Special Supplement to The Mesa Tribune
HEALTH Winter 2021
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
COVID-19 clouds extent of cancer death decline
get specific molecules involved in cancer growth, combined with immunotherapies that help activate the immune system, have been “nothing short of revolutionary” in combating cancer. “Many of these patients who used to have a median survival of less than a year will be alive and free of disease,” Lilen-
baum said. “So, it’s really remarkable how much immunotherapy has impacted the treatment of cancer.” The report said a reduction in smoking is thought to have led to a decline in lung cancer – a driving force behind the falling cancer mortality rate. Despite the downward trend, however, lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in Arizona than colorectal, pancreas, prostate and breast cancer. Treatment of lung cancer is most effective in early stages of the disease before it has time to spread. However, signs of lung cancer often surface at an advanced stage of the disease, leading to delays in detection and removing the option of early intervention. “We have not at a national level adopted lung cancer screening as widely as I think health experts and policy experts would hope,” Lilenbaum said. “My sense is that it’s even lower in the state of Arizona.” Arizona ranks 47th in the nation for cancer-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In recent years, low-dose computed tomography scans, or CT scans, have been shown to improve early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients, such as
smokers, lowering the risk of dying from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Lilenbaum said if patients “undergo a low-dose CT and are identified as having silent lung cancer, they will live longer than patients that are diagnosed by the time they develop symptoms.” Beyond advanced screening techniques, systemic racial inequities in our healthcare system have created a gap in the cancer death rate among ethnic groups, specifically in the Black community. Today, Black patients “have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group for most cancers,” according to the American Cancer Society. “I think that we’re still working to undo the legacy of that history and it’s an issue that deserves greater attention from health care authorities all over this country,” Lilenbaum said. “It’s not unique to Arizona.” Included in the report, are estimated U.S. cancer trends for 2021. However, the effect of COVID-19 is not included in this year’s prediction. Waves of COVID-19 cases since early 2020 have resulted in a “significant de-
Living classes, including Geri-Fit exercise classes and other behavior change courses like chronic disease self-management, living life with chronic pain and diabetes self-management. This February and March, the agency will virtually offer the Aging Mastery Program. Developed by the National Council on Aging, The Aging Mastery Program is a 10-week course that explores topics like fall prevention, nutrition, exercise, medica-
tion management, financial management, emotional health and life care planning. The class is taught by subject-matter experts. Participants receive a workbook and other supplemental materials. “The Aging Mastery Program is great because it is so comprehensive,” said Rose Leyba, the agency’s health promotion coordinator. “It doesn’t just focus on one area like physical health or fall prevention but covers a variety of topics that are important
to older adults as they plan for the future.” If you are interested in participating in the Aging Mastery Program, call 602-2415562 for information and to register. For information on all the classes the Area Agency is offering, call the 24-hour senior help line at 602-264-4357 or visit the website at aaaphx.org. Melissa Elliott, MSW is vice president of programs & services for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One.
BY KEVIN PIREHPOUR Tribune Contributor
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new study from the American Cancer Society finds that the U.S. mortality rate for cancer – the second leading cause of death in Arizona – has been declining for nearly three decades, with record-breaking declines in the most recent two reported years. The study found a 31 percent decline in the cancer death rate nationwide from 1991 to 2018, with a record single-year decline of 2.4 percent from 2017 to 2018, topping the previous years’ record 2.2 percent decline in cancer deaths. The decline is a testament to a widespread reduction in smoking, advances in early detection and new therapy options available for some forms of cancer. However, the report said it’s unclear how COVID-19 will affect the longstanding decline. “We’ve come a long way just in the past decade or so in terms of novel treatments, even when [patients] present with an advanced stage of the disease,” said Dr. Rogerio Lilenbaum, director of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. According to Lilenbaum, drugs that tar-
Dr. Rogerio Lilenbaum is director of the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. (Special to the Tribune)
Taking small steps for lifelong rewards BY MELISSA ELLIOTT, MSW Guest Writer
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taying engaged, socially connected and finding meaningful programs to participate in over the last year has been challenging for everyone—but especially for seniors who can be vulnerable and isolated. The Area Agency on Aging has adapted to offer virtual versions of its Health
see CANCER page 24
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Health & Wellness
Southwest Cardiovascular boasts added bene�its
Winter 2021
TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
S
outhwest CardioVascular Interventional Center boasts added benefits to its partners in the local healthcare community. “These include more interpersonal and compassionate patient centered experiences, rapid response referral services, extended hours decreasing readmissions, and significantly affordable procedural treatments, increasing patient satisfaction, proven outcomes and overall our patients peace of mind in uncertain times as we face today,” a company release said. Noting that “as a company, we must not only grow with the consciousness of our responsibilities to our patients and each other,” it said “an understanding that future growth comes with added responsibilities of continual knowledge regarding safety and compliance. “Our practice offers precision and awareness to support this new paradigm in high quality, affordable, outpatient medical procedural services for our patients. This vision has led us to the openCharles M.T. Jost, MD.
ing of our newly built Cardiovascular Surgical Center which provides significant
C a r d i oVa s c u l a r A s s o c i a t e s
Michael D. Barry, DO.
THE PEDAL LOOP SPECIALISTS
Interventional Cardiologist
Southwest CardioVascular Interventional Center
Nachiket Patel, MD.
Interventional Cardiologist
Interventional Radiology
Michelle Gentsch, ACNP Kelli DuCray, ACNP Angie Aguilar
Strategic Marketing/ Business Development Cell 480-636-6259 aaguilar@swcva.com _____________ 7529 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa, AZ 85208 Rapid Referral Line: 480-945-4343
To Our Beloved Community,
Southwest
CardioVascular Interventional Center
Southwest Cardio EndoVascular Center
We did it! We are very proud to present, to the surrounding community and greater Phoenix area, our new CardioVascular and Interventional Ambulatory Surgery Center, located at: 7529 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85208, now open.
Stuart C. Lipskind, MD.
Led by our founder and principal, Dr. Charles Jost, this hybrid facility incorporates our Cardiac Interventional Center and Endovascular Procedural Center. Combining these centers allows us to perform therapeutic cardiac catheterizations, electrophysiology studies, cardiac ablations, arrhythmia recorders, pacemaker and AICD implantations. We will also continue to provide peripheral arterial disease interventions, as well as a myriad of interventional radiology procedures performed by Dr. Minkus. These procedures include paracentesis, thoracentesis, drainage catheter placements such as gastric and G-J feeding tube placements, nephrostomy tube placements/exchanges, kyphoplasty for spine fractures, hemodialysis catheter and fistula treatments for diabetic patients on dialysis, embolizations for uterine fibroids and pelvic congestion syndrome, IVC filter and port placements, and pelvic venous outflow stenting. Nareg Minaskeian, MD.
Our Cardiovascular Center is uniquely designed, not only for offering our patients the convenience of an alternative to surgery performed in a hospital setting but offering the sophistication our facility brings. We are providing the highest level of care in an outpatient surgery setting, geared towards proven quality measures. With over 50 highly trained and experienced physicians, multispecialty-disciplinary allied heroes, our skill-sets and diversity reflect our patient outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. • 2 OR and 1 procedure room • 6 recovery areas • 2 preoperative rooms • Joint Commission Accredited (pending successful accrediation survey) • ASCA Member • Physician peer to peer reviews • Value Based Program (moving the program toward rewarding better value, based on outcomes and innovations, instead of mere volume) Instagram Linkedin Yelp Pinterest Twitter • Quality measures, Lower infection rate, Lower complication rate, Less patients transferred to hospital, Increase patient satisfaction surveys, Increase satisfaction with Facebook surgical experience, Increase satisfactionYouTube with recovery experience, Increase Nurse/patient ratio in recovery area.
Kirk D. Minkus, MD.
Cardiovascular Procedures we perform (CMS recently approved the following reimbursable procedures in an ambulatory surgery center setting): • Heart catheterization for the treatment of single vessel occlusive disease and stenting. • Diagnostic Left and Right heart cath for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and possible occlusive coronary artery disease. We also perform in a safe controlled environment:
• Loop recorder implants and ex-plants • Pacemaker implants and generator changes • ICD implants and generator changes
Michelle Gentsch, ACNP
In this new world of COVID-19, our broad outpatient cardiac, peripheral vascular, and interventional radiology service lines offered, will provide significant benefits to the medical community of skilled nursing and assisted living facility residents, by avoiding re-admissions for these patients to obtain these procedural needs, while offering them much more affordably, with faster scheduling and procedure completion times, greatly increasing patient satisfaction. Our Outpatient Interventional/Surgical Center will allow us to safely address the necessary changes our healthcare industry demands and will enable us to foster a culture of clinical innovation, in a center of EAST MESA excellence uniquely designed to offer all of these more affordable, cost-effective interventional procedures, in one environment. Our state-of-the-art, 13,500 square foot, JACHO accredited, MAIN ST Medicare Certified Interventional OR suites, Vascular lab and supported recovery rooms, will adhere fully to all regulatory mandates and requirements, as an Ambulatory Surgical Center. 202
Members
Charles M.T. Jost, MD.
Charles M.T. Jost, MD. Principal, Interventional Cardiologist
Facebook Facebook
Twitter Twitter
Instagram Instagram
Linkedin Linkedin
YouTube YouTube
YelpYelp
SOUTHERN AVE
Kelli DuCray, ACNP
Angie Aguilar
Pinterest Pinterest
Superstition Fwy
ELSWORTH RD
We are PROUD
7529 E. Broadway Rd. Mesa AZ 85208
SOSSAMAN RD
Respectfully yours,
Rapid Referral email: referrals@swcva.com
BROADWAY RD POWER RD
Please visit our website www.swcva.com and follow us on GOOGLE, FB and TWITTER, for more information, as we continue on this extraordinary journey to what we believe is the future of healthcare today. Call us at 480-945-4343 to arrange a consultation or procedure. We look forward to taking care of your patients!
Rapid Referral eFax: 480-522-3030
_____________
Nachiket Patel, MD.
Connecting the heartbeats of our communities, one footprint at a time. 7529 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa, AZ 85208 is now open.
Stuart C. Lipskind, MD.
Kirk D. Minkus, MD.
Michael D. Barry, DO.
Southwest EndoVascular Center
Interventional Cardiologist
Electrophysiologist
COVID-19.” Information: https://swcva.com
Southwest
Interventional Cardiologist, Principal
Nareg Minaskeian, MD.
benefits to the overall medical community most especially in this new world of
60 BASELINE RD
60 202
www.swcva.com
Winter 2021
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Health & Wellness
Summit at Sunland Springs unveils new memory care TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
T
he Summit at Sunland Springs, under the medical direction of A Mind for All Seasons, recently announced the opening of their Memory Care services to outpatients, allowing participants to remain in their homes while receiving care. “For too long, memory loss has been seen as a natural and unavoidable part of aging,” Summit said in a release. “The stigma that once an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is received all you could hope for is to slow the decline. Fortunately, Valley residents now have an invaluable resource in fighting back against cognitive decline.” Research by Dr. Dale Bredesen uses a multi-factorial approach that leverages how diet, physical activity, nutrients, hormones and toxic exposures contribute to cognitive decline. He also studied how those factors can be adjusted to slow, stop and even reverse the effects of dementia. This led to the creation of The Enhanced Protocol® by A Mind for All Seasons.
The Enhanced Protocol will be available to individuals in a six-month group treatment. The program will include lab panels that identify missing nutrients, minerals, toxins, and hormone imbalances and address the root causes of dementia rather than masking the symptoms. It also includes a personalized treatment summary, weekly support group, brain training exercises, and nutrition plan. A memory coach facilitates with an easy-to-follow daily checklist that addresses the personal factors causing the cognitive decline. “It’s time we stop looking at memory loss as inevitable and start looking at the individual factors that cause it, and what we can do to mitigate it. Don’t let people tell you nothing can be done – there is so much we can do to help!” said Robeson Flynn, Memory Coach. Information: thesummitaz.com Lori@ thesummitaz.com or call 480-955-1633 for more information.
Locally Owned & Operated
SPEAKER SERIES
Online presentations on Health & Wellness, Legal Issues and Aging with Independence Register online at www.TheSummitAZ.com Friday, February 5, 2021 9:30 am The Enhance Protocol®=HOPE for Brain Health Tuesday, February 9, 2021 2 pm Wills & Trusts: Legal Documents every Senior should have Presented by Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold, LLP Thursday, February 18, 2021 6 pm Having the ‘Talk’ with Aging Loved OnesNext steps and how to talk about Cognitive Decline Author, Pam Ostrowski, It’s Not That SimpleHelping Families Navigate the Alzheimer’s Journey
Questions? Contact Lori Marsh (480) 955-1633
WWW.THESUMMITAZ.COM
Fynes Audiology’s experienced pros address hearing issues TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Hearing Aids Hearing Protection Hearing Testing
F
ynes Audiology LLC, a locally owned and operated audiology practice in Mesa, specializes in hearing evaluations, hearing protection and hearing aids. Audiologists Cassandra Fynes, AuD, CCC-A, and Roger Knighton, M.N.S, CCC-A, each have over 20 years of experience at Fynes, located at 2058 S. Dobson Road. Fynes said it works with multiple manufacturer’s hearing aids “so that we can find what is best for your hearing needs and lifestyle” since hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all device.
FREE BLUETOOTH ACCESSORY ($400 Value)
With Purchase of Hearing Aids
Cassandra Fynes Au.D, CCC-A
Roger Knighton M.N.S., CCC-A
2058 S. Dobson Rd., Ste 9 Mesa, Arizona 85202
480-456-0176
fynesaudiology.com
“There are many factors that go into deciding what will work best for each individual,” the company noted. “Along with hearing aids we do work with many types of hearing protection. So, if hunting, shooting, loud music or heavy equipment noises are part of your everyday life, we can help find the right kind of protection to preserve your hearing as long as possible.” Because many people today also suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, Fynes’ full evaluation can help in determining possible options of treatment to help manage the unwanted sounds. Information: fynesaudiology.com.
GOT NEWS?
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak @timespublications.com
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Health & Wellness
Winter 2021
Clarendale of Chandler is committed to residents’ health TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
Carefree Lifestyle My Pet Loves It
Open Floor Plans
Lots of Storage
The Word is Out
Clarendale Residents Say It Best. “We’re very independent and love different things about the community. Even our dog Mandy loves Clarendale of Chandler. She has lots of space and easy access to the outdoors—especially important since she likes to play ball.” —Terry, Colleen and dog, Mandy Independent Living Residents
CANCER ���� page 21
Opinions vary, but one thing all Clarendale residents say: “I’m not old!” We’re delighted the lifestyle and programming at this senior living community keeps them feeling that way. Clarendale of Chandler
Call 480-571-2407 to learn more and chat with our residents. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care
web
I
f you’re curious about why seniors choose to move to a retirement community, many Clarendale of Chandler residents say it’s because the community is committed to helping them set a course for health, wellness and total well-being. Clarendale of Chandler, managed by Life Care Services, an LCS Company, said it offers “the assurance and peace of mind of a program designed to help residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and navigate any medical challenges that lie ahead.” Clarendale’s Health & Wellness Navigation, although in place before the pandemic began, features trained wellness navigation team that partners with residents to anticipate health needs and address them – from day-to-day nutrition, fitness and life-enriching activities to preparation and follow-up for hospital care if ever needed. “When you consider all the creative ways Clarendale of Chandler has found to keep residents physically and socially engaged in life – following even the strictest safety guidelines – it’s no won-
ClarendaleOfChandler.com | 5900 S. Gilbert Rd. | Chandler, AZ 85249
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der a nationwide 2020 Life Care Services survey turned up some surprising results,” the company said in a release. The survey was sent to more than 21,000 individuals considering a move to a senior living community. About 62 percent of the respondents reported the pandemic had no impact on their desire to move to a senior living community or that the pandemic increased their desire to move into one because they didn’t want to be alone in their own homes and/or wanted access to the available care and services a community offers. Communities managed by Life Care Services ensure residents get access to critical vaccinations – including COVID-19 vaccine. Residents in Clarendale of Chandler will be among the first in the county to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. To learn more, seniors and their families may schedule a virtual visit by calling 480-571-2407. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Information: ClarendaleOfChandler. com.
lay in cancer diagnosis” as more patients have avoided taking unnecessary trips to the hospital at the risk of coming in contact with the virus, according to Lilenbaum. “I believe that once we become more comfortable – outside of COVID – we will see a The Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert has evolved higher number of can- over the years into one of the Valley’s major institutions for treating cancer patients. (Special to the Tribune) cer diagnoses and we will see patients with more advanced pandemic, he added, significant progress disease than we typically do,” Lilen- has been made in cancer treatments and mortality. baum said. “We continue to develop new treat“But we will be prepared to manage those patients, to help those patients; to ments, we continue to investigate new offer them all the options that are avail- options and we will remain on the cutting edge of this fight against cancer,” Lilenable to them.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding the baum said.
Winter 2021
Health & Wellness
Steps to battle the mental impact of COVID-19 BY MICHAEL ZIMMERMAN Tribune Guest Writer
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rizona’s battle against COVID-19 isn’t just a physical one. It is taking its toll on mental health, too. Consider the transition from a day in the office to working from the couch, all while homeschooling the kids and worrying about finances. This shift in the daily routine is creating anxiety, stress and depression. At Terros Health, we have seen a spike in these conditions as COVID-19 has brought about a feeling of being out of control or helpless. It is especially troubling for many of our patients who have worked hard to manage or overcome their anxiety, depression or fears. There also are feelings of isolation, even when other family members are present.
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In case you are wondering if the feelings are real, they are. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization are reporting similar findings. As a mental health professional working on the front lines of this crisis, I have seen the effects COVID-19 is having on our patients’ physical health, too. After all, physical and emotional health go hand in hand, with one condition exacerbating the other. Fortunately, there are some things you can do. Tend to your basic needs. For starters, take care of your physical needs. Stress can alter your eating and sleeping patterns and also disrupt your physical activity. Be mindful of this and make a point to eat balanced, nutritious meals, drink plenty of water and do your best to get between six and eight hours of sleep per night. Practice mindfulness. A breath of fresh air can make a difference. So can a walk around the neighborhood. Before you go
to bed and when you wake up in the morning, practice mindfulness, too, by channeling positive thoughts. Focus on what you can control. In a time of uncertainty, the feeling of being unable to control your environment can exacerbate stress and worry. Focus on the small things that you can control. This can include tending to your physical health by doing a short exercise routine each day or even as simple as choosing the clothes you put on in the morning. You can also control the steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe, such as putting on a face mask before going to the store and washing your hands. Create a new daily routine. Replace your old routine with a new one. Get up at the same time as you would on a “normal” day, designate a work area and adhere to a set of work hours. Be careful about the information you consume, too. Information overload can add to your stress. Consult
credible sources of information. Use technology for your advantage. By now you have undoubtedly seen the meet-ups others are having with friends on social media for everything from choir practice to happy hours. Plan a Zoom or FaceTime session of your own to catch up with family and friends. Doing so will help you regain a sense of connectedness. Invest in yourself. Use this time to take stock in yourself. Discover (or rediscover) a passion, learn a new skill or take an online course. Doing so will build your confidence and give you a greater sense of control. Know when to get help. These are trying times, so it’s OK to get help if you need it. Michael Zimmerman is a licensed professional counselor and the Stapley and Broadway integrated care site director at Terros Health. Information: 602-6856000
medical issues. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to other conditions, like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, memory loss and depression. Naturally, CPAP was the first thing I tried to help combat my sleep apnea. It didn’t last long. The mask was difficult for me to keep on my face, and I could never fall asleep to start with because of the loud noise. I was hoping CPAP would solve my problem, but it only seemed to make things worse. I was worried I’d spend the rest of my life exhausted and at risk of serious side effects until my ENT in Phoenix, Dr. Bryan Smedley, introduced me to a revolutionary new treatment called Inspire Sleep. Inspire is a device that works with my natural breathing process to treat the root cause of sleep apnea. The Inspire Sleep Therapy device is small in size, like a silver dollar, and is implanted under the skin. When turned on, it delivers a mild pulse to gently open my airway muscles each time I take a breath. It moves my tongue forward while I sleep so I can breathe freely throughout the night. I turn it on right before I go to bed with a handheld remote and turn it off when I wake up in the morning.
Getting Inspire was an easy process. It was a same-day outpatient procedure that allowed me to get back to my daily life without a long recovery. Dr. Smedley has been helping patients with Inspire since 2018. He says the device is becoming more popular across the country, and giving people with sleep apnea another choice. So many of his patients have struggled to use CPAP, and he says Inspire is one of
the only things that works for them. I have had Inspire for nearly two years now, and it has not only changed my life but saved it. Nearly 18 million people suffer from sleep apnea, and I want them to know they have options. Don’t give up. It wasn’t until I was 67 that I found a solution to my sleep apnea that worked for me. Information: valleysleepcenter.com/ inspire-therapy/
After 20 years of sleeping problems, I got help BY DEB BARRATTA Tribune Contributor
G
etting a good night’s sleep is rare for many people. Major disruptors include stress, anxiety, physical ailments and medical conditions. For me, it’s always been apnea. Nearly 20 years ago, I realized I had a serious problem. I was never sleeping through the night. I would wake up every two hours and couldn’t get back to sleep. It was wreaking havoc on my overall health. I didn’t have any energy throughout the day, I couldn’t think straight and my memory seemed to be slowing down. A sleep study revealed I stopped breathing more than 50 times an hour. It was basically like I was unconsciously holding my breath. I realized I had sleep apnea. My throat muscles were relaxing off and on, blocking my airway while I slept. This condition was causing me to miss out on hours of rest each night. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Our bodies rely on the oxygen we breathe in, and if we’re cutting off the supply while we sleep, it can lead to serious
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Health & Wellness
Winter 2021
Area Agency on Aging
Aging Mastery
®
Taking small steps for lifelong rewards The Aging Mastery Program (AMP)® is a fun and engaging education and behavioral improvement program for aging well.
aaaphx.org Sessions are one day a week for 10 weeks. Call to Register Now
602-241-5562
Learn from experts about topics including: remaining financially secure, managing health care, increasing social connectedness, developing healthy eating habits, and planning for the future. The Agency is offering two virtual class series of Aging Mastery ® (via ZOOM) Feb 10 – April 14 March 23 – June 1