Healthy Cells Magazine Phoenix by Healthy Cells Magazine Valley of the Sun

VALLEY OF THE SUN Phoenix east valley area Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional

JUNE 2017

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HealthyCells

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M A G A Z I N E

• Nutritional

A Memory Gym for Your Brain

Is Your Trust Funded Living With Lewy Body Dementia Family Choice Matters

Join Our Free Caregiver Support Group, Every 3rd Wednesday 1-2:30pm Open to the Public

Every Moment Treasured. Every Moment Yours. RSVP 480-545-8900

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We do things differently at Mariposa Point, as we believe that when excellence is attainable, good is no longer acceptable. Our long list of innovative programming, services and amenities all culminate in an ideal environment for residents to be at their best.

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We accept most major medical insurance, including Medicare.

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Time For

ummer has arrived, along with the triple digit temperatures. For us in the Valley of the Sun, a few extra precautions are needed to make sure our summer fun isn’t cut short by sunburns or heat-related illness. The following are a few safety precautions to keep in mind: • Always wear sunscreen when outdoors. • Drink plenty of water. • Check car fluid levels and tires regularly. • Watch out for neighbors, especially the elderly. What is your favorite activity to dodge the summer heat? I began looking for ideas to share and came across a local website www.thecentsableshoppin.com. In addition to lots of great ideas to enjoy our beautiful state, Sheryl gives lots of great tips to save money, recipes to try, and other helpful information. Another resource I found is the Central Arizona Museum Association. I discovered “we” have over 40 museums in our area and many of them are free. See a complete list on their website, www.azcama.com. A local non-profit, WAMMS (Walk a Mile in My Shoes), is collecting gently loved and new shoes and flip flops to share locally to help “protect folks from the heat of the hot pavement during the summer.” We enjoy hearing from our readers, so if you have health topics you’d like to learn more about or story suggestions, leave me a message by phone, email, or on our website.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads,

JUNE 2017 Community Calendar of Events

Monica Tegg/Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine® Monica@healthycellsmagazine.com 480-204-3090

3rd

2017 American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30pm, Gardens of Ocotillo, info at 480-208-8700

14th

First Responders & their spouses free support group, 6–7:30 pm, info@infinitehw.com or call 480-448-1076 for info or to RSVP

Flag Day

18th

Father’s Day

21st

Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30pm, Gardens of Ocotillo, info, (480) 208-8700

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups, 1–2:30pm, Mariposa of Gilbert, RSVP: 480-545-8900 (separate activity/snack for your loved one)

24th

WAMMS (Walk a mile in My Shoes) 9th Birthday Celebration and Flip Flop Drive, for tickets and info please call 480-373-5930 June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

JUNE

2017 Volume 5, Issue 6

Preplanning Options: Celebrating Life

Physical: Does Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy Affect Your Baby’s Health?

Nutritional: Iron Deficiency Anemia and Weight Loss

This Month’s Cover Story:

SMART aging A Memory Gym for Your Brain

page 18

Emotional: Fear... Yes, I Know Fear

Caregiving 101: How Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Affects You

Dental Health: Five Signs of Poorly Fitting Dentures

Insurance Plan: Medicare for Those under 65 Years of Age

Restored Health: Facing the Unknown After a Hospital Discharge

Assisted Living: Family Choice Matters

Comfort Care: Hospice – A Higher Level of Caregiving

In The Community: United Blood Services Ramps Up Efforts to Increase Summer Blood Donations

Mental Health: Elderly Loneliness

Quality of Life: This Is Living With Lewy Body Dementia

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.

Importance of Sleep: Could Poor Sleep Be Impacting Your Safety at Work and on the Road?

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.

Financial Planning: Is Your Trust Funded?

Aphasia Awareness Month: Language and Effects of Aphasia

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 www.healthycellsmagazine.com/phx 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 a division of: 1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616 • Ph: 309-681-4418 • Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com

pre-planning options

Celebrating Life By Hilary Samples, Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery

Hilary Samples

Lunch and Learn Tuesday June 20th,11:00am Wednesday June 21st,11:00am Please call

480-888-2682 to reserve your spot.

San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home 21809 S. Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142

hen you hear the word “funeral,” what comes to mind? Sadness? Gloom? Today, funeral services are changing, and more families are choosing unique and different ways to celebrate the life of a loved one. Many families are choosing cremation, but a lot of families do not know the options available to them. If you have been thinking about preplanning, we want you to know the options available to you. You can have a traditional service and have friends and family come to pay their respects. After the service is completed, the cremation will take place. The family can choose to place the urn in the cemetery or a beautiful niche. Many families choose cremation with a memorial service. A memorial service is a time when family and friends can come to gather and pay their respects. There would be an urn present and maybe a picture of the person and something that they loved to do to represent their life. The other option is a direct cremation. There is no service for the person. This is where we want to educate people. It is really important to celebrate a loved one’s life. Many families live in different areas and may not have seen their loved one recently. We offer an interpersonal viewing, so families have that chance to say goodbye before cremation takes place. It is so important to celebrate your loved one’s life. Every person has something special about them and has a story to tell.

At Mountain View Funeral Home, we want families to walk away knowing all of their options. We have a beautiful reception area where you can have food, visit with friends and family, and tell stories of your loved one. We also have a beautiful lawn area where you can have a reception outside. Life is about celebrating, and we all want to be remembered. It is so important that all members of a family are satisfied because we do not all want the same things. It is important to document your wishes with a funeral professional before the need arises, and to discuss your options with family members. A death should not tear a family apart, it should bring them together. Save 10 percent on your prearrangement by mentioning this article. 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. 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. June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

physical

Does Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy Affect Your Baby’s Health?

David N. Kells, MD

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

rinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for your baby. Alcohol includes wine, wine coolers, beer, and liquor. When you drink alcohol during pregnancy, the alcohol in your blood quickly passes through the placenta and the umbilical cord to your baby. The placenta grows in your uterus (womb) and supplies the baby with food and oxygen through the umbilical cord. Drinking any amount of alcohol at any time during pregnancy can harm your baby’s developing brain and other organs. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe at any time during pregnancy. There’s no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby any time during pregnancy, even before you know that you’re pregnant. You may be pregnant and not know for four to six weeks. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases your baby’s chances of having these problems: • Premature birth. This is when your baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies may have serious health problems at birth and later in life. Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

• Brain damage and problems with growth and development • Birth defects, like heart defects, hearing problems, or vision problems. Birth defects are health conditions that are present at birth. Birth defects change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or in how the body works. • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (also called FASDs). Children with FASDs may have a range of problems, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. These are problems with how the brain works that can cause a person to have trouble in learning, communicating, taking care of himself, or getting along with others. They also may have problems or delays in physical development. FASDs usually last a lifetime. Binge drinking during pregnancy increases your chances of having a baby with FASDs. Binge drinking is when you drink four or more drinks in two to three hours. • Low birthweight (also called LBW). This is when a baby is born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces. • Miscarriage. This is when a baby dies in the womb before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

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How can you keep your baby safe from alcohol during pregnancy? If you don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy, your baby can’t have FASDs or any other health problems caused by alcohol. If you’re pregnant or even thinking about getting pregnant, don’t drink alcohol. Some women may drink alcohol during pregnancy and have babies who seem healthy. Some women may have very little alcohol during pregnancy and have babies with serious health conditions. Every pregnancy is different. Alcohol may hurt one baby more than another. The best way to keep your baby safe from problems caused by alcohol during pregnancy is not to drink alcohol when you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant, don’t drink alcohol. When you do get pregnant, get regular prenatal care (medical care you get during pregnancy). Tell your health care provider if you need help to stop drinking alcohol. How can you stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy? You may want to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol is often part of social activities, like parties or sports events. You may be used to having a glass of wine with dinner or at the end of a busy day. Giving up alcohol during pregnancy may be hard. Here are some tips to help you stop drinking alcohol: • Think about when you usually drink alcohol. Plan to drink other things, like fruity drinks or water. Use a fun straw or put an umbrella in the glass to make it seem more fun. • Stay away from situations or places where you usually drink, like parties or bars. • Get rid of all the alcohol in your home. • Tell your partner and your friends and family that you’re not drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Ask them to help and support you. If you need help to stop drinking, here’s what you can do: • Talk to your health care provider about alcohol treatment programs. • Join an Alcoholics Anonymous support group. • Visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (also called NCADD) website, or call 1-800-622-2255. • Use Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (also called SAMHSA) website or call 1-800-662-4357.

Since 2003, Options for Senior Living has personally helped over 2,000 families find the right home for their loved ones. • Senior Living Communities • Assisted Living Homes • Nursing Homes • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facilities • Behavioral Homes Options for Senior Living is a family-owned business founded upon the principal of serving people and helping families who are at a critical time in their lives and need help navigating senior living options. Let our compassionate team assist you today.

Can your partner’s drinking affect your baby during pregnancy? FASDs and other alcohol-related health conditions happen when you drink during pregnancy. Research is still being done to find out if alcohol harms a man’s sperm before a woman gets pregnant. 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.

Call 844.286.6984

ÍSource: http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/alcohol-during-pregnancy.aspx# June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

PLEASE EXAMINE YOUR PROOF(S) CLOSELY: We rely on our customers to review th

nutritional

Iron Deficiency Anemia and Weight Loss

Christopher M. James, Owner/CEO

By Christopher M. James, VIMtrim Personal Training

wo years ago, I had a client who could not lose weight. It was not her thyroid: she exercised regularly and did everything I recommended. I continued to ask questions to find a clue to her dilemma. She complained about not having any energy, and I noticed she had some bruising on her arms and legs (bruising easily is a symptom of anemia), and I asked if she was ever tested for anemia (low iron). She admitted to being tested and was diagnosed with anemia, but was not taking her recommended iron supplements. I suggested she immediately start taking what her doctor recommended, and shortly after, she started losing weight. She was astonished that something as simple as an iron deficiency is what kept her from losing weight. Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Iron is a mineral the body needs to function properly. Iron is found in red blood cells and carries oxygen to every cell of the body. If you do not have enough iron, it can lead to fatigue and anemia. To burn fat, the body needs oxygen. If your iron levels are low, the body cannot oxidize fat as well as it should, thereby slowing your ability to lose weight. Without enough oxygen, fatigue sets in and slows down the metabolism, which will in turn decrease total daily calorie burn. Try lighting a fire without oxygen; it can’t be done! The same is true with our bodies. You can’t burn fat without enough oxygen circulating through our blood stream.

Types of Anemia Iron deficiency anemia

If you have been told you have low iron by your doctor and were recommended to take an iron supplement and you’re not; you’re only hurting yourself. If your energy levels are low and there is no explanation as to why, have your doctor check your iron level. It’s a simple blood test. Women are more susceptible to anemia than men, not to say that a man can’t also have this issue. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Chris has over 20 years of personal training experience and is knowledgeable of nutrition and supplementation. As a trainer, he has helped many people from all walks of life and fitness levels achieve their health and fitness goals. His training style is very articulate and detail oriented, emphasizing proper form to prevent injury and to ensure trainees get the most from their workouts. Chris can be reached at 480-264-5120, email getfit@vimtrim.com or visit www.vimtrim.com.

Insurance Resources, LLC Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together

Iron is one of the main building blocks for red blood cell production. Iron in the body can be too low if you are bleeding and losing iron faster than you can replace it. Your iron may be low if your body doesn’t absorb iron from your food, or if you don’t eat enough food that contains iron. Low iron is a very common reason for blood cell counts to be low.

Anemia of chronic disease

Anemia of chronic disease is a result of chronic inflammation caused by ongoing infections, tissue damage, various forms of arthritis, benign or malignant tumors, or a variety of chronic medical conditions.

Pernicious anemia

Pernicious anemia occurs when you do not have enough vitamin B12 or folate.

Hemolytic anemia

This type of anemia happens when your red blood cells are destroyed by disease.

LUNCH AND LEARNS JUNE 20 & 21 @ 11 AM San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home 21809 S. Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142

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If you want a farewell done well, call Hilary. June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9

emotional

Fear… Yes, I Know Fear Part 1 of 3 Submitted by Infinite Healing and Wellness

The following story is part one of a three-parts series, written by Former Marine Corps Sergeant Joshua Bellinger, who shares his experience of having PTSD. He hopes to help others understand some of the challenges associated with PTSD and how it affects his daily life and the lives of his family and friends.

know fear. I know what fear feels like, and I know what fear looks like. I know how fear can manifest itself if left unchecked. I know these things because I experience fear every day, I live with it the way others live with chronic pain or asthma or a messy roommate. My fear is not brought on by the brief cut scene in a horror movie, the uncertainty of the villain’s identity, or the monster lurking just below the surface of the water, unseen. It is not the unknown, but rather what I do know, which drives my fear. When I was young, my universe did not extend much further than the doors of my Ford Mustang. I was fast, reckless, and I didn’t give a second thought to what was going on around me. I was carefree and invincible. I was still fearless. Then came Iraq, a voluntary deployment, combat zone, reararea security. We got guns, vests, helmets, and armor. We got “Ooh Rah’s” and “Hell Yeah’s” and all the motivation you could pack into a seabag. We were Marines. Everything would be fine. And then, in an instant, it wasn’t. We had just settled into our racks for an evening discussion of the day’s events when the first rockets hit. Three explosions in quick succession: boom, boom, boom. We didn’t even know we were under attack until the second volley. Three explosions in quick succession, boom, boom, boom, closer this time. A 72-man hooch can get really small really quickly. Suddenly there was no room to move, no room to breathe, no room to think. Get up, get your gear, get your gun, get going, as fast as you can. Three more rockets: boom, boom, boom. Where are your buddies? Find your buddies. You make it to HQ and your buddies are there. You’re told to sit down; calm down and shake it off. You sit with your buddies and you wait it out. The company First Sergeant Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

“We were Marines. Ever ything would be fine. And then, in an instant, it wasn’t.” is laughing. Then the questions start creeping into your consciousness… Will we make it? How strong is this building? Will I live through this night? You hear rockets fired from some place on the other side of the Euphrates River. No guidance systems, no advanced warheads, primitive really; a rock and a sling. That’s the awful thing about rockets really. It’s the psychology behind their use, once they’re up in the air, you can hear them screaming through the sky, but you can’t see them coming, and nobody knows where they will hit. You wait… and you wonder… and you pray. Suddenly, I was… fearful. That night, we all took four-man shifts protecting our tent city from suicide bombers believed to be on base. You must challenge and question everyone. You must draw your weapon on everyone. It’s a moonless night and night vision goggles won’t be in for another three months. Can’t use flashlights, makes you a target. The tents are all sitting on a huge lot of loose gravel. Three am, your turn to squint through the darkness. More than 300 of your Marine brothers are counting on you. You hear the gavel crunching under someone’s foot ahead in the blackness. You bring your service rifle to bear. “Halt! Who

goes there?” It’s just Jones, the other roving guard. You’re fine. Your heart leaves your throat and returns to your chest. You stare again into the darkness. There is nothing for a long time. This allows your new-found fear time to sink in. You could have died today and you’d have never seen it coming. In your head you can hear the rockets screaming through the sky… boom, boom, boom. Continued next month.

The clinicians at Infinite Healing and Wellness are ready to assist. Check out our website, Infinitehealingandwellness.com to learn about our incredible team, upcoming groups, and follow our positive and encouraging Instagram and Facebook pages. Infinite Healing and Wellness LLC, in Gilbert at 2563 S. Val Vista Drive #108 is a collaborative counseling practice designed to serve children, families, teens, adults, couples, first responders, and military veterans. For more information, call 480-448-1076 or email info@infinitehealingandwellness.com.

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June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

caregiving 101

How Caring for a Person With Alzheimer’s Affects You Submitted by Paige Fairbanks-Gunn, Koelsch Community Properties

ou remember seeing the warning signs. Little things tended to slip her mind. But soon, the little things progressively got larger and undeniable. When the doctor’s diagnosis came back as Alzheimer’s disease, you were stunned and shaken. The task at hand now is caring for your loved one as they accept the diagnosis and learn to live with the disease. As specialists and caregivers will tell you, this is not an easy task. Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss will affect not only the person diagnosed — but rather everyone in that person’s life. It can be especially difficult for the primary caregiver. “Caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be both rewarding and challenging,” The Alzheimer’s Association explains. “The needs of the person may often come before your own, and this can mean that you struggle to manage everything.” This means the caregiver must learn healthy ways to cope and remember to take care of theirself too. Many that are new Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

“Caregiving affects all aspects of your life and can lead to increased isolation, stress, conflicting emotions, and sometimes depression,” the Alzheimer’s Society states.”

to caring for a loved one that is suffering from memory loss will feel a range of emotions. There are good days that are filled with hope. Unfortunately, there are also not-so-good days that can be wracked with guilt “Caregiving affects all aspects of your life and can lead to increased isolation, stress, conflicting emotions, and sometimes depression,” the Alzheimer’s Society states. “Caregivers also have their own physical and mental health needs, which can be overlooked when caring for a person with dementia.” There are many simple ways to help cope with the emotional stress of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to remember that you also need to care for yourself during this time. Perhaps the easiest method is simply taking a break. Go for a walk, drink your coffee at the coffee shop, or even take a weekend entirely for yourself. Little breaks and occasional longer breaks will help renew and refresh your outlook. “It can be difficult to find time for yourself when you are caring for a person with dementia. When you do manage to get time to yourself, you may want to use it to catch up with other tasks such as housework or managing finances.” The Alzheimer’s Society explains. “However, it is important to take breaks and continue to do things that you enjoy so that you don’t become overwhelmed.” Taking breaks will also encourage you to lean on others for support. That may mean asking family members or friends to help assist or finding a senior care community that provides respite stays. Either way, it will reinforce the fact that you are not alone in this journey.

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It is also important to look after your own health during this time. Many caregivers will focus solely on their loved one’s needs and ignore their own wellbeing. In order to properly care for your loved one, you also need to be physically and mentally healthy. Eating healthy, balanced meals can have many positive effects on you and your loved one, as well as regular exercise. This can be as easy walking the dog each day or signing up for a local yoga class. The exercise does not need to be strenuous. Instead, just think of ways to get your body moving and out of that chair. Taking breaks and reinforcing a healthy lifestyle are great steps in creating a positive and encouraging environment, but you may need additional support. This is where support groups come in. Here you will meet others that are facing similar challenges. “Often times, we hear caregivers say they are looking for support from people who ‘really understand because they’ve been there, too,’” The Alzheimer’s Association explains. “An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group offers just that — a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to meet and develop a mutual support system.” At Koelsch Senior Communities, our experienced staff can ease your mind by facilitating the move-in process and in many cases accommodate “express move-ins” in one day! We are Memory Care experts, exclusively designed to provide personalized memory care, 24-hour on-site licensed nursing, respite stays, and hourly care. Stop by or schedule a tour at one of our three properties, Scottsdale Amber Creek Inn, 480-471-8265; Chandler Copper Creek Inn, 480- 634-4191; or Mesa Silver Creek Inn, 480-636-1222. Visit www.koelschseniorcommunities.com to learn more. For information about our support groups, please call 480-285-9097.

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June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

dental health

Five Signs of Poorly Fitting Dentures

Chase Davis, DDS

By Chase Davis, Chandler Dental

any patients struggle with how their dentures fit. Over the years, much of the denture making process has stayed the same. What has changed is the experience of the dentists making the dentures. In many dental schools, they are cutting out the denture curriculum or decreasing the requirements for the dental students to graduate. This does little to teach the extremely difficult task of dentists learning to make a well-fitting denture. Many dentists have given up making dentures, opting to refer patients to other dentists that enjoy the process. If you are wondering if your dentures are still good or if it is time for an upgrade, here are five signs of a poorly fitting denture. 1. Dentures slip The most obvious and common sign a denture does not fit is having it slip when you talk, eat, laugh, or sneeze. If your dentures are doing this, you can benefit from having your dentures relined, at a minimum, or replaced. A reline is a minor expense to help dentures last longer and make eating more comfortable. 2. Denture sores Although you don’t actually notice your dentures slipping around in your mouth, you may start to notice a sign of their movement: denture sores. Dentures sores are caused by dentures that move, causing them to rub up against the gums in ways that cause irritation. If you are developing denture sores, your dentures are probably not fitting properly. 3. Denture pain Denture sores can be painful, but your dentures may also be causing you pain even before sores develop. This pain can be due to the movement of your dentures, but they can also be caused by Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

dentures that fit snugly but have an uneven balance of bite forces, causing some places in your mouth to be subjected to much more painful force when you chew. Using different techniques, we can show you exactly how bite force is being distributed by your current dentures. You’ll see that it corresponds with where you’re experiencing pain. 4. Trouble eating We cannot expect to eat all the same foods we ate with our natural teeth. Properly fitting dentures should make it possible to eat most of our favorite foods. If you’re having trouble eating most of the foods you used to enjoy, or if you find that you can’t eat foods you were able to eat when you first got dentures, you do not have great fit for your dentures. 5. Dentures are hard to clean It is normal for your dentures to have some food residue on the outside, but if you’re starting to notice that there are more and more food particles and other types of residue on the inside of the denture, that is a sign your dentures are not fitting properly. They should create a good seal that prevents material from getting up inside the denture. If you are having any of the above issues, please call us today and meet Dr. Chase Davis or Dr. David Fishman (denturist). David has been making dentures for almost 40 years and is knowledgeable of how to make your dentures fit better. We now have two locations; Mesa Dental located at 1423 S Higley Rd., Suite 101, Mesa: phone 480-396-9900; Chandler Dental, 655 S. Dobson Rd. Bldg. B Suite 211, Chandler: phone 480917-8400. Visit our webpage www.chandlerdental.com and check out our Facebook or Yelp pages.

insurance plan

Medicare for Those under 65 Years of Age

Patty Vieira

By Patty Vieira, Insurance Resources LLC

here is an unfortunate misconception today that you need to be over 65 years of age to be on Medicare. Sadly, due to disabilities, many Americans are on Medicare prior to the typical age of 65. Those individuals find themselves with a large gap in their healthcare if they are only on Medicare. For 2017, the hospital deductible is $1,316, with additional out-of-pocket cost after that. Physician services start with a $183 deductible and coinsurances.

Individuals with limited income may also receive help with their prescription drug cost through governmental subsidized programs. Help is there for those with challenges, it just takes a knowledgeable agent to find the right plan for your special conditions. Individuals with these circumstances have the ability to enroll in these plans without waiting for the annual enrollment period. Always be sure you are speaking to a qualified, licensed agent that has multiple companies and types of plans to be sure you’re optimizing your eligible benefits! Talking to a broker to find out how to qualify for a special needs health plan can be very helpful. Have questions about Individual or Medicare Insurance? Patty Vieira is an Independent Insurance Agent with 31 years of experience. She specializes in simplifying Medicare Insurance plans and quotes and finding the right plan to meet the unique needs for each client. Call 480-220-7233, email pattyjvieira@gmail.com, or visit www.insurancebypatty.com.

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special conditions. Medicare advantage plans have a set copay for services with most companies, and in the case of an individual that has certain conditions, they may be eligible for a specialneeds plan. There are many plans for people with diabetes and certain heart conditions. In addition, several companies also offer a plan for those individuals on Medicare and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Because these individuals are on Medicare and below a certain income level, they can also receive help with their dental, transportation, and over-the-counter benefits at no additional cost.

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480.924.4424 • www.DANA.legal June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

restored health

Facing the Unknown After a Hospital Discharge Submitted by Kimberly Perkins-Akers, Amada Senior Care

nne left their breakfast table to get George’s cane from the living room when she caught her foot on the rug and fell on the tile floor, breaking her hip. Luckily George was there to call for help. The next week was a whirlwind for George and Anne: ambulance ride, hip replacement surgery, and begining the rehabilitation and recovery process. When Anne was well enough to go home, doctors instructed she would need physical therapy, medication, a wheelchair, check-ups, and constant monitoring to continue her recovery. Senior citizen families and patients like George and Anne persevere through illness or injury only to find themselves facing the unknown after discharge. It is enough of a struggle to make it through emergencies, hospital procedures, and anxiety hanging on hopes for good recovery. But after leaving the hospital, senior patients are just beginning their journey towards restored health. What should you do when facing the unknown after discharge? Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Who is involved in hospital discharge? • Patient — The patient succumbs to illness or injury and receives treatment from the hospital. He or she has the right to discharge into any post-treatment situation, so long as they are mentally capable. The patient can also discharge themselves against medical advice. Most patients want to come to the safest and healthiest solution possible. • Family member / caregiver — George is the family member involved in this story. His role is vital to Anne’s discharge planning because he knows Anne’s needs and preferences intimately. He is also the one who will most likely manage Anne’s care after leaving the hospital. • Doctor / physician — Provides a significant amount of input into the patient’s discharge planning, making recommendations for continuing the patient’s physical and mental wellbeing. They have the authority to finalize discharge plans, prescribe medi-

cation, and order further treatment, if necessary. The doctor or physician in the hospital is usually not the patient’s family physician; therefore, relaying accurate information between the two is critical. • Nurse — While a patient is in the hospital, multiple nurses take care at all times of the day. Observations are made of mental status, stamina, ability, and willingness to follow directions. These observations are communicated to the discharge planner. • Discharge planner — The hospital discharge planner is usually a nurse or social worker. It is their job to coordinate what happens during and after discharge. They also advocate for both the hospital and the patient. They juggle factors like cost-effective insurance coverage, doctors’ orders, and patient preferences to plan the best follow-up care after hospital treatment. Before discharge Spouses, siblings, children, or caregivers have necessary input when it comes to the care of elderly loved ones. It is essential that all people involved are on the same page when planning what to do when a loved one is in the hospital. The patient, family members, and caregivers should be informed enough to plan for the length and depth of hospital treatment and coverage of outpatient care. The patient’s needs and preferences, who they are comfortable receiving care from, where they are safe, and how they will continue to function must be communicated. Helping the discharge planner help you The discharge planner wears several hats, balancing what is cost-effective for the hospital with the patient’s wishes and wellbe-

ing. They have established relationships with community agencies outside the hospital, such as rehabilitation centers, nursing facilities, hospices, and home health companies. One issue for discharge planners is the dilemma patients face if their insurance no longer covers hospital treatment, but they need more care. The discharge planner does their best to secure a fluid transition from hospital to home so that recovering patients do not have to be readmitted to the hospital. When discharge planners ask questions, be honest and request anything you need. The more a discharge planner knows about all aspects involved in your in-home recovery, the better. It is the discharge planner’s job to consider your needs and preferences to secure the services necessary for full recovery. After discharge The discharge planner coordinates all the needed services, round-the-clock caregivers, physical therapists, nurses, and specialist to visit the patient. Being transparent about your needs and preferences, the discharge planner can work with you to find the best solution to grow stronger and recover from your illness or injury without being readmitted to the hospital. Amada Senior Care offers three types of services for seniors and their families including in-home private care, senior housing advisement, and financial care coordination with long-term care insurance or Veterans’ aid. Call Amada Senior Care at 480-999-5250 or visit www.AmadaMesa.com. Contributing Author: Michelle Mendoza

Photo courtesy of Ryan Neal Cordwell.

June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

feature story

A Memory Gym for Your Brain By SMART Brain Aging

y story is just like anyone else that has been touched by the disease dementia. It all started with my grandmother, Jean Seeling. She passed away in 2013, but we lost her long before that day. My grandmother was an extremely vibrant woman, an amazingly strong and independent woman. She was one of the first women in her generation to attend college, back when most women didn’t. She helped raise me, along with my mom, and was a major influence in my life.

SMART Brain Aging offers help, information, programs, and suppor t designed to prevent the onset of dementia and slow down its progress. As she was growing older, I was away at medical school in Boston. Among my studies, I was learning about the brain. The state-of-the-art research of cognitive intervention and brain games to stall the onset of dementia fascinated me. When I came home for a visit, I shared with my grandmother what I learning and encouraged her to try some of the brain games. Grandma would tell me, “I’m not like those people.” As I watched her decline more and more each time I visited her, I wanted to help her. But her will to try was gone; she’d say, “Honey, I’m just old.” Grandma was just like “those people.” Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Dr. John DenBoer with his mother, Joan Seeling, holding a photo of his grandmother.

Dementia is on the rise, and it will affect each and every one of us in some way. The experience of watching my grandmother fade away as I helplessly watched lit a fire under me. It drives me. It’s my passion to learn all there is to know about this cruel disease. I’ve come to realize this is my spiritual mission, to prevent other families from experiencing the hardships of dementia like my family did. We may not be able to cure it, but if we can mitigate it by 25, 30 percent, or more, just imagine the tremendous impact that would make on the world. We’re facing a giant named dementia, and it’s expected to grow 50 to 75 percent in Arizona over the next five to 10 years. What is dementia? Simply put, dementia is the decline in a person’s mental ability serious enough to interfere with their daily activities. It can affect a person’s memory and communication skills. It inhibits the ability to focus, pay attention, and the judgement and reasoning functions. For many types of dementia, the symptoms start out slowly and progress gradually with time, making it difficult to notice. Often, symptoms of dementia are shrugged off as normal declines due to aging. Many people suffer from dementia, but it actually isn’t a natural part of aging and it can be prevented.

time to start doing things to prevent memory loss and the onset of dementia. SMART Brain Aging offers help, information, programs, and support designed to prevent the onset of dementia and slow down its progress. When the brain learns new, fresh, and innovative information, it releases glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitDr. DenBoer displaying the SMART ter released by nerve cells Brain Aging Caregiver Work Book. in the brain. Glutamate plays an intricate role to keep the brain strong and healthy, and it prevents memory loss.

Myths: What dementia is not! There are many myths associated with dementia. By knowing the facts, you gain great strides in the treatment and prevention of the disease. Some of these myths include the following: • We cannot prevent dementia This is false and totally misleading. It actually prevents us from taking action. It’s true, there’s no cure and no way to reverse dementia, but there are many things we can do to mitigate it, delay its onset, and lessen the severity of its symptoms. • Dementia is a normal part of aging Lots of people grow old and never develop dementia, so no, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Memory loss can also be a sign of dehydration, urinary tract infections, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses. • Dementia is hereditary Only a few hundred families in the world have this genetic problem. Even in these families, lifestyle changes can make a difference in the rate at which they develop symptoms. The hereditary type of dementia normally develops before the age of 65 and is different than dementia that forms in old age. • Simply keeping the brain active can prevent dementia Brain activity alone is not sufficient. The brain needs to be worked by participating in structured and challenging learning. It can be fun, but it needs to be work, similar to how physical exercises have to be challenging to work and stretch the muscles to stay strong. Like an athlete continues to train during the off-season, we need to constantly work our brains as we age. If you don’t use it… you will lose it. SMART Brain Aging: the memory “gym” for your brain Research shows learning new things and exercising the brain, like with brain games, can maintain brain health and mitigate memory loss. With dementia rising in the next decade, now is the

A screen display of Brain-U online. BRAIN U Online The “use it or loss it” analogy truly does apply to dementia, so Brain U offers structured lessons designed to challenge and engage the brain, helping it to continue to release glutamate. Each “student” starts by taking an evaluation exercise to determine his or her current skill level and memory retention. With that information, a unique course of lessons is tailored just for that individual. They can simply log into your Brain U Online account and complete the exercises at the scheduled time they set up. Brain U Online is idea for anyone to use, whether you are taking preventative measures to decrease the onset of dementia, for those already experiencing memory loss, and even those in the beginning stages of dementia. There is no cure for this disease yet, but with the right techniques and some lifestyle changes, we are able to slow down the progress of it. Visit Brain U online to enroll and get started at www. brainuonline.com. Covered by Medicare One of the best things about Brain U is it is completely covered by Medicare, so there is no reason not to take the preventative measure of exercising your brain. The SMART Brain Aging team For Dr. DenBoer, family is everything, and this includes his work family, among which included his mom, Joan Seeling. They June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

feature story

continued

Introducing Dr. John DenBoer

What is SMART Brain Aging, Inc? Based on years of research with over 3,000 study participants, SMART has developed an in-person brain training therapy called Brain U Clinic that is delivered one-on-one for the treatment of early-stage dementia. To make our proven program available to more individuals interested in the mitigation of dementia, we have developed our virtual, interactive program, Brain U Online.

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John W. DenBoer, Ph.D., Licenced Phychologist, Clinic Neuropsychologist

Dr. John DenBoer, neuropsychologist and dementia specialist, grew up in Wisconsin. He was extremely close to his grandmother, Jean Seeling. Unfortunately, her story is not very unique; she succumbed to dementia in 2013. While Dr. DenBoer was attending Boston Medical School, he started noticing his grandmother’s decline. He then knew that his calling was to spread the awareness of dementia and ways to mitigate it. His mission is spiritually driven and his passion is simple: help prevent the onset of dementia. Dr. DenBoer received his postdoctoral training at Barrow Neurological Institute and learned that cognitive intervention and brain games help mitigate dementia. After many years of research, hard work, and extreme dedication, Dr. DenBoer founded of SMART Brain Aging. His hope is for Brain U to be a gym for your brain, giving the aging population and their families the gift of improved quality of life and time.

are facing the giant of dementia, but together as a family, they are taking on the fight. Dr. DenBoer strives for a team that is like family, and wants to share that bond with the community. Dr. DenBoer married his wife, Natalie, in October of 2016. They are proud parents of two adorable golden retrievers. When Dr. DenBoer is not working with the community on spreading dementia awareness, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and traveling back to Wisconsin. Mission To give aging individuals and their families the gift of time through improved quality of life during aging. Our mantra is “brain health for life.” SMART Brain Aging is making a huge impact on the community and is continuing to grow, with 14 clinics around the Valley, and plans to expand to 20 locations soon.

Accomplishments

• Finalist for the Medical Startup Category in the Healthcare Leadership Awards by AZ Business Magazine • Won Aging 2.0 Phoenix’s Local Startup Search. (He now has the chance to go to San Francisco to win $10,000 and international exposure) Some of the SMART Brain Aging staff.

Speaker at Grand Canyon University’s TEDx event.

Subject of the documentary, This is Dementia. The film explores him fighting for his passion of preventing dementia. Takes a look into his personal and professional life, both consumed by his mission to spread awareness and prevent dementia (available soon).

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

For more information, contact SMART Brain Aging 5111 S Scottsdale Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale Phone: 1-855-BSMART-0 www.smartbrainaging.com www.brainuonline.com

June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

assisted living

Family Choice Matters By Scott and Stacey Fischer, Options for Senior Living

he internet is a great resource and can often provide instantaneous answers to many questions about every topic under the sun. As a result, I’ve encountered one issue that has plagued the senior referral industry. This issue has risen in prominence locally over the past few years as more and more local agents have opened businesses in this arena. The issue has also gained in momentum nationally, resulting in legislation that is currently being considered in Oregon that addresses this issue, what we refer to as “Family Choice Matters.” Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Stacey and Scott Fischer, Owners

In a nutshell, here’s what happens. A family member or a senior themselves may start researching their assisted living options using the internet. Upon entering some web sites, visitors are asked to submit some personal information to the site and for doing so, the site will forward that personal information to various assisted living facilities that may match the priorities that were determined by the web site and their host of senior living advisors. Some families are fine with this and, in a sense, the senior advisor of the web site offers guidance and options in a manner that appears to emulate the work of a local agent.

The reality is that the senior advisor assigned to this “lead” may or may not be local and in many cases, they have never seen or visited the facility they are referring the family to. What the family also doesn’t know is that after their personal information is shared to these facilities, they are considered a “lead” and they are owned by the online lead generating company for two years. In many cases, the one who was researching online might not make an immediate decision to move ahead. The family is later referred to a local agent by a friend or a health care worker. They meet with the local agent, who begins to research potential facilities for the family, only to find out the local agent cannot represent them at any of the facilities that received the family’s contact information from the online company. The facilities are bound by their contracts to pay the lead generating companies for providing the “lead,” and they don’t want to pay the local agent as well, even if the family wishes to have the local agent represent them. It then becomes a battle between all parties, and families are many times told by the facilities that the online company will receive the referral fee for providing the lead rather than the local agent who is on the ground working in the local community. It is a complicated issue, and it can sound like local agents are just complaining that it’s a “turf war” between local agents and online lead-generating companies. However, it is truly a matter of family choice. Contracts between parties should not bind families or prevent them from choosing who would represent them at these critical life moments.

These questions have to be answered… should referral fees be paid to the person or company who provides the lead first (because of an internet search), or does the family retain the right to select their representative with these facilities and ultimately determine who the facility pays, regardless of the contract the facility has with the referral sources? This can also apply to one local agent who may refer the prospective resident to a facility and later another agent walks that same person into the same facility. Should the family or “lead” be owned or controlled in this manner? Or, should the family have the choice to decide? Options for Senior Living believes families are not leads… families are people who have complex, diverse, and evolving needs. The choice to choose our representatives and counselors for these times is fundamental — we take the time necessary to get to know the details to offer our families the most comprehensive and caring approach in finding the right placement option for your family member. Options for Senior Living, in partnership with our trade association, PASRS, is working to better define these relationships and preserve the right for families to ultimately choose their representative when it comes to senior living. Options goes the extra mile to work for and to protect families and our partners in the senior living world from these issues that are problematic in our non-regulated industry. Call Options for Senior Living at 844-286-6984 or email us at support@optionsfsl.com to speak to an advisor.

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June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23

comfort care

Hospice

A Higher Level of Care

Rebecca Knourek

By Rebecca Knourek, Centrix Health Resources

t some point in time, we all will be faced with a life-limiting illness. The experience cannot be avoided, and it can be challenging, difficult, and emotional. Hospice provides a comprehensive, higher level of care focusing on symptom and pain management, as well as emotional and spiritual support. The patient and family have access to a clinical team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social services, and spiritual support. Comfort care is arranged through this team of professionals. What’s more, the hospice benefit consists of medications and durable medical equipment and devices, focusing on the patient‘s comfort and needs. As the loved one, perhaps even the caregiver to a person in need of this level of care, it is often a decision that we make for someone else, provided they do not have a living will. Although hospice care is for the patient, it will also lend support to the patient’s caregivers or family members. Clinical staff can answer questions; social services and spiritual support can provide resources; durable medical equipment and devices can assist in the patient’s care, comfort, safety, and mobility to enhance the quality of life. Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Hospice care is a benefit available through Medicare, most health insurance policies, or private pay. Several agencies provide hospice and palliative care. You have a choice! Hospice care is provided in your home (your house, apartment, or care community). In fact, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing residents can all receive hospice care. Be sure to prepare a living will and identify your end-of-life preferences. This will eliminate the anxiety that comes with making end-of-life decisions for you or your loved ones. It truly is a gift you can give as a caregiver and as a patient — to one another. Centrix is dedicated to its patients, community, and employees. We have served over 20,000 patients in the past decade, making us a trusted and vital community healthcare provider. Our continued goal is to provide comprehensive and integrated home-care solutions for our patients. Contact Centrix by phone: 480-268-2690 or visit our website: www.care.info.

in the community

Ramps Up Efforts to Increase Summer Blood Donations

s the summer vacation season goes into full swing, so does United Blood Services’ effort to ramp up blood donations. Donor vacations prevent many organizations from holding blood drives in the summer months. The biggest impact is when high schools and colleges recess. As the state’s largest donor group, teens provide nearly 17 percent of all transfusions required by patients in 64 Arizona hospitals. Every day, 500 blood donors are needed to meet the needs of patients in the 64 Arizona hospitals depending upon United Blood Services’ donors. Holiday weeks are the most difficult times of the summer to meet patient blood needs. That’s why United Blood Services is working now to ensure that patients have an ample supply of lifesaving transfusions. To make an appointment to give blood at any United Blood Services location, call 1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter desired city or zip code). Thurs.–Sun., May 25–28: Comicon Blood Drive, Phoenix Convention Center, North Hall Super heroes are always big at the Phoenix Comicon. This year, you can become a real super hero by giving a lifesaving blood donation at Phoenix Comicon. Blood donors will receive a one-of-a-kind superhero-themed gift. A ticket to Comicon is not needed to donate blood. Hours vary daily. Appointments: www.BloodHero.com (sponsor code: PhoenixComicon) June 1–August 31: “Summer Drive to Save Lives” Volkswagen Raffle All United Blood Services donors will be automatically entered to win a 2017 Passat R-Line donated by your seven Valley Volkswagen dealers! Ten donors will be drawn as finalists to participate in the grand prize drawing.

O-Negative Blood In emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type, doctors depend on O-negative to sustain life until the patient can be stabilized. An ample supply gives transfusion options if shortages of other blood types arise. Doctors also routinely rely on O-negative blood when premature babies and infants under six months old require lifesaving transfusions.

Sun., July 2: Saving Arizona Blood Drive, Tempe Center for the Arts, 7am–1pm Donate at Arizona’s largest blood drive, where one lucky donor will be drawn as one of the 10 finalists for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat R-Line — the best odds of being drawn! The first 500 donors will take home vouchers for a free Whataburger and pair of D-Backs tickets. Details and Appointments: http://azhero.org/saveaz Blood donors help teens like Hayley, who, thanks to 95 blood donors, is celebrating her 17th birthday on May 31. She was born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare disease that prevented her body from producing red blood cells. She relied on the kindness of strangers to provide lifesaving blood transfusions every month until she was able to receive a bone marrow transplant. “Blood donors gave our daughter the chance to play, jump, and laugh like other children,” said her mom, Melana. “They are true heroes.” The need for blood donors has escalated since the beginning of the vacation season, especially for type O-negative, the universal blood type required by emergency and trauma patients. “Blood needs remain constant even though donations decline,” explained Sid Lewis, United Blood Services’ Sr. Director of Donor Recruitment. “While we are enjoying holidays and summer vacations, it is important to remember that nearly 500 donors are needed every day,” Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, today’s blood donors can save lives through the Independence Day holiday.”

To make an appointment at any United Blood Services location, call 1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) or visit www.BloodHero.com (enter city or zip code). June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

mental health

Elderly Loneliness Submitted by Amy Holt, Generations Senior Living

oneliness in the elderly population is a growing health concern among families and physicians. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, more people were 65 years of age and older in 2010 than in any other previous census. There were 40.3 million people who were 65 and older, which is an increase of 5.3 million since the 2000 census. The result is more lonely senior citizens. Many people experience loneliness as a result of living alone, lack of close family relationships, and age-related losses. One definition of loneliness is “a complex and usually unpleasant emotional response to isolation or lack of companionship. Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connectedness or communality with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future. As such, loneliness can be felt even when surrounded by other people. The causes of loneliness are varied and include social, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors.” Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Amy Holt

Aging parents are lonely for family Large portions of the elderly’s children live more than an hour’s drive from their aging parents. Over 80 percent of children who have moved away have done so due to the job market, which makes it hard for them to visit parents regularly. Today’s lifestyle does not permit for spending time with senior family members. Studies have shown that parents whose children do not visit at least twice a month suffer greater loneliness than those who do see their children more often. Additionally, older people who live alone have less face-to-face contact than those who live with a spouse. Adding to loneliness is the fact that aging inhibits mobility, therefore, the elderly tend to see less and less of their friends or acquaintances and are less likely to participate in community events. Health impacts of elderly loneliness Loneliness, as a result of this lack of social contact, is a leading cause for poor physical and mental health among the elderly,

• Keep socially active by joining senior center activities. • Daily exercise can ward off depression. • Keep ongoing communication, even if it is just a daily five-minute call. • Take up a hobby. • Adopt a pet — pet ownership can reduce feelings of isolation. • Ask friends and family to visit or call on a schedule, so there is some contact every week. • Go on outings near other people: movies, shopping, restaurants, library, etc. • Have more family get-togethers.

which may lead to early death. When loneliness sets in, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, over eating, under eating, excessive drinking, depression, heart disease, and other debilitating diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and glaucoma. People who are lonely are twice as likely to experience a decline in daily activities. Seniors who had been placed in a nursing or assisted living facility experience disorientation and loneliness as well. Health deterioration in the elderly who live alone and have few visitors is less likely to be noticed and followed up with medical attention. The impact of loneliness on a loved one’s health and well-being can be a great influence on the cost of their health care. Investing our time and supporting organizations that offer companionship will help alleviate the rising cost of health care and improve their quality of life. Agencies like Area Agency on Aging can help to locate services, such as Meals on Wheels or forms of transportation to be able to participate in community centers. Many church organizations offer senior programs as well. As reported in Medscape Today News, a Dutch study reveals that people who feel lonely are significantly more likely to develop clinical dementia over a period of three years as compared to those who do not feel lonely.

Generations Senior Living 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. 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. We are a completely smoke-free community. Call today to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour — 480-485-2000. We are growing. Our second location, Generations at Ahwatukee, will open in August. Attend a Senior Living Options presentation offered each Tuesday at 10am. For reservations and information, call 480-485-3000. About the Author: Lori Paterno, M.Ed., is the owner of Sage Minder, which provides patented, web-based and live home safety and medication reminder services for seniors. Whether you’re new to family caregiving or been doing it for years, SageMinder.Com can help.

Technology gap of elderly While the younger generations are staying well connected with all of today’s high-tech gadgets, the elderly are often left out. Older family members need to feel connected, wanted, and loved. Friends can play a vital role and new friends can be found through senior centers. Families and communities need to play a greater role in the lives of their elderly loved one. Some training or introduction of electronic ways to connect may help bridge the gap to younger generations. Risk factors for elderly loneliness • Women are more likely to experience loneliness. • The older the individual is, the more lonely they may be. • A person living alone • Poor economic situation • Poor outlook on health • Infrequent contact with relatives and friends • Adult children not living in close proximity • Not able to use modern communication like Facebook, Email, Skype, etc. Dealing with loneliness Below are some ideas for ways to encourage social interaction between a senior and others. Not all of these require a lot of time or money but can really help take the edge off loneliness: • Learn programs like Skype to communicate with family and friends.

Countless seniors have purchased long-term care coverage without receiving any benefits. “Thank you Amada Senior Care for helping my mother and family understand our long-term care policy. We are extremely grateful for Amada’s services and I highly recommend them.” Leslie D, – daughter

Call now for a complimentary assessment of senior care options. 480.999.5250 • www.AmadaMesa.com June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 27

quality of life

This Is Living With Lewy Body Dementia

Leslie A. Davis, BS, CDP

Submitted by Leslie A. Davis, Mariposa Point of Gilbert

Lewy Body Dementia is on the rise. In my eleven years of working in the assisted living industry, I’ve never seen more people with this diagnosis than I have in the last couple of years. When a friend shared Norrm’s experience with me, it deeply touched my heart. Norrm isn’t allowing this disease to define his life; it’s a part of his life, but his life is so much more than Lewy Body. Norrm is taking a tragic diagnosis and using it to educate and help others. Below, you will read about some of the raw feelings and emotions that Norrm has experienced.

ithin the shadows of my mind, I see things that no one should be able to see. Horrors that, even though they are not real to anybody else, are very real to me. Unimaginable terror plagues me every night, as I hallucinate and a feeling of complete dread envelops my mind at certain times of the day. This, my friends, is living with Lewy Body. Shredded nerves and frightening times The phone rings at home and I jump as if I have been electrocuted by a thousand volts. My darling wife says “Norrms,” which sounds like she has just put a megaphone to my ears, and the small crowd in the café enjoying their day sounds like a baying mob looking for blood and screaming as loud as they can so they can all be heard. This, my friends, is living with Lewy Body. Page 28 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Questions? So many Questions One day, one hour as normal as one can imagine. The next at your very lowest, questioning life itself, thoughts that take you to the very depths of despair and to places so dark they don’t seem of this earth. Wanting to say goodbye but frightened, so frightened, of the emptiness that may be on the other side, whatever it is. A place so dark, just as if you are buried alive with no hope of salvation. This is living with Lewy Body. The loss of sound The day arrives when nothing seems to motivate you. Days when I have no conversation in me at all, and my wife sits there, trying her best to include me in the day’s events, but there is no response from me. Just a look on my face like I would rather be anywhere else, and yet there is nothing farther from the truth.

Staring into space for hours without a sound, as if looking for the answer to the universe and its entirety, but never finding it This is living with Lewy Body The raw anger Frustration runs through my body like boiling blood that rages and pumps through me incessantly, always and forever looking back at what once was and imagining the horrors that are to come. Remembering the pain my father and grandmother went through because of this awful disease and the sheer frustration of knowing there is nothing to stop it from happening (yet). This is living with Lewy Body A glimmer of hope to hang on to Seeing the light and life in my young grandchildren’s eyes, hearing their stories of exploits and fun, listening to their laughter as they go about their daily playful activities, even drying their tears and reassuring them things are not as bad as they might seem. Putting on the bravest face, when they ask you, “are you going to die Grandad?” And hurting so much inside because you know the only lie you will ever tell them is when you say, “no.” And yet, this is always and will always be the “ glimmer of hope” to hang onto, the hope of the future, not for you, but for them. The hope that a cure will be found before they grow up, so it’s one less thing to worry about. This is living with dementia, no matter what type… Mariposa Point of Gilbert offers a free caregiver support group, and it’s open to the general public. Gail Kokosinski, RN is the Facilitator and she’s fabulous! 3rd Wednesday of every month, 1:00–2:30pm. RSVP to 480-545-8900.

About the author: Norman McNamara (diagnosed with dementia at age 50) is the founder of the Global Purple Angel Dementia Awareness Campaign, www.purpleangel-global.com. The Purple Angel Dementia Campaign’s purpose is to raise awareness, give hope to and empower people with dementia by giving out information on how shops, businesses, and other services can support people who have these progressive diseases — both elderly and younger onset.

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Call for your free consultation June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 29

importance of sleep

Could Poor Sleep Be Impacting Your Safety at Work and on the Road?

Beth Hamann, DDS

Submitted by Beth Hamann, Koala Center for Sleep Disorders

mericans are not getting enough sleep. Researchers across the medical community continue to emphasize this fact in their findings. Countless studies have linked inadequate sleep with serious health consequences, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that so many Americans are getting insufficient sleep that it has become a public health epidemic. June 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 30

At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers have helped to shed light on a variety of health problems, from obesity to depression to heart disease, which can stem from chronic sleep problems. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep disorders affect 50 to 70 million Americans. One suchdisorder is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition impacting millions of U.S. adults. Unfortunately, according to the NIH, up to 80 percent of these

adults don’t know they are affected. Sleep disorders like OSA not only impact quality of sleep and overall health but also one’s safety on the roads and in the workplace. OSA 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 again. This cycle can occur hundreds of times per night. Additional warning signs of OSA may include headaches, high blood pressure, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, diabetes, depression, and more. Symptoms such as daytime sleepiness can lead to an increased risk of vehicular crash. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that when left untreated, OSA was linked to a rise in motor vehicle crashes and near-misses. Study participants with untreated OSA reported crashes three times more often than the general populace. Among those who drive for a living, OSA can be particularly dangerous. Unfortunately, data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that 20 percent of commercial drivers may suffer from OSA. Because of the sedentary nature of the job, drivers are at risk for obesity, which is strongly associated with OSA. Because commercial drivers are so likely to have OSA and spend so much time driving, organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine are working with congress to develop regulations to ensure the health and safety of all drivers.

Even if you don’t drive for a living, however, the symptoms associated with OSA can negatively impact one’s work. OSA can lead to fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and a foggy memory, all of which could affect one’s ability or desire to perform a job. Additionally, these symptoms could lead to safety errors in a number of professions. A study published in a 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which surveyed nearly 5,000 police officers in North America, estimated that 33 percent of the police officers involved in the study had sleep apnea and that the disorder was significantly associated with an increased risk of poor performance and safety errors. The good news is that with treatment, patients may see a dramatic reduction in symptoms of OSA. If chronic poor sleep is making you sleepy on the road or at work, consider asking your physician for a sleep study, which will confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed, there are a number of treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, surgery, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and Oral Appliance Therapy. Oral Appliance Therapy works to hold the jaw in a position that allows the airway to remain as open and firm as possible during sleep, thus preventing snoring and interruptions in sleep. The appliance is similar to an athletic mouth guard but is less bulky. Additionally, it is covered by most 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 contact Koala Center for Sleep Disorders at 602-357-9845 or visit KoalaBiltmore. com to schedule a sleep apnea screening today.

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financial planning

Is Your Trust Funded? By Rob Siddoway, Dana and Associates, LLC

The critical final step It feels good to be organized. It is a nice feeling when clothes are folded and put away, when the dishes are clean and in the cupboard, and knowing your taxes are done for another year. In meeting with clients over the years, it has given me a great deal of personal satisfaction to see how relieved clients are when they have put their financial and estate affairs in order. Having that estate planning binder in the safe at home lends a certain level of satisfaction that you are on top of things. Are you really done? Did you complete the critical final step? Funding your trust A common misconception I have seen in my years of practice as an attorney and a Certified Financial Planner ® is that once the documents are done, we should be “good to go.” I Page 32 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Rob Siddoway, JD, MBA, CFP®

have often done a trust review meeting for a client who had their documents prepared by another law firm or document preparer, only to learn that things had not been finished. In order for those documents to have a real effect on your estate, the trust must be funded — in other words, it must own things or have a beneficiary interest in your things for it to really do what you want it to do. Filling the bucket Your trust is a contract that you created, and generally you manage (or perhaps assign someone else to manage), for your own benefit, and eventually for the benefit of someone else. Think of it like a bucket that holds all of your stuff (home, bank accounts, investments, etc.). You get to choose what goes in the bucket — you get to manage the stuff in the bucket, and

while you are alive, you get to benefit from everything in the bucket. What makes this bucket so neat is that eventually you have the option to choose someone else to manage the bucket, and you even get to choose someone else (or an organization like a non-profit) who gets to benefit from that bucket. You also get to choose whether everything gets poured out to those individuals or organizations or whether they get to keep it in their own bucket. Here’s the catch — if there is nothing in the bucket when you pass on, none of it matters and who knows what chaos may ensue. Asset coordination meeting So, how do you ensure everything is funded? You sit down with qualified professionals that can help walk you through the process of what needs to be done. In this meeting, they should review and go through each asset a client owns to determine first, whether it should go in the bucket, and second, how to get it in the bucket. Generally, clients will walk away with a list of three to five homework assignments (depending on the complexity of the estate and assets) where they may need to make some phone calls, perhaps fill out some beneficiary forms, and sometimes make changes to the title owner of an account or asset. Peace of mind I know homework is not fun, but if you really want that feeling you get with folded laundry, clean dishes, finished taxes, etc., you need to make sure you have properly funded your trust. Meet with your advisors — ask them to help you.

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If you want a review or need a second opinion — call Dana and Associates at 480-924-4424, we will be happy to setup a free consultation or a complimentary Asset Coordination Meeting. Is your bucket full? At Dana and Associates, we offer a free Asset Coordination Meeting where we meet with every client after their documents are signed and completed — we even offer a free trust review if the documents were prepared somewhere else to determine their quality and whether it has been funded properly.

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aphasia awareness month

Language and Effects of Aphasia

Dale Russell

By Dale Russell, Gardens at Ocotillo

anguage is a crucial part of everyday life. While extremely important, it is much more than words. It involves our ability to recognize and use words and sentences. Much of the capability of language resides in the left hemisphere of the brain. Instances of health problems that affect the brain can have negative impacts on one’s overall understanding and language abilities. Experts have documented common patterns of symptom progression that occur in many individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and developed several methods of “staging” based on these patterns. Progression of symptoms corresponds in a general way to the underlying nerve cell degeneration that takes place in Alzheimer’s disease. Nerve cell damage typically begins with cells involved in learning and memory and gradually spreads to cells that control other aspects of thinking, judgment, speech, and behavior. The damage eventually affects cells that control and coordinate movement.

People with aphasia: May be disrupted in their ability to use language in ordinary circumstances. May have difficulty communicating in daily activities. May have difficulty communicating at home, in social situations, or at work. May feel isolated. Page 34 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — June 2017

Many individuals with Alzheimer’s disease experience expressive aphasia, which is the inability to communicate effectively, meaning the loss of ability to speak and write. An individual may forget words he has learned, and will have increasing difficulty with communication. With receptive aphasia, an individual may be unable to understand spoken or written words or may read and not understand a word of what is read. Sometimes an individual pretends to understand and even nods in agreement; this is to cover up aphasia. Although individuals may not understand words and grammar, they may still understand non-verbal behavior, such as smiling. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease not only rob an individual of a sense of self, they also rob families of quality time with their loved ones. It can be hard for families to understand and care for others affected by these illnesses, and often they search for someone who will take the time to listen and respond to their unique needs, and offer an environment that provides security and support through an unbearably difficult time. Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC offers the proprietary Path to the Present ® Resident-Directed Program. It recognizes your loved one’s abilities and preferences, and supports him or her in doing as much self-care as possible. So, whether he or she has Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of memory loss, your loved one can maintain independence and dignity. To help enhance your loved one’s cognitive functioning, our Life Enrichment Coordinator plans meaningful individual and group activities. They encourage your loved one to make his or her own choices, and may include memory aids, creative exercises, physical movement, and more. For more information, visit www.GardensatOcotilloSeniorLiving. com, call 480-359-3088 or stop by and take a tour today! We are located at 1601 W. Queen Creek Road in Chandler.

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You Are Not Alone.

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