Arrowhead Healthstyle - Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Taking the Field Up Close with

NFL Hall of Fame Running Back Eric Dickerson

Music for the Soul Arrowhead Health Centers Medical Director Shares Passion for Blues, Getting People Healthy

Game Changer!

Why Pro Athletes Choose Arrowhead Health Centers

Take a Break Get Away from the Mentality of All Work and No Play

3 Steps for a Healthier You Take the 30-Day Challenge

Contents

SPRING 2016 4 INNOVATION n Breaking the Mold: Redirect Health Saves Money for Small Businesses, Employees n Facing Daytime Sleepiness?

Knowing the Signs, Risks and Treatments for Sleep Apnea

8 VITALITY n Game Changer! Why the Pros Choose Arrowhead Health Centers n An Exercise in Priorities: Finding Time for Physical Activity Is Easier Than You Think

22 HEALTH & WELLNESS n Breathe Easy: Tips for Surviving Spring Allergy Season

18 COVER

Scoring the Most Effective Treatment for Pain Former NFL Player and Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson Shares His Experience With Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

n Take the 30-Day Challenge: 3 Steps to a Healthier You

28 LIFESTYLE & NUTRITION n Man With a Plan: Positioned for Peak Performance Through Chiropractic Care n Make a Break for It: Tips for Getting Away From All Work and No Play n ABCs of UV: What You Should Know About Sun Exposure n Think Green With 3 Great Avocado Recipes

36 PUZZLE

14 FEATURE

Music for the Soul: Arrowhead Medical Centers Director Shares Passion for Blues, Getting People Healthy

Visit us online at healthstylemagazine.com

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Editor’s Letter

Being Part of the Right Team

I Jason Stevens is in marketing and passionate about customer experiences and celebrating people’s successes. His role at Arrowhead Health Centers has enabled him to see the important role that teamwork plays in an integrated healthcare experience. During the spring season, you can find Jason outdoors experiencing some of the many Arizona hiking trails or chasing his son — and 9 other 4 and 5 year olds — on the soccer field.

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n my opinion, this has to be the best time of year. The weather is perfect for being outdoors, and in the Valley of the Sun, there are a plethora of springtime events to attend. You have the opportunity to see everything from hockey to golf, live music to food festivals and NASCAR races to spring training games. As a sports enthusiast, this is the best time to be a fan. Many of us are celebrating and tending to our NCAA March Madness brackets, Hockey playoffs are right around the corner, and football fans are watching to see who your favorite football team will draft and sign for the upcoming season.

As fans, we cheer for our favorite teams with a sense of pride; some celebrate as alumni, and some have been season ticket holders since day one. Being a part of the team means something to loyal fans; we celebrate the high of feeling invincible, and stomach the lows as if we were playing in the game ourselves. Phil Jackson said “the strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” At Arrowhead Health Centers, teamwork is the core of an integrated healthcare model. In this issue of Healthstyle Magazine, our readers get to hear from NFL Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson about his experience at AHC and the cutting edge treatment available to our patients — a treatment that was previously only available to select few. Along with hearing from Eric Dickerson, readers get to hear current and former professional athletes Shane Doan, Mike Smith, and Brian Jennings about why they choose Arrowhead Health Centers and what the AHC team means to them.

Being outdoors for all of these fun activities does not come without a precaution.

The sunshine and blooming foliage that

Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

come with springtime bring us a new set of challenges. As the beautiful as the weather settles in, trees and flowers are bloom, causing runny noses, itchy eyes, sinus pain, and worst of all, upper respiratory infections. We provide tips for surviving the allergy season.

The allure of sunshine draws us outside, as well, but the sun is always of concern to us in Arizona. Learn from our skin cancer expert, Dr. Robert West, about the ABC’s of UV and learn tips for staying safe in the sun.

Whether you still get to enjoy a spring break, or just get a couple days of vacation, we have some tips for you to step away and relieve stress. Sometimes stepping away isn’t enough, though. Having a good night’s sleep is important, but what if you are still tired when you wake from a good night of rest? It is estimated that more than 25 million adults suffer from Sleep Apnea. We take a look at warning signs, recognition, and treatment options for a potentially dangerous health problem.

In this issue, we are excited to learn more about a cutting edge treatment for pain.

The placental tissue injections offered at Arrowhead Health Centers offers patients the opportunity to heal, prevent further injury, and restore function. Along with this option for treatment, Healthstyle Magazine shares stories of how athletes use Arrowhead Health Centers to stay in their best shape and with a team of providers.

Spring is a season of energy and renewal — it is important to be the best version of you.

As Eric Dickerson says, “do what you have to do to maintain your body. It’s the only one you have.” We hope that this issue inspires you to find your best “you.”

Jason Stevens EDITOR

Special Thanks

On the Cover Model: Former NFL running back and Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, who holds the record for rushing yards in a single season. The wear and tear of an 11-year career led Mr. Dickerson to regenerative stem cell therapy at Arrowhead Health Centers.

Special Thanks Mike Bechtol David Berg Guy Berry Chuck Clark Matthew Crooks Ankit Chander Eric Dickerson Shane Doan

Dave Gergen Janette Gleason Doug Houvener Bob Iversen Brian Jennings Janice Johnston James Lawrence Ken Levin Jeffrey Lime Rosie Mavis

Creative Development Director ISAAC MOYA IMoya@RepublicMedia.com Editor JIM WILLIAMS JLWilliams@RepublicMedia.com

Ernesto Meza Michael Nysather Dianne Salazar Natalie Searle Mike Smith Annette Valenzuela Michael Wells Robert West

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Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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H Innovation

Breaking the Mold Redirect Health Saves Money for Small Businesses, Employees

BY BRIAN SODOMA

O

ffering health insurance benefits and controlling healthcare costs are long-time challenges for American small businesses.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines and penalties have made the tasks even tougher.

But there are innovative solutions that can help employers and employees alike; Redirect Health is one of them.

“Employers and employees do have choices.

They don’t have to go out into the marketplace and pay high-dollar premiums,” said Mike Bechtol, director of CareLogistics™ for Redirect Health.

Here’s how Redirect Health helps employers and employees maintain ACA compliance, while also offering top-notch, efficient care.

Compliance By offering Redirect Health to staffers, employers maintain ACA compliance and avoid penalties.

This is also the case for employees who become Redirect members; without some form of healthcare coverage, they could also see fines.

Redirect plans are extremely affordable.

A basic CareLogistics™ plan, emphasizing tele-medicine, costs $35. EverydayCare plans, with unlimited primary care office and chiropractic visits, no copays, same-day or nextday priority scheduling, along with CareLogistics™ care coordination, start at $86 a month. An employer can choose to pay for a portion of the plan, all of it, or simply offer the affordable plans to employees to maintain compliance.

Quality Care, Market Disruption At the core of Redirect Health offerings is a combination of concierge-style service and access to efficient quality care. These are elements some argue don’t exist together in today’s healthcare market.

But here’s how it works.

If, for example, an EverydayCare plan customer calls Redirect Health, he or she is

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quickly routed to a CareLogistics™ team member that immediately takes important patient information, symptoms and history. After this, telemedicine is considered. Redirect has learned that about 65 percent of its calls can be handled by telemedicine; prescriptions can then be written and the best priced medication can be found by the CareLogistics™ team.

“That’s time not spent driving somewhere, waiting in an office,” Bechtol added. “This is about making it easy, avoiding hassles, taking away those inefficiencies, eliminating waste and creating that whole great experience for the patient.”

If your situation requires an office visit, the information collected is reviewed by the medical professional before you arrive at the office. “When we have all that information captured, it’s easier to get you in and out in 20 minutes,” Bechtol explained.

Specialists, How Plans Are Used Redirect plans also allow for access to specialists, if needed. Just as the plan contracts with primary care preferred providers in its Arrowhead Health Center network to contain costs, this relationship also brings access to Arrowhead-contracted specialists as well.

These relationships also allow for quicker access to care. Often specialists can be seen within 24 hours, Bechtol noted.

Some Redirect customers use their plan as a stand-alone product, while others use it in combination with a high-deductible insurance plan that will cover hospitalizations or emergency room visits. Either way, the plans help smaller employers stay competitive in the job marketplace.

“Even if you just have two employees, you can use Redirect Health,” Bechtol said. “This can also help small employers to not lose talent to larger employers.”

For more information about how Redirect Health can help your company and employees, visit redirecthealth.com or cal 888-995-4945.

H Innovation

Facing Daytime Sleepiness?

Sleep Apnea is a Serious Health Issue. Know the Signs, Risks and Treatments

BY STEPHANIE CONNER

W

hen you make the effort to go to bed and wake up at reasonable times, you should experience the benefit of feeling well rested throughout the day. Right?

Unfortunately, daytime sleepiness after a full night of sleep is a frequent reality for millions of Americans. That’s because of a condition called sleep apnea, which causes poor sleep. And here’s the kicker: Many people who have sleep apnea don’t know it.

This is concerning, experts say, because sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems.

But if you know what to look for, you’ll be on your way to an accurate diagnosis, which is essential to treatment.

Definition and Symptoms Sleep apnea occurs when there are pauses in breathing during sleep. There are three types of the condition — obstructive sleep apnea being the most common. In this form, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, which causes breathing pauses or shallow breathing.

And here’s why people with sleep apnea are so tired during the day: These breathing stops and starts can happen 30 times or more per hour, and they move a person out of deep sleep, making their sleep quality poor.

A loud snort often signals that normal breathing has re-started. So, a partner who says you snore at night could actually be an asset to your health.

According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, more than 25 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea — a number that has steadily increased over the past 20 years. Some experts say that this increase might be related to the obesity epidemic in this country as being overweight is a risk factor for sleep apnea.

Other risk factors include being male and being over the age of 40.

Why It Matters While excessive daytime sleepiness has several risks — such as lower productivity at work and greater

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

likelihood of accidents — sleep apnea also can lead to serious long-term health effects. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase a person’s risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.

“When you have sleep apnea, you’re taking years off your life,” says Dave Gergen, the president of the Pro Player Health Alliance (PPHA), an organization dedicated to helping former NFL players who suffer from sleep apnea. The PPHA is working with Arrowhead Pro Sleep to educate patients and physicians about sleep apnea and the various treatments that are available.

Treatment Options It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis for sleep apnea so that you can get the proper treatment.

The only way to get a diagnosis for sleep apnea is with a sleep study. Arrowhead Pro Sleep offers at-home sleep testing so you don’t have to spend a night in a sleep lab.

Once you have your diagnosis, you have a few treatment options. A common treatment is a breathing machine called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which sends pressurized air into the airway to keep it open. But because this requires a person to wear a mask and to be connected to the machine all night, compliance is fairly low.

“The CPAP can only work if a patient wears it every night,” Gergen says. “But only 18 to 20 percent of patients do. So it’s not really a very good go-to option.”

As an alternative, Arrowhead Pro Sleep often recommends sleep apnea oral appliances, which work by moving the jaw forward.

“This helps maintain the airway, allowing the patient to breathe at night without the use of a CPAP machine,” Gergen said.

There are a variety of oral appliances that can be used to help treat sleep apnea and snoring. Because of their higher compliance rates, Gergen says, they tend to get better results than the CPAP machine.

“It’s important for patients to understand what sleep apnea is,” he says, “and to know they have options when it comes to treatment.”

Visit arrowheadhealth.com for more information on programs and services.

According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, more than 25 million adults in the United States have sleep apnea.

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Vitality

Game Changer!

Why Pro Athletes Choose Arrowhead Health Centers

BY BRIAN SODOMA

A

rizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith and team captain Shane Doan are used to pushing their bodies to the limit. Stopping 100-mile per hour pucks or dishing punishing hip checks also leaves these pros vulnerable to injury. So, when it comes to the care needed to get them back out on the ice and playing at their highest level, they seek out a progressive, team-oriented healthcare delivery approach like the one found at Arrowhead Health Centers.

“Professional athletes push their bodies to the limit every day, so it takes a whole team of health pros to keep them on top of their game,” said Chuck Clark, a chiropractor and lead rehabilitation expert at Arrowhead Health Centers in Scottsdale.

A Healing Team For professional athletes and other ultra-competitors, scrapes, bumps, fractures or aches are part of the terrain. These setbacks require a comprehensive review by a physician for correct treatment. Then, a chiropractor or physical therapist may be able to help a pro avoid bad form and future injury, and others like acupuncturists or massage therapists can add valuable pain relief. Other disciplines can get involved as well.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Arizona Coyotes team captain Shane Doan

“My team off the ice keeps me in the best physical shape possible,” Smith noted. “I’ve had my fair share of injuries and I want to have a healthy life after hockey, so it’s important that I take care of myself now.”

Adds Doan: “My right shoulder and knee have been through a lot, so it’s important to have different people working with me so I can stay in shape and do my job.”

The Iron Cowboy James Lawrence, aka “The Iron Cowboy,” a nickname derived from the colorful hats he wears at some of his triathlon events, is a two-time world-record holder. He holds the record for the highest number of half-distance triathlons in a year (22 in 2010), full IRONMAN events in a year (30 in 2012), among other accolades.

Lawrence looks to a variety of trainers and specialists to assure him of optimal fitness throughout the year and at his competitive events. It’s a team that also includes Arrowhead health professionals like chiropractors and laser acupuncturists as well.

“There is no way I would be able to do what I do on my own,” he added. “It is literally a team effort to keep me on top. I

Research Today for a Cure Tomorrow Become a Clinical Research Participant The Research Department at Arrowhead Health Centers is currently seeking volunteers. Qualified research participants may receive study medication and health assessments free of charge in addition to compensation for time and travel. For more information, please send us an e-mail at research@arrowheadhealth.com.

We are currently enrolling studies for: • Type 2 Diabetes • Asthma

Contact us today to see if you qualify!

623-334-4000 x7307 maggie.rosales@arrowheadhealth.com

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know it’s a cliché, but there is no ‘I’ in team – and certainly not on my team. I could not do what I do without input from others on a very regular and consistent basis.”

Pro Gives Back Through Arrowhead Health Centers Brian Jennings enjoyed a 13-year NFL career that saw him play in 208 consecutive games for the San Francisco 49ers. Along the way, he experienced concussions and saw others suffer through them as well.

Jennings also noticed how pros with concussions would later have other injuries like shoulder or knee problems that might even require surgery. Jennings worked with his long-time trainer, Jay Schroeder, to learn how to avoid “compensation patterns” after concussions that might put strain on parts of the body. Jennings worked to align his nervous system to move properly and avoid injury.

James Lawrence

After years of working with a variety of trainers and medical professionals, Jennings was exposed to an effective post-concussion therapy regimen that involved a wide range of medical expertise. After retirement, he partnered with Arrowhead’s multi-disciplinary team to create Arrowhead’s Concussion Care Center, now offering concussion therapy to veterans, athletes and the general public.

The team-oriented therapy offered at the one-of-a-kind center involves a full patient assessment, a functional brain map and targeted therapies and rehabilitation, along with supplementation and body manipulation, if needed.

“Teaming up with Arrowhead Health Centers means more resources for concussion patients. … They will be able to receive the care they need, no matter what,” Jennings added.

Learn more about how Arrowhead Health Centers employs a team approach to care, whether it’s for professional athletes, weekend warriors or others.

- Call to schedule: (888) 558-2998 - Visit arrowheadhealth.com/chiropractic for more information on programs & services

Brian Jennings

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Spend More Time Doing What You Love.

Convenient, Comprehensive Care for Your Whole Family.

Comprehensive means we combine a variety of specialties including primary care, pain and injury management, diagnostics, chiropractic, and rehabilitation. Our multi-specialty team of providers work together with you and your family as a team to get you healthy and help you stay that way. Our unique approach allows us to offer convenient, accessible programs to all members of your family: • • • • • • • • • •

Acute Conditions -(cough, cold, flu, etc.)

Allergy Testing Annual Physicals and Wellness Visits Back, Neck, and Joint Pain Carpal Tunnel Program Chronic Headaches Chronic Pain Management DOT Physicals Diabetes Management Immunizations

• •

• • •

Injured Workers Interventional Pain Procedures (Epidurals, Facet Injections, Nerve Blocks, Spinal Cord Stimulation, and Manipulation Under Anesthesia) Labs & Blood Work Motor Vehicle Accidents OsteoArthritis of the Knee Program

• • • • • • • • •

Peripheral Neuropathy Program Physical Rehabilitation Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment Sports & School Physicals Sports Injuries & Medicine Therapeutic Massage Total Joint Rejuvenation Program Workers Compensation X-Ray & Diagnostics

Call to Schedule Your First Appointment!

888-995-4899

Or visit us online: arrowheadhealth.com

Same Day/Next Day Appointments • On-Time Promise Put People First & People Get Healthy™

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An Exercise in Priorities Finding Time for Physical Activity May Be Easier Than You Think

BY DEBRA GELBART

I

s it possible to reap the benefits of exercise without exercising? Absolutely, says Ankit Chander, M.D., a primary care physician with Arrowhead Health Centers in Glendale. In this edition of “Healthstyle,” he explains further.

Q

How do you encourage your patients who don’t exercise currently to get started exercising?

First, I tell all my patients that there are three keys to a healthy exercise routine: it needs to be effective; it has to be enjoyable and help you feel better; and it needs to fit into your schedule and lifestyle. Without these three components, it’s usually difficult to maintain a regular exercise routine.

The hard part for many is making time for exercise, but there are a number of simple ways to realize many of the advantages of exercise without a significant time commitment. Anything that gets you up and moving— taking more time to stand at work or using stairs instead of elevators, for example—can have a cumulative, positive impact on your health.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Dr. Chander Dr. Chander received his MD from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He afterwards trained in internal medicine and nuclear medicine at Union Memorial Hospital and the Johns Hopkins Hospital. His passion for primary care was re-invigorated after a difficult personal experience with pain, and he remains interested in interdisciplinary care for pain, management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and preventive medicine.

Q

How do you know these little changes are effective?

Studies show that small adjustments during the day can create meaningful changes that can be documented through laboratory tests. A study in the European Heart Journal, for example, demonstrated that by increasing the amount of time spent standing, people lost weight and decreased their waistline. Lab tests showed that blood fats (triglycerides) decreased by an average of more than 10 percent. Standing an extra two hours per day (which translates to just 8 minutes per hour over a 16-hour period) can produce this result. Over time, additional standing may prevent diabetes and heart disease. To add the two hours at one time, you can consider replacing your sitting desk with a standing desk, or using wireless headphones for phone conversations that allow standing.

Another study in Diabetes Care showed that a 30-minute walk after meals significantly lowered post-meal blood glucose levels by more than 50 percent in individuals who don’t have diabetes and those who do. To add more walking generally to your day, try these strategies: Park farther away to incorporate longer walks at the beginning and end of the workday, or after lunch;

• Incorporate small walks during your day by locating your printer or the office water cooler farther away from your desk to increase walking time; • Walk to a nearby restaurant at lunchtime instead of driving, at least once a week; When you need to communicate with a colleague who works in another building, consider scheduling a face-to-face meeting in his or her office instead of sending an email or making a phone call.

If your primary care doctor or cardiologist gives you the go-ahead to begin a 30-minute-a-day exercise program, you’ll reap the greatest benefits from regular, sustained exercise.

But small changes such as those suggested here (that almost everyone can incorporate into daily life) also can make a big difference in your health status over the course of several months or a year. We hope to inspire readers to take these incremental steps that clinical data have proven can be meaningful and worthwhile.

- Call to schedule: 888-550-6063 - Visit arrowheadhealth.com for more information on programs & services

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Vitality

Music for the Soul Arrowhead Health Centers Medical Director Shares Passion for Blues, Getting People Healthy

BY KRISTINE BURNETT PHOTOS BY MARK LIPCZYNSKI

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Dr. Johnston is the AHC Medical Director and a Family Practice provider who also specializes in Pain Management services. She founded AHC’s Skin Cancer Screening Clinic.

W

hile her childhood friends were blasting Michael Jackson beats, Janice Johnston was stealing her older sister’s Muddy Waters albums, igniting a life-long love of blues. As co-founder and medical director of Arrowhead Health Centers and board member of Memphis, Tennessee-based The Blues Foundation, Dr. Johnston blends music and medicine as part of a quest to help people get healthy.

“I don’t play, but I’ve been a huge music fan all my life,” she said. “I think it does good for me, and I think it does good for a lot of people.”

Among those for whom music does good are patients of Arrowhead Health Centers.

Impact of Music With guitars in waiting rooms throughout their Valley locations, Dr. Johnston and her colleagues have been witness to the impact of live music in what many would consider an unlikely setting.

“Not a day goes by where the guitars aren’t picked up,” Dr. Johnston said. “My office is behind the waiting room, so I can hear when people play. It’s awesome to know they are enjoying it.”

Add in periodic in-office performances from local and visiting musicians, and the rewards increase. Wide-eyed children sit mesmerized at the feet of musicians. Elderly couples dance in waiting rooms. Patients of all ages let go of their anxieties. Through all of this, relationships between patients, providers and staff at Arrowhead Health Centers are deepened and made more meaningful.

“Going to the doctor shouldn’t be scary and music can help take away fear,” Dr. Johnston said. “Having live music in the waiting room relaxes people. Seeing them smile, play and move their bodies to the music is beautiful.”

While Dr. Johnston still sees patients whenever possible, much of her daily responsibilities now center on operations and medical oversight of Arrowhead Health Centers. Of course, as a doctor who understands the importance of balance for one’s overall health and well-being, she also finds time for her personal passion: blues.

Giving Back to Blues Through The Blues Foundation, Dr. Johnston is involved in an array of musical endeavors. She helps organize and facilitate a number of worldwide signature events, including the Blues

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Vitality

Music Awards – what some call the Grammys of blues – and the International Blues Challenge. Now in its 32nd year, this annual music festival brings together approximately 250 blues bands from around the world to compete and celebrate the beloved genre.

“Blues is a truly American art form that has influenced so many people and so many parts of our culture and cultures abroad,” Dr. Johnston explained. “Just think, the Rolling Stones got their band name from a Muddy Waters song. To see blues celebrated by people of all ages and races from around the world is amazing.”

Through its events and activities, the foundation strives to protect, educate and preserve blues heritage to ensure it doesn’t become a forgotten form of music while supporting musicians and their families.

HART Fund Since independent musicians often go uninsured or are underinsured, basic health screenings tend to fall by the wayside. Similarly, many musicians and their families lack the funds necessary for medical and, when necessary, funeral expenses. To help, Dr. Johnston serves as director of The Blues Foundation’s HART (Handy Artists Relief Trust) Fund.

Through donations to the HART Fund, musicians receive proactive health screenings for conditions like diabetes, high

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

cholesterol, depression and more. Follow-up care also is coordinated when appropriate.

Dr. Johnston also is involved with the MusiCares Foundation, established by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences – the organization behind the Grammy Awards. Through MusiCares, she helps raise awareness and funds to provide custom-made earplugs to musicians in need, helping to preserve their hearing.

Through her professional and volunteer endeavors, it is clear that, whether they are patients or musicians, Dr. Johnston puts people first!

Learn more about Janice Johnston, MD, online at www.ArrowheadHealthCenters.com.

For more about how music impacts patients at Arrowhead Health Centers, including videos of patients and musicians performing in our waiting rooms, ‘like’ us on Facebook.

To learn about The Blues Foundation, the HART Fund and how you can support musicians with a charitable contribution, visit www.Blues.org/HART.

Worried about type 2 diabetes?

We are currently conducting a research study of an investigational medication for type 2 diabetes.

You may qualify to participate in this clinical research study if you meet the following criteria:

You have type 2 diabetes and are 25 years of age

You are being treated with diet and exercise alone, or are taking certain other anti-diabetic medications

Qualified participants will receive at no cost:

Study-related medication

Study-related laboratory testing

For more information:

Study-related ECGs and physical examinations

Physician oversight of medical care

For more information:

(888) 996-1944 arrowheadhealth.com/clinical-research/ 13OCT2015

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SCORING THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FORPAIN Former NFL Player and Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson Shares His Experience With Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy

BY MEGHANN FINN SEPULVEDA

Retired NFL professional football player Eric Dickerson is known for holding the singleseason record of rushing yardage, achieving 2,105 yards set back in 1984. The former running back, whose 11-year professional career included playing for the Los Angeles Rams and Indianapolis Colts, is considered to be one of the greatest football players of all time.

The years of physical wear and tear on Dickerson’s body may have contributed to his most recent back pain. Hoping to avoid surgery and quickly return to normal activity, Dickerson picked Arrowhead Health Centers for regenerative stem cell therapy.

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Eric Dickerson: Did You Know?

Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson ran 13,259 yards in his 11 season NFL career, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders and Los Angeles Rams.

Other highlights from his football career include:

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PRO BOWLS in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR in 1983 MOST YARDS RUSHING, SEASON

2,105 (1984) MOST YARDS RUSHING, ROOKIE SEASON

1,808 (1983)

MOST RUSHING ATTEMPTS, ROOKIE SEASON

390 (1983)

MOST CONSECUTIVE SEASONS 1,000 OR MORE YARDS, RUSHING

7 (1983-1989)

MOST TOUCHDOWNS ROOKIE SEASON, RUSHING

18 (1983)

Source: profootballhof.com

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Vitality An Alternative Treatment for Pain Arrowhead Health Centers is proud to care for patients like Dickerson by offering placental tissue injections, an innovative regenerative stem cell therapy, to treat pain and inflammation in joints, under the direction of double board certified and fellowship trained interventional pain specialist Matthew Crooks, M.D. “This is an exciting and cutting-edge therapy that provides the building blocks for the cells in the body to regenerate tissue at the site of the injection,” Crooks said. “Over the course of several weeks to months, the cells start to rebuild tissue at a site where there was once degenerated tissue so the body can begin to repair itself.”

As opposed to steroid injections, placental tissue injections focus on using the body’s own capacity to naturally heal through the use of amniotic stem cells, harvested from healthy placenta tissue that is normally discarded after birth.

“This procedure is really at the forefront of medicine,” Crooks said. “The molecules and proteins signal the body to stimulate cartilage growth and regenerate cells slowly over time.”

Unlike surgery, a placental tissue injection is not an invasive procedure and does not require a hospital stay or physical rehabilitation. Another benefit is that patients don’t experience side effects such as weight gain, perspiration, acne and insomnia compared to those who receive long-term steroid injections.

However, there are times when a placental tissue injection might not be the best form of treatment, especially when a ligament or tendon is completely torn.

“We determine the best candidates for a placental tissue injection based on imaging

records and we look at the opportunity for patients who can achieve the best chance to heal, prevent injury and restore function,” Crooks said.

A Life-Long Passion As a professional athlete, Dickerson, now 55, spent his early years playing all types of sports from basketball to baseball until he found his true calling for football in high school. It didn’t take long for him to be noticed by scouts across the country.

“I was the number one recruit in the U.S.,” Dickerson said.

He ultimately chose to play at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then went on to become drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams. Dickerson quickly began setting records. He scored 20 touchdowns during his first year playing in the NFL.

Back Injury and Pain But his success did not come without any pain. Dickerson clearly recalls the first time he hurt his back.

“I’ll never forget that moment,” he said.

“It was during my first preseason game against the San Diego Chargers and I bent backwards and my back popped.”

That injury prevented Dickerson from having contact and he was out for two weeks.

Fortunately he recovered and was able to continue playing in the regular season.

“I’ll never forget that moment of thinking I could possibly never play again,” Dickerson said.

Later on in his career, Dickerson injured his neck. Doctors told him that if he kept playing there was a possibility he would end up paralyzed or even die. He received physical therapy for his neck and shoulders to address the numbness and pain. Doctors eventually broke the news

“Cells start to rebuild tissue at a site where there was once degenerated tissue so the body can begin to repair itself.”

– MATTHEW CROOKS, M.D.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are cells that have the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells, according to the National Institutes of Health. Stem cells make up organs and tissues, which are considered to be the foundation cells for our bodies.

The International Society for Stem Cell Stem Research says that the many different types of stem cells – including embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells – can be defined by two characteristics which include their capacity to selfrenew and to differentiate.

Stem cells can divide and replenish other cells and become different types of cells with a defined purpose. In some circumstances, such as in bone marrow, stem cells can replace or repair damaged cells.

Research continues to evolve in an effort to determine the potential use of stem cells for insight into human development and the study of diseases and regenerative medicine for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, muscular dystrophies, and retinal degeneration and liver diseases, according to the International Society for Stem Cell Research. Stem cells in umbilical cord blood are proving to be a valuable alternative to treat children in need of bone marrow transplantation.

Currently most cell therapy treatments are in the experimental stages. Learn more at isscr.org.

For more information about Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy, call (480) 397-7360 or visit ahcback.com

that his professional football career was over, Dickerson would be able to live a healthy, normal life.

He retired from the NFL in 1993.

Within recent months, Dickerson experienced another back injury that left him in severe pain.

“I was down and out and didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I thought it would get better over time, but it didn’t.”

Exploring Treatment Options Dickerson became aware of the regenerative stem cell therapy offered at Arrowhead Health Centers following recommendations

from his team of medical professionals and friends.

“My first question was ‘what’s the downside’,” Dickerson said. “I found out that there was no downside, except the procedure may not work.”

He also learned how the staff and providers at Arrowhead Health Centers were caring and compassionate and truly committed to putting people first so people get better.

Like so many people, Dickerson wanted to avoid surgery because he sought a permanent solution to his chronic pain.

The revolutionary regenerative stem cell procedure performed by a highly trained and experienced interventional pain specialist seemed like the perfect alternative.

“That’s why I came to Arrowhead Health Centers, to see if it works for me” Dickerson said. “I looked forward to trying the procedure.”

On Jan. 26, Dickerson underwent four placental tissue injections at Arrowhead Health Centers. The following day he traveled to Los Angeles to film season eight of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

Today, only a few weeks after the injections, Dickerson is feeling well and is hopeful for the future. He believes the treatment will be effective and his body is beginning to heal itself.

His advice to others is simple.

“Do what you have to do to maintain your body,” he said. “It’s the only one you have.”

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Health & Wellness

Breathe Easy Spring is Allergy Season. Tips for Battling the ‘Growing’ Problem

BY GREMLYN BRADLEY-WADDELL

A

rizona’s springtime temperatures are delightful, right?

The allergy season that accompanies them, however, is decidedly less desirable. Jeff Lime, co-founder of the Scottsdale-based allergy testing firm AllerVision, said the combination of warmer and wetter days makes plants like ragweed grow at a more rapid rate, which in turn increases pollen counts. And high pollen counts can lead to symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, a runny or congested nose and sneezing.

Those are, however, just a few issues with which allergy sufferers contend. Other symptoms include: • Asthma • Frequent ear infections • Sinus headaches • Nasal polyps • Conjunctivitis (eye irritation) • Muscle/joint pain • Skin rashes and eczema • Mental problems such as confusion, slow thinking, depression and forgetfulness • Respiratory effects including endless colds, chronic cough, recurrent bronchitis Allergies actually are the third leading cause of chronic disease in children and the fifth leading cause of chronic disease in adults, Lime noted. Unfortunately, only 13 to 15 percent of allergy sufferers see a board-certified allergist and some never even know they have an allergy, he added.

Which is why AllerVision’s allergy testing services, offered at Arrowhead Heatlh Centers’ location in Glendale, are so crucial.

“It’s great care at the primary care level, and that’s the best thing you can offer for the patient and for society,” he said. “You can’t have appropriate care if you don’t know what you’re allergic to, so we support people seeking that out. We’ve seen enough times when patients are properly diagnosed and given treatment plans, and it changes their life for the better.”

AllerVision’s test is the same type performed by allergists, and it’s safe and effective and done quickly in the office.

“And there’s no needle,” said Lime, explaining that a device containing multiple antigens is pushed onto the skin and results are visible within

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

about 15 minutes. “You’ll get a bump if you’re allergic, and you won’t if you’re not. It gives us the ability to give a definite diagnosis.”

If you’re also looking for some “spring cleaning” tips to keep allergens at bay, Lime offered these suggestions: Purchase a HEPA filter. Lime said a HEPA filtration system can reduce the amount of pollen in your home, lessening your chances of inhaling pollen and triggering an inflammatory response.

Wash away troubles. After your morning run or that afternoon game of catch, head to the shower to wash off pollen and other irritants that may have hitched a ride on your skin or in your hair. Otherwise, Lime said, your hair can literally hold pollen in place, and “now you’re breathing it at night, and it’s dropping on your pillow.”

Get Fido his own bed. Sure, it can be cute to curl up with your pup, but just remember where he might have been: outside and into pollen. To keep allergy issues to a minimum, groom pets and keep them out of the bedroom.

Stay on top of medications. It can be tempting to decrease or even skip medications when your allergies seem to be controlled, but doing so can set you up for failure.

That’s why it’s so important to stay current with your medications and dosing schedule, Lime said.

Call 602-892-4866 to schedule.

Visit arrowheadhealth.com/allergy for more information.

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Health & Wellness

Are You Up for a (30-Day) Challenge?

3 Steps to a Healthier You

BY JANETTE GLEASON

M

aybe you’re following the doctor’s orders to adopt healthier habits. Or maybe you just want to feel better and prove to yourself that you can do it, that you can make a change and live a healthier lifestyle.

Whatever your reason, you’ve accepted the challenge.

But when embarking on a challenge, many people fail. They begin with enthusiasm but can’t seem to finish.

Some people say that it takes 30 days to form a habit so as you prepare to eat better, exercise more or think more positively, one of the best things you can do is start a 30day challenge.

There are so many out there, just look on social media for ideas. You’ll find challenges for meditation, running, working your abs, drinking more water or showing more gratitude.

Before you begin any challenge, I’d like you to keep this three-step process in mind that will help set you up for success.

Get real with yourself. You have to take an honest look at where you are right now and the habits that you have formed. Then, imagine your life one year, five years, 10 years from today if you continue those habits. How do you feel? How do you look? These might be difficult questions to ask yourself, but they can be truly eye-opening.

1

Continuing down a path teeming with unhealthy habits can take a tremendous toll on your health and, ultimately, your happiness.

2

Focus on where you want to be. The next step is getting you there; you just need some vision. Imagine yourself free from that unhealthy habit of eating sweets, being sedentary, smoking or having a negative attitude. Close your eyes and see yourself with a radiant skin, a stronger body and a positive mindset. Imagine yourself fitting into the clothes you’ve always wanted to wear, running a 5K and feeling good about yourself. You can get to your end goal with a clear vision and belief in yourself.

3

Acknowledge the gap between the first two steps. Accept the fact that if you continue with your current habits, your future will be one where you are unhappy and unhealthy. And accept the fact that you have the power to change your story. It takes hard work and commitment. Again, one of the best ways to make such an important change in your life is by committing to a 30-day challenge and beginning to create new habits that will a significant impact your life. Remember that you have to make changes today to get to where you want to be tomorrow.

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Health & Wellness

Right about now, I know you might be feeling a little unsure about a 30-day challenge and whether you’ll be able to do it.

Here’s some advice to help keep you on track: Take baby steps. You can do this by focusing on one thing at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once. You’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and giving up. My friend, Jessica, shared her experience participating in the 30 Days of Hustle Challenge. She wanted to get up at 5 a.m. during the workweek and 6 a.m. on Saturdays. Originally, she planned to do that and five other tasks but wisely realized that she’d focus on getting up early for 30 days and add in the next challenge after that first 30 days were over.

Put in the work. One of my favorite quotes a quote from Yoda, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” This is going to require a commitment. One of my clients, Laura, talked about the importance of being committed to a goal. She accepted a challenge to write a book in one month. She always had her eye on day 30: her deadline. Whatever your goal is, enter the challenge with an obligation to yourself and to your health.

And, remember to keep your eye on the prize.

Plan ahead. This might be one of the only situations where it’s okay to have an excuse. Be prepared and arm yourself with tons of them! I even suggest that you write them down and practice using them. People will wonder why you are doing this challenge and my raise their eyebrows. Stay strong and don’t let their negativity deter your resolve. Maybe your challenge is to exercise more, but you’ve got a vacation coming up. Call the hotel ahead of time and ask about their workout facilities or pack your running clothes so you can stay true to your challenge. Or your challenge may be to avoid alcohol but you find yourself in social situation where others are drinking. Let them know that you’re the designated driver or tell them all about your 30-day challenge. You just may inspire someone else to do the same.

Focus on what you can have rather than what you can’t. If you’re eliminating gluten from your diet and happen to go to a restaurant that offers your favorite burrito or pasta dish on the menu, think about the new choices and options that are tempting your taste buds. Or ask your server whether there’s a gluten-free menu, which many establishments now provide. Now is the time to try something new. Concentrate on that and the fact that you’re expanding your culinary tastes rather than thinking that you’re depriving yourself of a favorite meal. Remember, you have the power to change your story.

Work with others and hold each other accountable. There is no better time to partner with a

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

friend or family member as when you’re working toward a change. The support is invaluable. Whether you get that one-on-one and face-to-face or through a private Facebook group, accountability is key to making progress. Another one of my clients, Amy, is working on an exercise challenge where she posts her progress each day. She also writes down in a calendar the exercises she’ll complete for each day, crossing them off if she doesn’t do them. She told me that sharing her progress inspires others to keep going and the idea of any scratch marks on her calendar motivate her to get things done.

Keep a journal. I encourage you to write in it every day to record how you’re feeling and what you’re proud of as you continue on with your challenge. Include your thoughts on what you want to achieve once the challenge ends. Think about how you’ll feel that day and the obstacles that you’ve overcome to reach your end goal.

Reward yourself daily, weekly and monthly.

You’ll want to chart your progress and as you hit milestones, do an activity you love or choose something that shows your progress. If you’ve been working out and have lost weight, buy that dress you’ve had your eye on to show off your new figure or treat yourself to a massage or facial at your favorite spa.

When you embrace a commitment to your 30-day challenge, you’ll be so proud of your transformation and the new healthy habits you’ll adopt along the way. With the right support, a mindset for success, you’ll discover you had it in you all along!

Janette Gleason Founder and CEO, Gleason Consulting Group, LLC; janettegleason.com Janette Gleason is an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author, She takes great pride in empowering people to create their dream lifestyles. She is a contributing author to the best-selling book, Transform, co-written

by Brian Tracy, an expert in the field of personal and organizational development. Janette also wrote Confessions of a Mompreneur: My Journey from Stressed-Out, Stay-at-Home Mom to Successful Entrepreneur and The Road to Sweet Success, an Amazon best-seller.

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20033 N. 19th Avenue, Suite 106 Phoenix, AZ 85027 (602) 242-2555 Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Lifestyle & Nutrition

Man with a Plan Positioned for Peak Performance with Chiropractic Care

BY JOAN WESTLAKE

W

hether it’s recovering from brutal “checks” in the hockey arena or finding relief from pain, chiropractic care positions you to feel and perform at your very best.

Dr. Chuck Clark, the Arizona Coyotes’ and Diamondbacks’ chiropractor as well as lead rehabilitation expert at Arrowhead Health Centers, says that all his patients receive the same body mechanics concepts, thorough analysis, advanced adjustment techniques and integrated personalized treatment that he uses to keep professional athletes like National Hockey League stars Shane Doan and Mike Smith at the top of their games.

Treating from Experience Dr. Clark’s dedication to delivering the most effective care and his compassionate connections with his clients come from his own experience with pain. Working his way through college at a warehouse, he sustained a classic lower back injury.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

“It felt like someone was stabbing me in the back,” he said. “I was told I was partially disabled. I went through the doctors, neurologists and treatments that were available at that time, but nothing worked. In fact, it felt like they thought I was faking it. There was a chiropractic school nearby and a friend who was a student said to come on in. I figured I had nothing to lose.”

The treatments not only made him feel better, but he was amazed at how this student could already answer questions about his condition that none of the doctors addressed.

In his early 20s, Dr. Clark already had endured several minor bouts of his back “going out.” He discovered the warehouse injury was the result of years of poor body alignment.

“At that time, I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in biology and doing pre-med courses because I already knew I wanted a medical healing role,” Dr. Clark said.

“I looked into becoming a chiropractor and found my calling.”

“I find out the source of the pain and, with repositioning and additional treatments if necessary, teach the patient how the body should be functioning.”

– DR. CHUCK CLARK

Once you decide the professionals at Arrowhead Health Centers might be able to help you feel healthier and happier, you can schedule a same-day or next-day appointment by calling 888-558-2998 or speak to an Arrowhead Health Centers expert at 623-334-4000.

Dr. Chuck Clark

Skilled Team of Pros

Stand-Up Treatment

At Arrowhead Health Centers, Dr. Clark is part of a skilled team delivering primary care, pain and injury management, diagnostics and rehabilitation. The goal for each patient is to have a Recovery Game Plan and/or a Staying Healthy Game Plan.

Key to being able to create effective health plans is communication with patients. Dr. Clark says own experience of having his pain questioned has made his approach to patients more understanding and more effective.

Instead of the standard, “Where does it hurt,” Dr. Clark establishes trust with words like, “That area looks painful” or “It must really hurt when you move like that.”

“You need information and participation to achieve that win-win relationship with the client,” he said. “I find out the source of the pain and, with repositioning and additional treatments if necessary, teach the patient how the body should be functioning.”

Getting to “neutral” is how Dr. Clark describes the body’s optimal performance mode. Turns out, your mother was on the right track when she told you stand up straight.

“Our body is basically asymmetrical but we are predisposed to a hip higher on one side or other ways we are thrown out of alignment,” he explained. “So, if you have knee pain, I don’t just look at the epicenter of the pain. I assess that knee’s relationship with the hips or the feet. Often it is a faulty movement pattern that can be adjusted and the patient taught how to move correctly, lift things properly and even walk with a more healthy gait.”

Although renowned for its ability to heal injuries and keep athletes at peak performance, chiropractic care can be effective at treating a host of ailments including migraines, sleep disturbances, sinus infections, osteoarthritis, asthma, stress and more.

With nearly two decades of proven expertise, Dr. Chuck Clark is the lead chiropractor and rehabilitation specialist on the health care team at Arrowhead Health Centers in Scottsdale. Always athletic, including playing on the Crowder College baseball team, he brings to sports medicine extensive knowledge and a personal appreciation of the true benefits of consistent chiropractic care. Earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University, he is a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture with international and national memberships in chiropractic professional organizations including the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association.

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Lifestyle & Nutrition

Make a Break for It It’s Time to Get Away from the Mentality of All Work and No Play

BY JAKE POINIER

F

rom the time we’re in grade school, the words “spring break” conjure up images of escaping the daily grind.

While college students may excel at making the escape to carefree climes, it’s not so easy for those of us with jobs, family responsibilities, volunteer commitments, or all of the above.

The unfortunate fact is that we’re often our own worst enemies when it comes to taking time off. The Project: Time Off study in 2014 found that 41 percent of Americans didn’t plan to use all of their vacation days. The top reasons cited were that it’s not easy to use

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

earned time off, the fear of returning to a pile of work, and the belief that nobody else can do the job. In a tough economic environment, it’s understandable that people want to show dedication and irreplaceability.

The downside, of course, is that we continue to steep in stress. According to the American Psychological Association, one in five Americans say they never engage in an activity to help relieve or manage their stress.

With one in three American adults exhibiting high blood pressure, maybe that’s not surprising--but it’s a situation that definitely needs a relief valve.

Concerned About Your Blood Pressure?

Arrowhead Health Centers offers annual and well visits, and can assist with the planning and coordination of whatever tests you may need. Call 888-550-6063 or visit arrowheadhealth.com for more information on programs and services.

High Blood Pressure in the United States Better Planning=Less Stress Whether you’re planning a “staycation” in town or two weeks in a tropical paradise, how can you best make the time off work for you?

Research cited in the Harvard Business Review concluded that poorly planned and stressful vacations eliminate the positive benefit of time away--while well-managed vacations can result in more energy and increased overall happiness and life meaning when you return.

Here are some tips to help: Don’t leave details till the last minute.

Nearly three-quarters of the survey respondents mentioned transportation uncertainties and wasting time at the destination as stress points. If you’re traveling by car, be aware of road and weather conditions, and have an advance plan beyond just clicking on the GPS. Flying the friendly skies? Read up on the latest Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules so you don’t get bogged down in security hassles.

Heed the Zs. We’ve all joked about needing a vacation after a vacation, right? While there’s a temptation to burn the midnight oil, giving yourself plenty of high quality sleep can make a trip more enjoyable as well as an easier re-entry into reality. Better sleep also means safer travel if you have to spend time behind the wheel.

Unplug when you can. While a full digital detox sounds ideal, it’s not possible in every situation. A survey by Harris Interactive in 2013 indicated that 44 percent of us check work messages while on vacation to maintain relationships and add value. So if you find yourself doing that, realize it’s normal--and don’t pile guilt on top of stress!

Collectively, Project: Time Off calculates that Americans have accumulated a whopping 429 million unused vacation days.

Do yourself, and your family and coworkers a favor this spring break: Use them, and make your return to reality with a refreshed mind and spirit.

70 million

Only

29

%

American adults have high blood pressure

52%

Have their condition under control

Nearly 1 of 3 American adults has prehypertension blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range

$46 billion

Cost of high blood pressure to the nation each year

This total includes the cost of health care services, medications to treat high blood pressure, and missed days of work.

Why Blood Pressure Matters

360,000

American deaths in 2013 as a result of high blood pressure

High blood pressure increases your risk for dangerous health conditions.

First heart attack

First stroke

Chronic (long lasting) heart failure Kidney disease is also a major risk factor for high blood pressure

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

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Lifestyle & Nutrition

ABCs of UV What You Should Know About Sun Exposure

BY MICHELLE JACOBY

I

f there’s one thing you’re guaranteed living in the Valley of the Sun, it’s, well, sun. And while we can boast year-round, sun-filled days, too much of a good thing can pose serious health risks and dangers.

“The biggest concern with too much sun exposure is UV radiation,” says Dr. Robert West, Family Practice Director with Arrowhead Health Centers. UV, or ultraviolet, exposure is a major risk for most skin cancers and can range from acute to chronic.

“The most common acute effect of UV exposure is sunburn,” says Dr. West. “But it can increase the chance of basal cell or melanoma. The chronic effects can be more serious and includes premature aging of the skin, suppression of the immune system, damage to the eyes and skin cancer.”

Slather on the Sunscreen The best, first line of defense from UV exposure is sunscreen. There are products available for everyone from babies to adults, people with sensitive skin, active people who want sweat and water protection, and everything in between. Dr. West says while there may be many to choose from, use what works best for you.

“Look for one with a wide UVA and UVB spectrum,” he says. UVA penetrates the skin deeply and plays a major part in skin aging.

UVB damages the skin’s surface and causes sunburn. “Also be sure to reapply. We tend to put sunscreen on once and think we’re covered for the day. Sunscreen washes or sweats off. Reapply at least twice day and have sunscreen handy for those unplanned, outdoor activities.”

Protect Your Skin and Eyes Another good line of defense is clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants (mostly for people who work outside), wide-brim hats and rash guards with UVB protection.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

“Sunglasses and overall sun protection for our eyes is also very important,” says Dr. West.

“Melanoma can occur in the eye’s retina.”

Dr. West also recommends scheduling a routine skin check. “As far as early detection, it’s the best arsenal for finding something we can potentially change the outcome of.”

Unlike other cancer screenings, a skin check is quick and simple. There are no tests involved, no blood drawn, no X-rays or scopes. The exam primarily involves checking spots and moles from head to toe.

“I ask the patient about spots that may be cause for concern, especially ones that are changing, growing, bleeding, etc.,” Dr. West explains. “Then I do a dermascopy with a special scope that magnifies the spot, allowing me to see characteristics and signs of possible skin cancer.”

Spot Checks The dermascope can also take a photo of the spot for photo documentation. This allows doctor and patient to see how the spot looks or changes over time through a side-by-side comparison. “This works especially well for kids,” says Dr. West. “We can monitor the spot as they grow.”

Another benefit of a skin check is an immediate biopsy.

“When we do our screenings, we try to do the biopsy that day, if you need it. We can do a plan of care within seven days,” he says. “A skin check is one of the most efficient and least invasive procedure for any type of cancer.

It can save your life.”

To schedule a skin check at Arrowhead Health Centers, call 888-972-7388 or visit arrowheadhealth.com/ skin-check.

Lifestyle & Nutrition

Think Green!

Avocados Make a Great Addition to Your Menu Planning Anytime of Day

BY GREMLYN BRADLEY-WADDELL

T

hink avocados are limited to chip dip and sandwich fillings? Think again!

The dark green, bumpy-skinned fruit is a tasty addition to everything from breakfast foods to soups, and it’s an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and healthy monosaturated fat. Avocados are high in calories, however, so as with most things in life, use in moderation!

So get ready to jazz up your springtime menu and try one (or all) of these recipes that use avocado in a refreshing, unexpected way. Enjoy!

Scrambled Eggs, Avocado, and Smoked Salmon on Toast Ingredients Servings: 2-4

3 Tbsp. minced fresh chives, divided 2 Tbsp. crème fraîche (substitute with sour cream) 6 large eggs 2 Tbsp. (1/4 stick) unsalted butter Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 large or 8 small slices sourdough, whole wheat, or pumpernickel bread, toasted 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 4 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon Preparation Whisk 2 Tbsp. chives, crème fraîche (if using), and eggs in a large bowl. Melt butter in a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add egg mixture and season with salt and pepper. Cook, occasionally scraping bottom of skillet with a heatproof spatula to form large, soft curds, until just barely set, 3-4 minutes. Set aside.

Place 2 slices toast on each plate. Put avocado into a bowl, mash with a fork, and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Spread mashed avocado over each slice of toast. Spoon eggs over avocado. Drape salmon slices over eggs, garnish with remaining 1 Tbsp. chives, and season to taste with pepper.

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

Avocado and Crab Soup Ingredients Servings: 4

1/2 cup lump crabmeat 1 celery stalk, diced 1/2 tablespoon chervil, chopped 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 2 avocados 1 cup vegetable stock 2 tablespoons crème fraîche 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

Avocado and Tangerine Salad with Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Preparation Mix crabmeat, celery, chervil and lemon zest in a bowl. Cover and chill crab salad.

Halve and pit avocados; scoop flesh into a blender. Add vegetable stock, crème fraîche, lime juice, kosher salt, and 1 1/4 cups water. Purée until smooth. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper; chill.

Divide soup among 4 bowls. Spoon crab salad into center of each bowl.

Ingredients Servings: 8

1/2 cup fresh tangerine juice 1 jalapeño 1 small shallot, finely chopped 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 avocados, sliced 4 tangerines or clementines, peeled, sliced into rounds 6 cups purslane, arugula, or watercress, thick stems trimmed 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 2 ounces feta, crumbled (about 1/3 cup) Preparation Simmer tangerine juice in a small saucepan until syrupy and reduced to about 2 Tbsp., 5–8 minutes. Let cool.

Heat a small heavy skillet over medium- high heat. Cook jalapeño, turning occa-sionally, until blistered and charred all over, about 8 minutes. (Alternatively, roast jalapeño directly over gas flame, turning occasionally.) Let cool; remove stem, skin, and seeds, then finely chop.

Whisk shallot, vinegar, reduced tangerine juice, and half of jalapeño in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Whisk in vegetable oil, then olive oil. Add remaining jalapeño, if desired.

Set vinaigrette aside.

Toss avocados, tangerines, purslane, mint, and vinaigrette in a large bowl; top with feta.

DO AHEAD: Vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead; cover and chill.

Spring 2016 • Healthstyle Magazine

35

Puzzle

MASS MEDIA

ACROSS 1) Cool in manner 6) Computer-phone link 11) Budgetary excess 14) Drug cop, for short 15) Archaic “prior” 16) Nuptial agreement 1 7) Certain news gatherers 19) Fireplace toss-in 20) Angry Birds, e.g.

21) Brand of scouring pad 22) Postgrad deg.

23) Locals near a campus 27) Small potatoes 29) Poem that extols 30) Fit of agitation 32) Delhi dress 33) Writer’s point?

34) “___ mud in your eye!”

36) It’s tough to break one 39) Burst of wind

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Healthstyle Magazine • Spring 2016

41) 43) 44) 46) 48) 49) 51) 52) 53) 56) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73)

Takes a lease Celestial bear Glass vial (Var.) Brown ermine Death on the Nile creator?

“As before,” in footnotes ____ sapiens Have regrets Member of a governing body With bulging peepers Down-for-the-count count Historical period First-grader’s age, typically Verb for you Type of fallout Manly address Be madly in love with “Parliament” ending “For_ a jolly good ... “ Unlikely host Highlander with land

DOWN 1) Kitchen invader 2) Washroom, casually 3) “Bobby Hockey” 4) Blue expanse 5) Too fastidious 6) Dent or scratch 7) With regularity, poetically 8) Performs, old-style 9) Rarities for Gold Glove winners 10) Handel work (with “The”) 11) Place for some classic movies 12) Baked brick 13) Caesar’s wardrobe 18) Series starter 23) Kingdom in the South Seas 24) Hateful disgrace 25) Spiders at work 26) Colts’ fathers 28) German wife 31) First extra inning 35) Keep a low profile?

37) Campaign item 38) Mended temporarily 40) Big brass instrument 42) Filled Indian pastry 45) Like some translations 47) Of current interest 50) El ____ (legendary city of gold) 53) Store away 54) Inducing the creeps 55) Hazardous household gas 57) Something additional 63) Sore feeling 64) Bard’s “above” 65) Midafternoon, on a sundial 66) “Alternate spelling” abbr.

67) Wind up Source: uclick.com

Puzzle answers online at healthstylemagazine.com/ spring-2016/

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