VALLEY OF THE SUN Phoenix east valley area Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional
MARCH 2017
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Tired of Being Tired? Successfully Treating Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Jaw Pain
Are Dental Fillings Poisonous? Children’s Feelings Matter Putting a Hearing Test on Your “Done” List
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letter from the owner MARCH 2017 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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he month of March has to be one of the best months to visit or live in the Phoenix Valley. The sweet aroma of orange blossoms fills the air for a couple weeks (sorry for those with allergies) and the weather is great, pleasantly warm and sunny, making it ideal to enjoy the outdoors. We are very fortunate to have an abundance of outdoor activities in our community to meet any budget, and many are free. Here are a few ideas to get outside, exercise, enjoy the sun, and explore: • Over the years, the canal system has been transformed into beautiful trails to safely walk, run, and ride bikes without the worry of traffic. • We have many mountain preserves to hike, enjoy city views, and explore the natural desert. South Mountain, Camelback, Piestewa Peak, Superstition Mountain, and Usery Pass a just a few places you might enjoy and most are dog friendly. • Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, the zoo, wildlife parks, and western towns are best visited this time of year before it gets too hot outside. • A few popular activities to enjoy if you have a budget include golfing, the Renaissance Fair, and Spring Training Baseball.
When visiting mountain preserves and other remote areas, always pay close attention to your surroundings. Remember, we “humans” are the guest in the “home” of rattlesnakes, scorpions, bobcats, coyotes, and other wildlife. Watch and listen for the signs of disgruntled “homeowners” who may not be in the mood for company. Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and take plenty of water — our climate is dry! Although the temperatures are not triple digit yet, the sun and dry air can cause dehydration quickly, even during light and moderate exercise Share your adventures with us on Facebook, so others can be encouraged to get out and enjoy the sunshine too.
1st
Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30pm,Gardens of Ocotillo, info/ RSVP, (480) 208-8700
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First Responders & their spouses free support group, 6-7:30pm, info@infinitehw.com or call (480) 448-1076 for info or to RSVP.
15th
Alzheimer’s Support Group, 5:30pm, Gardens of Ocotillo, info/RSVP, (480) 208-8700
Dementia Caregiver Support Groups, 1-2:30pm, Mariposa of Gilbert, RSVP: 480-545-8900. (Separate activity/ snack for your loved one)
17th 18
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
th
Monica Tegg/Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine® Monica@healthycellsmagazine.com 480-204-3090
Dementia Caregiver Support Groups, 1-2:30pm, Mariposa of Gilbert, RSVP: 480-545-8900. (Separate activity/snack for your loved one) activity/snack for your loved one).
Post your events on our website at: www.healthycellsmagazine.com/PHX/events
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March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3
MARCH
2017 Volume 5, Issue 3
5
Kindness: Random Acts of Caring
6
Physical: Talking With Your Doctor and Discussing Sensitive Topics
8
Nutritional: Improve Your Health Through Nutrition
10
Emotional: Children’s Feelings Matter
12
Senior Care: Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
13
Healthy Eating: Food For Thought
14
Patient Care: The Many Benefits of Respite Care
14
The Power of Touch: Benefits of Massage After Surgery
15
Tissue Remodeling: The Physiological Effects of Scars
This Month’s Cover Story:
Koala
Tired of Being Tired? Successfully Treating Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Jaw Pain
page 16
Cover Story Photos Courtesy of Koala.
20
Empower Healthy Living: How Safe Is the HCG Diet?
21
Women’s Health: What is Endometriosis?
22
Kidney Health Awareness Month: What Your Should Know About Kidney Disease
24 25 26
Dental Care: Amalgam Fillings — They Save Teeth, but Are They Poisonous?
Health Managment: Understanding How Sleep Affects Health
Healthy Hearing: Eight Reasons to Put a Hearing Test at the Top of Your “Done” List
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
Healthy Cells Magazine® is a division of: 1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616 • Ph: 309-681-4418 • Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine® is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the East Valley. 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.
kindness
Random Acts of Caring By Sheriolyn Curry, Mdiv, CSA, Comfort Keepers
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umankind is born with a yearning to connect, to be loved. Loved in a way that is not superficial and based on what you have, or what your potential may be, but genuine love that affirms without a doubt that you are cared for, that you matter. I find that as we age, the need to be loved and cared for doesn’t diminish, as a matter of fact, it may even intensify. Yet, whether due to losses of family and friends over the years, or inability to be connected to a community as they once were, or even health challenges that contribute to isolation, many elderly find themselves alone and lonely. Have you ever experienced having a question without an answer, a desire without a source, or a story without someone to share it with? It’s like being all dressed up with no place to go. Something is missing. Many of us are familiar with “random acts of kindness,” which celebrates transforming the world one kindness at a time. During this month, I’m asking us to practice random acts of caring in general but particularly for the elderly among us. Let’s show someone that they matter, that we care. Some of my favorite ideas include the following:
Sheriolyn Curry, Mdiv, CSA
• Befriend an elderly neighbor and spend time with him or her. Listen to their stories. Engage in their life. • Send an anonymous thank you note to an elderly person, thanking them for all they have contributed over the years (you don’t have to know specifics). • Call your parent(s) and tell them that you love them. • Create a care package for an elderly person (if you need ideas, call me). • Volunteer at a senior care center. • For the next twelve months, send a card monthly to someone who has recently experienced a loss. • Smile just because. Join me in the Random Acts of Caring movement. Share your story with me by sending an email to maricopaaz@comfortkeepers. com. Kindness starts with one. Caring starts with you. Comfort Keepers is locally owned and operated by Sheriolyn Curry, MDiv, CSA. We offer a wide variety of services to give comfort and peace of mind. Serving the East Valley, Mariposa and surrounding areas for over 10 years, we create personalized care plans that are convenient for every budget. Call us today! 480-659-9201, or email us at chandler@comfortkeepers.com. Se habla español.
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March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5
physical
Talking With Your Doctor and Discussing Sensitive Topics
Dale Russell
Part One of Two Submitted by Dale Russell, Gardens at Ocotillo
M
uch of the communication between doctor and patient is personal. To have a good partnership with your doctor, it is important to talk about sensitive subjects, like memory problems or preparing for death, even if you are embarrassed or uncomfortable. Most doctors are used to talking about personal matters and will try to ease your discomfort. Keep in mind that these topics concern many older people. It is important to understand that problems with memory, depression, and incontinence are not necessarily normal parts of aging. A good doctor will take your concerns about these topics seriously and not brush them off as being normal. If you think your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, talk to him or her about your feelings or consider looking for a new doctor. Alcohol Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. As the body ages, alcohol can have a greater effect. Someone whose drinking habits have not changed may find over time that he or she has a problem. Also, Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
people should not drink when taking certain medications. Tell your doctor if… • alcohol is affecting you differently. • you are drinking more than usual. • you feel like you want to drink alcohol earlier and earlier in the day. • it is hard to stop after one or two drinks. • you use alcohol to help cope with sadness. If you think you may have a problem, you could say: “Lately I’ve been wanting to have a drink earlier and earlier in the afternoon, and I find it’s getting harder to stop after just one or two. What kind of treatments could help with this?” Falling or fear of falling A fall can be a serious event, often leading to injury and loss of independence, at least for a while. For this reason, many older people develop a fear of falling. Studies show that fear of falling can keep people from going about their normal activities, and as a result,
they may become frailer, which actually increases their risk of falling again. If fear of falling is affecting your day-to-day life, let your doctor know. He or she may be able to recommend some things to do to reduce your chances of falling. Exercises can help you improve your balance and strengthen your muscles, at any age. Driving Driving is an important part of everyday life for many people. Deciding to stop driving can be hard. Tell your doctor if you or people close to you are worried about your driving and why. Your doctor can see if there are health problems that may be affecting your driving. Vision and memory tests are important. Your doctor may also know of a driver’s education refresher class for older drivers. Grief, mourning, and depression As people grow older, they may lose friends and family to death or illness. Also, sometimes older adults have to move away from home or cannot do a favorite activity anymore. A doctor who knows about your losses is better able to understand how you are feeling. He or she can make suggestions that may be helpful to you. Although it is normal to mourn when you have a loss, later life does not have to be a time of ongoing sadness. If you feel sad all the time or for more than a few weeks, let your doctor know. Also, tell your doctor about symptoms such as lack of energy, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, or little interest in life. These could be signs of depression, which is a medical condition. Depression may be common, especially when people experience losses, but it is also treatable. It should not be considered normal at any age. Let your doctor know about your feelings and ask about treatment.
DNR As one ages, it’s important to think ahead and be prepared about death, if life allows it. A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) is a medical order that prevents health care providers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if one stops breathing. Unlike many other important documents that a lawyer normally handles, a DNR needs to be signed by a physician. Some seniors’ wishes are to avoid any intrusive efforts to prolong life, especially if there is a terminal illness diagnosis or current quality of life may suffer. Unless a DNR is in place, doctors must try to save a life. The measures to extend living can often be painful and costly to both the individual and the Medicare system. Chest compressions and intubation attempts are just a couple of life saving actions that the senior may not want but are going to get unless a DNR is signed. It is the doctor’s duty to explain to the patient or health care proxy what a DNR is and why they may select to have one in place. Retirement communities such as Gardens at Ocotillo Senior Living will ask if a resident has a DNR and if so, will make sure they have a copy of it on file. Next month, we’ll discuss incontinence, memory issues, family problems, and your relationship with your doctor. At Spectrum Retirement, we believe that life is colorful, fun, and musical. In 2017, our communities will celebrate the power of music through existing and new programs. Some of these initiatives include an intergenerational music program to benefit youth organizations, Spark Memories Radio, a streaming music app designed to trigger memories, as well as an ongoing palette of arts, crafts, and music activities that don’t just entertain but support the whole person. For more information, visit www.GardensatOcotilloSeniorLiving. com, call 480-428-6417 or stop by and take a tour today! We are located at 1601 W. Queen Creek Road in Chandler.
March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7
nutritional
Improve Your Health Through Nutrition By Dee McCaffrey, Director of Nutrition, Processed-Free America
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
T
hat famous Chinese proverb depicts the simple small action we can take when embarking on any great endeavor. If that endeavor involves improving your food choices, that single step begins with a fork, and there is no better time to begin than now! March is National Nutrition Month, the annual campaign by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics aimed at educating and empowering Americans into healthier lifestyles. The theme for 2017 is Put Your Best Fork Forward, encouraging us to put forth our best effort when making changes to the way we eat. Just as a long journey of a thousand miles can only be achieved by taking one step at a time, putting your best fork forward suggests starting with small shifts in your food choices that will add up to big changes over time. If your goal is to improve your health through nutrition, there are many ways to be your very best. Whether your goal is to cut back on sugar, lower your risks for chronic disease, release unwanted pounds, or increase your energy levels, you will be the most successful by making small, gradual changes. Start with simple, easy changes and tackle the more challenging ones after you’ve become comfortable in your new lifestyle. Along the way, you will build an arsenal of nutritional knowledge that will sustain you for the rest of your life. With that in mind, here are some tasty and enjoyable ways to put your best fork forward: Start with smoothies We all know how important it is to eat more fruits and veggies. The challenge is how to make them as fast and convenient as other less healthful options. Enter smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to pack a lot of nutrition into one convenient meal. You can literally consume a large salad’s worth of leafy greens, such as spinach, romaine, kale, or chard, by blending them in a smoothie along with a couple of servings of fruit. The delicious flavors of the Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
fruits overpower the bitter flavors of the greens, so you don’t taste them at all. Your body will be overjoyed with the high concentration of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in the fruits and greens. Because all the fiber and pulp of the fruits are retained in the blended smoothie, you can safely consume several servings of fruit without spiking your blood sugar. The additional fiber from the greens helps slow down the absorption of the fruit sugars even more. A basic green smoothie can be made with just fruit, greens, and water —about two cups of greens, two to four servings of fruit, and two cups of water is a good guideline. This will make about a quart of smoothie, which can be shared with another person or saved for another meal or snack later in the day. Water is the best liquid for a smoothie, but you can replace some of it with herbal tea or non-dairy milk alternatives. Finally, you may also include other add-ins such as cinnamon, vanilla, ground seeds, protein powders, unsweetened cacao, and other superfoods. However, it is best to keep your smoothie simple by selecting only a few add-ins per smoothie to ensure good digestion and absorption of nutrients. You can change what you add on different days to allow for a variety of flavors and nutrients. Go whole grain with gusto With all the “new” ancient grains popping up on grocery store shelves, it’s easy to put your best fork forward when it comes to swapping out wheat and white rice with a variety of other nutrientrich grains. The term “ancient grain” refers to species of whole grains and seeds that have been part of the human diet for 10,000 years, but haven’t been modified over time by plant science. These include the original varieties of wheat — Einkorn, Emmer (farro), spelt, freekeh, and kamut — and non-wheat grains such as quinoa, red and black rice, blue corn, buckwheat, barley, rye,
oats, amaranth, and millet. Research shows that many ancient grains are higher in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Modern grains, especially wheat, have been extensively altered over time to make them easier to grow and process into flours and starches that are used in breads, cereals, pastas and baked goods. Because of the changes modern grains have undergone, they have less nutrition and some people have developed allergies to the crossbred, genetically altered proteins. All whole grains can be cooked like rice — add one cup dry, whole grain to two cups water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender and chewy. They’re delicious as a hot breakfast cereal with a splash of almond milk and raw honey as a nice change from the usual oatmeal, or use them as a base for a “grain bowl” with veggies and beans or meats. They’re also great in soups, salads, side dishes, stuffing for bell peppers or squashes, and even desserts like tapioca pudding. Be a planner and a prepper By taking the time to plan and prepare food ahead of time, and always having something healthy in your car, purse, desk drawer, or lunch box, your ability to make healthy food choices greatly increases. Healthy snacks like a baggie full of unsalted nuts are great to keep in the car because they won’t melt. Fresh fruits, plain yogurt, string cheese, hummus and cut up veggies make great snacks to keep in the fridge at home or the office. Stock your pantry with canned beans, canned salmon or tuna, and keep cooked grains and frozen veggies in the freezer to pull out for quick easy meals.
Plan which meals and snacks you want to have each week, then set aside some time to prep a few things so that you are not starting from zero each day in the kitchen. Ask yourself what you can do on the weekend, or in the morning, or in a free five or ten-minute block in the afternoon or while you’re on the phone that will help you get ahead of the cooking curve for the week. Maybe it's cooking up a pot of brown rice or quinoa to use in several meals throughout the week or to freeze for future meals. You can wash and dry a pile of salad greens, chop an onion, or just set out all the spices you’ll need. Fill up individual containers with all the ingredients for making your daily smoothies and keep them in the fridge or freezer. This makes daily smoothies a snap to make — just dump the ingredients into your blender, add the liquids, turn on the blender and go! One more way to plan is to not bring tempting unhealthful snack foods into the house. It’s easier to resist cookies and chips if they’re not in your pantry! Celebrate National Nutrition Month® this March by taking that single step. The little choices you make each day matter. What will you put on your fork today to make your health a top priority? Dee McCaffrey is an organic chemist, nutritionist and author of The Science of Skinny and The Science of Skinny Cookbook. Dee lost 100 pounds and has kept the weight off for over 20 years by following a whole foods diet. She is the founder of Processed-Free America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing a national awareness of the effect processed foods have on our health, and the healing properties of natural whole foods. She offers fee based one-on-one nutrition counseling to help clients find the right nutritional balance for their lifestyle. Contact Dee at 888-322-9442 or www.processedfreeamerica.org.
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March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 9
emotional
Children’s Feelings Matter By Jessica Hagan, LPC, NCC, Infinite Healing and Wellness Jessica Hagan, LPC, NCC
P
arenting is tough, there is no one-size-fits-all technique and no guaranteed method that works every time, despite all the advice you get from others on what worked with their children. However, parenting can also be the most rewarding experience of a lifetime. You know what I am talking about; that moment when your kid makes eye contact with you and smiles or just gives you a really great hug and you feel that connection. One thing you can be sure of is that your child is unique and always ready to change things up on you just when you think you have it figured out. Their little brains and bodies are going through so much rapid change; they don’t always understand what is going on or know how to cope with stressors in their lives. Yes, I said it, kids get stressed too, and yes, their feelings matter. Children’s stress and emotional reactions can often be minimized because they don’t seem as big as adult problems, but the impact on their brain and behavior is real. Dr. Daniel Amen, PhD. studies brain health, and he released a powerful statement, “Brain Fact: violent homes have the same effect on children’s brains as combat on soldiers.” Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
Academically and physically, we understand that there is a lot of learning, growth, and brain development happening in childhood; just think about each time your child outgrows a pair of pants or shoes and that thought runs through your head, “Slow down kid, you are growing too fast!” They come home learning math that makes your head hurt, “Weren’t we just practicing your times tables?” What about emotionally, have you given much thought to the emotional development that your child is going through? Science tells us that emotions are signals sent from our brain to activate our nervous system, which gets our body prepared for action. Evolutionally, this system ensured our survival. It’s actually our thoughts and past experiences that allow us to feel these emotions in our body, label them, and decide on action. This system is in place right from the start: infants begin making connections, establishing memories, and learning how to cope with these emotional experiences. So, it isn’t really a surprise to say that mental health disorders don’t just affect adults, or is it? Children and teens can experience mental health problems such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, yet
they have the least amount of life experience, language, and skills in place to cope with these problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Research has shown that most mental disorders follow a developmental course that typically starts early in life. This is true not only of conditions such as autism and ADHD, which are well known for having onset in childhood, but also for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.” The Child Mind Institute released a report that broke this down even further and stated that age six is the median age of onset for anxiety disorders, age 11 is the median age of onset for ADHD and behavior disorders, and age 13 is the median age of onset for mood disorders. These disorders can stem from unmet needs, attachment problems, stress at home, social and academic stress, single incident or repetitive trauma, and genetic predispositions. The good news: there is plenty that you as a parent, teacher, or caregiver can do! Pay attention to your child and look for these warning signs: • Mood changes (sadness, withdrawal, mood swings) • Intense feelings (panic, anxiety, overwhelming fear, especially if you can’t seem to pinpoint a reason) • Behavior changes (personality changes, argumentative, fighting with others) • Difficulty concentrating • Changes in school performance • Unexplained weight loss or gain • Physical symptoms (frequent headaches or stomachaches) • Physical harm (self-injury, bruises, cuts, unexplained injuries) • Talk of suicide • Substance use or abuse
Be present, make time to talk to your child, make time to play, and just focus on one thing at a time. Trust me, I get it, life gets busy and there are a million and one things to do, but the impact that a dinner without electronics can have on a child’s emotional state is profound. Model emotion regulation skills, such as taking deep breaths before your respond in anger and frustration when you feel sad or overwhelmed, reach out to others because it’s ok not to have it together all the time. Label emotions, tell your child, “I am feeling angry right now and need to take a break to calm down so we can talk about it,” or “I see that you are feeling sad and disappointed, when you are able to breathe and relax, we can talk about it. I will wait.” Most importantly, seek help when things are out of your scope, there is no shame in talking with a counselor. This month is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month, so let’s make a conscious effort to be more aware, let your child know their feelings matter! Kid’s Mindfulness and a Girl’s Group that focuses on self-esteem, physical, and emotional wellbeing will begin in the Spring of 2017. Call or email jessica@infinitehw.com if you are interested in signing up or for more information on what services could be the best fit for someone in your family. The clinicians at Infinite Healing and Wellness are ready to assist. Check out our website, Infinitehealingandwellness.com to learn about our incredible team. Check out 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, Gilbert, AZ, 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.
OUR SERVICES
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.
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senior care
The Next Most Loving Thing Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Stacey and Scott Fischer, Owners
By Scott & Stacey Fischer, Options for Senior Living
I
n honor of the 25th Annual Education Conference hosted by our friends and colleagues at the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association being held on March 11, 2017, we wanted to focus this month on some practical information for those who may be faced with the challenge of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia and are considering placement for their loved one. We often say to our clients that have committed to the long, hard road of caring for their loved one with dementia, that their gift of love to care for them will often lead them to a place of exhaustion and their own health deteriorating. So the “next most loving thing” is to do your homework to find the best and most appropriate placement for their loved one. The Alzheimer’s disease process is a long and drawn-out endeavor and we are acutely aware that 60 to 65 percent of the time, the primary caregiver will precede the death of their affected loved one due to the enormous stress the caregiver is under. They often exacerbate their own conditions because of the stress and lack of attention the caregivers
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480 201-5612 or 480 890-0100 Winwinfireteams.com Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
tend to pay to their own health. So, it’s critical the family understands this fact and the importance of moving forward with looking into a placement environment that will meet the needs of the affected person. When meeting with a family, we conduct an evaluation of the situation, the progression of the disease process, and assess the impact the disease has on the current condition of the affected person. Next, we examine the available financial resources to best discuss the options that are appropriate for you. The two most common choices are assisted living centers and assisted living homes. Assisted living centers are larger communities that have specialty care and programs designed for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Assisted living homes usually have several bedrooms set up in a house to accommodate a small number of residents. There are benefits and barriers in both. Our well-trained staff will discuss the differences with you to ensure your loved one is ultimately placed in the best and most appropriate setting based on the priorities you set before we escort you to tour and evaluate each home or center. We want to touch on another scenario and that is when a couple has committed to each other, often their wish to remain together no matter what. They want to go to assisted living together even though one of them could continue to live independently. We have helped many couples achieve their desire and keep their promise to each other. We will customize a scenario just for these special situations. The affected one can stay with his or her loved one if that is desired, and we can address the emotions of fear and potential perception of abandonment directly. These are very hard and emotional decisions. Having an experienced guide will be such a help to you and your family. We at Options for Senior Living have 14 years of experience and have helped over 2,000 families walk through these very difficult times. Each and every family is unique, and 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. Call Options for Senior Living at 844-286-6984 or email us at support@optionsfsl.com to speak to an advisor.
healthy eating
Food for Thought By Stacey Gouzenne, MD, National Chief Medical Officer, FastMed Urgent Care
W
hat better time to give thought to your nutrition choices than during March, National Nutrition Month? Most of us know that good nutrition is essential for good health, but many of us struggle to understand the fundamental building blocks of good nutrition. To clarify, the right foods help our bodies grow, build and repair tissue, and decrease inflammation, which may protect us from malnutrition, illnesses like the flu, and diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders. In addition to all that, the right foods are the fuel that gives us the necessary energy to go about our day. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, results in a decreased immunity to disease, as well as impairment of our mental and physical development. The wrong foods can also reduce productivity. Have you ever noticed how lethargic you feel after eating a bunch of junk food? Although what and how much you should eat varies depending upon your age, level of activity, and other factors, there are some standard rules to help us all get the nutrition we need to stay healthy. Below are some tips to try during National Nutrition Month. 10 tips for better nutrition 1. Include fruits and vegetables with every meal. Snack on even more vegetables and fruits between meals. 2. Choose from the variety of colorful fruits and vegetables that are currently in season. 3. To prevent unhealthy weight gain, limit your fat intake to 30 percent or less of your daily intake. 4. Take salt off the table. Reducing the added salt in your diet helps limit your risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 5. Learn the not-so-sweet truth about sugar. Tooth decay and those excess calories that lead to obesity and inflammation are good reasons to limit your intake of sugar-laden foods. Keep consumption to less than five percent of your total daily intake. Start by eliminating sugary snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages. 6. Read food labels carefully to check for excess sodium, sugar, and other harmful ingredients, and always choose products with a lower content of these ingredients. 7. Know what’s cooking. Remove excess fat when preparing meat. Replace animal-based oils like butter with those based on vegetables, like heart-healthy olive oil. Choose steaming, grilling, or baking over frying.
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8. Avoid processed foods with trans and saturated fats (those from animal products and those that say hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, such as shortenings) as these contribute to bad (LDL) elevated cholesterol and ultimately, heart disease. 9. Size matters in terms of portions. Eating too much of a good thing can be a bad thing for your good health. Think of the size of a deck of cards as a serving of meat, for example, and use other visual references to help you manage your portions. 10. Make variety your spice of life. Try to eat healthy foods from as many food groups as possible to ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Adding new spices can help make foods more interesting, and they offer many of their own health benefits. If in doubt, consider taking a daily multi-vitamin with minerals as a supplement. To learn more about FastMed Urgent Care, its locations, hours of operation, and types of services offered, or to check in online, visit FastMed.com. With over 110 clinics throughout Arizona, North Carolina, and Texas, FastMed is also the fastest-growing and secondlargest urgent care provider in the U.S. and holds the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation.
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March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13
patient care
the power of touch
The Many Benefits of Respite Care
Benefits of Massage After Surgery
By Paige Fairbanks-Gunn, Koelsch Senior Communities
By Ben Sackreiter LMT, Keystone Body Therapies
R
espite Care is short-term inpatient care provided to an individual when necessary to relieve family members or a patient discharged from the hospital who still needs care before going home. Those who can benefit from respite care are so often immersed in caregiving and immediate concerns they may be unfamiliar with the benefits of a program that can provide them with crucial relief. Some of the benefits of respite care include: • Assistance for a loved one after a hospital stay • Care during an illness • A short break for family members • A trial stay prior to a permanent move • Support and care when you want to get away
When searching for a community that provides exceptional respite care, ask if they include 24-hour licensed nurses. These communities are able to offer a safe, nurturing environment and professional staff who support the needs of you or your loved one. Respite also offers a way to spend time socializing with staff and other residents, creating an ambience where all residents can thrive. The respite stay typically begins with a detailed nurse assessment to create an individualized care plan. The care plan may include 24-hour nursing, medication management, diabetes management including insulin injections and monitoring, wound care, catheter care, ostomy care, and more. It also provides meals, personal care activities, laundry, housekeeping, and furnished rooms in beautifully appointed surroundings. Daily activities that benefit mind, body, and spirit are engaging and a caring, trained staff that is available 24 hours a day. Assisted Living and Memory Care services are typically offered as well. For patients who are released from the hospital and still need assistance, look for a community that offers unparalleled care at an affordable price. If you have had a stay in the hospital and are ready to be discharged, getting extra support might help boost your recovery, rebuild your confidence, and, thus, give you a better chance of living safely at home again. 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. Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
A
sk anyone who gets massages regularly why they do it and many answers will be the same; “I have back pain,” or “It helps me handle my stress,” are the most common drivers for bodywork. What about after a surgery? Could massage be beneficial to the healing process after an often drastic medical procedure? We can deduce the obvious benefits quickly. Surgery is a drawnout, convoluted, multi-tiered process, and it’s quite expensive. Did you feel your blood pressure rise while reading that? Stress is an immediate and lasting effect of surgery that often begins long before an operation is pinned on the calendar, and massage is a well-known way to effectively deal with heightened levels of anxiety. Let’s not forget, surgery isn’t comfortable physically either. The healing process is often uncomfortable and can take time, especially if the operation performed was deep and extensive. Luckily, massage is also a great way to deal with pain and discomfort, by flushing out swollen areas of the body with fresh blood and releasing endorphins in the body that improve mood, outlook, and help lower pain levels in areas throughout the body. This is all well and good as a standalone observation, but what about evidence? Is there measurable proof that receiving bodywork after surgery will help clients recover faster than they would without massage therapy? If we look a little deeper into the physiological effects of this time-honored healing method we can see the answer is obviously, yes. Recovery time is improved by five key effects of bodywork: 1. Stress management 2. Blood flow 3. Oxygenation of the blood 4. Flexibility and strength 5. Fewer pain medications When the body is under stress, it releases cortisol, the “stress hormone,” which, among other things, causes constriction of the blood vessels, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen in the body. Essentially, it cuts off the supply train of nutrients throughout the body. By reducing, or even eliminating the buildup of cortisol in the body through massage, we can increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscles and areas of the body that are recovering, which causes an increase in the amount of nutrients and antibodies available for healing injuries and preventing infections. On top of the vascular effects, massage helps loosen tendons and muscles, increasing strength and flexibility, and thereby reducing the level of muscular atrophy that can occur after a surgery. All these benefits in unison guide us to the more lucrative side of the discussion. Less money spent on medication, with less time recovering, means more time living your life and doing the things that are most important to you. To gain a further understanding of how massage can benefit your health, call today to schedule your free consultation with one of the therapists at Keystone Body Therapies at 480-686-8647, or book online at www.keystonebodytherapies.com.
tissue remodeling
The Physiological Effects of Scars By Evan van Driel, ND, True Resilience Integrative Medical Solutions Evan van Driel, ND
A
s well affecting physical appearance, scars can also affect physiological systems. In the case of a scar from abdominal surgery, the adhesions of the connective tissue on the inside of the abdominal wall to the connective tissue surrounding the gut can cause changes in bowel function and lymph drainage from the gut. Muscular contractions in the gut are what move food through the gut and so disruption of these contractions because of scars can cause food to slow down, causing constipation, gas, bloating, and increases risk for infection. In the case of a scar over muscle tissue or bone, the disruption of fascia can affect muscle contraction, the flow of qi through acupuncture meridians, and depending on the location and depth, the flow of lymph through the body. This explains why some internal medicine problems start or worsen after physical injuries or surgery. The way to fix a scar is to get the body to remodel the tissue, and in order for this to happen, the scar must be broken up somehow. The quickest and most effective way to break up scars are with injections. In addition to the physical effect of the needle breaking up scar tissue, the solution and gas that are subsequently injected
further disrupt the fibrotic tissue in the scar. The solution that is injected numbs the area and has nutrients that help with the remodeling of the tissue. The ozone gas is specifically good at breaking up scar tissue and is antimicrobial, preventing infection. Topically, you can massage castor oil into the scar while pulling in the direction that it feels stuck or adhered. If you would like, you can also add oils of frankincense, helichrysum, lavender, or geranium as these oils have properties that are beneficial to the skin. In the case of abdominal adhesions, sesame seed oil seems to work more effectively. For information about natural remedies or to schedule a free consultation, call 602-753-6373. See our schedule of upcoming events at trueresilienceims.com. Our office is located at 1257 W. Warner Road, Suite B4, Chandler, AZ. The human body is amazing and has great adaptive capacity. It gives us clear signs and symptoms when it is not functioning optimally. We are fortunate to have such a system built in that gives us feedback on what is working in our lives and what isn’t. As a naturopath doctor, my job is to collect these signs and symptoms and put them together to form a picture of what is causing an illness or disease.
1840 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203
480-883-1353
March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15
feature story
Tired of Being Tired? Successfully Treating Snoring, Sleep Apnea, and Jaw Pain
O
ne of the Hamann Family themes is rest: rejuvenating, lifegiving rest, for both body and soul. Regrettably, there is an unprecedented non-financial debt crisis in America — sleep debt! The CDC reported last year that 84 million Americans are sleep deprived. Yes, one third of Americans are chronically Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
tired. The detrimental impact on human flourishing is profound and far-reaching. Raising our six kids with a priority on eight or more hours of sleep per night required a bedtime rhythm for all of us. Rest and intentional rejuvenation became an integral part of our family culture.
Beth Hamann, DDS Not surprisingly, improving sleep quality for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) has become a professional passion and focus. My postgraduate journey has involved hundreds of hours of continuing education courses mastering sleep physiology and learning how to optimally treat OSA with oral appliances. It was an honor to become a Diplomat of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy after passing their written exam and presentation of a series of successfully treated
“I feel more energized, need less nap time, am more loving to my wife and honestly more happy.” ~ Dan
“I have spent more than 20 years trying to solve my TMJ / snoring problem. I have had surgery, orthodontia, chiropractors, and even a few infomercial products, but nothing has worked until now! I have already recommended Koala to friends.” ~ Kevin OSA patients. It is stimulating to network with colleagues with similar interests and passion. It is incredibly rewarding to give life back to a patient who is chronically tired because of being awakened multiple times per hour when unable to breathe. Equally enjoyable is to be the hero for a spouse or significant other who is sleep deprived because of a partner’s snoring! I may not be able to persuade this generation that viewing phone, computer, and TV screens late into the night steals hours of needed sleep and blocks melatonin release, further preventing the normal circadian rhythm, but I can measurably reduce the number of times awakening is caused by the collapsing of the airway and significantly reduce snoring!
Symptoms of OSA include snoring, gasping, stopping breathing, morning headaches, daytime tiredness, weight gain, and jaw problems including teeth grinding, muscle spasms and joint pain. Collaborating with physicians who make the diagnosis of OSA is particularly important for the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) intolerant patient. The primary medical treatment prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea requires sleeping with a mask over the nose and mouth which provides continuous pressure in the back of the throat to prevent collapsing when the muscles relax and create an airway obstruction. The masks work well when worn! Unfortunately, half or more of patients are unable to wear the mask and continue being tired! These patients are ideal candidates for an oral appliance. Effective OSA treatment can reduce life-threatening health risks, including a 70 percent greater chance of being in an accident. Other preventable risks of OSA include a five times higher probability of dying from hearth disease or failure; a two and a half times greater risk of developing cancer, and a four times higher likelihood of having a stroke. One surprising discovery for me was learning that when hearing someone “died in their sleep,” you should be thinking of Obstructive Sleep Apnea as the most likely root cause. March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17
feature story
continued
Real life testimonials on OSA and headache treatment When it comes to quality of life and health, snoring is more than just a nuisance. Koala patient, Kevin, sought relief for loud snoring that affected the sleep of others sleeping near him. He also suffered from other symptoms such as waking up unrefreshed, headaches, and jaw pain. According to Kevin: “I have spent more than 20 years trying to solve my TMJ/snoring problem. I have had surgery, orthodontia, chiropractors, and even a few infomercial products, but nothing has worked until now! I have already recommended Koala to friends.” Oral appliance, much like a sports I was constantly in pain. I could barely open my mouth and At his last follow-up appointment, he mouth guard. Custom made and my face hurt all of the time. It hurt to eat or speak. Koala has reported feeling complete relief from comfortable to wear. Small and changed my life! The [oral TMJ] appliance has drastically snoring and pain, plus an increase convenient for travel. improved my day-to-day life. ~Tameko in energy during the day and Photo courtesty of Jenn SuttonPhotography.com more dreaming. Dan came into Koala with moderate OSA, having previously suffered a heart attack. While he knew his condition would benefit from treatment — he refused to get treatment if it meant wearing a CPAP device. After treatment with an oral appliance at Koala, Dan claims that his symptoms have been resolved: “I feel more energized, need less nap time, am more loving to my wife and honestly more happy.” Furthermore, the primary care provider who originally recommended a CPAP for Dan is thrilled with his Sleep Test results wearing the oral appliance and the health improvements from his treatment at Koala. Jaw pain patient, Tameko, is a The extended Hamann family. Well rested and enjoying the outdoors. heartfelt example of the connection between oral health and overall wellbeing. This Koala patient’s facial pain recommended CPAP therapy but just don’t want to go through and limited jaw mobility used to bring her to tears. In Tameko’s words: with it? If so, you are potentially risking your well being and your “I was constantly in pain. I could barely open my mouth and my face life by not seeking treatment. hurt all of the time. It hurt to eat or speak. Koala has changed my life! Don’t suffer any longer from untreated sleep and oral health The [oral TMJ] appliance has drastically improved my day-to-day life.” symptoms. We offer safe and comfortable treatment options covered Just three weeks after her initial treatment, Tameko went from severe by most medical insurance, including Medicare. Contact us to pain; jaw clenching and grinding; and frequent headaches to full jaw learn more about therapies that could resolve your symptoms and mobility and almost no pain. Koala Associate, Dr. Aftahi, reports that drastically improve your quality of life. the patient could initially only open her mouth enough to fit a straw or small spoon. After treatment, Dr. Aftahi confirms that Tameko can eat normally and appears happier and more radiant. For more information on oral appliance therapy What to Do if You’re Tired of Suffering Do you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea or experience symptoms such as snoring, gasping, stopping breathing, morning headaches, daytime tiredness, weight gain, and jaw problems including pain, teeth grinding, and joint issues? Have you been Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
for the treatment of sleep apnea, TMJ Disorders, or facial and neck pain, please call 602-357-9845 or visit KoalaBiltmore.com. Koala Center for Sleep Disorders is located at 4235 N. 32nd Street, Suite A in Phoenix.
March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19
empower healthy living
How Safe Is the HCG Diet? By Christopher M. James, Owner/CEO, Vimtrim Personal Training
Christopher M. James
I
have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, and in my opinion, the HCG diet is by far the worst diet that has ever come on the scene. There are other dangerous diets; however, my concern is the popularity of the HCG diet. Facts (HCG) — Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced in women during pregnancy to help nourish the growing fetus. HCG helps a woman’s eggs to mature and be released from the ovaries. The FDA approved HCG for a number of medical uses, one being that doctors frequently prescribe it to treat infertility. Besides using HCG to treat infertility and other approved purposes, many people have been using HCG to lose weight. The FDA has never approved HCG for this purpose! Health risks of HCG Men — breast enlargement, breast tenderness, blood clots, decreased sperm production, and infertility Women — irregular periods and vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts, blood clots, breast tenderness, headaches, possible increased long-term risk of breast cancer for pre-menopausal women
Severed calorie intake Not only can it dangerous to use the HCG hormone for the purpose of weight loss, but the diet itself is dangerous. In most cases, it is prescribed to only consume 500 to 800 calories per day while on the HCG diet. It is also recommended not to exercise due to the extreme calorie reduction. It is very difficult to consume all the nutrients the body needs on a 500-calorie diet. This puts the body in a state of malnutrition. I have personally met men and women who started to lose their hair due to this extreme calorie reduction and resulting nutritional deficiency. Loss of muscle Muscle loss can be another result of this diet. Muscle is the largest calorie burner in the body. Once off the diet, the body is more likely to gain back the fat due to its lost capacity to burn calories. It is like going from a six-cylinder engine down to a fourcylinder engine; the body’s ability to burn fuel has been reduced. The HCG diet also results in a slower metabolism. The lack of necessary nutrients, muscle loss, and the lack of exercise/physical activity often wreaks havoc on the metabolism. Gaining the fat back! Most people I know who have been on the HCG diet have gained the lost weight back once they stopped the diet.
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Conclusion There are healthy and safe ways to lose weight — the HCG diet is not one of them! This diet is not worth risking your health. As a fitness professional, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of people lose weight and teaching them how to keep it off without diet pills, diet shakes, or HCG. It is about changing habits! Be empowered through education on proper nutrition and exercise that fits your lifestyle, that is what works to keep the weight off. 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.
women’s health
What Is Endometriosis? Part 1 of 2
Submitted by iWomen Health Care
E
ndometriosis happens when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. It affects about five million American women. It is especially common among women in their 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant. Several different treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis? • Pain. This is the most common symptom. Women with endometriosis have many different kinds of pain. These include painful menstrual cramps, chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis, pain during or after sex (described as a “deepâ€? pain), intestinal pain, painful bowel movements, or pain when urinating during menstrual periods. • Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods. This can be caused by something other than endometriosis. If it happens often, you should see your doctor. • Infertility, or not being able to get pregnant. • Stomach (digestive) problems. These include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. Why does endometriosis cause pain and health problems? Endometriosis growths are benign (not cancerous), but they can still cause problems. Endometriosis happens when tissue that is normally on the inside of your uterus or womb grows outside of your uterus or womb where it doesn’t belong. Endometriosis growths bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does every month — during your menstrual period. This can cause swelling and pain because the tissue grows and bleeds in an area where it cannot easily get out of your body. The growths may also continue to expand and cause problems: • Blocking your fallopian tubes when growths cover or grow into your ovaries. Trapped blood in the ovaries can form cysts. • Inflammation (swelling) • Forming scar tissue and adhesions (type of tissue that can bind your organs together). This scar tissue may cause pelvic pain and make it hard for you to get pregnant. • Problems in your intestines and bladder
David N. Kells, MD
What causes endometriosis? No one knows for sure what causes this disease. Researchers are studying possible causes: • Problems with menstrual period flow. Retrograde menstrual flow is the most likely cause. Some of the tissue shed during the period flows through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis. • Genetic factors. Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes. • Immune system problems. A faulty immune system may fail to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Immune system disorders and certain cancers are more common in women with endometriosis. • Hormones. The hormone estrogen appears to promote endometriosis. Research is looking at whether it is a problem with the body’s hormone system. In the April issue, we’ll discuss the prevention and treatment of endometriosis. iWomen’s Health Care is a boutique style practice that believes in partnering with patients for care. “Your care, your comfort, our expertise!â€? For information or to schedule a consultation call 480-855-5900, email info@iwomenshealthcare.com or visit www.iwomenshealthcare.com. Se habla espaĂąol.
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March 2017 — East Valley —  Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21
kidney health awareness month
What You Should Know About Kidney Disease Submitted by Laura Jackson, LPN, Director of Living Well, Generations Senior Living
K
idney disease is often called a “silent” disease, because most people have no symptoms with early kidney disease. In fact, you might feel just fine until your kidneys have almost stopped working. Do not wait for symptoms! If you are at risk for kidney disease, talk to your health care provider about getting tested. Symptoms of kidney failure Kidney failure means that damaged kidneys are filtering less than 15 percent of the amount of blood filtered by healthy kidneys. If kidney disease progresses to kidney failure, a number of symptoms may occur. Some people experience fatigue, some lose their appetite, and some have leg cramps. These problems are caused by waste products that build up in the blood, a condition known as uremia. Healthy kidneys remove waste products from the blood. The kidneys also make hormones and balance the minerals in the blood. When the kidneys stop working, most people develop conditions that affect the blood, bones, nerves, and skin. These problems may include itching, sleep problems, restless legs, weak bones, joint problems, and depression. Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
Risk factors Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease. Both diabetes and high blood pressure damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys and can cause kidney disease — without you feeling it. Other risk factors for kidney disease include… • cardiovascular (heart) disease. • family history — if you have a mother, father, sister, or brother who has had kidney failure, then you are at increased risk. Additionally, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are at high risk for developing kidney failure. This is in part due to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities. If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your health care provider about getting tested for kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, you may not feel any different. It is very important to get tested if you are at risk. How kidney disease is diagnosed Blood and urine tests are the only way to check for kidney damage or measure kidney function. If you are at risk, ask about your kidneys at your next medical appointment. The sooner you know you have kidney disease, the sooner you can get treatment to help delay or prevent kidney failure.
LAUREL HOSTETLER
Project:
DESIGN Blood test The blood test checks your GFR. GFR stands for glomerular (glowMAIR-you-lure) filtration rate. GFR is a measure of how much blood your kidneys filter each minute. This shows how well your kidneys are working. • A GFR of 60 or higher is in the normal range. • A GFR below 60 may mean you have kidney disease. However, because GFR decreases as people age, other information may be needed to determine if you actually have kidney disease. • A GFR of 15 or lower may mean kidney failure.
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You can’t raise your GFR, but you can try to keep it from going lower. Urine tests The urine test looks for albumin (al-BYOO-min), a type of protein, in your urine. A healthy kidney does not let albumin pass into the urine. A damaged kidney lets some albumin pass into the urine. This test has several different names. You could be told that you are being screened for “proteinuria” or “albuminuria” or “microalbuminuria.” You could be told that your “urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio” (UACR) is being measured. If you have albumin or protein in your urine, it could mean you have kidney disease. • A urine albumin result below 30 is normal. • A urine albumin result above 30 is not normal and may mean kidney disease. Your healthcare provider might do additional tests to be sure. Prevention If you are at risk for kidney disease, the most important steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy are to… • get your blood and urine checked for kidney disease. • manage your diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Manage your diabetes and high blood pressure, and keep your kidneys healthy by… • eating healthy foods: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods. • cutting back on salt. • limiting your alcohol intake. • being more physically active. • losing weight if you are overweight. • taking your medicines the way your provider tells you to. • keeping your cholesterol levels in the target range. • taking steps to quit if you smoke. • seeing your doctor regularly. By following these steps and keeping risk factors under control — especially your blood pressure — you may be able to delay or even prevent kidney failure. Talk to your health care provider to find out the steps that are right for you. 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 this summer. Attend a Senior Living Options presentation offered each Tuesday at 10am. For reservations and information, call 480-485-3000.
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.
Call 844.286.6984 March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 23
PLEASE EXAMINE YOUR PROOF(S) CLOSELY: We rely on our customers to review th
dental care
Amalgam Fillings: They Save Teeth, but Are They Poisonous?
Chase Davis, DDS
By Chase Davis, DDS, Chandler Dental
A
malgam fillings, commonly called silver or metal fillings, have been in and out of the news lately. The European Union has decided to ban these “silver fillings” on children and pregnant women starting June 2018. What is all the fuss, and are they evil fillings or a great dental material? Mercury is very toxic and can cause irreversible damage to our brains and bodies if they are ingested or absorbed. As kids, you can probably remember our parents getting mad at us if we were playing with thermometers. Other everyday items can also be toxic. One example we can look at to make the explanation clearer is the use of table salt. Sodium and chloride alone are both very toxic and cause severe health problems. When these elements are combined, they become table salt. Metal fillings are a similar phenomena. Amalgam fillings are not silver or mercury alone, they are a mix of silver, mercury, tin, copper and a few other elements. When combined with these
other elements, the material becomes a great dental material that has saved millions of teeth since its development many decades ago. Amalgam fillings have a slight release of mercury. One study measured the mercury levels from these fillings in patients with at least nine amalgam fillings over a 24-hour period. The study concluded the average daily dose of mercury was 1.7µg (micrograms), which is 1 percent of the limit value established by the World Health Organization. So yes, there is mercury released from fillings but it is a very tiny amount. I do not recommend the use of metal fillings, but it’s not because they are dangerous. First, amalgam fillings are very strong and long lasting if they are big and thick enough. To make these restorations last a very long time, the tooth needs to be prepared more aggressively and much more tooth structure is removed to make the proper shape for this type of filling. Also, undercuts are necessary to make the restoration more retentive which requires more tooth structure to be removed, weakening the tooth over time. Second, although these fillings are strong and long lasting, they are unattractive and there is no hiding them. It does not matter how talented your dentist is, they will always be metal. With tooth colored or composite fillings, the tooth preparation is more conservative due to the ability to bond these fillings to teeth. During the tooth preparation, only the decay is removed and not additional tooth structure. They are also very natural looking and patients are unable to distinguish between the filled tooth and the virgin tooth. If you have any questions about fillings or looking for a dentist, please call Chandler Dental today at 480-917-8400, or visit our webpage www.chandlerdental.com. Also check out our Facebook or Yelp pages. Chandler Dental is located at 655 S Dobson Road, Building B, suite 211, Chandler.
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www.Tri-CityAudiology.com Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
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Understanding How Sleep Affects Health Submitted by Leslie A. Davis, BS, CDP, CDCS, Mariposa Point of Gilbert
S
leep and sleep-related problems play a role in a large number of human disorders and affect almost every field of medicine. For example, problems like stroke and asthma attacks tend to occur more frequently during the night and early morning, perhaps due to changes in hormones, heart rate, and other characteristics associated with sleep.
Leslie A. Davis, BS, CDP
sleep. The old joke about a patient being awakened by a nurse so he could take a sleeping pill contains a grain of truth. Once sleeping problems develop, they can add to a person’s impairment and cause confusion, frustration, or depression. Patients who are unable to sleep also notice pain more and may increase their requests for pain medication. Better management of sleeping problems in people who have other disorders could improve these patients’ health and quality of life. Mariposa Point of Gilbert is dedicated to improving the comfort and quality of life for seniors and their families every day. Our dedicated Medical Director, Dr. Jerry Owensby, MD will be on-site every Friday to see our residents firsthand. The Health Services team includes a fulltime RN and LPN as well as Certified Caregivers and Certified Dementia Practitioners. We are taking reservations now and are due to open this month. Be one of the first to reserve your apartment and become a Charter Member! Phone: 480-545-8900 or email: LDavis@SurpassLiving. com. Please visit www.MariposaPointofGibert.com and our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/MariposaPointofGilbert. We are located at 1445 E. Willis Road, Gilbert, AZ.
Sleep also affects some kinds of epilepsy in complex ways. REM sleep seems to help prevent seizures that begin in one part of the brain from spreading to other brain regions, while deep sleep may promote the spread of these seizures. Sleep deprivation also triggers seizures in people with some types of epilepsy. Neurons that control sleep interact closely with the immune system. As anyone who has had the flu knows, infectious diseases tend to make us feel sleepy. This probably happens because cytokines, chemicals our immune systems produce while fighting an infection, are powerful sleep-inducing chemicals. Sleep may help the body conserve energy and other resources that the immune system needs to mount an attack. Sleeping problems occur in almost all people with mental disorders, including those with depression and schizophrenia. People with depression, for example, often awaken in the early hours of the morning and find themselves unable to get back to sleep. The amount of sleep a person gets also strongly influences the symptoms of mental disorders. Sleep deprivation is an effective therapy for people with certain types of depression, while it can actually cause depression in other people. Extreme sleep deprivation can lead to a seemingly psychotic state of paranoia and hallucinations in otherwise healthy people, and disrupted sleep can trigger episodes of mania (agitation and hyperactivity) in people with manic depression. Sleeping problems are common in many other disorders as well, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cancer, and head injury. These sleeping problems may arise from changes in the brain regions and neurotransmitters that control sleep, or from the drugs used to control symptoms of other disorders. Many believe that the phenomenon of “sun downing” in those with dementia could actually be due to a lack of sleep. In patients who are hospitalized or who receive round-the-clock care, treatment schedules or hospital routines also may disrupt
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www.chandleraccidentchiropractic.co March 2017 — East Valley — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25
healthy hearing
Eight Reasons to Put a Hearing Test at the Top of Your “Done” List
Kay Kochman, Au.D.
Submitted by Kay Kochman, Au.D., Tri city Audiology
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o matter what your age, untreated hearing loss can take its toll. The catch is, hearing loss is stealthy. It’s usually hard to notice at first. In fact, it tends to come on so gradually that it tricks you into oblivion. Then it robs you of more than you know, sooner than you realize. From pilfering away your relationships and quality of life, to putting you at risk for other health conditions, untreated hearing loss is a silent thief. Don’t think for a minute that you’re too young to think about hearing loss — you’re not. It’s a noisy world. You’re part of it. The numbers show that hearing loss is becoming more common among younger adults in their 20s and 30s. So make sure you value your hearing. It’s a treasure worth keeping. To give you an extra push, here are eight reasons why you should get a hearing test today.
1.
It may help your pocketbook. Research shows that middle-aged people with hearing loss have about a third more in healthcare payments than those without hearing loss. A study by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) shows that using hearing
aids reduces the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. People with untreated hearing loss lost as much as $30,000 in income annually, the study found.
2.
Your mind may benefit. Research shows a link between hearing loss and dementia, leading experts to believe that interventions, like hearing aids, could potentially delay or prevent dementia. Certainly, notable researchers believe that addressing hearing loss may at least help protect cognitive function.
3.
It could boost your job performance. Most hearing aid users in the workforce say it has helped their performance on the job. That’s right. Getting a hearing test could benefit all those employees (a whopping 30 percent) who suspect they have hearing loss but haven’t sought treatment.
4.
Life’s challenges may not seem so intimidating. Research shows people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to tackle problems actively. Apparently, hearing your best brings greater confidence.
5.
Your zest for life might get zestier. Most people who use hearing aids say it has a positive effect on their relationships. They’re more likely to have a strong social network, be optimistic, feel engaged in life, and even get more pleasure in doing things.
6.
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It could protect you against the blues. Hearing loss is linked to a greater risk of depression in adults, especially 18 to 69-yearolds. But studies also show that treating hearing loss can boost quality of life. BHI research shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to feel down, depressed, or hopeless.
7.
You’ll probably be more likely to get the drift. Most people who use hearing aids say it helps their overall ability to communicate effectively in most situations. The majority who bought their hearing aids within the past five years say they’re pleased with their ability to hear in the workplace, at home with family members, in conversations in small and large groups, when watching TV with others, in lecture halls, theaters, or concert halls, when riding in a car, and even when trying to follow conversations in the presence of noise.
8.
Your heart and health may benefit. Cardiovascular and hearing health are linked. Some experts say the inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it’s possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body. It isn’t just about your heart. Hearing loss may signal or exacerbate other health conditions as well, including depression, sleep apnea, cognitive decline, and the risk of falling and hospitalization. So, do it for your health. Do it for your happiness. Get a hearing test. The friendly, experienced caring audiologists at Tri-City Audiology will be happy to help you with all of your hearing healthcare needs. Please call the office nearest you for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you! Mesa: 480-498-2134, Tempe: 480-498-2246 or Chandler: 480-498-2223. Source: Courtesy of BHI
Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — March 2017
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