LiveWell Estes - Summer 2021

2 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

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Live Well in the Rockies this summer

ummer is a glorious season in Estes Park. The skies are blue, the rivers are flowing, the trails are open and wildlife abounds. This is a great time to year to stay in shape – or get in shape!

In this issue, you will find important information about many different aspects of Living Well, from skin care to mental health, from physical fitness to proper footwear.

Also, take a look at our 2021 Trail-Gazette Reader’s Choice Awards. This is a fun way to learn more about the community and the best we have to offer,

according to the readers who took part in a recent (and unscientific!) poll.

When life gives you mountains, lace on those hiking boots and start up the trail. Happy summer, everyone, and keep living well!

Michael Romero, Publisher Wendy Rigby, Managing Editor/Reporter Tim Mosier, Lead Reporter Jason Van Tatenhove, Reporter Daniel Sewell, Advertising

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Columbines dot the landscape along the Cub Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.

In this issue Skin Care ........................................... 4 Personal Training ................................. 5 Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care ........... 6 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards .............. 7 Pickleball ............................................ 8 Hearing Help ....................................... 9 Healthy Feet ..................................... 10 Plantar Fasciitis ................................ 11 Mental Fitness .................................. 12 COVID Update ................................... 13 Thanks to our many sponsors who helped make this publication possible!

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Wendy Rigby / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Dogs are popular companions in Estes Park. This pup named Wookie is enjoying the local dog park by Lake Estes.

A walk around Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the spectacular scenery.

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 3

Take care of your skin this summer

By Dr. Joe Overman For the Trail-Gazette

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ike many Coloradoans, I love hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and just being outside in general.

Moving to Colorado was an obvious choice for me after completing my Mohs Micrographic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon.I feel fortunate to live in a state with such stunning natural beauty and outstanding recreation opportunities. There’s only one guy in my house who loves the mountains more than me and that’s my King Shepherd, Koda, who practically jumps out of his fur anytime we pack up for an adventure to the mountains.

Offering Mohs Surgery in Estes Park has allowed me to

Dermatology Center of the Rockies / Courtesy photo

Living at higher altitudes increases UV damage.

enjoy one of the most beautiful national parks and one of America’s greatest treasures, but the real beauty is having the honor of being part of the local community.

Like me, many of my Estes Park patients enjoy spending

time outside and find inspiration in the beauty that surrounds them. As a BoardCertified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Micrographic and Reconstructive Surgeon, I remind people to care for their skin

as much as any other part of their body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Living at higher altitudes increases UV damage to skin if left unprotected which in turn increases the likelihood of skin cancer.

Thus while we should definitely have fun in the sun, we can’t forget the importance of sun protection, yearly skin checks and the high prevalence of skin cancer in our mile high state. Simply knowing what skin cancers look like and how common they are can lead to earlier treatment, smaller surgeries and higher survival rates. Early detection and treatment can be critical to saving lives.

Consider these skincare See SKIN, pg. 6

Mohs Surgery in Estes Park!

1 5

in Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime...

Don’t wait, schedule your skin exam today!

Dr. Sarah Bair 2350 17th Ave, Ste. 100 Longmont, CO Joe Overman II, MD

Now offering Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer in Estes Park! Dr. Joe Overman has performed over 4000 Mohs Surgeries and Reconstructions and will provide the most cutting edge, world-class care.

303.532.2810

www.CrossroadsDermatology.com 4 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

Estes Park Health Specialty Clinic 420 Steamer Drive, Suite 101 Estes Park, CO DermatologyOfTheRockies.com

Add a personal training session to your vacation itinerary

By Estes Valley Recreation and Park District For the Trail-Gazette

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f you’re on vacation in Estes Park – welcome!

We hope you enjoy our amazing mountain setting and all the activities available here.

This is a great place to put your year-round training to the test on a hike, rock climb or mountain bike trail. Why not add a personal training session at the Rec to your itinerary? Sonia Brady of Big Sand Lake Club states, “Every personal trainer has a different skill. And vacations are a fantastic time to experience a routine that you otherwise won’t at your local gym”.

Use your vacation as inspiration to return to your fitness program back home with new skills and renewed energy.

And if you don’t work out, a vacation here just might inspire you to start! There’s no better way to begin an exercise program than to

book a session with a personal trainer. Leslie Flynn, Columbia Athletic Club’s General Manager remarked that the safety aspect is the number one benefit of working with a personal trainer. “I hear from people all the time that they need to get in shape

before coming to the gym, but it’s exactly the opposite.

It’s invaluable to receive guidance on proper form and how to use equipment properly”. It might be fun to measure your new level of fitness on a trail next time you’re in town!

The Rec offers a range of personal training session formats to fit your vacation schedule. Our nationally certified fitness professionals can set up a routine for you with or without equipment and machines so you can take home what you learned. Stop by the Rec at 660 Community Drive or call 970-586-8191 to schedule a session with a personal trainer today – you might just have the best vacation souvenir of all!

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 5

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care

By Gary Hall, Estes Park Health For the Trail-Gazette

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stes Park Health’s Urgent Care Center is having a banner year!

When we opened the new Urgent Care (Estes Park’s first true Urgent Care) in May of 2020, we were facing a challenging summer with the COVID pandemic and the fires and eventual evacuation. Wow! A year like no other in EP. But Estesians are mountain strong, and now it’s 2021, and the new Urgent Care is rocking. It is providing exactly the services that were needed: a place to go for the minor injuries and illnesses that don’t merit the expense of a full Emergency Department visit. And it’s providing those services to so many people, locals and visitor.

So, how do you decide whether to go to the Urgent Care (420 Steamer Drive, just east of the Safeway Gas) or to the Emergency Department up at the hospital (555 Prospect Avenue)? Here’s some information that might help.

Urgent Care provides treatment for immediate or sameday non-emergency care for fevers, coughs and colds, ear infection, minor broken bones, minor cuts and burns, altitude sickness, etc. You can find much more detailed information on our website at https://eph.org/our-services/urgent-care-center/ so

Estes Park Health / Courtesy photo

Urgent Care is a place to go for the minor injuries and illnesses that don’t merit the expense of the full Emergency Department visit.

that you’ll know where to receive the right care at the right time in the right place.

Emergency Department Care provides medical care for all emergent life-threatening or other major illness and injury. This includes chest pain, signs of stroke, signs of heart attack, uncontrolled bleeding, major broken bones, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and severe abdominal pain. Again you can find much more detailed information on our website at https://eph.org/ our-services/urgent-carecenter/ so that you’ll know where to receive the right care at the right time in the right place.

While we’re at it, we can talk about the Physician Clinic at the main campus at 555 Prospect Avenue. This ambulatory outpatient clinic provides preventative and routine care, Monday through Friday (https://eph.org/ourservices/physician-clinic/).

Our clinic provides comprehensive primary and specialty care including internal medicine physicians, surgeons and orthopedic surgeons, family practice physicians, OB/GYN, nurse practitioners, and other care providers. They also provide telehealth visits when needed.

Our Urgent Care Center is also home to our Rehabilita-

Skin from page 4

tips this summer: 1) Spend more time in the shade during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Start

to keep your skin protected from the stronger UV rays at altitude those hikes early!

3) Apply a daily sunscreen 2) Wear sun protective to your face, ears and neck as clothing such as a long sleeve part of your daily routine. shirt and wide-brimmed hat Remember to reapply every

6 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

tion Services (https:// eph.org/our-services/rehabilitation-services/) and our specialty clinic doctors who come up from the valley to provide service.

Note that masks are required to enter all EPH facilities, including the Urgent Care. You’ll be required to answer the COVID screening questions, and if you do have any symptoms, the staff will advise you about next steps.

Hopefully you won’t have any medical issues, whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Estes Park, but if you do need medical care, we’ve got all the options you need. Be safe out there! two hours while outside.

Don’t forget your lips and ears. I treat hundreds of skin cancers on the lips and ears every year, so be sure to apply lip balm with SPF and sunscreen there too.

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t’s time for the results of the Trail-Gazette Reader’s Choice Awards for 2021!

This is a totally unscientific poll of our readers’ favorites in Estes Park. Enjoy!

1. Best Entertainment for Kids 1st place: Mustang Mountain Coaster 2nd place: Fun City 3rd place (tie): Ride A Kart 3rd place (tie): Rocky Mountain National Park

2. Best Night Lounge 1st place: Nagl’s World Famous Wheel Bar 2nd place: Lonigans Saloon Nighclub & Grill 3rd place: Cascades

Whiskey Bar at The Stanley

3. Best Home Builder 1st place: McLain Construction 2nd place: John Tormelehto 3rd place: MS Planning and Development

4. Best Craft Beverage Manufacturer

1st place: Rock Cut Brewing Company 2nd place: Estes Park Brewery 3rd place: Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co.

5. Best Coffee Shop 1st place: Kind Coffee 2nd place: Ziggi’s

3rd place (tie): Coffee on the Rocks 3rd place (tie): Inkwell & Brew 3rd place (tie): Starbuck’s

6. Best Place for Dessert

1st place: You Need Pie 2nd place: Dunraven 3rd place (tie): Hailey’s Ice Cream 3rd place (tie): Laura’s Candies

7. Best Fast-Casual Restaurant (Counter service only)

1st place: Fresh Burger Stop 2nd place: Burgers & Gyros 3rd place: Antonio’s Pizza

9. Best Sit-Down Restaurant

1st place: Bird and Jim 2nd place: Claire’s 3rd place: Dunraven

10. Best Clothing Store

1st place: The Grey House 2nd place: Mary Jane’s 3rd place: Brownfield’s

11: Best Realtor

1st place: Alpine Legacy 2nd place: Re/Max 3rd place: Keller Williams See AWARDS, pg. 8

Find Yourself

Here Estes Park Where Business Adventures are Born As a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, and with its proximity to Front Range communities, Estes Park has been identified as one of the BEST PLACES IN COLORADO to start a business. We were also designated one of the 20 best small towns in America by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Learn about the opportunities for you to Find Yourself in Estes Park

www.estesparkedc.com

Fort Collins

Rocky MOuntain National Park

Loveland

Lyons Longmont

Boulder

Denver

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 7

Awards from page 7 12: Most Influential Person

1st place: Mark Campbell 2nd place: Wendy Koenig 3rd place: Tommy Caldwell

13: Most Interesting Person 1st place: Dave Lasota 2nd place: Cowboy Brad 3rd place: Loren Shriver

14: Best Hike

1st place: Black Lake 2nd place: Gem Lake 3rd place: Mills Lake

15: Best Hike with Dogs

1st place: Lion Gulch 2nd place: Lily Mountain 3rd place (tie): Kruger Rock 3rd place (tie): Sky Pond

16: Best Resort

1st place: YMCA of the Rockies 2nd place: Estes Park Resort 3rd place: Glacier Lodge

17: Best Tour Company

1st place: Green Jeep Tours 2nd place: KEP Expeditions 3rd place: Wildside 4X4

3rd place: The Egg of Estes

19: Best Dinner Restaurant

1st place: Bird and Jim 2nd place: Claire’s 3rd place: Dunraven

21: Best Fitness Center

1st place: Estes Valley Community Center 2nd place: MedX 3rd place: Rocky Mountain National Park

20: Happiest Place in Estes

1st place: Lake Estes 2nd place: Rocky Mountain National Park 3rd place (tie): Home 3rd place (tie): River walk

18: Best Breakfast Restaurant 1st place: Mountain Home Café 2nd place: Notchtop

22: Best Massage

1st place: Blue Tansy & Spruce Massage 2nd place: Elements of Touch 3rd place: Reverie Wellness

Try playing pickleball this summer

By Katie Kerwin McCrimmon, UCHealth For the Trail-Gazette

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re you interested in playing one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S.?

If so, give pickleball a try.

Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

And, since the court is smaller than a tennis court, pickleball is easier on the knees and hips than tennis and other court sports like basketball.

Why is pickleball so popular?

“It’s that blend of accessibility and competitiveness,” says pickleball pro Robert Leonard, 25, who teaches at Denver’s popular public facility, Gates Tennis Center. “My 70year-old dad can play as much as he wants and the pros can play as hard as we want.”

Cyrus McCrimmon / UCHealth

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the US. Gates Tennis Center in Denver offers classes for beginning players.

They were playing on Monday, June 21, 2021.

Where can I play?

Many public parks now have pickleball courts.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need a paddle, balls and three friends. Or, you can sign up for some pickleball lessons or show up at a park or facility where players are

gathering. There are apps that help you find and join pickleball players who play at your level.

I hear pickleball is a fun social activity. Is that true?

Yes. Most people play doubles, meaning that four people gather on a short court.

The games can be fast-paced.

8 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

Players win games by scoring 11 points, so it’s easy and quick to finish a game, rotate and let several players join in the fun. Parents also can play easily with their kids.

Is pickleball easier on knees and hips than tennis, basketball and other court sports?

Yes. The pickleball court is much smaller than a tennis court. People can move as much or as little as they are able. It’s possible to reach for a ball without running to get it, which can be easier on joints.

What’s the best advice for beginners?

Try rallying or hitting back and forth with a friend first.

Then, once you get the hang of that, you can try serving, scoring and learning how to hit properly to and from the no volley zone.

It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S.

Don’t wait to get help for hearing loss

Dr. Cory Workman

does that have to do with hearing?

Untreated hearing loss is becoming more and more of a health concern in the Unit-

Improving lives with better hearing!

Your journey to better hearing starts today!

Custom solutions for every budget with caring and compassionate care.

It’s time to call Dr. Cory!

Our Comprehensive Hearing Care Services: • Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations • Tinnitus Evaluation and Management • Hearing Aid Selection and Fitting • Wax Removal • Hearing Aid Repairs • Custom Earmolds and Ear Plugs

present the resources of the brain are strained with additional listening effort and trying to understand what is being said from other context. Researchers have found that the cognitive load on the brain reduces other functioning tasks and can reduce mental acuity, speed, and can lead to overall reduction in brain capacity over time due to the increased strain from hearing loss. It also appears that just like a muscle, connections in the brain that are not used or receive less stimulation will shrink and become less robust.

Researchers have suggested that providing clear sound See HEARING, pg. 12

A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S !

See all that you can

W

ith the advent of technology, much of our lives is involved in being connected via our smartphones, our smart devices, or through various portals on the Internet. We as people value connections and look to find purpose in being connected with those we care about, the ideals that we care about, and the various forms of entertainment we like to enjoy. The pace of technology changes so fast that there are new ways to connect and engage across the world almost every day. So what

ed States. The average person first notices hearing loss and then waits up to seven years to get help. The average here is interesting because the actual numbers indicate people either seek care for their hearing within the first 18 months or wait until nearly 10 years. During that time, a person’s hearing may continue to change and communication areas of the brain receive less and less input. Several studies in the last five years have looked at the rate of cognitive decline as it relates to hearing loss.

Hearing and communication is a task that requires significant effort from the brain. When hearing loss is

Kirk Eye Center

By Cory Workman, Au.D., Community Hearing Center For the Trail-Gazette

Precise, Expert Eye Care for the Estes Park Community

Dr. Dustin Asay and Dr. John D. Kirk, at Kirk Eye Center Common Eye Condition Treatments: Cataract Care • Glaucoma Diabetic Retinopathy • Retinal Disease Macular Degeneration • Dry Eye Specialized contact lens fittings

Cory Workman, Au.D. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology

Exceptional Care Close to Home!

1186 Graves Avenue - Suite B • Estes Park, Colorado 80517

www.estesparkaudiology.com • (970) 586-5255

On-Site Surgery Center for Great Patient Care and Convenience 3650 East 15th Street Loveland, Colorado

669-1107

KirkEyeCenter.com • Facebook.com/KECLoveland

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 9

Plan ahead to keep your feet healthy

By Deb Holmes, MedX of Estes Park For the Trail-Gazette

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hen you think of outdoor health and fitness, most of us don’t even begin to think about the health of every step we take, the health of our feet. I recently got back out and had the opportunity to hike with a niece and nephew who were here visiting a few weeks ago. I was quickly reminded of various things that I believe are important when considering the health and fitness of outdoor activity and it begins with putting one foot in front of the other.

This article could lean towards the undeniably wonderfulness of youth with zero hiking experience and being able to wear any pair of shoes and almost out-hike their ‘ole aunt, but instead it’s about wisdom and preparation of being able to hike with said youth in said terrible shoes.

Most importantly, it’s about the after math of those unprepared steps (seven miles worth) of being tired, blistered, sore and protected.

It’s easy to forget about those poor entities at the end of our legs. If you think about how much impact and abuse they get every day, simply for being the pieces of our body that connect with the ground we live on. So we need to prepare them by keeping them strong and supporting them properly with not only the shoes we wear on these special hikes, but with comfortable socks and those therapeutic insoles that your ‘ole

Unsplash.com / Courtesy photo

Outdoor activities are not the time to skimp on proper footwear and preparedness.

feet might require. Outdoor activities are not the time to skimp on proper footwear and preparedness.

Prepare by being properly fitted with shoes that protect your entire foot. Make sure your toes do not smash up into the toe box while going downhill. Lace them up properly/snugly. Make sure your toe nails are trimmed and there is no chaffing or blistering by improperly fitting socks.

Equally important is having the strength in your feet, ankles, knees, thighs and hips because it’s these joints and muscles that make every step easier. Every step starts with the balancing strength that comes from these parts

of your body. Even all the way down to your toes, you need to make sure that your feet and ankles are strong and healthy by using them and doing exercises that strengthen all these joints, which can be done through a regular exercise routine and/or by simply doing the activity youwant to build up the strength for. Get out and hike Practice by walking around barefoot to improve your proprioceptive nerveendings.

That improved connection to the earth is extremely important. Do calf raises off a step to strengthen and stretch your calves. Make sure to do squats, lunges, leg extensions, leg curls, inner/outer

10 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

thigh exercises in the gym to strengthen the entirety of your legs and hips.

Lastly, I want to quickly mention the connection between your brain and your feet. That’s a long way down there, so remember that it’s your brain that signals down to your feet telling it how high, far, quick and balanced to step. Outdoor activities require seeing what’s ahead and where your next step will take you.

A piece of advice I was told early in my hiking and mountain biking life is to “always look at where you want to step and not at what you want to avoid.” Enjoy everything outdoors, be prepared and be safe!

Injury Spotlight: Plantar Fasciitis

By Robert Scrivner, PT, DPT For the Trail-Gazette

the way to your toes. When you take a step,the plantar fascia is initially on slack, t’s midsummer in Estes allowing the arch of the foot Park, and our trails are to stretch and absorb the busy with hikers, runimpact from the ground. ners, and climbers alike.

Then, as we begin to pushUnsurprisingly, as our coloff with our next step, our lective activity levels toes roll back, and the planincrease during the warmer tar fascia tightens to help the months, the incidence of arch stiffen so we can propel specific injuries tends to ourselves forward. increase as well. Knee, In hikers and runners, ankle, and hip injuries tend problems sometimes arise to be more prominent in the where the plantar fascia Alpenstrong Physical Therapy / Courtesy photo inserts at the heel bone. summertime, and this summer, Plantar Fasciitis seems Alpenstrong Physical Therapy is located at 166 .S St. Vrain Ave. Excessive force from the in Estes Park. to be particularly wideplantar fascia can cause spread. intense pain at this location The anatomy of the human propulsion). If the foot is not less efficient during running and along the bottom of the foot is one of the great mar- sufficiently flexible, we may or hiking. foot. One important thing to vels of our bodies, built with suffer impact injuries up the note is that the plantar fascia This conundrum of flexiseveral arches to absorb chain at our knees, hips, or bility vs rigidity is solved by is a very dense, toughstrucforce as we walk and run. ture. It is supposed to be low back. If the foot is too an important band of tissue During gait, the foot must be flexible, we may see more stiff and tight (like a steel-cacalled the Plantar Fasboth flexible (to absorb injuries around the ankle cia.This dense band of tissue ble), so that it can perform See SPOTLIGHT, pg. 14 force) and rigid (for forward and foot itself and may be runs from your heel bone all

I

Think the golden years aren’t golden? Think again.

Top 10 reasons being older is better 10. Young people learn from your wisdom.

9. Embarrassment is no longer a concern.

8. Having common sense.

7. You don’t need to do the dumb things you had to do when you were young, like worry about what people think.

6. You can get fatter and you don’t care.

5. Life teaches you the things you need to know.

4. Naps anytime.

3. No work, school, or alarm clocks.

2. Senior discounts!

1. People are friendlier when you have gray hair!

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 11

5 ways to flex for mental fitness Care

By Beth Allen & Annah Richard, Colorado Spirit Counselors with SummitStone Health Partners For the Trail-Gazette

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his pandemic changed almost everything.

People’s lives were altered to accommodate remote or no work, too much work, no childcare, no gyms, no toilet paper, no socializing, postponed events and sadly some lost loved ones. Are you okay? As we make our way to less restrictions, are you ready? Colorado Spirit is a free emotional support line for Coloradans. We have developed five ways to bulk up your gray matter no matColorado Spirit is a free emotional support line for Coloradans. ter what the day brings.

Pump It Up with A New Routine

and brain speed. To get your game on, visit MentalExercise can raise the Floss.com. Colorado Spirit brain’s levels of serotonin, also hosts a weekly virtual dopamine, and norepinephactivities called Escape from rine. These natural horCOVID Mountain, facemones can help improve book.com/SummitStoneyour mood and energy levels, Health/events. reduce stress, and overall improve your mental health. Drop and Give Me Try exercising your brain by Meditation Meditation is a great tool. learning a new skill or trying It is relaxing while also givdance, crafts, or puzzle ing our brain a workout. games. These activities can improve memory, reasoning, Meditation helps how we

react about things throughout the day, increases focus, and aids in tuning out distractions. Start by taking slow deep inhales through your nose and feel the breath expand in your chest. Pause for a moment, slowly release the breath and repeat.

There’s free app called Headspace and its companion podcast called Radio Headspace.

Check out Netflix, too!

Turn It Off and Rest Your Mind

Just like taking a rest day from the gym, your brain also needs time to rest. Sleep and mental rest provide our body and mind an opportunity to recover and increases focus, mood, and creativity when we are awake. SleepFoundation.org is a good place to start a healthy sleep routine.

Hit the Wall? Ask For Help!

Shake It Out with Self-

We are here to help as your personal mental fitness trainers. Our Colorado Spirit team offers free and anonymous services to support you during the pandemic. Talk to us (970) 494-9941, email colospirit@summitstonehealth.org, or go online at SummitStoneHealth.org/ ColoSpirit. We would love to share even more tips with a presentation to your staff or group!

ing others to repeat frequently what has been said? Are you or someone you care depression. Those with hear- about listening to the televiing loss tend to avoid social sion at a loud level and yet situations given the difficulty still having difficulty followof communicating and the ing the dialogue? If so, it is frustration of having to ask time to visit with an audioloothers to repeat constantly. gist. Visiting with an audioloBeing able to hear clearly and gist and establishing a baseunderstand conversation line hearing test is the 1st allows for people to continue step in this process. A baseto remain active in social cir- line hearing test not only cles and to enjoy the compalooks at your hearing ability ny of others. and acuity but is also meant So what to do? Are you or to judge the overall health of someone you care about ask- your ears. Both of which are

extremely important. Working with an audiologist you can determine the level of your hearing loss. During this time working with the audiologist you can also discuss better communication strategies for both you and your loved ones as well as appropriate technology to assist you in better hearing. A continued relationship with the trusted audiologist is important for the future and the overall health of your hearing and communication abilities.

Hearing from page 8

signals to the brain can keep these pathways healthy, thus preserving communication and allowing the brain to spread resources to other functions keeping the overall state healthy.

Researchers have found hearing loss can affect the overall well-being of a person as well. Hearing loss has been associated with accelerated cognitive decline and emotional distress leading to

Take some time to recharge your mental battery by setting aside time to do something you enjoy doing.

Pamper yourself. We like to schedule one thing to do on Friday so we can look forward to it all week!

12 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

It’s My Privilege.

Handling trauma is never a small matter. Combine it with altitude, and it can become a big deal. That’s why Jessica feels so privileged to work in her hometown alongside some of the country’s most highly trained EMS professionals, most with 20 years on the job and some with advanced expertise in flight operations. Training: it’s crucial when handling emergencies, especially those in the elevated place you call home.

Jessica Brown, EMS Paramedic Emergency & Trauma Services

www.eph.org

Estes Park Medical Center is now Estes Park Health. New name, same independence that puts our community first.

555 PROSPECT AVENUE | ESTES PARK | 970-586-2317

LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS •JULY 30, 2021 • 13

End of COVID? The long and winding Road

By Gary Hall, Estes Park Health For the Trail-Gazette

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e have come so far down the COVID road in the last 18 months. The vaccine has been a tremendous boost to “getting America back to normal.” However, many in the U.S. believe that “COVID is over.” While the current status is a great improvement (though we’re now undergoing yet another surge), it unfortunately does not mean that masks and social distancing methods disappear.

The large percentage of unvaccinated people in America, and the 4% of vaccinated individuals who are still susceptible to COVID, has led to an unfortunate COVID surge in the summer of 2021. Hopefully, by the time you read this, that trend will be abating, but it still illustrates the dangers of not achieving the vaccination percentage that would bring a true end to the pandemic.

Chief Nusing Officer Pat Samples, and our Infection Preventionist Kim Smith provided this statement: “Our goal is to continue keeping our patients and families and all EPH staff/providers safe throughout this pandemic.

We continue to watch the incidence in Estes Park closely to ensure this process.”

This includes limiting visitors again: •Two visitors per day for the inpatient department and for Birth Center patients.

File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette Any potential visitor must screen negative at the door.

Estes Park Health employees pose for a photo at one of the vaccine clinics at the Estes Park Events Complex in February Once they leave for the day, 2021. they may not return.

•One visitor per patient in the Emergency Department, At Estes Park Health, screened, and if they have Urgent Care, Outpatient Infuwe’ve unfortunately had to any issues that might indision, and the Physician Clintighten rules back up. As of cate that they are infected, this writing in late July, we there are strict processes for ic. Again, the visitor must have had to go back to full how those individuals have to screen negative at the door.

If the patient is a child, then masking all day to protect proceed, in order to ensure both parents can be present the health of care providers, safety for all. other staff, and of course As challenging as this is to (if they screen negative).

And, of course, masks patients. All members of the think about, it’s necessity in a must be worn at all times at public coming into the build- hospital. Our Chief of MediEPH. ing must be masked and cal Staff Dr. Robin Zehr, our

Spotlight

excessive load and become painful.

For the majority of from page 11 patients we see in our clinic, the task of holding the arch don’t provide relief for most improving ankle range of up during push-off. This is people who suffer from plan- motion by stretching the calves leads to a quick resowhere a good understanding tar foot pain. lution of symptoms. of the surrounding anatomy For most people who sufOur mission at Alpenis important. fer from heel-pain in the area strong Physical Therapy is A good exam for plantar of the plantar fascia, the to see our community thrive foot pain should consider answer for resolving these by helping individuals feel big-toe extension, ankle dor- symptoms is to address and perform their best so siflexion, calf tightness, problems with mobility at that they can pursue their nerve-tension, and general the ankle and toe, rather passions without limitation. gait mechanics up the chain. than trying to stretch the If you’ve been dealing with Ample research has been plantar fascia. If the suran injury or just don’t feel as done in the last decade, rounding joints can’t move fit as you once were, we’re showing that custom-orthot- how they are supposed to, ics and night splints simply the plantar fascia will take on here to help. Our therapists 14 • JULY 30, 2021•LIVE WELL ESTES SUMMER 2021 READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

use evidence-based strategies to treat pain and get you moving better. Our goal is to help you improve beyond “baseline” so you may perform at your full potential. If you’re simply looking to reduce your risk of injury, our therapists are experts at movement analysis and can help you design a program to meet your goals.

We are grateful to live and work in this community, and hope that you will choose to visit Alpenstrong when injuries arise. See you on the trails!

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