Colorado Springs Living Well - Spring 2020

COLORADO SPRINGS

SPRING 2020

LIVING WELL Your Health & Lifestyle Magazine

CUTTING EDGE TECH SPARKS BRILLIANCE

Centura Health offers Colorado residents the finest orthopedic care in the region.

THEATRE | MUSIC | DANCE | VISUAL ART

INCREDIBLE THINGS

are happening at the Ent Center for the Arts

SEE THE FULL LINE-UP AND GET TICKETS AT UCCSPRESENTS.ORG

Garden of the Gods Rd

2

Austin Bluffs Pkwy

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

TICKETS

25

North Nexa

University Village

da Ave.

Ent Center for the Arts

CALL: 719-255-3232 ONLINE: UCCSpresents.org IN PERSON: Ent Center for the Arts • 5225 N Nevada Ave GROUPS (10+): Contact the box office for rates

“Gold Hill Mesa is located where the mountains meet the city! Most importantly, Gold Hill Mesa has the most welcoming neighbors we have seen after living in 5 states! Military, retirees, young families, singles, all ethnicities, and all walks of life are welcome.�

MARC FULSON, GOLD HILL MESA RESIDENT

Pictured at Music on the Mesa

Be part of a great community: Be Neighborly.

Be Happy.

Be Adventurous.

Be Comfortable.

Be Strong.

Be Proud.

BE GOLD HILL MESA. For more information about Gold Hill Mesa, call (719) 633-2202 or go to GoldHillMesa.com

3

SALE PENDING SKYWAY HEIGHTS 1430 Chartwell View Kevin Patterson is Representing the Seller

KISSING CAMELS 3025 Valleybrook Lane - $745,000 One-level rancher, 3 bedrooms, office, 2-car garage, beautiful updating, mountain views.

S O L D KISSING CAMELS - THE GREENS 3826 Hill Circle Kevin Patterson Represented the Seller

PINECREST AT PINE CREEK 9811 Highland Glen Place - $950,000 5 bedrooms, master and office on main, oversized 3-car garage, Pikes Peak views.

4

KISSING CAMELS - CAMELS RIDGE 1120 Hill Circle - $625,000 2 bedroom, 3 bath home, master and office on the main, 2-car garage, exceptional views.

SALE PENDING KISSING CAMELS - THE PARK 3030 Sheiks Place Kevin Patterson is Representing Seller/Buyer

THE VILLAGE AT STRATTON PRESERVE 1855 Cantwell Grove - $935,000 5 bedrooms (2 on main), main level office, backs to open space, mountain and city views.

S O L D KISSING CAMELS 3930 Hill Circle Kevin Patterson Represented the Seller

THE GREENS AT KISSING CAMELS 4250 Reserve Point - $1,175,000 5 bedrooms (2 on the main level), 5 baths, 3-car garage, backs to golf course incredible views.

PINECREST AT PINE CREEK 9991 Highland Glen Place - $1,295,000 4 bedrooms, spacious master and office on main, elevator, 3-car garage, amazing views.

N ER TIO D C UN RU T NS CO

KISSING CAMELS 3820 Camelrock View - $1,395,000 4 bedroom, 6 bath golf course home with 3-car garage, spectacular outdoor spaces and views.

S O L D PINECREST AT PINE CREEK 9730 Highland Glen Place Kevin Patterson Represented the Seller

KISSING CAMELS 3840 Brushland Court - $874,500 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 3-car garage, elevator, main level office, gourmet kitchen, views.

BROADMOOR RESORT COMMUNITY 4235 Stone Manor Heights - $2,250,000 6 bedrooms, master / study on main, 8 baths, 4-car garage, over 1.7 acres, sweeping views.

GARDEN OF THE GODS CLUB 3198 Spirit Wind Heights - $2,750,000 3 bedroom suites, 5 baths, 3-car oversized garage, office, elevator, stunning views.

A Leader in Residential Home Sales Kevin Patterson, Owner, CRS,GRI The Patterson Group 800.900.1775 / 719.575.1200 Kevin@PattersonGrp.com www.PattersonGrp.com 5

LI V ING WELL Spring 2020 Edition Designed and Printed in Denver Colorado

A new year, a new decade, a new look.

Josh Cates Colorado Springs Readers,

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER Joshua D. Cates

Welcome to the newlydesigned LIVING WELL

CO-FOUNDER & CFO Bob Cates

Magazine. Spring is just around the corner and this changing

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nancy Kay White

of seasons provided a catalyst, after 15 years in print, to give

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Stewart

a new look to our magazine as this new decade rolls in.

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY Don Jones Studio 9 Commercial Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rich Schell, Dr. Ron Pelton, Dr. Reagan B. Anderson, Andrea Sinclair, Dr. Ted Archdale, Thomas S. Jennings, DDS, Brian Wagner, Prashant Krishnan, M.D. ART & DESIGN www.TenPeaksMedia.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscribe@COLivingWell.com www.COLivingWell.com/subscribe LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@COLivingWell.com ADVERTISING SALES Joshua D. Cates (830) 388-8110 Josh@TenPeaksMedia.com

You will notice a drastic change on the cover. As we continue highlighting great local stories and say good-bye to our celebrity covers of the past, I charged our Creative Director with the task of making our cover a statement of art, as well as a statement of what makes our great city such a gem.

Working with long-time partner and contributor, Centura Health, our cover feature focuses on the tech behind what I like to call “Bespoke Surgery.” Living in Colorado means most of us enjoy an active lifestyle and expect our bodies to keep up – naturally! While this is rarely the case, going “under the knife” now has a new meaning, thanks to new technology. Centura Health surgeons can now provide a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy. Read more on this topic, starting on page 30.

I would also like to take this moment to point out a local author and businessman, Dr. Reagan B Anderson, who has just released his book Universal Death Care – A Solution for Healthcare in the Age of Entitlement.

We caught up with Dr. Anderson to learn more about his passion for this topic. You will find an interesting Q&A, starting on

DESIGNED AND PUBLISHED BY

page 16.

Finally, I’d like to close by encouraging you to let us know what you think of the new look, topics you’d like to see us cover for this new year, and how you’re LIVING WELL in El Paso County.

Until the next edition,

Proud Partner of

6

Inside this issue

10

30

DECORATING TRENDS THROUGH THE DECADES

FEATURE STORY

What will we see in 2020?

18

Centura Orthopedics: Expertise & Cutting-Edge Tech Spark Brilliance.

KNOW YOUR SCORE, LOVE YOUR HEART A calcium score heart scan helps identify calcified plaque levels in your heart arteries.

12 IS BEAUTY SLEEP A REAL THING?

34 QUALITY OF LIFE CARE 40 Years of Love and Dedication.

Cosmetic Benefits of Sleep.

22 PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

14

Don’t Neglect the Most Important Gear.

OPTUM & MOUNTAIN VIEW MEDICAL GROUP Enabling healthier lives together.

36 TEN PEAKS MEDIA

26

The #1 thing your business should do now.

OCCLUSION AND TMJ Do you have them?

16

38

UNIVERSAL DEATH CARE

BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

A Solution for Healthcare In the Age of Entitlement.

You have options for controlling this potentially dangerous condition.

Subscribe online at COLivingWell.com/subscribe

7

“A FRESH PERSPECTIVE FROM THE EYES THAT HAVE LOOKED DOWN THE GUN BARREL TO NOW TAKING AIM AT THE ABSURDITIES OF YOUR HEALTHCARE.” DR. DERRICK ADAMS

"...MADE ME QUESTION WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW ABOUT MODERN MEDICINE." CAPTAIN BRIAN LEGGE BOING 777 TRAINING CAPTAIN

USAF MAJOR (SEP)

A NEW BOOK BY

USMC FIRST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION SURGEON (FORMER) DERMATOLOGIST AND OWNER OF COLORADO DERMATOLOGY INSTITUTE, COLORADO SPRINGS

AVAILABLE NOW! www.reaganbanderson.com 8

Trusted by the best in Colorado Springs.

Where do you need to strengthen your business?

Branding • Digital Marketing • Google • Graphic Design • Photography • Video Production • Website Design

GET TO KNOW US AT TENPEAKSMEDIA.COM

AUTHOR:

Rich Schell

Decorating Trends Through the Decades What will we see in 2020?

W

elcome to 2020! It’s going to be an amazing time

and, in some cases, that decade of design became a bit

in life as we maneuver our way through so many

lost while trying to find balance, especially, on the heels

opportunities. I’m excited about all the possibilities of this new decade and for this time in our world.

In the 1980s, we had a conflict of styles-overstuffed

We’ve experienced many changes and many more

versus well-tailored, and, everything from country to

trends. Just take a look at the last 100 years in design. The

shabby chic with an overabundance of chintz, as well

1920s were roaring, completely glamorous, and all things

as a floral explosion thrown in for good measure! The

free-spirited and fun. During the 1930s, we saw a surge

1990s ushered in a monumental amount of everything

of art deco style, accompanied by a continuous sense

Tuscan (and much of it awful) as well as French Country.

of pride, despite the rough times endured during the

It seems we Americans had a penchant for those living

Great Depression. In the 1940s, our country persevered

across the pond.

through a horrible war and accomplished a great victory.

The 2000s have proved a collision course of all

This made way for embracing a look that declared

the prior decades. We’ve never been more crazy about

“home” and “Americana”- think Colonial, Cape Cod,

mid-century modern, and, we’ve embraced living

and Ranch-style dwellings. These architectural styles

with nothing-minimalism or living with hoards of

sprang up across our country and their interiors reflected

‘happiness’ known as being a maximalist. Then came

the same.

modern farmhouse with its black, white, and gray, where

The decade of the 1950s captured a new

milk glass meets old washboard meets painted wood, raw

contemporary style of design and architecture, now

lumber, and reclaimed wood. Somehow, we “sheeple”

known as mid-century modern. The 1960s definitely

tend to follow the trend and subsequently build the

I love stuff, and, I’m not ashamed to say, I’ll never be accused of being a minimalist.

10

of such notoriety.

tugged on the

popularity of a style and go with complete gusto until one

shirttails of the

day we realize that our home seems to look like everyone

50s but continued

else’s!

to evolve and add

I’ve always danced to the beat my own drum, not

some curves to the

necessarily on purpose, it just comes naturally to me!

equation, in contrast

I can easily say that out of all of those trends from the

to the former decade,

last 100 years of design, I have a piece or two from every

which was far more

era. Either indoor or outdoor, my collections just seem

geometric. In the

to work together. I love stuff, and, I’m not ashamed to

1970s, we saw some

say, I’ll never be accused of being minimalist. What I’ve

struggle in design,

collected and placed into my home has been carefully

selected and curated. I am not one who will change out

smorgasbord of wood, and the painted finish was born.

trends or match my art to the sofa.

Here’s where you needn’t be afraid of adding some color

As I write, I am returning from the Las Vegas

into your home! Find your favorite color and go with it.

Furniture Market. I saw such a crossover of everything -

Color block . . . it’s a merchant’s way of increasing the

glam, whimsy, traditional, mountain, and contemporary.

visual amount of inventory in their business. You can

And, what seemed to connect all these dots was the use

easily apply this touch to your own space. For example,

of color returning. I love color in art and accessories, but

pull together all of your blues, which instantly feels

often find I’m most comfortable in a neutral home layered

collected and interesting, rather than spread out, and,

with color. I’m currently working on a beautiful project

therefore not effective or visually pleasing.

in which the homeowners desire lots of fabulous color.

We live in an amazing time in which so much is

I’m very excited, as I seldom get the chance to work in

available and at our fingertips. However, this can also

gorgeous saturated colors - hot orange, deep pink, blue,

be confusing. Are you struggling with your home’s

teal and black. Yes, I said black. Black can be the most

potential? Call me! I can come over and assess a

striking color among the neutrals. It stands out and shines

few of the key points in your space. Hopefully, I can

among many other colors. But, if you don’t believe that,

make suggestions that will literally transform your

then let’s just say it really makes other colors pop.

surroundings, and make you fall in love with your home

In my opinion, 2020 will be filled with the brightest

all over again! Simply put, I love my home along with

hues! It’s very exciting to see what will unfold in the

all the stuff! I can putz for days displaying and making

next few years . . . to see where this will lead. The paints

changes, which keeps it all interesting and fresh.

I’m beginning to see in interiors and the fabrics for

That along with the addition of blooming plants and

upholstery are inspiring. Friends, don’t be afraid to stand

fresh flowers such as tulips will easily sustain me till

out and be different! Are you tired of something in your

gardening season. So, add some color, click your ruby

home? Consider painting it. Honestly, we have painted

slippers together and say, “There’s no place like home!”

furniture for centuries. One of the reasons is that in the past, the wood components of a furniture piece needed to

Thanks for reading along,

match. If not, everything was simply painted to hide the

Rich 11

AUTHOR:

Dr. Ron Pelton

Is Beauty Sleep a Real Thing?

Cosmetic Benefits of Sleep

W

e’ve all heard the phrase, “You need to get your

IMPROVED BLOOD FLOW AND ROSIER COMPLEXION.

beauty sleep,” but does getting enough sleep

There is a strong link between circadian rhythms, energy

really have health benefits other than making you feel

metabolism, and sleep. Researchers suspect that the

well-rested and more alert? Well believe it or not, there

reason blood flow increases to our skin when we sleep

is actually quite a bit of science behind the concept of

is to help repair all the damage our skin accumulates

“beauty sleep “and the key is getting enough – between

during the day (2).

7-9 hours each night. Here are a few of the most important cosmetic benefits of sleep:

YOUR SKIN MAY HAVE FEWER WRINKLES.

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EYES THAT APPEAR MORE ALERT AND LESS PUFFY. There are many causes of puffy eyelids and “dark circles” under the eyes and lack of sleep can make all of

Changes in the quality and quantity of collagen in your

these worse. The skin of the eyelid is the thinnest in the

skin are one of the primary causes of wrinkles. Sleep

body and researchers think that sleep deprivation can

deprivation has adverse effects on our stress hormones

cause fluid to collect here causing the tired dull look we

and overall health including collagen production (1).

associate with lack of sleep (3).

THICKER, FULLER AND HEALTHIER HAIR. Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of stress hormones and thinning hair (4).

HEALTHIER (AND HAPPIER) OVERALL APPEARANCE.

FOR A FREE COSMETIC EVALUATION, CALL OUR OFFICE: (719) 329-0040 REFERENCES

unapproachable, unfriendly and unhappy (5).

(1) Kahan V, et.al. Stress, immunity and skin collagen integrity: evidence from animal models and clinical conditions. Brain Behav Immun. 2009.

So, make sure that your face is sending the message

(2) Van Someren EJ Mechanisms and functions of coupling between sleep and temperature rhythms. Prog Brain Res. 2006.

Research has shown that lack of sleep makes us look

you want the world to see. If you have questions about cosmetic issues related to your face, contact our office for a free cosmetic evaluation. And sleep well knowing that you are doing something healthy for your body.

(3) Sundelin T, et.al. Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance. SLEEP, 2013.

(4) Botchkarev VA. Stress and the hair follicle: exploring the connections. Am J Pathol. 2003.

(5) Axelsson J, et.al. Beauty sleep: experimental study on the perceived health and attractiveness of sleep-deprived people. BMJ. 2010.

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Optum & Mountain View Medical Group: Enabling healthier lives together

Y

ou may have noticed that DaVita Medical Group and Mountain View Medical Group have changed their

At Optum, we understand that your care is as unique as you are, so how we care for you should be personalized

name recently. We are proud to announce that we have

to you. We help to simplify the health care system

joined the Optum family, a group of medical practices

by providing each and every one of our patients with

across the United States whose mission is to help people

coordinated care.

live healthier lives and to help make the health system work better for everyone. Our name may be new, but we have been caring for the Pikes Peak community for over 70 years. The doctors and supporting team members that you have come to know and trust are still here to care for you.

14

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU? Every great team needs a leader, right? For your care team, that is your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will work with your specialists, nurses, diabetes

educators, social workers, case managers, and many

cancer screening, and blood work for the detection

others to make sure you are receiving the right care,

of diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and high

in the right setting, at the right time, every time.

cholesterol. Best of all, a yearly Annual Wellness Visit is

Together, we offer you quality health care that is precise,

covered by your Medicare Advantage plan, so there is no

organized, designed, and built around you. Our mission

cost to you.

is to help you navigate the complex world of health care.

Finding the right care providers is important, and if you are looking for a new primary care provider we would

FOR OUR MEDICARE PATIENTS. In addition to coordinated care, we focus on a Value Based Care model for our Medicare Advantage patients.

In this model, our goal is to care for you throughout the year, so that we help keep you healthy and living your best life. We do this through Annual Wellness Visits, as well as routine and acute care visits, always putting emphasis on preventative care. These regular visits help to build long-lasting relationships between you and your doctors, helping to ensure the delivery of quality care and timely intervention, when needed.

Prevention and early detection of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are the main focus

be honored to care for you. We are currently accepting new patients, and we accept most health plans, including TriCare. We offer adult primary care and Pediatrics, and we have over 13 specialties, including OB/GYN, Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology, General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Allergy, Urology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Radiology, Travel Medicine, and Gastroenterology. We also have 3 Urgent Care locations, all of which provide X-ray and laboratory services.

Navigating the health care system can be confusing and frustrating. At Optum, we want to keep it simple. We take the guess work out of health care, so that you can focus on living life the way you want to live it!

during an Annual Wellness Visit, because early detection saves lives. Yearly Annual Wellness Visits are strongly recommended to ensure our patients are up-to-date with vaccinations like pneumonia and flu vaccines, as well as screening tests such as mammograms, colon

Personalized care

close to home

For more information about Optum and Mountain View Medical Group, please visit our webpages at: cosprings.optum.com | mvmg.com

Optum and Mountain View Medical Group have joined together to provide you and your family greater access to convenient, quality health care.

Our physicians and care teams are committed to providing exceptional care for the whole family. We offer 18 internal medicine and family medicine clinics and 7 pediatrics clinics throughout the Pikes Peak Region. With Optum, you get expert local care backed by leading health care technology and resources.Â

To learn more or find a care team near you, visit cosprings.optum.com or mvmg.com.

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AUTHOR:

Dr. Reagan B. Anderson

Universal Death Care A Solution for Healthcare In the Age of Entitlement

I

16

f you do not consider yourself part of the problem, you will never consider yourself part of the solution.

Dr. Anderson uses stories from being a Special Forces combat doctor in Iraq, a civilian dermatologist in the

To that end, local dermatologist and combat veteran, Dr.

United States who owns his clinic, and a veteran seeking

Reagan B. Anderson, has written his first novel, taking on

care at the Veteran’s Administration, to help clarify the

Goliath – the healthcare industry – in order to help us all

state of healthcare, public health policy, and a solution

understand why the house of medicine and medical care

towards having a medical system that is of the people, by

is in the precarious position it is and what we can all do to

the people, and for the people. To this end, we asked Dr.

change it.

Anderson a few questions.

You’re a doctor, part of the healthcare system, but it

actual experience. It is an unsparing look at the state of

sounds like you are not happy with it. Can you explain?

medical care in America and a fact-based call-to-action told through the eyes and experiences of a practicing

I think we can all agree that medicine in the USA is too

doctor with over 18 years of hands-on medical care from

expensive, too confusing, and yet absolutely vital to

the blood-soaked sands of Fallujah, Iraq to owning a

have. The number one cause of bankruptcy in the United

dermatology clinic and providing care to thousands

States is from medical bills. The cost of insurance has

of patients. Using captivating and very real stories,

skyrocketed over the last decade and our benefits have

including those about my combat doctor experiences,

only gone down. People ration their own care due to cost

the reader will get an eye-opening education on the

and we have some of the worst disease outcomes of any

challenges we face. Once we know what they are, all we

developed nation on the planet. Our system is fracturing

have to do is get involved.

because we focus on the wrong thing – disease. We as doctors and we as patients should focus on prevention.

Understood. Read the book and get involved.

But we don’t. Doctors aren’t taught prevention because

Anything else?

disease pays so well. Patients don’t focus on prevention because they think they will never suffer consequences

Yes, start talking to people who do not necessarily believe

from a lifetime of poor health choices. And, all of it is

the same things you do. We have lost the art of polite and

bankrupting the system and robbing us of our potential.

respectful discourse in this great country. As a result, we have become a divided nation instead of one nation. We

What would you change?

need to start listening to each other more than we speak so that we can be the voice that Washington refuses to

Almost everything. From medical school curriculum

be. There are a lot of opinions on healthcare and how it

that would focus on prevention as well as treatment,

should and should not be done. First, become educated.

to pharmaceutical companies charging fair prices for

Then, listen more than you speak. Last, get involved and

medications, to patients being held accountable for

help us move the needle in the

their choices, to insurance companies not being able

right direction. We can only live

to deny coverage just to increase their profits, to not

to our potential and realize the

allowing lobbyists to unduly influence our laws, to

dream of life, liberty, and the

making politicians use the same health care plans their

pursuit of happiness if we are

constituents are forced to use, etc. . . . every single part

healthy. Without health we have

of the system needs to change.

nothing. It is the duty of our generation to make healthcare

That seems insurmountable, where do we start?

better for all future generations before the entire system

We start by getting educated on where we are and why

collapses. We can do it. We just

we are here. From there, it is easy: get involved, vote

have to start getting involved.

with knowledge, hold the politicians accountable, and start living a healthful lifestyle so you do not need as much healthcare in the first place. This book is not a theoretical discussion about public health policy written by an academic long on theory but short on

UNIVERSAL DEATHCARE: A SOLUTION FOR HEALTHCARE IN THE AGE OF ENTITLEMENT CAN BE PURCHASED AT WWW.REAGANBANDERSON.COM

17

AUTHOR:

Andrea Sinclair

Know Your Score, Love Your Heart A calcium score heart scan helps identify calcified plaque levels in your heart arteries.

18

R

on McEwan, 63, witnessed his brother-in-law

These changes may reduce your chance of suffering

narrowly survive a massive heart attack last

a heart attack or stroke, possibly averting a life-

summer and it motivated him to take his cardiovascular health a little more seriously. A month later, a calcium

threatening event.

According to the American Heart Association, men

score heart scan indicated he was dangerously close to

over 40 and women over 45 years of age may have one or

suffering the same fate.

more risk factors for heart disease, even in good health.

“My score was off the charts, one of the highest that

Family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,

the cardiology nurse had seen,” Ron said, remembering

smoking, and diabetes are all factors leading to a good

the alarming results of the calcium score heart scan.

reason to get a heart calcium scoring exam.

“The doctor told me that I was one bad health event

A calcium score heart scan detects calcified plaque in

away, like a respiratory infection, from a massive heart

the heart (coronary) arteries by measuring the density

attack. I was lucky we caught it in time.”

of the calcium particles in the plaque along the coronary

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death

artery walls. A high level of plaque can potentially block

worldwide with more people dying each year from heart

the coronary arteries which carry oxygen-rich blood

attacks and strokes than any other cause. Cardiac and

to the heart. Knowing your score can help your doctor

vascular diseases can strike anyone; men and women

determine the most appropriate treatment for slowing

of all ages, races, and economic classes. A calcium score

the progression of coronary artery plaque also known as

heart scan helps identify calcified plaque levels in your

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

heart arteries so that, if your score is elevated, you can make appropriate lifestyle and medication changes.

The calcium score heart scan can easily and painlessly provide a clear view of a person’s cardiac risk because the measurement of calcified plaque allows physicians to identify possible coronary artery disease before any signs or symptoms show up. The high speed, low dose CT scanner looks inside a person’s heart on the walls of the arteries to check for buildup of calcium.

Results of the test are provided to you and your physician

Cardiovascular disease is the #1

to discuss future actions and care plans. For Ron, that meant a heart catheter and four stents to clear severe blockage in his arteries.

“I’m so lucky to have gotten the calcium score scan

cause of death

when I did, I really don’t know how much longer my

worldwide with

heart would have been able to stand all that blockage,”

more people dying

she was the one who told me about the scan. Without her,

Ron said. “I’m most thankful for my wife, Pam, because

each year from

I don’t know what would have happened to me.”

heart attacks and

St. Francis Health Services for $99 –there is no prepara-

strokes than any other cause.

The calcium score heart scan is available with Penrosetion required to take it, and no referral needed either.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SCHEDULE A CALCIUM SCORE HEART SCAN, CONTACT 719.776.8010 OR VISIT CENTURA.ORG/CARE-ANDHEALTH/CORONARY-ARTERY-CALCIUM-SCREENING

19

RICHSCHELL SCHELLINTERIORS INTERIORS RICH BRINGIT ITHOME HOME BRING richschellinteriors.com 719.475.1200 719.475.1200 richschellinteriors.com

Dr. Ted Archdale

AUTHOR:

Protective Eyewear for Young Athletes Don’t Neglect the Most Important Gear

N

ow that spring is finally approaching in Colorado

to equip our children with helmets, knee and elbow pads

and children will be beginning athletic activities

and even mouth guards. Protective eyewear should be

and summer camps, it is important to be sure that your

part of any uniform because it plays such an important

children have the proper eye protection. Eye injuries

role in preventing sports-related injury. Studies show

are the leading cause of blindness in children. Most

that protective eyewear does not hinder the player’s

eye injuries among kids ages 11-14 occur while playing

sight, and some athletes even play better because they

sports. Sports with the highest rates of injuries are

are less afraid of getting hit in the eye. Currently, most

baseball/softball, basketball, ice hockey, and racquet

youth sports leagues do not require the use of eye

sports.

protection. Parents and coaches play an important role in

The most common types of sports-related injuries include blunt trauma, penetrating injuries, and radiation injuries. Blunt trauma occurs when something hits the eye. This can include things such as orbital fractures, detached retina, internal bleeding, or bruising of the eye

they participate.

Everyday glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses do not protect against eye injury.

They do not meet the recommended protective

and eyelid. Penetrating injuries occur when something

ANSI standards for most organized sports. Protective

cuts your eye. These injuries can range from a mild to a

eyewear is made of materials that are ten times more

deep cut. This is a common injury in basketball, where

impact resistant than other plastics and does not reduce

most injuries are due to eyes being poked by fingers

vision. All children who play sports should use protective

and elbows. Radiation injuries are caused by exposure

eyewear, not just those who need correction. And for

to ultraviolet light from the sun. These injuries are

those children who do need glasses or contact lenses,

more common with water sports or snow skiing. Ninety

most protective eyewear can be made in the child’s

percent of these eye injuries are preventable if the athlete

prescription. It is especially important for athletes who

is wearing the appropriate protective eyewear. For

have vision in only one eye or a history of eye injury

example, in Canada, ocular trauma related to ice hockey

or surgery to wear protection. The best way to prevent

decreased by 90 percent when amateur hockey made

sports-related eye injuries is to wear appropriate sports

mandatory the use of full-face protection with headgear.

specific protective eyewear that is properly fitted. We

We often fail to consider the potential for eye

22

ensuring our young athletes protect their eyes whenever

can help you find the proper protective eyewear for your

injuries. Many do not realize how much damage a stray

child. Be sure to schedule an appointment today to get

ball, puck, or bat can do it if hits the eye. It is standard

ready for the upcoming sports season!

Protective eyewear should be part of any uniform because it plays such an important role in preventing sports-related injury.

23

A FRESH LINEUP OF ARTISTS THIS SPRING at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS MUSIC APRIL 2, 2020 PUBLIQUARTET

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

TICKETS START AT ONLY $

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

TICKETS

The Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS is bringing Colorado Springs an exciting line-up of world-class theatre, exceptional music, inspiring dance, and meaningful visual art this season. These diverse, high-quality shows all take place in the gorgeous Ent Center for the Arts located just south of North Nevada and I-25 or the Galleries of Contemporary Art space downtown.

20

CALL: 719-255-3232 ONLINE: UCCSpresents.org IN PERSON: Ent Center for the Arts • 5225 N Nevada Ave GROUPS (10+): Contact the box office for rates

THERE ARE SO MANY INCREDIBLE EVENTS HAPPENING AT THE ENT CENTER! MARCH Experience the Award-Winning and the Timeless March is a Grammy-winning month at the Ent Center for the Arts! Both the Nicholas Payton Quartet and Spanish Harlem Orchestra bring you their award-winning sounds in talented performances inspired by their hometowns. Homer’s timeless tale, An Iliad, adds vivid storytelling and more live music to the stage for a month of poets and muses.

MARCH 7 | MUSIC

MARCH 12 – 22 | THEATRE

Nicholas Payton Quartet

Student Theatre - Hair

MARCH 12 – 19 | THEATRE

MARCH 20 | MUSIC

An Iliad

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

APRIL Blur the Lines and Push the Limits April is the month of invention with the improvisational and genreblurring PUBLIQuartet who expand what it means to be a string quartet, the delightfully weird post-modern cabaret sensation Meow Meow, and the epic and ambitious production of Passion Play. The Galleries of Contemporary Art present Elin O’Hara Slavick for the Visiting Artist and Critics Series to talk about her conceptual practice of making visible what we often do not see. April opens the Senior Visual Art Majors Exhibition where senior UCCS art students show off their work and give you a glimpse into the future of art. And, to top it off, the one and only Tanya Tucker comes to perform on her Bring My Flowers Now tour.

APRIL 2 | MUSIC

APRIL 17 – MAY 16 | VISUAL ART

PUBLIQuartet

Senior Visual Art Majors Exhibition - GOCA Downtown

JUST ADDED MUSIC | APRIL 28

TANYA TUCKER

MUST SEE SHOW!

BRING MY FLOWERS TOUR | WITH HAILEY WHITTERS

APRIL 9 | VISUAL ART

Visiting Artist and Critics Series: Elin O’Hara Slavick

APRIL 23 – MAY 10 | THEATRE

APRIL 17 | MUSIC

APRIL 28 | MUSIC

Meow Meow

Tanya Tucker

Passion Play Seat of Learning • On View until July 18

MAY Wrap up the Season with Classic Beethoven International piano sensation Emanuel Ax – with a career spanning over four decades - plays a special program celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.

MAY 10 | MUSIC

ON VIEW UNTIL JULY 18 | VISUAL ART

Emanuel Ax Plays Beethoven

Seat of Learning (Free!)

Meow Meow • April 17

25

AUTHOR:

Thomas S. Jennings, DDS

Occlusion and TMJ Do you have them?

I

f you have natural or replacement teeth (most of us),

In the gnathological system (mouth, jaws, and

the answer is yes! The term “occlusion” refers to the

teeth), optimal function and health are dependent on

spatial relationship between upper and lower teeth when

each part performing its role and the proper amount

they are held together. More commonly, it could also be

of coordination existing among parts. Each structure

called a person’s “bite.”

has very specific functions that must complement

Intuitively, of course, there is a lot more to it than

other co-working and antagonistic structures. When

just teeth and how they come together. Each unique tooth

the system is in balance, when all parts are able to

is attached to an upper (maxillae) or lower (mandible)

respond appropriately to demands placed upon them

jaw bone and supported by the gums (gingiva). The

and are performing their roles properly and in dynamic

bones are connected through a pair of joints, each called

coordination with other parts, harmonious function and

a temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. The mandible is

a state of health exist.

connected indirectly to the maxillae through a third bone called the

Also from an intuitive perspective,

temporal bone. Among other structures, healthy TMJs are made

supportive treatment

the state of stability and health also

is necessary.

of adequate compensatory actions

up of a socket in the temporal bone, a ball on each end of the mandible, a cartilage disc that rests between

26

we know that total perfection rarely

In most cases, only

exists. In the gnathological system, exists as an ongoing summation on the part of some structures in

the two bones, and a capsule. As the system is a dynamic

response to insufficiency being exhibited by others.

one, there are a half dozen muscles on each side and a

Balance is maintained due to the body’s ability to

network of blood vessels and nerves that allow for ongoing

monitor and innately offset any deficiency with altered

vitality and coordinated control of motion.

function somewhere else. Occlusal health exists as a

dynamic state, dependent on the system’s ability to

As long as challenges to the system can be mitigated and

adaptively compensate for ongoing and ever-changing

over-exertion eliminated, the body’s amazing healing

imperfections.

capabilities alone are usually adequate enough to restore

Unfortunately, our ability to compensate

balance and health. This usually includes the avoidance

appropriately changes over time. Our resilience can

of aggravating factors such as over usage, harmful

be challenged from many perspectives, including

sleeping posture, and the common chemical irritation

the lack of adequate exercise, nutrition, and rest, the

of caffeine and refined sugar. The inclusion of adequate

presence of physiologic and psychological stress, an

rest and nutrition into the lifestyle and treatment with

infective process, and just plain overexertion, to name

moist heat and mild anti-inflammatory medications is

a few. In fact, our systems are constantly challenged

usually also very helpful. In a large percentage of TMD

by several factors concurrently, and rarely just one.

cases, disharmony in the mechanics of the system due

When the system is challenged past the ability of

to teeth being in the incorrect position is a contributing

its members to adequately compensate, disease

factor. How teeth contact each other has a direct effect

occurs in the form of breakdown in part or parts of

on the need for compensation by joints and muscles. The

the system. Teeth become loose or fracture, muscles

severity of the discrepancy and the particulars of these

go into spasm, ligaments stretch and break, joints

cases will usually dictate which is best, but several options

wear excessively. Compensating structures can then

are usually available for this, including jaw surgery,

become overloaded themselves, requiring adaptation

orthodontics, equilibration (removal of non-harmonious

by even more additional members. In some cases, the

tooth surfaces), orthotic treatment (use of a bite changing

resultant pain, dysfunction, and damage can become

appliance to allow for proper joint/muscle function), and

a self-perpetuating cycle of disease commonly known

restoration (replacing/adding to the working surfaces

as “TMJ.” (A more appropriate term for this problem

of teeth), and frequently a combination of several of the

is “TMD,” or temporomandibular dysfunction. As

above.

explained above, TMJ is the name of an anatomical structure, not a pathological process.)

So what can be done if this problem occurs? In most cases, only supportive treatment is necessary.

All patients, as well as their problems, tend to be very unique. It is important that every suspected occlusal/TMJ problem receives individual attention from a qualified provider.

Stay Healthy!

Dr. Brad Perrett

Dr. Thomas Jennings

We strive to maximize your well-being by providing comfortable, conservative, long-lasting, beautiful solutions that are creatively designed to eliminate unnecessary treatment.

Pinnacle Dentistry offers a variety of services to keep your teeth healthy for years to come!

Improve the look and function of your smile by visiting Dr. Thomas Jennings and Dr. Brad Perrett.

Info@PinnacleDentistryCO.com 719.590.7100 PinnacleDentistryCO.com

Briargate Business Center 2430 Research Pkwy · Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80920

27

RG

BLE A L I A V ETS A

TICK

- @PikesPeakHillClimb

- @PPIHC

N

.O C H I P TP OW A

Because your love is extraordinary. johanneshunter.com | (719) 633-8982 johanneshunterjewelers

JHJewelers

CENTURA ORTHOPEDICS: EXPERTISE & CUTTING-EDGE TECH SPARK BRILLIANCE JOINT REPLACEMENT GAME-CHANGER 30

AUTHOR:

O

Andrea Sinclair

ur joints are involved in every activity we do. Daily,

specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Orthopedic

constant, repetitive movements such as walking,

Surgeon Benjamin Kam, MD. “Using a virtual 3D model,

bending, and turning require the incessant use of our

the Mako® System allows surgeons to create each

knees – taking a toll on our joints and resulting in pain

patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering

that can severely limit our ability to move, work, and live.

the operating room. During surgery, the surgeon can

If you suffer from bone or joint pain, you’re not alone –

validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments

nearly 55 million American adults, more than 1 in 4, have

while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan.

arthritis and experience chronic pain. At Centura Health,

It’s exciting to be able to

cutting-edge technology and trailblazing expertise

offer this transformative

combine to offer some of the finest orthopedic care in the

technology across the

region.

joint replacement service

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, part of Centura

line to perform total knee,

Mako® Total Knee enables

Health, is the first health system in Colorado Springs

total hip, and partial knee

surgeons to have a

and the Pikes Peak region to offer Stryker’s robotic-arm

replacements.”

more predictable

assisted total knee application with its Mako System. ®

Total knee

This latest advancement in joint replacement surgery

replacements in the United

surgical experience

is an absolute game-changer in the way that total knee

States are expected to

replacements are performed and how surgeons can plan

increase 673 percent by

with increased

and prepare for more predictable surgical experiences.

2030, yet studies have

Through CT-based 3D modeling of a patient’s

shown that approximately

bone anatomy, surgeons can use Mako® to create a

30 percent of patients are dissatisfied after conventional

personalized surgical plan, virtually modify the surgical

surgery. Mako® Total Knee enables surgeons to have

plan during the operation, and assist with executing

a more predictable surgical experience with increased

bone resections.

accuracy during laboratory testing. At Centura Health,

At 54, Renee Banks was not expecting to face quickly

accuracy...

orthopedic experts address the causes of joint pain and

worsening knee pain and initially attempted to treat

offer comprehensive treatment options and customized

her condition with steroid shots. But after a year of

plans designed to help restore mobility and relieve pain.

resurfacing pain and discomfort, she chose to see an orthopedic specialist.

“I wanted to be rid of pain and I wanted a better

When joints become diseased or injured, the resulting pain can severely limit your ability to move and work. One common cause of joint pain is Osteoarthritis

quality of life now, not years later when I’m too tired to

(OA). OA is sometimes called degenerative arthritis

enjoy my retirement,” Renee said, one month after her

because it is a “wearing out” condition involving

total knee replacement at St. Francis Medical Center,

the breakdown of cartilage and bones. With OA, the

where Mako is housed. “Just to be able to go walking as

cushioning cartilage wears away, making the bones rub

much as I want, without any pain, I feel so lucky.”

against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty

®

“Mako® is changing the way joint replacement surgeries are performed by providing each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their

walking.

When Gail Campbell injured her knees while hiking about two years ago, the 62-year-old kindergarten

31

teacher had no idea that she would develop severe OA in such a short time.

“At first, I got the steroid shots and they worked so

“I knew I had made

well. But over the course of about a year, the pain got much worse and a scan showed that the arthritis was so

the right decision

bad, that my knee was just bone rubbing against bone,”

the moment I woke

Gail said. “I was in so much pain that I could barely do my job as a teacher; I couldn’t even get down on the floor

up from the surgery

to play with my students and stand back up.”

... I’m so excited about the results,

HOW JOINT REPLACEMENT WITH THE MAKO® ROBOTIC-ARM ASSISTED SURGERY WORKS

I’m planning to have my other knee

CUSTOM-MADE TREATMENT PLAN FOR EACH PATIENT:

replaced also!”

It all begins with a CT scan of the joint that is used to generate a 3D virtual model of each patient’s unique anatomy. This virtual model is loaded into the Mako® system software and is used to create a personalized preoperative plan.

the pain caused by joint degeneration by selectively targeting only the part of the knee damaged by OA.

IN THE OPERATING ROOM:

In the OR, the surgeon will use Mako® to assist in performing the surgery based on the personalized preoperative plan. The Mako® system also allows surgeons to make adjustments to each plan during surgery as needed. When the surgeon prepares the bone for the implant, the Mako® system guides the surgeon within the predefined area and prevents the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. This provides more precise placement and alignment of the implant.

The surgeon can spare the healthy bone and ligaments surrounding the deteriorated joint, resulting in a more rapid recovery with less post-surgical pain and discomfort.

“I knew I had made the right decision the moment I woke up from the surgery,” Renee said. “There was much less pain than I expected; it hurt, but I knew the pain was from going through the operation, not from the arthritis in my knee. I’m so excited about the results, I’m planning to have my other knee replaced also!”

OA inevitably causes people to slow down, but having

AFTER SURGERY:

an arthritic knee doesn’t mean a person’s days of staying

The entire care team, including the surgeon, orthopedic

active or playing sports are over. Exercise is an important

specialized nurses, and physical therapists, will set goals

part of any treatment plan, helping increase a person’s

to get each patient back on the move. They will closely

range of motion and flexibility, as well as strengthen

monitor the patient’s condition and progress and adjust

their muscles. If someone is struggling with joint pain,

physical therapy to ensure the fastest possible recovery.

it’s never too soon or too late to talk with a physician

Robotic-arm assisted orthopedic surgery is a new

Centura’s board-certified orthopedic surgeons and

for a higher level of patient-specific implant alignment

experienced care teams specialize in providing the right

and positioning. The Mako system is designed to relieve

surgery and treatment to meet each patient’s needs.

®

32

about coming up with a care plan to treat that condition.

approach to joint replacement that offers the potential

Whether you are an athlete, have a traumatic injury,

Weight management is also important. Did you know

or are seeking the best option to treat joint pain and

that every pound of weight puts four times the amount

get back to your active life, Centura’s physicians are

of pressure on your knees? That means if you weigh 250

committed to providing accurate diagnosis and optimal

pounds, your joints are experiencing 1,000 pounds of

treatment options for your individual condition. Each

pressure.

surgeon’s goal is to provide you with the ultimate patient

It’s also important to have a conversation with

experience and excellent outcomes when undergoing

your doctor about joint health and pain you may be

orthopedic surgery. Your care, comfort, and peace of

experiencing. Every patient’s journey is unique and it’s

mind is constantly our top priority from your first office

important to start a conversation about making a plan

visit to the surgery and stay at the hospital.

now.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT JOINT HEALTH

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT Exercise should be a regular part of your routine to

CENTURAORTHOPEDICS.ORG

help strengthen your muscles, alleviate joint pain, and

OR CALL 719.776.7846.

prevent osteoarthritis.

33

AUTHOR:

Brian Wagner

Our Quality End of Life Care Stems from 40 Years of Love and Dedication Thank you for your generous support and continued trust in our commitment to quality end of life care.

F

or the past 40 years, the residents of our region have placed their trust in Pikes Peak Hospice &

volunteers Flo Carris and Susan Langstaff saw an

Palliative Care, and that’s a very important ingredient

opportunity to meet a profound need in the community.

to our longevity and legacy. As we enter into a new year

Having learned about the hospice philosophy, these

and a new decade, we look forward to continuing to serve

dedicated women envisioned specialized end-of-life care

the El Paso and Teller County communities as the only

focused on the unique needs of the individuals this care

community-based, non-profit hospice and palliative

would serve. Joined by many volunteers and financial

care provider. It is, and always has been, our mission and

supporters, Carris and Langstaff established Pikes Peak

mandate to help meet the needs of all those who seek our

Hospice & Palliative Care (PPHPC).

support.

34

In the late 1970s, co-founders and community

CALL 719.633.3400 FOR NEXT STEPS. PIKES PEAK HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2550 TENDERFOOT HILL STREET COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80906 PIKESPEAKHOSPICE.ORG

Since its formal inception in 1980, PPHPC has grown dramatically from:

changed over the years, our commitment to our community remains the same – to continue to be the region’s leader and expert in providing end of life care.

• Accepting the first patient in the program in March

If you or someone you know is experiencing the loss

1980 to serving more than 2,235 patients and 5,000

of a loved one, you’re not alone. Our team of trusted and

family members each year as they navigate the

caring professionals is here for you.

challenges of life-limiting illness.

• Providing care only in patients’ homes to caring for people now in their homes, in long-term care and assisted living facilities, and in our own specialized

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

acute care setting – Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at

Brian Wagner is the 2020 Chair for the Pikes Peak

Penrose Hospital.

Hospice & Palliative Care Board of Directors.

• Offering quality, basic hospice services in 1980 to multiple programs providing extraordinary care to

ABOUT PIKES PEAK HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

patients including extensive palliative consultation

Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care is the largest

services, Pediatric Pathways, and Complementary

and only not-for-profit hospice and palliative care

Therapies.

provider serving El Paso and Teller Counties. It

• A staff of one part-time employee in 1980 to a staff of 120 committed employees.

• Fifty active volunteers in 1980 to a trained volunteer corps of 220 citizens of our community.

provides outpatient hospice services in patients’ homes and extended care facilities and also delivers care at the 16-bed Pikes Peak Hospice Unit at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. Services also include a robust palliative care and consultation program and

PPHPC has touched more than 100,000 citizens

comprehensive grief support for adults and children.

in our region who have relied on us for expert hospice

The organization also participates in We Honor

services and palliative care consultations. Such growth

Veterans, a national program jointly developed by the

would not have been possible without the generous

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and

support of our community. While many things have

the Department of Veterans Affairs.

35

AUTHOR:

Ten Peaks Media

The #1 thing your business should do now I

f you’re a small business owner, attracting customers

corporations for qualified customers searching in your

is the lifeblood of your success. Competing with large

area. In a recent survey, 82% of smartphone shoppers

franchises and corporations for customer attention

reported conducting near me searches and over 90% of

can be overwhelming. You need to master Google My

survey respondents also said they were likely to click on

Business.

the first set of results.

Google My Business was launched in June 2014 and

It’s easy to see why Google My Business is such

is quickly becoming the most efficient tool available to

an important tool. What may be surprising is how

a small business

economical it is. No pay-per-click, no competing

owner. It helps

for keywords, just a good local posting strategy

consumers, looking

implemented consistently to keep your material fresh

for a product or

and relevant with the ability to embed all your images

service you have,

with geo-tags and metadata, making your information

to find you in their

easy for Google to find and understand.

In a recent survey, 82% of smartphone shoppers reported conducting near

search. Most of our

me searches and

clients are seeing

is our #1 recommendation for any business that depends

60% to 70% of

on local search for new customers, patients, or clients.

over 90% of survey

their traffic coming

If you need help, we specialize in Google My Business

respondents also said

from Google Maps

management for Colorado Springs businesses. Give us a

and only 30% to

call for a free evaluation of your business. Our monthly

40% coming from

price to fully manage this service for you starts at $250.

they were likely to click on the first set of results.

traditional Google

Utilizing all the tools available in Google My Business

In our next article, we’ll discuss the importance of

Search. More than

Google My Business posts. Until then, wishing you great

one-third of all

success in 2020.

mobile searches are location-

based. This gives the small business owner the ability to compete with large corporations on equal footing without the high cost of paying for keywords to be found.

Mobile searchers often ask questions like “best

36

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM, SEE

lunch near me.” A properly optimized and maintained

OUR AD IN THE FRONT OF THIS MAGAZINE

Google My Business page lets you compete with larger

OR VISIT WWW.TENPEAKSMEDIA.COM.

37

Prashant Krishnan, M.D.

AUTHOR:

Barrett’s Esophagus You have options for controlling this potentially dangerous condition.

H

eartburn, also known as pyrosis, is a symptom

acid refluxes up. Saliva helps neutralize some of this acid

people can experience where they feel a burning

and protects the esophagus. Certain mechanisms in the

sensation that starts from their upper abdomen and rises

lower esophagus can help minimize reflux of stomach

into their chest. This sensation is usually a fiery burning

contents into the stomach. If the irritation continues,

sensation. The term “pyro” means fire. Heartburn can

a potentially dangerous condition known as Barrett’s

come on suddenly, especially after eating a meal. It

esophagus can develop.

usually is caused by acid reflux, but can also be caused by

irritation by replacing normal squamous cells with

tightness in your chest. Heartburn can affect the quality

intestinal cells, since intestinal cells are more resistant

of a patient’s life and needs to be addressed, not only

to hydrochloric acid. Adapting to its environment sounds

to improve the symptoms but also to prevent more dire

like a good thing for the esophagus; but in fact, intestinal

consequences such as Barrett’s esophagus.

cells have a higher risk of transforming into cancer cells,

Heartburn can occur when stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus or the food pipe.

increasing your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Barrett’s esophagus occurs where there is more

These stomach contents can either be acid or non-acid.

exposure to acid or gastric contents, typically in the

Heartburn can also occur if contents of the esophagus

lowest part of the esophagus. It is rare to see Barrett’s in

have not made it all the way down out of the esophagus

the upper part of the esophagus unless it is an extension

and into the stomach. If heartburn occurs frequently, it

from the lower esophagus.

is possible you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. When acid from the stomach refluxes up into the

Risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus include smoking, age, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Middle-aged and older adults are at higher risk than younger individuals.

esophagus, it irritates the lining of the esophagus. The

Men are at higher risk than women. Caucasians are

stomach produces hydrochloric acid. Due to certain

at higher risk than Hispanics, Asians, or African-

barriers and mechanisms, the stomach is usually not

Americans. Longstanding heartburn is also a risk factor

damaged by this acid. The esophagus does not, however,

for Barrett’s esophagus.

enjoy the same protection and is susceptible to damage if

38

Over time, the esophagus adapts to this constant

non-acid reflux and other causes. It can also present as

If you have longstanding or uncontrolled symptoms

How can you know if you have Barrett’s esophagus when there may be no symptoms associated with this?

of acid reflux, see a gastroenterologist about getting

with antacids, but it is important to understand the

screened for Barrett’s esophagus. There are things that

underlying cause. If antacids fail, therapy can be stepped

can be done to minimize reflux, such as decreasing

up to histamine 2 receptor blockers such as Ranitidine or

consumption of chocolate, peppermint, coffee and tea,

Famotidine, or therapy can be escalated to proton pump

alcohol, and fatty foods. Do not eat meals before going to

inhibitors such as Omeprazole or Esomeprazole or others.

bed, and do not lie down immediately after eating. If you

Barrett’s usually requires proton pump inhibitors. There

smoke, stop!

are also endoscopic procedures that can help ablate, or

How can you know if you have Barrett’s esophagus when there may be no symptoms associated with this?

burn away, the Barrett’s cells.

Heartburn can affect your quality of life and lead to

The only way to know is to undergo a procedure that

complications such as Barrett’s esophagus. Understand

provides a direct look at the esophagus, known as an

what your options are and be proactive. If you are

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). With these scopes,

someone who experiences frequent bouts of heartburn,

the inside of the esophagus and any abnormal lining of

it is important to get a check-up. Please talk with your

the esophagus can be seen. Biopsies of these abnormal

primary care doctor or your gastroenterologist about this.

areas can be taken and these cells can be examined by a pathologist using a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus.

If you have heartburn or Barrett’s esophagus, you may need to take medications to eliminate or minimize acid reflux. Heartburn can sometimes be controlled

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 719-636-1201 OR VISIT WWW.PEAKGASTRO.COM PEAK GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES 39

Are you a Southern Colorado Doctor?

Educate your patients and tell your story on the pages of Doctors Quarterly.

EMAIL JEFF@DOCTORSQUARTERLY.COM TODAY TO GET STARTED.

Some say less is more, but we’ve never been fans of minimalism. johanneshunter.com | (719) 633-8982 johanneshunterjewelers

JHJewelers

Life Keeps Moving, So Should You Centura Orthopedics & Spine provides you with the ultimate patient experience and excellent outcomes when undergoing orthopedic surgery. Your care, comfort and peace of mind are constantly our top priority from your first office visit, to surgery, to recovery. Whether you are an athlete, have a traumatic injury, or are seeking the best option to treat joint pain, our surgeons are committed to providing accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment technologies for your individual condition.

Centura Orthopedics Broadmoor 1263 Lake Plaza Dr., Suite 210A Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Centura Orthopedics Briargate 4105 Briargate Pkwy., Suite 300 Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Centura Orthopedics Audubon 3010 Circle Dr., Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Centura Spine Care Sister’s Grove Pavilion 6011 E. Woodmen Rd., Suite 360 Colorado Springs, CO 80923

Centura Orthopedics is the official orthopedics provider for:

Learn more at centuraorthopedics.org or call 719.776.7846

First to market with Mako SmartRobotics™ technology at St. Francis Medical Center.

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office

42

of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2020. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).