LivingWell AZ September 2015

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Livingwell

a-z

HEALTHCARE NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

SEPTEMBER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE | 2 Prostate | 3 Gum disease

4-5 Top events and support groups H E A LT H INSURANCE M A R K E T P L AC E

New $310 million center for comprehensive cancer care

By Susan Lynne Fuchs

T

he first services — adult and pediatric radiation oncology — have been launched at the Valley’s newest cancer center, a $310 million, 400,000-squarefoot facility rising on Mayo Clinic’s northeast Phoenix campus.

Nearing the end of construction, the three-story Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is scheduled to open in stages in early 2016, with a public grand opening event and tour planned for mid-February. The Center will be in full operation by spring 2016.

“It will be Arizona’s most comprehensive single site for research, diagnosis, treatment and support services for patients, family and staff members,” said Ruben Mesa, M.D., FACP, deputy director of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

“It will be one of the most advanced cancer centers in the world,” added Sameer Keole, M.D., medical director of Mayo Clinic’s proton beam therapy program. The new cancer center will house the state’s first and only proton beam therapy facility.

When completely open, the Center will include a cancer education and research center, clinical trials information office, caregivers’ lounge and support services, three pharmacies, a cafeteria and a 50-bay chemotherapy infusion center.

In addition, the Center will feature: • • • •

A multidisciplinary breast center An outpatient surgical center Physical medicine and rehabilitation Integrative medicine, classes and nutrition programs

Proton beam technology The $180 million proton beam facility is the length of a football field so that it can accommodate the technology’s 80-yard-long proton accelerator and beam line. Each of its four gantry vaults is some 32-feet wide, 36-feet long and 40-feet high, surrounded by 7-foot-thick high-density concrete walls and ceiling.

The Hitachi Synchrotron particle accelerator weighs approximately 90 tons, while each of the four gantries weighs close to 120 tons of which 30 tons are stationary while 90 tons rotate to accelerate the protons.

The 30,000-square-foot proton beam therapy area on the Cancer Center’s Concourse Level is part of the 165,000-square-foot Radiation Oncology department.

Multidisciplinary care “The journey of a cancer patient is difficult — physically, emotionally and spiritually,” Mesa said. “Patients need support and education and technology, surgery, medical imaging, clinical trials, drug therapy — it truly takes a village to help patients through the path.”

At Mayo, he said, the heart of seamless support and care is their Center for Integrative Medicine. It combines traditional medicine with proven integrative medicine therapies that provide high impact care for cancer patients — yoga, tai chi, massage, acupuncture, psychosocial support and training in resiliency to deal with stress and challenge.

MAYO CLINIC, continued on page 7

“M E TA L” L E V E L S

Proton beam therapy facility at Mayo Clinic

WHEN DOES OPEN ENROLLMENT B E G I N?

WHERE TO GET HELP HOW AND WHERE TO ENROLL

AM I REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN A P L A N?

SUBSIDIES / PREMIUM TA X C R E D I T S

W H AT H A S CHANGED SINCE LAST Y E A R?

TEN ESSENTIAL B E N E FI T S + M A N DAT E D B E N E FI T S IN ARIZONA

A SAM PLING H E A LT O F AVA I L A Thinkstock H PLA BLE NS

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Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins Nov. 1

n the threshold of its third full year of implementation, the Affordable Care Act is now the centerpiece of American healthcare. Signed into law on March 23, 2010, it was implemented beginning with an open enrollment period in October 2013 for calendar year 2014.

Fitting the PIECES together

BY DEBRA GELBART

H E A LT H I N S U R A N C E M A R K E T P L AC E » The law’s provisions include establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace, an online mechanism for choosing a health insurance plan and enrolling in it. The two most familiar versions of the Marketplace are the federally run program and state-run programs.

In Arizona and 26 other states, the Marketplace is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In California, the District of Columbia and 12 other states, state government operates its own Marketplace.

Two state-federal hybrid versions of the Marketplace apply to 10 other states.

AM I REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN A M A R K E T P L AC E I N S U R A N C E P L A N?

WHEN DOES OPEN E N R O L L M E N T B E G I N?

» Most Americans are required to purchase health insurance. If coverage isn’t available through an employer, you have the option to go to an insurance company or buy through the Marketplace.

If your employer’s staff consists of 50 or fewer full-time equivalents, the employer can decide to use the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) any time during the year and then the company’s employees can buy through the SHOP. But you also have the option to buy individual coverage through the Marketplace during Open Enrollment if you work for a small employer. Keep in mind, however, that if your employer offers coverage, you will not be eligible for a subsidy (officially called a “premium tax credit”) if you choose coverage through the Marketplace.

Exemptions to the requirement to purchase health insurance include very low income, membership in a federally recognized tribe, a healthcare sharing ministry or a recognized religious sect with objections to insurance, or incarceration.

» Open Enrollment for calendar year 2016 through the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov) begins on Nov. 1, 2015.

Open Enrollment continues through Jan. 31, 2016. To be covered on Jan. 1, 2016, you must sign up by Dec. 15, 2015.

Jan. 31 is the deadline for signing up to avoid having to pay a penalty for not being covered.

The complete, finalized list of the insurance companies that will offer plans in Arizona through the Marketplace will not be available until shortly before Open Enrollment begins, but it’s widely believed that at least seven different insurance companies will be represented.

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2 | Livingwell a-z | Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Prostate awareness 101 Early detection of problems improves quality of life, saves lives

By Meghann Finn Sepulveda

L

ocated in the pelvis, a man’s prostate gland is about the size of a walnut.

Routine prostate examinations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests can screen for any abnormalities including the possible presence of prostate cancer.

Normal prostate Bladder

Enlarged prostate Bladder Urine

Urine Urethra

Urethra

Enlarged prostate During the aging process, the prostate grows and can become enlarged which can obstruct the urinary channel and cause bothersome symptoms.

“Men between the ages of 45 and 55 with an enlarged prostate typically experience an increased frequency to urinate and a slow urinary stream or flow,” said Larry Bans, M.D., a urologist with Prostate Solutions of Arizona.

While the cause is unknown, an enlarged prostate can be treated.

“Certain types of medication can help relax the channel and open it up for free-flowing urine,” Bans said. “Other types can shrink the prostate.” Minimallyinvasive laser and surgical treatments, along with other therapies, can also be beneficial.

Prostate inflammation Prostatitis occurs when there is swelling and inflammation in the prostate; the condition is sometimes a result of an infection, but is not usually an indicator of prostate cancer, Bans said.

Symptoms can include chills and fever, blood in the urine, back pain and difficulty emptying the bladder. Antibiotics are commonly used for treatment.

Watch for upcoming articles on the following topics as we provide information on your health — from head to toe.

OCTOBER: Circulatory NOVEMBER: Feet DECEMBER: Skin

Alan Hoofring | National Cancer Institute

Urine flow in a normal (left) and enlarged prostate. In diagram on the left, urine flows freely. On the right, urine flow is affected because the enlarged prostate is pressing on the bladder and urethra.

Men: Meet your prostate The top ten things you need to know about this important gland

By Susan Lynne Fuchs

W

hile most men know that they need to have their prostate checked, most don't really know what it does, said Phoenix urologist Al Borhan, M.D. Here’s Borhan’s "top ten" list of things men should know about this important gland.

1 2 3 4

The prostate helps produce semen, essential to the creation of children.

5

Prostate growth can block urine flow leading to incomplete emptying, infections and/or decompensation of the bladder and even to kidney failure and dialysis.

Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer found in men, according to the American Cancer Society.

Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, the outcomes of prostate cancer are often favorable.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for prostate cancer screening recommend that starting at age 45, men should consider having a prostate exam and PSA levels drawn. Age, health, family history and race are also factors in determining the appropriate time to screen for prostate cancer.

YO U R H E A LT H HEAD TO TOE

Shaped like a cuff, the prostate encircles a man’s urinary tube near the opening of his bladder.

6

Men should be concerned about prostate infections and prostate cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in American men.

7

Most men should be screened for prostate problems each year after age 50; those with a genetic history of prostate cancer should start screening earlier.

8

Prostate screening includes a blood test to check for prostate specific antigens (PSAs, a potential cancer indicator) and a three-second digital rectal examination (DRE). Just as you need to look under the hood to check your car, you need a DRE to check your prostate. It could save your life.

Prostate growth continues regardless of diet, exercise or natural remedies touted to shrink it.

The prostate can be shrunk with appropriate prescription medication or trimmed surgically.

But like hair or fingernails, it will continue to grow.

9

Prophylactic prostate removal for men poses more physical problems than mastectomy does for women with BRCA gene mutations.

Prostate removal is overkill; the risks of erectile dysfunction and urine leakage are significant.

10

To nurture prostate health, men should eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise and get annual checkups.

“By age 60 more than half of all men have some prostate issues.

By age 85, that rises to 90 percent.”

—Al Borhan, M.D.

a-z H E A LT H C A R E B R I E F S Banner radiation oncology program expanding to Sun City Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert is expanding its radiation oncology program to Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City.

The facility is slated to open in September.

The expansion of radiation treatment to Banner Boswell will bring the number of facility-based Banner MD Anderson radiation BANNER BOSWELL MEDICAL CENTER oncology programs beyond the walls of the Gilbert campus to three. These To celebrate the expansion, Banner services are also available at Banner MD Anderson will host a free Open House Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale at Banner Boswell on Saturday, Sept. 12. and Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. Community members are welcome to stop Approximately half of all cancer patients by to learn more about the new radiation require radiation therapy as part of their oncology services and tour the new treatment. This precise method of deliverbuilding. Refreshments will be provided. ing regulated doses of high-energy radiation COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE is often prescribed daily over several weeks. The Sun City location will allow local Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m.–noon patients to receive their radiation treatment Banner Boswell Medical Center 10401 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City at a location that is much closer to home.

Dignity Health’s Paws for Patients program making a difference Mesa resident Laura Ibsen’s dogs, Patches and Scooter, are two of 45 canine volunteers in the East Valley’s largest hospital-based pet therapy program, Dignity Health’s Paws for Patients.

Ibsen was diagnosed with lupus and scleroderma as a child and has been hospitalized more than 80 times. “When I was sick, my dog always made me feel better,” she said. Then when she was in college, she watched a friend struggle with cancer.

“At one point, she was in bed and didn’t respond to anything. But I laid my dog next to her and she smiled, and started petting the dog,” Ibsen recalled. “One to two days later, she passed away. Her interaction with my dog was the last bit of reaction or response that anybody saw out of her.”

Ibsen and Patches, a Yorkie who is now 12, were one of two original volunteer teams when the pet therapy program first started at Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center. In 2006, Ibsen was asked to lead the program’s expansion to Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Over the years, the program has quadrupled in size, welcoming new team members like Ibsen’s one-year-old Havanese named Scooter.

For more information on Dignity Health's Paws for Patients program, contact Volunteer Services at either Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (480-728Courtesy of Dignity Health 7187) or Dignity Health Chandler Regional Laura Ibsen with Patches and Scooter Medical Center (480-728-3308).

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Tim Barber Walk for Prostate On-Site Project (POP): Sept. 26 Join prostate cancer survivors and their families in the seventh annual Tim Barber Walk for POP on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Tempe Kiwanis Park (North Entrance), located at 6111 S. All-America Way in Tempe. This community event is a festive, educational walk to highlight National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Tim Barber was a Tempe police detective who lost his life to prostate cancer in 2011 at the age of 42. He was an advocate for early detection of prostate cancer and spent the last several years of his life publicly sharing his journey.

For more information, including entry and pledge forms, visit ProstateCheckup. org or call 480-964-3013.

“The exam and blood test help us to better assess if the prostate is normal and healthy or if cancer is evident,” said Joseph Mashni, M.D., a urologic oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. If concerns are present, a biopsy of the tissue can confirm a diagnosis.

“Depending on the stage, aggressiveness of the cancer and the patient’s overall health, we use different types of treatment strategies including robotic-assisted surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the modalities,” Mashni said. “We can also enroll a patient in a clinical research trial.”

Diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications such as infection and have long-term effects such as urinary and erectile dysfunction; however, some men diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer can choose to go without treatment if monitored closely with active surveillance.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 | Livingwella-z | 3

Periodontal disease

Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist keep gums healthy

By Meghann Finn Sepulveda

• HIV/AIDS: There is no consensus, but some studies have shown that people taking antiretroviral drugs for treatment of HIV or AIDS were much less likely to suffer from periodontal disease than those not taking the drugs. This shows the importance of a healthy immune system.

• STRESS: There are links between psychological stress as a co-factor for periodontal disease because the body has a harder time fighting off infection.

N

early half of the U.S. population aged 30 years or older suffers from periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Periodontal disease is an infection from bacteria that surround the gums leading to inflammation in the gum tissue (gingivitis) or bone tissue (periodontitis) that supports the teeth.

Often a result of poor oral hygiene, other risk factors can make a person more susceptible to developing periodontal disease. In most cases early treatment can be very effective, but if the inflammation becomes severe, it can lead to the progressive breakdown of the soft and hard tissue to the supporting structures surrounding the teeth. Good oral health habits at an early age can help to minimize the risks of developing periodontal disease.

Avoiding periodontal disease David Rolf II, DMD, MS, periodontist and professor at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Arizona in Glendale, said there are ways to avert periodontal disease, including: • AVOID TRANSFERRING BACTERIA: People with Thinkstock images periodontal disease should not share cups and utensils so that harmful oral bacteria are not transferred through saliva.

• CLEAN BETWEEN TEETH: Adults should brush teeth for at least two minutes, especially along the gum-line, and floss every day.

Children should start flossing as soon as teeth touch to avoid bacteria buildup that can cause periodontal disease.

• GET AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS: Periodontal disease is progressive and destructive. Visit a dentist at least once a year so that periodontal disease can be prevented, diagnosed and treated early. See a periodontist if the condition is more severe or complex.

• WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS: If the gums bleed persistently, visit a dentist or periodontist to be evaluated for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tooth anatomy

Risk factors “There are three primary risk factors for periodontal disease including specific bacteria that already exist in the body, cigarette smoking and systemic diseases such as diabetes,” said Irwin Feinberg, DDS, associate professor of periodontics at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health in Mesa.

Additional risk factors that lead to periodontal disease should also be considered, according to Feinberg. These include, but are not limited to: • AGE: As a person ages, there is a greater risk for increased loss of support resulting in decreased quantities of bone and soft tissue. This can be related to being exposed to the same bacteria over longer periods of time, poor oral hygiene and other factors.

• GENETIC FACTORS: Genetic factors can significantly modify the progression of or susceptibility to periodontal disease.

• OSTEOPOROSIS: Some research has noted an association between decreased bone mineral density and periodontal disease, although there is conflicting data.

Livingwella-z

Oral health is linked to overall health If periodontal disease is left untreated it could lead to an increased risk for other health complications such as diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, among others.

“Periodontal disease may also increase risks for pregnancy complications such as preterm labor and low infant birth weight,” Rolf said. “There may also be links to rheumatoid arthritis and colon cancer.”

September 2015 | Vol. 5, No. 9

Living Well A-Z publishes on the first Wednesday of the month.

From A to Z, we tackle a broad range of health issues and offer resources to find more specific information. For questions concerning content in this publication, please contact Editor Paula Hubbs Cohen.

A division of The Arizona Republic, 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. For general advertising inquiries, contact Republic Media at 602-444-8000.

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4 | Livingwell a-z | Wednesday, September 2, 2015

SEPTEMBER Take advantage of opportunities to meet others with similar issues and learn more about various aspects of your health – from A to Z. All groups and events are believed, but not guaranteed, to be free unless otherwise stated. Every effort has been made to verify accuracy, but please call before attending to confirm details.

WELLNESS & MORE AVOIDING COLD & FLU Various dates, times & locations 623-277-3013 CignaMedicalGroup.com COOKING FOR HEALTH Various dates, times & locations

By Cancer Support Community 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org MEDICATION CHECKS Call to schedule a personal meeting St. Luke’s, 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Tempe St. Luke’s, 1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe Register: 877-351-WELL (9355) WALKING GROUP Various dates & locations

By Humana; 480-325-4707 TOBACCO RECOVERY GROUP Sept. 8 & 22, 9–9:45 a.m.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert Appointment required: 480-256-5177 HEALTHY COOKING FOR CANCER Sept. 9 & 23, 9–10 a.m.

By Cancer Support Community Sun Health Center for Health and Wellbeing 14719 W. Grand Ave., Surprise Register: 623-207-1703; rsvp@cscaz.org OSTEOPOROSIS MANAGEMENT Sept. 10, 1–2 p.m.

Civic Center Auditorium 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale 623-580-5800; HonorHealth.com COOKING FOR WELLNESS Sept. 15, 6–8 p.m.

Breast Health & Research Center 19646 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix 623-780-4673; HonorHealth.com SHINGLES, MEASLES & FLU Sept. 16, 7–8 p.m.

By HonorHealth Barnes & Noble 10500 N. 90th St., Scottsdale 623-580-5800; HonorHealth.com EYE HEALTH Sept. 24, 1–2 p.m.

Civic Center Auditorium 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale 623-580-5800; HonorHealth.com

CAREGIVERS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations

By Duet; 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org CANCER CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Various dates & times

By Cancer Support Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6 p.m.

By Benevilla West Valley Life Enrichment 8133 W. Cactus Rd., Peoria 623-584-4999 PATIENT & CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 8, 5:30–6:45 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-865-5450 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 14 (for time: 602-406-6688) St. Joseph’s Outpatient Rehab 114 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 15, 12:30–2 p.m.

Fellowship Square Mesa 6945 E. Main St., Mesa 602-839-6850

GRIEF SUPPORT GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates, times & locations

By Banner Hospice Rev. Cindy Darby, cindy.darby@BannerHealth.com 480-657-1167; BannerHospice.com GRIEF SUPPORT Various dates & times Dignity Health St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-406-3275 GRIEF SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations

By Hospice of the Valley HOV.org/Grief-Support-Groups 602-530-6970 GRIEF BEFORE LOSS Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2–3 p.m.

Benevilla; 623-584-4999 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise

PAIN INTRO TO FIBROMYALGIA Sept. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Fibromyalgia Wellness Center 8300 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale 480-948-4955 FibroWellnessCenter.com CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT Sept. 9, 6:30–8 p.m.

Scottsdale Senior Center 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale 480-314-2330; TheACPA.org BACK PAIN Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m.

Spine Group Arizona 3621 N. Wells Fargo Ave., Scottsdale

HEART/STROKE STROKE CHECK Various dates, times & locations 480-882-4636; HonorHealth.com STROKE CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert 3555 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert 480-728-5414

WOMEN MENOPAUSE SUPPORT Sept. 21, noon–1 p.m.

Scottsdale Shea Medical Center 9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 480-882-4636; HonorHealth.com MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT Sept. 26, 10 a.m.

St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 480-829-6563

MEN MEN’S DISABLITY SUPPORT Sept. 17, 6:30–8 p.m.

Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix 602-980-3232; AZSpinal.org

DIABETES MANAGING DIABETES Various dates, times & topics Dignity Health Center for Diabetes Management 1760 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert 480-728-3535 DIABETES OVERVIEW Sept. 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

HonorHealth Medical Group 6320 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale 623-561-3103; HonorHealth.com DIABETES NUTRITION & ACTIVITY Sept. 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

HonorHealth Medical Group 6320 W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale 623-561-3103; HonorHealth.com

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations

By Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter 602-528-0545; ALZ.org/DSW ALZHEIMER’S & MEMORY SUPPORT Sept. 4, 9–11:30 a.m.

By Benevilla at Sun City West office 13576 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West 623-584-4999; Benevilla.org ALZHEIMER’S & MEMORY SUPPORT Sept. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10–11:30 a.m.

By Benevilla at Faith Presbyterian 16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City 623-584-4999; Benevilla.org CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Sept. 15, noon–2 p.m.

Duet, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Dignity Health Huger Mercy Center 2345 W. Orangewood Ave., Phoenix Lunch provided; 602-406-5600

BREAST CANCER BOSOM BUDDIES SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates, times & locations Ahwatukee/Chandler: 602-739-8822; 602-318-8462 East Valley: 480-358-0198; 480-969-4119 Sun City (Banner Boswell): 623-547-2206; 623-236-6616 West Valley: 602-531-9123; 623-979-4279 CIRCLE OF HELP ADVANCED BREAST CANCER Meets as needed Info: Becky Chase, 623-236-6616 or Teresa Hill, AdvancedBreastCancer@gmail.com

PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS Sept. 4, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-3878; HonorHealth.com

BREAST CANCER LEARN & SUPPORT Sept. 10 & 24, 6–8 p.m.

Breast Health and Research Center 19646 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix 623-780-4673; HonorHealth.com

GRIEF SUPPORT Sept. 10 & 24, 3–4:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT Sept. 12, 10 a.m.–noon Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

CHILD LOSS SUPPORT Sept. 21, 6–8 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-3878; HonorHealth.com

BREAST BUDS SUPPORT Sept. 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

MidFirst Bank Conference Room 6508 W. Bell Rd., Glendale 480-657-0500; BreastBuds.org

a-z T O P E V E N T S Please call to confirm reservations and cost (if any).

COST: $400 (includes meals, materials, resources, contact hours for continuing education) INFO/REGISTER: By Sept. 9, 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org; hottenstein@duetaz.org

SEPT. 6 LYMPHOMA LEARN & SUPPORT WHAT: A medical oncologist with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center discusses the latest treatment options, research innovations, side effect management and more.

WHERE: 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix WHEN: 10 a.m.–noon PRESENTED BY: Cancer Support Community Arizona; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

SEPT. 23

SEPT. 11 & 12: DAY ON THE LAKE

SEPT. 11 & 12 DAY ON THE LAKE WHAT: A day of adapted water activities for people with physical or neurological disabilities and their families.

WHERE: Bartlett Lake Marina, 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Rd., Rio Verde WHEN: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s COST: $45 INFO/REGISTER: 877-602-4111; DignityHealth.org

SEPT. 11 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARIZONA MEDFEST EVENT WHAT: Special Olympics Arizona athletes are invited to attend this Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® MedFest event where ATSU faculty clinicians and students will provide sports physical examinations to athletes.

WHERE: 5850 E. Still Circle, Mesa WHEN: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: A.T. Still University (ATSU) COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 602-476-0842; jesse@SpecialOlympics Arizona.org

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Sept. 22, 5:30–6:45 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-865-5450

CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix Info: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org • CANCER SUPPORT Various dates & times • MULTIPLE MYELOMA Sept. 3, 10 a.m.–noon • PROSTATE CANCER Sept. 10, 6–7:30 p.m.

• LYMPHOMA Sept. 12, 10–11:30 a.m.

• PANCREATIC CANCER Sept. 12, 10–11:30 a.m.

• CARCINOID Sept. 12, 1–2:30 p.m.

• LUNG CANCER Sept. 12, 1–2:30 p.m.

• COLORECTAL CANCER Sept. 19, 10–11:30 a.m.

• OVARIAN CANCER Sept. 19, 10–11:30 a.m.

• TEEN WHOSE PARENT HAS CANCER Sept. 19, noon–1:30 p.m.

IRONWOOD CANCER & RESEARCH CENTERS SUPPORT GROUPS 685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Info: 480-340-4013; IronwoodCRC.com • CAREGIVERS Sept. 5 & 19, 10 a.m.–noon • BREAST CANCER Sept. 14, 2–4 p.m.

• LUNG CANCER Sept. 14, 2–4 p.m.

• PROSTATE CANCER Sept. 14, 7–9 p.m.

• PANCREATIC CANCER Sept. 17, 2–3:30 p.m.

• HEAD & NECK CANCER Sept. 21, 3–4:30 p.m.

• METASTATIC CANCER Sept. 23, 3–4:30 p.m.

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER By the American Cancer Society Various dates, times & locations 800-ACS-2345 LookGoodFeelBetter.org LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

By Banner; 602-230-2273 Various dates, times & locations LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER

By Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers Various dates, times & locations 480-855-2224; IronwoodCRC.com CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT Sept. 2, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com LYMPHEDEMA EDUCATION & SUPPORT Sept. 3, 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 602-230-2273

CANCER, GENETICS & THE FAMILY TREE WHAT: A genetics counselor with Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix will present on the features of hereditary cancer and what to look for.

WHERE: 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix WHEN: 6–7:30 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: Cancer Support Community Arizona COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

OCT. 3

Photo courtesy of Mike Eimer, Barrow Neurological Institute, Dignity Health

SEPT. 16

SEPT. 17

DEMENTIA DIALOGUE WEBINAR WHAT: Experts in dementia care offer this monthly online seminar.

WHERE: Online; BannerSHRI.org WHEN: noon–1 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: Banner Alzheimer’s Institute COST: Free; registration required INFO/REGISTER: 623-832-3248; BannerHealth.com/ ResearchOnlineEdu

LUNG CANCER TREATMENTS WHAT: Elbert Kuo, M.D., MPH, MMS, FACS, Director of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital, discusses new treatments for lung cancer.

WHERE: Bluewater Grill, 1720 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix WHEN: 6–8:30 p.m.

COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 602-527-3776

SEPT. 17

SEPT. 18 & 19, OCT. 8 & 9

SIDE EFFECT MANAGEMENT WHAT: A naturopathic physician with Longevity Medical Health Center discusses how you can manage common cancer side effects.

WHERE: PORA Sun City West, 13815 W. Camino Del Sol, Sun City West WHEN: 9:30–10:30 a.m.

PRESENTED BY: Cancer Support Community Arizona COST: Free INFO/REGISTER: 623-207-1703

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH COMMUNITY NURSING COURSE WHAT: This interfaith course teaches registered nurses with active licenses how to provide holistic healthcare to members of a faith community.

WHERE: King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe WHEN: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: Duet

LIVING WITH LOSS Sept. 8 & 22, 1–2:30 p.m.

By Cancer Support Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix Register: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

LYMPHOMA PRESENTATION Sept. 12, 10 a.m.–noon

By Cancer Support Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix Register: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

SURVIVING & THRIVING Sept. 8 & 22, 1–2:30 p.m.

By Cancer Support Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix Register: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SUPPORT Sept. 15, 5:30–6:45 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-865-5450

PANCREATIC CANCER SUPPORT Sept. 8, 4–5:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10510 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

CAREGIVERS & FAMILY SUPPORT Sept. 16, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER Sept. 8, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Breast Health & Research Center 19646 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix 623-780-4673; HonorHealth.com

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT Sept. 17, 3 p.m.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 602-230-2273

ORAL, HEAD & NECK CANCER Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 602-230-2273

ORAL, HEAD & NECK CANCER Sept. 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

COPING WITH CANCER Sept. 9 & 23, 6:30–8 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-230-2273

GYNECOLOGY CANCER LUNCH Sept. 22, noon–1 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-882-4636; HonorHealth.com

NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA SUPPORT Sept. 10, 6–8 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

PROSTATE CANCER SEMINAR Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–noon

By Cancer Support Community 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix Register: 602-712-1006; rsvp@cscaz.org

AZ CANCER VILLAGE FUN RUN & FESTIVAL WHAT: AZ Cancer Village Fun Run is a 5K run, 1-mile fun run and festival with live music, vendors and cancer resources.

WHERE: Steele Indian School Park, Indian School Road and Central Avenue, Phoenix WHEN: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: Don’t be a Chump!

Check for a Lump!, The Joy Bus, Singleton Moms COST: $20–$35 INFO/REGISTER: AZCancerVillage.org

NOV. 24 PEDIATRIC DISASTER PLANNING CONFERENCE WHAT: Experts will offer education and resources for treating injured children during mass casualty disasters. Open to physicians, nurses, first-responders, educators, community planners and others. Continuing education credits available.

WHERE: Camelback Inn, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale WHEN: 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

PRESENTED BY: National Pediatric Disaster Coalition COST: $585 ($685 after Sept. 30) INFO/REGISTER: 480-861-5722; NPDCConference.org

RELIEVING CANCER PAIN Sept. 28, 5:30–7 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-230-2273 LYMPHEDEMA SUPPORT Sept. 28, 6–8 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd St., Scottsdale 480-323-1321; HonorHealth.com

PARKINSON’S PARKINSON’S EDUCATION, EXERCISE & SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates, times & locations

By Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center 602-406-3840; 602-406-4921 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations

By Duet; 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org PARKINSON’S SUPPORT Sept. 15, 3–4:30 p.m.

By Benevilla Shepherd Hills Methodist 13658 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West 623-584-4999

GASTROINTESTINAL OSTOMY EDUCATION & SUPPORT Sept. 3, 1–2 p.m.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 602-230-2273 OSTOMY SUPPORT Sept. 3, 2 p.m.

Banner Boswell Medical Center 13180 N. 103rd Dr., Sun City 602-678-4441

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Wednesday, September 2, 2015 | Livingwella-z | 5

a-z H E A LT H C A R E B R I E F S a-z I N F O R M AT I O N O N L I N E

RESPIRATORY

ABRAZO COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK: AbrazoHealth.com; 602-674-1400; Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital; Abrazo Arrowhead Campus; Abrazo Central Campus; Abrazo Maryvale Campus; Abrazo Scottsdale Campus; Abrazo West Campus BANNER CHILDREN’S-CARDON CHILDREN’S: BannerChildrens.com; 480-412-KIDS (5437) BANNER HEALTH: BannerHealth.com; 602-747-4000; Numerous hospitals and medical centers BANNER POISON AND DRUG INFO CENTER HOTLINE: 800-222-1222 BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE: TheBarrow.org; 877-602-4111 DIGNITY HEALTH CHANDLER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER: DignityHealth.org/chandlerregional; 877-728-5414 DIGNITY HEALTH MERCY GILBERT MEDICAL CENTER: DignityHealth.org/mercygilbert; 877-728-5414 DIGNITY HEALTH ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER: DignityHealth.org/stjosephs; 877-602-4111 DIGNITY HEALTH ST. JOSEPH’S WESTGATE MEDICAL CENTER: DignityHealth.org/westgate; 877-602-4111 HONORHEALTH (formerly Scottsdale Healthcare): HonorHealth.com; 623-580-5800; HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea; HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak; HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn HONORHEALTH DEER VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER: HonorHealth.com; 623-580-5800 HONORHEALTH JOHN C. LINCOLN MEDICAL CENTER: HonorHealth.com; 623-580-5800 MARICOPA INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM: MIHS.org; 602-344-5011 MAYO CLINIC: MayoClinic.org; 800-446-2279 MOUNTAIN VISTA MEDICAL CENTER: MVMedicalCenter.com; 480-358-6100 MUHAMMAD ALI PARKINSON CENTER: TheBarrow.org; 602-406-6262 PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: PhoenixChildrens.org; 602-933-1000 ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER: StLukesMedCenter.com; 602-251-8100 TEMPE ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL: TempeStLukesHospital.com; 480-784-5500 VALLEY FEVER CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE: vfce.arizona.edu; 602-406-8253 OSTOMY SUPPORT Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

Elite Home Healthcare Services 2140 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix 602-246-8221

BRAIN/NEUROLOGICAL

OSTOMY SUPPORT Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m.

La Casa de Cristo Church 6300 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale 623-580-4120 OSTOMY SUPPORT Sept. 20, 2–4 p.m.

Fellowship Hall 161 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa

SENIORS ADVANCE DIRECTIVES Sept. 16, 2–4 p.m.

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers 5810 W. Beverly Lane, Glendale Register: 602-588-4367; IronwoodCRC.com SENIOR EDUCATION CONNECTION Sept. 17, 1–2 p.m.

Fellowship Square Mesa 35 W. Brown Rd., Mesa 480-290-7025; AZFS.org

BRAIN ANEURYSM SUPPORT Sept. 16, 6–8 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix Kimberly@JoeNiekroFoundation.org 760-333-7658 PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY SUPPORT Sept. 19, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Banner Thunderbird 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale 602-920-4632; tsebastiani@cox.net HUNTINGTON’S SUPPORT Sept. 20, 6–8 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-402-1774 BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT Sept. 22, 6–8 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 623-205-6446 BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-508-8024; 602-406-6688

BETTER BREATHERS/COPD SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations By the American Lung Association 602-429-0005; BreatheEasyAZ.info GET PAST ASTHMA Sept. 10, 6:30–8 p.m.

Deer Valley Medical Center 19841 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix 623-879-5452; HonorHealth.com

PARENTING BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Various dates, times & locations

By Dignity Health 480-728-5414; 602-406-4954 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN Various dates, times & locations

By Benevilla 623-207-6016; Benevilla.org

Thinkstock

Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital partners with school district for sports medicine needs

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN Various dates, times & locations

By Duet 602-274-5022; DuetAZ.org MOMS ON THE MOVE Various dates, times & locations

By HonorHealth 480-323-3878; HonorHealth.com POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1–2:30 p.m.

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert 1760 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert 480-728-5414 T.E.E.N.S. 4 TEENS SUPPORT Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 6–7 p.m.

Dignity Health Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 480-728-5414 BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1 p.m.

Banner Estrella 9201 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-230-2273

BARIATRIC SURGERY SEMINARS BANNER HEALTH BannerHealth.com; 480-543-2606

ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER BridgesAZ.com; 800-248-5553

trainers through its relationship with Physician Group of Arizona, Inc., incorporating a physical therapy department in the medical office building adjacent to the hospital and combining the expertise of orthopaedic surgeons from the Hedley Orthopaedics Institute with local Tempe physicians to provide support to the student athletes.

“Our athletic trainers and physicians emphasize complete fitness — not just rehabilitation from a specific sports injury,” said Jacob Golich, administrator of the hospital. “We want to see these young people develop excellent health habits that they will follow for the rest of their lives.”

MORE INFO TempeStLukesHospital.com

A.T. Still University participating in youth tackle football safety study

POP CULTURE & DRUGS WEBINAR Sept. 16, noon–12:30 p.m.

DrugFreeAZKids.org/Webinars

HONORHEALTH BariatricSurgeryAZ.com 480-882-4636

Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, which is part of IASIS Healthcare, is partnering with the Tempe Union High School District to serve as the official athletic training services provider for its high school sports programs. Through this partnership, athletic trainers collaborate with school nurses and coaches and attend many practices and games. They take care of injuries and counsel students about healthy lifestyles and injury prevention as well as sports medicine research and careers.

The six high schools benefiting from this partnership include Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Marcos de Niza, McClintock, Mountain Pointe and Tempe High.

As part of this partnership, Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital is employing athletic

A.T. Still University’s Athletic Training (AT) program has been invited to participate in the second phase of a study being headed by USA Football and The Datalys Center to examine player health and safety in organized youth tackle football.

The program will be working with Mesa Youth Football for the upcoming football season.

The AT program’s role is to collect injury data to determine how effective intervention techniques are between leagues whose coaches have been trained and those whose coaches have

not been trained, among other data.

ATSU was selected to carry out the study last year as well, in which ATSU's AT program examined the Chandler Youth Football Pop Warner organization. The 2014 investigation paper was recently released and reported that intervention (comprehensive coach education and contact restriction guidelines) in youth tackle football reduced injury rates.

MORE INFO USAFootball.com DatalysCenter.org

Mayo Clinic is

Ranked #1 in Arizona.

In the U.S. News & World Report rankings of top hospitals, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix is the #1 hospital in Arizona and is nationally ranked in 12 medical specialties. Our world-class experts work together, across disciplines, to provide you with whole-person care that meets your exact needs.

Learn more or request an appointment at mayoclinic.org.

Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona | Rochester, Minnesota | Jacksonville, Florida © 2015 Mayo Clinic

6 | Livingwell a-z | Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Fitting the PIECES together

“M E TA L” L E V E L S » All of the health plans offered through the Marketplace continue to be designated as what are referred to as “metal” levels (“bronze”, “silver”, “gold” and “platinum”) that indicate whether they have minimum associated premiums or higher premiums based on deductibles and co-insurance (the amount you pay to a provider after your deductible is met). Each level is standardized by the Health and Human Services Department and carries its own deductible and range of benefits.

All available plans are either bronze (you pay approximately 40 percent of the cost of your healthcare while your plan pays about 60 percent); silver (you pay approximately 30 percent while your plan pays about 70 percent); gold (you pay approximately 20 percent while your plan pays about 80 percent); or platinum (your plan pays approximately 90 percent of the cost of care).

Some insurers also offer a “catastrophic” plan. A catastrophic plan pays less than 60 percent of the total cost of your care and is available only to buyers under age 30. Catastrophic plans carry the lowest premium; platinum plans carry the highest premium and are not widely offered.

Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins Nov. 1

SUBSIDIES / P R E M I U M TA X C R E D I T S

CONTINUED FROM THE COVER

T E N E S S E N T I A L B E N E FI T S » Every Affordable Care Act plan is required to cover 10 essential health benefits including: 1. Outpatient care 2. Emergency care 3. Hospitalizations 4. Maternity and newborn care 5. Mental health, behavioral health and substance use disorder services 6. Prescription drugs 7. Rehabilitation services and devices 8. Lab tests and services 9. Preventive care and wellness services 10. Pediatric services (including dental and vision care)

A D D I T I O N A L M A N DAT E D B E N E FI T S IN ARIZONA » In addition to the 10 essential benefits, all Arizona-based health insurance policies must cover the following:

Bariatric surgery Chiropractic care Hearing aids Nutrition counseling Routine foot care Autism spectrum disorder services Treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders

It’s important to note that these additional mandated benefits vary from state to state. In Arizona, the additional coverage is based on benefits found in what’s called the benchmark plan selected by Arizona — the State of Arizona employee benefit plan that was in effect in 2012.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about insurance and what to look for when they are buying a plan. They are asking good questions and doing more research.”

—Jeff Stelnik, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

» If you sign up through the Marketplace, you may be eligible for a subsidy (officially called a “premium tax credit”) to offset the cost of your monthly premium.

“The amount of financial assistance a person receives is based on their income and household size on a sliding-scale with lower-income individuals getting more help,” according to Montserrat Caballero, the Arizona director of Get Covered America, a nonprofit organization that educates consumers about the Affordable Care Act. Get Covered America is sponsored by Enroll America, the nation’s leading health enrollment coalition.

You can find out the range for your monthly premium by visiting GetCoveredAmerica.org/calculator.

Of those who signed up for coverage during the last open enrollment period in Arizona, Caballero said that 77 percent received financial assistance in the form of tax credits with an average premium reduction of 55 percent.

Premium tax credits are available to people who earn up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level (up to $97,000 annually for a family of four in 2016), said Allen Gjersvig, director of healthcare innovation for the Arizona Alliance of Community Health Centers which operates a Navigator program that helps people with questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Families that earn no more than 250 percent of the federal poverty level (up to $60,625 for a family of four) also are eligible for additional costsharing — help that further lowers out-of-pocket expenses, Gjersvig said.

Keep in mind that if your household income has increased since last year, your eligibility for a subsidy or the percentage of subsidy you are eligible for may have changed.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2015 | Livingwella-z | 7

W H AT H A S C H A N G E D S I N C E L A S T Y E A R?

“There is now a baseline of services that do not discriminate against individuals for age or pre-existing conditions.”

» THE PENALTIES FOR NOT PURCHASING HEALTH INSURANCE INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN 2016.

The per-person penalty more than doubles over last year to $695 for each adult and $347.50 per child, or 2.5 percent of yearly household income, whichever is larger.

PREMIUMS FOR MOST PLANS WILL INCREASE COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR; precisely how much isn’t known yet. “There are many factors putting pressure on how much Arizonans pay for health insurance,” said Jeff Stelnik, senior vice president strategy, sales and marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Medical inflation, the cost of medication and new technologies all play a role. The biggest driver is more people are using more services. When higher-priced care like specialty prescription drugs and hospital emergency rooms are used more frequently than anticipated, more dollars are needed to cover the cost.”

CONSUMERS AND HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE GAINED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE MARKETPLACE WORKS. “On the health plan side, we’re customizing products tailored around clinically integrated provider networks that link patients’ primary care physicians with specialists and hospitals in a way that streamlines and improves the healthcare experience as well as outcomes for consumers,” said Mike Uchrin, CEO of Health Choice, one of the insurers that will again be part of the Marketplace for 2016.

— Montserrat Caballero, Get Covered America

WHERE TO GET HELP » ONLINE: Visit GetCoveredAmerica.org. » FACETOFACE: Visit GetCoveredAmerica. org/connector to find in-person assisters at healthcare facilities near you and schedule a free appointment. » PHONE: Or, call the Arizona Alliance of Community Health Centers at 602-218-3900.

Closer to the start of Open Enrollment, Enroll America will launch a new digital tool called the Get Covered Plan Explorer. Available through the GetCoveredAmerica.org website, it will help consumers understand costs based on annual use of healthcare services and allow consumers to sort and filter plans based on premiums and deductibles as well as see the plans that include their providers and prescription drugs.

A S A M P L I N G O F H E A LT H P L A N S T H AT W I L L B E AVA I L A B L E » At press time we did not have a complete list of insurance companies that will offer health plans through the Marketplace, however, we do know what some of the options will be.

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA: The company’s most popular plans will be available again including Everyday Health (offers the most benefits); Portfolio (high-deductible, low-premium plan designed to work with Health Savings Accounts; and Simple Health (a catastrophic plan).

“To meet the varying needs and budgets of Arizona families, we’re offering 30 different plans,” said Jeff Stelnik, senior vice president strategy, sales and marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Rick D'Elia

“We’re customizing products ... in a way that streamlines and improves the healthcare experience as well as outcomes for consumers," said Mike Uchrin, CEO of Health Choice, one of the insurers that will again be part of the Marketplace for 2016.

HEALTH CHOICE INSURANCE CO.: IASIS Healthcare operates Health Choice Insurance Co., which will offer an Essentials plan with gold-, silver- and bronze-level benefit products that gives enrollees access to a broad network of providers.

A Value plan with access to gold-, silver- and bronze-level benefits offers reduced premiums by utilizing a select group of physicians — the Health Choice Preferred network. Both the Essentials and Value plans include access to IASIS hospitals St. Luke’s Medical Center in Phoenix, Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital and Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.

Health Choice Insurance Co. also will offer catastrophic plans, said Mike Uchrin, CEO of Health Choice.

HOW AND WHERE TO ENROLL » There are three ways to enroll in an individual or family health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace: 1. Visit healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596.

2. Work with an insurance broker. You can obtain the names of insurance brokers near you from companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Health Choice or Phoenix Health Plans.

3. Enroll directly through the insurance carrier you choose.

PHOENIX HEALTH PLANS: Tenet Healthcare, which owns the Abrazo Community Health Network of hospitals in Arizona, also owns Phoenix Health Plans, whose Marketplace products are known as Phoenix Choice. In 2016, said Cyndi Bloom, marketing director of Phoenix Health Plans, Phoenix Choice offerings include multiple standard and cost-sharing HMO health plans in the categories of catastrophic, bronze, silver and gold.

You can only enroll through the Marketplace or change your coverage outside of Open Enrollment if you have what’s known as a “qualifying life event” where, among other eligible changes, the size of your household is altered through marriage, birth, adoption, divorce or death.

The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is scheduled to open in stages, with a public grand opening event and tour planned for February 2016. The Center will be in full operation by spring 2016. The Center is located on Mayo Clinic’s northeast Phoenix campus near Mayo Boulevard and 56th Street. | Mayo Clinic

Educating and empowering Seminars, live classes and online education programs open to Mayo patients and the public will be held at regular intervals, Mesa said, covering topics related to living with cancer, strategies for overcoming cancer and disease-specific subjects such as chemotherapy, vascular lines, nutrition, radiology and surgery.

“We are also committed to educating and supporting caregivers,” Mesa said. “It’s helpful for people to know they’re not the only ones facing caregiving challenges.

There will be space for caregivers to meet and share experiences and therapies that have worked for them.”

Disease-specific navigators will help patients and families manage the multiple appointments, services and therapies involved in their cancer journey. Wellness will be promoted in a healthy cuisine cafeteria that will also serve as a base for nutrition education and cooking demonstrations for patients, the public and staff members.

Clinical trials Mesa said experts from all of Mayo’s locations collaborate on clinical trials and research with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in Phoenix, plus two national cooperative groups: the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and The Alliance, funded by the National Cancer Institute.

“We’re involved in comprehensive investigation of different approaches to therapies, originating from science at the Mayo Clinic,” Mesa said.

According to the National Association for Proton Therapy, both proton beams and standard X-rays ionize atoms, the smallest parts of living cells. This process damages all cells, but it kills cancer cells which have less ability to repair themselves than healthy tissue.

“Except for the energy level and direction of the beam, we have no control over X-rays,” said Sameer Keole, M.D., Mayo Clinic’s proton beam medical director. “Radiation goes through the entire body, entering one side and exiting the other. Proton beams are fundamentally different.”

Unlike X-rays, proton beams precisely deliver higher therapeutic doses of radiation to tumors without damaging surrounding healthy tissues and organs.

“We can actually stop the proton beam when it reaches its target,” Keole said.

Mayo’s proton beam program will use the latest generation of intensity-modulated therapy with pencil beam scanning that “paints” small groups of protons back and forth through a tumor. The protons fill the depth and contour of the tumor, thus allowing greater control of radiation doses, shorter treatment times and fewer side effects.

“This is important in certain areas of the body, like the brain. You don’t want radiation damaging healthy brain tissue,” Keole explained. “There’s also a demand for proton beam treatment of left-sided breast cancer, because there’s no safe dose for radiation through the heart.”

Proton beam technology is ideal for children, he said, because their organs and other body parts are still forming and growing. While adult tissue can heal itself after being X-rayed, radiologically damaged pediatric tissue may never completely grow and form as it should.

“This technology is not for every cancer patient,” Keole said, “but the need is great.”

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What is proton beam therapy?

BARNET DULANEY PERKINS EYE CENTER Locations throughout Arizona 800-966-7000 www.GoodEyes.com

GENERAL SURGERY Craig Szafranski, MD A graduate of the University of Toledo College of Medicine in Ohio, Dr. Craig Szafranski completed his internship and residency at Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency. Dr. Szafranski is Board Certified and specializes in minimally invasive surgery, advanced laparoscopy as well as surgery for gallbladder disease, hernias, thyroid disease, breast disease, colon disease and anti-reflux surgery.

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“We work in close collaboration with Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions and College of Nursing and Health Innovation for research and practiceoriented programs to enhance recovery,” Mesa said.

As a nationally recognized ophthalmologist with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Dr. Perkins has performed over 50,000 cataract surgeries and over 10,000 vision correction procedures. As an innovator in the field of ophthalmology, he has participated in over 25 clinical trials for both pharmaceutical and ophthalmic devices.

Banner Health Clinic 1828 E. Florence Blvd. Bldg A, Ste 110, Casa Grande 520-876-4006 www.BannerHealth.com/ClinicCasaGrandeSurgery

GYNECOLOGY, OBSTETRICS Eericca Bickley, DO A graduate of Touro University in Nevada, Dr. Eericca Bickley completed her internship and residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Dr. Bickley specializes in low and high-risk pregnancy, minimally invasive surgery, contraceptive options and in-office procedures.

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continued from the cover

Scott A. Perkins, MD

Banner Health Clinic 6242 E. Arbor Avenue, Suite 123, Mesa www.BannerHealth.com/ClinicMesaOBGyn 480-543-6754

MOHS DERMATOLOGY Joseph Tournas, MD Dr. Joshua Tournas completed his residency at University of California in Irvine and a Mohs surgery fellowship at St. Louis University. Board Certified, he specializes in all types of skin cancer, dermatologic, laser and cosmetic surgeries, vascular lesions, age spots, laxity, injectable neuromodulators for wrinkle reduction and soft tissue fillers.

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Mayo Clinic

CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY

Banner Health Center 14420 W. Meeker Blvd., Suite 104, Sun City West 623 583-5300 www.BannerHealth.com/HealthCenterNWMohsDerm AR-0008439038-01

THE COLOGUARD ÂŽ GUIDE TO

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