LLAF Tucson Expo Program 0123

• OPTUM CARE CLINIC / FREY CREATIVE MARKETING

• Home Concepts Custom Remodeling

• Arizona Liver Health

• Arizona Corporation Commission

• DEVOTED HEALTH/Amongst Friends Advertising

• Miracle Ear Hearing Center

• IORA WITH ONE MEDICAL

• Banner Medicare Advantage

• HUGHES Federal Credit Union

• Cascades of Tucson

• American Vision Windows

• Renewal by Andersen

• Archwell Health

• Pellegrini & Associates

• Humana Market Point

• Village Medical Primary Care

• Cigna - Shannon Farquharson

• Tucson Medical Center (Local)

Tucson Expo Program & Resource Guide

2023 Exhibitors

• Arrowhead Physical Medicine

• Gold Kidney Health Plan

• Universal Solar Direct

• Shepherd Insurance

• Dreamstyle Remodeling

• United Healthcare

• MOBILITY PLUS

• Visit Yuma

• Arizona Window and Door

• La Posada

• Oak Street Health

• BodySong Spa, LLC

• ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

• AFC Vacations

• DESERT STAR ADDICTION RECOVERY CENTER

• Mobile Medicare Solutions by Bishop & Brown

• SO AZ VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS LIVING MEMORIAL

• SPLENDIDO

• Ariela LLC

• Vistoso Funeral Home

• VISITING ANGELS

• ForsMarsh (HHS Campaign)

• ForsMarsh (HHS Campaign)

• Or/Cam

• FLETCHER MUSIC

• P3 Health Partners

• We Want Your Timeshare

• Saliba’s Extended Care Pharmacy

• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

• Tucson Medical Center (Local)

• Aetna Medicare Solutions

• Alignment Healthcare

• Pain Institute of Southern Arizona

• Mercy Care Advantage

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Sean Hoy likes to say he has three talents: humoring, cartooning and interviewing.

“When I was younger, I always had little talk shows,” he says with a laugh. “I’d even interview myself—‘What do you think about that, Sean?’ ‘I think that’s great, Sean!’ ‘What’s a great idea, Sean!’”

When he hosts the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos, he incorporates the skill set.

“I love doing those,” Hoy says.

“I have such a free rein of just being me and bringing my personality. I just love it. I’ve been doing it now for three years. It’s neat that I get to see the same people I’ve befriended. It’s such a neat thing.”

A multitalent, Hoy hosts his Hoylarious podcast and he recently exhibited his artwork at The Wayne Smith in Tempe. An avid canine lover, Hoy works with the Arizona Humane Society. Visit hoylarious.com for more information.

His cartooning skills came into play when he painted murals at the bird-themed Perch Brewery, 232 S. Wall Street in Downtown Chandler.

“I’ve done placemats, too, along with discount cards, gift

cards and a pedicab,” he says. “I did a mural about how beer is made. It’s ‘Hoy style’ with birds. It takes you from how beer is made through serving beer. It’s 15 feet long and that was really fun.”

The two murals on the upper level of The Perch have a whimsical feel.

Sean Hoy has hosted several LLAF expos. (File photos)

Sean Hoy...continued on page 9

Services for Seniors

A directory of programs and services for senior residents in the Phoenix and Tucson areas

GENERAL INFORMATION

Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America 602-322-0100

Arizona Department of Health Services 602-542-1000

Arizona Health Care Association 602-265-5331

Arizona Hospice & Palliative Care Organization 480-967-9424 Benevilla 623-584-4999

Community Services Administration 602-542-6600

Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106

Foundation for Senior Living 602-285-1800

Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging 602-542-4710

Information and Referral Services Phoenix: 602-263-8856 Tucson: 520-325-1303

Long Term Care Ombudsman 602-542-4446

OASIS 520-795-3950 x 2113

Office of Aging and Adult Administration 602-542-4446

Senior Help Line 602-264-4357

Volunteers for Hospice 623-583-4490

HEALTH SERVICES

Alzheimer’s Association 602-528-0550

American Cancer Association 602-224-0524

American Heart Association 602-414-5353

American Lung Association 602-258-7505

American Parkinson Disease Association 800-908-2732

American Red Cross 602-366-6660

Arthritis Foundation 602-264-7679

Easter Seal Society of Arizona – Stroke Club 602-252-6061

EMPACT Suicide Prevention Center Phoenix: 480-784-1500 Statewide, toll-free: 866-205-5229

Phillip’s Lifeline 520-465-4111

Tucson Medical Center’s Seniors Program 520-324-1960

AREA AGENCIES ON AGING

Maricopa County: 602-264-2255 Pima County: 520-790-7262 Gila, Pinal County: 520-836-2758

ARIZONA LONG-TERM CARE

Glendale: 602-417-6000 Phoenix: 602-417-6600 Mesa: 602-417-6400 Tucson: 520-205-8600

CASE MANAGEMENT PROVIDERS

Senior Adult Independent Living – Help Line

Maricopa County: 602-264-2255

Adult Protective Services – AZ 877-815-8390

Our Family Services 520-323-1708

Jewish Family & Children Services 520-795-0300

City of Phoenix Community Services 602-262-6631

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Arizona Veterans Service Phoenix: 602-627-3261 Tucson: 520-207-4968

Catholic Social Services Phoenix: 602-997-6105 Tucson: 520-623-0344

Arizona Department of Economic Security Phoenix: 800-352-8168 Tucson: 800-835-2100

Medicare/Social Security 800-772-1213

Medicaid (AHCCCS) Phoenix: 602-417-4000 Tucson: 520-205-8600

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 800-772-1213

Hoy has worked with The Arc of Tempe, which promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

“I’ve spent the last year doing all of their events,” Hoy says. “I’ve hosted them. I met them through improv comedy, a volunteer program I did.

“I revamped their website, too. It was so much run. We do about 12 to 14 events a month. We do all sorts of art and different things. I also take them downtown.”

Hoy was born in Alexandria, Virginia. His father was the White House photographer for The Washington Post from 1963 to 1972. His mother worked there as well.

“He has pictures of Kennedy, Nixon and Johnson,” he says. “He has pictures of him and Johnson shaking hands and talking. He earned a doctorate and taught at Syracuse, before coming here to help start the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with the man he called ‘Wally.’

“Photojournalism was his thing at ASU. I was the State Press cartoonist for three and a half years and he mentored photographers. We were very close.”

Hoy has worked with underprivileged children, and also does corporate training.

“I go to different companies and teach the staff how to com-

municate better with improv techniques,” Hoy says. “I don’t like to say ‘comedy,’ because people will think it’s dirty.”

He’s not one to take any of his talents for granted.

“Every day, I am grateful for all my talents,” he says. “I want to use them to the best of my abilities. I want people to smile. I don’t need a belly laugh.

“When people say, ‘You’re a breath of fresh air,’ that’s the best compliment in the world. If I made you smile or made your dog wag his tail, that’s my day. I’m done. Drop the mic.”

Sean Hoy poses with some of the murals he created at Perch Brewery.

TMC Health puts its patients first

BY TMC HEALTH

TMC Health is a nonprofit all-encompassing system of care that puts its patients first. Serving communities across Southern Arizona, TMC Health is the region’s fastest growing health system and parent company to some of the region’s most trusted and respected health care facilities.

Tucson Medical Center, voted U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital for the second consecutive year in 2022, licensed at more than 600 beds, has been Tucson’s locally governed nonprofit regional hospital for more than 75 years.

TMC is Southern Arizona’s leading provider for emergency care and pediatric care (including Tucson’s first pediatric emergency department), with intensive care units for adults, children and newborns. Other specialty areas include women’s, maternity, cardiac care, orthopedic, neuroscience, hospice, surgical and vascular care.

TMC Health provides primary care to Southern Arizona families as well. TMCOne is the fastest-growing network of clinics providing family and specialty care, with more than 17 clinics, 100 doctors and specialists and two urgent cares serving the community.

TMC Health also serves a large portion of southern Arizona with Benson Hospital, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, Rincon Health Campus and Rincon Neighborhood Hospital, currently under construction as part of TMC Health system.

What makes us different?

Mission

TMC’s mission is to provide exceptional health care with compassion

Vision

TMC aspires to serve the community by being the best health system as measured by the quality of the care it delivers, the experiences it creates and the value it brings.

• Every day, everywhere, its patients are its brand. Consumers will identify TMC Health as a neighbor and partner in health

• In its communities, bring care closer to people — where they live, work and even to their homes

• Create digital touchpoints for consumer engagement and options for receiving care wherever the consumer is — with a click or a tap

About TMC

• Caring for the community since 1944

• Tucson’s No. 1-preferred hospital

• Specialties include cardiac, women’s health, children’s health and orthopedic

• Nearly 100,000 ER visits each year make TMC one of the busiest hospitals in the state

• More than 5,500 babies a year

• Mayo Care Clinic Partner

About TMCOne

• Southern Arizona’s fastest growing primary care practice

• More than 100 providers and 17 clinics with more on the horizon.

• Primary and family care

• Specialties include adult and pediatric endocrinology, cardiothoracic surgery, rheumatology, pulmonary medicine, pain management, pediatric surgery, urology and infectious disease.

Southeast Tucson

• TMC purchased property at Houghton and Drexel in 2005

• Medical office building opened in 2017. Home to TMCOne and other medical partners

• Surgery center opened in September

• Rincon Neighborhood Hospital slated to open late 2023

Southeast Arizona

• Southern Arizona Hospital Alliance formed in 2015

• Benson Hospital joined TMC Health in 2018; 24-bed hospital, sole community provider; and three rural health clinics

• Northern Cochise Community Hospital joined in 2021; 24-bed hospital, sole community provider; two rural health clinics

Looking ahead

• Purchased two medical office buildings in Green Valley on the campus of the Santa Cruz Valley Medical Center

• Purchased property at Twin Peaks and I-10 to be home of future health campus

Tucson Medical Center is the region’s fastest growing health system. (TMC Health/Submitted)

‘Live Life Until You Die’

Patricia Person representing Ms. Senior Arizona pageant

BY JORDAN HOUSTON

At 27, Patricia Person vowed to never compete in a beauty pageant again. The California native recalls the moment she was announced the winner of a local competition, only to have the title stripped from her seconds later.

“They called me as the winner and as I was walking on the stage, happy with a big smile, they retracted it,” she recounts. Now, then-64-year-old finally got her moment of glory — and on a much larger stage.

In September 2021, Person was crowned the 2022 Ms. Senior Arizona at The Cameo Foundation’s 32nd annual pageant at the Vista Center for the Performing Arts in Surprise. The nonprofit organization refrained from crowning 2020 and 2021 title holders due to COVID-19-related obstacles.

“This time, when they called my name, I was looking around like, ‘Let me wait, I don’t want this to be a repeat,’” Person said with a laugh. The mother of three also earned herself the Most Elegant recognition.

Open only to women 60 and above, Ms. Senior Arizona is more than just a “beauty contest.” The pageant honors the “Age of Elegance” by embodying the motivation and inspiration of senior women, grandmothers and great-grandmothers.

The nonprofit organization strives to off er older women a platform to showcase their achievements, talents and values, while reenforcing the importance of self-worth, inner beauty and charm.

“I am feeling proud, excited and happy,” Person says. “I wanted to win. I practiced to win, but I was still shocked.”

Contestants must live in Arizona for at least three months prior to the state contest and are judged on four categories: their philosophies of life, judges’ interviews, evening gown presentations and talent.

Person, who grew up in Los Angeles and frequently modeled in local fashion shows, says she adheres to her philosophy of life, “Live life until you die,” every day.

“When I was in California, I was robbed at gunpoint,” recalls Person, who now lives in Mesa. “After I was robbed, I was afraid everywhere I went. I was scared, skittish and when I went to the store, everybody looked suspicious.

“I just woke up one day and said, ‘I’m just going to live my life until I die. And carry on and be cautious, but I can’t

walk around and be scared of every single thing.’”

It’s safe to say that Person, an original “Soul Train” dancer and Zumba instructor, has embodied that promise to live her life to the fullest.

Person went on to work for Boeing in various capacities for almost 40 years. She simultaneously earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing at the University of Phoenix.

Now, she balances her time at the Fountain Hills assisted living facility with operating her own hot dog catering business, LA Hot Dog Catering Service. Person is proud of not only her title of Arizona’s Ms. Senior queen, but as a woman of color title holder as well.

For her talent, Person paid tribute to Bessie Coleman, the fi rst African American and fi rst Native American

Ms. Senior AZ...continued on page

Mesa resident Patricia Person, 64, was crowned as the 2022 Ms. Senior Arizona. (Dennis Murphy/Contributor)

“I just woke up one day and said, ‘I’m just going to live my life until I die. And carry on and be cautious, but I can’t walk around and be scared of every single thing.’”

Heartbeat pumps up the expo crowd

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Heartbeat was one of Southern Arizona’s most popular rock/oldies bands from 2008 to 2018, performing Top 40 hits from the 1950s to 1990s.

After disbanding in 2018, the act is beating again and playing throughout the day at the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo in Tucson.

Since reforming, Heartbeat has played to packed houses in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Casa Grande, Oracle and Phoenix including Monterey Court, St. Philip’s Plaza Main Stage,

Gaslight Music Hall, Sun City Phoenix, SaddleBrooke Ranch and a variety of RV Parks.

The band features Jim Waln (drums/ lead singer); Dr. Jim Keleher (lead guitar/lead singer); Rob Francis (guitar/ keyboards) and John Reagan (bass/

if you will.”

woman pilot, according to the National Women’s History Museum. She performed a dramatization of Coleman’s story from her “successes to her demise,” she explains.

“It made me feel great,” Person says. “It makes me feel like what she did wasn’t lost and I kind of brought her back around, in a way, to make me feel better and to let people know how courageous and brave she was. It was sort of full circle

A caregiver by nature, Person adds that she enjoys working with the Cameo Foundation, a national organization of previous pageant contenders.

The local nonprofit works to provide resources to arm its members with the needed expertise and self-confidence to maximize their potential. It also funnels fundraising proceeds to support survivors of domestic violence.

“I want to use my title to go around to different facilities and let them know I am

back-up vocals).

“The guys in Heartbeat grew up in the ’60s and ’70s and we have been playing classic rock oldies since we were teenagers,” says Waln, founding member. “The guys have as much fun playing as the folks dancing.”

part of the Cameo club and that we want to help those that have been hurt by domestic violence,” Person explains.

The Cameo Foundation showcases performances for nursing homes, veterans’ and children’s hospitals, schools, senior citizen centers, fairs and other community and charitable organizations.

For more information about Ms. Senior Arizona, visit its website at msseniorarizona.com. To learn more about the Cameo Foundation, head over to cameofoundation.org.

Heartbeat has performed at spots around the area, like the Gaslight Music Hall. (Heartbeat/Submitted)

Dine Cornell Barbecue Chicken

BY JAN D’ATRI

It’s one of the most famous chicken recipes in America. So, one delicious way to celebrate summer barbecuing is by popping a cold one in honor of the man who has helped to make barbecued chicken America’s favorite picnic food.

Cornell University Professor Robert Baker is the creator of the famous Cornell barbecue chicken sauce, the recipe that is often referred to as “State Fair Chicken.” The simple and tasty sauce can be used as a fabulous two-hour marinade or for basting chicken on the grill.

And the barbecue sauce that goes with the chicken is just as unique, with a mayonnaise base instead of tomato sauce. The Cornell Barbecue Chicken isn’t the only iconic recipe to come from Baker.

He is also the inventor of more than 40 other recipes including chicken and turkey hot dogs, and the world-famous chicken nugget. (McDonald’s generally gets the credit for inventing the chicken nuggets, but Baker published his chicken nugget

recipe in the 1950s, while McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets recipe was patented in 1979.)

Another creation that probably helped land Baker in the Poultry Hall of Fame (Yes, there is one!) was his revolutionary method of binding breading to chicken, which is used in hundreds of food applications today. In the book, “The Lexicon of Real American Food,” it says that Robert Baker’s goal in life was to get people to eat more chicken. Mission accomplished.

Cornell Barbecue Chicken

INGREDIENTS

For the chicken:

8 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs

1 egg

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups cider vinegar

2 tablespoons poultry seasoning

2 tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cornell chicken barbecue sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1 tablespoon poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

For the chicken:

Wash and pat dry chicken thighs. Place in a large bowl. Prepare the basting mixture by placing the egg and vegetable oil in a medium bowl and whisk vigorously to combine.

Add the vinegar, salt, poultry seasoning and pepper, whisking to combine. Set aside.

Heat a grill plate to medium high heat. Brush with olive oil. Arrange the thighs on the grill. Immediately start basting the chicken with the basting mixture. Baste often, about once every 3 to 5 minutes, stirring the basting mixture as you use it. Continue grilling until the chicken turns a rich golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes per side and internal temperature is 165 degrees. Serve with barbecue sauce. Serves four.

For the Cornell chicken barbecue sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, poultry seasoning, pepper and salt. Whisk to combine. Brush lightly over chicken thighs and serve remainder in a small bowl on the side. Serves eight.

Call today.

A licensed agent will answer your call. 1-844-404-6878 (TTY: 711)

8 AM–8 PM, 7 days a week, from October 1 to March 31

8 AM–5 PM, Monday - Friday, from April 1 - Setpember 30

Visit us online. aet.na/veterans

Learn more about our plans.

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our DSNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex and does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. If you speak a language other than English, free language assistance services are available. Visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or the phone number on your benefit ID card. In addition, our health plan provides auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, when necessary, to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to communicate effectively with us. Our health plan also provides language assistance services, free of charge, for people with limited English proficiency. If you need these services, visit our website, call the phone number listed in this material or on your benefit ID card. If you believe that we have failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with our Grievance Department (write to the address listed in your Evidence of Coverage). You can also file a grievance by phone by calling the Customer Service phone number listed on your benefit ID card (TTY: 711). If you need help filing a grievance, call Customer Service Department at the phone number on your benefit ID card. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/cp/complaint_frontpage.jsf. ESPAÑOL (SPANISH): Si habla un idioma que no sea inglés, se encuentran disponibles servicios gratuitos de asistencia de idiomas. Visite nuestro sitio web o llame al número de teléfono que figura en este documento. 繁體中文 (CHINESE):

Polish

BY VALERIE VINYARD

After a decade in business, Polish Cottage has a fresh look, daily specials and a revamped drinks menu.

The cozy midtown restaurant closed for part of July for a facelift and additions to its drink menu, to install booths, a bar and new wood flooring. The restaurant reopened July 26 with a bit more capacity, from 48 to 52. The brighter color scheme and new lighting also have resulted in a more bright and open space.

“We tried to refresh everything, to be more friendly,” says Polish Cottage’s owner, Robert Stawicki. “My wife had a vision.”

Agnieszka Stawicka modestly describes what she did to reimagine the pace.

“I’m a little artistic,” she says. “I did those paper cutouts.”

After a decade, Stawicka says it was time to change things.

“We decided to refresh, but we also kept some of the old decorations,” she says. “We decided to do the lighter colors on the walls.”

Customers seem to be happy with the revamped space.

“I think it’s more airy and lighter than before,” says Anna Clayton, a 42-year-old electrical engineer in Tucson. “I’ve visited

$11.49 for eight pieces to $16.20 for a dozen. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, buy a bottle of wine and get a dozen free pierogi. On Wednesdays, purchase one order of pierogi and get a second order for half-price.

Poland twice, and it feels like I’m in Poland again when I eat here.”

Polish Cottage opened in September 2011, 10 years after the owners moved to Tucson from Warsaw. They brought recipes that have been in the family for generations.

While diners take advantage of specials and enjoy traditional fare and friendly service, Polish music plays in the background. Happy hour takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and feature $2 off appetizers and specialty drinks; $3.50 16-ounce Polish beer bottles; and $7 house wines by the glass. A late-night menu is from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and features halfpriced bottles of wine. And on Sundays, enjoy $5 mimosas all day.

People tend to think of hearty dishes of meats, pierogi and stuffed cabbage when it comes to Polish food. While that is true, Polish Cottage’s menu also features sandwiches, soups, starters and desserts.

The pierogi are filled with potatoes and cheese, beef, sauerkraut and mushrooms, or sweet farmer’s cheese ($11.49 for eight pieces; $13.95 for 10 pieces; $16.20 for 12 pieces).

Diners who can’t decide can opt for the Polish combo plate ($23.95 for one; $45.50 for two) or the vegetarian polish combo plate ($17.50).

Manager Aleks Stawicka, 22, has managed Polish Cottage for her parents for about three years.

Robert Stawicki owns the Polish Cottage. (Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

The Polish Cottage’s pierogi features potatoes and cheese, beef, sauerkraut and mushroom or sweet farmer’s cheese. Prices range from

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank quares and use each of the nine numbers only once. DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH H H Moderate HH Difficult HHH GO FIGURE!

“It’s very homey food,” she says. “A lot of it is stews and sausages. I think for a lot of people it reminds them of home or their family’s cooking. It provides something unique and special.”

While they replaced the wine list with 15 new offerings and added three beer taps with craft selections, she said they left the food menu unchanged.

“That’s what makes us really unique and special,” Stawicka says. “We have a lot of new diners that are coming in, our regulars are super excited. A lot of people have been enjoying our new cocktails.”

She said the most popular cocktail is the black currant cosmo ($10) with the Polish liqueur Nalewka Babuni, vodka, lime juice and simple syrup.

Don’t let the sound of pickle soup ($5.40 a cup $6.50 a bowl) dissuade you from trying it. It’s a sour but delightful riot of flavors.

Sandwiches include a Polish kielbasa sandwich ($12.95); a classic Reuben

sandwich ($9.95); and a mushroom Swiss burger ($14.95).

We tried a starter of beef stew with French fries ($9.95), which was a smaller but still filling dish with tender beef and veggies.

The pork and rice stuff ed cabbage ($10.95 for one roll; $18.95 for two) is a more delicate, fl avorful but still fi lling dish that’s topped with tomato sauce. It comes with a choice of side, such as fried or mashed potatoes, fries, cucumber salad, applesauce, pickled cucumber or a

side salad.

Desserts include Polish mainstays as Kolaczki ($7.90 a box), which are traditional Polish cookies made with a cream cheese cookie base and fi lled with sweet jam; crepes ($9.95 full order; $6.50 half); and sweet pierogi dessert ($7.50).

To end a fantastic meal, Stawicka suggested ordering the Polish apple cake called szarlotka ($7.50), which has crumble on the top and bottom and apple slices, cinnamon and applesauce in the center.

“It’s a very light dessert,” she said. “It’s not too sweet; it’s not overpowering.”

Polish Cottage

4520 E. Broadway, Tucson 520-777-5407, polishcottageaz.com

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; closed Mondays

tomato sauce

(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)

Sleep apnea can be

BY FRED CICETTI

I’m tired most days, and I never feel rested. Could I have sleep apnea?

I urge you to get to a doctor for a diagnosis, because sleep apnea can be a serious disorder. High blood pressure is common in sleep apnea. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep stoppages increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system, raising the risk of heart failure and stroke.

About 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It’s much more common in older adults and men. Apnea is Greek for “without breath.”

People with sleep apnea stop breathing for as long as 30 seconds at a time. These interruptions can happen hundreds of times a night. The breathing cessations may wake you and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. These awakenings usually are so brief that you don’t recall them.

There are two kinds of sleep apnea: central and obstructive.

If you have central sleep apnea, there’s a communication breakdown between the breathing muscles and your brain. It’s uncommon.

About 90% of sleep apnea victims have obstructive apnea, which is caused by a blockage in the windpipe. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when

• Abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath.

• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.

• Morning headache.

• Problems associated with sleep deprivation, such as forgetfulness and mood changes.

the muscles in the back of your throat relax.

These muscles support the soft palate, tonsils, tongue and uvula — that doohickey that hangs in the back of your mouth. When the muscles relax, your airway is narrowed and breathing is cut off. A blockage can also be caused by a lot of fatty tissue in the throat.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness.

• Loud snoring.

• Observed episodes of breathing stoppages during sleep.

A common treatment for sleep apnea that helps most sufferers is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). You sleep with a special mask that adds pressure to the air you breathe. There are several types of air-pressure devices available.

Mild cases of apnea can be treated with dental devices that move your jaw forward to make breathing easier. In very few cases, surgery is necessary to remove tonsils or extra tissue from the throat.

Another option is upper airway stimulation (UAS). A small subcutaneous device is put in the chest. This device has an electrode that stimulates the tongue muscles to open the airway, en-

abling you to breathe easily. There are some self-help techniques:

• Sleep on your side instead of your back. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.

• Eliminate alcoholic beverages and sleep medicines, which relax the muscles in your throat.

• Quit smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant and can interfere with sleep. Smoke is an irritant to nose, throat and lungs.

• Lose weight. A fat neck tends to narrow the airway in your throat.

(Note: In my research, I often seem to run into warnings against alcohol, tobacco and fat. Must be something to it.) When you go to a doctor for a diagnosis, he or she may refer you to a sleep disorder center. You may be asked to undergo overnight monitoring of your breathing and other body functions during sleep. You may also be referred to an ear, nose and throat doctor to rule out any blockage in your nose or throat.

At Tucson Medical Center, patient care has always come first. Our staff is dedicated to providing patient-focused, compassionate, state-of-the-art medicine. We are proud to be recognized for the second year straight as Best Tucson Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.