Healthier You October Edition

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HEALTHIER

YOU FALL 2019

BREAST CANCER What it is How it spreads Signs and symptoms


HEALTHIER WINTER 2019

YOU

Table of Contents 3

What is Breast Cancer, Where it Starts

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How Breast Cancer Spreads

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Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

6-16 Sponsored Advertorials

Healthier You is published quarterly in Ogden, Utah by Ogden Publications, LLC 332 Standard Way, Ogden, Utah 84404 newsroom: 801-625-4425 • advertising: 801-625-4333

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Scott Blonde

General Manager Advertising Director Jim Konig

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HEALTHIER YOU

What Is Breast Cancer? B

reast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer and can spread to other areas. To learn more about cancer and how all cancers start and spread, see Cancer Basics.

Where breast cancer starts

Breast cancers can start from different parts of the breast. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers). Some start in the glands that make breast milk (lobular cancers). There are also other types of breast cancer that are less common.

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A small number of cancers start in other tissues in the breast. These cancers are called sarcomas and lymphomas and are not really thought of as breast cancers. Although many types of breast cancer can cause a lump in the breast, not all do. Many breast cancers are found on screening mammograms which can detect cancers at an earlier stage, often before they can be felt, and before symptoms develop. There are other symptoms of breast cancer you should watch for and report to a health care provider. It’s also important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Noncancerous breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast and they are not life threatening. But some benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care professional to determine if it is benign or malignant (cancer) and if it might affect your future cancer risk.

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How breast cancer spreads B

reast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and are carried to other parts of the body. The lymph system is a network of lymph (or lymphatic) vessels found throughout the body that connects lymph nodes (small bean-shaped collections of immune system cells). The clear fluid inside the lymph vessels, called lymph, contains tissue by-products and waste material, as well as immune system cells. The lymph vessels carry lymph fluid away from the breast. In the case of breast cancer, cancer cells can enter those lymph vessels and start to grow in lymph nodes. Most of the lymph vessels of the breast drain into: ~Lymph nodes under the arm (axillary nodes) ~Lymph nodes around the collar bone (supraclavicular [above the collar bone] and infraclavicular [be4

low the collar bone] lymph nodes) ~Lymph nodes inside the chest near the breast bone (internal mammary lymph nodes) If cancer cells have spread to your lymph nodes, there is a higher chance that the cells could have traveled through the lymph system and spread (metastasized) to other parts of your body. The more lymph nodes with breast cancer cells, the more likely it is that the cancer may be found in other organs. Because of this, finding cancer in one or more lymph nodes often affects your treatment plan. Usually, you will need surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes to know whether the cancer has spread. Still, not all women with cancer cells in their lymph nodes develop metastases, and some women with no cancer cells in their lymph nodes develop metastases later. Healthier You ­— Winter 2019


Breast Cancer Signs, Symptoms K

nowing how your breasts normally look and feel is an important part of breast health. Finding breast cancer as early as possible gives you a better chance of successful treatment. But knowing what to look for does not take the place of having regular mammograms and other screening tests. Screening tests can help find breast cancer in its early stages, before any symptoms appear. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. They can even be painful. For this reason, it is important to have any new breast mass, lump, or breast change checked by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing breast diseases. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include: ~Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt) ~Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel) ~Breast or nipple pain ~Nipple retraction (turning inward) ~Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin ~Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) Sometimes a breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be checked by a health care provider. Although any of these symptoms can be caused by things other than breast cancer, if you have them, they should be reported to a health care professional so that the cause can be found. Because mammograms do not find every breast cancer, it is important for you to be aware of changes in your breasts and to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

How Common Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Currently, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease.

Current year estimates for breast cancer

The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2019 are: About 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. About 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer). About 41,760 women will die from breast cancer.

Trends in breast cancer incidence

In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly (by 0.4% per year).

Trends in breast cancer deaths

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (only lung cancer kills more women each year). The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 38 (about 2.6%). Death rates from female breast cancer dropped 40% from 1989 to 2016. Since 2007, breast cancer death rates have been steady in women younger than 50, but have continued to decrease in older women. These decreases are believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.

Breast cancer survivors

At this time there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. Survival rates are discussed in the section on breast cancer survival rates by stage. Visit the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center for more key statistics.

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What do you say at a funeral? SPONSORED CONTENT

By Shaun Myers, President of Myers Mortuary

sation. Sometimes just your physical presence brings comfort to the people who have just lost someone.

ave you ever felt awkward when attending a funeral because you aren’t sure what to say? If so, you are not alone. Most people are uncomfortable when they approach someone who is grieving because they don’t want to say something that might make the situation more painful than it already is.

After the Funeral

H

Debby Mayne states that “not knowing what to say at a funeral is difficult for most people who want to go and show their support to the family. You want to offer comfort and a kind word or two, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing and trigger a painful emotion. Be prepared with what you will say so that you don’t mention something you may later regret.” Do you feel uncomfortable at a viewing and a funeral? Should you talk to the family of the deceased? If so, what should you say? Even if it’s uncomfortable, please make the effort to visit with the family members of the deceased. Your presence is often very comforting. You don’t have to say much, and it is always appropriate to extend your sympathy to the family for their loss. Remember that no one expects you to be witty or cleaver. All you need to do is offer a few sympathetic and kind words.

One of the saddest times for the family members who just lost a loved one is the period after the funeral. This can be days, weeks, months, or even up to a year. At first, they must get used to not having the person around. And then they must celebrate holidays and deal with birthdays and anniversaries that they once celebrated with the person who is no longer with them.

Here are some things you can say and do later to offer comfort: Call a couple of weeks after the funeral and invite the person over for lunch. Bring a plant or tree that can be put in the yard in memory of the deceased. Send a “thinking of you” note. Invite the person to spend a holiday with you so he or she won’t have to be alone. Remember that grieving is a natural emotion. It takes time to heal after losing a loved one. Don’t make light of it. Give your friend time to process their feelings.

Here are some examples of what to say I am so sorry. Your mother was loved by many. He was a wonderful man and a talented musician. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of your sister. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. When you’re ready to talk, please feel free to call me. I’m a good listener.

How Long to Talk with Family Members The length of time you should spend talking to the family members will depend on how well you know them. If you are close, you may stand with them longer. However, if you don’t know them well, you should express your sympathy and politely move on so others will have an opportunity to talk to them. If you’re close to the family, it isn’t necessary to hold a lengthy conver6

Healthier You ­— Winter 2019


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ROCK TALK Healing properties of natural stone Boulder Opal Boulder Opal is a precious stone found only in Queensland, Australia. This stone is said to clear mental clutter, encouraging mental clarity, emotional stability, and bolstering physical wellbeing. Opal is also known to bring inspiration, creative energy and positive changes to the carrier. This stone has been used by Australian Aboriginal shamans to invoke visions and awaken psychic and mystical qualities. Opal is one of the birthstones for the month of October.

Lepidolite Lepidolite is known as the stone of transition, soothing stress during times of change. Lepidolite can be used to locate energy blockages within the body, facilitates self love, and self acceptance. This stone encourages openness and honesty. This stone is also excellent for soothing anxiety and stress. Lepidolite is the most abundant lithium-bearing mineral--lithium has been used to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes.

Quartz Crystal Quartz Crystal is one of the most widely used healing stones. Quartz has been used to amplify both energies and intentions. It promotes clear thinking to more effectively enable thought and concentration. This crystal can be used to heal negativity and promote more positivity with one’s thoughts and feelings. Quartz can also be used to clear and activate all energy centers of the body. Quartz crystal is one of the birthstones for the month of April.

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Healthier You — Winter 2019


Citrine Citrine is said to attract energy, abundance, and success. Many believe that this stone can draw all forms of wealth to the carrier and help them maintain their state of abundance. Citrine encourages creativity, decisiveness, emotional balance, optimism, and can also be used to dispel anger. This is an excellent stone for clearing the aura and to alleviating personal issues with others. Citrine is one of the birthstones for the month of November.

Turquoise Turquoise is the stone of wisdom, protection, and positivity. It can bring any and all energies to a higher level, as well as dissipate negative energy. Turquoise is a healer of the spirit, bringing peace of mind. This stone can also be used for earth-grounding, hence one can remain grounded during spiritual work. Turquoise is one of the birthstones for the month of December.

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DR. NATHAN J. SAVAGE DPT, PhD Board Certified in Orthopaedics Board Certified in Clinical Electrophysiology Healthier You — Winter 2019


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Back Pain & Sciatica - What Now? Dr. Nathan J. Savage, DPT, PhD recently published a study entitled “The prognostic value of electrodiagnostic testing in patients with sciatica receiving physical therapy” (European Spine Journal, March 2015, Volume 24, Issue 3, pp 434-443). While this is an excellent paper (trust me!), not many folks surf medical journals for information about how they can find relief for their back pain. That being said, this article will summarize the findings of my research in a concise and (hopefully!) understandable way. Additionally, this article will provide specific recommendations that will help individuals suffering from back pain or sciatica improve their condition and treat their pain more effectively.

CHRONIC BACK PAIN & SCIATICA Most back pain is considered ‘mechanical’, meaning the pain arises from dysfunction or injury to the joints and surrounding soft tissue including muscles. Mechanical back pain results in stiffness, pain, weakness, lack of mobility, and poor function. Sciatica - a specific kind of back pain - commonly occurs after a bulging or herniated spinal disc and results in radiating lower extremity symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and burning. In most patients with sciatica the lower extremity symptoms are more intense than their back pain! Patients with sciatica are at higher risk for developing chronic back pain symptoms and (if not treated properly) are more likely to require costly and invasive treatments including surgery. DIAGNOSIS Back pain can present in a variety of ways including stiffness, limited motion, pain with movement, and weakness. Patients with sciatica have radiating lower extremity symptoms but not all patients with sciatica have evidence of nerve injury. My research showed that this is an important distinction. Patients suffering from sciatica are often referred for electrodiagnostic testing in order to determine if they have nerve root injury associated with their symptoms. Electrodiagnostic testing, consisting of needle electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies is considered the “gold standard” test for investigating the health of your spinal nerve roots.

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KEY FINDINGS The most significant finding of my research is that among patients with chronic back pain or sciatica receiving Physical Therapy those with evidence of nerve root injury recovered faster and more completely than patients with normal test results. In other words, an abnormal EMG was predictive of better recovery! This surprises most people because usually an abnormal diagnostic test is BAD news. TREATMENT Based on the findings of my research, I recommend that individuals suffering from chronic back pain or

sciatica schedule an examination, which may include electrodiagnostic testing, to determine if they have evidence of nerve root injury. Based on the results of your examinations we can then discuss a comprehensive treatment approach for treating your pain, including spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, dry needling, and other specific therapeutic exercises including our Advanced Spine Care program.

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SPONSORED CONTENT I am a healer. I am a healer. Say those words a few times and see if you can swallow it. When I was directed by our spiritual guides to accept those words (that is to say, to claim my destiny) I ran. Like some proverbial Jonah — directed by God to take those dreadful and prophetic words to a people desperately in need of them — I ran, far away, only to end up in the belly of The Whale. The Whale: Society. Possessions. Relationships. Things. I confess: it was comfortable inside there. No need to take responsibility for the terrible and beautiful gift I was given. No need to put myself out on a limb for strangers. No need to take a risk. And so, I stayed in the belly of that whale... ... for eight years. What exactly was I afraid of? I was, in a roundabout way, already successfully engaged in healing and body work for quite some time, and many so-called “important people” — people like Tony Robbins, assorted celebrities, politicians, et al — would lend me credentials and bonafides, if needed. So, what was holding me back? Because it’s so silly. No, it’s not... Because it’s too big. No, it’s not... Because it’s just me. No, it’s not... Wait, it’s not just me? No, it’s not... No, I guess it’s not. And for my own healer, who alerted me to my spiritual guide’s intentions, it’s not just her, either (and yes, we healers need healers, too). Like me, she’s merely a conduit that, when opened wide enough, allows the guide’s messages to flow. It’s not just me; I’m simply a messenger, and as long as I remain open to the spiritual guide’s messages, they will continue to flow. About that eight-year trip inside The Whale: Have you ever had something nag at you — a thought, an intuition, a dream so strong it wouldn’t leave you alone? Of course you have! You kept ignoring it, but it just wouldn’t go away; in fact, the damn thing just kept growing inside you — a horror. Finally, you confronted it, and then, like pulling a pressure valve . . . Sweet release! Profound relief! Just because I was comfortably nestled in the Whale’s belly didn’t mean I was free of my calling; the guides wouldn’t leave me be, their message of healing and care for humanity nagging at me, an itch in which scratching provided only temporary relief. And so, I finally let go. I listened to what the spiritual guides had to say. I opened myself up and let their messages flow through me. I took some risks — meeting random people in places I had to be, not forcing or pushing anything — and just allowed whatever the guides had to say come forth, with profound consequences. I stopped running from the Lord’s calling, and was spit upon the beach soon after. To where? Nineveh? The Wasatch Front? Is there really any difference? Washed upon a salty beach for a salty people, the grains absorbed into the skin, making one thirst for something more. And now, I call upon you. Are you thirsty? Still trying to find your purpose? Still seeking your truth? Needing answers to the larger questions? What you seek is your spiritual guide’s direction, from the divine space from which all good things come. Not from me; I do not do magic, and I’m no animal that can be commanded to do tricks. Further, I won’t claim that the guides have specific advice or answers about your love life or your career or your health — although they may indeed have that. What I do claim to be is an open channel, an open conduit for your guides to impart what they have to say to you, and that it’s going to be exactly what you need to move in a direction meant to bring about the best outcome — comfort, happiness, and joy. I call upon you. Maybe, like me, there’s a calling you’ve ignored. Maybe there’s a nagging feeling that something profound is missing. Maybe you’re confused about the direction your life is heading. The spiritual guides are here for you, calling on you to join them in congress and receive their gifts. My name is Sandra Alexandra, and I am an open channel to those who would deliver peace and love. My name is Sandra Alexandra, and I am a healer. 12

Healthier You ­— Fall 2019


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Make health a priority with Citrus Pear “Did Sam get his lunch money? I should run Sarah her math book on my way to pick up the dog from the vet. The neighbor down the street asked me to get her mail and I just realized I forgot to put the laundry in the dryer! Will I have time to run back home? My boss needs that report by 5:00 PM. I wonder if Kevin paid the power bill and is it our turn to drive soccer carpool?” Does this whirlwind sound familiar? With rising demands of family and home life, many people tend to put their health last on their “to do list”. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to body fatness, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented. These same lifestyle behaviors are also linked with risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Aside from increasing physical activity and decreasing alcohol consumption, what can be done nutritionally to decrease the risk? Practice portion control – Americans are eating far more than necessary; this includes high sugar/calorie beverages. Choose smaller plates, measure your foods, and honor your hunger and fulness cues. Limit processed foods and red meat. Eat at least 2 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables each day. Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products. For most of us, this isn’t new information. As caregivers, and specifically women, finding time to fit everything in can be a challenge. Adding trips to the grocery store, meal prep, and time for exercise can make anyone feel like they are barely keeping their head above water. McKenzie Rockwood, mother and 14

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), understood this struggle first-hand. She consulted with many patients who felt discouraged and overwhelmed when taking steps toward living a healthy lifestyle. Rockwood’s focus quickly evolved into creating a resource to assist the public in implementing needed dietary changes. This vision is what pushed McKenzie to start Citrus Pear almost four years ago. Citrus Pear makes healthy eating easy. Customers simply register for a class and show up to a local grocery store (across Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada) for a night of productivity AND fun! After an evening of just 2 hours patrons leave with 10-40 healthy, simple, flavorful family meals that can

be stored in the freezer and cooked in the slow cooker or pressure cooker. All meals, developed by Rockwood and her team of 30+ RDNs, are packed with lean proteins and fresh vegetables. Meals are suitable for cardiac and diabetic diets, and can even be modified for common allergies or intolerances. Let Citrus Pear help you achieve your health goals with less stress. Your physical and mental wellbeing is too important to put on the back burner! Visit www.citruspeardinners.com to register for classes near you or follow @citrus_pear on Instagram or Citrus Pear on Facebook

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Healthier You ­— Winter 2019


SPONSORED CONTENT

Smile again for the first time BY LACIE KOFORD Sponsored Content Specialist

I

f your car was spewing oil everywhere or screeching every time you touched on the breaks, the natural course of action would be to take it into a trusted mechanic who could diagnose and fix the issue quickly and efficiently. Or maybe you fell down the stairs and broke your ankle and sprained your wrist. In this case you’d also seek out the proper professionals to diagnose and fix the problem. If we are quick to seek the right professionals in these kinds of circumstances, wouldn’t it make sense to seek the proper professionals for missing or damaged teeth? We all want to be able to enjoy our favorite foods and have a smile that could knock someone off their feet, but in order to do so, we have to either keep up with good oral health throughout our lives, or when accidents or diseases happen, seek to repair our mouths with proper prosthodontic care. Dr. Michael Affleck is a prosthodontist who runs a very successful clinic at Affleck Dental in Clearfield. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Affleck specializes in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. He uses prosthetic solutions including dental implants, dentures, and veneers to help patients improve their oral health and quality of life. As mentioned, one of the procedures Dr. Affleck focuses on is dental implants. This is an area where many people have questions and may feel a little apprehension and fear. To dispel these questions and fears, we’re going to look at why you might choose a prosthodontist over a general dentist, why prosthodontists are important, the implant process, and how to overcome the fear of receiving dental implants. First, what is a dental implant? An implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Usually made from titanium, these screwlike objects are inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jawbone. After the dental implant has been placed, the implant and the bone will fuse together, forming a strong bond. The patient can then come back in to receive a new tooth that is placed onto the dental implant. You should choose a prosthodontist over a general dentist when you are needing dental care relating to age-related issues, missing teeth due to injury, neglect, or aging, or problems arising from trauma. A prosthodontist’s training includes four years of dental school as well as three years of prosthodontic training, including tooth cosmetics, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. In response to why Dr. Affleck chose prosthodontics as a specialty, he said, “I realized during dental school that general dentists do not receive enough training to provide high end aesthetic, dental implant, or complex reconstruction techniques. I really wanted to provide those procedures and decided there was no other good way to learn how.” One of the biggest differences we see between a prosthodontist and a general dentist is that a prosthodontist mainly focuses on replacing teeth and bringing oral health back to a fully functioning state throughout the entire mouth. General dentists do repair teeth, but they are mainly focusing on ensuring that those teeth remain healthy. Prosthodontists are specially

trained to handle in depth dental cases, including being fitted for dentures, dental implants, and jaw surgery.

The implant process is a simple 6-step procedure. • First, a patient will visit a prosthodontist to have a full mouth examination, which will include X-rays and possibly 3D images. Various options for implants will then be discussed and a plan for the implant surgery will be put into place. • Second, the prosthodontist will place the dental implant, the screw-like object, into the jawbone. Most patients say that any pain or discomfort they experience is far less that what they expected, and usually can return to work or daily activities the next day. • Third, after the implant is placed, the implant and jawbone will grow together in a process called osseointegration. This process helps to form a strong, long-lasting foundation for the replacement teeth. • Fourth, a small connector, called an abutment, is placed right on top of the dental implant just above the gumline. In most cases, the abutment and the implant can be placed at the same time. • Fifth, the prosthodontist will make an impression of your mouth to create custom-made artificial teeth. Once the teeth are made, they are then attached to the abutment on the dental implant. Just as with the rest of your natural teeth, your new teeth will need the same routine care, checkups, and cleanings. • Lastly, it’s important to receive periodic checkups with your prosthodontist, just as you would visit your general dentist for routine oral care. Approaching a procedure involving dental implants can naturally cause a little apprehension and fear, so dispelling these fears early on is critical to a smooth plan and process. Dental implants are actually a very common, safe, and painless procedure. Three ways to deal with dental anxiety relating to dental implants are as follows: 1. Speak to the prosthodontist about your anxiety. Let them know of your fears so they can help calm and educate you on the process. 2. The prosthodontist will schedule time with you to go over all the details for the implant procedure before the actual appointment. The key to feeling less anxious here is to schedule this appointment at a time when you’ll be less likely to be rushed or under pressure. 3. Aside from having the option to use a local anesthetic or full anesthesia, another option to reduce anxiety is simply to bring headphones. Being able to listen to a customized playlist of favorite songs is an easy and affordable option to help ease the anxiety that is inevitable approaching a dental implant procedure. Every person is unique and may require different solutions than what is stated here to help deal with dental anxiety. It is important to speak with your dental professional about solutions that may work for you to ease your anxiety. To schedule a free consultation with Dr. Affleck, call 801-782-5010 today.

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