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
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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
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Inside this issue
10
30
DECORATING TRENDS THROUGH THE DECADES
FEATURE STORY
What will we see in 2020?
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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).