VALLEY OF THE SUN
east valley area
Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional
APRIL 2016
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HealthyCells
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• Nutritional
M A G A Z I N E
Sugar... THE
A Lesson from My Mom Sleep Apnea and Women Naturopathic Applied Kinesiology
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head injuries
Know When to Seek Medical Attention By Steven M. Erickson, MD, Medical Director, Banner Concussion Center Steven M. Erickson, MD Question: News stories about the dangers of head injuries have me concerned about the safety of my children. If my child falls and hits his head, how will I know if it is just a minor bump or something more serious? Answer: Roughly 10 million head injuries occur annually in the United States, and most are minor. Still, even minor head injuries, such as cuts and lumps, can be scary for parents. Fortunately, these types of superficial head injuries generally resolve quickly and seldom require a visit to the doctor. Mild headaches or lightheadedness are common and can often be treated with Tylenol and rest. While rare, some head injuries that appear minor may actually be much more serious. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents speak with their child’s healthcare provider following anything more than a light bump to the head. After a hit or bump to the head, if your child experiences loss of consciousness, severe headaches, vomiting, numbness, difficulty walking, confusion, a seizure, or anything else that makes you, as a parent, uncomfortable, contact your physician immediately. These are the types of symptoms that may require swift medical attention.
For moderate to severe injuries, children sometimes require observation for several hours in the emergency department. X-rays or CT scans may also be necessary. As a rule of thumb, after 12 hours, if the child appears to be well and their symptoms are gradually improving, there is generally a low risk of any permanent injury. Sports activities are common causes of head injuries, which is why protective gear, such as helmets and pads, should always be worn. When a child suffers a head injury during a game or competition, he should be immediately removed from the game, rest, and be evaluated for signs of serious symptoms. With mild injuries, kids can often return to normal activities after two to three weeks. Nevertheless, parents can be assured that children are remarkably resilient. Those who experience minor head trauma typically recover completely without any long-term complications. Even children with more severe head injuries typically make a full recovery. Persistent symptoms of headache, dizziness, or visual or cognitive complaints should be evaluated by a physician with experience in the treatment of concussions. To make an appointment at the Banner Concussion Center, call 602-839-7285. For more information about head injuries or concussions, visit the health library at www.bannerhealth.com.
Shoebox Ministry Restoring dignity to the homeless since 1988.
Shoebox Ministry encourages children from family and domestic violence shelters to select a gift-filled purse and present it to their mom on Mother’s Day. Donate your new & like new purses. Used purses should be clean inside & out w/working zippers.
DONATE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: • Cosmetics • Eyelash Curler • Perfume/Body Spray • Hair Gel/Spray • Pumice Stones
• Facial Cleansers & Lotions Makeup Remover • Perfumed Bath Soaps • Hair Clips/Barrettes • Nail Polish
• Makeup Remover • Scrubbies • Headbands • Mani/Pedi Sets • Tweezers
• Lotion, Powder • Ponytail Holders • Nail Files/Clippers
Other GIFT ITEMS: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, pins, sunglasses, wallets, cosmetic pouches, purse-size mirrors, stationary, pens, hard candy/gum/mints, any gift you think would make a mom feel special.
Goal: 2,500 gift-filled purses Date: Call For Deadline Distribution:
Agencies like Chrysalis, DeColores, Maggie’s Place, Casa de Amigas & Sojourner Center.
www.shoeboxministry.org • info@shoeboxministry.org • 480-905-1610. April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
APRIL 3
Head Injuries: Know When to Seek Medical Attention
5
Estate Planning: A Lesson from My Mom
6
Physical: What is Parkinson’s Disease
8
Nutritional: Supplements – They’re a Matter of Choice… Yours!
2016 This Month’s Cover Story:
Volume 4, Issue 4
Sugar... The Disguised Toxin
page 20
Cover photo by iStock: Copyright: LifesizeImages
10
Emotional: 5 Ways to Reduce Stress
12
Healthy Sleeping: Ignorance Is Not Bliss
14
The Power Of Touch: Don’t Let Stress Run Your Life
15
Helping Families: Why Become A Hospice Volunteer?
16
Children’s Safety: Sports Physicals – Not Just for Sport
18
Awareness: What Is Osteoporosis?
23
Treating The Patient: Naturopathic Applied Kinesiology
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:
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Travel Protection: When Death Occurs While Vacationing
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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. 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. 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.
estate planning
A Lesson from My Mom By Becky Cholewka, Estate Planning Attorney, Cholewka Law
M
y family went to Colorado a few years ago. Several days into our vacation, my mom was not feeling well and asked to go the emergency room. She was in cardiogenic shock and was life-flighted to another hospital within hours. Now, my mom used to volunteer at my law firm a few days a week. One of her tasks was to scan documents into our system so that we have easy access to signed copies 24/7 anywhere there is Internet access. Mom, however, never scanned her own documents. So, there we were in Colorado without any access to her healthcare power of attorney, HIPAA release form, or living will. Thankfully, our associate attorney drove to the office at 9pm on a Friday night to scan and e-mail these documents to us. Estate planning documents only work if the right people have access to them at the time they need them! If you have already taken the important step to create your estate plan, here are a few simple next steps to make sure your family truly is protected. • Keep your original documents in a safe place such as a safe deposit box or fireproof box. • Keep a set of copies either electronically or on paper under a different roof than where you keep the originals. • Tell your family and/or successor agents that you have created a plan, where you keep the originals, and how to access the originals.
Becky Cholewka
(For example: the key to the fireproof box is on a blue key chain in the junk drawer.) • Send an electronic copy of your healthcare power of attorney, mental healthcare power of attorney, HIPAA release form, and living will to your successor agents. These are the people who will make medical decisions for you in an emergency, and they may not have time to get the originals. • Carry an emergency card in your wallet or purse listing whom to contact in case of emergency. Include all of your successor healthcare agents and their contact phone numbers. If you have pets, consider adding whom to call to care for your pets, and make sure those individuals have a key or access to your home. Your planning documents should not be your best-kept secret. Learn from my mom’s mistake. Make sure your agents have access to your documents when they need them the most! Trust me; they will be happy you did. Visit our website at www.gilbertlawoffice.com for more information, or call 480-497-3770 to schedule a time to learn how to protect your family. Photo credit: sturti/iStock
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
physical
What is Parkinson’s Disease Submitted by Amy Holt, Generations at Agritopia
P
arkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. It is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain die or become impaired. Although many brain areas are affected, the most common symptoms result from the loss of neurons in an area near the base of the brain called the substantia nigra. Normally, the neurons in this area produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals between the substantia nigra and the next “relay station” of the brain, the corpus striatum, to produce smooth, purposeful movement. Loss of dopamine results in abnormal nerve firing patterns within the brain that cause impaired movement.
Amy Holt
PD affects about 50 percent more men than women, and the reasons for this discrepancy are unclear. While PD occurs in people throughout the world, a number of studies have found a higher incidence in developed countries. Other studies have found an increased risk in people who live in rural areas with increased pesticide use. However, those apparent risks are not fully characterized. One clear risk factor for PD is age. The average age of onset is 60 years, and the incidence rises significantly with advancing age. However, about 5 to 10 percent of people with PD have “earlyonset” disease that begins before the age of 50. Some early-onset cases are linked to specific gene mutations such as parkin. People with one or more close relatives who have PD have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves, but the total risk is still about two to five percent unless the family has a known gene mutation for the disease. An estimated 15 to 25 percent of people with PD have a known relative with the disease. What Are the Symptoms of the Disease? Early symptoms of PD may be subtle and occur gradually. Affected people may feel mild tremors or have difficulty getting out of a chair. Activities may take longer to complete than in the past, and individuals may note some stiffness in addition to slowness. They may notice that they speak too softly or that their handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small. This very early period may last a long time before the more classical and obvious motor (movement) symptoms appear.
What Causes the Disease? The precise cause of PD is unknown, although some cases of PD are hereditary and can be traced to specific genetic mutations. It is thought that PD likely results from a combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to one or more unknown environmental factors that trigger the disease. Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease? Estimates suggest that about 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year, although some estimates are much higher. Getting an accurate count of the number of cases is difficult because many people in the early stages of the disease may assume their symptoms are the result of normal aging and do not seek medical attention. Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
The four primary symptoms of PD are: • Tremor. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic backand-forth motion at a rate of four to six beats per second. It may involve the thumb and forefinger and appear as a “pill rolling” tremor. Tremor usually disappears during sleep or improves with intentional movement. It is usually the first symptom that causes people to seek medical attention. • Rigidity. Rigidity, or a resistance to movement, affects most people with PD. The muscles remain constantly tense and contracted so that the person aches or feels stiff. • Bradykinesia. The slowing down of spontaneous and automatic movements. Activities once performed quickly and easily—such as washing or dressing—may take much longer. • Postural instability. Postural instability, or impaired balance, causes affected individuals to fall easily. PD does not affect everyone the same way, and the rate of progression and the particular symptoms differ among individuals. A number of other symptoms may accompany PD, and some can be treated with medication or physical therapy. • Depression • Emotional changes • Difficulty with swallowing and chewing • Speech changes • Urinary problems or constipation • Skin problems • Sleep problems • Dementia or other cognitive problems
• Orthostatic hypotension • Muscle cramps and dystonia • Pain • Fatigue and loss of energy • Sexual dysfunction How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed? There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that diagnose sporadic PD. Therefore, the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. Early signs and symptoms of PD may sometimes be dismissed as the effects of normal aging. Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other disorders. However, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of people with PD usually appear normal. Since many other diseases have similar features but require different treatments, making a precise diagnosis is important so that people can receive the proper treatment. What is the Prognosis? The average life expectancy of a person with PD is generally the same as for people who do not have the disease. PD is a slowly progressive disorder. It is not possible to predict what course the disease will take for an individual person. How is the Disease Treated? At present, there is no cure for PD, but medications or surgery can often provide improvement in the motor symptoms.
Alzheimer’s Family Support Group Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 11am Led by Chaplain & Bereavement Counselor of Sage Hospice
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. Sources available upon request. Photo credit: kowalska-art/iStock
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
nutritional
Supplements
They’re a Matter of Choice... Yours!
Marga Cullumber
By Marga L. Cullumber, Health Instructor, His Best 4 Health
S
upplements, vitamins, and minerals; do we need them? We have certainly become a people fanatical for fitness and health. However, fanatical doesn’t always mean better. When it comes to supplements, vitamins, and minerals, some of us are spending big bucks each month for them while others choose not to take supplements at all. So, who is right and who is wrong? Neither. You can spend as much or as little as you want. The choice is yours. Now, why would I say that? Your body can only absorb and use so much, so you could be wasting your money. But, for those who choose none, well, you may be saving some money but your physical body may be suffering because of it. On one hand, if you are taking unnecessary nutrients and vitamins the body cannot use, they go through your system without being absorbed and you flush them away. On the other hand, you may think Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
you are getting all the nutrients your body needs from your food, but there may be something lacking in your diet that your body needs and isn’t getting. So, where does the truth lie? You could be deceiving yourself either way you look at it. However, the simple truth lies within you. Yes, you. Your body will tell you the truth. We are each created and formed quite uniquely and we are different on the inside as much as our looks on the outside or as our personalities differ. Take my husband for instance, he needs vitamin D. Why? Because he is prone to skin cancer he doesn’t get out in the sun as much and when he does he covers up. I am the flip of the coin! I will shrivel up and die without the sun! However, my body lacks iron. We are different in our physical make up and what we need as much as we are needy in different seasons of our lives. It could be the actual seasons—winter, spring, summer or fall—or the sea-
sons we go through in life from the day we are born into this world until we reach one hundred and ninety-two! Take vitamin D again as an example. In the summer months, we are usually outside where the sun is shining (especially in Arizona) most every day yet in the winter months we have less sun, more cloudy, rainy days and for some, very bitter cold days. Our body would be more likely to have its fill of vitamin D in the summer months more so than during the winter months. Vitamin C is another supplement we tend to take more of in the winter to protect us from the cold and flu season. Another example would be a child or senior needing more calcium and vitamin D over someone in their middle adult years. During those middle years you may need other nutrients to assist you with energy draining or stress relieving and tension building issues. Dietary supplements may seem like harmless health boosters. But, while some have proven beneficial, many don’t benefit your health. Some vitamins and minerals, when taken in inappropriate amounts, can cause problems. Even “natural” supplements can be risky for people on certain medicines or with certain medical conditions. Always read labels and package inserts and follow product directions. But remember that dietary supplement labels and ingredients are not evaluated by the FDA before they’re sold. Check with your health care professional — your best and most important source on whether a supplement is safe for you. A simple blood test can give you the answers you are looking for. Be wise with your supplements. Be sure it’s something your body needs and take it. And a final word of wisdom in the arena of supplements, always take natural supplement so your body can actually absorb them into the body’s cells and systems and use them. Avoid
“Dietary supplements may seem like harmless health boosters. But, while some have proven beneficial, many don’t benefit your health.” synthetic supplements, otherwise... again they will simply go in and out and you are wasting your money... money that could be used elsewhere... like a summer vacation maybe? Here’s to your health! To help you get started eating healthy, become a part of one of my healthy lifestyle classes or accountability communities. Classes have started, however, it is never to late. Many of my classes are on-going weekly and repeated for your convenience. Call or text me for details. You may also email me at hisbest4health@earthlink.net. Marga Cullumber is a health and lifestyle coach, teacher, encourager, and a woman of outstanding excellence and truth (even when it hurts). Marga has been trained as a health minister and coach through Hallelujah Acres, founded by George Malkmus. Photo credit: 27564112/iStock
Is the fatigue you feel starting to show? Are you?
• Trying to Hide the Bags Under Your Eyes • Feeling Unmotivated • Hitting Snooze Instead of Getting Ready • Waking Up Irritable and Anxious • Less Confident Than You Want to Be • Snoring Loudly
Conquer snoring, sleep apnea, headaches, and fatigue with a comfortable oral appliance.
602-357-9845 • KoalaBiltmore.com Beth Hamann, DDS • Shari Aftahi, DMD
4235 N 32nd St., Ste A, Phoenix, AZ 85018
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
emotional
5 Ways to Reduce Stress Submitted by Derma Health
E
veryone lives with some level of stress. It is inescapable. It is part of the tension of life. But, as we all know, too much stress or tension applied to a rope or a cable can be disastrous. People are the same way. Just like ropes and cables, we have stress limits. When the stress in our lives consistently exceeds our limits, it will take a toll on us mentally and physically. Without relief, we too can break, just like the overstressed cable. April is National Stress Awareness Month. During these 30 days, health professionals put a special emphasis on educating the public about the dangers of stress and ways to reduce stress levels in our lives. Here are five of the top ways you can reduce your stress: 1. Eliminate or Avoid Stressors We have much more control over the stress factors in our lives than we realize. Situations that create stress in our lives usually develop over time. As we add new responsibilities and relationships into our lives, each comes with its own level of stress. At the same time, there are other stressors that we have little control over; these are the unplanned, unexpected stressors in life. When you add on unexpected stresses, such as health issues, life losses, and major life changes, stress levels can quickly build and become difficult to manage. Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
When stress levels begin to create anxiety, loss of sleep, or affect your health in other ways, it is time to re-evaluate what you can do to eliminate or avoid the stressful situations over which you do have control. Are there time commitments in your life that could be eliminated, such as volunteer positions? If finances are a stress factor, what changes can you make to your lifestyle to lower that stress? Are there relationships that drain you emotionally? Maybe it is time to limit your time with those individuals. Create a list of the stressors in your life. Examine each one, and decide which ones you can eliminate or avoid by making a change on your end. 2. Let’s Get Physical Stress affects our bodies in negative ways. Our blood pressure, our digestive tract, and our sleep patterns are just three of the areas that give us signals that the stress we carry is affecting our physical health. At the same time, we can use our physical bodies to release and relieve the stress that is bottled up inside of us. Physical exercise releases the tension in our muscles, increases oxygen levels, and increases the level of positive endorphins being released in our brains. Choose what works for you—a brisk walk, shooting hoops at the gym, an aerobics class, or raking your lawn. Take note of
how you feel before and after your exercise routine. You may be surprised at how much lower your stress levels are following just 30 minutes of physical exertion. 3. Add In “Me” Time When stress levels are at their highest, we often feel we can’t take time out to relax or do things “just for fun.” In reality, this is the most important time for carving out moments to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. You may not be able to take a vacation, but you can choose to take 15 minutes to an hour doing something positive for yourself. Schedule a massage, spend some time sitting in nature with your favorite music playing through your headphones, or go to a movie with a friend. Consider it a prescription for stress relief. 4. Talk It Out One of the best ways to manage stress is to simply talk about the situations in your life that are causing you stress. This could be talking with your spouse, a trusted friend, a spiritual adviser, or even a professional counselor or therapist. Putting your frustrations into words and experiencing empathetic feedback can help release pent-up anxiety. Getting feedback from someone outside the situation can often bring to light actions or options available to you which you may have overlooked. Many times insightful revelations can come to you as you express yourself out loud. 5. Adjust Your Perspective We are all creatures of habit. We develop patterns of thinking and responding that become automatic. We don’t think about them;
we just do what we have always done. When you experience traumatic circumstances, such as a major illness in your family, divorce, the death of a loved one, or even a major change in your job or location, it is time to re-evaluate your priorities and patterns of thinking. Many of the things that have always been important may need to be moved down on the priority list. Adjust your perspective to your current “normal,” and be ready to re-adjust when it is time to move on. Stress is a real and dangerous threat to your well-being, both emotionally and physically. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Find ways to reduce its negative effects on your life. Derma Health is all about helping you be the best you, both inside and out. Over 40,000 patients have trusted Derma Health, a leader in medical aesthetic technology and premiere skincare services. Derma Health believes in promoting overall health and wellness by taking care of your body inside and out. We strive to not only take years off your outward appearance but also add quality years to a healthy you on the inside. Derma Health has highly credentialed and experienced medical personnel at five clinics in the Phoenix area. Services include: aesthetic and laser treatments for the face and body, Botox and dermal fillers, anti-aging treatments for reducing lines and wrinkles, skin tightening, hormone therapy, nutritional solutions, tumescent liposuction, and professional-grade skincare products. Get a complimentary consultation, and start your beauty transformation today. Call 602-903-3011 or visit www.dhiskin.com/health. Photo credit: Vasko/iStock
• Integrated midwife and physician practice • Routine and high risk pregnancy • Female pelvic medicine • Menopause • Urinary leakage treatment • In-office tubal occlusion • In-office uterine ablation to treat abnormal bleeding • In-office lab work • In-office ultrasounds
iWomen’s Health Care 655 S Dobson Rd Suite 101 Bldg A Chandler, AZ 85224 Office Fax
480-855-5900 480-855-9171
www.iwomenshealthcare.com
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11
healthy sleeping
Ignorance Is Not Bliss
Beth Hamann, DDS
Shari Aftahi, DMD
Submitted by Beth Hamann, DDS & Shari Aftahi, DMD, Koala Center for Sleep Disorders
F
or years, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has generally been considered a men’s health issue. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, the ratio of men to women who come in to be evaluated for OSA is quite unbalanced. For every one woman diagnosed with OSA, eight or nine men are diagnosed. However, while it is true that more men are affected by the condition, the ratio should be closer to two or three men per woman. Why the discrepancy? While women face unique risk factors for OSA, they often are misdiagnosed by physicians or avoid seeking treatment in the first place. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by complete and partial airway obstructions, which can occur when the tongue and muscles relax during sleep, the lower jaw falls back toward the throat, or the airway becomes blocked. A typical sequence of OSA occurs when a person stops snoring and is silent for seconds or minutes. The brain may cause the body to jerk in an attempt to wake the sleeper so breathing will resume. The silence may end with a loud snort, cough, or gasp. This causes the sleeper to wake briefly and begin breathing. Once asleep again, the muscles relax and the airway becomes blocked once again. This cycle can occur hundreds of times per night. If left untreated, OSA may lead to heart attack, stroke, and death. However, while this represents a typical cycle of sleep apnea, the symptoms may present themselves differently in women. Women may Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
not notice snoring or paused breathing, for example. Instead, they will often mention chronic insomnia, fatigue, and depression, notes Dr. Grace Pien, in an interview with the National Sleep Foundation. Because the more commonly known symptoms of OSA were described by nearly all-male populations, it is no surprise that women often express different complaints. These complaints often lead to a misdiagnosis by primary care physicians. According to the National Sleep Foundation, women suffering from OSA have been misdiagnosed with anything from Anemia to Fibromyalgia to Menopausal changes. Furthermore, women are less likely to request a sleep study and are instead more inclined to ask for a medication to treat whatever symptoms they are experiencing. While many women do face misdiagnosis, a large number never seek medical care for their symptoms, especially if one of those symptoms is snoring. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, women are less likely to talk about their own sleep problems than those of their male partners. It seems that snoring is often stigmatized in women while it is considered relatively common and normal in men. As a result, many women fail to bring up this and other sleep issues with their physicians. Women should be talking openly and honestly with their doctors about their sleep, however. Factors specific to women such as menopause, pregnancy, and polycystic ovary syndrome can put them at greater risk for developing OSA. Additionally, OSA may impact women’s health differ-
ently than men’s. A study, which was conducted by the UCLA School of Nursing and published in the December 2012 issue of SLEEP, found that women suffering from OSA have a higher level of brain damage than men with the same disorder. Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation notes that OSA is linked to a higher risk of dementia in elderly women. Finally, OSA may exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions, which can be especially problematic, considering heart disease is the number one killer of women. If you are concerned you might have OSA, consider keeping a log of the symptoms you experience, including those that seem unrelated to your sleep, such as headaches, loss of libido, and changes in mood or depression. By speaking candidly about these symptoms with your physician and requesting a sleep study, you are more likely to get an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options for OSA include lifestyle changes, surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and Oral Appliance Therapy. While CPAP is one of the most common treatments for OSA, Oral Appliance Therapy has proven to be an effective, scientifically-based treatment alternative that patients may find more comfortable and easier to use. 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. Oral appliances are similar to athletic mouth guards but less bulky and completely non-invasive. Oral sleep appliances are covered by most medical insurance plans and Medicare. For more information about sleep apnea, Oral Appliance Therapy, and how the appliance can conquer sleep apnea, fatigue, headaches, and other health conditions, please call Koala Center for Sleep Disorders at 602-357-9845 or visit www.KoalaSleepCenters.com/Phoenix–Biltmore.
Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Your OSA: • Weight loss • Smoking cessation • Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule and routine • Changes in sleep position • Avoiding caffeine or heavy meals before bed • Avoiding alcohol
Health,
it’s a matter of choice... YOURS! • In-home relaxed atmosphere for learning and support • Mindful solutions for how to live a healthier lifestyle • Simple basic tools to carry you through daily • Add years to your life and live strong, healthy and disease free • Live with much more energy!
YES, YOU CAN!
Classes are Beginning Now! Choose now to commit to coming to a class this year and see how. Come to an overview class for free and check us out!
Jason C. Harrill, D.P.M., FACFAS Scott N. Maling, D.P.M., FACFAS Mark R. Pipher, D.P.M.
MESA LOCATION 1520 South Dobson Road, #307 Mesa, AZ 85202
FOUNTAIN HILLS LOCATION 16838 E Palisades Blvd. Building A, Ste #105 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Reserve your place in class today as space is limited.
Marga L. Cullumber, Instructor His Best 4 Health
928.970.3764
HB4Health.com • hisbest4health@earthlink.net
480-844-8218 www.desertfootandankle.com
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
the power of touch
Don’t Let Stress Run Your Life
Michael Haught, LMT
By Michael Haught LMT, Keystone Body Therapies
S
tress is something that will affect everyone in one way or another over the course of their lifetime. There are many issues that can trigger stress in the body; everyday responsibilities at work and home, negative and major life events, physical illness or injury, and trauma. Short term stress will allow the body to function better to survive and cope tough situations, triggering a “fight or flight” response. However, in someone living with chronic stress, the body will not
allow itself to go back to its “rest and digest” state, which over time will begin to cause negative effects. Chronic stress over time continues to release these chemicals into our bodies that can have negative effects on all of the body’s major systems. Short term effects, such as headaches and muscle tension, sometimes even nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea/constipation, are easy to recognize. Constant muscle tension will lead to trigger points that can cause pain, limited range of motion, stiffness, soreness, and even mimic dysfunction in other systems of the body. The long term effects of stress may not be as obvious and can take several years to present themselves. The body constantly being in a nonrelaxed state of stress will continuously cause the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals increase your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure, boost energy supplies, increase sugars in the bloodstream, enhance your brain’s use of glucose, and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues. Over time, the body cannot properly process the excessive amounts of these chemicals, which can lead to chronic muscle pain and spasms, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, digestive problems, heart disease, weight gain, and memory or concentration impairment. Long term stress can also increase your chances of heart attack, and type 2 diabetes. Even though stress is something that we will all have at one point or another, it does not have to remain a constant. There are many ways to cope with stress that you can do in the privacy of your own home or while sitting at your desk at work. Yoga or stretching, meditation, and exercise are great ways to deal with the short term effects of stress. Touch is another extremely effective treatment of stress—something as simple as hugging someone has been proven to lower stress levels in adults. Massage and bodywork has also been proven to reduce the negative effects of stress by lowering blood pressure, decreasing muscle tension, and reducing trigger points that can cause pain. At Keystone Body Therapies, we are specifically trained to relieve stress through advanced massage and bodywork techniques. Call us today at 480-686-8647 to schedule your free 30 minute consultation and find out how we can help you reduce your stress. Check us out online at www.keystonebodytherapies.com or email us at keystonebodytherapies@gmail.com.
Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
Sources upon request Photo credit: PeopleImages/iStock
helping families
Why Become A Hospice Volunteer?
Kerri Ann Valenzuela
By Kerri Ann Valenzuela, Gemini Hospice
A
re you compassionate, loving, giving, and do you offer way more of your time than you actually have available for those in need? If so, hospice volunteering would be a perfect fit. A hospice volunteer is made from a unique mold. They are rare and special in more ways than you can imagine. What does it take to be a hospice volunteer? I’ll answer that question, but first let’s take a look at why hospices frequently use volunteers. Why Use Volunteers? Many patients and families of patients will ask, “Why do hospices use volunteers? Do they not have enough employees?” When hospice care became a Medicare benefit in 1982, written into the law signed by President Ronald Reagan was the requirement that community volunteers had to provide a minimum of five percent of total patient care hours. It is one of the qualities that makes hospice care unique in healthcare. So, legally, any hospice accepting Medicare must have volunteers. While it might be a legal necessity to utilize volunteers, they are treasured members of a hospice organization! Volunteer hospice caregivers are some of the most passionate, patient, loving people you will ever meet. Many times, they bring with them the experience of dealing with crisis or family tragedy. They have the resilience to look at patients with positivity, even in the face of extreme negativity and the prospect of death. What Does It Take to be a Volunteer? Most individuals who decide to become volunteers are already familiar with hospice situations. They are familiar with life, death, and offering unconditional support to those near the end of their lives and their families. As a hospice volunteer, you will need to: • Commit the time to volunteer orientation • Be dependable • Be patient • Be a listener—and comfortable in silence
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• Know your strengths, your limits, and when to say no • Be nonjudgmental • Accept that needs can be physical, emotional, and/or spiritual • Respect all beliefs, all religious customs, and all who lack them When a hospice is governed by Medicare, all the volunteers are required to complete the required paperwork, pass all background checks, attend orientation, and supply the following: • Driver’s license • For I-9 verification: Passport, driver’s license, and social security card or birth certificate • Auto insurance declaration page • Copy of driving record • Copy of current TB test results Volunteers usually meet with a volunteer coordinator to decide how much time you have to commit, what areas you would like to volunteer in, what special talents and experiences you possess to compliment your volunteer experience, and what your goals are in becoming a volunteer. Not all volunteers need to work directly with our patients and families. There are many areas within a hospice in which your time and talents will be greatly appreciated. Our hospice volunteers are the beating heart of Gemini Hospice. They ask for nothing, but give everything. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a volunteer with the Gemini Hospice family, please stop by the Chandler home office at 3960 E. Riggs Road, Suite #4, Chandler, AZ or call us at 480-883-1353. We also have volunteer opportunities through our Gemini Outreach offices in Superior and Coolidge. Gemini Hospice is family owned and operated with the goal of providing care, comfort, and compassion to those nearing the end of life. Visit www.geminihospice.com or email kerriannv@geminihospice.com for more information.
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April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
children’s safety
Sports Physicals
Not Just for Sport
Michael Rabago, PA-C
By Michael Rabago, PA-C, FastMed Urgent Care
P
articipating in sports provides many benefits to children of all ages. Besides helping them stay active and promoting good health, sports also help teach children time management, teamwork, and managing their emotions through success and defeat. As a healthcare provider, I encourage parents to help their children find the sport that is right for them so their children can reap all of the many benefits sports offer. I also recommend to parents that before their child begins any new sport, a sports physical be completed; these physicals are also called pre-activity or pre-participation physicals. While some people perceive sports physicals as only necessary for the really serious athletes, these physicals should be taken seriously for any person of any age who is going to undertake a sport. Why is a sports physical an important first step in getting your child engaged in sports? Through a sports physical, you and your healthcare provider can ensure that your child’s body is ready for
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. Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
the rigors of a particular sport. Individual sports put particular stress on specific parts of the body, and a medical professional can ensure there are no underlying issues that would prevent the student athlete from participating fully. Unfortunately, we’ve heard the stories of an underlying health condition in a child athlete being found too late—such as a heart condition that was found after the child collapsed while playing football. What we do not often hear are the thousands of cases where a health condition was identified and aptly treated before the child started a sport; those stories don’t make the news. Those children go on to play their chosen sport—or select an alternative that is less risky given their specific health condition—and garner all of the many benefits sports participation has to offer. What can you expect during your child’s sports physical? A sports physical is a checkup to assess your child’s overall health and physical fitness relative to the sport your child intends to play. It is not the same as an annual physical and should not replace your child’s annual physical. During your child’s sports physical, your healthcare provider will take special care to discuss the sport your child will be playing and determine if it is safe for your child based on your child’s current health, physical fitness, and family medical history. As appropriate, your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate tests, which may include labs, X-rays, or other tests specific to particular health conditions, or refer you to a specialist. Your healthcare provider will also talk with you about nutrition needs your child may have as a result of this new activity level and educate you about potential injuries that your child may be at higher risk of as a result of the sport. For example, if your child plans to play football, your healthcare provider may discuss concussions and baseline testing.
Where is a sports physical done? Your child’s sports physical should always be completed by a licensed healthcare provider, including a doctor (MD or DO), physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP). Your child’s primary care provider is one option or you can opt to visit a walk-in medical clinic, like an urgent care. For parents with busy schedules, an urgent care is a great option as they are open seven days a week, including evenings, and do not require an appointment. How much does a sports physical cost? If you have healthcare insurance, you should check with your insurance carrier to determine how much a sports physical for your child will cost and if a copay applies before scheduling your appointment with your child’s primary care provider. Some urgent cares offer a sports physical for as little as $25, often less than a copay. Where can parents find more information? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians provide helpful information on sports physicals as well as other health information for children. FastMed Urgent Care offers sports physicals for $25. Visit FastMed.com to find clinic locations in your neighborhood. FastMed.com also provides health resources for parents on sports physicals and a variety of topics to help you support the health of your family.
Michael Rabago is a certified physician assistant (PA-C) who specializes in sports medicine at FastMed Urgent Care in Chandler at 4959 W. Ray Road, on the southeast corner of Ray and Rural Roads. To contact him or get more information, call 480-214-2188. Sources upon request Photo credit: 35748418/iStock
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Call for your free consultation April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
awareness
What Is Osteoporosis?
David N. Kells, MD
Submitted by David N. Kells, MD, iWomen’s Health Care
O
steoporosis (OS-tee-oh-poh-ROH-sis) is a disease of the bones. People with osteoporosis have bones that are weak and break easily. There are no symptoms. In fact, many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. What Are the Warning Signs of Osteoporosis? Symptoms or warning signs for osteoporosis may include a loss in height, a slumped or hunched posture, or onset of sudden unexplained back pain. Also, a broken bone if you are over the age of 45 or post-menopausal. What Increases My Chances of Getting Osteoporosis? There are several risk factors that raise your chances of developing osteoporosis. Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
Factors You Can’t Control: • Being female • Getting older • Menopause • Having a small, thin body (under 127 pounds) • A family history of osteoporosis • Not getting your period (if you should be getting it) • Having a disorder that increases your risk of getting osteoporosis, (such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, premature menopause, anorexia nervosa) • Long-term use of certain medicines
Factors You Can Control: • Smoking • Drinking too much alcohol • A diet low in calcium and vitamin D • Not enough exercise How Can I Find Out if I Have Weak Bones? If you are age 65 or older, you should get a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis. If you are younger than 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, ask your doctor or nurse if you need a bone density test before age 65. Bone density testing is recommended for older women whose risk of breaking a bone is the same or greater than that of a 65 year old white woman with no risk factors other than age. How Can I Prevent Weak Bones? The best way to prevent weak bones is to work on building strong ones. No matter how old you are, it is never too late to start. Building strong bones during childhood and the teen years is one of the best ways to keep from getting osteoporosis later. After menopause, bone loss happens more quickly, but there are steps you can take to slow the natural bone loss with aging and to prevent your bones from becoming weak and brittle. • Get enough calcium each day. Bones are made of calcium. You can get calcium through the food you eat, calcium pills, or both. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, cereals, orange juice with calcium added, and leafy green vegetables. Women ages 19
to 50 need at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day and women over age 50 need at least 1,200 mg every day. • Get enough vitamin D each day. Vitamin D helps your body take in calcium. Your body obtains vitamin D through sunlight, by eating foods rich in vitamin D, or by taking a vitamin D supplement. The daily Vitamin D Requirements are: • Ages 19–70 600 IU per day • Ages 71+ 800 IU per day • Eat a healthy diet. Other nutrients—vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, as well as protein—help build strong bones too. Milk has many of these nutrients. So do foods like lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, and oranges. • Get moving. Weight bearing activities help slow bone loss and improve muscle strength and balance. A few examples include walking, dancing, running, climbing stairs, gardening, playing tennis, yoga, etc. 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 upon request Photo credit: donskarpo/iStock
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
feature story
Sugar... The Disguised Toxin
H
ow did we ever get to a place where there are so many types of sweeteners on the market that there might be genuine confusion? Just 100 years ago, there was only cane sugar, sorghum, honey, and maple syrup, and Americans each ate less than two pounds a year of them, total. Today, Americans each eat the equivalent of 22 teaspoons of sugar a day, adding up to over 70 pounds of sugar per person, per year. According to Rachel K. Johnson, lead author of a paper published in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Circulation, too much sugar not only makes Americans fat, but also is a key culprit in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Sugar raises blood glucose, triggers abnormal insulin surges, and makes us hungry and fat. It also reduces HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind), skyrockets triglycerides, and contributes greatly to inflammation in the body. Some scientists even think that sugar is a slow-acting poison. The Heart Association report recommends that most women consume no more than 6 teaspoons a day, (24 grams) of added sugar and for men, the recommended limit is 9 teaspoons, or 36 grams. This means that one 6-ounce cup of store-bought, flavored yogurt, with 40 grams (about 10 teaspoons) of sugar, would put you over your sugar limit for the whole day! Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
Worldwide consumption of sugar has tripled during the past 50 years, and commensurate with it, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease has become epidemic. In fact, sugar has recently been found to be so toxic to the body that some scientists have argued for its regulation, like alcohol or tobacco. This summary of sweeteners comes with a warning: Added sugar in any form is not good for you, so please use it sparingly. SUGARS Caveat Emptor (buyer beware) There are various types of sugar, chemically speaking. Sucrose comes primarily from sugar cane or sugar beets; fructose, maltose, and dextrose come from fruits and starchy plants; lactose comes from dairy products—basically, if it ends in -ose, it’s a type of sugar. Sucrose, like all complex sugars, breaks down during digestion into two simple sugars: glucose and fructose. Glucose is transported by insulin to the cells for energy, which, unless burned, gets stored away as fat. Yep, you read that right: Sugar, unused, makes you fat. Glucose is the foundation for the Glycemic Index (GI), which ranks foods on how they affect our blood glucose levels. This index measures how much your blood glucose increases in the two or three hours after eating certain foods. Table sugar, or sucrose, has a GI of 60. Eating
low (below 50) on the glycemic index can help you control your blood sugar naturally. In addition to glucose, complex sugars like sucrose or lactose also break down into fructose. Refined white sugar (table sugar) is 50% glucose and 50% fructose, and is highly processed using multiple fossil fuel and chemical-intensive processes. It provides empty calories and zero nutritional value. Additionally, the fact that over 65 percent of commercial sugar is made from genetically engineered (GMO) sugar beets makes white sugar something to be avoided at all costs. Fructose does not raise blood glucose levels immediately the way glucose does, and is therefore considered low on the glycemic index. But don’t be fooled into thinking that’s a good thing. Fructose travels to the liver where it gets converted to triglycerides—the fats in the blood that are associated with heart disease. Like excess blood glucose, blood triglycerides made from fructose are stored as fat, which increases the size of your fat cells, contributing to weight gain and obesity. The excess triglycerides created when you eat fructose increase insulin resistance, thereby boosting insulin production to very high levels, which fosters the development of diabetes in a “back door” fashion. Sugar Extracts Cane Juice is the common name for the sugar produced directly from milled cane using a single-crystallization process. The filtered, clarified juice is simply heated to remove water and then allowed to cool, forming granular crystals. Date sugar can also be made with the fruit of the palm by pulverizing very dry dates, but sugar made this way will not dissolve well in liquid and processing leaves much of the flavor of the sugar intact, creating an almost molasses-like flavor. Demerara sugar is a light brown raw sugar with large golden crystals, which are slightly sticky from the adhering molasses. It is often used in tea, coffee, or on top of hot cereals. Turbinado sugar is raw sugar that has been partially processed, where only the surface molasses has been washed off. It has a blond color and mild brown sugar flavor, and is often used in tea and other beverages. Muscovado sugar, a British specialty brown sugar, is very dark brown and has a particularly strong molasses flavor. The minimally processed crystals are slightly coarser and stickier in texture than “regular” brown sugar. Palm sugar is a traditional sweetener that has been used for thousands of years. Because it comes from tapping trees that require little water and help build agroforest ecosystems, it is also the most sustainably produced granulated sugar in the world. Originally made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm, as well as the date palm or Sugar date palm, now it is also made from the sap of the sago and coconut palms and may be sold as “coconut sugar.” Rapadura or panela—often still has the minerals and enzymes intact because, they have not had all of the molasses chemically and physically removed. Common brown sugar is a highly refined pseudofood best replaced by one of the naturally brown sugars below. Liquid/Modified Sugars In the 1970s, Japanese scientists discovered a process that could convert cornstarch into an alternative sweetener called high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup contains 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose, which makes it virtually as sweet as sucrose or natural honey. Today, high fructose corn syrup has replaced pure sugar as the main sweetener in most carbonated beverages and is hiding in products like salad dressing, spaghetti sauce, and whole wheat bread. It is often one of the first ingredients in cake mixes, cookies, sauces, breakfast cereals, and commercial baked goods.
Agave Syrup is very high in fructose. Depending on the brand, agave can contain as much as 92 percent fructose. Nowhere in nature does this ratio of fructose to glucose occur naturally. The amount of fructose in agave is much higher than the 55 percent fructose in highfructose corn syrup or the 50 percent fructose in refined table sugar, making agave “nectar” worse for you than either table sugar or corn syrup. What many people don’t realize is that concentrated fructose is probably worse for you than high amounts of glucose. Rice Syrup is a natural sweetener that is made from cooked brown rice, which is specially fermented to turn the starches in the rice into sugars. Since rice syrup will cause an elevation in blood sugar, it is not suitable for diabetics, and individuals with gluten intolerance should read rice syrup labels carefully. Natural Sweeteners Coconut Nectar is simply coconut palm sugar that hasn’t had the water completely evaporated out of it. It is syrup you can use like any other sugar syrup, though it is slightly less sweet. Honey is a mixture of sugars and other compounds, mainly fructose and glucose. The specific composition of any batch of honey depends on the flowers available to the bees that produced the honey. Raw honey is honey as it exists in the beehive or as obtained by extraction, settling, or straining without adding heat (although some honey that has been “minimally processed” is often labeled as raw honey). Lo Han Guo—also called Monkfruit—is the fruit of the Momordica grosvenorii, a plant cultivated in the mountains of southern China for thousands of years. Many studies are underway which are confirming the nutritional and healing properties of Lo Han Guo. Mogrosides extracted from the Lo Han fruit taste 300 times sweeter than sugar, but without affecting blood glucose levels, making this sweetener an excellent choice for diabetics. Lo Han Guo is available as a pure extract and as a powder that is easier to bake with than stevia, and it has no after taste. April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
feature story
continued
Maple Syrup is one of the many wonders of the world, made from the sap of 40 year old sugar, black, or red maple trees. Maple syrup contains fewer calories and has a higher concentration of minerals than honey. Molasses is a thick, brown to deep black, honey-like substance made as a byproduct of processing cane or beet sugar. The process by which it is extracted and treated with sulfur results in fortification of iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is also made up of both glucose and fructose. Sorghum syrup use to be one of the only affordable sweeteners produced locally in the U.S. but during World War II, there was a shortage of farm labor to produce it. After the war, industrial farming and food processing techniques made sugarcane— and later, corn syrup—much cheaper to produce. Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of the small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar, but it has no calories, and consuming it does not raise blood glucose levels at all. Yacon Syrup is a sugar substitute native to the Andean region of South America. It is glucose-free, and does not increase blood sugar levels. Sugar Alcohols Sugar alcohols (which end in -ol) occur naturally in plants. Some of them are chemically or biologically extracted from plants (sorbitol from corn syrup and mannitol from seaweed), but they are mostly manufactured in a highly-intensive industrial process from sugars and starches. Because they are not completely absorbed by the body, they affect blood sugar levels less, but can ferment in the intestines, therefore not recommended for people with IBS or other digestive issues. Sugar alcohols don’t promote tooth decay so are often used to sweeten “sugar-free” chewing gum, but sugar alcohols like xylitol are highly toxic to dogs.
Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
Swerve® Swerve is the latest “natural sweetener” to hit the market. Swerve is made from a combination of erythritol, oligosaccharides, and natural flavors that give it excellent baking and cooking functionality. Swerve even has the ability to brown and caramelize! It is still a highly refined sweetening agent made from a sugar alcohol even though it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Artificial Sweeteners Saccharin, Aspartame, and Sucralose are completely artificial, chemical sweeteners. None of them have any calories or glycemic index, and each of them has been linked to cancer, digestive distress, and chronic illnesses in numerous studies. None of them are real food and each should be avoided at all costs. Saccharin, most often known by the brand name Sweet ‘N Low®, is the oldest artificial sweetener. It comes in the pink packet, and is commonly used to sweeten diet soft drinks and candies or to improve the flavor of medicine and toothpaste. Aspartame is sold under a number of different product names, including Equal® (blue packet) and NutraSweet®. It is used to sweeten diet soft drinks and candies Sucralose, sold under the name Splenda® in the yellow packet, is an artificial sweetener that is heat stable. Splenda® is made from refined sugar which has a molecule of chlorine artificially added to it so it is not properly absorbed by the body. The Sweet Surrender While no sugar or sweetener is without its health risks, in moderation, minimally processed, traditional sweeteners like rapadura, palm sugar, maple syrup, sorghum, raw honey, lo han guo, or stevia leaf can be delicious additions to a Illustration healthy, courtesy real food diet. of The Summit at Sunland Springs Original article at: www.smallfootprintfamily.com/the-many-different-kinds-of-sugar#ixzz41r7OinRF Photo credit: tycoon751/iStock Photo credit: davidf/iStock Photo credit: magnez2/iStock
treating the patient
Naturopathic Applied Kinesiology The Best of Conventional and Alternative Medicine By Evan van Driel, ND, True Resilience Integrative Medical Solutions
Evan van Driel, ND
S
o, what is naturopathic medicine? A naturopathic doctor is not necessarily one who uses herbs, acupuncture, and nutritional supplements. A naturopathic doctor is one who follows these principles: • Do no harm: Use the least harmful diagnostic and treatment methods. • The healing power of nature: The body can heal itself under the right circumstances. • Identify and treat the cause: Find and remove the obstacles to health. • Treat the whole person: Take into account the structural, metabolic, mental/emotional, and other factors of health. • Doctor as teacher: Educate patients, and encourage self-responsibility for health. • Prevention: Assess risk factors, and improve health as a whole with the goal of building resilience and preventing future disease. In a nutshell, a naturopath is a doctor who seeks to find the cause of a person’s disease and remove the obstacles so that the body can heal itself. They do this by treating the whole person (not necessarily just the symptoms) and educating patients about self-care. When it comes to education and training, naturopathic medical education is rigorous. It is a four-year, post-secondary education that is very similar to conventional medical school. Education is focused on medical diagnosis, pharmacology, clinical skills, and healing modalities. Also, in the state of Arizona, naturopaths are fully licensed as primary care providers and are able to write prescriptions, perform minor surgery, and order labs and imaging. In addition, they have access to a large toolbox of alternative medicines. Naturopathic medicine uses the following therapies: • Traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture • Spinal adjusting/craniosacral work • Clinical nutrition • Stress reduction techniques/neuro-emotional techniques • Homeopathy • Botanical medicine • Regenerative injection therapies (e.g., prolotherapy) • IV therapies • Oxidative therapies (e.g., ozone) • Scar therapy/minor surgery Having access to all of these tools puts naturopathic doctors in the unique position of offering the best of conventional medical diagnosis and treatment along with the best of natural diagnosis and treatment. Access to all of these tools can make it hard to choose the treatment that is the most appropriate for the patient for exactly where they are with their health. This is why applied kinesiology is a powerful adjunct to the practice of naturopathic medicine.
Applied kinesiology is the study of muscle function applied to the body. It integrates neurology, the acupuncture meridian system, psychology, physical medicine, clinical nutrition, and homeopathy into one system of diagnosis and treatment. By evaluating muscle function before and after applying a stimulus to the body, we can find exactly what the body needs, in real time, while the patient is in the office. For example, somebody coming in with a headache may have: • A structural cause: spinal misalignment, muscle tension, cranial faults • A metabolic cause: blood vessel constriction, inflammation, toxins, hormonal imbalance • A mental/emotional cause: stress headaches Depending on the person that comes in, it might be the most valuable to adjust their spine or fix their cranial bones. Another patient will get clinical nutrition and acupuncture. A third will get stress reduction techniques and homeopathy. Instead of fitting the patient to our treatments, we can use applied kinesiology to fit one of the many treatments from our toolbox to the patient’s case. Selecting the appropriate treatment for the patient in this way not only brings the quickest resolution of their symptoms with minimal side effects, but it also saves them time and money. For more information about naturopathic applied kinesiology or to schedule a consultation, call 602-753-6373. Join our free Weekly Health Workshop, which is made up by your questions. We address what is available in naturopathic applied kinesiology to get you where you want to be with your health, Thursdays 7pm at our office, 1256 W. Chandler Blvd. #22, Chandler. Photo credit: Dean Mitchell /iStock
April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
travel protection
When Death Occurs While Vacationing
Hilary Samples
By Hilary Samples, Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery
M
ichael and Josephine were high school sweethearts and married right out of high school. They worked hard to put their kids through college and get them on their feet. Their dream was to travel once the kids were grown, and that time had finally come. They were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in October of 2014 and they both always wanted to visit Tahiti. They had only seen pictures of Tahiti, but now their dream was coming true. So instead of an anniversary party, they hopped on a plane and off they went.
Josephine and Michael Downing It was gorgeous—just like the pictures they had seen. They spent days relaxing on the beach, reminiscing about the past, and how they couldn’t believe they were finally here. All their hard work and sleepless nights finally paid off. On the night of their anniversary, Michael took Josephine out for a special dinner to celebrate. The views were gorgeous and life was perfect. After dinner and a walk along the beach, they returned to the hotel. Later that evening, Josephine was not feeling well. She thought it was just heartburn and it would eventually pass. Hours went by and Josephine was still in pain and Michael noticed she was pale. They decided to have the front desk call for an ambulance. They went to the hospital, but the news wasn’t good. Josephine had had a major heart attack and passed away. Michael was clueless—how was he going to get her home to Arizona? He now had to pay for funeral home expenses in Tahiti and airfare to get Josephine back home. Michael and Josephine had preplanned their funerals before they left which was very smart, but they were missing one piece to the puzzle. The “travel protection plan” that guarantees getting them back home anytime they travel more than 75 miles away from their legal residence. If they would have had a travel protection plan in place, Michael could have made one phone call and had everything handled to get Josephine back home at no additional costs. Josephine made it home but it cost thousands of dollars. A travel protection plan cost about $425.00. Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — April 2016
If you travel, it is critical to have a travel protection plan. Unfortunately, we do not know where we will be at the time of our death. If you happen to pass away while away from your legal residence, your family will be responsible for getting you back home. No family should have to deal with this burden. With a travel protection plan, anytime you are more than 75 miles from your legal residence, someone is there to coordinate the transportation and relocation completely free of charge for your family. People today are extremely mobile, spending more time away from home than ever before. • We often visit grandchildren, children, and loved ones across the country. • Employees are retiring early and traveling for weeks or months at a time. • People seek medical treatment in other states or countries. • Families and individuals travel for business and pleasure for weeks at a time. However, we all tend to forget that when we are away from home anything can happen. Getting the protection you need while you travel is easy! • No claim forms • No deductibles • No age limit • Guaranteed issue • No health questions • No transportation dollar limits • A one-time low cost fee guarantees peaceful traveling Allow me to help give you the peace of mind that you and your family deserve! For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact Hilary Samples by phone 760-391-3456 (cell), 480-832-2850(office), or email hsamples@mvfuneralhome.com. Save 10% on your prearrangement by mentioning this article. Serving the community for 61 years, 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.
Learn About the Benefits of Funeral Planning Join Hilary for Dinner on April 21, 2016 Mountain View Funeral Home And Cemetery 5:30pm • Rsvp By April 18, 2016 • 760-391-3456 (Seating Is Limited)
primary caregivers
Creating a Circle of Support By Sheriolyn Curry, CSA, Comfort Keepers Inc. Chandler Sheriolyn Curry, CSA
P
roviding care for an elderly parent or an aging loved one can bring additional responsibilities and stress to the whole family. Relationships might become strained and resentments build as emotions run high. Cooperation and communication are the keys to drawing the family closer together to support the aging elder. The more supportive and involved people are, the less alone the caregiver might feel. Plan a family meeting. If family is a long distance away, consider conference calls with a speakerphone with three-way talking or using an internet-based video such as Skype or FaceTime. Be willing to record the call or discussion and send to family members unable to attend. Prepare an agenda. Set a length of time for the meeting, and prepare an agenda with points to be covered, such as: • The latest reports from the physicians • Evaluate your elder’s situation and voice your concerns • Decide who will be the primary caregiver • Discuss daily caregiving needs • Make a list of duties and divide responsibilities • Identify concerns such as unfair workloads, financial or time concerns • Designate who will make decisions, what support and roles each person plays • How will support change as illness progresses?
• Discuss when to consider hiring for in-home senior care, respite care, and/or end of life care • Share feelings about the illness and caregiving responsibilities • Create a summary of the meeting and schedule the next meeting Decide whether to include aging/ill family member. If the family member has dementia or other mental condition, it might be best to hold the meeting without him or her present. Outside expertise or counseling may be needed. Sometimes families are divided on a big issue. Be willing to invite an outside neutral facilitator to attend. Look for a Certified Senior Advisor in your area. The goal of the meeting is to work as a team in caring for the ill/aging person even if there is conflict among family members. Cooperation, communication, and willingness to ask for help, creates a solid circle of support for the primary caregiver. Comfort Keepers of Chandler provides all levels of care and a wide variety of services. Caregivers are certified and have on-going training to give them all of the skills to be the best caregiver they can be. For additional information, call 480-659-9201, visit www.comfortkeepers. com, or email chandler@comfortkeepers.com. Se habla español. Photo credit: Lighthaunter/Thinkstock April 2016 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
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SOME OF OUR EAST VALLEY AND SCOTTSDALE LOCATIONS. CHANDLER
SCOTTSDALE
Ray 2875 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224 (480) 899-3070
McDowell & 77 St. 7730 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85257 (480) 699-3314
AZ Ave. & Ocotillo 3705 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85248 (480) 214-7828
Tatum & Shea 4902 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 214-4468
Ray & Rural 4959 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 214-2188
TEMPE
MESA
ASU 940 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 214-0622
Val Vista & University 415 N. Val Vista Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215 (480) 654-5661
Mill & Southern 3244 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 (480) 214-0621
Power Rd. South of US60 1810 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206 (480)214-0045
Baseline & 48 St. 2720 W. Baseline Rd. Tempe, AZ 85283 (602) 777-6000
Baseline & Signal Butte 1955 S. Signal Butte Rd., Mesa, AZ 85209 (480) 214-4466
Elliot & Harl 1804 W. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284 (480) 456-0444
University & Extension 835 W. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 664-6007