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Health
MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: TIPS TO SPOT SKIN CANCER EARLY By Dr. Pablo Prichard • Border: If a spot that was once round is now patches or raised growths similar to warts with a blurred or jagged, it should be looked at by a doctor. lower area in the center. Squamous cell carcinoma
While skin cancer is the most common • Color: A mole should be one color. Any lightening is more likely to grow deep and spread locally, cancer in the U.S., when caught early or darkening could be a sign of cancer. causing tissue destruction, so catching it early is it is almost always curable. There are • Diameter: Any growth larger than a pencil eraser key to a quick recovery. two different types: melanoma and non- should be examined even if there aren’t melanoma, which includes basal cell other abnormalities. Make it a goal to examine your skin once a month. and squamous cell carcinoma. By • Elevation: Look for growths If you see an area that concerns you, such as any learning these early signs, you’ll be able to catch cancer in its most MAY IS... that have an uneven surface or irregularity. new spots, a sore that won’t heal, or a growth that is itchy, painful or tender, share that with your doctor treatable stage. SKIN CANCER BASAL CELL CARCINOMA immediately even if you think it may not be serious. People with lighter skin are more susceptible to skin MELANOMA This is the deadliest form AWARENESS This skin cancer begins in the basal cells, which produce new cancer than people with darker skin, as melanin, the pigment in the skin, is somewhat protective. Still, of skin cancer, making it the most important to be aware of. MONTH skin cells as old ones die off. It typically appears as a slightly everyone should avoid the sun as much as possible and wear sunblock when outside. Melanoma can be found anywhere on transparent bump on the skin but the body but is most common in areas can also present in other forms. The Pablo Prichard, M.D. has been the Chief of Plastic exposed to the sun including the head, following could also be signs of basal Surgery at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Hospital neck, upper back, torso and lower legs. It can cell carcinoma: flat, firm, pale areas like a scar; for 14 years, Medical Director for Plastic Surgery appear suddenly or develop from an existing mole. raised red patches, and small translucent bumps and is Senior Partner at Advanced Aesthetics The simplest way to spot melanoma is to follow the that are pink or red or a pearl-like shine. Associates. Dr. Prichard serves more than 2,000 “ABCDE” rule. Keep these guidelines in mind when patients every year and has specialized in both looking at a potentially cancerous area: SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. For more • Asymmetry: Moles and freckles are typically Squamous cells make up the outer layer of the information, visit drprichard.com and follow on symmetrical. Make note if the area is now irregular. skin. This type of cancer often looks like scaly Instagram @pabloprichard.
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HEALTH
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT By Dr. Jenna Dye, difficult to eliminate stressful events Naturopathic Physician in our life, it is important to learn how
Due to our ever-changing health us healthy. situation, now more than ever, we must protect and enhance NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES our immune system. Our immune Nutrient deficiencies are common and system can be hindered by preexisting can play a big role on how our imillnesses, inflammation, stress, diet mune system responds to illnesses. and nutrient deficiencies. There are Common deficiencies I typically see simple ways to enhance your immuni- are Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Zinc and ty to keep you and your family healthy Vitamin C. It is important to discuss during the entire year. this with your physician or have cerSLEEP diet consisting of fruits and vegetables Sleep is extremely important for the can help support nutrient deficiencies immune system and it is often sacri- along with appropriate supplementaficed when we are busy with everyday tion. life. I encourage at least eight hours or more of sleep per night. I also sug- GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM gest eliminating electronic devices at SUPPORT least 30 minutes before bed. If you Our digestive system is directly corneed to be on electronic devices, it is related with our immune system. a good idea to invest in a pair of blue Constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloatlight blocking glasses to help block ing can all decrease overall immunity. the stimulatory effects the light has on Finding the underlying causes of these your brain. Find a healthy sleep rou- symptoms is the first step to decreastine for you and your family to ensure ing inflammation and supporting restful sleep. the immune system. A high-quality DIET/NUTRITION restore and balance beneficial bacteria Food can be a major source of inflam- in the gastrointestinal system once the mation or anti-inflammation depend- underlying cause of any disruption is ing on what you eat. I recommend identified and supported. Food sensifueling your body with nutrient dense tivities and/or food allergies can also food such as colorful fruits and veg- increase inflammation in the gut and etables. These colorful foods are high cause decreased immunity and should in antioxidants to help the strengthen be avoided. immunity and provide proper nutritional support. Balanced meals, plenty SEE YOUR NATUROPATHIC of water and minimal processed foods PHYSICIAN are all excellent ways to enhance the See your naturopathic physician for immune system. Sugar can directly more individualized support. Underlyinhibit immunity and increase inflam- ing health conditions can also affect mation, so I always recommend low your immune system. A naturopathic sugar diets, especially when we are physician can offer a more personaltrying to protect the immune system. ized approach for your specific health
EXERCISE/STRESS
to properly manage the stress to keep tain nutrient levels checked. A healthy probiotic supplement can be helpful to care needs.
Exercise can directly increase im- Dr. Jenna Dye is a licensed naturomunity by increasing circulation and pathic physician. Her role is to supstimulating immune cells. Regular, port the body’s foundation to restore daily activity when you are not sick is and maintain optimal health. Together essential for the immune system. Ex- with her patients, this is achieved by ercise can also help us relieve stress. identifying and removing barriers that Stress has a negative impact on the may be impacting health while creatimmune system and directly decreases ing a healing environment. For more our immune response. Although it can information, visit drjennadye.com.
CLEAN COLONIC COLON HYDROTHERAPY
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COVER STORY
The Importance of Estate Planning with a Professional
ATTORNEY LIBBY BANKS HELPS LOCALS PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
By Michelle Talsma Everson
Attorney Libby Banks is passionate about a unique area of law—so passionate in fact, it’s what she focuses on exclusively. Banks’ area of expertise is estate planning, probate and trust administration. Essentially, she helps clients of all ages plan for what happens to their estates if they are incapacitated or after they pass away. It’s an important topic that many may not realize impacts not only them but their loved ones as well.
“I’ve been an attorney for many years, and about 10 years ago, I began working with another attorney who specialized in the big probate fights – fights over the money when there is no will or no valid estate plan,” Banks explains. “I saw families fall apart when the fight escalated and the court got involved through the probate process [a court-supervised process of authenticating and administering an estate or a last will and testament]. I wanted to go into the preventative side. For the past eight years, it’s all that I’ve done.”
“I value family above almost everything, and these cases broke my heart,” she adds. “I decided to go into estate planning to help people avoid these painful, unnecessary family fights.”
Banks says that estate planning is something that you can do at any age, once you’re over 18, and in any financial situation. “You need to think of what your current financial and life situation is,” she says. “For example, if you have children, you not only need to plan financially, but for guardianship of your children as well.”
Estate planning, she explains, is all about selecting someone to make sure your estate is managed properly and for planning how you will distribute your assets as well. The goal is to create a plan, then keep it updated so it grows with you—for example, your estate plan would look different if you’re single with no children then 10 years later when you’re married with a child.
What are some downsides to not planning? There are many, Banks shares, including unforeseen consequences for, say, blended families. Essentially, a sound estate plan helps you to advocate for your loved ones and makes sure that your wishes are respected.
“Something to keep in mind, too, is that an estate plan names the right person to make decisions for you if you’re incapacitated; it’s not just about planning for when you pass away,” she adds.
One misconception about estate planning is that some may try to do it themselves or go to attorneys who do not specialize in the practice. Like all important, vital tasks though, Banks says it’s best to leave something this crucial to a professional.
“If you don’t do the job right and you don’t know you’ve made a mistake, it may well be too late before you – or more likely, your family – finds out,” she explains. “Without proper estate planning, your family may end up in court. If you are alive and incapacitated, they may be required to take you to court to declare you unable to handle your affairs and appoint a guardian and conservator. That is a public proceeding. If you are deceased, they may have to file a probate to transfer your property to your heirs. If you left your assets to minor children, the court will be involved in the expenditures until the children turn 18 – at which point the children get all the money turned over to them to handle. All of these things can cause major headaches and great expense for your loved ones.”
“As an estate planning attorney, I know what to recommend for you based on your situation, your beneficiaries, your assets, and your goals and dreams,” she continues. “You may not know all the ways you can benefit your heirs, or all the ways you can cause problems for them with a poorly drafted will or trust.”
While some may worry about the cost of the planning process, Banks assures that it’s well worth the price.
“The cost for a guardian or conservatorship if you are incapacitated [or for your minor children] and the cost of a probate on your death usually far exceeds the price of an estate plan put in place while you are alive and well,” she explains. “Putting the right plan in place, using an experienced attorney, will save your family heartache and expense. Knowing they will thank you for making it easier on them – that’s priceless!” Banks shares that with the right estate plan, you can: • Rest assured that your family or friends can step in if an emergency happens to take care of your health and of your finances. • Avoid probate and quickly transfer your property. • Minimize taxes, including capital gains taxes. • Provide a guardian for your minor children. • Designate that a trustee governs the money spent on your minor children, and that person can be separate from the guardian. • Protect your inheritance from your beneficiaries’ creditors and from their divorcing spouses. Banks shares that the estate planning process is a lot easier than some may think. “You can get started now, even though we’re social distancing, through a free-of-charge consultation over Zoom, FaceTime, or the phone,” she shares. Estate planning prices vary based on the situation and the free consultation involves a free estimate on how much a plan would cost, Banks adds.
In addition to her busy practice, Banks is actively involved in the local community. She is a supporter of the local nonprofit Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!, whose mission is to “provide free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and direct assistance to breast cancer patients with wigs, support and resources in Arizona,” according to the organization. She also recently started supporting Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, a local nonprofit that works “to bring dignity and comfort into the harsh world of childhood cancer and other lifethreatening diseases.”
“Being active in helping nonprofits keeps me connected to the local community,” Banks says.
While many of her clients come from the immediate area, Banks says that she can serve people from across the Valley.
In addition to her business and volunteering, Banks works with her husband of 32 years, Andy, at her law office. He serves as the business’ administrator and marketing director. “Clients and locals will often see him behind the scenes at my community seminars,” Banks shares.
The long-time couple have been in the Valley for twenty years and have three grown children. One of their children, John, is the firm’s paralegal.
“Between volunteering for local nonprofits, networking with other local businesses, and serving clients, it’s all about helping fellow Arizonans to me,” Banks says.
To learn more, including how to receive a free consultation and estimate, call 602-375-6752, e-mail Libby@lib-
bybanks.com, or visit libbybanks.com.
Call us today to schedule your FREE Estate Planning Consultation
Our Estate Planning in Phoenix and Scottsdale is highly customized to meet your unique family situation, assets, values, and personal goals. Our complimentary first meeting allows you to get to know Libby, our Estate Planning attorney and talk about your unique situation and what plan will best fit your needs.
Remember, when you choose Libby you are not only hiring someone to prepare your Estate Plan, you are choosing a seasoned Estate Planning attorney to guide you through this often complex process and raise questions you might not have considered. You are choosing an experienced professional to create a plan that serves your family in the way that you want and, after you are gone, a trusted advisor that your loved ones can depend on.
Come see us in our new, convenient office located just down the street at 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 602.375.6752 | www.libbybanks.com | libby@libbybanks.com
