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from Health and Wellness - Spring 2020

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What is telehealth and why are we hearing so much about it now?

Telehealth is the use of electronic communication to provide health care services from remote locations. This has been around for quite a while. In light of the recommendations for COVID-19 encouraging people to maintain social distancing and only utilize essential health care services, some clinics have turned to only urgent or emergent cases in person and performing other services via telehealth.

This differs by state and between professions based on their federal laws and state practice acts; however, many states have loosened the rules during this time to limit the number of people out and about. Telehealth allows those who are worried about transmission to get the health care services they need without leaving the safety and comfort of their own home.

Could telehealth be beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic and could it be something patients may actually continue with when things settle down?

Synchronous telehealth visits allow patients real-time visual/audio connection with a provider to discuss their specific needs and allow them to continue or even start addressing problems they may have lived with for a while now.

More people are finding themselves working from home, sitting more, doing different types of exercises than normal and doing all those chores around the house that you didn’t have time for before the pandemic. However, people are also finding themselves with more time as they take out long commutes, BY DR. NICK HUNTER, PT Preferred Physical Therapist NICK HUNTER

Now Offering Telehealth!

Are you less determined to focus on your health and well-being right now?

Of course not!

Neither are we! We are also as committed as ever to helping you make better decisions about your health.

In the spirit of our mission, the staff here at Preferred Physical Therapy are keeping our clinic doors open to a limited number of appointments.

What if you want to continue prioritizing your health AND are also practicing social distancing?

We have the solution for you! Preferred Physical Therapy is now offering TELEHEALTH visits! Attend a virtual appointment with one of our skilled providers!

We pride ourselves on delivering a standard of care in an environment that feels like home, where our patients feel valued and celebrated like family.

If you are 40+, know that there are ways for you to stay active and independent, live free from pain killers and avoid surgery (even if you’ve had pain for years)… All from the comfort of your home!

We’re here to serve you! Call or text Preferred Physical Therapy TODAY at (623) 466-6448. To inquire about telehealth services To book your FREE telehealth or in-clinic assessment To speak to a physical therapist To schedule an in-clinic visit

The Preferred Physical Therapy staff before social distancing mandates. (Photo courtesy Preferred Physical Therapy)

pick up/drop off kids or have reduced work hours. This could actually be a great time to do something for yourself and get that nagging pain taken care of.

Appointments from the comfort of your own home also allow the provider to make sure the exercises and stretches they are recommending will actually work in your home environment.

In the clinics, therapists are spoiled with many different pieces of equipment and can sometimes forget that when patients leave their space they may not have access to items they need to complete the new exercises therapists showed patients that day.

Telehealth visits allow providers to see the space patients will be performing their exercises in and what equipment or items they already have so they don’t have to buy new things, and to allow them to keep making progressions, even if they can’t get into the clinic because of COVID-19, child care challenges or other time constraints. It also allows therapists to see the setup of those who are working from home to help see if that could be contributing to discomfort issues or to help prevent any future aches and pains.

Many patients think they are missing out on hands-on or in-person cues to help make sure they are moving their body correctly. And therapists get it. This is commonly the primary reason people get treatment.

The truth is, the hands-on portion is only intended to act as a supplement to correctly prescribed exercises. Certain conditions make this hard to perform on their own, but there are certain self soft tissue or joint mobilization techniques to help replace the hands-on portion therapists can teach during a telehealth visit. Also, this doesn’t need to be long term if the hands-on portion seems to provide relief.

Some patients may find they like the convenience of these video assessments and exercise prescriptions long after the COVID-19 pandemic dust has settled.

The world is likely to see long-term changes in the health care system from COVID-19, which hopefully gives patients more access to services in the future. Telehealth is a great choice right now as everyone tries to limit person-to-person contact to reduce exposure to COVID-19.

Telehealth will also be a great choice moving forward for many patients who find they are limited by transportation, long work hours, child care, travel often, live far away from the clinic or live in a place with adverse weather conditions. Nick Hunter is a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Preferred Physical Therapy. For more information, call 623-466-6448 or visit preferredptaz.com.

The Palazzo is a full continuing care community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

Central Phoenix’s premier senior living community, The Palazzo caters to residents with a wide variety of care needs and offers an abundance of social activities, housekeeping services, healthy and delicious dining options and countless other draws for residents.

The Palazzo welcomes those who wish to live independently in an environment that allows for regular interaction with friends and neighbors. It also offers assisted living for those requiring 24/7 care and a personalized care plan, memory care for folks with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and skilled nursing for those who may require rehabilitation or continued care after undergoing discharge from a hospital stay. The Palazzo also takes immense pride in its HSAG Platinum Level Certification in Skilled Nursing, an accolade reserved for the nation’s top-tier providers.

In addition to offering unparalleled customer service and premium-quality care, The Palazzo has an on-site concierge available around the clock who can assist residents, answer questions from family members and otherwise encourage a safe and inviting environment.

A gated community, The Palazzo features enhanced living, social and recreational opportunities for residents, with assisted living offering 135 one- and two-bedroom apartments (some of the largest in Phoenix) and the independent-living apartments offering open, updated concepts; ample light; and a private patio or balcony with each apartment.

Main Street is the community’s unique, action-packed central hub where live music and entertainment, exercise classes, lectures and seminars, crafts, movies and other activities occur. Other notable amenities include a bar, a wine cellar and a private dining room for residents and families to reserve for special celebrations as well as a fitness center, salon and multigenerational room where grandparents can play games, watch movies and enjoy time with their grandkids.

With luxe accommodations; a comfortable, welcoming ambiance; and some of the highest-quality care available anywhere in the state, The Palazzo is more than just an affordable, supportive community—it’s a place to call home. Call today to schedule a tour. BY THE PALAZZO The Palazzo’s new fitness center offers many classes or solo workouts. Water aerobics is a popular class as well. (Photo courtesy The Palazzo) Redefining Senior Living

Discover senior living like no other at The Palazzo. We offer a truly affordable, resort-style lifestyle for everyone who is ready to live their best life. Come tour and fall in love with amenities and top-notch care.

• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing (HSAG Platinum Level)

602.433.6300 • 6250 N 19th Ave • Phoenix AZ 85015 • palazzohc.com

BY DARIUS YABO Fitness Center Instructor Tech Glendale Community College

Stress—we all get it, some of us more than others, but it’s how we handle it that matters. During times like these, our stress levels are even higher—through the roof for some.

What are the most efficient ways to deal with stress? The staff at the Glendale Community College Fitness Center believes exercise and nutrition can benefit tremendously. Exercise has been proven to increase endorphins, the hormones that give us sensations of happiness. Not only does exercise brighten moods, but it can also improve self-confidence as well as lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. Any type of exercise—cardiovascular, resistance or yoga/relaxation—can help. Remember to start slowly when beginning any new exercise program.

Another technique to help reduce stress is to have a diet that includes nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains,

vegetables, fruits, lean meats or meat alternatives and low-fat milk or milk alternatives. Foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals will give you sufficient energy throughout the day. Eating healthier can also improve your immune system, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Combining exercise and nutrition will give you more of an advantage in combating high levels of stress. Take small steps by adding these tips to everyday routines for a happier and healthier lifestyle. For more free tips and techniques, follow the GCC Fitness Center’s Facebook page (facebook.com/gccazfitnesscenter) or subscribe to its YouTube channel.

Glendale Community College was founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The college has two campuses at 6000 W. Olive Avenue, Glendale, and 5727 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix. Combined enrollment is approximately 26,000 students annually.

Contact: John Heckenlaible, 623-845-3809, john.heckenlaible@gccza.edu

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Every year, more than 5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer. A major risk factor for skin cancer is sun exposure. As a board-certifi ed dermatologist here in the Valley of the Sun, I see many patients every day with new diagnoses of skin cancer. And these patients are not alone. About 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the United States.

While the most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer, a sometimes-deadly form of skin cancer called melanoma is becoming more and more common.

Skin cancer often has no symptoms. As a result, regular skin exams by a board-certifi ed dermatologist are important to fi nd skin cancers early, when most can be easily treated. Your dermatologist will assess your personal risk factors for skin cancer and advise you on how to reduce your risk.

Sun exposure adds up over your lifetime; and while you cannot undue sun damage from the past, preventing additional damage from the sun can help. I encourage all my patients to wear sunscreen, a hat and sun protective clothing. Being “sun smart” doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the benefi ts of living here; it just means taking smart precautions. Dr. Lara Rosenbaum is a board-certifi ed dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon. She works for the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, with offi ces throughout the greater Phoenix area, including in Glendale. Statistics provided by the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org). BY DR. LARA ROSENBAUM DR. LARA ROSENBAUM