Special Supplement to The West Valley View
HEALTH
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
Summer 2021
INSIDE
This Issue
AVANTI SENIOR LIVING PEORIA ..... 4 Avanti Senior Living’s amenities are unmatched
ASSOCIATED RETINA CONSULTANTS ...... 5 For more than 30 years, patients have always come first
GLENCROFT SENIOR LIVING ................. 6 Glencroft adds another tool in the ZoeLife arsenal
Glencroft erases stigma of modern living centers
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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
hen Glencroft Center for Modern Living underwent physical and theoretical facelifts three years ago, CEO John Wenzlau didn’t realize the impact it would have on the senior housing market. “We did a reinvention,” said Wenzlau, who has worked there for eight years. “We needed to change of perspective of people who needed the services we provide.” Even in the late 2010s, the stigma of places like Glencroft Center for Modern Living was negative. Wenzlau and his staff turned it around. The “modest buy-in community that was struggling” turned into a continuum of care retirement community (CCRC) with amenities needed for an aging community. The well-rounded Glencroft Center for Modern Living was founded in the early 1960s by Sarah Ruth, a local pastor’s wife. The Glendale facility offers independent and assisted living, memory and long-term care, along with home health services. Residents remain in the same 40-acre community as their health care needs evolve. Glencroft Center for Modern Aging is Arizona’s CCRC. “They’re reluctant to move into a senior place for a variety of reasons,” he said. “They think it’s a last stop in their journey. That is not what we are about. I put together a program with a fellow I hired out of the hospitality industry. We wanted to create a place to come where people can
John Wenzlau, the CEO of Glencroft Center for Modern Living, has 40 years’ experience in the U.S. senior living and housing industry, knowledge he used to change the people’s perspectives about senior care homes. (Photo by Pablo Robles)
thrive in the end years of their lives.” Glencroft provides standard services like meals, housekeeping and transportation; activities are what makes the center. “Everyone has a modified workout area,” he said. “But we needed to take it a step further and take a holistic approach.”
In 2019, Wenzlau and Vice President of Operations Steve Heller created the faithbased ZoeLife, which helps Glencroft residents maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and achieve and preserve a higher quality
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Stigma...continued on page 2 JUST A CLICK AWAY
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Stigma...continued from page 1 of life. Whole-person wellness helps people reshape themselves on multiple levels. Each area is extremely important and plays a key role in overall well-being. “We use six pillars — spiritual wellness, emotional wellness, physical wellness, social wellness, intellectual wellness and vocational wellness — and we make it a complete approach to being well,” Wenzlau said. Residents learn about estate planning, coping with grief and anxiety, fall prevention, volunteer opportunities, medical benefits, nutrition, hearing loss, dementia, fitness, prayer and relaxation techniques, communication skills, and other areas relevant to their age and personal circumstances. Amenities include swimming, walking paths, massage and chiropractic services, a fully equipped performance (fitness) center, a smoothie bar, yearround events and activities, pastoral support, healthy food choices and fine dining, as well as opportunities to give back to their community through volunteerism. The ZoeLife Parkinson’s Immersion Program (PIP) is tailored to maximize individual physical and cognitive capabilities and quality of life. Stroke survivors may participate in the ZoeLife Stroke Immersion Program (SIP) to supplement physical, cognitive and speech rehabilitation efforts. A team of professionals, including therapists, dieticians, counselors and program administrators, works togeth-
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Summer 2021
er to develop tailored programs to meet individual goals and potential. “We offer fitness classes, worship services and even adult education classes at Glencroft University,” Wenzlau said. “We have five lectures this spring semester,” he said. “We tackle subjects like depression, which so many 80and 90-year-olds have. “ZoeLife and these classes have made a huge difference in perceiving their lifestyle, compared to maybe when they got here. We’re really excited about that. It’s been well received, and people are participating and noticing a difference.”
Active in the community Wenzlau is active in the senior living community at large. Fluent in German, French and English, Wenzlau has 40 years’ experience in the U.S. senior living and housing industry. To spread positive words about the industry, he is the co-producer of “Successful Aging,” a Phoenix-based independent radio talk show. He strives to help adults ages 65 and older to maximize their quality of life. “Successful Aging” airs at 11 a.m. Tuesdays on Independent Talk KFNX 1100 AM. For more information, call 623-847-3047. “I hope to be a shining light for providing people access around the Valley to information they need,” he said. “We’ve been running every Tuesday. We have guests from all over the country. Yesterday, we had a professor from Midwestern University talking about Alzheimer’s. “We stream it live on Facebook ev-
In 2019, John Wenzlau and Steve Heller created the faith-based ZoeLife, which helps Glencroft residents maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and achieve and preserve a higher quality of life. (Photo by Pablo Robles)
ery week at the same time. That’s giving back to the community, which we really, really like.” He is also an adjunct professor at the Keller Graduate School of Management in Phoenix and an adjunct instructor at Mesa Community College. Wenzlau worked as an executive director and regional director of Brookdale from June 2000 to April 2004. His experience also includes three years as executive director at Emeritus and 10 years as president at Agenor Partners LLC. He’s been with Friendship Retirement Corp., which owns Glencroft, since February 2014. “When I came to Glencroft, I had pent-up ideas from 30 years in the
for-profit segment,” he said. “It’s been a blessing to be here. “On the flip side, I’m doing this for my mom and dad. My dad died 20 years ago, and my mom is 95. She’s not interested in moving into a senior place. “The baby boomers are coming along. With the center, it gave me the first step at looking at the future. We want complete services for a generation that believes more so in exercise and healthy eating. We want to be attractive to baby boomers.”
Glencroft Center for Modern Aging
8611 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale 480-231-0959, glencroft.com
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Avanti Senior Living’s amenities are unmatched BY AVANTI SENIOR LIVING AT PEORIA
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ocated off Lake Pleasant Parkway, Avanti Senior Living at Peoria is near the Abrazo Peoria Emergency Center, the Lake Pleasant Town Center and numerous restaurants. Residents can also explore popular sites such as the picturesque Sahuaro Ranch Park and the historical Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum. This beautiful community is unlike any other assisted living communities. Seniors are empowered to remain engaged, active and full of life, thanks to one-of-a-kind amenities, professionally planned, created and decorated by industry-leading interior designers and architects. The design is unparalleled, and it works together with the amenities to enrich the lives of residents by providing a relaxed and welcoming community. Avanti Senior Living’s holistic ap-
proach to caring for its residents is innovative. Top-notch design and amenities that are unparalleled in the industry work together to enrich residents’ lives by providing a relaxed and welcoming community. Each program is developed to help residents live independently while offering freedom of choice. Salize, Avanti’s memory support program, is designed to fit the individual needs of each resident. Through Exterior view of Avanti Senior Living at Peoria’s assisted living and memory care community, located in scenic the Salize program, North Peoria, off Lake Pleasant Parkway, just north of Happy Valley Road. (Photo courtesy of Avanti) residents live as independently as possible while thriving Salize is a revolutionary memory aggression, without the need for strong in an environment designed specifi- support program that has been shown pharmaceutical prescriptions. cally for those with Alzheimer’s and to reduce common symptoms of deInfo: 602-366-4600 or peoria. other forms of dementia. mentia, such as agitation, anxiety and avanti-sl.com
WE’VE THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING THAT MATTERS. ESPECIALLY WHAT MATTERS TO YOU.
At Avanti Senior Living, our residents experience a lifestyle that matters most to them! • Personalized Care Plans • Chef Prepared, Restaurant – Style Dining • Purposefully Engagements & Outings • Daily Happy Hour • Fitness Classes with Certified Trainer • Massage and Salon Services • A Beautiful Place to Call Home
By Avanti Memory Care
Assisted Living and Memory Care
Specializing in assisted living and memory care
To learn more about Avanti Senior Living and Memory Services, visit our website www.avanti-sl.com or call 602-366-4600 to schedule a tour.
Avanti Senior Living at Peoria | 26850 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway | Peoria, AZ 85383 | License # AL11394C | www.peoria.avanti-sl.com
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Patients come first at Associated Retina Consultants BY ASSOCIATED RETINA CONSULTANTS
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or more than 30 years, Associated Retina Consultants has served Arizona by providing access to the most innovative treatments of diseases and conditions affecting the retina, macula and the vitreous humor of the eye. Associated Retina Consultants is the state’s largest independently owned retina practice. This allows the practice to remain free of any restrictions that might inhibit it from providing patients the best possible treatment as it continues to strive for excellence. Care is provided with the utmost courtesy, professionalism, comfort and respect for patients’ time because, at ARC, patients come first. The practice recently welcomed Dr. Rima Patel. She is board-certified in ophthalmology and has completed formal subspecialty training in medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous and macula. The practice’s team of 10 highly skilled retina physicians
understands how important eyesight is and how challenging it can be coping with impaired vision. That is why our practice is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of sight. Associated Retina Consultants’ staff is closely monitoring the ongoing changes and guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the serious, urgent nature of some of the conditions it treats, the offices will remain open for business with certain limitations. Visit its website for more information about its efforts as a practice at associatedretinaconsultants. com. It is ARC’s priority to provide the best possible care while ensuring the health and safety of our patients, staff and community. For the most up-todate information about the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928.
Serving the Valley in Retina Care since 1974.
Dedicated to the Preservation and Restoration of Vision
Alan J. Gordon, J. Alan J. Gordon, Shepard Bryan, J. Shepard Stephen Bryan, A.M. Stephen A.M. Jr. Henry Rahul Reddy, Henry M. Kwong, M.K. Kwong, Jr. Rahul K. Reddy, J. Shepard De Bryan, A.M. Rahul K. Reddy, Henry Jr. MHS M.D.Alan J. Gordon, M.D. M.D. Souza, M.D. De M.D. Stephen Souza, M.D.M. Kwong, M.D., M.D., MHS M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. De Souza, M.D. M.D., MHS M.D.
RimaA.Patel, Rima Patel, Benjamin Bakall, Benjamin Jaime R. Gaitan, Bakall, Jaime R. Gaitan, Reda A. Issa, Reda Issa, Benjamin Bakall, Jaime R. Gaitan, M.D. Rima Patel, M.D. M.D., Ph.D. M.D. M.D., Ph.D. M.D. M.D. Reda A. Issa,M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D., Ph.D. M.D. M.D. M.D.
ARIZONA’S LARGEST
Independently Owned Retina Practice
ARIZONA’S MOST
Experienced Retina Group
ARIZONA’S ONLY
Inherited Retina Disease Clinic
ARIZONA’S ONLY
Full-time AUPO Fellowship Training Program
GROUND BREAKING
Clinical Trials in Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa
DIAGNOSING & TREATING CONDITIONS SUCH AS: • MACULAR SURFACE ANOMALIES, SUCH • MACULAR DEGENERATION AS HOLES, PUCKERS AND TRACTION • DIABETIC RETINOPATHY • RETINAL TEARS & DETACHMENTS • RETINA VASCULAR DISEASES • OCULAR INFLAMMATION (UVEITIS) • RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA • CANCER OF THE EYE
To Schedule and Appointment
CALL 602-242-4928 Photo of a branch retinal artery occlusion left eye. (Photo courtesy Associated Retina Consultants)
ASSOCIATEDRETINACONSULTANTS.COM
SEVERAL CONVENIENT VALLEY LOCATIONS AS WELL AS NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA
ZoeLife has another tool in its arsenal
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BY STEVE HELLER
hronic pain can be debilitating, taking a toll mentally and physically. It is a hurdle we must overcome as we age. For this reason, we have introduced the electro stimulation (acuscope/myopulse machine) to Glencroft’s ZoeLife program. Haloe Health brought its pain management technology called the electro-acuscope and electro myopulse to the campus. While the technology they use for pain has been around a long time, it has primarily been available to professional athletes. During the first phase with the Haloe Health team, Glencroft staff saw potential in combining this state-ofthe-art technology with the ZoeLife model of successful aging. Half of those enrolled in the program received
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sessions on the device during the first beta group, and the other half did not. The data was convincing; the residents receiving the sessions with the device showed significantly more improvement than their counterparts not receiving sessions. With these positive results, the staff knew it had to get the equipment on campus. The pain management equipment is finally on the campus permanently. Glencroft has begun working with its residents on a very customized and calculated strategy to bring this technology to them regularly and at no cost. For more information about the electro-acuscope and electro myopulse machine or to learn more about the ZoeLife program and Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, call 623-847-3103.
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Glencroft Center for Modern Aging’s Steve Heller demonstrates an e-stim machine. (Photo
courtesy of Glencroft Center for Modern Aging)
Local podiatrist is revolutionizing foot surgery BY REISHA ZANG
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oot surgery is changing. Dr. Daniel Schulman, a podiatrist with CIC Foot and Ankle, is leading the way, offering an alternative to metal implants. Feet endure a lot of wear and tear. Over time, injuries happen, osteoarthritis can set in, or bunions and hammertoes may develop. In many cases surgery is required to correct the bone deformities and relieve the pain. Traditionally this involves cutting bone to move it in a more normal position. For the bones to heal in the correct position, they need to be held in place. “Over the past few decades, metal screws and pins were the only option to secure the surgical site,” Schulman said. “This leads to a host of concerns, from a metal allergy and increased risk of infection to failed hardware and potential of a fracture.” Inspired by his mother’s allergy to metal, Schulman developed an implant made from cadaver bone. “I wanted to find a natural solution that reduced concerns and allowed for regeneration of the area, instead of implanting screws
or metal plates,” Schulman explained. The material comes from a certified tissue bank to ensure its quality and safety. Human cortical bone has successfully been used for decades in many orthopedic and dental surgical applications. Turning it into a bone pin gives surgeons another way to maximize its potential. He has performed hundreds of reconstructive foot surgeries without having to use a metal implant. “It’s the same bone graft we used for decades safely to fill holes in bones,” he explained. “We’re just using it in a different way. It’s designed to stay in place and act as a fixation device.” Once it’s in place the cortical bone, pins hold bones together just like the metal implants do. This alternative is better for patients. “It allows your body’s cells to grow across it, and it becomes incorporated as part of your own bone,” he said. There is less pain and swelling, improved healing and less risk for infection. “Our bodies know what to do with bone,” Schulman explained. In addition to becoming part of the
bone, it reduces the need for a potential follow-up surgery to remove the metal implant due to complications. “Patients are really happy when they are told there’s no need for a second surgery to remove potential-
ly painful, broken or infected hardware,” he said. “I haven’t had a patient request metal once they become aware of this option.” For more information call 602-9540777 or visit azfeet.com.
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Blessings OB/GYN and Women’s Care We promise to provide our patients with the ultimate care in Obstetrics and Gynecology. This includes delivering the highest quality of technical care and treating our patients with respect, courtesy and compassion. Dr. Rana has been offering OB care for routine and high risk pregnancies and delivering babies for over 18 years. Dr. Rana and her team specialize in: • routine well woman exams • contraception, IUD’S • hormone replacement • endometriosis, DUB • uterine fibroids, polyps • pelvic pain • menopause related concerns • PCOS
She is trained to take care of high risk pregnancies complicated by: • diabetes, IUGR • hypertension • preeclampsia • AMA, teen pregnancy • multiple gestations • IVF, thyroid disorder • Preterm deliveries
Her office offers in office ultrasounds, 3D/4D ultrasounds, labs and routine prenatal care She is trained in minimal invasive robotic assisted surgeries including hysterectomies which means less blood loss, quick recovery and a shorter hospital stay. In addition to offering quality and comfort with every service in their women’s health clinic, the friendly, highly trained staff at Blessings OB/GYN and Women’s Care connect with their patients in a way that other gynecologists don’t.
Smriti Rana, MD, FACOG “Dr. Rana is an amazing provider, who continuously cares about the wellbeing of her patients. If it wasn’t for DR. Rana, I would still be suffering through my own struggles. She guided me through a better path and made life so much easier” - Patient Testimonial
623-900-2929 • blessingsobgyn.com • 13943 N. 91st Ave, Ste F101, Peoria, AZ 85381
Integrity Internal Medicine Compassionate Healthcare/Specializing in Diabetes/ Hypertension/ Weight loss/ Allergy testing/Joint injections and most adult conditions
13943 N. 91st Ave. F-101, Peoria, AZ 85381 (623) 900-2929 • integrityinternalmedicine.com Dr. Parminder Chahal M.D. offers a broad array of services geared to address today’s most common non-emergency illnesses and injuries. We know there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all cure, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach to your diagnosis. Our mission is to improve and maintain your overall health and to empower you with an understanding of your condition and wellness plan through preventative care and treating chronic diseases. “Dr. Chahal was the only internal medicine provider that really listened to my symptoms and referred to a surgeon, who ended up diagnosing me with an endometriosis benign tumor to the abdomen wall. Since 2011 I have no more pain and life is so much fuller “ Patient Testimonial What causes allergies? Allergies are a product of your body’s immune system: Allergic reactions occur when your immune system, which normally protects you from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances, overreacts to something in your environment. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, called an allergen, your body tries to destroy it. Allergies are very common, but they can be vastly different. They vary in severity from minor nuisances to deadly threats that demand cautionary preparations and immediate medical attention.
How do I know if I have allergies? Allergies can come with many symptoms. Some of the most common allergens are pollen from flowers, animal dander, shellfish, and nuts. Symptoms that you might experience include: • Sneezing • Itching • Watery eyes • Rash • Vomiting • Shortness of breath • Swelling in your face • Dizziness
You can only be sure that your reaction is from an allergy if you get tested for it. After finding the cause of your allergic reaction, Dr. Chahal forms a plan of action to help you manage it.
Dr. Parminder Chahal M.D.
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T U O G N I K C O N K
FREE Parkinson’s evaluation and customized program when you tour Glencroft.
623-847-3103 | glencroft.com
Summer 2021