Special Supplement to The West Valley View
HEALTH Winter 2021
INSIDE This Issue
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
Smoking can cause 12 different cancers BY DR. RAMMOHAN MARLA
WARREN & HAGERMAN .......... 2 Dental practice is a real hidden gem
ASSOCIATED RETINA CONSULTANTS ...... 3 Putting each one of their patients first
AREA AGENCY ON AGING .................. 4 Taking small steps for lifelong rewards
New year’s resolutions may literally save your life. I’m a thoracic surgeon at Cancer Treatment Centers of America Phoenix, treating patients with the deadliest cancer in the United States, lung cancer. Not even half of those diagnosed early — when the cancer is localized to the lungs — live for five more years. But very few lung cancers are caught early. Once it spreads, the five-year survival rate is only 5%. You can improve your odds right now by quitting smoking, which is linked to 90% of all lung cancers. This is why I encourage all smokers to make — and keep — a resolution to quit today. Even if you’ve been smoking for years, quitting will improve your health. Quitting immediately reduces your risk for 12 cancers, including mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder and leukemia. Quitting can increase your life expectancy by as much as a decade. It reduces your risk for cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke. The health benefits of quitting begin immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your heart rate drops minutes after you quit. The nicotine level in your blood falls to zero after 24 hours. Within a few days, carbon monoxide levels in the blood are the same as those who do not smoke. Your risk of heart attack drops sharply within two years, and
your added risk of heart disease is cut in half after three to six years. Plus, quitting saves you money, because you’re no longer buying cigarettes and you qualify for lower health insurance costs. Quitting is hard. Nicotine is addictive. But we can do anything if we put our minds to it. Remember to keep in mind why we’re quitting. The healthier you are, the more time you’ll have to spend with your loved ones. If you have kids, they’re less likely to develop asthma when they’re not exposed to second-hand smoke. You don’t have to quit cold turkey. We have many ways to help you, including patches, gum and support programs. Your doctor can help provide guidance as well. If you have been smoking for many years, I urge you to schedule a cancer screening. It’s a quick procedure that involves a very low dose of radiation that will find any sus-
picious nodules in the lungs. The earlier treatment begins, the better your odds. If the screening finds nothing, you can wait a year for another one. One final request: Don’t turn to e-cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration has found no e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. Whether vaping is as dangerous as smoking is unsettled science. Vaping, however, coats the lungs with a mist of harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, the weed-killer arolein, lung-damaging diacetyl and vitamin E, which has been linked to severe lung damage. A new year has begun, and it’s full of potential and possibilities. Make a resolution to kick the habit — and potentially add years to your life. Dr. Rammohan Marla, FACS, FACC, is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Phoenix.
www.westvalleyview.com The latest breaking news and top local stories in the West Valley!
Warren & Hagerman’s practice is a hidden gem 2
Health & Wellness
BY SHANNON WARREN
Warren & Hagerman Family Dentistry has been providing state-of-the-art dental care to West Valley residents for over 75 years. Located in the heart of Litchfield Park, the slate blue, Dutch-style front door hints at the charming and welcoming atmosphere that awaits inside. Dr. Michael A. Warren, D.D.S., and Dr. Brooklyn R. Hagerman, D.M.D., are partners in this high-end, private dental practice. Drs. Warren and Hagerman use cutting-edge technology and
top-of-the-line materials to provide quality and honest dental care. Their talented and friendly dental team welcomes all new patients into their family with a warm smile and a reassuring demeanor, which helps relieve any dental anxiety. The doctors and staff take time to get to know each patient to create a lifelong dental partnership. They work hand in hand with the patients to maintain their best oral health and create their perfect smile. Warren & Hagerman Family Dentistry excels in family, cosmetic and
Winter 2021
implant dentistry. They also offer orthodontic options including Invisalign. Whatever your dental concern may be, you will be grateful to have this dental practice and these exceptional dentists managing your dental care. Warren & Hagerman Family Dentistry is accepting new patients. Call the office at 623-935-9376 to schedule your new-patient appointment. The office is located at 111 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Suite A, Litchfield Park. For more information, visit whfamilydentistry.com.
Make heart health part of your self-care routine BY FAMILY FEATURES
Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to move more, preparing healthier meals and not cheating on sleep, can all
benefit your heart. Because heart disease is largely preventable, focusing on improving your heart health is important. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women and men in the United States, and many Americans remain at risk, according to the National Heart, Lung
Exceptional Dental Care Specializing in Family, Cosmetic and Implant dentistry Accepting new patient and emergency appointments
and Blood Institute (NHLBI). People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. “Studies show self-care routines, such as taking a daily walk and keeping doctor’s appointments, help us keep our blood pressure in the healthy range and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. David Goff, NHLBI’s director of cardiovascular sciences. It may be easier than you think to “put your heart” into your daily routine. Each Sunday, look at your week’s schedule and carve out 30 minutes for heart-healthy practices. Take an online yoga class, prepare a heart-healthy recipe, schedule your bedtime to get at least seven hours of sleep or make a medication checklist. Then seek out support from others to help you stick to your goals. Consider these self-care tips to try each day to make your heart a priority:
Self-care Sunday Find a moment of serenity every Sunday. Spend some quality time on yourself.
Mindful Monday Brooklyn R. Hagerman DMD
Michael A. Warren DDS
111 W. Wigwam Blvd. Suite A • Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623.935.9376 • WHFamilyDentistry.com
Be mindful about your health and regularly monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar if needed. Keep an eye on your weight to make sure it stays within or moves toward a healthy range.
Tasty Tuesday
Choose how you want to approach eating healthier. Start small by pepping your meals with a fresh herb or spice as a salt substitute. Get adventurous and prepare a simple, new, heart-healthy recipe. Or go big by trying a different way of eating, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. DASH is flexible and balanced, and it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Wellness Wednesday Don’t waffle on your wellness. Move more, eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried, make a plan to quit smoking or vaping or learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke. You could be having a heart attack if you have chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness. You might be having a stroke if you experience numbness in the face, arm or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.
Treat yourself Thursday Treats can be healthy. Try making a dessert with fresh fruit and yogurt. Then stretch your imagination beyond food. Host a family dance party, take a few minutes to sit and meditate, go
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Winter 2021
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Health & Wellness
Patients come first at Associated Retina Consultants BY ASSOCIATED RETINA CONSULTANTS
For 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 Photo of a branch retinal artery occlusion left eye. patients the best possible treat- (Photo courtesy Associated Retina Consultants) ment as it continues to strive for going changes and guidelines of the excellence. Care is provided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the utmost courtesy, professionalism, com- serious, urgent nature of some of the fort, and respect for patients’ time be- conditions it treats, the offices will cause, at ARC, patients come first. remain open for business with certain The practice recently welcomed Dr. limitations. Visit its website for more Rima Patel. She is board certified in information about its efforts as a pracophthalmology and has completed for- tice at associatedretinaconsultants. mal subspecialty training in medical com. It is ARC’s priority to provide the and surgical diseases of the retina, vit- best possible care while ensuring the reous and macula. The practice’s team health and safety of our patients, staff, of 10 highly skilled retina physicians and community. For the most up-tounderstands how important eyesight is date information about the COVID-19 and how challenging it can be coping pandemic, visit the American Acadewith impaired vision. That is why our my of Ophthalmology (aao.org), the practice is dedicated to the preserva- Centers for Disease Control and Pretion and restoration of sight. vention (cdc.gov). Associated Retina Consultants’ Contact Associated Retina Consulstaff is closely monitoring the on- tants at 602-242-4928
Heart...continued from page 2 for a long walk or watch a funny show. Whatever you do, find a way to spend some quality time on yourself.
Follow Friday Follow inspiring people and pages on social media, or text a friend to help you stick to your self-care goals. Remember to take care of your mental health, too. Two of the main hurdles to self-care are depression and a lack of confidence, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association.” If your mental health is taking a toll, take action to show your heart some love. Reach out to family and friends
Serving the Valley in Retina Care since 1974.
Dedicated to the Preservation and Restoration of Vision
Alan J. Gordon, M.D.
J. Shepard Bryan, M.D.
Stephen A.M. De Souza, M.D.
Henry M. Kwong, Jr. M.D.
Rahul K. Reddy, M.D., MHS
M.D.
Reda A. Issa, M.D.
Rima Patel, M.D.
Benjamin Bakall, Jaime R. Gaitan, M.D., Ph.D. M.D.
ARIZONA’S LARGEST
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ARIZONA’S ONLY for support, or talk to a qualified mental health provider.
Selfie Saturday Inspire others to take care of their hearts. Talk about your self-care routine with loved ones or share a selfie on social media. Having social support and personal networks can make it easier to get regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, reach a healthy weight and quit smoking. Learn more about heart health and heart-healthy activities in your community, and see what others are doing for their heart health, at nhlbi.nih.gov/ ourhearts or follow #OurHearts on social media.
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
ASSOCIATEDRETINACONSULTANTS.COM
SEVERAL CONVENIENT VALLEY LOCATIONS AS WELL AS NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA
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Health & Wellness
Winter 2021
Airman & Family Readiness Center is never the wrong place BY AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER
Active duty members and their spouses who are expecting a baby, or new mothers assigned to an Air Force installation, are encouraged to contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center to sign up for a Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class. Parents can receive a free car seat and learn about proper installation in their vehicle, parenting skills and finances; meet other expectant parents; and receive a bundle of supplies. That includes a large, canvas tote bag with AFAS logo, thermal receiving blanket, hooded towel and washcloth, white knit crib sheet, printed knit crib sheet, three-pack sleep-n-play, five-pack onesies, two pairs of booties, two bibs and three burp cloths. Classes are open to all ranks and are not limited to a first pregnancy. The transition from singlehood to married life is tough and marrying a military member can pose its own unique challenges. Heart Link is a program designed to familiarize civilian
spouses with the military and alleviate some of these issues. From military protocol to traditions and lingo, Heart Link teaches civilian spouses what their military counterparts deal with daily. Spouses are introduced to the military community. They have an important role to play: keeping up the home front while their spouses are deployed and being a source of support for the airmen. Heart Link, which is geared toward newlyweds, is designed to help connect military members with their spouses. By integrating spouses into the military, it helps to enhance mission readiness. Participants learn about military protocol and military and Air Force traditions including the role of coining and the Air Force song. Learning these things helps them understand military culture. Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) provides short-term, nonmedical counseling to service members and their families. MFLCs augment existing military support programs worldwide. Through the MFLC Program,
AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER
NEVER THE WRONG PLACE TO GO! MILITARY MEMBERS, DOD CIVILIANS* & FAMILIES
SERVICES AVAILABLE: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• •
Bundles for Babies Military & Family Life Consultant Assistance Heart Link (New Spouse Orientation) Employment Assistance Transition Services (Active Duty to Civilian) Hearts Apart Support Activities Relocation & Sponsorship Services Financial Counseling/Education New or Expectant Mothers Class Emergency Financial Assistance Family Strengthening Programs & Resources Personal Development Information & Resources Exceptional Family Member Program Provides support to Military family members with special needs • Information and Referral Services Discovery Center - Resources for relocations, transition, employment, housing, schools, and more! AMVETS - Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims
• School Liaison Officer Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community
Monthly Dept. of Lab TAP Employmor en Workshop t
Contact us for further information: (623) 856-6550 Email: 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil 7282 N. 137th Ave. Bldg.1113 Luke AFB, AZ. 85309 “We’re never the wrong place to go!” *Limited Services for DoD Civilians and their families
licensed clinical providers assist service members and their families with issues they may face through the cycle of deployment—from leaving their loved ones and possibly living and working in harm’s way to reintegrating with their community Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class offers a free car and family. seat so parents can learn about proper installation. (SubThe MFLC program pro- mitted photo) vides support for a range of individual and family Exceptional Family Member Program issues. Psycho-educational presenta- (EFMP) is designed to provide support tions on reunion/reintegration, stress/ to military family members with special coping, grief/loss and deployment are needs. EFMP services include a variety provided to commands. Family Read- of personnel, medical and family supiness Groups, Soldier Readiness Pro- port functions. The Exceptional Famcessing and other requested locations. ily Member Program- Family Support MFLC support is also provided to the (EFMP-FS) is a community support Child and Youth Program and specif- function provided by the Airman & Famically for the summer DoDEA/CYP ily Readiness Center that includes, but summer enrichment program. not limited to, on-and off-base informaSupport for these issues empowers tion and referral, parent training, support individuals during the problem-solv- group, relocation assistance, financial ing process, increases individual and management and school information. family competency and confidence in For more information, call 623-856handling the stressors of military life 6550 or email 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil, and ensures that issues do not impair or visit 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building operational readiness. 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.
Taking small steps for lifelong rewards BY MELISSA ELLIOTT, MSW
Vice President of Programs & Services Area Agency on Aging, Region One
During the last year, it has been challenging for everyone to stay engaged, socially connected and partake in meaningful programs. It’s been especially difficult for seniors, who can be vulnerable and isolated. The Area Agency on Aging has adapted to offer virtual versions of its Health 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, medication 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 602-241-5562 for information and to register. For information on all the classes the Area Agency is offering, call the 24-hour senior helpline at 602-264-4357 or visit the website at aaaphx.org.