St. George Health & Wellness Magazine March/April 2022 by St. George Health & Wellness Magazine

health&wellness st.george

Understanding Depression:

Causes, Myths, and Treatments See Page 14

Food, Fun, and Friends Abound at the Fair See Page 16

INSIDE: The Importance of a Health Care Home / 30 Are Your Seasonal Allergies Driving You Crazy / 66

MARCH/APRIL 2022 sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

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sghw | TWA EB LL EL NO EF SCSO N T E N T S Health and Fitness Prevention Is Key to a Happy, Healthy Heart................................................. 24 Tough Days Breed Long Memories.......... 26 Overcoming Obesity Stigma........................ 28

MARCH/APRIL 2022

Featured Story Food, Fun, and Friends Abound at the Fair................................................ 16

On The Cover: Understanding Depression: Causes, Myths, and Treatments............. 14

Community and Culture

Letter from the Editor................................................ 7 Mayoral Message........................................................... 8 Trailblazer Nation: Letter from the President................................. 11 Dixie Technical College: Letter from the President..................................12 Food, Fun, and Friends Abound at the Fair.................................................................. 16

Different Date Nights: Ten Unique Ways to Share the Love................................... 20 The Family’s Involvement in the Senior Living Decision....................... 22 Happy Birthday, St. George!.............................. 36 Dixie State University Besties Capture and Create Captivating Content................ 38 Forever Moments: Don’t Let Them Pass You By.............................................................. 46 Retirement Is Like Heaven................................. 50 Finding Joy in Balance........................................... 70

Mind and Body The Importance of a Health Care Home.................................... 30 Spinal Cord Stimulation at Southwest Spine & Pain Signals Major Advancement for Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy........................ 32 Spring Is in the Air........................................... 34 Functional Medicine: Getting to the Root of the Matter.......................... 41

Snow Hiking: Better Amidst Red Rock... 48 Questions About COVID Vaccines for Thoughtful Consideration.................... 52 Preston’s Medical Waste Disposal: Protecting People and the Environment......................................... 54 Are Your Seasonal Allergies Driving You Crazy?............................................ 66 Indoor Wellness.................................................. 68 What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?....................................... 71

Understanding Depression: Causes, Myths, and Treatments......... 14 Fight to Eliminate Depression Through Neurostar Advanced TMS Therapy... 42

Internet Pornography: Why We’re Obsessed and How to Rewire the Addicted Brain............................ 44 Becoming Your Own Hero.................... 62 Are Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness the Key to Curing the Collective Chaos of Our Culture?...................... 64

Relationships and Family

Spring into Relationship Fitness........... 56 A Family That Plays Together Stays Together................................... 60

Nutrition

Dining Guide.................................................... 72

The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of St. George Health & Wellness Magazine, its owners, or its staff.

The way way we we talk talk about about sexual sexual violence violence matters. used to to foster foster a a culture culture of of The matters. Our Our words words can can be be used safety, respect, and before it happens. Oror to to show support for safety, and equality equality that thatstops stopssexual sexualviolence violence before it happens show support survivors, shutdown and practive to practice healthy for survivors, shutdownharmful harmfulmisconceptions, misconceptions, promote promote consent, and healthy communication with with children. Our voices matter now now moremore thanthan ever.ever. How How will you voice to communication children. Our voices matter will use you your use yours help sexual assault, assault,harassment, harassment,and andrape? rape? DOVE Center is our local resource for those help end sexual DOVE Center is our local resource for those who who experienced domestic abuse and sexual assault. can Please help. Please havehave experienced domestic abuse and sexual assault. DOVEDOVE can help. reach reach out. out.

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s ghw | MWEEELTLONUERS SS T A F F

Brendan Dalley Executive Editor

Koby Taylor, PharmD Executive Editor, Author

Diane K. Del Toro Director of Operations, Copy and Design Editor

Scott Allen Author, Health and Wellness

Brigit Atkin Author, Mind and Body

Erin Del Toro Author, Mind and Body

Matt Eschler, PhD, LMFT Author, Relationships and Family

Gini Grimsley, Director of Fitness Product, VASA Fitness Author, Health and Fitness

Tiffany Gust, MS, CISSN Author, Health and Fitness

Lyman Hafen Author, Community and Culture

Rob Henderson Author, Mind and Body

Marianne Hamilton Author, Community and Culture

Bentley Murdock Author, Wholistic Lifestyle Wellness

Mark Wade Author, Outdoor Adventure

L. Steven Wilson Author, Purposeful Living

For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com, email diane.sghealth@gmail.com or call us at (435) 236-2966. The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in St. George Health & Wellness Magazine. The information contained within has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate professional advice should be sought before making decisions. Outside of our staff authors, articles written by providers or professionals are invited authors and represent the opinions of that particular individual, business, group or organization. If an article is a paid advertisement, we will place the word “Advertisement” or “Advertorial” to identify it as such. ©Copyright 2022.

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sghw | FWR EO LML TNHEES ESD I T O R

We’ve all heard the saying that knowledge is power. A more accurate statement might be that correct knowledge that is applied to get a desired result is power. With so much that is going on in the news and with all that we see in social media, it can be hard to determine what is correct knowledge and what is someone’s opinion. This magazine has always tried to provide correct information that can be applied to make you and those around you healthier. Of course, not everything we write about is one-size-fits-all. Nothing in life is. When it comes to establishing and maintaining good health, each person has the responsibility to decide what is best for their own body and mind from the knowledge they gain. For instance, I have discovered there are certain foods I cannot eat. I learned this when I went through a health crisis earlier in my life that compelled me to gather as much information as I could about my health issue. In the end, I put all that I had learned into practice and intuitively found out what worked for me. I had another experience that reinforced the idea that only I could determine what was best for my health. About eight years ago, I went through three back surgeries, with the last one ending in the fusion of my L4 and L5 vertebrae. This took a drastic toll on my active lifestyle, especially on my golf game. Before my surgery, I took pride in the fact that I could occasionally win a few long-drive contests. After my third surgery and fusion, I couldn’t even swing a club for a year. Slowly, I got back into it as I became very aware of what my body would allow me to do. The good news is that my golf game actually improved because I became much more aware of my swing mechanics. I also found out that I could still drive a ball a decent distance without trying to kill it. Yes, I may not win any long-drive contests, but my scoring has improved dramatically. The point is, I had to learn what was best for me and what my body could physically sustain. Others advised me about what to do and how to do it, but in the end, knowing what was best for me was my decision. My hope is that when you read through our awesome issue this month, you’ll keep in mind that you need to find what works for you and what makes you better.

Brendan Brendan Dalley Dalley Editor Editor

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 7

M AYO R A L M E S S A G E

It was a page-one moment: BigShots Golf, sitting astride Interstate 15 near Desert Color, was holding a groundbreaking event for their new venue. The climax of the occasion was the ceremonial tee shot of an exploding golf ball. Simple enough, right? I stood along a line of dignitaries selected to tee off and waited for the command. The count began: 5…4…3…2…1. We all swung. I whiffed. I swung a second time and missed the ball—again. Finally, on the third try, I was able to connect. I couldn’t hide the fact that I wasn’t a golfer. Apparently, that puts me in select company among our residents and visitors. Golf ’s popularity in St. George has surged. Did you know that the City of St. George courses—Dixie Red Hills, Sunbrook, St. George Golf Club, and Southgate Golf Club—hosted more rounds of golf in 2021 than ever before? Give it a try, and you will find a fun, affordable experience for players of all skill levels, even a beginner like me! Golf is just one of many recreational activities we are known for in St. George. As spring approaches, there are many awesome events on the horizon. St. George Races, part of the Leisure Services department, hosts the March Mayhem on March 12 and St. George Triathlon (formerly the SHAC Tri) on April 9, 2022. More information can be found at www.sgcity.org/races. The St. George Art Festival, long a staple of our community and a symbol of our burgeoning arts scene, is set for April 15 and 16, 2022. The Festival is a world-class, family-friendly event featuring thousands of original works of art, live entertainment on two stages, a vibrant children’s area, and all types of food. Typically, 30,000 residents and visitors from around the west converge on Historic Town Square during Easter weekend for the Art Festival. Find information at www.sgartfestival.com. Then, there is the first of two world championship races, the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship, set for May 7, 2022, in St. George. Why is this significant? For the first time ever, this full distance triathlon (140.6 miles) will have its world championship outside of Hawaii. Volunteers will be needed to help pull off this oncein-a-lifetime event. The atmosphere will be invigorating. Don’t forget that every day you can enjoy our high-quality walking and biking trails throughout the city. Consider trying the Mayor’s Loop, located at the Crosby Family Confluence Park (2099 S. Convention Center Drive). Whatever activity you choose, I promise you will not swing and miss.

Mayor, City of St. George 8 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

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entire world has a heightened I As amthethrilled to announce thatawareness as part ofofthea importance landmark of health and wellness during the ongoing pandemic, several partnership, Dixie State University and the Greater Zion entrepreneurs working with Dixie State University’s Atwood Convention & are Tourism entered into stay a strategic Innovation Plaza helpingOffice peoplehave all across the nation healthy marketing agreement that will result in Greater Zion receiving and safe. more than $2ofmillion in annual marketing exposure and With the help the business and incubation resources available at Innovation Steribin developed theGreater first UV disinfection device TrailblazerPlaza, Stadium being renamed Zion Stadium. for airport security trays in 2018 to help eliminate the spread of contaminants airport security bins. While workingrevenue to gain The 20-year,through $10 million agreement maximizes approval from Transportation Security Administration, Steribin generated bythe visitors—not Washington County taxpayers—to has usedaitssuperior technology in other applications, such as food create experience for both visitors and processing residents. and laboratories. The partnership is truly a win-win-win situation for everyone; it In January, Steribin announced its merger with Vioguard, a leading promotes area nationally, builds the community, and fuels provider of the hospital-grade UV disinfection solutions. Together as economic growth by bringing more people to our gorgeous UV360, the two companies will offer a wide range of UV disinfection corner of thebring world. solutions and new jobs to Washington County. Another medical technology company incubated in Innovation As part of this effort, the has Tourism Office will establish a visitor Plaza is MedLite ID, which created technology that illuminates at main the stadium andtoinformation at other key acenter patient’s infusion line help medical kiosks professionals quickly identify theoncorrect IV toline. Often, visitor patientsactivities in ICUs,tooperating locations campus showcase all those rooms, and COVID-19 units have fourcampus. to twentyAdditionally, IV lines. By who attend events on thecan Dixie State lighting the “safe line” through which life-saving medications can be Dixie State will better be able to tell prospective students administered, medical professionals can easily identify the right line what an amazing backyard full of abundant recreational to use, especially during a medical emergency. MedLite ID helps opportunities they will have they attend prevent complications caused bywhen adverse drug eventsDSU. and helps care providers work quickly and effectively. The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more perfect, as it will assist Dixie State during our transition to NCAA Division I status through opportunities to expand athletic facilities. The university plans on adding state-of-the-art press boxes and comfortable event space to the existing

Housed inAthletic InnovationConference Plaza on the Western DSU campus, Soft Cell Laboratories starting this July, Dixie State has partnered with the Utah will take onofcompetitors based Department Health to offer the everywhere from Washington, entire southern Utah community California, and New free COVID-19Arizona, testing that does not require doctor’s order. By hosting Mexicoa to Illinois, Missouri, anda much-needed COVID site in a Texas. This will give testing Greater Zion centrally located area of St. George, access to audiences it would Soft Cell and DSU are helping remove otherwise leave unreached. barriers to accessing testing. It really is great to see how Plus, entrepreneurs partnering with Greatera local are making Zion is a natural fit for difference throughout the Dixie entire State with University. TheDixie Tourism nation help from State University’s Atwood Innovation Plaza. Office’s vision to “Inspire Greater. As southern Greater. Utah’s premier business Experience Live Greater.” Richard “Biff” Williams development pipeline, Innovation aligns perfectly with Dixie State’s “active learning. active life.” Plaza offers no-cost consultations and incubatorPresident workspaceofthrough approach to Resource education. Both philosophies take advantage ofand the Dixie State University the Business Center; resources to create prototypes beautiful, world-renowned destination we Makerspace; live in by encouraging perform small-run manufacturing though the assistance with research, patents, trademarks, copyrights through students, visitors, and residents alikeand to learn by exploring. Innovation Guidance & Solutions; and help getting businesses up Here at the University, we recognize that valuable learning and running through the Startup Incubator. experiences take place inside and outside of the classroom. By Learn how you can innovate, launch, and grow at innovation. taking advantage of experiences available in Greater Zion, we dixie.edu. all can grow academically, actively, and holistically. This unique, trailblazing partnership certainly will enhance our community for years to come. I can’t wait to see you at St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 11 upcoming games, concerts, and community events in Greater

DI XI E TECHNICAL TEC H N IC AL COLLEGE C OLLEGE MESSAGE MESSAGE DIXIE dolor sit TheLorem Law ofipsum the Harvest Goes

amet, consectetur adipiscing Well Beyond the Garden. elit. Ut rhoncus ex id ex blandit porta. Etiam erat turpis,

It’s spring! My thoughts turn

vehicula eu egestas sit amet,

torhoncus the wonders of the garden, ut leo. Sed comespecially to freshly modo purus feugiatpicked mauris

sim volutpat consequat. Nam eget massa at quamduring placerat or four years working under a licensed electrician the day vulputate nec a neque. Phasellus nec sapien et tellus molestie and attending class at night in order to test and obtain your own fermentum. Nam elementum vehicula ex, sed dignissim tellus

license to become a residential or commercial electrician.

lobortis id. Etiam et pellentesque eros. Mauris bibendum, erat nec accumsan lobortis, nunc dui euismod elit, venenatis ultric-

Similarly, to become an auto technician, diesel technician, drafter, ies neque justo eget enim.

medical assistant, certified nurse assistant, bio-lab technician, app

peas. The thought takes me back to my childhood my dad’ s tincidunt, ac and volutpat tortor

developer, or other professional, youDuis mustcondimentum first plant the mauseed and Pellentesque vitae laoreet urna.

vastsodales. garden in the tiny town of lorem. Spring Curabitur Glen. We would wait and vitae Etiam et tincidunt vehicula, ligula

put in the time and effort to develop thefacilisis knowledge andnisi, skilleu set reris euismod dapibus tristique. Aenean augue

varius dignissim, ligulaappear, consectetur purus, ut have placerat telwatch for the peas toligula magically and then we’d to wait

pellentesque volutpat ut. Fusce tortor mi, often iaculisa in massa quired. Most oferos these programs bear fruit early, year or less.

lusmore ante until nec est. iaculis interdum orci. Sedeverything at felis eros. some theyDonec were fat enough to pick. While

ac, volutpat tincidunt dolor. Proin quis volutpat ante. Mauris et

Maecenas non et massa hendrerit finibus vitae a felis. from the garden is lorem a delight to the senses, fresh peas straight from

There is never a better time to plant the seed for a better career than

cursus sed elit ac, sodales viverra dolor. the Vestibulum pods may benibh theurna, ultimate treat. Morbi in arcu et nibh viverra accumsan sed ac lectus. Pellen-

tesque facilisis orci libero, a placerat velit fringilla et. Aliquam

augue scelerisque, rhoncus ex mattis, commodo magna. Proin vehicula ultrices dapibus. Phasellus varius leo accumsan nibh

right now. The months and years will come and go, and you can mattis, sed blandit ipsum fringilla.

either have that better career or not. It’s all up to you. If you’ve been

If you think you would like to plant peas in your garden this year,

thinking about what you’d like to do with your life, I encourage you

it may be too late, even if you planted them today. In the greater quis mollis sem.

to come up to Dixie Tech, take a tour, and apply for a program that ligula blandit est, vel eleifend sapien leo non velit. Sed eu nunc

nice and theyvitae can be enjoyed in April and May before Sedcool orciso ex,that rutrum erat ac, feugiat pretium ipsum.

and soon you’ll interdum find yourself enjoying the fruit. In this case,nisi, “reaping ligula sit amet elementum, quam turpis feugiat

vitae euismod est, a malesuada justo. Donec eu tincidunt lectus,

St. George area, peas must be planted in February when it’s still

Pellentesque ullamcorper, diam sit amet dapibus efficitur, mi

is the best fit forfermentum you. Plant imperdiet and nurture the seed of atincidunt, new career, quam. Integer luctus. Nullam

it gets too id hot. Younisi. haveFusce to plan ahead,arcu prepare theelementum, soil, plant the Donec diam lobortis nec ex nec

what you sow” is doing for which you are well prepared and vel efficitur purus dolorwork sed turpis. Cras pretium mauris lacus,

imperdiet risus Vivamus suscipit arcu, ut mattis seeds, and care foraccumsan. the plants before youacenjoy the peas.

at porttitor exIt’tincidunt ac. Nam vel blandit in scelerisque that you love. s richly rewarding. Plant todayodio, so that next year at

mi. Vivamus hendrerit ligula urna, id ullamcorper eros cursus non. Fusce consequat elementum nisl sed laoreet. Ut eu risus Gardeners understand this law of the harvest very well. Timing is vel nunc pharetra sodales quis ut diam. Morbi justo tortor,

critical; you reap what you sow. It doesn’t work any other way.

nunc. Praesent ut leo quis urna a id dui. this time, you’ll find yourself fullyegestas enjoyinggravida the harvest! Happiest of Holidays!

dignissim sed tincidunt et, tincidunt quis quam. Curabitur auctor odio viverra massa gravida, facilisis dapibus dolor facilisis.

ThePhasellus law of thevestibulum harvest applies to much more thanNunc your ac garden. vestibulum sollicitudin. purusFor example, you can’t odio just decide to getenim. a job as an electrician unless ultrices, luctus quis, iaculis you have already enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program, such as the placerat, one offered at Dixie Tech. Then, you must spend three Nulla lacus scelerisque vestibulum rutrum, orci est

Kelle Stephens

scelerisque justo, in tincidunt ligula sapien non ante. Praesent

President of Dixie Technical College Kelle Stephens

libero neque, hendrerit quis porta eu, convallis nec ex. Ut dignis-

President of Dixie Technical College

12 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

DIXIE TECH WHERE THE OUTCOME OF YOUR EDUCATION IS INCOME

435.674.8400

Understanding

Depression Causes, Myths, and Treatments By Diane Del Toro

Do you know someone who has depression, or has someone in your family been diagnosed with depression? Even if we are dealing with depression in ourselves or our families, we may not know what it really is. Is it just feeling sad all the time? Why can’t people just snap out of it?

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

Depression is a complex disease. Nobody knows exactly what causes it, but there are a variety of different reasons it can occur. For some, it is triggered by a serious medical illness. Others may become depressed after a sudden life change, like the death of a loved one or a divorce. Some depression sufferers may have a family history that predisposes them to the disease, and still others report feeling overwhelming sadness for no known reason at all. 14 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

It’s often said that depression results from a chemical imbalance, but that figure of speech doesn’t capture the many physical conditions that are contributing factors, including too much or too little of certain brain chemicals, faulty mood regulation, or other genetic vulnerabilities. Generally, though, depression can be separated into two categories: circumstantial and clinical. Circumstantial depression refers to feelings surrounding an event, such as the diagnosis of a serious medical condition or having to sell one’s house and move. The circumstances that can cause depression are extremely numerous: teenagers can become depressed when they have problems with their friends at school; the elderly may fall into depression when they move to a care facility; and a middle-aged man can lapse into depression when he loses a long-promised promotion to a co-worker. Circumstantial depression is highly individualized.

Clinical depression defies circumstances. The depressed person may not be able to find the reason for their despondent feelings, and it may baffle those around the patient, too, because they cannot see any outward reasons for the depression. In 1996, a survey was conducted by Diana Morales, vice president of public education at Mental Health America. When the study began, researchers found that only about 38 percent of people viewed depression as a real health problem, but when the survey concluded in 2006, 72 percent of people viewed depression as a real health problem. While attitudes about depression continue to evolve, education is necessary to help lift the stigma surrounding this illness and to help those dealing with depression fight the misinformation and prejudice surrounding the disease. Some common myths about depression are:

DEPRESSION IS SELF-PITY.

Depressed people may seem to be “wallowing” in their sadness, but it’s not willful self-pity. Depression is actually a chronic physical illness with symptoms that are mostly invisible. Symptoms include: trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions; fatigue; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness; pessimism and hopelessness; insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much; crankiness or irritability; restlessness; loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex; overeating or appetite loss; aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that don’t go away; digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment; and persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings.

MEDICATION FOR DEPRESSION IS USELESS IF IT ONLY TREATS THE SYMPTOMS AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING ISSUES.

For those on the outside, so to speak, medication can seem like putting a bandage on a massive wound. Often, medication is what the patient needs to feel good enough to seek help from other sources for the root cause of the problem.

DEPRESSION IS NOT A “REAL” ILLNESS.

Brain imaging studies have revealed the actual chemical imbalances that occur in the brain of a depressed person. Depression is considered physiological, even if the cause is circumstantial; the

chemical imbalance is still present regardless of the depression’s origin. Just as you cannot stop a headache with the power of your mind, people with depression are also stuck with their symptoms. Treatment approaches differ according to the type of depression the patient is experiencing as well as the individual’s personality and lifestyle. Once your doctor rules out a physical cause for your symptoms, you may be referred to a mental health professional, who may begin treatments that include medicine (such as antidepressants), talk therapy, or psychotherapy. The process may take some time, so remain committed to your treatment methods. It may take more than a month for drugs to take their full effect, and you may need to try different treatments to find the one that works best for you. There are other treatments your doctor may consider. These include electroconvulsive therapy (a treatment option for people with persistent symptoms or for those with severe depression) and vagus nerve stimulation (a treatment using a pacemaker-like device that is surgically implanted under the collarbone to deliver regular impulses to the brain). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a relatively new type of treatment for depression that has had significant success at improving overall mental state. Approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment option for depression, TMS is a non-invasive procedure that applies electromagnetic pulses (similar to those of an MRI) to certain parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood with no or minimal side effects. Premier Psychological Counseling and Consulting is a local provider for transcranial magnetic stimulation. If you are interested in learning more about Premier’s NeuroStar TMS treatments for depression or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please visit their website at premierpcc.com, call their office (435-216-9290), or turn to page 42 in this publication.

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 15

ABOUND AT THE FAIR By Susi Lafaele In 1973, the Sherman Brothers penned the lyrics “A fair is a veritable smorgasboardorgasboard-orgasboard” for the animated film Charlotte’s Web, and their words weren’t too far off. The Washington County Fair has been an integral part of the southern Utah community for over 160 years—ever since the early settlers of Washington City opened their homes to display agricultural products (livestock, corn, cotton, and garden vegetables), braided straw hats, moccasins made from tanned deer skins, and homemade articles from county-grown cotton and wool. Today’s fair is a chance to showcase the produce of local gardeners and the agriculture of Washington County farmers and to highlight the physical prowess of athletes who take on a raging bull or horse. There is no doubt that the Washington County Fair is a smorgasbord of activities for the entire family. In 2021, the fair drew record crowds, with 60,000 people in attendance. This year, the fair is excited to offer even more attractions, entertainment, and fun for everyone who attends. With two new events (a two-night rodeo and a special needs rodeo) and a performance by Grammy-nominated artist Walker Hayes, the 2022 Washington County Fair is proud to offer more opportunities than ever for the community to participate and come together.

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Showcase Your Home and Garden Summoning all bakers, gardeners, and crafters! The Washington County Fair promotes community involvement and interest, so if you have something to contribute in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, household arts, fine arts, and diverse traditions, come join us in a family-friendly environment. We encourage the public (you) to showcase your accomplishments. The fair accepts entries in the following categories: home and literary arts, 4-H projects, photography, crafts, quilting, canning, needlework, flowers, vegetables, baked goods, and everything in between. Items must be finished within the last year (with the exception of fine arts), and entry applications are open to residents of Washington County. How Do I Decide Which Items to Enter? Condition is the most important aspect of choosing your specimens. Be sure there are no signs of disease or insect damage on any part of the item. Produce that has been improperly washed and/or poorly prepared (trimmed) will receive lower consideration in the judging. Mechanical injury, such as nicks, bruising, or other blemishes, can happen at any time, but be especially careful when picking or transporting the produce to the fair as this is a common time for injuries to occur. Quality is another criterion in judging. It is important that the produce not be overripe, underripe, wilted, or shriveled. The item should be at the perfect stage for eating. Uniformity is an important quality. If five specimens are in an exhibit, they should all look the same. They should be of the same size, shape, color, quality, condition, and degree of maturity and should be prepared in the same manner.

Specimens should also be true to type. This means that each variety of a given vegetable should display the characteristics that make it different from other varieties of the same vegetable. Some of these differences are found in the shape, size, and color. Size needs consideration when choosing your exhibits. Exhibiting for the county fair is not a contest to see who has grown the biggest specimen! Some vegetables and fruits, such as the tomato, have varieties that are very small and are often included in a separate class. A highlight of the Washington County Fair is participating in or viewing the exhibitions that promote local food and agriculture. Begin now to identify items that you would like to enter, and if you don’t have anything to enter, come for the fun! In addition to the displays, the fair features hundreds of ideas on how to make your home, yard, and garden more environmentally friendly and beautiful. Competitive Equestrian Sports In an unprecedented move in 2021, the County Fair shifted from the heat of August to the cooler temperature of spring, allowing for more agricultural and animal events, including a two-day rodeo and a specialneeds rodeo. Arising out of the working practices of cattle herding in Spain and Mexico and eventually expanding throughout the Americas and to other nations, rodeo has now become synonymous with the southwest. Garth Brooks catapulted the sport into the limelight in 1991 when he sang:

Well it’s bulls and blood It’s dust and mud It’s the roar of a Sunday crowd It’s the white in his knuckles The gold in his buckle He’ll win the next go ‘round It’s boots and chaps It’s cowboy hats It’s spurs and latigo It’s the ropes and the reins And the joy and the pain And they call the thing rodeo. For the first time in years, the Washington County Fair will host a two-day rodeo that will feature the cowboys and cowgirls of the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association. Held Easter weekend (Friday and Saturday, April 15th and 16th), fans can see athletes participate in events such as bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and more! In addition to the rodeo, the county fair has hosted both a barrel racing night (held this year on Thursday, April 21st) and a junior rodeo (held this year on Friday, April 22nd) for the last three years. Agriculture at the Fair Working closely with the Washington County Extension Office and 4-H, the Washington County Fair has one of the best animal education centers and petting zoos! In 2021, more than 5,000 people walked through the animal education center hosted by the local FFA clubs from eight Washington County high schools. Approximately one hundred animals were on display—everything from emus to potbellied pigs and from longhorn cattle to baby chicks. Washington County also boasts one of the largest and most active horse clubs in the state of Utah. Continued on Page 18

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 17

Continued from Page 17 Throughout the fair, youth show their rabbits, chickens, goats and horses in hopes of receiving the coveted sweepstakes ribbon. This year, the fair also will play host to a youth seed program, whose objective is to engage Washington County youth and families in gardening and fiber arts. This involves various “make and take” activities, including seed planting, French knitting, and fabric dying. Even though the locations, entertainment, and displays have changed throughout the years, one thing remains the same: the Washington County Fair continues to bring the community together. About the Author Susi Lafaele is the Washington County Event Specialist and Fair Director. She is also involved with non-profit organizations Art Around the Corner and Red Rock Rotary and is a cofounder of Southern Utah Pacific Islander Coalition. When she’s not planning the county fair or other events, you can find her spending time with nieces and nephews, traveling, or taking a much needed nap.

Plan to Attend the Washington County Fair! Where: Washington County Legacy Park 5500 West 700 South Hurricane, Utah Rodeo Hours: Friday, April 15th, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, April 16th, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Special Needs Rodeo:

Saturday, April 16th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rodeo Carnival Hours: Friday, April 15th, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, April 16th, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Fair Hours: Wednesday, April 20th, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21th, 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Friday, April 22th, 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23th, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Carnival Hours: Wednesday, April 20th, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21th, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday, April 22th, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. For more information on the Washington County Fair and its events, visit www.washcofair.net or call the 24-hour hotline at 435-652-5899.

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Different Date Nights: Ten Unique Ways to Share the Love Valentine’s Day may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use a little romance in our lives, right? Whether your relationship is in its early stages By Marianne Hamilton

or you’ve celebrated decades together, you and your significant other can always benefit from some extra special

togetherness time.

Movie Night

Nothing beats genuine movie theater popcorn while you’re watching your favorite film (or TV show). Did you know that most cinemas offer popcorn (and virtually every other snack item) to go for your at-home enjoyment? Download the Megaplex app and preorder your goodies for in-theater or off-site consumption (a large bucket runs roughly $8). Bonus tip: Season two of Bridgerton bows on Netflix March 25.

Fortunately, the Greater St. George area offers abundant, diverse opportunities to supercharge your spark, both indoors and out. Best news: Each will help you connect (or reconnect) safely and without busting your budget.

Pleasure Afoot

A quick YouTube search of “foot massage videos” will bring up scores of clips ranging from a sixty-second instruction video to a half-hour tutorial. Light some candles, dial up your spa playlist, bring out the massage oil (or any super-rich body lotion/cream), and share this treat. Bonus tip: If you’re skittish about your (or your partner’s) tootsies, consider a communal soak in warm water beforehand.

Happy Trails

There’s a reason why St. George is a must-see destination for travelers across the globe; our hiking trails and vistas are practically unparalleled. Take a day hike in Snow Canyon, traverse the two-mile Turtle Wall loop, or stroll along the Bearclaw Poppy Trail. There are dozens of routes to match your skill-levels. Bonus tip: The Greater Zion’s interactive trails map (https://trails.greaterzion.com) lists all the best-known and off-the-beaten-path routes.

Go for a Spin

You may not be Tour de France ready, but you can still rock two wheels. Just grab one of the bright orange Spin scooters available everywhere, and go. Each has a tag with a scannable QR code that allows you to unlock it and turn on the motor. Download the app ahead of time, and you can authorize payment and begin your spin in seconds. Bonus tip: It’s $1 to unlock the scooter and 15¢ per mile to ride, making the average afternoon cruise as cost effective as it is fun. 20 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

Whether your relationship is in its early stages or you’ve celebrated decades together, you and your significant other can always benefit from some extra special togetherness time.

Be a Swinger

You may never have held a golf club, but the act of swatting a small ball with a hunk of metal can be therapeutic in the extreme. With eight driving ranges open to the public in Washington County and a minimal cost to get started ($3 for a small bucket of balls and $6 for large), you can flail away in the fresh air without breaking the bank. Bonus tip: A used club (available in generous supply at thrift outlets such as ReStore) will only set you back a couple of bucks, so you can try before you buy.

Grow Your Love

Even if your garden consists of three pots on your windowsill, a stroll through your local nursery with your loved one is a decided treat. Once you’ve selected your flora, set aside time to plant and feed; the sensory satisfaction of getting your hands dirty (not to mention watching your new babies flourish) cannot be overstated. Bonus tip: The Washington County Water Conservancy District offers events and classes that promote wise water-usage. Visit https://www. wcwcd.org/events/ for details.

Digital Declaration

Does your beloved always know how you feel? Thanks to your smartphone, he or she always can. It’s as simple as making a tensecond video or audio clip explaining what you love about your special someone and then sharing. Make date-night plans, fire up your phones, and hit record. Once you get past the nervous giggles, you’ll come away with a lifelong treasure. Bonus tip: Special filters and effects are fun but unnecessary; the message is most important.

Cook up Some Romance

Ever hankered to get some coaching from a world-class chef? With just a few clicks on your keyboard, hundreds of culinary craftspeople will spill their secrets right in your own kitchen. Good Housekeeping has curated some of the best online cooking classes (including a few freebies) at https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/ life/g32291613/best-online-cooking. Google will serve up many more. Bonus tip: After class, you and your S.O. can sit down to a romantic meal for two.

A rt with Heart

In April, the new outdoor sculpture galleries (installed annually by the Art Around the Corner Foundation) will debut. Pack a picnic, take a walking tour of this year’s collection (located in Town Square and along Main Street), and then share a leisurely lunch al fresco. From kids bouncing on pogo sticks to a reclining dragon to a “bioluminescent mermaid,” there’s sure to be a piece that captures your fancy. Bonus tip: All sculptures are available for sale or lease. Visit https://artaroundthecorner.org for details.

10]

Pass It On

Few experiences are more bonding (and satisfying) than those that make a positive impact on a fellow human being. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; the act of purging pantry or closet and passing along what you really don’t need can yield that effect. Take an hour or two with your partner, pack up any clothing items you haven’t worn in the past couple of years, and collect those extra bags of pasta or cans of soup you put aside “just in case.” Then make deliveries at Switchpoint, the Utah Food Bank, or your favorite charitable organization. Bonus tip: Your payback will be instantaneous joy, and it’s tax-deductible. About the Author Marianne L. Hamilton is a veteran journalist and marketing writer whose work appears in regional and national publications. When not race walking, hiking, or teaching water aerobics, she is the past Board Chair of Art Around the Corner and the Special Events Manager for DOCUTAH. She and her husband, Doug, are also co-administrators of the St. George Wine Club and race directors for the Huntsman World Senior Games and National Senior Games. Marianne was crowned Ms. Senior Universe 2021-2022 and is the Senior Pageants Group’s Senior Games Ambassador. She is a proud breast cancer survivor.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 21

The Family’s Involvement in the Senior Living Decision How to Support a Loved One, Ask the Right Questions, and Simplify Decisions By Emily Havens, Director of Marketing, Ovation Sienna Hills

About the Author Emily Havens is the Executive Community Relations Director for Ovation Sienna Hills. Prior to developing her marketing career, Emily spent three years at The Spectrum and Daily News as a local journalist. Emily has garnered several awards from the Associated Press, Utah Press Association, and Nevada Press Association. In addition to her contributions to journalism and the digital marketing world, Emily is also a local nonprofit chapter president.

Whether mom and dad have expressed their desire to move into a senior living community or you’ve watched them struggle in their home as they age, there is a wide range of emotions involved in making the decision to move to senior living: relief, joy, pain, resistance, and excitement. When a family can come together on a united front and support a solution that allows mom and dad to thrive and experience joy in their final years, the transition is much more positive and comfortable for everyone. Communicate Often and Openly Your loved one’s needs will be very specific to them as you embark on the quest for the right fit. You need to understand that your loved one will have different concerns and questions than you might have. Remember, they are making the move, not you. The basic foundation for a healthy discussion can start here: What is most important to you? What is going to make you truly happy? Remember to address your parents’ concerns. Do not brush them off. Why are they feeling this way? What are the underlying emotions at play? Try to focus on the positive aspects of senior living. How are you all working to help create a brighter future for your loved one? Research Together Time to get organized. Compile questions and answers into a master list to ensure you don’t miss anything as you visit communities. Gather marketing material and consider “dividing and conquering” with other family members. Your master list should include questions about

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security, accommodations, lifestyle, social activities and events, health and fitness facilities, and much more. Make the Most of Community Tours Touring a community before making a move is key. Allow for an appropriate amount of time—typically an hour—each visit to speak to team members and residents. Pay special attention to how a community makes you feel. What is the culture there? Does it feel lively or drab? If possible, tour with a resident. When that is not possible, meet with a resident, and ask them questions. What do they like most about living there? Also, if possible, ask if you can stay for lunch! Stay Involved in Your Loved One’s Life Once a decision has been made about the right community, approach the actual move with enthusiasm. After they have settled into a community, family members should make every effort to remain involved in their life through activities, meals, and health appointments. In doing so, they accomplish two important things. First, they can continue to learn more about this new phase of their family member’s life, and second, they can confirm that their loved one is flourishing in their new home. If you would like to talk with a representative from Ovation Sienna Hills about enhancing your life or the life of your loved one, please call (435) 429-0000, visit their website at www.ovationsiennahills.com, or stop by their community on the corner of Washington Parkway and Telegraph Street at 1525 E. Ovation Place in Washington, Utah, 84780.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 23

By Lisa G. Larson

Prevention Is Key to a Happy, Healthy Heart

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It is the number one killer in the progressive world today, and yet, when considering what most people are doing to keep heart disease at bay, their actions indicate the answer is “not much” or “not enough.” “I think we become numb to it,” said structural heart cardiologist Dr. Blake Gardner of the lackadaisical attitude some people take when it comes to proper heart health. “We live in an excess of comfort. Sometimes those indulgences that allow us to live in comfort are not good for our heart.” Heart disease, which leads to heart attack and stroke, is so prevalent that it’s difficult to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by it. Unlike infectious diseases, heart disease will find you wherever you are. “You can’t run from it,” Gardner said. “It can take your life faster than anything we know of, other than some sort of trauma.” While it’s true you cannot run from heart disease, Dr. Blake Gardner running—or anything that elevates your heart rate—is actually one of the steps to take to prevent it. The other element, arguably more important, is diet. “Diet is 90-plus percent of the equation,” Gardner said. “You don’t have to eat a bland, boring diet, but moderation is the key to reducing the risks.” Although it takes time to adjust, Gardner said people can retrain their bodies to feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. He also suggested adopting a diet more in line with the Mediterranean diet, which promotes eating more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish and less red meat and processed sugars and fewer refined grains. “Ideally, it would be nice if everyone in the country had an opportunity to sit down with a nutritionist and talk about the importance of what, when, and how much they’re putting into their bodies,” Gardner said. Even if a regular visit with a nutritionist is not possible for you, Gardner noted that it is paramount to establish a good relationship with your primary care physician and comply with their advice. “Primary care physicians are on the front lines with people to help prevent problems,” Gardner said. “By the time they get to us (cardiologists), it’s almost too late.” According to Gardner, the most effective time to prevent heart disease actually begins in childhood, with some studies showing the impact of childhood dietary habits playing out seven or eight decades later. However, even in adulthood, it is not too late to undo previous damage if people are willing to change.

RS:

“When someone comes in after a massive heart attack and we snatch them from the brink of death, there is often some motivation to make changes,” Gardner said. “Prior to that, people don’t seem to pay as much attention.” Gardner cited the following four prevention tips for preventing heart disease: smoking cessation, healthy eating, exercise, and regular visits with a primary care physician. From there, a doctor can discuss the possibility of using medication to minimize or stabilize arterial plaque. “Some disease processes are going to occur no matter what, but portions of heart health are not necessarily like that,” Gardner said. “So much can be done with basic prevention.”

ATTENTION DOWNWINDERS:

ompensation Act (RECA) 2022.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is set to expire on July 9, 2022.

n to “Downwinders,” ore than 60,000 people who llout in Southern Utah and and July of 1962.

This act provides compensation to “Downwinders,” a term used to describe the more than 60,000 people who were exposed to radioactive fallout in Southern Utah and Eastern Nevada from 1951-58 and July of 1962.

pouses and/or children of About the Author ply forLisa upLarson to $50,000 in with a is a freelance writer

Qualifying downwinders – or spouses and/or children of deceased loved ones – may apply for up to $50,000 in compensation.

bout RECA or your tion, call

For more information about RECA or your eligibility for compensation, call (435) 251-4760.

background in public relations and public speaking and a passion for sharing great stories. You might spot Lisa with her husband and three children enjoying the downtown carousel or exploring one of the area’s hiking trails. She also enjoys reading and baking, and she is looking to rekindle her romance with running. You can find Lisa on Twitter @LisaGLarson or at www.facebook.com/larsonlisa.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 25

Tough Days Breed Long Memories By Jay Bartlett The weather report for the day didn’t look too threatening, at least for the St. George area. There was the possibility of rain showers, but the sky was a mix of black and blue; it would probably be a fine day for a ride. Little Creek Mesa was our choice, and it had been an uneventful day as we sat down for a lunch break at The Point on The Peninsula trail, with its fantastic north-facing view of Gooseberry Mesa. With lunch and a nice rest done, Travis, Marty, and I got up to retrieve our bikes and head out. What met our eyes as we turned around was ominous. Above the treeline, the sky had turned an evillooking, purplish black. “Uh oh,” I thought. “We better get moving,” Travis muttered. Seconds later, Boom! A very close-sounding thunderclap shook the very air around us. “Damn!” we all exclaimed in unison. I turned to Marty, who up until this ride had been away from his bike for a while and was feeling the full-body workout that riding slickrock entails. “Sorry man,” I said, “We are going to have to really push hard for a bit.” We knew if we could make it a couple of miles, there was a deep overhang we could shelter under. However, this section of trail wasn’t “fast” due to its technical features, even when fueled by a sense of impending doom. I could see in Marty’s eyes before he even answered that the adrenaline was already kicking in. “I’m good. Let’s go!” he urged. We saddled up with heart rates already soaring and sprinted off into the forest. As we rode, several more claps of thunder cracked over our heads, making me duck closer to my handlebars in a futilely late attempt to avoid the lightning that had already struck. Not so soon enough, we broke out of the trees into a large, empty field of slickrock. The rain had started, and for the time being, the lightning was going nowhere. Crossing that field to the overhang we wanted to get to seemed a pretty bad idea. Travis jumped off his bike and ran into a gully of rock. “Down

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here!” he beckoned, and Marty and I followed to a small cave that the three of us could just fit into if we tucked our legs tight to our chests. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was just enough to keep the majority of the downpour off of us. The fact that there was a foot of sandstone over our heads felt a whole lot better than being the highest point in a barren landscape while astride metal machines! We hunkered for a while, trying to stay dry and non-conductive as the squall moved slowly along. Relief washed over us as the clouds broke, and we were able to make our escape. Luckily, we had time to make it back to the trailhead without having to shelter up again. What an incredible adventure an ordinary ride had become. Now, I’m not condoning that you ignore potentially dangerous weather reports or intentionally wander into situations that are over your head. But life is an unscripted event, and adversity is often the antagonist. This story happened close to twenty years ago, but I can still see the color of the sky when we stood up from lunch, and that crack of thunder still rings in my ears. So, when the weather throws you a curveball or you bite off too much trail to chew and you don’t know if you have enough energy to make it back to the trailhead, you may complain, whine, and About the Author Mountain bike veteran, swear that you’ll never ride again. But amateur filmmaker, and lover almost assuredly, you will have forged of long rides, Jay Bartlett has a deep personal connection with those been riding trails in Southern you shared this adventure with, and you Utah for over thirty years. Jay has over a decade of will have made a life-long memory—a experience as a bike mechanic memory that will feel a lot more fun a at St. George’s oldest bike shop, few years down the road. Bicycles Unlimited.

Overcoming Obesity Stigma By Dr. Coleen Andruss, Healthy Lifestyles I have been in the weight loss business for nearly thirty years. People who have joined my health and wellness weight loss program have had a variety of medical issues, but weight bias and stigma have been universal issues for everyone that has struggled or is struggling with their weight. Being overweight is challenging emotionally, mentally, physically, and medically. There is a common misconception that those who struggle with obesity are lazy and lack willpower. Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that needs treatment, not a diet. It requires a change in lifestyle and thinking, but these changes can’t happen without education. To lose weight, you must put yourself first. You are important, and your weight-loss journey is and will be as individual as you are. For many, dieting fails and regaining weight is common. Yo-yo dieting often affects the mind as well as the body, creating selfdoubt and slowing the metabolism. When obesity is not due to other underlying health issues, 85–90 percent of fat loss is about food. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. Pure willpower cannot make this disease go away. You must have a long-term plan that includes dedicated lifestyle changes, education and knowledge, and accountability. Self-monitoring, tracking, coaching, exercise, and behavioral changes must be present.

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There are peaks and valleys in life, and the same thing is true about weight loss. Losing weight and keeping it off is a lifetime commitment. The weight will not come off overnight, so the best way to lose weight is with slow, moderate changes on a regular basis. Rather than think about dropping weight rapidly, the thought process should be about nourishing your body back to health and to a healthy weight. Moderation is key. You also must recognize your issues. You cannot correct these issues unless you have an understanding of what needs to change. Are you an overeater? Do you make poor food choices? Are you making high-calorie meals for your family that tempt you? Do you lack the support of family and friends? Are you living a sedentary lifestyle? Are you a binge eater or a closet eater? Do you purge your food after eating a large meal? If you don’t come to terms with your issues, you will never change long term.

Obesity is a psychological, medical, metabolic, and hormonal disease. Along with education, treating a disease effectively may require medication—sometimes multiple medications—or the use of supplements to help the body work more efficiently. Aggressive treatment for obesity has a stigma associated with it that goes beyond diet and exercise. A large part of the population, including some health professionals, see the use of medications and/or supplements as the “easy way out.” Those who are quick to tell an obese person to simply eat less and exercise more have no concept about what it feels like to be overweight because they have never been overweight themselves. They can be quick to criticize those who struggle. This is a very personal issue for me, as I used to weigh close to 200 pounds. I know from my own experience the amount of work and dedication required to

maintain a normal weight, and it is not without ups and downs. Having made this journey, I want people who struggle with weight loss to experience the same feelings that I experienced when I was able to reach my goals. Energy and a positive mental attitude come with weight loss. When that mental energy appears, it is easier to become active and do more. Sleep typically improves. Many medical issues improve, such as indigestion and reflux, joint aches and pains, neck and back discomfort, bloating, and water retention. Sometimes, medical diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and fatty liver) improve or even disappear. Being able to eventually get off some prescribed medications is a great motivator for losing weight. To make this happen, we sometimes have to use weight loss medications or supplements. Obesity medications get a bad rap, but they are not the easy way out. As long as a person is dedicated to a change in lifestyle while using medications, they can be used as a tool, not as a crutch. Can obesity medications or surgery be risky in certain situations? Absolutely. But remaining obese is a risk. If a person is at high risk for other diseases associated with obesity and a lifestyle change and the aggressive use of medications is not working, they may decide on obesity surgery. While it is costly and comes with risks, it may be the wisest choice as they consider the risks of remaining obese. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowledge and education. You cannot make an informed decision about obesity treatment unless you understand the situation. The mental health aspect of weight loss is absolutely critical. If you are struggling with your weight, talk to a professional who can be empathetic and who can educate and teach you. This is your life, and it’s the only life on earth you will have. Enjoy it while feeling healthy, and get over the stigma of being overweight and seeking treatment for the problem. Get help now!

About the Author

Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that needs treatment, not a diet. It requires a change in lifestyle and thinking, but these changes can’t happen without education.

Dr. Coleen Andruss practiced as an internist for ten years and has specialized in weight management for twenty-six years. She and her staff have personally experienced weight management issues and have a compassionate understanding of patients in the Healthy Lifestyles program. Dr. Andruss’s internal medicine background helps her to see underlying medical problems when formulating individual plans that work.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 29

The Importance of a Health Care Home By Lori Wright, CEO, Family Healthcare

Trying a new experience enlightens our understanding of the fascinating world in which we live. Shopping around before choosing a product will reward us with the best value for our investment. However, when it comes to health care, the best results happen when we can find one place to comfortably call “home.” A health care home provides a high-quality, patientcentered primary care environment where medical, behavioral, and dental health professionals work in an integrated way and are constant, full partners in the health care journey of each individual patient. Serving Washington and Iron counties since 2002, Family Healthcare is currently the nonprofit primary health care home for 15,581 individual patients during 50,960 unique patient visits per year.

there have been very positive. I have so many good stories about the care we have received. They always have a solution for us, no matter how big the challenge. For example, I had vision problems and needed expensive surgery, and Daisy, who has cerebral palsy, needed leg braces. Our team at Family Healthcare helped me get the sight-restoring surgery I needed, performed by volunteer specialists and medical personnel in Salt Lake City. Daisy was able to get leg braces at a price we could afford. Recently, when I was having trouble getting a pre-surgery COVID-19 test in St. George, our doctor stepped in to

I want to share our experiences so that others can get the health care help they need. My message is that you don’t have to feel afraid that you don’t have enough money or that you don’t speak English well enough. Family Healthcare always has a way to help you, and the compassionate staff speak Spanish. You can trust them to try everything they can to help. Without them, my surgery would not have been possible. – Manuela Family Healthcare is much more than a safety net.

Manuela’s story illustrates the benefits of having a health care home.

My adult daughter Daisy and I have been patients at Family Healthcare for eleven years. Our experiences

help. Always going the extra mile, he took the time to come out to my car to make sure I had the paperwork I needed so that my surgery appointment would go well.

Manuela and Daisy.

In addition to being recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for high-quality, patient-centered primary care delivery, Family Healthcare also removes the barriers that uninsured and low-income

About the Author Lori Wright is the CEO of Family Healthcare. With more than twenty-five years of experience in community health, she is passionate about developing equity, where everyone is able to access high quality integrated primary health care. Family Healthcare’s mission is Making Lives Better, and as CEO, Lori’s efforts are focused on improving the overall health of patients and the communities that Family Healthcare serves. Lori serves on a variety of committees across the state and throughout Washington and Iron Counties, including the St. George Area Chamber Board of Governors, Dixie Tech Pharmacy Tech Advisory Committee, and Association of Community Health Center’s Board. She also serves as co-chair of the AUCH Health Center Control Network. She is a Certified Medical Practice Executive by the American College of Medical Practice Executives and has received a BS in Community/Public Health and a Master of Public Administration from the Marriott School of Management

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patients face in accessing a continuing primary health care home. Annually, more than $5 million in discounted or no-charge care is donated to help patients who are facing economic hardship. And a sliding scale fee structure ensures that patients receive the care they need at a cost they can afford. It’s a hand up, not a handout, that offers patients the pride and dignity that comes with knowing they

are contributing to their own health and well-being.

Later this spring, a new Family Healthcare clinic will open at 2276 Riverside Drive in St. George, Utah, so that everyone in our community can continue to grow healthy and strong together. With an on-site pharmacy offering deeply discounted prescriptions, more area residents than ever before will have access to the

health care home they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Family Healthcare is a registered 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization serving the good people of Washington and Iron counties and is accepting donations to help with construction of the new clinic and care costs for those with the greatest need. Visit familyhc. org/donate to learn more.

Growing Healthy and Strong Together We urgently need community support for the new Family Healthcare Riverside Drive Clinic There are many ways to give: • Give online at familyhc.org/donate. • Scan the QR code. • Call Jane in the Family Healthcare development department at 435-251-0866.

Donations of any amount will be put to good use for the health of our community. A $50 donation includes an inscribed brick on the pathway to health at the new clinic, while sponsorship of a treatment room includes a donor recognition plaque. Donations are tax-deductible under section 501 (c)(3) of the IRS code. Tax ID #35-2163112

Your gift is a sacred trust. We promise to honor your generosity and use your donation in the most effective ways possible.

Southwest Utah Community Health Center, doing business as Family Healthcare, is a registered nonprofit organization. Information concerning Family Healthcare, including financial information and charitable purposes, may be obtained without costs from Family Healthcare, 25 N. 100 E., Ste 102, St. George, Utah, 84770. Family Healthcare is committed to donor privacy and does not rent or sell our mailing lists.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 31

Spinal Cord Stimulation at Southwest Spine & Pain Signals Major Advancement for Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy By Alexa Morgan

About the Author Alexa Morgan works as a reporter for St. George News/ STGnews.com and has more than a decade of experience in news and magazine writing. She is committed to keeping the community informed with journalism of the highest quality standard. Originally from Southern California, she now proudly makes her home beneath the big red mountain in Ivins.

One common goal links every patient who steps into a doctor’s office seeking treatment for chronic pain: all they want is relief. The practice of interventional pain management isn’t simply about reducing pain but also giving people back a life that’s no longer defined by pain. The last decade has witnessed compelling breakthroughs in the treatment of chronic pain. Spinal cord stimulation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, represents a new hope for diabetics with painful neuropathy as well as patients suffering from chronic back pain that doesn’t respond to conservative care.

All of the pain management physicians at Southwest Spine & Pain Center, a division of Vista Healthcare, are well-versed in the use of spinal cord stimulation. The technology has been available to doctors for over thirty years and is a proven therapy. However, this is the first time the FDA has granted any new indications.

“We are excited offer thiscan new therapy suffering from Living withtoPDN be ato patients frustrating painful diabetic neuropathy,” said Dr. Rick Obray, founding partner and debilitating that of Southwest Spine & Pain.experience “It has the potential to make a significant difference keeps you lives from doingpain even the in many patients’ by reducing associated basic with this condition.” most activities. Neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, yet few therapies available to iseffectively treat If you orare a loved one suffering from PDN and not the symptoms. Unless they’ve consulted getting the relief you long for from conventional with a spine specialist for another issue, treatments, ask about HFXTM for PDN. most diabetics may not have heard of spinal cord stimulation.

electricity directly into the spinal cord to relieve pain. Doctors place

® HFX for PDN, is acord Senza spinal cordto a electrodes between the spinal and the vertebrae that connect small pacemaker-like battery pack inserted under the skin. stimulation system that uses Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by chronically 10 Therapy treat Usually pain affecting from the legs, highkHz blood sugar as a resultto of diabetes. feet, and hands, it leads to numbness, loss of sensation, and pain. diabetic neuropathy. Some patients experience mild symptoms, but the condition can be

debilitating for others.

Southwest & Painclinically uses a high-frequency 85%Spine of people shown to (ten kilohertz) spinal cord stimulator to modulate the way enjoy long-term pain relief 1* patients experience pain. In addition to reducing pain signals, data from clinical trials shows that the procedure can also improve sensation and neurologic function.

62% of PDN patients reported neurologic

Neuropathy negatively impacts quality of life. Along with improvements, suchoverall as less numbness, experiencing persistent pain, many patients avoid 1,2*exercise because burning, and tingling sensations they can’t feel their feet and risk falling on uneven surfaces. However, diabetes is more easily controlled in patients who are physically and active, resulting in healthier heart, kidney, and eye function. 1*

improves sleep

Spinal cord stimulation is changing the way doctors treat diabetic * Withneuropathy, HFX 10 kHz Therapy versus treatments patients with Obray said,conventional adding that it might actually alter the course of the disease.

Earlier this month, the FDA also approved spinal cord stimulation for use in patients with nonsurgical refractory back pain. Previously available only to patients with persistent pain and nerve damage following surgery, Obray explained that the new indication represents a major advancement in pain management. Patients who aren’t candidates for back surgery or don’t want to undergo surgery will now be able to experience lasting relief. Southwest Spine & Pain is currently accepting patients and scheduling appointments at the state-of-the-art Vista Medical Center, located at 2891 E. Mall Drive in St. George, Utah.

Spinal cord stimulation utilizes an implanted device that sends low levels of For more information or to make an appointment, call today at 435-656-2424 or visit their website at swsp.com. (Contributed content, originally published in St. George News)

32 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 33

Spring Is Spring in the Air.

Is in the Air.

Bring On the Fitness, Family, and Fun!

By Tiffany K. Gust MS, CISSN, NBC-HWC

Bring On the Fitness, Family, and Fun! Spring is here, and you know what that means. It means outdoor races are beginning. Follow these tips to help you nail this race season: • Use a training plan that allows you to increase your intensity and mileage gradually.

• Train with the gear, clothing, and nutrition that you plan to use on race day. • Prepare for the unexpected. This could be a gear malfunction or a change in weather conditions.

• Listen to your body. If you are feeling pain or discomfort, rest, ice, and stretch. If the pain will not go away, seek help from a medical professional. 34 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

Upcoming Races and Events March 5: Lake to Lake Relay and Ultra Marathon March 5: Red Mountain 50K/30K, 13.1-mile trail (Santa Clara/Ivins) March 12: ShamROCK Your Socks Off 10K and Sand Hollow Marathon March 26: FLEX March Mayhem April 8: St. George Triathlon (formally known as SHAC Tri) April 16: Hog and Jog 5K April 5–7: IRONKIDS St. George and IRONMAN St. George 140.6 May 14: Skateboard Competition May 27–28: Southern Utah Youth Track and Field Meet For more information and a list of other events, visit https://www.sgcity.org/ sgrraces/ and https://www.runningintheusa.com/race/list/within-25-milesof-st.%20george-ut/upcoming

The LiVe Well Center at Intermountain Healthcare offers these tools to help you as an athlete improve your sports performance: a Bod Pod (Body Composition Gold Standard) and Vo2 Max testing for runners and cyclists. Additionally, they have registered dietitians who specialize in sports nutrition. Call them today at 435-251-3793 if you would like to learn more. The Sports Performance Center offers performance running programs for runners who are experiencing injuries. Call them at 435-251-2256.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 35

St. George!

Happy Birthday, By Connie Zdunich

Not being a person who gets excited each year about making resolutions, I always look for things to celebrate in the upcoming year. It has come to my attention that our beautiful city turned 160 years old on the 17th of January. That is amazing! I am so grateful for the incredible, strong souls who ventured to this area before air conditioning. It is beyond my comprehension to imagine how hard life must have been for them. Last year, we lost our air conditioning right when the temperature was hovering between 110 and 117 degrees. For many days, we had a small glance of what summers might have been like for those early pioneers, and it was not something I would like to experience again.

Before moving to this area, we would visit St. George for the home show, the marathon, the small town feel of the fourth of July parade, and of course, the weather. Then in 1999, we took the plunge and made the move to “our paradise.” The hardest thing we had to do was decide where we wanted to live; everywhere we looked the views were breathtaking. Over the years, we have come to love this city as we immersed ourselves in the community and surrounding areas. It goes without saying that the people in this area are the salt of the earth. We recently had the opportunity to hire a couple of new employees. One employee has lived in northern Utah for many

years. He is full of excitement to be here with his family, away from heavy traffic, long commutes, and winter inversion. Each morning, he is out running before work and comes in with a smile on his face, invigorated by the incredible vistas he has enjoyed while on his jog. The other employee moved to St. George from the Los Angeles area and is also thrilled to be here. He is amazed at the cleanliness of the city, the friendliness of the residents, and the lack of crime. He loves seeing the clear blue sky and the night stars and knowing that his children can safely play outside. Reflecting on what our community looked like in 1999 and how it has grown, I sometimes wish for the “good old days.” But I am so appreciative of the many improvements that have been made—the miles and miles of paved bike and jogging paths, the quality of the events that come to town for our enjoyment, the safe environment, the entertainment provided for our children and grandchildren (the splash pad and Children’s Museum, to name a few), and the varieties of eateries—while still retaining our small-town vibe. So the next time I leave the office at 5:00 p.m. and Bluff Street is bumper to bumper, I will enjoy the azure sky and crystal-clear air while counting the blessings that are mine by living in such a magnificent place!

About the Author Connie enjoys working with local Hospice Groups and Veterans Associations. The military is very close to her heart, with her father being a Pearl Harbor Survivor, and her sweetheart retired Navy. Helping support local hospice groups is very rewarding for Connie, and she feels being a part of the Spilsbury team is an awesome opportunity. She is the mother of seven daughters and nineteen grandchildren, who are “the joy of her heart”. She loves being of assistance to those in our community who do so much for each of us.

36 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

Happy birthday, St. George!

OUR FAMILY

SERVING

YOUR FAMILY 435.673.2454

110 South Bluff Street St. George, UT 84770

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 37

Dixie State University Besties Capture and Create Captivating Content By Allie Garrow

two friends hold a history of filming together for ESPN, Ironman, and Tuacahn Center for the Arts’ concerts for David Archuletta, Lee Brice, Bee Gees, and the Beach Boys. Their passion for media, friendship, and laughter is what drives them to create content involving other DSU students, faculty, and community members. “We pretty much go around campus and want to talk about student issues that are relevant to them,” Ortiz said. “This is the best way to get other majors into the Media Studies Department.” Other content they produce is lighthearted with a comedy game show nature. One of Coffee with Besties’ most viewed videos prompts students and community visitors to answer the question, “What are you listening to?” “Most of the time, we just want to know what goes through everyone’s minds,” Janeway said.

Nothing can seem more nerve-racking than first-day introductions, but for Dixie State University students Alyssa Janeway and Samantha Ortiz, first impressions proved to be misleading.

“Over Christmas break, I got a Gucci necklace,” exclaimed Janeway, a first-semester freshman, as she tugged lightly on her small yet luxurious necklace while waiting for class to start. Eyes rolled across the room, and Ortiz smirked at such a large affirmation. “I definitely won’t be friends with her,” she thought. Little did she know how lifechanging their relationship would be. The unexpected friendship between Janeway, now a junior, and Ortiz, a senior, has since blossomed into a content creation platform, Coffee with Besties. The web show’s overarching mission is to highlight the importance of the University’s Department of Media Studies. “We couldn’t do the show without the technology and equipment the Media Studies Department provides for us,” Janeway said. “Sure, we could film it on our phones, but we’ve put together this show through the school, for the school.” From TV broadcasting to radio shows and podcasting, the Department of Media Studies provides students like Janeway and Ortiz with several outstanding resume-building opportunities. The 38 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

Janeway and Ortiz’s initial collaboration came through a year-long radio show titled Not the Caffeine Addiction, which later became Coffee with Besties in November 2021. The two friends work together equally throughout video editing, content creation, graphic design, and much more. Students taking advantage of readily available resources and producing their own content as these two best friends have done is just one prime example of “active learning. active life.” opportunities offered across all departments.

“I want my digital footprint to be massive,” Janeway said. “Any opportunity to utilize the equipment, expand my skill sets, and produce my own content—I’m here for it.”

To learn more about the Department of Media Studies at Dixie State University, visit mediastudies.dixie.edu. For more information about Coffee with Besties, follow coffeewbesties on Instagram.

About the Author After graduating with her associate degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho, Allie Garrow transferred to Dixie State University to become a Trailblazer. Now a senior at DSU, Allie is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in media studies with an emphasis in public relations. She is also minoring in communication studies and marketing. When Allie’s not hitting the books, she enjoys hitting the road in pursuit of adventure.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 39

Get back to a healthy energy level and have increased clarity!

Thyroid conditions are on the rise in America today. An estimated 20 million Americans currently suffer from a thyroid disorder. Many patients are taking hormone replacement medication for their thyroid dysfunction, yet they’re still suffering from their symptoms. The reason they still experience symptoms of thyroid disorder is because the root cause of their condition is being overlooked.

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Traditional medicine typically only runs tests on TSH levels in order to diagnose thyroid disorders, however there are actually six to eight other markers that should be tested as well. Medication only successfully serves one of those markers, so if you have multiple causes to your thyroid condition you may still experience symptoms even while

taking medication. The key to finding the root cause of your thyroid condition is to utilize comprehensive testing. Many patients are finding answers and achieving long-term results with a functional wellness practitioner. We use comprehensive examinations and laboratory testing to determine where imbalances may be occurring in your body.

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Functional Medicine:

Root

Getting to the of the Matter By Anodyne Pain and Wellness

Navigating the complexities of a chronic condition can be labyrinthian, with patients facing an overwhelming number of complicated and confusing pathways from diagnosis to resolution. For many years, patients relied on the charted territory of conventional medicine. Diagnoses were made and treatments prescribed based upon observable symptoms—the subjective evidence of disease (e.g., pain, fatigue). Simply put, conventional medicine diagnosed and treated what was at the surface. Practitioners treated a patient’s symptoms rather than the cause of those symptoms.

Today, patients are increasingly turning to the biology-based, scientific approach of functional medicine. This wholistic field of medicine ventures below the surface to determine a chronic condition’s root cause—the origin from which symptoms stem. To do this, functional medicine practitioners endeavor to determine the why behind every condition: Why is the patient ill? Why is the patient experiencing this chronic condition? By determining the why, functional medicine providers can identify and treat chronic conditions at their sources rather than simply suppressing symptoms. Tree of Health The structure of a tree visually captures the main components of functional medicine’s paradigm, with both the health of a tree and the health of a patient dependent upon foundational factors. For a tree to thrive, the most basic, essential elements— its roots and soil—must be supported. Similarly, when disease is detected and the tree’s health is compromised, the first place to seek answers is within the tree’s foundation. This approach is analogous to the approach functional medicine providers take to patient health. Signs and symptoms of disease stem from causes rooted in a patient’s foundational factors: environment, genetics, and lifestyle.

The figurative roots and soil of patient health comprise sleep, exercise, nutrition, trauma, stress, relationships, and environmental pollutants. These foundational factors are influenced by antecedents (factors—genetic or acquired—that predispose a patient to illness); triggers (factors that provoke symptoms and signs of illness); and mediators (factors—biochemical or psychosocial—that impact dysfunctional responses) that may result in fundamental imbalances (represented by the tree’s trunk). These imbalances then manifest themselves in signs and symptoms that are grouped into diagnosable sets (represented by the tree’s branches and leaves) that we know as disease.

While functional medicine investigates the figurative soil and roots, conventional medicine typically focuses on the constellation of symptoms associated with disease diagnosis and prescribes treatments to address these symptoms. Here, the conventional patient’s journey from diagnosis to presumed resolution ends without the underlying cause identified and addressed.

Laying the Groundwork When providers routinely address root causes rather than symptoms, they better understand the complexity of disease. The common functional medicine mantra of “One condition, many causes. One cause, many conditions” simply means that one condition can have many different causes; likewise, one cause can result in many different conditions. Ultimately, functional medicine providers have found that disease manifests itself in many different ways across a group of patients, underscoring the importance of functional medicine’s individualized patient care.

Providing individualized patient care is central to the practice of functional medicine at Anodyne Pain & Wellness Solutions. Their providers partner with patients to lay the groundwork for identifying the root causes of disease and chronic conditions by examining lifestyle, genetics, physical and mental conditions, and environment. Anodyne’s functional medicine patients have access to their provider team: physician assistant, physical therapist, licensed acupuncturist, and providers board certified in pain management, oriental medicine, chinese herbal medicine, and bio medicine. These providers work together rather than referring patients to multiple, separate specialists. Call 435-773-7790 or visit https:// anodynepain. com/ today to find out more about Anodyne’s comprehensive care model and how functional medicine practices can serve you.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 41

Fight to eliminate depression through NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy. Who can benefit from NeuroStar Therapy? NeuroStar uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. The NeuroStar TMS Treatment coil emits magnetic pulses that may have a positive effect on those areas, improving the symptoms of depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells.

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Three out of five patients suffering from depression are currently underserved by their antidepressant medications or have not found a medication that has helped them find lasting remission. • NeuroStar TMS is covered by all major insurance INCLUDING MEDICARE. • NeuroStar TMS provides benefits without the side effects often associated with antidepressant medication. • NeuroStar TMS treatment is delivered daily in under 19 minutes in most cases.

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Research has shown that depression can be caused by an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells. In people with depression, key areas of the brain can become inactive due to this imbalance, including areas that control mood. By stimulating these areas, NeuroStar® Advanced Therapy for Mental Health can have a lasting effect on neurotransmitter levels, making long-term remission from depression symptoms a reality for many patients.

Premier Psychological Counseling & Consulting, PC has provided an exceptional number of NeuroStar TMS treatments to achieve the Diamond Stellar Distinction. St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 43

Internet Pornography: Why We’re Obsessed and How to Rewire the Addicted Brain By Erin Del Toro, Licensed Clinical Therapist As harmless or neutral as internet pornography can seem, it changes brains, body chemistry, moods, motivation, and sexual function, and by many scientific opinions, it’s easily one of the most addictive behaviors. It’s been found to be a massive contributor to relationship decline and divorce, it adds to the problem of human trafficking, and it’s responsible for young and old losing interest in connection, learning, and life. Pornography is tricky. It can have the appearance of being almost harmless. But for even the mildly addicted, it always takes its toll on the brain and body while it pushes behaviors, feelings, and brain patterns away from healthy states. 44 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

To know how pornography addicts us, we start with our biology. Our bodies are hardwired to be rewarded for doing the things that will preserve and perpetuate our species. So when we engage in activities like eating food or having sex, natural reinforcements of dopamine increase in our systems. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical our bodies produce, and while it is released as a reward, it’s main purpose is to help us remember the reason behind that reward so that we repeat the behavior. Because of this, dopamine is also the door to addiction.

When this reward system was created, our paleolithic ancestors did not have the life span or population sources we have today. When they came across a potential mate,

they were strongly met with a dopamine reward for connecting sexually with a partner. Nature cleverly configured this feature into their wiring to perpetuate the species, and it’s still active in us today..

Since the majority of the pornography industry is male-centric, to understand the addictive component of porn, it’s also important to know the nature of the dopamine delivery system with the male sexual reproductive system. A man can ejaculate only so many times in any given time period with one woman, but animal studies have shown that if a new partner is introduced, the time it takes for recovery decreases and dopamine goes up, allowing his genetic line to capitalize on mating season. Again, this is nature’s ancient strategy for maximizing the number of potential babies, and it is the same for nearly all mammals. Today, pornography viewers can see and imagine interacting with any number of new sexual partners, many more than ancient men and women would have even seen or known existed in their lifetimes. The issue with the internet is that there is no end; there are always more videos, novel bodies,

Often, there’s a deeper reason for the addiction that needs to be resolved: depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, or old trauma that needs some healing. and sex acts to be viewed with dopamine hits available at the clip of a mouse.

When we delve into the workings of porn addiction, we also have to take into account the very addictive nature of the internet in general. Our brains get little hits of dopamine every time we see a new picture, find a new piece of information, or get a like. There are countless studies done on this subject that prove the addictive and dopamine-producing effects of swiping through even the most “vanilla” internet experiences. These tiny bits of regularlydelivered dopamine doses program us to have very strong connections—even addictions— to our phones and the internet.

And there’s another facet that’s not often talked about: When human beings are sexually intimate, along with the dopamine, a little hit of oxytocin—the “bonding love chemical”—is also released. It’s not very talked about, but if a person has an orgasm while watching porn, on top of the dopamine hits, they are bonding to…yup…porn.

• Decrease in decision-making skills. Poor decisions are made more easily. • Erectile Dysfunction: Sex is less enjoyable.

The biggest question that my clients and their family members want to know is this: will their brains, mannerisms, and sexual responses return to the pre-pornography state?The answer is yes! Luckily, our brains have plasticity, and a brain that changed to become addicted can change to become healthy again.

When it comes to pornography, the best treatment to reverse damage in the brain caused by addiction is complete abstinence from porn and from thinking about any accompanying sexual imagery. But for even short-term users, quitting cold turkey can be challenging. The fastest transition out of cravings will be to

change neural pathways and begin to associate pornography use with negative feelings, which is something that’s most quickly done in deeper states of consciousness, making my field of work—hypnotherapy—a fantastic tool for those looking to cut down the desire for pornography immediately. Often, there’s a deeper reason for the addiction that needs to be resolved: depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, or old trauma that needs some healing. These things can also be dealt with in hypnotherapy or in group therapy settings or with a behavioral cognitive therapist. As therapy clients feel the ability to be free from pornography and notice cravings drop and willpower grow, just like others who’ve taken part in pornography abstinence studies, they’ve reported happier relationships, higher motivation and productivity, better social connections, better sex lives, and increased overall happiness and life satisfaction. Healing the mind, spirit, and body is a beautiful process. If I can help you or a loved one solve the issues of pornography, sex addiction, or betrayal trauma, please text or call my office at 435-429-2560 to set up a consultation or visit balancedmodernhypnotherapy.com to learn more or make an appointment.

As the dopamine levels in the brain increase, dopamine receptors down-regulate. This means that normal activities won’t feel as great as they used to, causing an increase in the desire for high-dopamine producing activities, such as porn-viewing, risky living, or doing drugs. As the behavior continues to increase, DeltaFosB, the “binge” chemical, pops into the hormone cocktail party, and here’s where we see the strongest structural changes in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. The effects of porn addiction look like this:

• Numbed pleasure response. Everyday pleasures don’t feel as enjoyable.

• Hyper-reactivity to porn. Even a swimsuit ad can set off strong cravings for porn. • Willpower erosion. This also includes a lack of motivation.

About the Author Erin Del Toro is an ACHE certified Clinical Hypnotherapist for Balanced Modern Hypnotherapy. She’s passionate about changing the effects of trauma, rewriting unwanted habits and behaviors, and helping others unlock the power of their true potential. Erin lives in St. George with her twin daughters and enjoys participating in the ninja warrior sport and playing in the beautiful outdoors of southern Utah.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 45

To See a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour. –William Blake, “Auguries of Innocence,” 1787 By Lyman Hafen After growing up with the red sand of southern Utah caked between their toes, our two oldest sons found themselves in the rich, dark soil of Indiana. They were both young fathers at the time, and they had both ended up doing postgraduate studies in the Hoosier State, one at Indiana University in Bloomington, the other at Purdue in West Lafayette. Their time in the Midwest overlapped a couple of years, and Debbie and I visited them several times, landing in Indianapolis and driving an hour to the north or an hour to the south, depending on which house we went to first. It gave us a chance to get to know a part of the country we’d only flown over. And every time we went, we’d venture further south to, say, the pastoral landscapes of Brown County or Louisville, Kentucky, where we watched the horses run at Churchill Downs or north to Chicago, where we rode the elevator to the top of the Sears Tower. It was quite the country. Green, mostly flat, and utterly fascinating to a red rock cowboy who had no idea there were places on this planet where corn and wheat and just about anything else grew on nothing but rain. An overriding memory of those visits was the walks I took with my granddaughter Bianka, who was four and five years old during those years. Her mother, my daughter-in-law Katalin, is Hungarian and the only one in our family born outside the United States. Bianka was the first in our line to grow up off the Colorado Plateau, far from the dust and the canyons and the sun-struck arid country where her American progenitors had lived for generations. On one of those walks through one of those perfectly idyllic all-American neighborhoods of Bloomington, Indiana, Bianka and I saw a cardinal fly into a bush. It perched on a branch not

ten feet from us. It streaked into our view, a bright slash of red light, and landed on the branch where it seemed to freeze in time. Both of us stood completely spellbound by the red, unearthly red, unbearably beautiful red, of the bird that had blessed us by its appearance. We didn’t move. We couldn’t speak. We could only stand like statues in the powerful essence of the redness that engulfed us. The only thing I could compare to it was those moments as a boy at our ranch in Clover Valley, Nevada, when a redwing blackbird swooped onto a fencepost along the meadow and perched for a moment—just long enough for that radiant dot of red on its wing to sear itself into my senses. Something about the piercing red splash on that black lacquered wing was transcendent. It seemed as if it were lit from within by a celestial beam.

Bianka, who was growing up among cardinals, was just as entranced by the deep and astounding power of that color as I was. I don’t know how long we stood there. Maybe a few seconds. Maybe a minute. Maybe an eternity. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was we were there. We had been blessed to be there in that moment, in that forever moment in which there came a state of grace, a moment in which our hearts swelled and an image was burnt into our souls and a feeling was embedded deep within us that we would never quite be able to define but that we would never forget.

We spent the rest of the morning looking for the cardinal or any of its brothers or sisters who might be in the neighborhood. We didn’t find them. And though I have looked for that same red in all the places I’ve been in all the years since, I have never seen it again.

Forever Moments

Don’t Let Them Pass You By

46 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

About the Author Lyman is the author of a dozen books intent on connecting landscape and story in the American Southwest. He is executive director of the Zion National Park Forever Project, and is past president of the national Public Lands Alliance. He’s been writing and publishing for more than 35 years, with several hundred magazine articles in publications ranging from Western Horseman to Northern Lights, and was the founding editor of St. George Magazine in 1983. He’s been recognized on several occasions with literary awards from the Utah Arts Council, and won the Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He lives in Santa Clara, Utah, with his wife Debbie, and together they have 6 children and 18 grandchildren.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 47

Wade’s Walkabout

Snow Hiking:

Better Amidst Red Rock By Mark Wade

Thoughts of winter or early spring can conjure scenes of skiing and snowboarding, but it’s also a great time for walking or hiking, even in snowy conditions. While the St. George area occasionally receives some snow, southwestern Utah has some excellent higher elevation destinations where snow is more common. These areas include Pine Valley Mountain, the Kolob Terrace, the mountains east of Cedar City and Beaver and along the high plateaus around Bryce Canyon. Our preference is to find any location amidst the colorful red rock where the snow is deep. Getting Out There One recent adventure—the day after a snowstorm—led us to a series of rock outcroppings where we could explore in and around large crevices of rust colored sandstone. From a parking area near the road, we circled through stands of sage, following a naturally eroded passageway until we reached the base of the nearby formations. Bob Grove and I, with our wives Susan and Denise, traipsed below the rock contours, ducking beneath snow-laden scrub oak branches while attempting to avoid cold gifts of moisture inside our collars and down our backs.

About the Author Mark Wade is active in hiking, writing, photography, and videography. He works as a tourism marketing consultant, for which he has won numerous awards. He is a weekly guest on the KSL Outdoors radio show. Mark is the former Director of Tourism for southwestern Utah and has served on the board of directors for various tourism associations.

48 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

Along the way we spotted icicles, like monster teeth, with their sun-warmed water droplets darkening the red rock along sandstone shelves. Normally rough terrain was smoothed by the nearly twelves inches of fresh powder, and we enjoyed trying to find footholds and grips under the snow as we ascended stair stepping ledges into a slot canyon. The narrow chamber of the slot provided hollow echoes of our snow-crunching steps, heavy breathing, and occasional verbal expressions of delight at what we were discovering.

We pressed into dark narrow passageways where sunlight could not easily reach. On a waist-high ledge, my wife compacted small balls of snow to create a ten-inch snowman. The snowball concept caught on with the rest of us, and soon, we were embattled in the best slot-canyon snowball fight imaginable. Bob and I were quickly reminded that our wives still had the athletic touch as we were continuously pelted by fastballs that would have impressed any major league scout.

Wade’s Walkabout Finding Meaning and Healing in the Outdoors

Rising to higher vantage points, we took in the surrounding views where a heavy blanket of snow had pressed the open space foliage close to the ground. The red rocks simply protruded upward, updaunted, proudly displaying their winter coats and reflecting the cloud-filtered rays of the sun. Preparation Bear in mind that these kinds of adventures are most enjoyable when you are dressed warm and prepared with appropriate gear and supplies. Waterproof boots are a must for trekking in snow, and comfortable pants, jackets, gloves, and hats round out the general clothing necessities. Bring layers of clothing that can be removed or added, depending on conditions. Trekking poles are always helpful, and snowshoes may be needed for deeper snow. Bring along other usual hiking items (snacks, water, camera, etc.), and you’re ready for a great winter or early spring excursion.

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 49

By Steve Wilson In the December issue of Kiplinger Magazine, Edward Mercier wrote, “Retirement is a source of significant anxiety for Americans. It’s reported that 40% fear retirement more than death.” How can this be? After all, retirement is the idyllic time of life we’ve worked for, saved for, and dreamed about for decades. Yet when the time comes, many are hesitant, nervous, anxious, and according to Mr. Mercier, frightened. It’s been said that retirement is like heaven. Both describe a beautiful future life, yet when it comes down to it, few are ready to go, and even fewer volunteer to go early. 50 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

During the course of my retirement, I’ve met individuals struggling to make sense of or find meaning in their retirement. I’ve thought a lot about what separates those living their dreams from those lying awake at night. I would suggest there are three factors contributing in one degree or another to almost everyone’s fear of retirement. 1. Loss of Identity American businessman and politician James Hennigan said, “Like it or not, whatever identity we have in this country, especially for men, comes from what we do for a living. It’s the first question we ask and are asked. ‘Retired’ is not an identity; it’s the lack of one.” The

loss of identity is not given the attention it deserves before we retire because our focus is on getting to retirement. My plea would be that you take retirement seriously. Spend time before you retire asking yourself who you will be without a job. I can’t emphasize enough the impact loss of identity has on nearly every retiree. It happens quickly. One day you’re a polished professional; the next, you’re an awkward amateur. Remember, you must always have a reason to get up in the morning. If you don’t, you’ll struggle (fear). 2. Mislabeled Retirement Plans Most retirement plans should be more appropriately labeled “quit plans.” They use a variety of formulas with differing assumptions to calculate your number: the number of financial resources you’ll need for your actuarially adjusted life-span. In other words, they determine when you’ll be able to quit your job. What you do after that is up to you since a quit plan does not address it. A quit plan instills a false sense of confidence: it can cause you to feel you’re on the right track but gives little or no direction about what to do at the end of the track. Remember, your plan shouldn’t be focused solely on getting to retirement but also on living a meaningful life after retirement (more fear). 3. Few Role Models Think of the retirements your father and grandfathers had. In my case, not one of the three actually lived in retirement. My grandfathers both died during the working stages of their lives, and my dad died after being placed on disability with a terminal illness. Retirement is a construct of a modern world. In the Stone Age, there were no old people. Everyone was fully employed to age twenty and then died, usually of unnatural causes. Any person old enough to develop crow’s feet was either worshiped or eaten as a sign of respect. The fact is that you have few examples to pattern your retirement after, and nobody wants to get retirement wrong (more fear).

What’s the Answer? For anyone preparing for a satisfying retirement or for those stuck in a dissatisfying retirement, my suggestion is this: don’t spend all your time fantasizing about your to-do list. To be sure, it is important and will bring enjoyment, but “doing” or indulging in a life filled with leisure is not a sustainable strategy. The time will come when you have worked through your entire list or when “doing” is no longer doable. Then, what?

Consider shifting your retirement strategy from “doing” to “being.” Begin by thoughtfully creating a to-be list. It may seem confusing, so start small. For example, your list may contain the following: I want to be a great spouse; I want to be an awesome grandparent; I want to be a good neighbor. As you identify who you want “to-be” in retirement, what you need “to-do” in retirement will become clear. You don’t have to change the world—the world doesn’t even have to acknowledge your contribution. The goal is to make your world better and in the process, the world will become better. Be a person whose retirement is purposeful. Think of it as a gift, and don’t be selfish. Discover how you can use your time, talents, and experience to make your family, neighborhood, and community better. By doing so, you will create a retirement that brings satisfaction, builds your sense of identity, and gives you a reason to get up in the morning…almost heaven!

About the Author Steve is the former CEO of St. George Regional Medical Center, St. George, Utah. He authored next—Redefining Retirement; Lessons for Life’s Transitions with Lisa G. Larson and speaks frequently to those preparing to leave their careers. He serves on the Board of the Institute for Continued Learning. His post career “hobby” is real estate investing, and he is Associate Broker for Utah First Property Management, a company his son Bryan founded. To contact Steve go to wilson.stg@gmail.com.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 51

Questions about COVID Vaccines for Thoughtful Consideration By Bentley Murdock Over the last two years, individuals and families from coast to coast have found themselves reeling with the critical decisions they face. For many, their very livelihoods delicately hinge on their stance pertaining to a very specific topic. For this reason, and others, millions find themselves analytically and paralytically stalled, hoping for unified civility, respect, and mutual freedom of choice for all. Many truly are able to respectfully agree to disagree on key topics, and the hope is that others can follow that lead, with a collaborative effort toward informed consent. Too idealistic? Perhaps, but that’s just me. So let’s return to reality. We’re finding that some questions are more easily answered than others, and it’s some of these tougher questions about (dare I say it?) COVID vaccination that I want to neutrally extend to you and your family for careful consideration. These questions are left wide open, in order for you to more fully digest your own reasons for decisions you’ll be making (or have already made) for yourself and your loved ones. This article is intended to stir a genuine conversation, where you are welcome to weigh in and share candidly unique feelings and experiences on this matter, whether they are good, bad, positive, negative, constructive, critical, or observational.

The third leading cause of death in America is “medicine.” The coronavirus, ironically, is the hundredth. As a disease reversal specialist, I do all I can to assist others in nurturing their immune systems with as wholistic of an approach as is humanly possible. I guide my clients to look at wellness from every possible angle and to consider the influences of each unique facet of their lives. Personally, I support the desire of each individual (whatever that might be) with informed consent, agency, and medical freedom to choose for themselves. I’m totally cool with you doin’ your thing. I love and support freedom of choice. But I feel it is important for each person to know as many of the factoring details as possible from both sides of the conversation before making a decision as important as what you are putting in your body. Here are questions that get right to the heart of this necessary conversation, which we should all be able to openly and maturely discuss. So let’s unite with a sense of journalistic neutrality to chew on this topic collaboratively with open and curious minds. 1. Are COVID vaccinations safe, and are they effective? How might the words “safe” and “effective” be defined?

2. Does the COVID vaccination prevent the spread or contraction of the virus, and does it offer protection in any way from COVID?

3. Is the vaccine necessary for those who have recovered from COVID who acquired immunity via natural-infection antibodies?

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4. W hat are the ingredients in COVID vaccines and could those ingredients negatively impact one population over another?

5. W hat are the known side effects documented by the CDC and how many incidents have they reported of each sideeffect? How many adverse reactions were reported as deaths? (www.vaers.hhs.gov) 6. W hy are the outcomes, side-effect reactions, and experiences so different among all vaccine recipients worldwide?

7. W hat might be included in one’s own “due diligence” research before making a decision regarding COVID vaccinations? Is there a benefit to researching both sides of contradictory data?

8. W hy would the makers of the COVID vaccines desire to keep all of their vaccine-related data private for fifty-five to seventyfive years and why would they carry zero liability if recipients experience adverse reactions? 9. W hat is the data on worldwide hospitalizations of the fully and/or partially vaccinated compared to those unvaccinated?

I invite you to go inward with these open-ended questions and discuss them with your family members, your doctor, and your trusted healthcare professionals. Begin gathering feedback as a journalist might, looking at every angle with curious neutrality and an insatiable appetite for genuine truth. You may even consult with your gut, intuition, or instinct. Believe it or not, some even find it wise to take such matters to sincere prayer, seeking much more personal, individual revelation. Food for thought. We can have a civil and respectful conversation so that each of us (as sovereign individuals) can make truly well-informed decisions, whether in the direction of compliance, informed consent, conscientious observation, or constitutional non-compliance. Send your feedback to Aloha@HealisticVitality.com. Thank you and mahalo. About the Author Bentley Murdock is a wholistic lifestyle wellness specialist and #1 best-selling author. His primary areas of focus are disease symptom reversal, disease prevention, and sustainable wholistic healing methods. As Director of Wellness with Alive & Well HealthCARE, he leads local and remote clients (on personal, familial, and corporate levels) to take full ownership and responsibility for the future healing and wellness they desire. For more info, call 805-215-0110 or email Aloha@ HealisticVitality.com.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 53

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Although modern practices, regulations, and laws recognize the importance of proper medical waste disposal, this was not always the case. In fact, up until the mid-1960s, the disposal of medical waste was largely unregulated. Imagine a world in which medical waste from every doctor’s office, dentist’s office, hospital, clinic, veterinary office, funeral home, and care facility was never addressed. Unless you work in the health care or medical industries, medical waste probably isn’t something you think about. However, improper medical waste disposal can pose potential risks for everyone, not just health care workers or medical professionals. Pathogens and toxic pollutants from the improper disposal of medical waste can be released and spread into the surrounding environment, leading to 54 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

• Expired prescriptions and pharmaceuticals disposal • On-site document shredding in compliance with all HIPPA, GLB, and FACTA regulations • Online training programs to educate health care providers in the proper management and handling of health care waste.

the contamination of drinking, surface, and ground waters. Additionally, medical waste dumped into poorly constructed landfills can result in pollution that negatively impacts land and wildlife. Waste or by-products that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious material is considered medical waste. Management and disposal of this potentially hazardous material should not be treated lightly. Good waste management practices are essential for

No matter where in southern Utah your business is located, there are specific regulations to follow when it comes to the storage and pickup of medical waste. At Preston’s, their goal is to provide you with convenient and easy options for your medical waste products, allowing you to remain compliant with all federal, state, and local laws. For more information about medical waste disposal or to discuss how Preston’s Medical Waste Disposal can be of service to your office or business, please call (435) 688-1987.

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 55

SPRING INTO

Relationship Fitness By Matt Eschler, PhD, LMFT

The winter months, with their shorter daylight hours and colder weather, may have lulled your marriage to sleep. Are you experiencing the hypnotic feeling of being in a “relationship rut” that you can’t escape? If so, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life and excitement back into your partnership. Described below are five relationship checkups and challenges you can use as a wake-up call for your most significant relationship.

Relationship Fitness Checkup

ONE

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What are your “checking in” rituals? How do you make contact with your lover during the day? Are your texts purely operational (will you pick up some milk?), or are you checking in by dangerously flirting or being a little playful (I can’t wait to really “be” with you this evening)? When you cross paths after significant hours apart, do you place everything on pause for a big hug and deep, meaningful kiss, or do you brush by each other in a rush to take care of the next task? The Challenge: Find private, sexy ways to check in during the day and create exciting new rituals that cause you to look forward to putting everything on pause while you connect for a few seconds when crossing paths after being apart.

Relationship Fitness Checkup

TWO

How curious are you about your partner? Do you hold on to a false belief that you know your lover so well that you no longer need to talk or ask questions? Be wary of developing the hypnotic sense of security that you already know the track your conversations will take. If you have been drawn away from being curious about your partner’s opinions or lulled away from having meaningful communication, it’s time to wake up your relationship. The Challenge: Using the stopwatch on your phone, set the timer for one minute. You will each take a turn speaking about a chosen topic for one minute while the other listens without judging or planning what to say. After the first minute of speaking, the listener will recap what they heard without any defense or alternate points of view. The idea is for the listener to simply listen and “understand” the partner. The roles are then switched; for one minute, the listener becomes the speaker on the same subject. The listener listens and recaps what they heard, speaking only to understand and never to alter the point of view. Being completely understood and accepted creates real connection and intimacy in a relationship.

Relationship Fitness Checkup

THREE

Relationship Fitness Checkup

FOUR

Relationship Fitness Checkup

FIVE

Do you frequently spend time together off the grid? The Challenge: A weekly five-hour, off-the-grid date with your spouse is one of the best ways to recharge your relationship and refocus your marital bond. Leaving behind the world’s minute-by-minute access to you (and your access to the world) and turning your full attention to each other can pump nourishment into a starved relationship. You will soon find it so valuable that you will start spending full weekends together off the grid.

Everyone makes mistakes. We argue over silly things, find it necessary to be right about issues that really don’t matter. and do things wrong that hurt our spouse. All of these issues can be repaired if we follow the simple steps of repentance that we learned in kindergarten. The Challenge: When you argue with your partner or when you do or say something hurtful, be accountable. Say you’re sorry. Repair a wrong. Make a new agreement, and keep it. Doing these things will allow the two of you to move forward with renewed energy and commitment to be better tomorrow than they are today.

Do you share what you’re truly grateful for with your spouse? Being vulnerable is valuable to every relationship. Sharing intimate moments and expressing gratitude is key to being safe and free to speak when things are tough. The Challenge: Each week, find six different things for which you are grateful, and share them. Be specific, honest, and vulnerable. Participating in this challenge regularly will strengthen your commitment to each other and increase the bonds of trust in your relationship.

Relationship fitness requires couples to be intentional about the commitment they share. Meaning and purpose drive the relationship to deeper, richer, more intimate places as we do the little things to keep the relationship alive and vibrant. About the Author Matt lives in St. George, Utah, where he and his wife, Chris, are enjoying their life with each other. Since their children have grown up and moved out to pursue their dreams, Matt and Chris travel the world. They want to visit 200 countries before they are done. Matt and Chris are active in their community and enjoy working out, training for marathons, and spending time participating in numerous activities with their adult children. Matt received a PhD in psychology. He is focused on the arena of resolving personal conflicts and improving interpersonal relationships. In addition to his doctorate degree, Matt has earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, studied criminal justice and received a category one license with Peace Officer Standards and Training, and received a degree in the Arts of Business Management. Matt is a professor at Dixie State University and hopes to be part of the positive growth of southern Utah.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 57

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A FAMILY THAT

PLAYSTOGETHER STAYSTOGETHER By Rob Henderson, LASUDC, CTRS “A family that plays together stays together” is more than just a fun phrase or a catchy recreation center slogan. Research tells us that the healthiest families and couples are those who prioritize and are intentional with their leisure time together, a fact that may be surprising to some. Sounds like we better consider dusting off our play-books. 60 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

To become better play-makers in our families, we first need to remind ourselves what it means to be intentional. American families are actually around each other quite a bit. The problem is we’ve become so digitized that we’re spending more time than ever “alone together.” Our family units tend to be close in proximity, but we have fewer interpersonal connections as we watch TV or eat our meals on the go among cellphone-illuminated faces. It’s not that “alone together” is bad per se, but it’s not as good as it could be either. Just as a steady diet of eating only rice for our meals or walking around the block a few times a week to be active will maintain a certain level of health, certain levels of family wellness are maintained just by being around one another. But aren’t we looking for more than just survival in our families? Don’t we want our relationships to thrive with hardier and healthier— intentional—experiences? Sign me up!

While the thought of intentionality can sound incredibly exhausting (especially in light of my last article about time poverty in America), it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Researchers have simplified some of this for us by identifying two types of family leisure that we should focus on with our families. They are:

• Core Family Leisure. This usually takes place inside the home or close by in the community. Core activities should be easily accessible and take minimal preparation, planning, travel time, and cost. The important thing is that the family is engaged together. Cooking, riding bikes, playing board or video games, working on house projects, sharing hobbies, or enjoying a neighborly BBQ are all examples of core play. Informal activities and sports in the yard, at the park, or at a community or recreation center are also examples.

“

(Zabriskie 2017)

• Balance Family Leisure. This type of family activity is more involved. Balance activities usually require planning, travel away from home, and sometimes even training. They tend to be outside of a family’s routine and comfort zone. Examples of balance activities include family road trips, vacations, and retreats, like visiting a national park, camping, going to a concert or an amusement park, and visiting friends or family you may not see often. Balance experiences are less frequent and usually more work, but they are also much richer in novelty and reward.

As explained in the graphic below, little core shifts in the way we play together foster stability, familiarity, and structure, ultimately creating a more cohesive family. And following through with those bigger balance adventures introduces change, novelty, variety, and challenge, leading our families to become more adaptable.

I guess it’s time to say, “Alexa, add ‘core and balance activities’ to our play-list!”

American families are actually around each other quite a bit. The

problem is we’ve become so digitized that we’re

“

spending more time than ever “alone together.”

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 61

, Don t just write a strong female protagonist; Be one. –Adrienne Posey, author and screenwriter By Brigit Atkin Novice authors and screenwriters often make the common mistake of writing heroes by default; they create characters whose names are on almost every page but who are only the leads due to the frequency of their appearances. They are victims of circumstance who don’t drive the story through their choices. Instead, they react. They focus their creative energies on the bad guys and the continuing escalation of crises.

Becoming Your Own

Hero

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This can be true in our personal stories as well. There is a homework assignment that I give to many of my clients who struggle. It’s called Write a New Script for Yourself. This assignment is meant to get my client to redirect the story of his or her life. As the director, each gets to say, “Hey, enough of the victim’s act. No more drama. Instead, start thinking, speaking, and acting like a hero/heroine.” In my mentoring program, I have a list of “quality questions” that I ask. One of these questions is the following: In the story of my life, am I a victim, survivor, or a hero/heroine? Both of these exercises help a person to change their paradigm by stepping out of a victimhood mentality and into one of a champion.

Andy Andrews explained this concept well in his books The Traveler’s Gift and Mastering the Seven Decisions. Listed as Andrews’ first decision for personal success is “The Buck Stops Here.” Andrews explains the importance of this decision with the following statement: “From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past. I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing. “Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or other employees for my present situation. Neither my education nor lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way. If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past. I will look forward. I will not let my history control my destiny.

“The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success.” I would add to these wise thoughts that you are responsible for your triggers even though they may be caused by others. You don’t have any control over the behavior of others, but you do have control over how you respond.

Problems, heartaches, and challenges are part of life. I contend that we can look at them as opportunities or stepping stones—even as gifts. In fact, without the challenges, how could we possibly be the heroes or the heroines of our stories? It is adversity itself that makes us great, if that is what we choose.

Author Sarah Ban Breathnach said, “At the very moment that you choose the forest path to find your way home rather than being chased into the thickets by the villain, you become the lead character—the hero. It can’t be your life until it’s your story. By claiming one, you begin to own the other.”

If you want to change your life, change your narrative. Decide that you are the protagonist of your story. Choose to step out of perpetual crisis and into intentional action. Become your own hero. Be the heroine of your life story. The end.

About the Author Brigit Atkin–Brigit of Brightworks helps improve the lives of others facing challenges and difficulties. She is certified in the SimplyALIGN™ method and was trained by founder Carolyn Cooper herself. For more information, visit www.brightworksbybrigit.com.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 63

Are Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness the Key to Curing the Collective Chaos of Our Culture? By Scott Allen, MD, Medical Director, Satori Health and Wellness

“These states give us a clear view that we share more commonalities than differences. We begin to see that we are connected through our shared experience of simply being conscious beings.” 64 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

It’s been a wild start to the millenium. Our nation briefly unified around 9/11, but since then we’ve been on a steady separation of ideologies—a trend accelerated in the last several years by social media, a pandemic, and political figures whose success depends on outrage. Some people, including our Governor Spencer Cox, have called the current era a time of unprecedented polarization, marked by tribalism, fraying democracy, and increased contempt for our fellow human beings. But what if there was a way to reorganize the clutter of our own minds, as well as the collective chaos of our culture? The medical community is on the cusp of a revolution toward restoring our mental well-being by improving the neuronal balance of our brains. And we’re doing it by learning lessons from ancient societies. Anthropologists suggest that many cultures throughout history developed methods of changing their state of consciousness in order to improve their individual and collective mindsets. The ancient Greeks participated in the Eleusinian Mysteries. This celebration featured drinking the kykeon, which placed participants in a collective visionary state. When societies didn’t have access to a consciousness-altering medicine, they would engage in prolonged fasts and breathing exercises. In more recent history, the dedication of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Kirtland Temple culminated in a prolonged fast that accelerated group cohesion as they shared visionary experiences.

Today, physicians and psychotherapists are treating patients with anesthetics, MDMA, and psilocybin to induce the exotic states of consciousness well-known to older societies. The results are exciting! We’re on our way toward alleviating depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many more conditions. Also, we’re on the verge of using these methods for the betterment of “well” people, improving the mental processes in people with no psychiatric diagnoses.

Modern neuroscience techniques are beginning to explain how non-ordinary states of consciousness calm our minds. They induce a high-energy state within the brain, characterized by increased entropy—or free energy. Areas of the brain that normally are not in communication with one another begin establishing connections. When the brain cools down into normal waking consciousness, it does so in a more organized manner, diminishing the fear and anxiety common to so much of our thoughts. In the same way a fresh dump of powder covers old ski tracks, mind-expanding medicines cover unproductive neural pathways, giving us a chance to create new ones.

Here in Utah, we have several champions of non-ordinary consciousness techniques. Christine Stenquist and TRUCE have successfully made medical cannabis legal. Now we’re using it therapeutically for many conditions, including PTSD. Steve Uruqhart, a former state senator, has founded The Divine Assembly, which provides religious protection for those seeking to use plant medicines, such as psilocybin. And doctors are using ketamine and MDMA, produced by pharmaceutical companies, to create therapeutic states of mind. But what does this have to do with polarization? The answer lies in the experience of non-ordinary states of consciousness. These states give us a clear view that we share more commonalities than differences. We begin to see that we are connected through our shared experience of simply being conscious beings. For example, a typical patient undergoing psilocybin, ketamine, or MDMA therapy may temporarily lose the sensation of being a separate self. They may have an experience of being connected to all of humanity—and the entire universe. The differences which seem so important to us—political demographic, racial, and religious— evaporate in an instant. What’s more exciting is that we are developing the appropriate containers to provide these experiences to people. Some of these, like the Divine Assembly, are religious in nature. Others exist in the medical system. Utah has a state-sanctioned process for medical cannabis. Oregon is developing a program to safely provide medical psilocybin to patients (a program Utah would be wise to emulate). MDMA is on the fast-track for FDA approval: as early as 2023. And many medically-licensed ketamine clinics are already operating in Utah. When these legal therapies are administered in a safe, ethical setting by licensed providers, the boundaries of ideology can be eliminated. Are we ready to let go? About the Author Dr. Scott Allen is a St. George-raised, board-certified anesthesiologist. He has specialty training in transplant anesthesiology and currently practices with Mountain West Anesthesiology at St. George Regional Hospital. He is also the medical director of Satori Health, an integrated ketamine clinic (www.theketamineclinic.com). Dr. Allen is the current president of the Washington County Medical Association. With his deep roots in Utah, he has a special passion for improving the mental healthcare of his friends and neighbors in the community. Dr, Allen enjoys outdoor pursuits with his family and communing with nature. He’s doing his best to stay grounded in the moment!

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 65

Are Your Seasonal Allergies Driving You Crazy?

What is the Best Medication to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms? By Koby Taylor, PharmD

Allergies! Almost everyone has an allergy to something, and almost everyone is allergic to SPRING! Springtime blooms bring glorious beauty to our desert, but that beauty often brings with it miserable allergy symptoms. The telltale signs of environmental allergies usually include watery eyes, a stuffy nose, sensitive sinuses, a dull headache, itchy skin, and even an upset stomach. In this article, I would like to highlight a few of the differences between the many types of over-the-counter medications in order to help clarify the best choice for your allergy symptoms. The choices are plenty, and they are plenty confusing.

Antihistamines

Let’s break this down in hopes of helping you, the consumer. We have all heard of antihistamine medications, and it can be easy to assume that if the box says “helps with seasonal allergies” that we are getting an antihistamine medication. You aren’t. If you are looking for an actual antihistamine medicine, then look 66 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com

for the ones that include cetirizine or loratadine as active ingredients. These ingredients target the H1 histamine receptors in your body, thereby relieving symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and so on. The most common antihistamine medications that you’ll see are Clariton or Zyrtec, and what’s nice about these is that they can be taken once a day for allergy relief, are non-drowsy, and can generally be taken for longer periods of time than other medications. These medications also come in a generic or store brand version. Benadryl, another very well known antihistamine drug, includes the active ingredient diphenhydramine. It is truly only meant for the sudden onset of allergy symptoms and is not meant for long-term care, like the aforementioned medications. That said, if you enjoy the great outdoors here in southern Utah, diphenhydramine is a good thing to have in your pack if you should happen into red ants or any one of our varieties of spiky plants. People with food allergies will often carry diphenhydramine as a backup or alongside an EpiPen. This medication also comes in a generic or store brand version.

#FusionIsBetterMedicine FUSION PHARMACY Santa Clara (435) 703-9680 | St. George (435) 656-2059 | www.FusionSpecialtyPharmacy.com

Decongestants Allergies can cause you to become congested, especially as the histamine response worsens. Your chest may become tight, and your sinuses feel blocked. Decongestants can help to shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues and may help relieve congestion. Medications with decongestants include ingredients such as oxymetazoline, found in nasal sprays like Afrin, phenylephrine, found in Sudafed PE, and pseudoephedrine, also found in Sudafed. These medications are meant to be taken intermittently and as a temporary measure to relieve symptoms of congestion. These medications can be found in oral or nasal delivery forms.

Steroids Now let’s take a look at medications that offer relief by delivering corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory, meaning they reduce inflammation. They do not block histamine responses nor do they act as decongestants. These medications can help to relieve the pain and swelling associated with allergy symptoms. Medications such as Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort are corticosteroid-ingredient-based products. It is important to stress here that these medications only offer temporary relief and are not meant to be used as long-term medications. They can also come in the form of topical creams for skin allergies.

Natural Products and Remedies

As you can imagine, at my pharmacy, we see many allergy sufferers. We help guide them through the maze of brands and ingredients and hopefully send them home with products that will work best for them. Over the years, we have gotten more positive feedback from patients on the following two recommendations:

• Nasal Rinse

We cannot say enough about using a nasal rinse. Just as you would flush your body of toxins by drinking a lot of water, a nasal rinse does the same thing for your nose and sinuses. Every time you breathe in through your nose, you take in millions of tiny particles from the air, and during allergy season, you are breathing in particles that cause allergies. Not only is it a good idea to rinse out these particles, especially during the spring season, but if you can make nasal rinsing a part of your daily routine year round, you will build stronger sinuses that can better handle allergy season.

• D-Hist, a Patient Favorite But wait. There’s more! What about natural products? Isn’t there anything out there for those of you who want something different? Yes, there is! If you’ve walked into any health food store, you’ve seen the aisles stocked with natural alternatives. Honestly, these can be just as confusing as the medications I mentioned above. But in the interest of keeping this article succinct, I want to highlight just one for your consideration. D-Hist is a natural allergy supplement—not a medication but a supplement. It doesn’t have drug medications like the aforementioned products, but it contains ingredients that are found in dietary and nutritional realms. D-Hist contains Vitamin C, Quercetin, Stinging Nettle, Bromelain, and N-Acetyl-Cysteine. Essentially, D-Hist supplies you with vitamins, herbs, and an amino acid that work together to boost your immune system, decrease inflammation, and provide antihistamine-like properties from natural, plant-based sources. Patients have noticed a remarkable difference when they switched to this natural remedy. Some reported they didn’t feel dried out and jittery like other medications made them feel. Some even reported that they felt their allergies didn’t linger as long as usual, and so far, no one has reported feeling tired or drowsy. You can find D-Hist at Fusion Pharmacy, some locallyowned pharmacies, your local health food store, or online. When choosing an allergy medication or remedy, get help from your pharmacist to understand your symptoms, and choose the right option that best fits your needs. Always be cautious about taking OTC medications for long periods of time. If your allergies don’t subside or continue to worsen, please consult your doctor.

About the Author Koby Taylor, PharmD, is the owner and pharmacist of Fusion Pharmacy. Working as a retail pharmacist early in his career, Koby began to see that pharmacy patients needed to have access to available alternative medications. He realized that pharmacy in its truest form is compounding, and he wanted to be able to provide patients with customized medications. He also desired more personalized interactions with patients in order to truly help their health and wellbeing. To fulfill his passion for improving the health of patients and educating them about compounding, Koby opened the doors of Fusion Pharmacy in 2013. Today, Fusion is nationally accredited with PCAB and NABP. It is licensed in and ships to 27 states. Fusion is proud to have two locations to better serve the southern Utah community. Koby graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in molecular biology in 1995 and from the University of Utah with his Doctorate of Pharmacy in 2000.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 67

Indoor

Wellness

By Gini Grimsley

Health is a year-round endeavor that requires consistent activity, exercise, and good diet choices. One routine that maximizes effort in a short amount of time and is especially beneficial is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT has risen in popularity over the last several years because it is efficient, requires minimal equipment, and is extremely effective. What is a HIIT workout? HIIT combines time periods of increased intensity—measured using a heart rate or rates of perceived exertion (RPE)—followed by time periods of lower intensity and recovery. This is repeated for a set number of rounds or for an overall amount of time. An example of this workout structure is shown on the next page:

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1. Thirty seconds of jumping jacks followed by thirty seconds of walking. Repeat for ten rounds. 2. Twelve bodyweight squats, ten pushups, or eight TRX rows followed by a forty-five-second rest. Complete as many rounds as possible in fifteen minutes 3. On a treadmill or elliptical, sprint for one minute. Follow with a oneminute recovery. Repeat ten times.

Many HIIT workouts can be completed with just a person’s bodyweight, cardio equipment, or tools like kettlebells, dumbbells, or suspension trainers. If one completes five rounds of the squat/push up/ row workout above with rest in between each movement, this workout could take around thirty minutes to complete. By combining all of the moves together and using a timer to minimize rest, your heart rate will increase in a way that is not typically seen with traditional strength training. The increase in heart rate and strength training produces what is called EPOC—Excessive Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption—resulting in a general increase in calories burned throughout the day doing standard daily activities. Over time (usually months), the calories from HIIT and its EPOC help shape the body in addition to improving overall exercise capacity. And shorter workouts that lead to increased calorie burn are a great way to stay fit.

Customizing HIIT So It’s Right for You One big advantage HIIT provides is that it can be customized to fit all fitness levels and abilities. Since intensity is relative to the person doing the workout, the need to compare yourself to others shouldn’t be quite as tempting as other types of workouts. The goal is to compete with yourself and see improvements over time.

Duration plays an important role in HIIT workouts as well. Those who are just getting back to the gym or just starting out should shoot for shorter workouts of ten to fifteen minutes while those who are more fit can complete HIIT workouts forty-five to sixty minutes long. Doing too much too fast can lead to burn out or injury, which no one should experience when working on their health. Mixing in body weight, cardio equipment, or loaded movementbased intervals can help keep things fresh and allow the body to adapt to several stimuli at once. The sweet spot for training with high intensity intervals is three to four days per week with at least one day of rest in between. With this schedule, you can mix up the types of intervals you complete. Some days can be longer intervals with a moderate amount of rest; other days can be shorter, very intense intervals with longer rests.

Whether you’re short on time, energy, or daylight, adding HIIT into your weekly routine will keep you moving and healthy. Starting conservatively and building over time is the best approach so you don’t burn out or get injured along the way.

About the Author Gini Grimsley is the Director of Fitness Product for VASA Fitness where she creates cutting-edge fitness programming for VASA’s clubs across eight states.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 69

Finding Joy in Balance

By Nathan Murset, Junior, Dixie High School

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For four years, I sacrificed my life to the pool. As an accomplished competitive swimmer, I had experienced great success in the water, and with each victory, my willingness to sacrifice pieces of my life to the sport increased. Over time, I established a mindset in which every aspect of my existence pointed toward athletic success. However, the pleasure I experienced over my accomplishments seemed shallow and fleeting. Within me stirred feelings of emptiness and discontentment. I wasn’t sad, but I definitely was not happy. Things took a turn for the worse when I fell ill in the fall of 2020. I pridefully pushed through my sickness, ignoring the inner voices that begged for respite. Naturally, my performance dropped for the first few days of my illness, but as the weeks stretched on, my performance continued to lag. My times slowed, my body weakened, and my morale dissolved as I swam for months against a current of doubt and anguish. I soon came to realize the astonishing magnitude of my discontent, and I started asking myself questions that I’d never been brave enough to ask before. Was I swimming because I wanted to swim or because I felt obligated? Did my self-worth really depend on my accomplishments? Would I be a failure if I decided to choose a different path? How much of my life had I wasted doing something that didn’t bring me joy? These questions floated around in my mind for months. My focus had become so directed on physical achievements that my life had become an eternal checklist, with every day another chance to mark boxes off of that list. What I failed to recognize was that no number of worldly accomplishments could bring me joy. Deep, lasting joy is the result of an effective balance between the heart, mind, body, and spirit. Unfortunately, balance is difficult to obtain, requiring dedication and clear, objective self-reflection. However, the end product is worth all of the effort: a life of color, beauty, and love. With the help of an incredible therapist and my family, I began to realize the bountiful blessings of balance: I began to smile again; I began to sing again; I began to feel and share love again and to explore my other talents and passions. Nearly two years after the onset of my illness, I am still experiencing symptoms. But the lessons I learned during my recovery are far more significant than my athletic failures. In finding balance, I learned that life is more than a checklist. It’s an opportunity to smile and to lift others up—a chance to show compassion and share the love of God. Above all, I learned that life is at its fullest when it is filled with joy.

What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar? By Diane Del Toro What is the hardest substance in your body? The answer may surprise you because it is not your bones. Protecting your teeth as you chew your food, tooth enamel is the most durable substance in your body. That’s a good thing considering the human jaw can exert between 150 to 200 pounds of force per square inch. Although your teeth are encased in enamel and can handle a lot of wear and tear, they are put at risk when you allow a buildup of plaque and tartar to form on them. That’s why it is important to know the difference between plaque and tartar and understand what you can do to prevent them from damaging your healthy teeth. What is Plaque? When a person eats, the sugars and starches in their food mix with bacteria and saliva, creating a sticky, colorless film called plaque. The bacteria in plaque contains acid that is very harmful to tooth enamel. Foods like candy, soda, or other sugary treats are more likely to form plaque, which can cling to a person’s teeth and gums. It can even form under the gums and around the roots of the teeth, wreaking havoc on the supporting bones and sometimes causing the loss of teeth. When plaque forms, it is soft and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. However, when plaque is left on teeth, it begins to harden. In fact, once plaque is formed, it takes only about fortyeight hours for it to harden.

What Is Tartar? When plaque hardens on the teeth, it becomes something called tartar. Tartar, also referred to as calculus, is mostly made up of mineralized dead bacteria. Like plaque, tartar can develop above and below the gum line. However, unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. When a person develops tartar, a dental professional must use special tools to remove it from the teeth. Tartar that has formed on the teeth makes it difficult for a person to brush and floss properly, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bone loss. This is why having tartar removed by a dentist or oral hygienist is so important to the health of the teeth and gums Regular Cleaning and Checkups Can Help Prevent Tartar Buildup Along with daily brushing and flossing, it is important to have a regular six-month dental checkup so that your teeth can be cleaned and polished. During your visit, the dentist will take x-rays and do a thorough exam, checking for any dental issues and providing you with important information on how to properly care for your teeth at home. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis will help you avoid expensive dental procedures down the road and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2022 71

Dining Guide St. George

Angelica’s Mexican Grill

101 E. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT 84770 | 435-628-4399 Mexican | Vegetarian and Vegan Options | Family Friendly | $ Mon.–Sat., 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Closed Sun. Located Downtown on St. George Boulevard, Angelica’s Mexican Grill serves fresh, made from scratch authentic Mexican food. The flavor driven and nationally recognized menu provides everything and more that you would expect from a Mexican restaurant, including street tacos, Mulitas, Tortas, Sweet Carnitas, Machaca, and their famous salsa bar. Vegan and Vegetarian dishes are always available. Seating is available inside and also outside on the spacious patio. Catering & To-Go ordering available.

Pizza/Pasta Factory

Pasta Factory: 2 W. St. George Blvd. #8, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-674-3753 Pizza Factory: 2 W. St. George Blvd. #8, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-628-1234 Pizza Factory Express: 1930 W. Sunset Blvd., St. George, UT 84770 | 435-634-1234 Pizza Factory Pineview: 2376 E. Red Cliffs Dr., St. George, UT 84790 | 435-688-2656 Pizza | Pasta | Dine-In | Take-Out | Delivery | Salad Bar | $$ Mon.—Sat at 11:00 a.m. The Pasta Factory, with its year-round, climate controlled outdoor patio dining wows with custom-made pasta, soups, sandwiches and salads. The Pizza Factory offers three locations with the best and freshest salad bar in town; homemade soups, sandwiches, famous bread twists and Southern Utah’s favorite pizza combinations.

Benja’s Thai and Sushi

Red Fort Cuisine of India

Cappeletti’s

The Painted Pony

2 W. St. George Blvd. #12, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-628-9538 Thai | Sushi | $$ Mon.–Sat., 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.–8:00p.m. Hungry for sushi? Hungry for Thai curries? Benja’s Thai and Sushi, in the heart of downtown at Ancestor Square, will satisfy your craving with fresh sushi, curries, noodles and a great beer and wine menu. Stop in with business colleagues, friends, a date or the whole family, and be sure to come hungry – in addition to curries, noodles and sushi, Benja’s salads, soups and sticky mango rice are not to be missed. 36 E. Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-986-4119 Italian | Steak | Seafood | Contemporary | $$ Lunch: Tues.–Sat.,11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Dinner: 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Centrally located in historic downtown near Town Square, Cappeletti’s is a favorite for casual business lunches, friend and family gatherings, and romantic evening dining. Authentic Italian pastas like gnocchi bolognese or cannelloni will comfort and satisfy, but if you’re not in the mood for pasta, the fresh fish of the day, tender Black Angus flat iron steaks, market fresh meats, and poultry are all prepared daily and presented beautifully. In this quaint and cozy family owned and operated restaurant, plan to settle in for warm, friendly Italian cuisine with an Argentinian flair, and leave satiated in body and soul.

148 S. 1470 E., St. George, UT 84790 | 435-574-4050 Indian | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free Options | Healthy | $$ Mon.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Closed Sun. Located in the shopping and dining hub just north of St. George Boulevard, Red Fort Indian Cuisine is the only authentic Indian restaurant in St. George. The flavors are unique and harmonious, and many of their menu items are vegan, vegetarian or gluten free. Stop by and experience the delicious flavors of authentic East India. The elegant and inviting atmosphere paired with their kind and friendly staff, is sure to provide for a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience. 2 W. St. George Blvd. #22, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-634-1700 Steakhouse | Seafood | Contemporary | Healthy | $$$$ Lunch: Mon.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Dinner: 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sun., 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. In the heart of Ancestor Square, the Painted Pony delights with an upscale menu, full beer and wine list, cocktails and exceptional service. Prepare for a sensory experience with complex flavors, top-notch presentation and a beautiful atmosphere. Evening ambiance complete with soft lighting, fresh flowers and patio dining. Locally sourced, organic, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available for every palate.

Twenty-Five Main Café

25 Main Street, St. George, UT 84770 | 435-628-7110 Cafe | Coffee Shop | Gourmet cupcakes | $ Mon.–Thurs., 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Visitors step from the streets of St. George to an atmosphere reminiscent of a Soho cafe when they stop by this counter-style downtown gem for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Delectable salads, panini sandwiches done to perfection, and pasta are the featured menu items, but most diners frequent the café for its cupcakes. Twenty-Five Main is perfect for a business lunch or breakfast, a get-together with friends or a quiet spot to relax in the evening before absorbing the downtown art-walk in St. George.

Magleby’s

1450 Hilton Dr., St George, UT 84770 | 435-652-9600 American / Dine-In | Catering | $$ Mon.–Sat., 11:00 a.m.–9:00p.m.; Lunch Buffet, Wed., 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Closed Wed. 2:00–4:00 p.m. and on Sunday With over thirty years of catering experience, we guarantee to make your next event magical! Everything we do we do with love, and you won’t find another catering company with as many homemade recipes or fully customized options. If you’re looking for a culinary experience creatively tailored to fit your event, we’re at your service.

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INSIDE: Can Chiropractors and Pain Management Physicians Co-Manage Your Pain? / 43 New Year’s Recipe for Wellness / 50 A New Hope for Battling Postpartum Depression / 62

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1098 E. Riverside Drive, St George, Utah 84790 (435) 628-1100 | UTAHOMS.COM

IS IT TIME TO GET YOUR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL

Dr. Shawn B. Davis Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

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When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed by Dr. Davis.

•

Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and gum disease.

•

It is best to have wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later.

•

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties.

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Dr. Davis will let you know what to expect post-surgery so you can have a comfortable, eff icient healing process.

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine March/April 2022

Articles inside

Fight to Eliminate Depression Through NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy

Food, Fun, and Friends Abound at the Fair

Understanding Depression: Causes, Myths, and Treatments

Dining Guide

Finding Joy in Balance

Indoor Wellness

What is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Are Your Seasonal Allergies Driving You Crazy?

Are Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness the Key to Curing the Collective Chaos of Our Culture?

Becoming Your Own Hero

A Family That Plays Together Stays Together

Spring into Relationship Fitness

Questions About COVID Vaccines for Thoughtful Consideration

Preston's Medical Waste Disposal: Protecting People and the Environment

Wade's Walkabout: Snow Hiking: Better Amidst Red Rock

Retirement Is Like Heaven

Internet Pornography: Why We’re Obsessed and How to Rewire the Addicted Brain

Forever Moments: Don't Let Them Pass You By

Spring Is in the Air

Dixie State University Besties Capture and Create Captivating Content

The Importance of a Health Care Home

Functional Medicine: Getting to the Root of the Matter

Spinal Cord Stimulation at Southwest Spine & Pain Signals Major Advancement for Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Happy Birthday, St. George

Overcoming Obesity Stigma

Letter from the President of Dixie Technical College

Mayoral Message

Tough Days Breed Long Memories

The Family’s Involvement in the Senior Living Decision

Prevention Is Key to a Happy, Healthy Heart

TRAILBLAZER NATION: Letter from the President of DSU

Letter from the Editor

Different Date Nights: Ten Unique Ways to Share the Love