LWAZ-June 2012 by LOCALiQ

well

SPECIAL TOPIC MEN’S HEALTH 101

MORE INFO ABOUT CARDIAC HEALTH ONLINE AND ON TV

THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

HEALTH-CARE NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Vol. 2, No. 6

June 2012

NEWS & Trends

Designed to help parents raise healthy children, Total Kid is a new interactive iPad app recently launched by Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center and Banner Health Cardon Children’s Medical Center. The free app features positive health stories, trending topics, kid-friendly activities and recipes, expert advice and much more. To download the app, go to totalkid.azcentral.com.

Clinical trial for Down syndrome Physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center are currently recruiting participants for a 15-week research study that will evaluate a medication that could improve intellectual function in young adults with Down syndrome. Participants should be between the ages of 18 and 30, in good general health and have a reliable person who can accompany them to all appointments. For more information, call Catherine Young at 602-406-3719.

SpineAssist® Surgical Robot One of only seven in the country, the SpineAssist surgical robot at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, a Dignity Health Member, is the first robotic surgical device designed specifically to operate on the spine, providing more accuracy and less invasive surgeries. Surgeons are able to use what the robot’s maker, Mazor Robotics, has called a ‘flight simulator’ to map out the patient’s spinal anatomy, enabling more accurate placement of screws and incisions. The device is primarily used in surgeries where implants are attached to the spine, such as in spinal fusions to correct scoliosis.

Men’s health 101

Here’s to your heart – and your back, eyes, prostate and more Scottsdale resident Jim Miller has his eyes checked by Jeff Stephens, ophthalmology tech, at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Certain vision issues can affect men more than women and should be followed closely.

and television resources to provide you with a deeper look into some important issues related to men’s health. How so? In addition to this publication, beginning June 11, you can visit 5QuestionsAZ.com and view an informative video featuring Dr. Grayson Wheatley III, a cardiovascular surgeon at Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Wheatley will showcase some of the latest heartrelated technologies and treatment options as well as highlight the signs and symptoms of heart attacks. Meanwhile, on June 11, Dr. Neil Goldberg, an interventional cardiologist at Arizona Heart Institute, will appear on Arizona Midday on KPNX-TV Channel 12 to discuss the early symptoms of cardiovascular disease and why it’s important to know your family history. On June 13, Dr. Venkatesh Ramaiah, a vascular surgeon at Arizona Heart Institute, will be on Arizona Midday to discuss peripheral arterial disease. Arizona Midday is broadcast at 1 p.m.

rom debates on reproductive issues to discussions about the latest research on female cancers to the upswing in heart disease in women, it’s not much of a leap to conclude that, in the media at least, men’s health issues sometimes seem to get pushed to the sidelines. Yet men have unique health concerns that obviously deserve as much focus as women’s issues. There are a number of medical conditions that can pose a true threat to a man’s well-being. Heart disease, for example, remains the leading killer of men, while more than 240,000 American men likely will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Sports injuries can plague men more often than women, and when it comes to their eyesight, men can suffer more significant vision loss under certain circumstances than women. Awareness and vigilance are both key to good health. To that end, this month in a special edition of Living Well called Living Well Live!, we’re going multi-media as we use print, web-based

SPECIAL TOPIC MEN’S HEALTH 101 MORE INFO ABOUT CARDIAC HEALTH ONLINE AND ON TV

Take care of your ticker Simple steps can help prevent heart disease

BY DEBRA GELBART

PHOTOS RICK D’ELIA

Total Kid iPad app for parents and kids

Venkatesh Ramaiah, M.D., FACS, a vascular surgeon at Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix, shows some of the stents used to repair major arteries. Among the more common solutions to a number of heart-related issues, stents can help improve blood flow to arteries.

ere’s a surprising fact: According to the American Heart Association, since 1984, more women have died of cardiovascular disease than men. But that shouldn’t lull men into complacency about their heart health. The Center for Disease Control’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention points out that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Each year since 2008, nearly 400,000 men have died from issues related to their heart.

Preventing heart disease

Heart disease is not inevitable, but it takes some effort to keep your ticker in top shape. By the time a man experiences the Continued on page 8 HEART DISEASE

IN THIS ISSUE:

02: Persistent pain can be treated 02: The eyes have it: vision issues 03: Organic, natural and grass-fed 04: Hope for neuro-degenerative diseases 05: Help is available for tinnitus 06: Support groups, classes and events 07: Expert advice 08: Prostate and colon cancer 09: Skin cancer awareness

NEXT ISSUE:

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2 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012

Men’s health 101

The eyes have it: vision issues in men

Jeepers creepers, what’s wrong with my peepers?

BY ALISON STANTON

uess what guys? When it comes to the eyes, men and women are not always created equally.

THINKSTOCK

Safety issues

Persistent pain can be treated

Men tend to ignore pain until it’s debilitating BY DEBRA GELBART

iagnosing and treating pain in men can be a challenge for even the most seasoned physicians, in part because there are so many possible reasons for acute or sudden pain. In addition, men are less likely to seek help than women until their pain becomes quite significant, sometimes making treatment more challenging, said Asim Khan, M.D., a pain management specialist in Mesa.

Low back pain most common

Low back pain is the most common kind of pain in men, Khan explained. “Though it usually arises from an injury to the structures around the spine, other precipitating factors may be present,” he said. These can include stress, abdominal aortic aneurysm, kidney stones and osteoporosis. Prostate cancer, he said, also can be a cause because it can spread to the spine and can manifest as severe low back pain.

Treatment approaches vary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says that most low back pain can be treated without surgery, adding that treatment involves analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back, and preventing recurrence of the injury. NINDS recommends applying a cold pack to the tender spot several times a day for up to 20 minutes. After two to three days, try applying heat for brief periods to relax muscles and increase blood flow. Exercise and/or physical therapy, on the advice of a doctor, often helps relieve back pain as well. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications can help, too. For more information about treating low back pain, visit the NINDS website at ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain.

Neck, knee and shoulder pain

Neck, knee and/or shoulder pain also are common in men. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help because they decrease inflammation and swelling. If the pain from any musculoskeletal injury is severe, prescription pain medication may be prescribed. Sometimes, the Mayo Clinic notes, cortisone injections can be helpful with decreasing inflammation in joints.

Pain resources American Academy of Pain Management: aapainmanage.org American Chronic Pain Association: theacpa.org American Pain Foundation: painfoundation.org American Pain Society: ampainsoc.org National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): ninds.nih.gov/disorders/backpain

Minimally invasive spine surgery For certain painful spinal conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatment options, some physicians such as those at Laser Spine Institute (laserspineinstitute.com) offer outpatient minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures that generally require no overnight hospital stay or lengthy recovery and no bone fusions or hardware placement. Conditions best treated by these procedures include spinal stenosis, bulging discs, pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, sciatica or arthritis of the spine.

According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org) and the American Society of Ocular Trauma (asotonline.org), men suffer from nearly three times as many eye injuries as women. In fact, the survey found that on an annual basis, 2.5 million Americans suffer eye injuries — and men suffered a disproportionate 73.5 percent of the total number of injuries. In an effort to prevent the most common eye injuries, experts recommend that protective eyewear should be worn when playing sports and doing home-repair projects and similar activities.

Color vision deficiency

Often referred to as ‘color blind’, color vision deficiency refers to the inability to distinguish between certain colors, most commonly red and green. A National Institutes of Health website (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/colorvision-deficiency) states that blue-yellow color vision defects affect males and females equally, while approximately 8 percent of men and 0.5 percent of women among U.S. populations with Northern European ancestry have red-green color defects. Complete achromatopsia, or a total absence of color vision, is very uncommon.

Intracranial hypertension

A study published in 2008 in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (aan.com), indicates that while idiopathic intracranial hypertension, or increased pressure in the brain, is more common in women, men are more likely to lose vision as a result of this condition. The study, which was supported by a

A division of The Arizona Republic. 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Manager Creative Development: ISAAC MOYA, imoya@republicmedia.com

Look for Livingwell a-z on the first Wednesday of each month!

Contributing Editor: JIM WILLIAMS, jlwilliams@republicmedia.com

Each month, we bring you local health information you can use to keep you and your family living well. From A to Z, we tackle a broad range of health issues and offer tips for keeping your health-care costs in check. This publication is produced by Republic Media Custom Publishing. For questions concerning any content included in this publication please contact: Editor Paula Hubbs Cohen, Paula.Cohen@cox.net or call 602-444-8658.

Editor: PAULA HUBBS COHEN, Paula.Cohen@cox.net

Managing Art Director: TRACEY PHALEN, tphalen@republicmedia.com Design: LISA QUIRIN, lisa_q@me.com Republic Media Intern: JESSICA RUSH Advertising: RHONDA PRINGLE, 602-444-4929, rpringle@republicmedia.com. For general advertising inquiries, contact Republic Media at 602-444-8000.

Vision resources American Academy of Neurology: aan.com American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org and geteyesmart.org Glaucoma Research Foundation: glaucoma.org PubMed Health: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/

Vision problems common to both men and women include: Cataracts (a clouding of the clear eye lens) Diabetic retinopathy (diabetes can cause blood vessels within the eye to leak) Glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) Macular degeneration (a chronic condition that causes central vision loss)

Healthy Conversations A Q&A with Venkatesh G. Ramaiah, M.D., F.A.C.S., a vascular surgeon at Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital

By Alison Stanton

Q: What inspired you to become a vascular surgeon?

General Manager: CAMI KAISER, ckaiser@republicmedia.com

grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. and the National Institutes of Health, found that men with intracranial hypertension were two times more likely than women with the condition to experience severe vision problems in one or both eyes. The lead study author, Beau Bruce, M.D., of Emory University in Atlanta and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, said that the findings suggest that men with idiopathic intracranial hypertension should have more careful monitoring and should undergo aggressive treatment when they have evidence of vision loss.

The inspiration to become a physician came from my family. I grew up in India, and my sisters were in the medical field. While living there, I saw a lot of disease and poverty, and I felt like I wanted to do something to alleviate the pain & suffering. As for my interest in vascular surgery, as I went through surgical training in the United States I realized with our technology, knowledge, procedures and preventative measures that people can take, we can now save a lot of patients’ legs, whereas in India, amputations were the primary treatment.

Q: You have said that one of your key philosophies as a physician is to take the time to get to know your patients. Why is this so important to you?

In medicine, one of the things that may have lost some of its charm along the way is speaking to patients and even examining them. I have found that there is a whole lot to be learned from sitting and talking to my patients and getting to know them, and not just ordering tests. While there certainly are tests that

we need to do, I don’t want to only treat my patients’ symptoms. I want to also get to know them as friends.

Q: What is one of the latest advances in vascular surgery?

A: In regards to peripheral arte-

rial disease, we have traditionally treated patients with stents placed into the arteries in the legs. But over time, the disease would come back and the patients would need another treatment every six to nine months. We are now involved in a study looking at a drug-coated balloon that will be placed into the artery that will help prevent vascular restenosis from re-occurring as quickly. Aortic aneurysms are now being treated with sophisticated, less invasive stent grafts that go through the groin arteries.

Q. What could lead to amputation? A: Patients with Peripheral Arterial

Disease (PAD) can present with leg pain, aching of the calf or hip, especially when walking. They may develop ulcers or gangrene because of the lack of blood supply to the leg. Diabetics need to be particularly aware of PAD. Early detection is the key to saving limbs, and thus saving lives.

Call us for a heart or vascular consultation and we’ll see you within 24 hours.

2632 North 20th Street | Phoenix | www.azheart.com | 602-266-2200

WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 3

Organic, natural and grass-fed – oh my!

Deciphering what food labels really mean

n an effort to eat better, many consumers are trying to buy products labeled as ‘organic’, ‘natural’, ‘grass-fed’ and other terms that sure do sound nice. But what exactly do these adjectives really mean? Is there truly a difference between eggs that are labeled as ‘farmfresh’ and those that are ‘cage-free’? Are ‘organic’ bananas really better for you than the ‘regular’ kind?

Organic

Katie McWhirter, MS, RD, an outpatient and cardiac rehabilitation dietitian for Chandler Regional Medical Center and the state media representative for the Arizona Dietetic Association, said that in 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act which required that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) develop standards for foods that could be classified as ‘organic.’ “Consumers are often confused by the terms ‘organic’ and ‘natural’. The term ‘organic’ refers not only to the food itself, but also to how it was produced. The crops must be grown by using organic farming methods, for example, with no bioengineered genes or synthetic pesticides,” she said. “Organically raised animals must eat organic food, have access to the outside and not consume any antibiotics or growth hormones.”

Christopher Wharton, an assistant professor of nutrition at Arizona State University and a senior sustainability scientist, studies local food systems and food security. He said that the term ‘organic’ is well-regulated by the USDA.

“Eating ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ food does not guarantee a lowercalorie or lower-fat food. As always, read the nutrition facts food label and ingredients to try and make the best healthy food decision.” — Katie McWhirter, MS, RD “If you see ‘100% Organic’ on a label, that means the product contains only fully organic ingredients. If you see the word ‘Organic’, without any other qualifiers, that signifies the product contains 95 percent or more organic ingredients,” Wharton said. “If you see ‘Made with Organic Ingredients’, then the product contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients.”

BY ALISON STANTON

Natural

In general, the term ‘natural’ is poorly regulated, Wharton said. “The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA maintains a legal definition for ‘natural’,” he said. “[What this means is that] The product contains no artificial ingredients or added coloring and is only minimally processed. Adherence to this definition is required and the food product label must explain what is meant by using the term ‘natural’. But this definition only applies to meat and poultry products – that’s it.” Another branch of the USDA maintains a definition for ‘naturally raised’, Wharton added, meaning an animal is raised without growth promotants or antibiotics. “But it could still be raised on feedlots and can result in a product that is in no measurable way any healthier than a comparable product.”

could also have been fed hormones and antibiotics,” Wharton explained. “I’m not condemning or condoning any of these practices. But I do mean to point out that the term ‘grass-fed’ suggests a cow out on a green hill munching on grass. This idealistic image is likely not close to the reality in many cases.”

Farm-fresh

The term ‘farm-fresh’ is all-together unregulated, Wharton noted. “It’s just a marketing term, so I suppose if a product originated at a farm and wasn’t spoiled when it was bought, it could be considered ‘farm-fresh’,” he said. “Terms like ‘cage-free’ and ‘free-range’ are all dubious in their usage. Each has some regulation behind it, but that regulation is lax and does not reflect the image most consumers likely have when they see these terms on food.”

Grass-fed

According to McWhirter, ‘grass-fed’ refers to what the animal ate prior to production, but the term does not indicate what their living quarters were like, meaning that cattle still could have been raised in cramped quarters. “A ‘grass-fed’ animal does not have to be out on pasture, rather it could be fed harvested grass within a feedlot and it

Food resources United States Department of Agriculture: usda.gov Arizona Dietetic Association: eatrightarizona.org

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THINKSTOCK

VITAL Signs

BANNER SUN HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE

4 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012

Physicians at Banner Sun Health Research Institute conduct an autopsy on a donated brain.

‘Brain bank’ offers hope to future generations World-renowned repository of fresh brain tissue is in Sun City

“In just over 2.5 hours, we are able to complete an autopsy on a donated brain. This is critical in our research as the brain starts the process of decomposition immediately after death. We then return the donor’s body to the family, all within a few hours.” Browne added that by recovering the tissue quickly, the Institute’s scientists are able to preserve the chemistry of live tissue which is very much in demand by scientists and researchers across the globe. “We get requests from research facilities as far away as Japan, Australia and Germany asking for our tissue,” Browne said. “Brain tissue from Arizona travels thousands of miles to help further all kinds of medical research.”

6 interesting brain facts Did you know that the human brain:

weighs about 3 pounds

is made up of about 75 percent water

uses 20 percent of the body’s total oxygen

Neuro-degenerative disease resources

can process information at about 268 miles an hour

Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org

generates between 10 and 23 watts of energy while awake, or enough energy to power a light bulb

can live for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen

American Parkinson Disease Association: apdaparkinson.org Banner Sun Health Research Institute: BannerSHRI.org or 623-832-5328 Barrow Neurological Institute at St.Joseph’sHospitalandMedicalCenter: thebarrow.org

Source: Banner Sun Health Research Institute

BY MARY SAMPEY

edicated to the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Banner Sun Health Research Institute is well-known in medical and scientific circles as one of the leading research facilities in the world.

Breakthroughs in research

As part of their body of research, the Institute has developed a method to retrieve and grow adult stem cells from brain tissue of deceased Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, a breakthrough that allows researchers to test treatments that could positively impact the progression of these debilitating diseases. “We work with patients who are making a real difference in medical research for Alzheimer’s by donating their time and willing their brain to the Institute for further study,” said Brian Browne, director of communications for Banner Sun Health Research Institute. “Thanks to brain donations, we are able to see how successful our treatment is and are able to look for improved ways to treat, prevent and cure these diseases.”

Brain donation

To date, the Institute has received more than 1,500 donated brains, with another 1,500 ‘willed’ brains yet to come.

“The Banner Sun Health Research Institute’s brain bank is known for providing the freshest tissue in the world.”

Phoenix

— Brian Browne, Banner Sun Health Research Institute “We receive donations from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients but also from healthy donors as well,” Browne explained. “This allows us to compare the tissues and helps further our research.” If someone has willed their brain, at the time of death, the Institute receives notification and immediately begins the autopsy process. “We are unique in our methods and especially in our speed,” Browne said.

IS YOUR HEART IN THE RIGHT HANDS?

EXPERTS GYNECOLOGY David Glassman, D.O With a special interest in laproscopic surgery, Dr. Glassman offers all aspects of gynecologic care. He earned his medical degree at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, before completing his internship and residency at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix.A board certiﬁed gynecologist, Dr. Glassman is active in a number of professional organizations and continues to teach medical students at his alma mater.

Gilbert Hospital and Florence Hospital at Anthem Are committed to healthyy hearts

Banner Health Clinic Specializing in Gynecology 4444 N. 32nd Street • Phoenix 602.747.7026 • www.BannerHealth.com/BMG-32ndStreetGyn

FAMILY MEDICINE Minh-Hoang N. Le, M.D. Dr. Le is a family practice physician who provides personalized health care to patients of all ages.A graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, he came to Phoenix to complete his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Board certiﬁed by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Le is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians.

Banner Health Clinic Specializing in Family Medicine 1300 N. 12th Street • Ste 312 • Phoenix 602.839.0444 • www.BannerHealth.com/BMG-12thStreetFamily

CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGEON Scott A. Perkins, MD

As a nationally recognized ophthalmologist with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Dr. Perkins has performed more than 50,000 cataract surgeries and more than 10,000 vision correction procedures such as LASIK and Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs).As an innovator in the ﬁeld of ophthalmology, he has participated in over 25 clinical trials for both pharmaceutical and ophthalmic devices.

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In addition, Dr. Perkins serves on the Board of Directors for Arizona Visionaries, a donor driven non-profit organization providing cataract surgery and eyeglass fittings in third world countries. He is not only trusted for his surgical talents and modest nature, but is also well known for his compassion and ability to connect with and comfort patients. Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology Member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Locations throughout Arizona (800) 966-7000 / www.GoodEyes.com

WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 5

Tinnitus: help is available

Ringing in the ears is more than just an annoyance

The following remedies may be of benefit to some individuals. As always, check with your health-care provider to assess your particular medical situation. • Reducing or avoiding caffeine and salt intake, as well as quitting smoking, may help relieve tinnitus symptoms. • Some tinnitus patients have been found to have lower zinc levels and may benefit from zinc supplementation. • One study showed melatonin may help tinnitus sufferers, particularly those with disturbed sleep due to the tinnitus. However, this has not yet been verified in controlled studies. • Some behavioral and cognitive therapies have been successful in treating tinnitus. Seeking out a multidisciplinary program at a tinnitus center may improve chances of successful treatment.

is so pervasive, he said that people can become completely focused on it with many sufferers reporting that it interferes with them getting to sleep.

Help is available

Baber and Maznio both said there is no cure for tinnitus. However, there are several therapies that can be tried to help reduce the ringing sounds that are a hallmark of the condition. “Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) is a longer-term therapy for reducing the patient’s anxiety and awareness of the disturbances in their head,” Maznio said. “Another option is to use a hearing device or ambient sound-maker that emits masking sounds. For many individuals, a hearing aid that is capable of amplifying ambient noise in the high frequencies, which are sounds their brain is currently missing, is also helpful.” Baber agreed, adding that since many people with tinnitus also have a hearing issue, the use of hearing aids can indeed

EATING HEALTHY

offer relief because the hearing aid brings in more sound, helping to mask the tinnitus. The bottom line is there is help for tinnitus. “I suggest if a person is suffering from tinnitus that they check with a physician who specializes in the ear,” Baber said. “Middle-ear tinnitus can be treated.”

Tinnitus resources American Academy of Audiology: audiology.org American Academy of Otolaryngology: entnet.org American Speech-LanguageHearing Association: asha.org American Tinnitus Association: ata.org

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Varied effects

Baber said that tinnitus often directly affects not only a person’s hearing, but also their emotions. “Some people with tinnitus are annoyed, bothered, depressed, anxious or angry about it,” he said. Because tinnitus

Source: MedicineNet.com

NEVER TASTED SO GOOD THINKSTOCK

What are some tinnitus relief remedies?

pproximately 50 million adults suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Of this number, about 12 million suffer from constant buzzing and ringing severe enough to have a significant negative impact on their daily lives. Edward Maznio, President of PurTone Hearing Centers LLC, said that for most people who struggle with tinnitus, noise exposure during their lifetime is the main culprit. He said that the ringing often coincides with hearing loss in the high frequency ranges. Robert Baber, a board-certified hearing instrument specialist and owner of 21 Miracle-Ear Centers located throughout Arizona, noted that another common cause of tinnitus is head injury. “It can also be a side effect of medications such as aspirin or certain ototoxic drugs,” he explained. “Because tinnitus is usually accompanied by hearing loss and can be a symptom of a more serious disorder, it is important to have it evaluated by your physician.”

BY ALISON STANTON

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This is where

stars make a lasting impression.

We’re proud to announce that Banner MediSun, your locally based Medicare Advantage plan, earned a 4.5 out of 5 Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 2012. We earned this based on our customer service, our ability to help keep members healthy and how well we resolve problems. What makes us more proud is that we’ve made an impression for things that matter to our members—commitment to care and attention to service. For the 20,000-plus people who put their trust in us, we’ll strive to be your homemade Medicare Advantage plan that always rises to the occasion.

1-855-839-4838 TTY 1-800-367-8939 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.bannermedisun.com Banner MediSun is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Banner MediSunONE Premier (HMO), MediSunONE Plus (HMO) and MediSunONE Classic (HMO) are 2012 4.5-star-rated plans. Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. H0302_521_12 File and Use 06062012

6 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012

is National Safety Month. More info: National Safety Council, nsc.org

Take advantage of over 100 opportunities for you to meet others with similar issues and learn more about various aspects of your health – from A to Z. All groups and events are believed, but not guaranteed, to be free unless otherwise stated. Every effort has been made to verify accuracy, but please call before attending to confirm details.

MEN’S DISABILITY ISSUES GROUP June 21, 5:30–7 p.m. Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix 602-980-3232 LASER SPINE INSTITUTE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY June 21, 6 p.m. & June 23, 10 a.m. Laser Spine Institute 8888 E. Raintree Dr., Scottsdale Register: SpineSeminar.com; 866-811-3275

WELLNESS WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINAR Various dates, times & locations St. Luke’s, Phoenix Tempe St. Luke’s, Tempe 800-248-5553 BARIATRIC INFO SESSION June 6, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; June 14, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Banner Gateway 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert 480-543-2606 MANAGING BLOOD PRESSURE June 6, 7–8 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Barnes & Noble 10500 N. 90 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 BONE SPURS June 7, 6–7 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-WELL (9355) MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY June 11, 6–7:30 p.m. Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 HEARING TESTS June 12, 13 & 14, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. John C. Lincoln Audiologist at Tatum Health Center 18404 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix Appointments: 602-494-6237

PALLIATIVE CARE VS. HOSPICE June 26, 10–11 a.m. By Sun Health at Sun City Church of the Nazarene 14636 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633 LASER SPINE INSTITUTE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY June 27, noon Windemere Hotel and Conference Center 5750 E. Main St., Mesa Register: SpineSeminar.com; 866-811-3275 FALL PREVENTION June 28, 10–11 a.m. By Sun Health at La Loma Village 14154 Denny Blvd, Litchfield Park Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633 MEDICATION SAFETY June 28, 1–2 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Civic Center Library 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

HEART/STROKE

GOOD EYE HEALTH June 14, 9:30–10:30 a.m. By Sun Health at Sun City West Recreation Center 19803 RH Johnson Blvd, Sun City West Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633 BENEFITS OF MEDITATION June 14, 1–2 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Civic Center Library 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS June 19, 9–11 a.m. By Sun Health at Grandview Care Center 14505 W. Granite Valley Dr., Sun City West Walk-ins welcome MEDICATION: THE ABCs OF OTCs June 19, 10–11 a.m. By Sun Health at Fairway Recreation Center 10600 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 475 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH June 13, 1–2 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Appaloosa Library 7377 E. Silverstone Dr., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 STROKE SUPPORT GROUP June 13, 2:30–4 p.m. Chandler Regional 475 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler 480-728-3828 STROKE SUPPORT GROUP June 19, 10 a.m.–noon Cowden Center at John C. Lincoln North Mountain 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix Register: 602-331-8432 HEART-HEALTHY EATING June 19, 11 a.m.–noon Banner Heart Hospital 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 480-854-5401

OCULAR HEALTH FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS PATIENTS June 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. By Midwestern University at Glendale Foothills Library 19055 N. 57 Ave., Glendale 623-930-3868

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP June 19, 3–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa 877-924-WELL (9355) MENDED HEARTS SUPPORT GROUP June 20, 6:30 p.m. Banner Heart Hospital 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 480-854-5070

LIVING WITH KNEE PAIN June 20, 6 p.m. Arrowhead Hospital 18701 N. 67 Ave., Glendale Register: azhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355 BRAIN FITNESS FUN June 21, 1–2 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Desert Foothills Library 38442 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

LIVING WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION June 23, 9 a.m.–noon St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix Register: 877-602-4111

TOP Events June 7, 14 & 21 Kidney-Smart Series

DIABETES TAKING CONTROL OF DIABETES WORKSHOP Various dates, 10 a.m.–noon Phoenix Baptist Hospital 2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix Register: azhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355 DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP June 11, 3–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa 877-924-WELL (9355) INSULIN PUMPERS SUPPORT GROUP June 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Cowden Center at John C. Lincoln North Mountain 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-870-6060

WHAT: Informative series for those recently diagnosed or those who’ve been managing kidney disease for years. JUNE 7: Renal failure JUNE 14: Living with early-stage chronic kidney disease JUNE 21: Living with late-stage chronic kidney disease WHERE: Sun City Church of the Nazarene, 14636 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City TIME: 9:30–11 a.m. REGISTER: 623-455-5633; tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012 SPONSORED BY: Sun Health

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP June 14, 1–2 p.m. St. Luke’s 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix 877-351-WELL (9355) DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP June 20, 7–8:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-5195

COMPASS FOR CAREGIVERS June 25, 6–7:30 p.m. By Sun Health at Colonnade Recreation Village 19116 Colonnade Way, Surprise Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633

ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS June 7, 1:30–3 p.m. Tempe St. Luke’s 1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe 877-351-WELL (9355)

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE CLASSES; TAI CHI; QIGONG & MEDITATION; HISPANIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS Various dates, times and locations By the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s 602-406-6131

MANAGE & PREVENT CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS June 8, 10:30 a.m.–noon By Banner Alzheimer’s at Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria Register: 602-230-CARE (2272)

WESTSIDE TREMBLE CLEFS (singing program) June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 10 a.m.–noon By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church 11025 N. 111 Ave., Sun City 602-406-3840

PHOENIX EARLY-STAGE SUPPORT GROUP June 14 & 28, 9–10 a.m. By The Alzheimer’s Association at Parkway Community Church 1752 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix Register: 602-528-0545 SUN LAKES EARLY-STAGE SUPPORT GROUP June 14 & 28, 9–10 a.m. By The Alzheimer’s Association at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church 2958 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes Register: 602-528-0545 ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP (lunch provided) June 17, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Huger Mercy Living Center 2345 W. Orangewood Ave., Phoenix 602-406-5600 ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS June 19, 12:30–2 p.m. By Duet at Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-274-5022

PARKINSON’S DANCE-ARCADIA June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1:30–3 p.m. By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s Brick’s Studio 4550 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix Register: 602-406-6903 EASTSIDE TREMBLE CLEFS (singing program) June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 4–6 p.m. By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s Granite Reef Senior Center 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale 602-406-3840 PARKINSON’S DANCEPARADISE VALLEY June 8, 15, 22 & 29, 1:30–3 p.m. By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s Elizabeth Keith Movement Education 16620 N. 40 St., Phoenix Register: 602-406-6903

COMPASS FOR CAREGIVERS June 21, 10–11:30 a.m.; June 28, 4–5:30 p.m. Banner Alzheimer’s 901 E. Willetta St., Phoenix Register: 602-839-6850; Deidra.Colvin@bannerhealth.com ALZHEIMER’S & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE June 22, 10–11 a.m. By Sun Health and Banner Sun Health Research Institute at Colonnade Recreation Village 19116 Colonnade Way, Surprise Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633

PARKINSON’S CAREGIVERS (DUET) June 13, 1:30–3 p.m. Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-274-5022

SENIORS GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN (DUET) Various dates, times & locations 602-274-5022

June 19 Total hip replacement surgery

THINKSTOCK

June

WHAT: Learn the benefits of the less-invasive anterior approach to total hip replacement. WHERE: Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak, 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale TIME: 6–7:30 p.m. REGISTER: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

June 28 Health Fair & COPD sessions WHAT: Have your blood pressure taken, learn about the Sun Health Medication Management program, take a risk assessment for COPD and learn how to maintain your lung health. WHERE: Sun Health Resale and Gift Shop, 14668 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City TIME: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. COPD ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR COPD SESSIONS ONLY: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633

June 20 Power of Attorney & Living Wills WHAT: Learn the importance of and details surrounding signing a Power of Attorney and/or a Living Will. WHERE: Banner Thunderbird, 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale TIME: 5:30–7 p.m. REGISTER: 602-230-CARE (2273)

NEWLY DIAGNOSED June 7 & 21, 6–8 p.m. Co-sponsored by The Wellness Community John C. Lincoln Breast Center 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006

MEDICATION CHECKS June 12, 10–11 a.m. Tempe St. Luke’s 1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe 877-351-WELL (9355) DIABETES & HEART DISEASE June 14, noon–1 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-WELL (9355)

YOGA FOR RECOVERY June 7 & 21, 6–8 p.m. Co-sponsored by The Wellness Community John C. Lincoln Medical Office Bldg 1 19841 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006

TAI CHI June 15, 9–10 a.m. Humana Guidance Center 5943 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa 480-325-4707

BOSOM BUDDIES/WEST VALLEY June 7, 6:30–8:30 p.m. La Quinta Inn & Suites 16321 N. 83 Ave., Peoria 623-979-4279

HEALTHY COOKING June 18, 10–11 a.m. Humana Guidance Center 5943 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa 480-325-4707

BOSOM BUDDIES/ AHWATUKEE CHANDLER June 9, 10 a.m.–noon Morrison Building (next to Chandler Regional Medical Center) 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-893-8900

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM June 19 & 26, 9–10 a.m. Tempe St. Luke’s 1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe 877-351-WELL (9355)

SUPPORT GROUP June 9, 10 a.m.–noon Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: tinastreasures@shc.org; 480-323-1990

SKIN CANCER FACTS June 25, noon–1 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-WELL (9355)

PROSTATE CANCER

YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITION June 12, 6–8 p.m. John C. Lincoln Breast Center 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006

US TOO SUPPORT GROUP June 11, 7 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-242-3131

BOSOM BUDDIES/EAST VALLEY June 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Women’s Center at Baywood Medical Center 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa 480-969-4119

SUPPORT GROUP June 18, 4–5:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414

EAST VALLEY YOUNG SURVIVORS (age 40 and under) June 16, 10 a.m.–noon Dynamic Life Coaching Center 1701 S. Mill Ave., Tempe 480-326-7023

SUPPORT GROUP June 25, 7–9 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673)

BLACKS AGAINST BREAST CANCER June 17, 3–5 p.m. The Wellness Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix 602-320-0502

BREAST CANCER METASTATIC SUPPORT GROUP June 6, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673)

BOSOM BUDDIES/SCOTTSDALE June 19, 10 a.m.–noon Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale 623-236-6616

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IN:

Prescott Show Low Casa Grande Metrocenter Mall Flagstaff Mall 928.227.3088 928.251.4599 520.366.8400 602.635.4944 928.225.3020 Prescott Valley Yuma Safford Paradise Valley Mall Fiesta Mall 928.328.8198 928.792.4133 928.227.3114 602.910.2902 480.389.3493 Cottonwood Chandler Fashion Center 928.202.4075 Visit www.Miracle-Ear-Phoenix.com 480.389.3466

*ME200 not included **Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Individual experiences vary depending on severity of hearing loss, accuracy of evaluation, proper fit and ability to adapt to amplification. †Our hearing test and video otoscopic inspection are always free. Hearing test is an audiometric test to determine proper amplification needs only. These are not medical exams or diagnoses nor are they intended to replace a physician’s care. If you suspect a medical problem, please seek treatment from your doctor. ©2011 Miracle-Ear, Inc.

WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 7

SUPPORT GROUP June 26, 5–6:15 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) ADVANCED BREAST CANCER June 28, 6–8 p.m. John C. Lincoln Breast Center 19646 N. 27 Ave, Phoenix advancedbreastcancer@gmail.com; 623-236-6616

CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS ORAL, HEAD & NECK June 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 CANCER June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2–3:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 LUNG June 9, 1–3 p.m. By St. Joseph’s at The Wellness Community 360 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix 602-712-1006 GYNECOLOGIC June 12, 5–6:15 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) FACING FORWARD (WOMEN) June 13, 1–3 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 THYROID June 14, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 CANCER June 19, 5–6:15 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) ORAL, HEAD & NECK June 20, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA June 20, 6–7:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 ESOPHAGEAL June 21, 6–7:30 p.m. Banner Good Samaritan 1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix 602-839-4970; 602-264-0240

CANCER INFO TEA PARTY (WOMEN WITH CANCER) June 6, 2–4 p.m. By Face in the Mirror Foundation at St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 480-443-1344 GENTLE YOGA June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 4 p.m. Banner MD Anderson 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 480-256-4141 CHAIR YOGA June 11, 18 & 25, 10 a.m. Banner MD Anderson 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 480-256-4141 YOGA, RELAXATION & VISUALIZATION June 11, 4–5:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673)

DRUMMING CIRCLE June 11, 6–7:30 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 LIVING & COPING June 12, 4 p.m. Banner MD Anderson 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 480-256-4141 TAI CHI & MANAGING SLEEP DIFFICULTIES June 12, 4–5:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) LIVING WELL & MASSAGE June 13, 4–5:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) UNDERSTANDING TREATMENT & NUTRITION June 14, 4–5:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) WRITING FOR WELLNESS June 20, 9–11 a.m. By Sun Health & The Wellness Community-AZ Grandview Care Center 14505 W. Granite Valley Dr., Sun City West Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633 JOURNEY TO WELLNESS June 20, 4 p.m. Banner MD Anderson 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 480-256-4141

PARENTING/ KIDS BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP June 6, 13 & 20, 10–11 a.m. Phoenix Baptist Hospital 2000 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix Register: abrazohealth.com/newborn; 855-292-9355 BREASTFEEDING June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 11 a.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 1–2:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1–2:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-3035 BREASTFEEDING June 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10 a.m. Mercy Gilbert 3555 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert 480-728-5414 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION June 12, 19 & 26, 10–11:30 a.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-5292 JUST FOR DADS June 28, 6–8 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 602-230-CARE (2273)

SUPPORT GROUPS BRAIN INJURY SURVIVORS June 11, 7–8:15 p.m. St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-406-3333 GRIEF June 12 & 26, 4:30–6 p.m. By Hospice of the Valley Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321

HUNTINGTON’S June 18, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-406-4931

ASK An Expert

SYRINGO & CHIARI June 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute 114 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 623-561-9606

Question: How can I protect my baby from whooping cough?

Question: What is an ‘optic nerve drusen’?

Question: Why do hearing aids have so many channels?

BRAIN TUMOR June 26, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 623-205-6446

ANSWER: Whooping cough (also known as Pertussis) can be serious, and even fatal, in newborns. This highly contagious disease produces uncontrollable coughing and a horrible ‘whooping’ sound when children try to breathe. Public health officials call the best line of defense ‘cocooning’, meaning that since newborns cannot be safely immunized until two months of age, those with closest contact should be immunized as a layer of protection. The Tdap vaccine (tetanus and diphtheria) is safe and effective and should be given to all adult family members who will care for the baby. Young siblings should have been immunized as part of the normal childhood series, while siblings ages 11-19 may need a booster. In the past it was suggested that women be immunized immediately after delivery, although the Centers for Disease Control now recommends vaccination for pregnant women who are not current with their Tdap immunizations. Ideally given during the third trimester or late in the second trimester of pregnancy, the Tdap provides immunization for mom and even some early protection for her developing baby. Talk to your family and plan ahead. You, and your new baby, will breathe easier because you did. Paul Mikel, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, Banner Health Center, Maricopa

ANSWER: Drusen of the optic nerve are deposits of degenerative material that accumulate gradually within the fibers that comprise that nerve, attracting calcium and ultimately putting pressure on some of the healthy nerve fibers. Because the optic nerve fibers transmit everything seen by the retina to the brain to be interpreted, any threat to the integrity of that nerve can diminish a person’s sight. Estimates of the number of eyes harboring optic nerve drusen have ranged anywhere from 0.3 percent to 2.4 percent, but fortunately many of these suffer no visual effects. Indeed, most patients whose eyes harbor drusen are unaware of their presence, since most of the visual deficits occur in the peripheral, rather than the center of vision. Although there is no definitive treatment for optic nerve drusen, once they are diagnosed, patients must be monitored carefully for changes in peripheral vision and certain associated abnormalities that can affect the circulation of blood in the back of the eye. Finally, other conditions affecting the optic nerve, like glaucoma, must be addressed even more carefully in an eye that has optic nerve drusen. Steven Cobb, M.D., FACS, Ophthalmology Department, Mayo Clinic Arizona

ANSWER: The reason that the majority of today’s hearing aids have multiple channels is that each channel represents a portion of the frequency range important for understanding speech. One advantage of multiple channels is that features can be programmed differently to reflect changes in the person’s hearing across frequencies. Being able to shape the frequencies allows for better understanding of speech, which is the primary purpose of hearing aids. There is no consensus regarding how many channels are enough (or how many are too many); to some extent, this depends on the feature utilized within the channels. Since not everyone needs the same amount of channels in their hearing aids, you should discuss with your hearing health-care professional the benefits of multiple channels and what will be best for you. Robert Baber, Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and owner of 21 Miracle-Ear Centers located throughout Arizona

WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS June 30, 10 a.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 480-829-6563

CAREGIVERS CAREGIVERS (DUET) Various dates, times & locations 602-274-5022 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP June 6, 10:30 a.m.–noon John C. Lincoln North Mountain 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-870-6374 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP June 11 St. Joseph’s Outpatient Rehabilitation 114 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix Call for time: 602-406-6688 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP June 13, 2:30–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa 877-924-WELL (9355) CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP June 27, 2:30–3:30 p.m. St. Luke’s 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix 877-351-WELL (9355)

BETTER BREATHERS BETTER BREATHERS June 11, 2–3 p.m. By Sun Health at Colonnade Recreation Village 19116 Colonnade Way, Surprise Register: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012; 623-455-5633 BETTER BREATHERS June 20, 2–3 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 BETTER BREATHERS June 28, 1:30–3 p.m. John C. Lincoln North Mountain 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-870-6060

HISPANIC ISSUES VOCES UNIDAS (Spanish singing program for Parkinson’s patients) June 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.–noon By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at St. Joseph’s Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-406-2453

Living Well a-z invites readers to submit questions to a panel of health-care experts. The short questions and answers will offer readers a little more information about hot topics in medicine and refer you to other resources where you can learn more. Responses will also arm you with information so you know what to ask your own health-care providers. If you would like your question to be considered for the July 4, 2012 issue of Living Well a-z, please write to editor: Paula Hubbs Cohen Paula.Cohen@cox.net or c/o The Arizona Republic, 200 E. Van Buren St., CA22 Phoenix, AZ 85004

INFO Online Abrazo Health Care (Arizona Heart Hospital, Arizona Heart Institute, Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, Paradise Valley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital, West Valley Hospital): abrazohealth.com Banner Health: bannerhealth.com Cardon Children’s Medical Center: bannerhealth.com

SPANISH-SPEAKING CANCER SUPPORT GROUP June 12, 6–7:30 p.m. Banner Desert 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa 480-412-HOPE (4673) UNA REUNION (Latino Cancer Outreach Task Force) June 19, 6–7:30 p.m. UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s 500 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-567-7640

FREE

HEARING TEST 26 Arizona Locations

Call 602-814-0072

www.Miracle-Ear-Phoenix.com Not a medical exam.Audiometric test to determine proper ampliﬁcation needs only. Good only from participating Miracle-Ear providers. See store for details.

Chandler Regional Medical Center: ChandlerRegional.org

Mountain Vista Medical Center: mvmedicalcenter.com

Duet, Partners in Health & Aging: duetaz.org

Scottsdale Healthcare: shc.org

HealthSouth Rehabilitation: healthsouth.com John C. Lincoln Hospital: JCL. com

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center: stjosephs-phx.org St. Luke’s Medical Center, Phoenix: stlukesmedcenter.com

Laser Spine Institute: LaserSpineInstitute.com

Tempe St. Luke’s: tempestlukeshospital.com

Mercy Gilbert Medical Center: MercyGilbert.org

The Wellness Community-AZ: twccaz.org

BARIATRIC PROGRAM Hear about medical & surgical treatments for obesity.

THURS., JUNE 7:

Take Care of Your Heart

6-6:45PM

Learn how to better manage chronic heart disease.

6-6:45PM

Tuesday, June 26 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

(480) 301-4533 MayoClinic.org/Arizona

RSVP: (602) 230-CARE (2273) www.BannerHealth.com/events

TUES., JUNE 19:

As a photographer, I can control how others see the world. When a routine colonoscopy discovered stage three colorectal cancer, I took control by choosing the finest team possible. My answer was Mayo Clinic. Richard Rubenstein, Scottsdale, AZ Because of Mayo Clinic’s collaborative model of care, Richard had an entire team of experts focused on his recovery. Now, he is cancer-free and working with other survivors to share their lives through art and encourage people to get regular screenings. For over 100 years, people from all walks of life have come to Mayo Clinic for answers. Mayo is an in-network provider for millions of people and a physician referral is not typically required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit mayoclinic.org/ cancer or call (800) 446-2279.

Visit mayoclinic.org/cancer

8 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012

Prostate and colon cancer RICK D’ELIA

Dr. Grayson Wheatley III, a cardiovascular surgeon at Arizona Heart Institute, shows a stent, one of the many treatments for heart disease. Continued from cover

HEART DISEASE

heart attack and symptoms 4 signs Experts advise that if anyone notices these symptoms, they should immediately seek medical attention:

Chest pain or discomfort that can feel like uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest. It may last for more than a few minutes or it can come and go.

most common sign of a heart attack — mild or intense chest pain — it’s probably too late to prevent heart disease. It may even be too late to recover fully from the crisis. But whether you’re 25 or 75, there is plenty you can do now to help avoid a scary trip to the emergency room later. Medline Plus, a project of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (nlm.nih.gov/ medlineplus/heartdiseasesprevention.html) says these seven steps are important if you want to avoid heart disease: 1. Know your blood pressure and keep it under control 2. Exercise regularly 3. Don’t smoke 4. Get tested for diabetes and if you have it, keep it under control 5. Know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and keep them under control 6. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables 7. Maintain a healthy weight

American Heart Association: heart.org; 800-242-8721

Typical treatments

Arizona Heart Foundation: azheartfoundation.org; 602-200-0437

If you’re diagnosed with heart disease, treatment depends on symptoms and how far the disease has progressed. Medication may be prescribed and/or angioplasty and stent placement may be performed, which do not require openheart surgery (webmd.com/heart-disease/ guide/heart-disease-procedures-surgeries). In a life-threatening situation, coronary artery bypass surgery may be recommended. In addition, a cardiac rehabilitation program to help improve your heart’s fitness is often prescribed after a heart attack or diagnosis of heart disease. Visit webmd.com/heart-disease/ news/20110516/cardiac-rehab-linkedreduced-risk-death for more info about cardiac rehabilitation.

Discomfort or pain in other areas such as one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back or stomach.

Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea or sweating.

Abdominal discomfort that may feel like indigestion.

Heart-related resources

Arizona Heart Institute: azheart.com CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention: cdc.gov/ dhdsp; 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) Hands-only CPR: handsonlycpr.org; 877-AHA-4CPR (877-242-4277) Save Hearts in Arizona Registry and Education: azshare.gov; 602-364-0580 Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation: sca-aware.org; 877-722-8641 University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center: heart.arizona.edu; 520-626-6332 or 800-665-2328

ccording to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, while one in 20 people of both sexes will develop colorectal (colon) cancer. But even with such startling statistics, there is plenty of hope. There are more than 2.5 million prostate cancer survivors in the U.S., cites ACS findings. And, thanks to advancing technology and regular screenings, more men and women are surviving colon cancer than ever before.

Prostate cancer

Located at the bottom of a man’s bladder, the prostate is a small gland that can cause big problems.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include: • Frequent, difficult or painful urination • Blood in the urine • Pelvic and other bone pain • Painful ejaculation • Loss of appetite and weight Prostate cancer can be found by testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood or by a digital rectal exam (DRE). The ACS recommends that screening takes place between the ages of 40 and 50 depending on a patient’s risk factors. If diagnosed, prostate cancer is treated by everything from ‘watchful waiting’ (waiting to see how the cancer progresses) to surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the severity.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer occurs in both men and women. Some of the symptoms of the disease can be nebulous and related to many other issues, some serious and some not. A sampling of symptoms that would warrant further checking include a change in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort and bleeding from the rectum. The most common screening method for colon cancer is colonoscopy, but several other less-invasive procedures are available, too. The ACS recommends that both men and women receive regular screenings beginning at age 50 or sooner, depending on symptoms and/or family history. Most colon cancer patients are treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARBER FAMILY

What every man should know

Tim and Brittany Barber at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game in May 2011

Prostate cancer not just a ‘senior’ disease

In June 2009, at age 40, Tempe police detective Tim Barber was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Active and seemingly healthy, the diagnosis came as a shock to him and his loved ones. “My dad handled his diagnosis like a true hero. He never let it get him down and he did not let it stop him from living his life,” said Brittany Barber, his 20-year-old daughter. Barber, who underwent a series of treatments, succumbed to the disease in August 2011 at age 42. Up to just days before his passing, he spread awareness of prostate cancer and early testing to anyone who would listen, including several local media outlets. “He made it his personal mission to tell everyone he could that men should get a PSA test at age 40 to get a baseline reading or at age 35 if they have family history,” Brittany said. “Prostate cancer is almost 100 percent treatable if caught early. No man should die from this silent killer, and early detection is key to making that happen.”

Prostate and colon cancer resources American Cancer Society: cancer.org; 602-224-0524 or 800-227-2345 Colon Cancer Alliance of Central Arizona: ccalliance.org/centralaz; 877-422-2030 Prostate Community Action in Arizona: pcainaz.org Us TOO Prostate Cancer Education & Support Network: ustoo.com; 800-80-UsTOO (800-808-7866)

It’s time for a heart to heart. Take the Arizona Heart Institute’s $99 Calcium Score Test to better understand your heart health and get results the same day. Make an appointment for your $99 Calcium Score Test and put your heart health in the hands of Arizona’s leaders in cardiovascular care. Schedule your heart to heart by calling 602.266.2200 or visiting azheart.com.

2632 N. 20th Street, Phoenix

THINKSTOCK

WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 9

Skin cancer: what you need to know In Arizona, every month should be ‘skin cancer awareness month’

Types of Skin Cancer Basal cell carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The majority of these cancers occur on the scalp or on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include a skin bump or growth that is pearly or waxy, white or light pink, or flesh-colored or brown. The growth may bleed easily or not heal well. Squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common type of skin cancer, and like basal cell, often appears on the areas most exposed to the sun, i.e., the face, arms, ears, neck and/or hands. The primary symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches. Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include having lightcolored skin, blue or green eyes, or blonde or red hair. In addition, individuals who have experienced long-term daily sun exposure and/or had numerous severe sunburns early in life are also at higher risk. Melanoma Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Risk factors for melanoma can include having close relatives with a history of melanoma and/or having certain types of moles or multiple birthmarks. Use the ‘ABCDE’ system to recognize symptoms of melanoma: • Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other half. • Borders: The mole’s edges appear to be irregular. • Color: The color is different than other moles on your skin or the spot has several colors. • Diameter: The spot is larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. • Evolution: The mole keeps changing appearance. Source: PubMedHealth, the U.S. National Library of Medicine; ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth

e’ve all heard that Arizona has a high incidence of skin cancer. Where exactly we rank compared to other places is open to interpretation (some say second in the world, behind only Australia), but it’s certainly indisputable that skin cancer is no stranger here. Yet most skin cancer is highly curable when caught early and it’s often highly preventable, too. Here are some of the best methods for prevention, along with ways to recognize the most common skin cancer signs.

and in some states there may be less risk per hour from a tanning booth compared to the ‘real’ sun, but tanning booths still confer an increased risk of skin cancer.” Indeed, researchers who published a study in the 2002 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (http://jnci.oxfordjournals. org/content/94/3/224.full?sid=2eb4db280d04-4abe-8ca2-3cf28234441e), found that people who use tanning devices such as tanning beds and tanning lamps have an increased risk of developing various types of skin cancers.

Protect yourself

Educate yourself

Prolonged sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, so protecting yourself with clothing, hats and sunscreen is a firstline defense in preventing skin cancer. “The minimum sunscreen recommendation is at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or above,” said Mark Gimbel, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. SPF is a measure of sun protection effectiveness from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays, which cause damage to the skin. Gimbel added that an SPF of 30 gives you a 97 percent blockage of the UV rays and anything higher is a small incremental increase. You can reduce the risk of UV exposure by avoiding the outdoors when the sun is at its peak, from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you do go out in the sun, the formulation of the sunscreen you use doesn’t matter as much as how you use it. Gimbel said that both spray and cream sunscreen products work effectively if applied correctly. “The recommendation is to reapply every two hours if outside and more frequently if swimming or sweating,” he said. “This refers to even waterproof sunscreen, because although it’s waterproof, it still comes off and you need to get another coat on.” Be sure to look for a product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Although UVA rays don’t cause sunburn, they can cause deep damage that can lead to melanoma. While UVB rays can cause skin cancer, they also damage the skin’s outer layers which leads to skin reddening, sunburn and wrinkling.

What about tanning beds

A number of experts agree that tanning beds should be avoided. “Tanning beds, from a medical perspective, have no redeeming features,” said Scott Tannehill, M.D., of Arizona Radiation Oncology Specialists. “They claim to reduce harmful UV exposure,

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“Early signs of skin cancer can include new areas of scaly redness,” Tannehill said. “In fact, most of these are benign, but early skin cancers can start out as an area of scaly redness called actinic keratosis.” Others signs include a new lump or mass on the skin or a non-healing ulcer. “Non-pigmented spots that are new and don’t go away after six to eight weeks, or spots or moles that itch, bleed or grow, should be checked by a medical professional,” Tannehill said. Even if you aren’t spending time in the sun now, prolonged exposure as a child could put you at risk.

BY MARLENE MONTANEZ

“The damage that occurs to your skin is a cumulative effect that happens over many years,” Gimbel said. “If, as a child, you had significant sun exposure, 30 years later even those areas that aren’t exposed to the sun anymore are damaged. It takes years for DNA to degrade enough to develop into skin cancer.” In particular, if you remember getting severe sunburns in your younger years, the best course of action is to see your primary care provider or dermatologist for annual skin examinations.

Skin cancer resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/cancer/skin Environmental Protection Agency: epa.gov/sunwise SHADE Foundation of America: shadefoundation.org Skin Cancer Foundation: skincancer.org

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