14 minute read
Ask The Expert
ASK THE Auto EXPERT
SO YOU NEED TO BUY A USED CAR, NOW WHAT?
Now you find yourself in a sit up higher? Most people keep their about making the purchase. This is you should insist on a full module position of needing to buy a cars for about 8 to 10 years and you an important decision because the scan from the shop. That is where a used car. Maybe your re- don’t want to make a mistake. Once risks are directly proportional to the computer is plugged into the cars data placing a clunker or perhaps you’re you have identified your requirements method of purchase. A Certified Used port and then proceeds to reach out a parent that needs to get your kid a your next stop is Consumer Reports. Car from a mainstream dealership to all the computers on the car and first car. Whatever your reason, you is much less risky than a Craigslist inquire as to their status, potential should do your homework. Under no Ideally, you are looking for a vehicle offering but also more expensive. A problems and ability to do their jobs. circumstance should you make the that offers low long-term cost of Certified Used Car comes with a war- If the report comes back clean, that’s decision based on price alone. ownership. That is where CR comes ranty while a Craigslist or a car from a green flag. If the report shows that in. Reliability is one of the key fac- a neighbor comes with no warranty. the Transmission control module has Start your home work with the tors CR tracks and monitors. After The risk is measured in dollars and a problem, that’s a red flag. vehicle requirements. What do you need the car to do will lead you into carefully reviewing the data, you will find that the Asian manufacturers make a better long term car than the American and certainly the European manufacturers. European cars, Mercedes, BMW, ” “ A Certified Used Car from a dealership is much less risky than a Craigslist offering but also more expensive. you must consider that in your decision and budget. You are not going to find a $3000 car as a Certified Used Car but you can find dozens of them on Craigslist. Another way to lower your risk is to do a pre-purchase inspection. Most shops will do them for between $75 If you decide to not have a prepurchase inspection done, at least ask the seller if you can have one done. If they say “no,” run away. If they say “sure,” then at least there not trying to hide something. Good luck in your hunt! the class of car that best meets your Audi’s, will cost much more to main- and $100 depending on how much needs. Do you carry a lot of stuff? Do tain in the second half of their lives time they take and how deep into Mitch Clousner is the Owner of you need to move four or five people than others. the vehicle the shop goes. Cars are Mitch’s Econo Lube located at 17217 around often? How about fuel econ- so computerized now that you can’t N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix AZ and has omy? Is the primary driver young or After you have identified the car tell by looking at the engine if it’s a been serving the NE phoenix commuolder? Can the driver handle a low to that best meets your needs there are problem waiting to happen or a reli- nity for 23 years. Mr. Clousner is an the ground sedan or do you need to several different ways you can go able machine. At the very minimum ASE Certified Automobile Technician.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
WHAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT GENETIC TESTING CAN HURT THEM
By Jill Levy-Fisch
This year, over 200,000 Americans will order genetic tests to see if they’re at risk for more than 2,000 hereditary diseases, including cancer. Patients and their doctors can choose tests from over 500 different laboratories.
Most people don’t think twice about their choice of lab. They figure all labs’ tests are of similar quality. They’re wrong. Many labs are sending patients inaccurate test results. Sometimes, labs notify patients that they have a dangerous genetic mutation when they really don’t. So patients needlessly undergo expensive and invasive surgeries to prevent a disease they’re unlikely to develop.
Other times, labs tell patients that a mutation is harmless — when it’s actually dangerous. So patients don’t take preventative actions and ultimately develop deadly diseases.
It’s time for the FDA to protect patients by regulating these tests, just as the agency regulates prescription drugs. Genetic tests, formally known as “laboratory developed tests,” detect mutations in people’s DNA. Some mutations are harmless. Others make it extremely likely that a person will develop a certain disease later in life. Certain mutations in the BRCA gene, for instance, give women an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
This foreknowledge can be lifesaving. Women who learn they’re at heightened risk of breast cancer can undergo frequent screenings. Women who catch early-stage tumors have a 93 percent five-year survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society. When patients don’t catch tumors until the most advanced stage, after the cancer has spread throughout the body, the survival rate plummets to 15 percent.
Many women with BRCA mutations preemptively have their breasts and ovaries removed to prevent tumors from forming. Patients need reliable information before deciding whether to undergo such invasive surgeries. Too often, many labs provide inaccurate genetic test results. Consider a 48-year-old woman who took a genetic test at a local lab and tested positive for a BRCA mutation. She decided to have her breasts, uterus, and ovaries removed. After the procedure, her parents also underwent genetic testing. Neither of them tested positive for the gene. Stunned, the woman took another test, which came back negative.
Or take one California-based lab that just admitted its tests failed to detect a mutation linked to colorectal cancer. Thousands of patients may have received the faulty tests.
Many newer labs don’t have enough experience or samples to find mutations or determine whether a mutation is harmful. Many are so new that they’ve only published a relative handful of peer-reviewed studies and invested just a few million dollars in developing their tests.
The consequences of incorrect diagnoses are severe. Society loses $775,000 for every breast cancer patient who receives a false negative result, according to an FDA study. More federal oversight could prevent laboratories from delivering inaccurate test results.
The FDA proposed several reforms to govern laboratory developed tests last year. All new and severely modified LDTs, for instance, would have to undergo a rigorous review process. This process could help identify quality control missteps that could lead to false diagnoses. The FDA would also continually monitor the quality of LDTs to ensure that they deliver accurate results.
Such reforms would protect patients and save lives. But so far, Congress has shown little interest in allowing the FDA to regulate LDTs. Until that changes, thousands of Americans will continue to receive inaccurate and incomplete genetic test results.
Jill Levy-Fisch is president of the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to see that every baby born in the United States is screened successfully, effectively, and comprehensively.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
AZ ON THE ROCKS’ KIDS CAMP, WHERE IT’S OKAY TO CLIMB THE WALLS
Before you know it, it’ll be summer children how to be professional climbers break here in Arizona and now is or to be at a high-performance level in any the perfect time for families to start of the activities. Campers will climb at AZ planning for summer camp. AZ on the on the Rocks, do yoga with Yoga on the Rocks in Scottsdale has the perfect solu- Rocks, ninjitsu with Maui Saito Ninjitsu, tion to keeping your kids active, moving, as well as many other fun activities. and happy during the hot summer break. AZ on the Rocks is Arizona’s largest climbing Lunch is provided fresh every day by logym. The family-friendly facility, which cal favorite restaurant, Pita Jungle, with opened in 2004, features over 14,000 square pizza served on Fridays. There are half feet of climbing terrain, and offers boulder- day camps starting $300 per week per ing, top-rope sport climbing, and lead sport child and full day options starting at $360 climbing. The gym also offers yoga, fitness per week per child. Daily rates and sibequipment and a Ninja Warrior Rig. ling discounts are also available. Camps start June 4th and run through August 3rd. AZ on the Rocks’ Kids Camp is the only All campers must be between the ages place where it’s okay to climb the walls. of 6-12 years old by the time they start Their summer camp focuses on movement, camp. physical activity and having fun while rock climbing, yoga, martial arts and playing It is highly recommended to register for games. AZ on the Rocks’ high energy, well- camp early to guarantee a spot. For more qualified counselors help children build new information on AZ on the Rocks, its friendships, discover new interest and im- camps and to register, visit www.azonprove self-esteem, all in an inviting environ- therocks.com. AZ on the Rocks is located ment. No experience is required to partici- at 16447 N. 91st Street, Suite 105, Scottpate in the camp. This camp does not teach sdale, AZ 85260.
Ends April 19. Only eligible for the fi rst 50 participants.
20910 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 110, Phoenix, AZ 85050 (480) 795-3357 desertridge@clubpilates.com www.clubpilates.com/desertridge
COVER STORY THE LOWDOWN ON HIGH STREET
With so many shopping where you can get you take a sanctuary for those who want to Brandon Bunker, owner of Anycenters in the Valley, yoga class, then walk a few doors get out for a nice afternoon or time Fitness appreciates being part you never have to drive down to get your hair done and evening without the crazy hustle of the community because “it’s a too far out of your neighborhood then a few more steps to get your and bustle of a shopping center. great area to relax and unwind afto find what you’re looking for. nails done. If you’re looking for High Street is more like walking ter a workout because everything From grocery shopping and salons the anti-shopping center, a relax- through a quaint neighborhood of is just a few steps away.” to dry cleaning and car washes, ing place, a place where you’re shops and restaurants. It’s a place we all have our “go to” centers not avoiding shopping carts in the to relax. It’s where you go to HERE’S WHAT’S WORTH that help us get the job done and parking lot and can have a craft shed the stresses of your day. It’s CHECKING OUT AT HIGH get on with our day. beer and enjoy some live enter- where you go if you just want to STREET: tainment, then you have to come just…BE. Hungry? We thought so. High But what if you’re looking to just to High Street. Street is home to casual eateries get out of the house and stroll? High Street is an eclectic collec- and fine dining options and EVWhere is your “go to” place for a Located at 56th Street and Deer tion of businesses that, frankly, ERY SINGLE ONE has beautiful variety of lunch or dinner options Valley, just north of the 101 seem delightfully detached from patios, so enjoy them while it’s on a patio while the weather is freeway and next to Desert Ridge the city while being located in still cool. Ocean Prime offers the still beautiful? How about a place Marketplace, High Street is a your neighborhood. very best in seafood cuisine and a
COVER STORY
gorgeous dining room and lounge. Blue Martini is always a happening spot for a drink with live music and a great patio. Mellow Mushroom offers tasty pizza and has one of the most ridiculous happy hours in the entire Valley. Kona Grill is a solid choice for tasty American cuisine and sublime sushi. Would more than 100 craft beers on tap interest you? Then head over to Growler, USA for fantastic food and discover your new favorite beer. The newest kid on the block, High & Rye Southern Kitchen and Bar just opened and they bring tasty southern BBQ and a bar load of whisky (more than 100 types) to High Street. Tacos and tequila anyone? Modern Margarita offers a fun atmosphere and delicious Mexican food for lunch or dinner. La Bocca
Wine Bar & Urban Kitchen slows it down a bit for a nice, relaxing happy hour or meal. Firehouse Subs and the world’s only Sprouts Express Market are here if you’re in a bit of a hurry or looking to take something back to the office for lunch or home for dinner. Top it off with a refreshing dessert at Yogurt Time and there’s really not much else you could want.
High Street also is a great place to unwind and have a little fun. Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy is always good for a side-splitting (in a good way) night. They bring the best new comics to our neck of the valley every week and even host special events make. This is a must-stop venue on High Street. Feeling creative, or at least wish you were? Either way, Pinspiration is the place to make something artsy and special. No matter your age or skill level, you’ll always take home something to be proud of. How about the coolness of a speakeasy while sipping a drink and enjoying a fine cigar to end your evening? Torch Cigar Bar offers an upscale lounge vibe with a patio to boot. Need to get a workout in at your convenience? Anytime Fitness is always open!
The shops and services on High Street seem never-ending. 42 Saint can bring hip clothes and accessories to your wardrobe while ABODE Fine Living can do the same for your house with exquisite furniture and décor. Almond Tree Wedding Boutique is really the first place anyone getting married should stop. They feature an
incredible selection of wedding dresses at prices that’ll make you think they’re mis-marked.
Get your body and mind in the right place with services from Cast Salon, Primp and Blow, Barbershop Jack, The Dailey Method, Fuchsia Spa, M3V Nail Bar, Murphy Orthodontics and Mathnasium.
If you’ve never been to High Street, or haven’t been in some time, you truly have a special little oasis in your own backyard. High Street offers enough to keep your social calendar full for months with storefront parking and massive covered parking in the garage. Do yourself a favor and make plans to meet a friend or favorite person at High Street and explore!
