of DNA-damaging n-nitroso compounds. Heme, the iron component of animal products, promotes the formation of n-nitroso compounds. Processed meat products contain these compounds Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

because they are preserved with nitrites. N-nitroso compounds are also associated with increased cancer risk.

Processed meat products are extremely high in sodium, which is used as a preservative. Studies show a direct link between high-sodium diets and high blood pressure. Because about 80 percent of dietary salt comes from processed foods, avoiding these products is critical for decreasing overall sodium intake.

High blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Red and processed meat products are also high in saturated fat, which can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one killer of Americans. Nearly a quarter of deaths from CVD are avoid-

able, and dietary intervention is a major factor for prevention.

The sodium and saturated fat content of both red and processed meat products contribute to the risk of heart disease.

In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which followed 448,568 men and women, researchers found a strong correlation between consuming processed meat products and risk of dying from CVD. Those consuming more than 160 grams per day of processed meat products had a 30 percent increased risk of death from CVD, compared with those who consumed 10 to 20 grams per day.

Results from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) and the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) indicate that eating just one serving of a processed or unprocessed red meat product a day increases risk of death from diseases such as cancer and heart disease. These studies tracked the diets of 37,698 men from the HPFS, and 83,644 women from the NHS for up to 28 years. All participants were free of CVD and cancer at the start of the study.

The risk of death increased by 20 percent for those consuming processed meat products, and for those who had one serving of a red meat product a day, the mortality rate increased by 13 percent.

Diabetes Fat accumulation within muscle cells can lead to insulin resistance, which then contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes. The high-fat content, particularly saturated fat, in red and processed meat products is a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

In a 17-year follow-up study conducted with 8,401 Seventhday Adventists, researchers found that those who ate meat products at least once a week were 29 percent more likely to develop diabetes, compared to those who reported eating no meat products. Processed meat product consumption alone caused a 27 percent increased risk for diabetes. These findings supported the research of other studies. Seventh-day Adventists are an ideal research population because they avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine. Thus, there are fewer factors to consider when analyzing the relationship between diet and disease risk.

Anatomy of a Hot Dog What’s in a Hot Dog, and Why Does It Pose Serious Health Risks?

• Nitrates and Nitrites produce carcinogenic compounds.

They also cause the hardening of arteries, and may increase risk of diabetes.

• Heme Iron is related to the formation of N-nitroso compounds that may lead to colorectal cancer.

• Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) are carcinogens formed by cooking and grilling at high temperatures.

• Saturated Fat and Cholesterol lead to LDL deposits in arteries, causing narrowing and blockage, which can result in heart attacks or strokes.

• Salt is linked to both high blood pressure and stomach cancer.

• Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a chemical compound that increases the risk of heart disease.

What is processed meat, and why is it unsafe to eat?

Processed meats are meat products that have been preserved with additives, or cured, smoked, or salted to improve color, taste, and durability. Examples are wide-ranging, and include ham, bacon, pastrami, and salami, as well as hot dogs and many sausages.

December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

feature story

continued

DANGERS

of

PROCESSED MEAT

HIGHER STROKE RISK

INCREASED RISK OF DEATH

A 2012 American Heart Association study linked stroke risk to processed meat consumption, with risk increasing by 13% for every daily serving.

In 2013, the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that processed meat products are linked to increased risk of death.

INCREASED RISK OF COLORECTAL CANCER & EARLY DEATH

DOUBLE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE, CANCER, & DIABETES

In 2013, the American Cancer Society found that colorectal cancer survivors who consume the most red or processed meat are more likely to die over a 7.5-year follow-up.

A 2014 Harvard study found that processed meat raises women’s risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

INCREASED RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER

INCREASE RISK OF BLADDER CANCER

A 2009 NIH study found that processed meat increases prostate cancer risk. Every 10 grams of processed meat consumed raises prostate cancer risk by 10%.

A 2012 American Heart Association study linked stroke risk to processed meat consumption, with risk increasing by 13% for every daily serving.

For more information please visit PCRM.org/DropTheDog Moreover, in the Adventist Health Study-2, which examined 60,903 individuals, non-vegetarians were twice as likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, compared with those avoiding meat products.

In a 2011 meta-analysis of 442,101 participants, consumption of both unprocessed and processed red meat products was significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. For consumption of 100 grams per day of unprocessed red meat products, there was a 19 percent increased risk for type 2 diabetes. For consumption of 50 grams per day of processed meat products, about the size of one hot dog, there was a 51 percent increased diabetes risk.

Diabetes is a particularly challenging health problem in the Native American population. A recent study following more than 2,000 Native Americans living in the Southwestern United States for a five-year period, found that those who ate processed meat products were more likely to develop diabetes.

Cancer Red and processed meat products can increase risk for various cancers, including pancreatic, stomach, bladder, and most significantly, colorectal cancer. The risk is higher for processed meat product consumption, though it is still significantly increased with unprocessed red meat products consumption.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), in conjunction with the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), found, in a comprehensive and ongoing analysis of research, that red and processed meat products are, together and individually, “convincing” as risk factors for colorectal cancer. The combination of evidence indicates a 30 to 50 percent increased risk for colorectal cancer when consumption of these meat products is highest. Specifically with regard to processed meat product consumption, investigators Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

in the EPIC study discovered an 11 percent increased risk of dying from cancer with the consumption of 50 grams per day.

Researchers also recently investigated the dose-response nature of red and processed meat product consumption and colorectal cancer risk, and found that a dose-response relationship does exist. Risk increased by 29 percent for every 100 grams of red meat product consumed per day, and by 21 percent for every 50 grams per day of processed meat product consumed.

Conclusions There is strong evidence that consumption of both unprocessed red meat products and processed meat products can lead to increased risk for many diseases, including CVD, diabetes, and cancer. In order to practice the best measures for disease prevention, these unhealthful meat products should be avoided altogether. In substitution studies, it was found that replacing one serving of red or processed meat product a day with nuts decreased risk for disease by 19 percent; and replacement with legumes decreased risk by 10 percent. Therefore, when replacing a meat product, it is best to choose healthful, high-fiber foods, such as beans and lentils. Ultimately, a plant-based diet eliminates the health risks of meat product consumption, and is ideal for disease prevention.

For more information, or further nutritional assistance, please contact Monica Tegg at 480-204-3090 or email monica@healthycellsmagazine.com or visit www.pcrm.org.

Photo credits: Pamela Moore, Tatiana Morozova, gpointstudio — iStock

family health

Holiday Planning With Dementia Wanda Tutelo, LPN

By Wanda Tutelo, LPN, Director of Living Well, Generations at Agritopia

T

he holiday season is both wonderful and stressful, all at the same time. Compound the holidays with family members with dementia, and it can lead to disaster. But with some special planning, families with a loved one with dementia can avoid some of the stressors caused by the disease.

Timing is everything. A person with dementia always does better in the morning.

Confusion starts to increase as the afternoon wears on, and the individual begins to get tired. Plan family gatherings and holiday meals around noon.

Home is the comfort zone.

When possible, entertain for the holidays in your home.

A person with dementia is more comfortable in their own familiar environment.

Remember, even going to a family or long time friend’s home can become unfamiliar and cause anxiety for someone with dementia.

“Do you remember me?” Caution family and friends not to ask the person with dementia if they remember them, or their names.

These questions only cause humiliation and frustration for the person with dementia if they cannot remember. Instead, encourage family and friends to greet the person with dementia, and introduce themselves. This simple gesture may trigger memories and lead to an enjoyable conversation.

Purpose and inclusion. Everyone needs to feel useful and included in family life. Do not let your family member with dementia sit on the sidelines and feel alone. They may not be able to complete tasks independently, but they can assist with all the activities they enjoyed in the past, given one-step-at-a-time direction. Conversations including reminiscing of holidays and traditions of the past can be especially enjoyable.

Pay attention to body language. When attending events outside the home, pay attention to signals the person with dementia is feeling uncomfortable or getting tired. This is your cue it is time to go home. Do not attempt to encourage them to stay a few minutes longer. This may lead to further anxiety, which can bring out behaviors of agitation.

Keep in mind, even the best planned events are not always successful. Dementia is a difficult disease process for everyone.

Do not try to overdo the season. Allow plenty of down time that includes home, comfort, and relaxation.

Generations at Agritopia offers vibrant living with an extensive array of services and amenities for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents, giving them the freedom to enjoy what matters most. Join us Fridays at 10am for a movie, lunch, and tour.

Please RSVP to 480-485-2000. We are located within the master plan of Agritopia, near Higley and Ray Roads in Gilbert, 2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Find us on the web at www.generationsseniorliving.com or email us at info@generationsseniorliving.com.

Photo credit: Susan Chiang/iStock

If they don’t know what to get you for CHRISTMAS, How will they know how to plan for your FUNERAL? Hilary Samples, Funeral Preplanning

San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home

(760) 391-3456

December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

raise awareness

How Does HIV/AIDS Affect Women?

David N. Kells, MD

Submitted by David N. Kells, MD, iWomen’s Health Care

T

hroughout the world, HIV is most often spread through sex. Women may be at greater risk of being infected with HIV during sexual contact than men are. This is because the fragile tissues of the vagina can tear slightly during sex, and let the virus enter the body (this is especially likely among girls under age 18). The vagina also has a large surface area that can be exposed to the virus, thus increasing risk of infection. Similarly, anal tissues are also fragile, and prone to tearing slightly during sex. Women are at higher risk of infection via anal sex than by vaginal sex with an infected man. Most women around the world and in the United States who have HIV were infected through sex with a man.

Having multiple sex partners can also increase the risk of exposure to the virus that causes the disease.

Injection drug use is another way HIV can be acquired by women.

How is HIV spread?

HIV lives in an infected person’s blood, tissues, organs, and certain body fluids (semen or vaginal fluid and anal mucus).1,2 Nursing mothers who are infected also have HIV in their breast milk. HIV spreads between people through blood and body fluids. There are several common ways that HIV can be passed from person to person, including: • H aving unprotected sex with someone who is infected.

Worldwide, most new HIV infections occur through sex.

• Transmission from mother to child. Without anti-HIV treatment, an infected mother may pass the virus to her child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Although mother-to-child transmission is preventable, pregnant women who are HIV-infected need to take extra steps to protect their children from infection. These steps include taking anti-HIV drugs, and formula-feeding their children.

• Using needles or syringes that have been used by people who are infected.

• Pre-chewing food for infants. In a few cases, HIV has been spread when HIV-infected caregivers chewed food (or warmed it in their mouths) and then fed the food to an infant. This practice can expose the child to HIV if the caregiver has a sore or cut in the mouth.

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

•R eceiving infected blood products or transplanted organs.

Since 1985, the United States tests all donated blood and organs for HIV; therefore, the risk of getting HIV in this way in the United States is now extremely low.

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS? People with an HIV infection experience different symptoms in the early and late stages of infection. Mostly, these symptoms are the same in women and men, but some symptoms are unique to women. For example: • Vaginal yeast infections. These infections can be more severe and difficult to treat in women with HIV infection than in other women.

Yeast infections can also be chronic in women with HIV, which means that the infection is long-lasting, or keeps coming back.

• P elvic inflammatory disease. This infection of the female reproductive organs may be more frequent and severe in women with HIV infection. Additional information on pelvic

inflammatory disease is available from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

• H uman papillomavirus (HPV) infections. HPV causes genital warts and can lead to some cancers, especially cancer of the cervix. HPV infections may be more likely to cause warts or precancerous changes in the cervix in HIV-infected women than in HIV-uninfected women.

Early Stages At first, a person with HIV will not have any visible symptoms.

A few weeks after infection, many people have flu-like symptoms, which then disappear after a while. These symptoms can include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph glands in the neck and groin area. Other people infected with HIV may have no symptoms.

However, even if people with HIV feel healthy, HIV is still affecting their bodies. Once HIV enters the body, it infects large numbers of CD4+ cells and rapidly spreads throughout the body and into many organ systems. During this early period, people with HIV are more likely to spread the infection during unprotected sex, or other risky situations, because HIV is present in large amounts in genital fluids and blood.

HIV infection is associated with many medical conditions, including frequent or unusual infections, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer.

Later Stages AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection, when a person’s immune system is severely weakened, and has difficulty fighting

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infections and certain cancers. At this stage, serious symptoms occur that can include rapid weight loss, serious infections, pneumonia, recurrent fevers, prolonged swelling of the lymph glands, blotches on the skin, prolonged diarrhea, sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals, and memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders.

There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are effective treatment options that can keep the HIV infection under control, and prevent AIDS. The best option is always prevention.

In 2013, NICHD-supported researchers reported that a twoyear-old child who was born with HIV and was treated starting in the first few days of life appears to be cured of HIV. This appears to be the first case of functional cure of HIV, meaning that there was no HIV detected, or signs of disease, even with no further treatment. More research is needed to see if the child remains disease-free, and if other infants can be cured in the same way.

Unlike polio, measles, and other infections, there is not yet a vaccine for HIV. iWomen’s Health Care is a boutique style practice that believes in partnering with patients for care. “Your care, your comfort, our expertise!”

For information, or to schedule a consultation, call 480-855-5900, email: info@iwomenshealthcare.com, or visit www.iwomenshealthcare.com.

Se habla español.

Sources available upon request.

Photo credit: PeopleImages/iStock

Jason C. Harrill, D.P.M., FACFAS Scott N. Maling, D.P.M., FACFAS Mark R. Pipher, D.P.M.

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December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

hearing health

If Someone You Love Has a Hearing Problem, Here’s How You Can Help Submitted by Kay Kochman, AuD, Tri-City Audiology

S

Kay Kochman, AuD

eeing a spouse or loved one suffer with hearing loss can be frustrating and heart breaking. If it seems to you that they are avoiding the problem, you’re probably correct. About 40 million people in our country experience hearing loss, and nearly 80 percent (32 million) of them do not seek help (By comparison, imagine if 80 percent of those people with poor eyesight did not receive treatment!).

Let’s face it; no one looks forward to dealing with hearing loss, much less wearing hearing aids. The good news is that hearing loss can be treated. Of course, it’s not always easy to convince a loved one to seek help. Here are some of the more common reactions from those reluctant to address their hearing problems:

than the wearer will. Also, misinterpreting words, responding incorrectly, if at all, and being left out of conversations are much more obvious to people than the hearing aid itself.

“My family doctor would have told me.”

Only about 14 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. Since most people with hearing loss hear just fine in a quiet setting, like a doctor’s office, it can be nearly impossible for their physician to recognize a hearing problem.

“My father had one and it never worked!”

Hearing aid technology has improved immensely in recent years.

Most hearing instruments are now digital models, which can be programmed to meet one’s specific needs in different hearing environments. Other advances have resulted in greatly reduced background sounds, a sense of clearer, more natural sound, and the virtual elimination of “whistling” and “buzzing” (feedback). Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of current hearing aid wearers are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied.” This nearly doubles the results of five years ago.

Left untreated, hearing loss can affect a person’s quality of life in many ways; yet, without even realizing it, you may be making it easier for someone not to seek help. Well intentioned effort, such as repeating yourself, or “translating” what others are saying may be preventing your loved ones from realizing how much communication they fail to understand or miss completely.

“I can have minor surgery like my friend did.”

Many of us know others whose hearing improved after medical or surgical treatment. Unfortunately, with adults, only about two to five percent of hearing loss can be improved with surgery.

“A hearing aid will make me look old.”

Some think that wearing a hearing aid is a sign of “weakness,” or that it will make them look old, less competent, or “handicapped.” You should stress that others will be much less aware of the hearing aid Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

“I don’t want some big chunky thing in my ear!”

Some fear that a hearing aid will be big, bulky, cumbersome, and make them look unattractive. Actually, most hearing aid models today are quite discreet, colored to match hair and complexion, and are essentially invisible to the average person. It is also very likely that once your loved one gets a hearing aid, their quality of life will be enhanced so that appearance will be of no concern.

Here’s How You Can Help…

The following are some positive steps you can take in order to help your loved one find the help they need: Don’t Raise Your Voice Shouting will only strain your voice, distort what you’re trying to say, and make you even more difficult to understand. Speak in a normal voice, making sure you get your loved one’s attention before you speak.

Don’t Be the Messenger for Everyone Else As tempting as it is, interpreting for a loved one what others are saying may be enabling them to avoid seeing the magnitude of the problem.

This always delays them getting the help they so desperately need.

Call a Hearing Professional for an Appointment You need to call an audiologist who understands today’s technology to schedule a confidential consultation and complete hearing evaluation.

The facility should be clean, with state-of-the-art equipment, which has been calibrated and serviced on a regular basis. The audiologist should be licensed, certified, and thoroughly trained. Sound booths must be utilized in the evaluation procedures, and they should meet all the ANSI and OSHA requirements. Beware of the “audiometer in a room” approach.

Don’t trust your hearing problems to just anyone. The professional will know the right questions to ask, and the correct evaluation to perform. If, in fact, your loved one does require hearing rehabilitation, the audiologist will be able to discuss the options and models that will provide the best results for their needs. Be sure your hearing professional offers follow-up care and long-term warranty protection.

Go to the Hearing Evaluation With Them It is crucial that you or another family member attend the appointment with them. Hearing loss affects all involved, and the audiologist can get valuable information from other family members regarding the scope of the problem. At Tri-City Audiology, we recommend that a family member or friend accompany the patient for the evaluation. If a hearing aid is required, it’s equally important that you participate in the fitting in order to understand the many procedures involved with wearing a hearing aid.

As you are well aware, the person who has the hearing problem is not the only one affected. It takes its toll on you and the entire family — so don’t delay. It’s essential that you assist your loved one in finding the help they need right away.

A complete professional hearing evaluation, followed by a detailed consultation to determine an individual’s needs, will result in the best recommendation for the next step. Modern hearing care combines sophisticated, easy-to-use technology with discreet design to empower you to participate actively and confidently in communication situations.

For more information, or to schedule your risk free twoweek trial, please call the Tri-City Audiology office nearest you.

We will be happy to assist you with all your hearing healthcare needs. Chandler: 480-498-2223; Mesa: 480-498-2134; Tempe: 480-498-2246.

Photo credit: PeopleImages/iStock

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December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

drink responsibly

Tips for Healthy Holiday Celebrations

Mark Leuer

Submitted by Mark Leuer, Owner, Right at Home, In-Home Care and Assistance

T

he Holiday Season is typically a time of celebration... family, friends, parties, sweet treats, delicious food, and often alcohol. It’s important to plan in advance if you drink alcohol when celebrating. How will you get home? How much will you drink? Are you comfortable saying no if someone insists you drink?

Adults of any age can have problems with alcohol. In general, older adults don’t drink as much as younger people, but they can still have trouble with drinking. As people get older, their bodies change. They can develop health problems or chronic diseases. They may take more medications than they used to. All of these changes can make alcohol use a problem for older adults.

Limited research suggests that sensitivity to alcohol’s health effects may increase with age. As people age, there is a decrease in the amount of water in the body, so when older adults drink, there is less water in their bodies to dilute the alcohol that is consumed. This causes older adults to have a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than younger people after consuming an equal amount of alcohol.

Older adults may experience the effects of alcohol, such as slurred speech and lack of coordination, more readily than when they were younger. An older person can develop problems with alcohol even though his or her drinking habits have not changed.

It’s important to drink responsibly at any age. Excessive alcohol consumption can spoil a fun celebration, and result in tragedy.

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

Healthy Holiday Tips: • Limit your consumption of alcohol.

• Space your drinks at least one hour apart.

• E at something before drinking; eating after you’ve started to drink doesn’t help.

• T ry alternating alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks throughout the party to cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink.

• D on’t drive; take a taxi, public transportation, walk, or decide who is to be designated driver before the party starts.

• D on’t feel pressured to drink. This is your choice to make.

Wishing you a safe Holiday Season!

We understand your concerns when it comes to decisions regarding your family. For many people, our in-home senior care is the best solution for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and loving relationships. Whether a family member needs a little help around the house or hands on care, Right at Home can be the perfect solution. We customize our care services, so your loved one always gets the special care they need based on their individual needs. Discover how our many services can help improve your family’s quality of life. Call 480-632-1100 for a FREE In-Home Care Assessment. We’re located at 832 W. Baseline Road, Suite 16, Mesa, AZ 85210. Visit our website at www.eastvalleyphx.net.

Sources available upon request.

Photo credit: Izabela Habur/iStock

prearrangements

Benefits of Prepaid Funeral Plans

By Hilary Samples, Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery

P

Hilary Samples

repaid funeral plans provide the opportunity to make all the arrangements, decide all the aspects of a funeral, and pay all the costs ahead of time.

What are the benefits of prepaid funeral plans?

First of all, it allows you to control the cost and lock in the current rates. Like everything else, costs are rising; planning ahead of time guarantees today’s pricing. The average funeral doubles in cost every ten years.

Why should I plan my funeral ahead of time?

It relieves the emotional burden from your family, and allows you to select just the option you want, giving you control over your own ceremony. No one has to guess what you would have wanted.

Can I still have a traditional service and be cremated?

Yes, you can have the traditional service, where you have the visitation/funeral service, and that is followed by cremation. This can include rental caskets, or cremation caskets.

I am a veteran; will the military pay for my funeral?

Veterans are entitled to burial in a National Cemetery, a granite, marble, or bronze headstone, and a flag. There will be no charges for opening or closing the grave, a vault or liner, or setting the marker at the national cemetery. Usually, the family is responsible for all other funeral expenses.

Can you make payments?

Several payment options may be available, from a one-time lump sum to affordable monthly payments spread over ten years.

What services are included in prepaid burial plans?

Prepaid plans, and the services included, can vary; be sure to ask if certain aspects of a funeral such as a church service, limousine or chapel use, and the burial service is included in the pre-payment options.

What if I move, will my policy transfer?

Most funeral homes can transfer your policy to another funeral home if needed.

Planning ahead of time just makes sense. We plan for everything in our lives: a birth of a child, graduations, weddings, and retirement. Why wouldn’t you plan for the end of life?

Save ten percent on your prearrangement by mentioning this article. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Hilary Samples at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery. Phone: 760-391-3456 (cell), 480-832-2850 (office); or email hsamples@mvfuneralhome.com. Locations include Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home in Queen Creek, and Superstition Cremation and Funeral Services in Apache Junction. I am able to meet you at the funeral home, or in the comfort of your own home.

Photo credit: kzenon/iStock

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December 2015 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

bladder cancer

Blue Light Procedure Helps Doctor Better Detect Bladder Cancer Submitted by Banner MD Anderson

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n innovative procedure now enables a doctor to use blue light to better view certain bladder cancers, similar to the way black light makes deadly scorpions luminescent.

White light cystoscopy has been the primary method used to view suspicious lesions during surgery to remove bladder tumors. However, when used on its own, harder-to-see tumors can be missed. Blue light cystoscopy works by illuminating the bad tissues with a fluorescent chemical (called Cysview). The chemical is placed in the bladder, and absorbed by cancer cells, turning them hot pink when under the blue light.

In blue light cystoscopy, the imaging solution is delivered into the bladder about an hour prior to the cystoscopy, and is absorbed by cancerous tissues. After first using white light, the doctor will switch to blue light mode. Because of the absorption of the solution, other hard-to-see tumors that may be present become more visible, standing out against normal

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Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ December 2015

bladder tissue, and making it easier for the doctor to identify and remove them.

“The potential of blue light cystoscopy and Cysview is to identify more bladder tumors, and aid in a more complete resection, which is very important in optimally treating bladder cancer,” said Joseph Mashni Jr., MD. Bladder cancer is a highly diagnosed cancer in Arizona, with even more new diagnoses annually than melanoma (skin cancer), according to American Cancer Society.

For more information, call 480-256-6444 and ask about an appointment with a cancer specialist, or visit www.BannerMDAnderson.com.

Banner MD Anderson, located on the Banner Gateway campus in Gilbert, delivers cancer care to patients in Arizona through the collaboration of Banner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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