LivingWellAZ August 2013 by LOCALiQ

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THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING

HEALTHCARE NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

VVol. 3, No. 8

August 2013

IN THIS ISSUE: COVER/06: MEN’S WELLNESS 02: UA CANCER CENTER CLINICAL TRIALS 03: BACK-TO-SCHOOL VACCINATIONS 04: MISSION OF MERCY; CANCER STUDY PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT 04/05: SUPPORT GROUPS 05: TOP EVENTS 05: INFO ONLINE 06: BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS 07: SHAKING THE SALT HABIT

THINKSTOCK

RICK D’ELIA

HEALTHCARE News

MindCrowd Ten-minute test aimed at helping scientists understand Alzheimer’s

Men are vulnerable to skin, colon and prostate cancers, said Christopher Kellogg, M.D., an oncologist with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers. He added that health screenings are one of the best ways to catch evidence of disease at an early stage. Dr. Kellogg’s medical assistant, Michelle Clark, checks vital signs on patient Gene Flint, who has a history of colon cancer.

Men’s wellness: the who, what, when,

where, why and how

BY MARY VANDEVEIRE

indCrowd is a scientific study aimed at ultimately finding a cure for the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States: Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is for one million users to take the MindCrowd test, which is a 10-minute online exercise. MindCrowd research will be used to learn how the brain functions and how genetics might influence memory, said Matthew Huentelman, Ph.D., MindCrowd founder and principal scientist. Huentelman is also an investigator in the Neurobehavioral Research Unit of the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen.

Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 [leading causes of death] in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or even slow its progression. — Source: Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org

One million participants

A key point of the study’s one million participation goal is to have a large enough group in each age bracket to yield a significant sample of testers who performed in the extreme, such as at the top end, Huentelman said. From there, it’s possible to study the DNA, or genetic makeup, of these outliers and learn how to promote memory and brain health. “While the test is fun, this is not just for fun,” Huentelman said. “This is really a research program aimed at helping us better understand the brain and parlay that into treating brain disorders and diseases.” By mid-July of this year, about 12,000 people had joined the study and taken the test. What’s especially encouraging to researchers is that 75 percent of those who enter the test take it all the way through.

Learning the basics, journalism-style

n February, we discussed women’s health. This month, we asked Valley physicians to answer a half-dozen questions for our male readers that zero in on the essence of staying well.

you trust WHO should when it comes to your health: your “gut” or your doctor? Patients should

trust their knowledge of their own bodies along with the guidance and recommendations of physicians, said Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, M.D., a Mayo Clinic-trained family medicine physician and assistant professor at The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. “I tell my patients that we are a team. They are the experts in what is normal for them and they best know their own quality-of-life values, while the primary care physician is the expert in wholeperson care and medical guidelines.” For these reasons, she said, it is very important for patients to establish a relationship with a primary care provider with whom they are comfortable discussing concerns and getting advice.

should men keep in mind about impending fatherhood? Several

WHAT

steps can lead to quicker conception, said John Keats, M.D., senior medical director for CIGNA Arizona and a practicing OB-GYN for more than 30 years. Men who are planning to begin a family with their partner should avoid excessive exercise, he advises, so that the naturally cooler temperature of the testicles is maintained. “The cooler temperature is optimal for sperm production,” Keats said, adding that men who are trying to conceive

By The Numbers

should avoid wearing tight shorts or tight underwear, should avoid sitting in warm or hot water, and should not have intercourse every day.

should you be most concerned about cancer? Men are vulnerable

WHEN

to skin, colon and prostate cancers, said Christopher Kellogg, M.D., an oncologist with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers. Health screenings are one of the best ways to catch evidence of disease early, he said. An annual head-to-toe check by a primary care physician or dermatologist for suspicious skin lesions beginning around age 40 is recommended, he said. A colonoscopy is recommended at least every 10 years beginning at age 50, because colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer in men (behind lung and prostate cancer), he said. An annual blood test for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels — which can indicate prostate cancer — has recently become somewhat controversial, but is often indicated for men with a family history of prostate cancer, he said, beginning between ages 40 and 45. Heavy smokers should consider having a low-dose CT scan of the chest, he advised, to rule out any lesions in the lungs.

can you find reliable, up-todate information on men’s health? Hartmark-Hill recommends

WHERE

several sites, including: • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has a website devoted to men’s health, ahrq.gov/healthymen. This website contains information on how to

Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, M.D., a Mayo Clinic-trained family medicine physician and assistant professor at The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, said that it is very important for patients to establish a relationship with a primary care provider with whom they are comfortable discussing concerns and getting advice.

best prepare for medical appointments as well as questions to ask your doctor. • The American Academy of Family Physicians website, familydoctor.org, provides comprehensive information on almost any medical condition including treatments, medications and prevention. • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains a site dedicated to men’s health, cdc.gov/men. It includes medical guidelines, safety recommendations, healthy lifestyle information and more. Continued on page 6 MEN’S WELLNESS

BRAIN INJURIES CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE

1.4 million

Every year, approximately people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), many of which are preventable. In one year in Arizona*:

Taking the test

Over

Nearly

THINKSTOCK

Anyone 18 or older can participate; a study agreement explains participation and asks for consent. Once finished with the test, participants can see how they performed. Results are broken down by age, gender and other characteristics, providing a comparison of mental agility among different groups. The MindCrowd test is accessed at MindCrowd.org.

BY DEBRA GELBART

47,000 people were treated for a TBI in ERs

7,000 were hospitalized for a TBI Over 1,300 died as a result of a TBI

To learn more about TBI prevention, treatment and support resources, visit the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, biaaz.org. Source: Brain Injury Alliance, biaaz.org; Arizona Department of Health Services, azdhs.gov —PAULA HUBBS COHEN

2 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013

UACC St. Joseph’s and Barrow Neurological Institute Currently closed to new participants, a colon cancer study through The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC)-St. Joseph’s is tracking 1,800 patients (1,000 of whom are from the Phoenix area) who have had pre-cancerous adenomas (a specific kind of polyp) removed from the colon. Peter Lance, M.D., the medical director of UACC-St. Joseph’s, explained that more than half of all polyps removed during colonoscopies are these pre-cancerous growths and that the study is looking at whether a “super-aspirin” and selenium supplementation can help prevent growth of future adenomas in these patients. He said all patients should finish participation in the study by the end of this year. Apart from the Cancer Center, St. Joseph’s and Barrow Neurological Institute have more than 400 clinical trials in progress for prevention or treatment of brain tumors, migraines, spine conditions, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), multiple sclerosis and other conditions. More info about these trials is available by visiting stjosephs-phx.org/research.

Clinical trials in Arizona

University of Arizona-related studies investigate drugs for various cancers and other conditions BY DEBRA GELBART

bout a dozen research and medical organizations in the Valley — including The University of Arizona (UA) Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center — are conducting hundreds of clinical trials investigating various drugs as potential treatments for all kinds of conditions.

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CANCER CENTER

Barrow Neurological Institute

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER

VITAL Signs

UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s in Phoenix

At the UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s (UACC-St. Joseph’s), principal investigators are currently seeking participants for: • A prostate cancer study examining whether metformin, a medication that is often used for managing diabetes, can reverse changes that cancer causes in the prostate and the blood. Call 602-264-4461 for eligibility criteria. • A Barrett’s esophagus study examining the potential of a natural bile acid called URSO to prevent esophageal cancer. Call 520-318-7178 for eligibility criteria.

UA Cancer Center in Tucson

The University of Arizona Cancer Center has been designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the NCI’s highest designation. Research nurse manager Jody Mallie, R.N., of the Cancer Center, said that they are conducting dozens of clinical trials related to treating or preventing melanoma (at least 13 studies will be in progress by the end of the year), lymphoma, pancreatic and colon cancers, prostate, renal and bladder cancers, breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, leukemia and myeloma.

Artist rendering of The University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix

Visit The University of Arizona Cancer Center’s website at azcc.arizona.edu or call 866-278-1554 for open trials and eligibility criteria.

Seeking Phoenix participants

An additional UA clinical trial originating in Tucson and seeking participants from the Phoenix area is the DIME study, which will look at the protective effects against breast cancer of a compound in cruciferous vegetables (called diindolylmethane, hence, the acronym DIME) in women currently taking the medication tamoxifen. The study’s principal investigator, registered dietitian Cynthia Thomson, Ph.D., R.D., is seeking 70 more participants for the study. If you are at least 18 and have been taking the drug tamoxifen for at least

six weeks because of a previous breast cancer diagnosis or a high risk of breast cancer, you may be eligible to participate. Contact Dianne Parish, R.N., (central Phoenix clinic) at 602-264-4461 or Patti Blair, R.N., (Mesa clinic) at 480-461-3772 for more information.

Resources DIME study: crcphp.arizona.edu/research National Institutes of Health list of clinical trials: clinicaltrials.gov The University of Arizona Cancer Center: azcc.arizona.edu

Look for Livingwell a-z on the first Wednesday of each month!

Each month, we bring you local health information you can use to keep you and your family living well. From A to Z, we tackle a broad range of health issues and offer you a wealth of resources where you can find more specific information. This publication is produced by Republic Media Custom Publishing. For questions concerning any content included in this publication please contact: Editor Paula Hubbs Cohen, Paula.Cohen@cox.net or call 602-444-8658. A division of The Arizona Republic. 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

General Manager: CAMI KAISER, ckaiser@republicmedia.com

Contributing Editor: JIM WILLIAMS, jlwilliams@republicmedia.com

Design: LISA QUIRIN, lisa_q@me.com

Manager Creative Development: ISAAC MOYA, imoya@republicmedia.com

Managing Art Director: TRACEY PHALEN, tphalen@republicmedia.com

Advertising: RHONDA PRINGLE, 602-444-4929, rpringle@republicmedia.com. For general advertising inquiries, contact Republic Media at 602-444-8000.

Editor: PAULA HUBBS COHEN, Paula.Cohen@cox.net

EXPERTS CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY Scott A. Perkins, MD

As a nationally recognized ophthalmologist with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, Dr. Perkins has performed more than 50,000 cataract surgeries and more than 10,000 vision correction procedures such as LASIK and Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs). As an innovator in the field of ophthalmology, he has participated in over 25 clinical trials for both pharmaceutical and ophthalmic devices. In addition, Dr. Perkins serves on the Board of Directors for Arizona Visionaries, a donor driven non-profit organization providing cataract surgery and eyeglass fittings in third world countries. He is not only trusted for his surgical talents and modest nature, but is also well known for his compassion and ability to connect with and comfort patients. Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology Member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Locations throughout Arizona (800) 966-7000 / www.GoodEyes.com

PAIN RELIEF Dr. Theodore Manos Dr. Manos is a Board Certified Specialist in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. He specializes in procedures such as epidural steroid treatments and facet joint block procedures that can relieve lower back pain and help improve patient’s daily comfort level. Whether it’s arthritis, a herniated disc, sciatica or spinal stenosis of the lower back, his treatments can help patients regain mobility and functionality. These treatments can help eliminate or reduce the use of oral pain medications that patients may be taking on a regular basis. Anyone experiencing chronic lower back pain may be a candidate. In most cases, pain therapy can last for long periods of time. During the first appointment Dr. Manos will evaluate the patients’ unique condition and develop a treatment plan specific to their needs.

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Cigna Medical Group | Outpatient Surgery Center 3003 N. 3rd Street, 2nd Floor Phoenix, AZ 85012 602.282.9600

GYNECOLOGY/ OBSTETRICS Paul Mikel, MD Dr. Mikel cares for women at every stage of life and has a special interest in preventive medicine, hormonal balancing and optimizing nutrition. He graduated from the School of Medicine at the University of California at Irvine before completing both his internship and residency at the Phoenix Integrated Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Arizona.

Banner Health Center Specializing in Gynecology & Obstetrics 17900 North Porter Road • Maricopa 520.233.2500 • www.BannerHealth.com/HealthCenterMaricopa AR-0008051707-01

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Republic Media Intern: NICK KOSTENKO

WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 3

Back-to-school vaccinations It’s that time of year!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Robert Matura Vice President

BY ALISON STANTON

of Medicare Operations Cigna HealthCare of Arizona

ack-to-school time can also mean back-to-the-doctor time for many children, as parents schedule appointments to be sure their kids have all of the vaccinations that are required to attend public school in Arizona.

Medicare’s Five Star Quality Ratings

Arizona requirements

Risks of non-vaccination

The risks of not being vaccinated, Lewis said, include the child being susceptible to the various diseases the vaccines are meant to prevent, which in turn can lead to serious illness, permanent damage or even death. “In addition, an unvaccinated individual puts the rest of us at risk if he or she were to spread the vaccine-preventable disease,” she said. Lewis stated that the risks from vaccines are much smaller than the risks from the diseases that vaccines are meant to prevent.

Resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/vaccines Immunization Action Coalition: immunize.org

THINKSTOCK

Karen Lewis, M.D., medical director of the Arizona Immunization Program Office (part of the Arizona Department of Health Services), said that children in kindergarten through the fifth grade are required to have the following vaccines: • Diphtheria • Tetanus • Pertussis (whooping cough) • Polio • Measles • Mumps • Rubella (German measles) • Hepatitis B • Varicella (chicken pox) In addition, Lewis said that adolescents in sixth through eleventh grades who are at least 11 years old are also required to have two additional vaccines: a booster dose against pertussis (whooping cough) and a meningococcal vaccine that protects against a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis that can cause meningitis, gangrene and rapid death. Children can be exempted from these vaccines due to medical reasons or if their parents sign a form stating that vaccines are against their personal beliefs, Lewis noted.

FREE VACCINATION CLINICS

ree vaccination clinics are offered by many school districts, including the Kyrene School District which covers 130 square miles in portions of Chandler, Guadalupe, Tempe, Phoenix/Ahwatukee and the Gila River Indian Community. The district’s lead nurse, Vicky Burke, R.N., MSN, said that the district, with help from the Chandler Regional Medical Center, typically schedules two free vaccination clinics each month. “We are basically offering a place to have the clinics, which are open to the public,” she said. Visit your school district’s website or call your district’s public relations department for information on whether and/or where they provide free vaccination clinics. Additional information about immunization, as well as additional free clinic information, can be found on the following websites: • Arizona Department of Health Services: azdhs.gov/phs/immunization • Arizona Partnership for Immunization: whyimmunize.org • Maricopa County Childhood Immunization Partnership: mcchip.org • Pima County Department of Health: pima.gov/health

he Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates the relative quality of the private plans that are offered to Medicare beneficiaries through the Medicare Advantage program. CMS rates Medicare Advantage plans on a one to five-star scale, the highest quality being five stars. This star rating provides an overall measure of the plan’s quality and is an indication of the quality of care, access to care, responsiveness, and beneficiary satisfaction provided by the Medicare Advantage plan. This means that the higher the star rating a plan receives, the more likely you are to receive the care you need, when and where you need it - and most of all, you are more likely to be satisfied with your plan. For each years’ star rating, CMS rates Medicare Advantage health plans based on how well they perform in five categories for care and outcomes received when customers receive medical benefits and four categories for care and outcomes received when customers receive pharmacy benefits – resulting in a total of 53 quality measures and 2 improvement measures. The information that is evaluated for the star rating comes from a comprehensive list of sources: • Customer surveys done by Medicare (you) • Information from clinicians (your doctors) • Information submitted by the Medicare Advantage plans • Results from Medicare’s regular monitoring activities and • Reviews of billing and other information that plans submit to Medicare The overall score for quality of health services covers five categories: • Staying healthy (health screenings, tests, and vaccines) • Managing chronic (long-term) conditions • Ratings of health plan responsiveness and care • Health plan customer complaints and appeals

• Health plan telephone customer service Plans that cover a prescription drug benefit are also rated on the following four categories: • Drug plan customer service • Drug plan customer complaints and Medicare audit findings • Customer experience with drug plan • Drug pricing and patient safety Improving health care quality is a major focus for CMS. Health plans and providers working together is key to a high star rating for Medicare Advantage plans. Cigna Medicare Advantage HMO plans are designed to keep our customers healthier at lower out-of-pocket costs. We work with our large network of primary care doctors to give them the tools necessary to give our customers the highest quality of care. For 2013, Cigna received 4.5 stars which is the highest CMS rating in Arizona for Medicare Advantage Plans*. Education is an important part of choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan. Start asking questions and find out how your current Medicare Advantage plan rates. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-4862048) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) today to learn more. Locally, our Cigna Medicare experts can be reached at 1-800-532-6460 (TTY 711) to help answer your questions and discuss plan options available to you. Representatives are available 7 days a week, 8 am – 8 pm. * Cigna HealthCare of Arizona (CHCAZ) offers the highest rated Medicare Advantage plan in Arizona, with a 4.5 out of 5 stars for 2013 by www.medicare.gov. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are evaluated each year and may change from one year to the next. Cigna Medicare Select Plus Rx (HMO) plans are offered by CHC-AZ under a contract with Medicare. H0354_1002013 CMS Accepted

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4 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013

August Take advantage of dozens of opportunities for you 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

TTHINKSTOCK TH H NKSTOCK HI

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates & times By Banner Gateway 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert 480-543-2606

“We provide primary healthcare services and prescription medication, all at no charge. There’s no qualification of any kind.” — Catherine Amiot, executive director, Mission of Mercy’s Western Region’s Arizona program

Mission of Mercy Free healthcare services for the Valley’s uninsured BY ELISE RILEY

s the executive director of Mission of Mercy’s Western Region’s Arizona program, Catherine Amiot seeks to restore dignity to the thousands of Valley residents who live without health insurance. “There are too many barriers for people in need,” Amiot said. “We’re about care without barriers. We help people get back to their lives, their families and their community. There’s no red tape or federal dollars involved.”

About Mission of Mercy

Amiot said that Mission of Mercy Arizona, which began providing healthcare services in Maricopa County in 1997, is a “primary healthcare medical home for the uninsured”. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization that is fully funded by private donations and grants. “Our patients are people who have lost their healthcare and don’t qualify for other assistance,” she added. “These are folks who are caught in that gap and we can be their medical home.” Patients receive care — free of cost — at any of six clinics across the Valley.

How it works

Patients can schedule appointments at their local clinic, and some clinics take walk-ins. The site — usually a church hall, auditorium or gymnasium — gets transformed into a unit that includes three exam rooms and a pharmacy. The clinic includes volunteer doctors, nurses, bilingual interpreters, pharmacy technicians and registration workers. On a typical day at one of the Phoenix clinics, 125 patients receive care. If a patient requires special services — for example, X-rays or blood tests — Mission of Mercy partners with Sonora Quest Laboratories and some Valley hospitals to process those services for free.

Clinic information

Mission of Mercy operates at six host clinic sites on a rotating schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clinics are located in Avondale, Maryvale, Mesa, Central Phoenix, South Phoenix and Central South Phoenix. Appointments are highly recommended. Visit the website amissionofmercy.org for detailed schedules, or call 602-486-7798 (for all clinics except Avondale) Tuesdays 1 p.m.–6 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m. For the Avondale clinic, call 623-932-2723 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

How to help

Amiot said Mission of Mercy is always looking for volunteers, both medical and non-medical. Physicians and nurses are always in demand, particularly those who work in specialized fields. “The volunteer doctors run the gamut,” Amiot said. “The physicians that we can use the most are those who are most adaptable to our patient population — primary care physicians, family care practice and emergency department physicians.” Specialists, such as cardiologists, can volunteer their time and take referrals at their offices free of charge. Non-medical volunteers can help with patient intake, administrative functions and community outreach. For more information, visit amissionofmercy.org.

PROSTATE CANCER US TOO Aug. 12, 7–9 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-242-3131

HEART/STROKE STROKE SURVIVOR Aug. 8, 2:30–4 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 877-728-5414

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates & times By St. Luke’s 555 N. 18 St., Phoenix Register: 602-251-8828

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE Aug. 15, 6–7 p.m. Mercy Gilbert 3420 S. Mercy Rd., Gilbert 877-728-5414

KNEE & HIP REPLACEMENT SEMINARS Various dates & times Arrowhead Hospital 18701 N. 67 Ave., Glendale Register: azhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355

STROKE SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 20, 3–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-9355

MEDICATION CHECKS Various dates, times & locations By St. Luke’s Register: 877-351-9355

STROKE CAREGIVER Aug. 29, 2:30–3:30 p.m. Mercy Gilbert 3420 S. Mercy Rd., Gilbert 877-728-5414

WALKING GROUP Various dates, times & locations By Humana Guidance Center Register: 480-325-4707

DIABETES

WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS Various dates & times By Banner Gateway 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert 480-543-2606 WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS Various dates, times & locations By Scottsdale Healthcare Register: bariatricsurgeryaz.com; 480-882-4636 WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS Various dates, times & locations By St. Luke’s Register: 800-248-5553 NIBBLES OF NUTRITION Aug. 8 & 22, 12:30–2 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Civic Center Library 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT Aug. 15, 6–7:30 p.m. Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak 7400E.ThompsonPeakPkwy.,Scottsdale Register: azhipreplacement.com; 480-882-4636 DENTAL VENEERS & COSMETIC DENTISTRY Aug. 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m. By Midwestern University at Foothills Library 19055 N. 57 Ave., Glendale 623-930-3868

TAKING CONTROL Various dates, 6–7 p.m. Phoenix Baptist Hospital 2040 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix Register: pastoralcareaz.org; 602-841-5505 SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 8, 1–2 p.m. St. Luke’s 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Register: 877-351-9355 SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 12, 3–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-9355 DIABETES PUMPERS GROUP Aug. 20, 7–8 p.m. By Mercy Gilbert at Rome Towers 1760 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert 877-728-3535

ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA MEN WHO CARE Aug. 7, 7:30–9:30 a.m. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute 901 E. Willetta St., Phoenix 602-839-6850 GPS LECTURE Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m.–noon By Banner Health at Ahwatukee Rec Center 5001 E. Cheyenne Dr., Phoenix Register: 602-230-2273

MINIMALLY INVASIVE KNEE & HIP SURGERY Aug. 21, noon–1 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-9355 BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL & HOLISTIC MEDICINE Aug. 21, 7–8 p.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Barnes & Noble 10500 N. 90 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 FITNESS TESTING Aug. 24, 8–10 a.m. By Scottsdale Healthcare at Peak Athletic Club 12545 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

ALZHEIMER’S & MEMORY SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 13, 20 & 27, 10 a.m.–noon By Benevilla at Faith Presbyterian 16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City 623-584-4999 SUPPORT GROUP Lunch provided Aug. 18, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Huger Mercy 2345 W. Orangewood Ave., Phoenix 602-406-5600 CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 19, 1:30–3 p.m. By Tempe St. Luke’s at Pyle Adult Rec Center 655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe Register: 877-351-9355 CAREGIVER SUPPORT (DUET) Aug. 20, 12:30–2 p.m. Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-274-5022

Participants sought for cancer prevention study What: Scottsdale Healthcare is partnering with the American Cancer Society to enroll local participants for a national cancer prevention study (CPS-3). Researchers seek to better understand the behavioral, environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Who: Participants should be between 30 and 65 years old, never diagnosed with cancer (excluding basal or squamous cell skin cancer) and willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up questionnaires. To enroll:

Make an appointment either online (cps3shc.org) or call 888-604-5888. You will then need to attend an enrollment session (listed below) to give a blood sample and to have waist circumference and other measurements taken.

Enrollment sessions:

• Aug. 20: Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak, 7400 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, 7–11 a.m.

HOLD YOUR PLACE • Aug. 21: Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare, 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale, 7–11 a.m. • Aug. 22: Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, 7300 E. Fourth St., Scottsdale, 5–9 p.m. • Aug. 23: Scottsdale Healthcare Shea, 9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, 7–11 a.m.

Cost:

Free AR-0008011018-01

SENIORS HEALTHY COOKING DEMONSTRATION Aug. 7, 10 a.m.–noon Humana Guidance Center 5943 E. McKellips Rd., Mesa 480-325-4707 ARTHRITIS & JOINT REPLACEMENT Aug. 19, noon–1 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-9355 ART OF COOKING Aug. 30, noon–1 p.m. St. Luke’s 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Register: 877-351-9355

CANCER SUPPORT CAVE CREEK SUPPORT Aug. 10, 10 a.m.–noon By Scottsdale Healthcare at Good Shepherd Episcopal 6502 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek Register: 480-488-3283 LUNG CANCER Aug. 10, 1–3 p.m. By St. Joseph’s at The Wellness Community 360 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix 602-712-1006 DRUMMING CIRCLE Aug. 12, 6–7:30 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 HYDRATE FOR HEALTH Aug. 14, 6–7:30 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 NUTRITION & EXERCISE Aug. 14, 6–7:30 p.m. Banner Gateway 1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert Register: 602-230-2273 ESOPHAGEAL Dinner provided Aug. 15, 6–7:30 p.m. Banner Good Samaritan 1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix 602-839-4970 ORAL, HEAD & NECK Aug. 15, 6:30–8 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale 602-439-1192 LIVING WITH LYMPHEDEMA Aug. 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale Register: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636 LIVING & COPING WITH CANCER Aug. 28, 2–3 p.m. Banner MD Anderson 2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert 480-256-4140

BREAST CANCER BOSOM BUDDIES SUPPORT GROUPS Various dates, times & locations Ahwatukee/Chandler: 480-893-8900 Banner Baywood East Valley: 480-969-4119 Banner Boswell Northwest Valley: 623-236-6616 Scottsdale: 623-236-6616 West Valley: 623-979-4279 Info: bosombuddies-az.org YOGA FOR RECOVERY Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 6–7:30 p.m. John C. Lincoln 19841 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006 LEARN & SUPPORT Aug. 8 & 22, 6–8 p.m. John C. Lincoln 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006

WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 5

TOP Events

BOSOM BUDDIES—NEW GROUP Aug. 20, 6–8 p.m. Banner Boswell 13180 N. 103 Dr., Sun City Register: 602-230-2273 COOKING FOR WELLNESS Aug. 20, 6–8 p.m. John C. Lincoln 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix Register: bhrc@jcl.com; 602-780-4673 FOR MEN ONLY Aug. 22, 6–8 p.m. John C. Lincoln 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-780-4673

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 13, 1–2 p.m. HealthSouth Valley of the Sun 13460 N. 67 Ave., Glendale 623-878-8800 SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 20, 3–5 p.m. By Benevilla at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist 13658 Meeker Blvd., Sun City West 623-584-4999

WHAT: Learn to monitor asthma at home, receive personalized asthma protection plans as well as help with applications for free medication-assistance programs. DATE/TIME: Aug. 13 & 27; 9 a.m.–noon & 1–6 p.m. WHERE: Cardon Children’s, 1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa DATE/TIME: Aug. 20; 10 a.m.–noon & 1–5 p.m. WHERE: Banner Thunderbird, 5555 W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale COST: Free OFFERED BY: Banner Children’s HealthMobile INFO/REGISTER: 480-412-6344; bannerhealth.com

Aug. 15 DrugFreeAZ.org Webinar WHAT: Learn about drug trends and how to talk to children about alcohol and drugs. WHERE: Online TIME: noon–2:30 p.m. COST: Free PRESENTED BY: DrugFreeAZ.org REGISTER: DrugFreeAZ.org

BREASTFEEDING BREASTFEEDING Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 11 a.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 877-728-5414

THINKSTOCK

Aug. 13, 20 & 27 Asthma Checks & Info

YOUNG SURVIVOR GROUP Aug. 13, 6–8 p.m. By John C. Lincoln 19646 N. 27 Ave., Phoenix 602-712-1006

WHAT: Enjoy ice cream and get wowed by a ‘mad scientist’. Bring your own topping. WHERE: Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix TIME: noon–2:30 p.m. COST: Free SPONSORED BY: Duet INFO/REGISTER: 602-274-5022, ext. 44; duetaz.org

WHAT: The support needs for those with advanced (metastatic) or recurrent breast cancer are often markedly different from those who are newly diagnosed. Meetings are led by a facilitator who is a survivor.

MEN’S DISABILITY ISSUES Aug. 15, 5:30–7 p.m. Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix donp@abil.org; 602-980-3232

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE Aug. 19, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-402-1774

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Wed.; 2–3:30 p.m. By Banner Hospice at Banner Heart Hospital 6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa Info: 480-657-1167; bannerhospice.com

Aug. 10 Grandfamilies Ice Cream Social

Aug. 22 Circle of Help Advanced Breast Cancer Support

CAREGIVER SUPPORT Sept. 4, 10:30 a.m. By John C. Lincoln at Cowden Center 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-870-6374

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 8 & 22, 10 a.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-406-3275 PAIN SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 8 & 22, 6–8 p.m. HealthSouth Valley of the Sun 13460 N. 67 Ave., Glendale 623-334-5437 AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 13, 6–7 p.m. HealthSouth Valley of the Sun 13460 N. 67 Ave., Glendale 623-334-5358

WHERE: John C. Lincoln, 10646 N. 27 Ave., Suite 205, Phoenix TIME: 6–8 p.m. COST: Free PRESENTED BY: Bosom Buddies INFO/REGISTER: 623-236-6616; bosombuddies-az.org; advancedbreastcancer@gmail.com

GRUPO DE APOYO EMOCIONAL (In Spanish) Aug. 20, 6–7:30 p.m. By St. Joseph’s & the Latino Cancer Outreach Task Force 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-567-7640 GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT Aug. 28, 10 a.m.–noon By Benevilla at Birt’s Bistro 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise Register: 623-584-4999 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (WOMEN) Aug. 31, 10 a.m. St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 480-829-6563

POISON CONTROL Banner Good Samaritan Poison and Drug Information Center hotline: 800-222-1222

INFO Online

BREASTFEEDING Aug. 12, 19 & 26, 10–11:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas, Phoenix 602-406-4954

PARENTING CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION (2–WEEK CLASS) English and Spanish Various dates, 6:30–9:30 p.m. Maryvale Hospital 5102 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix Register: azhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN By Duet Various dates, times & locations 602-274-5022 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN By Benevilla Various dates, times & locations 623-207-6016 SUPPORT THROUGH OTHER PARENTS (STOP) Various dates & locations, 7–9 p.m. 623-846-5464 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28, 1–2:30 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 877-728-5414 GUARDIANSHIP CLINIC (DUET) Aug. 9, 3–5 p.m. Church of the Beatitudes 555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix Register: 602-274-5022, ext. 44

MOTHER-TO-MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 23, 10–11:30 a.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas, Phoenix 877-602-4111

BETTER BREATHERS Aug. 22, 1:30 p.m. John C. Lincoln 250 E. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix 602-870-6060

CAREGIVERS

BIRTH PARENT SUPPORT Aug. 27, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 888-818-4445

BRAIN

SUPPORT GROUPS (DUET) Various dates, times & locations 602-274-5022

INFANT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Aug. 28, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tempe St. Luke’s 1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe Register: 480-784-5588

GASTROINTESTINAL CELIAC DISEASE Aug. 7 & Sept. 4, 7–8:30 p.m. Paradise Valley Retirement Center 11645 N. 25 Pl., Phoenix 623-587-8885 OSTOMY Aug. 18, 2–4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church 161 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa 480-812-0324

RESPIRATORY LUNG TRANSPLANT SUPPORT Aug. 13, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 623-406-7009 BETTER BREATHERS Aug. 21, 2–3 p.m. Chandler Regional 1875 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 877-728-5414

PROGRESSIVE SUPERNUCLEAR PALSY (PSP) SUPPORT Aug. 10, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Pyle Adult Rec Center 655 E. Southern Ave., Tempe 480-966-3391; aludwig@asu.edu BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT Aug. 14, 6–7:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-996-1396 SYRINGO & CHIARI Aug. 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. St. Joseph’s Outpatient Rehab 114 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-504-0883 BRAIN ANEURYSM SUPPORT Aug. 21, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s Barrow 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix kimberly@joeniekrofoundation.org; 760-333-7658 BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT Aug. 22, 6–7:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 602-508-8024 BRAIN TUMOR Aug. 27, 6–8 p.m. St. Joseph’s 350 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix 623-205-6446

ABRAZO HEALTH CARE (AZ Heart Institute and AZ Heart, Arrowhead, Maryvale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix Baptist and West Valley hospitals): abrazohealth.com

ONLINE NETWORKING (DUET) Various dates & times Register: DuetAZ.org (Events tab) 602-274-5022

BANNER HEALTH: bannerhealth.com

SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 9, 2:30–4 p.m. Mountain Vista Medical Center 1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa Register: 877-924-9355 SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 12 St. Joseph’s Outpatient Rehab 114 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix Call for time: 602-406-6688 SUPPORT GROUP Aug. 16, 9–11 a.m. By Benevilla at Birt’s Bistro 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise Register: 623-584-4999 CAREGIVER SUPPORT Aug. 28, 2:30–3:30 p.m. St. Luke’s 1800 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix Register: 877-351-9355

LASER SPINE INSTITUTE: laserspineinstitute.com MAYO CLINIC: mayoclinic.com MERCY GILBERT MEDICAL CENTER: mercygilbert.org MOUNTAIN VISTA MEDICAL CENTER: mvmedicalcenter.com

BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE:thebarrow.org

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: phoenixchildrens.com

BOSTON MEDICAL GROUP: phoenix.bostonmedicalgroup.com

SCOTTSDALE HEALTHCARE: shc.org

CARDON CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER: bannerhealth.com

ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER: stjosephs-phx.org

CIGNA: cigna.com

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

JOHN C. LINCOLN HOSPITAL: jcl.com

BARNET DULANEY PERKINS EYE CENTER: goodeyes.com

CHANDLER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER: chandlerregional.org

ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER, PHOENIX: stlukesmedcenter.com TEMPE ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL: tempestlukeshospital.com

Learn About Medicare Advantage HMO Plans from Cigna. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 855.298.4382 (TTY 711).

BARIATRIC PROGRAM Hear about medical & surgical treatments for obesity.

Banner Health Center Located in East Mesa: Community Open House

WEEKLY

THURS., AUG 8:

WHERE: Cigna Medical Group locations throughout the valley COST: Free seminar, receive a free no obligation gift

TUES., AUG 20:

Saturday, Aug. 24, 8-11 a.m. Banner Health Center East Mesa 1917 Crismon Rd., Mesa, 85208 Free to attend.

(480) 342-2869 MayoClinic.org/Arizona

For more information or to book an appointment, please call: (480) 610-7100

morning and afternoon seminars are available

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BREASTFEEDING Aug. 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 a.m. Mercy Gilbert 3555 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert 877-728-5414

6-6:45PM

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6 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013

Blood pressure monitors

Continued from cover MEN’S WELLNESS

An important tool in your at-home healthcare toolkit BY GREMLYN BRADLEY-WADDELL

any physicians advise patients who frequently need their blood pressure checked to buy a monitoring system for at-home use — not only are the devices fairly accurate but tracking their blood pressure numbers also helps patients better control their condition. “I love it when my patients check their blood pressure at home because then they are participating in their healthcare,” said Jeffrey McManus, M.D., Humana’s regional medical director for senior products.

Who needs one?

There are many types of patients who would benefit from having (and using) a home blood pressure monitor, chief among them folks with high blood pressure or on the borderline of high blood pressure. Others who might benefit include those with diabetes and/or those who experience ‘white coat hypertension’, a phenomenon in which going into the doctor’s office can make someone so nervous that it results in an inaccurate high blood pressure reading. However, McManus said that anyone considering buying a unit should first consult with a physician to see if it’s an appropriate measure.

How to use

Before starting to use a blood pressure monitor at home, McManus said it should be taken to your physician’s office to be tested for accuracy. An at-home machine, for example, may measure several points above or below one found in a doctor’s office. Once your monitor has been calibrated, start using it as instructed by your physician. It’s important to discuss frequency and time of the day to take your blood pressure with your doctor. Either arm may be used — consistency is key.

Record results

It’s also important, Esparza said, for patients to record their results each time they take their blood pressure so they can show the record to their physicians. The results should be in this order: date, time, upper number, lower number, pulse. “As long as you use the same machine every day and you have a consistency in the device you are using, then if there is a change [in blood pressure], you will see it,” she says. “I have had patients check their blood pressure soon after I check it and we may not be spot-on the same, but we tend to be close.”

What kinds are there?

A number of brands and models of home blood pressure monitors are available at pharmacies and medical supply stores in a wide range of prices. While some experimentation to find the type of machine you’ll be happiest with may be necessary, McManus prefers a digital version over a manual one. He also said he does not like those that take readings from the finger or wrist, adding that he only trusts digital monitors with an arm cuff. Linda Esparza, a registered nurse with Sun Health Care Transitions in the West Valley, for the most part agrees, but noted that there are exceptions. “The models that go up the arm do tend to be more accurate from what I have been told, but what is most important is the patient’s ability and dexterity,” she said. “If the wrist monitor is going to help the patient be more compliant, then that needs to be considered.”

questions to ask yourself regarding a home blood pressure monitor

1 Can I afford this model? 2 Do I understand the features and how to use them?

Christopher Kellogg, M.D., an oncologist with Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, reviews medical information with patient Gene Flint, who has a history of colon cancer.

do health-screening recommendations seem to keep changing?

WHY

The evidence for health-related recommendations changes as research and technology advances. For example, in 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine PSA testing in healthy men of all ages. Why? “There can be substantial complications from unnecessary prostate biopsies,” explained Floyd Shewmake, M.D., senior medical director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “And the overall risk of dying from prostate cancer is extremely low.” Some physician groups were initially skeptical about the USPSTF recommendation, Shewmake said, but now the American College of Physicians and the American Urological Association have published similar recommendations.

HOW

3 Am I able to use it unassisted? 4

RICK D’ELIA

tend to have less hair on their heads and their bodies and have fatter waistlines, which puts them at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes,” she said. If a man suspects he may have low testosterone, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional, rather than try to make a determination without medical advice, both Sorof and Shewmake advised. “Never consider starting testosterone supplements outside of supervision by a medical professional,” Sorof said, adding that men should never buy any kind of hormones online or elsewhere without a doctor’s okay. “Hormone replacement therapy needs to be monitored by a doctor.”

do hormones affect your heart health?

Recent studies have shown an association between low testosterone (commonly known as ‘low T’) and insulin resistance, which can raise a man’s risk of coronary disease, said Suzanne Sorof, M.D., a cardiologist in Mesa. “Men with low T

Does the cuff fit me properly?

5 Can I read the numbers in the display?

PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS?

Resources Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: ahrq.gov/healthymen American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/men Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.com/ health-information

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WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2013 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 7

Shaking the salt habit All about sodium

BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. For people who are over the age of 51, African-American, or those with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the CDC recommends consuming no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. However, the average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium per day, cites the Mayo Clinic.

Dietetics at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University. “We use sodium in our body for fluid balance; it is one of the major electrolytes we worry about when athletes are working out for long periods of time in the heat.”

“Too much sodium in a person’s diet in the form of salt can cause high blood pressure, which in turn increases an individual’s risk of heart disease and stroke.” — David Patchett, D.O., Banner Health Center, Gilbert

“Most sodium in the American diet comes from processed foods and eating out at restaurants,” said David Patchett, D.O., of Banner Health Center in Gilbert. Katie McWhirter, MS, RD, a cardiac rehab dietitian at Chandler Regional Medical Center, agreed. “Many people tell me ‘my diet is low-sodium because I never use the salt-shaker,’” she said. “What people don’t understand is the amount of sodium already in the food.” Table salt — a combination of sodium and chloride — is another common source of sodium. For reference, a quarter-teaspoon of salt is equal to 600 mg of sodium.

Some sodium essential

The news about sodium isn’t all negative. “Our bodies need some sodium,” explained Melinda Johnson, MS, RD, director of the Didactic Program in

T HIN

surprising sources of sodium

K S TO

Common sources

Sodium must be listed on a nutrition label, and experts advise consumers to carefully read the nutrition facts on food packaging and menus (if available) before purchasing items or ordering a meal. Why’s that?

Yeah,right.

1 Cottage cheese. One cup

of small-curd cottage cheese contains more than 800 mg of sodium, Johnson said.

2 Foods labeled ‘reduced-

salt’ or ‘less sodium’. “For a manufacturer to use these terms, the product has to have 25 percent less sodium than the original product. If the original product had high sodium content to begin with, often the final reduced-sodium product still has too much salt in it,” McWhirter said.

3 Flavor enhancers. For example, condiments such as ketchup and mustard are generally high in sodium.

4 Foods labeled ‘low-fat’ or

‘fat-free’. McWhirter cautioned that while these products may take out the fat, they replace the flavor with salt.

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Resources American Heart Association: heart.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov

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Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.com

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Learn more—and get a FREE gift***! Attend one of our fun valley-wide seminars. To RSVP and to ﬁnd one near you: Call 1-855-298-4379 (TTY 711) 7 days a week, 8 am - 8 pm or Visit stillu.cignamedicareaz.com *You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. **Plan performance star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. ***No obligation to enroll. “Cigna” and the “Tree of Life” logo are registered service marks and “GO YOU” is a service mark of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by Cigna Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided by or through such operating subsidiaries, including Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., and not by Cigna Corporation. Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Dual special needs plan contract with the Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) program. As of the date of publication, Cigna Medicare Select Plus Rx plans are offered to employers and individuals in Maricopa County and certain zip codes in Pinal County, Arizona only. H0354_162013a CMS Accepted AR-0008050534-01

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Not an actual patient of Laser Spine Institute

If you’ve been putting off neck or back surgery, come learn about a proven technique that’s minimally invasive. Bring your MRI or CT scans and meet one-on-one with our physicians who will review them and discuss treatment for your speciﬁc condition.

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