Issuu

Special Supplement to The Glendale Star and Peoria Times

HEALTH

WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living

Winter 2022

INSIDE

This Issue

BEATITUDES .......... 4 Come explore your creativity on the new campus

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE .....................8 Staying ﬁt can offset minor aches and pains

CIC FOOT & ANKLE CARE................... 18 Heel pain is on the rise, so pay attention to your feet

Abrazo’s surgical weight loss program helps patients BY ABRAZO HEALTH

he start of a new year, combined with extra weight — dubbed by some as the Quarantine 15, brought on by the stresses of COVID-19 — are leading more people to consider surgical weight loss. Their goal is to improve their chances to not require hospitalization if they contract COVID-19. Over the course of the pandemic, a recent Harvard Medical School study said that close to 40% of people have gained weight compared to what they were the year before. These pandemic pounds can come from stress, lack of exercise, being stuck at home, and eating the wrong foods. According to the CDC, having obesity increases someone’s risk of suffering more severe illness from COVID-19. Nearly three-fourths of adults older than 20 years in the United States meet the criteria for being overweight or obese. More than 9% of the U.S. adult population are considered morbidly or severely obese. Research published in the Journal of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases found that patients who have undergone weight loss surgery are three times less likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19. When diet, exercise and medications have failed, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. “Weight loss surgery is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and it can help alleviate many other obesity-related conditions,” added Dr. William

Arnold, a general surgeon and medical director for bariatric surgery at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “Weight loss surgery may provide effective, lasting relief from severe obesity for appropriate patients,” added Dr. Daniel Fang, a general surgeon who also is medical director for bariatric surgery at Abrazo Scottsdale Campus. The Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program is designed to help people who have a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. The program offers nonsurgical weight loss approaches, as well as laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. “Our experienced surgeons Weight loss surgery can pave the way to reduced joint pain and caring staff are here to help and improved mood. (Photo courtesy of Abrazo Health) you reach your goal of a healthy and more active life. And because our com- 2 diabetes. mitment to your health doesn’t end after you • Improved mobility and increased energy. walk out our door, you’ll receive a personal- • Lowered risk of heart disease, sleep apized plan to ensure your continued success nea, high blood pressure and stroke. through continued education and support,” • Reduced or eliminated joint pain. noted Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, registered • Improved mood and feelings of well-bedietitian and manager of the Abrazo Medical ing. and Surgical Weight Loss Program. • Increased self-esteem and confidence. Weight loss surgery has benefits well beTo learn more about the Abrazo Medical yond weight loss, including: and Surgical Weight Loss Program, visit • Long-term remission or reversal of Type abrazohealth.com.

Now Offering Occupational Therapy Services Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000

Also Offering Online Telemedicine Appointments

Midwestern University Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

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Sensory integration in children 2

Health & Wellness

Winter 2022

BY MIKAELA LYDING, M.O.T., OTR/L Midwestern University

oes your child struggle to pay attention in school or have a meltdown at the end of the day from working so hard to keep it together and be a “good kid”? Have you ever wondered if this struggle was something other than a behavioral challenge? As children develop, they may experience differences in their sensory processing, which can make seemingly little things difficult and can turn small problems into big meltdowns. Sensory processing starts in the womb and continues rapidly throughout childhood. It is the development and integration of sensations that are experienced with one’s own body and from the external environment. Sensory processing includes the five common sensations — sight, sound, smell, taste, touch — and also includes the senses of balance and gravity (vestibular), awareness of the body in space (proprioception), and interoception (the internal processes of the body and their associated sensations). A few examples of poor sensory integration can include: Sight: Sensitivity to bright lights. Sound: Poor tolerance of loud or unexpected noises, such as a fire alarm. Smell: Hypersensitivity to odors. Touch: Sensitivity to the feel of new clothing, or a dislike of being touched. Taste: Picky eaters.

As children develop, they may experience differences in their sensory processing, which can make seemingly little things difficult and can turn small problems into big meltdowns. The occupational therapy team at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale can help children develop their sensory integration. (Photo courtesy of Midwestern University)

Vestibular: Car sickness, or avoidance of swings or slides. Proprioceptive: Falling or clumsiness. Children who show any of the above signs may have difficulty with sensory processing. Early identification, evaluation and treatment by an occupational therapist is important for improving sensory integration and providing children with the best opportunities for success.

The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment. Always consult a qualified health care provider with any questions regarding any possible medical condition. Mikaela Lyding, M.O.T., OTR/L, is a registered and licensed occupational therapist and clinical assistant professor

for the occupational therapy program at Midwestern University in Glendale. The occupational therapy team at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute utilizes the latest technology and research to evaluate and help children develop their abilities at affordable prices. Call 623-537-6000 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit mwuclinics.com/az.

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it’s needed. Providing the right plan at the right rate means the best fit coverage at the lowest price possible. In addition to specializing in health insurance/Medicare, Matrix Insurance Brokers’ licensing also includes personal lines, and our upline contracting allows us to quote with hundreds of companies and thousands of products across auto, home, life and health insurances. Individuals looking for health care

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Winter 2022

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You Want to Enhance

Your Skills and Abilities. We Are Your Healthcare Team.

Now Offering Occupational Therapy Services The Midwestern University Occupational Therapy team provides exceptional, affordable care for adults and children to enhance their ability to perform daily functions. Working as a team, Midwestern students collaborate with our licensed and certified faculty to empower our patients to reach their functional goals. We offer the latest technology and treatments for a wide range of occupational and developmental disorders.

Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 Midwestern University Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

Also Offering Online Telemedicine Appointments

5815 West Utopia Road Glendale Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com

Beatitudes Campus: Explore your creativity

Health & Wellness

Winter 2022

BY ROD BAILEY, M.S.W., PH.D., R.H.P. Senior Vice President Beatitudes Campus

t Beatitudes Campus, every day shines brightly with opportunity. Around every corner, there’s an active senior lifestyle that offers community events, program and amenities — some 100-plus opportunities for connections, service to others, affinity groups and interests. Here’s the significant difference: We don’t have an activity program. We are committed to a life enrichment series of experiences that are resident driven and ultimately provide the highest level of purposeful living. Promenade Residences are the next part of the 27-acre campus, which began its master redevelopment plan in 2018. Phase one added 34 patio homes, and Beatitudes Campus now looks forward

to 144 new residences, along with a 111-bed health care center, all opening in the fall of 2023. The four-story Promenade will emphasize a connection to nature with large windows, balconies and view of mountains and the city, a generous-sized lobby entry and lounges on each floor, allowing residents to socialize in numerous locations throughout the building. The L-shaped building encloses a beautifully landscaped garden area that creates another focal point for resident

Promenade Residences are the next part of the 27-acre campus, which began its master redevelopment plan in 2018. (Photos courtesy of Beatitudes Campus)

activities. The new Union café will add a unique twist on dining — think coffeehouse — but then an evening hours conversion to a lounge for residents to enjoy a variety of beverages, small plates and entertainment. The Club B fitness center features best-in-class exercise equipment, complemented by Studio B, a motion cen-

ter for fitness and wellness classes. The Promenade Residences will give occupants the option to be involved at the pace they wish. Beatitudes Campus invites visitors to explore their creativity, curiosity and great ideas in Central Phoenix. This is your place and your time to live brightly.

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Seniors in Your Community! PLEASE VOLUNTEER AT BENEVILLA.ORG OR 623-584-4999 Q1 Volunteers _ Health and Wellness.indd 1

1/13/2022 2:12:07 PM

Winter 2022

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A TRADITION YOU CAN TRUST

New apartment homes are coming to Beatitudes Campus! Be among the ﬁrst to reserve an all-new residence, at pre-construction pricing, by placing a deposit today.

Call 602.335.8467 today or visit us at BeatitudesInspired.org for details

1610 West Glendale Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021 Beatitudes Campus is a not-for-proﬁt life plan community founded by the Church of the Beatitudes.

Health & Wellness

Winter 2022

Learn a new way to manage stress in your life

BY HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY

o you want to learn more about mindfulness? Need help developing a steady practice? Join Hospice of the Valley for an eightweek Mindfulness course at our Dementia Care and Education Campus, 3811 N. 44th Street, Phoenix. Mindfulness courses have been found to improve chronic pain and insomnia and decrease anxiety and depression. This course will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 2 to April 13; and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2. This is a sequential course, so participants will be committing to attending most or all sessions. Class size is 15 to 25 people, and the suggested fee is $100, although no one will be turned away. Instructor Dr. Gillian “Gill” Hamilton is a physician with a doctorate

Join Hospice of the Valley for an eight-week mindfulness course led by Dr. Gillian Hamilton. (Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley)

in clinical psychology who serves as Hospice of the Valley’s administrative medical director. She is a CFM-certified Mindful-

ness Based Stress Reduction teacher and practitioner and is certified in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression through the

University of California San Diego School of Medicine. This a great opportunity to check out Hospice of the Valley’s new campus, which features a Community Education Center (where the course will be held), a Memory Café (for caregiver support meetings), an adult day club and adjoining child center (for intergenerational engagement), a small assisted living center and a hospice inpatient care home. All buildings share a dementia-friendly Garden Courtyard and views of Camelback Mountain. Register at mindfulnesstraining@ hov.org or 602-636-6363. For questions, email ghamilton@hov.org or call 602-748-3692. COVID-19 health and safety protocols: spaced seating, some of the class outdoors, full vaccination and masks required.

Benevilla volunteers persevere during trying year

BY BENEVILLA

enevilla recognizes caring for the needs of older adults reaches beyond the individual to the entire family. Not only do its services help older adult clients, but many programs address the ongoing needs of caregivers and families. Several of these programs rely on the dedication and selfless support of volunteers. Offering free essential home services for older adults needing extra help in maintaining their independence at home is one such program. Enter Tom and Rhonda Hansch, who started as volunteers with Benevilla in January 2019. Tom has served almost 500 hours as an assistant facilities maintenance specialist. His tireless efforts have saved Benevilla thousands of dollars. Tom helped upgrade the lighting systems on the Surprise campus among many other projects. He was the recipient of the Benevilla Muriel Rose Volunteer of the Trimester award last year. Rhonda spent 300 hours volunteer-

ing in Benevilla’s home services department, offering grocery shopping and assisted transportation to doctor appointments to older adults as well as assisting her husband with maintenance projects. Many of the home services clients request her specifically. Rhonda also helped support Benevilla by participating in a photoshoot for our programs. Like many nonprofits during the coronavirus pandemic, Benevilla has had many volunteers step back to reduce their public exposure in these trying times. However, Tom and Rhonda and the core of our volunteer team never missed a beat and have continued to provide free crucial services to the community of neighbors in need. In just the last 30 days, Benevilla volunteers have completed 150 grocery shopping and delivery trips — not just grocery pickup but actual shopping for those in need. They have also supplied assisted transportation for 125 round trips for seniors to essential medical appointments as well

as 20 emergency errands. This all adds up to over 300 acts of service and 335 volunteer hours by this small but mighty volunteer workforce. These services help ease the burden on family members caring for loved ones and ensure older adults with no family support are not left isolated and alone. Started by and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children and families. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, tours or dona- With new safety protocols in place, volunteer Rhonda tions, call 623-584-4999 Hansch continues to serve her neighbors in need. (Photo courtesy of Benevilla) or visit benevilla.org.

Winter 2022

Health & Wellness

Staying fit can offset minor aches and pains

BY GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ince the start of the pandemic in March 2020, many people have had increased pain in their backs, shoulders, necks, wrists and hips because they’ve become inactive and are spending so much time in front of the computer. These pains can be credit to a more sedentary lifestyle and extended time working at computers without a break. When working at the computer, we’re often not mindful of posture and slouching. Here are some helpful things to prevent these nagging pains from becoming major debilitating issues. • Consider joining a fitness center. For example, the Glendale Community College Fitness Centers are open to the public. The staff can assist you with an exercise regimen to meet your needs. They also offer a wide variety of group fitness classes. • Check your work environment. When sitting at a computer, make sure you

Health & Wellness

look straight ahead at the screen. Do not flex or extend the neck muscles. Avoid slouching. Lift your sternum and make sure your ears are over your shoulders and your shoulder blades are back, down and relaxed. • Adjust your chair height until your hips are at 90 degrees or slightly higher and your knees and ankles are at 90 degrees with your feet flat on the floor. Make sure your elbows are at 90 degrees so your hands comfortably find the keyboard and mouse, forearms level with the table. It is almost impossible to meet these guidelines when working on a laptop without an extra keyboard shelf. • Flexibility exercises can be done throughout the day. Bring your chin to your chest, gently tilt to the right and left. Bring your ear to your shoulder on each side. Roll your shoulders back and down. Interlace your fingers and reach your arms in front of you while facing your palms forward, then take the stretch overhead.

Winter 2022

Glendale Community College Fitness Center. (Photo courtesy of GCC)

• Stand regularly. Every 20 minutes is ideal. Even better, move to a standing position at your computer if you can maintain good posture. Alternating sitting and standing throughout the day is ideal. • Using dumbbells, do some resistance training exercises two to three times per week. Two sets of 10 reps is a great place to start. Canned fruit or vegetables can be used in place of dumb-

bells. Raise your weights to shoulder height at the sides, to the front and to the rear. Do some pushups, resting on your knees or toes. Try squats by sitting back and almost touching your chair while reaching your arms in front for balance. Add dumbbells as you get stronger. For advice from a certified fitness trainer, reach out to the GCC Fitness Center at 623-845-3800.

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Winter 2022

La Siena offers vibrant independent living and licensed and accredited assisted living. (Photo courtesy of La Siena)

La Siena helps families tackle complex topics BY LA SIENA

ncouraging older adults to have honest and frank discussions about their well-being and future care needs can be a new experience for many. But communicating openly about one’s retirement living choices and preferences with their loved ones and adult children can lead to well-thoughtout decisions, rather than a decision made in time of crisis or in haste. According to Jonathan Burningham, executive director of La Siena, with planning and the knowledge of available resources, families can find peace of mind. “The subject may not be an easy one to broach, but we can help families tackle this complex subject, allowing folks to make better informed decisions.” Burningham suggests previewing retirement communities with family members as a way to jump-start difficult conversations about future needs. A “tour” of a community can provide

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family members with tremendous insight into a senior’s preferences, as well as educate the entire family on the many lifestyle options as well as care services available. La Siena, for example, offers vibrant independent living and licensed and accredited assisted living. Accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a three-year CARF accreditation parallels a five-star rating in the hospitality industry. Here, seniors seeking maintenance-free living and safeguards with delicious dining options and engaging cultural, social and fitness opportunities can choose from a variety of spaciously designed one- and two-bedroom residences. When needs change and grow, residents enjoy the assurance of quality care and services offered at La Siena’s supportive assisted living. Learn more about the lifestyle offered at La Siena by taking a personal tour. To schedule, call 602-635-6968 or visit LaSienaSeniorLiving.com.

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Winter 2022

Airman & Family Readiness Center is never the wrong place

BY AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class offers a free car seat so parents can learn about proper installation. (Photo courtesy of Airman & Family Readiness Center)

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

NEVER THE WRONG PLACE TO GO! MILITARY MEMBERS, DOD CIVILIANS* & FAMILIES

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Bundles for Babies • Military & Family Life Consultant Assistance • Heart Link (New Spouse Orientation) • Employment Assistance • Transition Services (Active Duty to Civilian) • Hearts Apart Support Activities • Relocation & Sponsorship Services • Financial Counseling/Education • New or Expectant Mothers Class • Emergency Financial Assistance • Family Strengthening Programs & Resources • Personal Development Information & Resources • Exceptional Family Member Program Provides support to Military family members with special needs • Information and Referral Services • Discovery Center - Resources for relocations, transition, employment, housing, schools, and more! • AMVETS - Provides medical records screening and assistance with VA disability claims

• School Liaison Officer Addresses educational issues involving military children and youth in the local school community

Monthly Dept. of Lab TAP Employmor en Workshop t

Contact us for further information: (623) 856-6550 Email: 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil 7282 N. 137th Ave. Bldg.1113 Luke AFB, AZ. 85309 “We’re never the wrong place to go!” *Limited Services for DoD Civilians and their families

ctive-duty members and their spouses who are expecting a baby, or new mothers assigned to an Air Force installation, are encouraged to contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center to sign up for a Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class. Parents can receive a free car seat and learn about proper installation in their vehicle, parenting skills and finances; meet other expectant parents; and receive a bundle of supplies. That includes a large canvas tote bag with AFAS logo, thermal receiving blanket, hooded towel and washcloth, white knit crib sheet, printed knit crib sheet, three-pack sleep-n-play, five-pack onesies, two pairs of booties, two bibs and three burp cloths. Classes are open to all ranks and are not limited to a first pregnancy. The transition from singlehood to married life is tough, and marrying a military member can pose its own unique challenges. Heart Link is a program designed to familiarize civilian spouses with the military and alleviate some of these issues. From military protocol to traditions and lingo, Heart Link teaches civilian spouses what their military counterparts deal with daily. Spouses are introduced to the military community. They have an important role to play: keeping up the homefront while their spouses are deployed and being a source of support for the airmen. Heart Link, which is geared toward newlyweds, is designed to help connect military members with their spouses. By integrating spouses into the military, it helps to enhance mission readiness. Participants learn about military protocol and military and Air Force traditions, including the role of coining and the Air Force song. Learning these things helps them understand military culture. Military Family Life Consultants

(MFLC) provides short-term, nonmedical counseling to service members and their families. MFLCs augment existing military support programs worldwide. Through the MFLC Program, licensed clinical providers assist service members and their families with issues they may face through the cycle of deployment —from leaving their loved ones and possibly living and working in harm’s way to reintegrating with their community and family. The MFLC program provides support for a range of individual and family issues. Psycho-educational presentations on reunion/reintegration, stress/ coping, grief/loss and deployment are provided to commands, Family Readiness Groups, Soldier Readiness Processing and other requested locations. MFLC support is also provided to the Child and Youth Program and specifically for the summer DoDEA/CYP summer enrichment program. Support for these issues empowers individuals during the problem-solving process, increases individual and family competency and confidence in handling the stressors of military life, and ensures that issues do not impair operational readiness. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is designed to provide support to military family members with special needs. EFMP services include a variety of personnel, medical and family support functions. The Exceptional Family Member ProgramFamily Support (EFMP-FS) is a community support function provided by the Airman & Family Readiness Center that includes, but is not limited to, onand off-base information and referral, parent training, support group, relocation assistance, financial management and school information. For more information, call 623-8566550 or email 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil, or visit 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.

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Winter 2022

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Serving the Valley in Retina Care since 1974.

Dedicated to the Preservation and Restoration of Vision

Alan J. Gordon, J. Alan J. Gordon, Shepard Bryan, J. Shepard Stephen Bryan, A.M. Stephen A.M. Jr. Henry Rahul Reddy, Henry M. Kwong, M.K. Kwong, Jr. Rahul K. Reddy, J. Shepard De Bryan, A.M. Rahul K. Reddy, Henry Jr. MHS M.D.Alan J. Gordon, M.D. M.D. Souza, M.D. De M.D. Stephen Souza, M.D.M. Kwong, M.D., M.D., MHS M.D. M.D. M.D. M.D. De Souza, M.D. M.D., MHS M.D.

Photo of a branch retinal artery occlusion left eye. (Photo courtesy Associated Retina Consultants)

Patients come first at Associated Retina Consultants BY ASSOCIATED RETINA CONSULTANTS

or more than 30 years, Associated Retina Consultants has served Arizona by providing access to the most innovative treatments of diseases and conditions affecting the retina, macula, and the vitreous humor of the eye. Associated Retina Consultants is the state’s largest independently owned retina practice. This allows the practice to remain free of any restrictions that might inhibit it from providing patients the best possible treatment as it continues to strive for excellence. Care is provided with the utmost courtesy, professionalism, comfort, and respect for patients’ time because, at ARC, patients come first. The practice recently welcomed Dr. Rima Patel. She is board certified in ophthalmology and has completed formal subspecialty training in medical and surgical diseases of the retina, vitreous and macula. The practice’s team of 10 highly skilled retina physicians

understands how important eyesight is and how challenging it can be coping with impaired vision. That is why our practice is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of sight. Associated Retina Consultants’ staff is closely monitoring the ongoing changes and guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the serious, urgent nature of some of the conditions it treats, the offices will remain open for business with certain limitations. Visit its website for more information about its efforts as a practice at associatedretinaconsultants. com. It is ARC’s priority to provide the best possible care while ensuring the health and safety of our patients, staff and community. For the most up-todate information about the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov). Contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928.

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Winter 2022

Heel pain is on the rise BY DR. SHAH ASKARI CIC Foot & Ankle

he weather has a big impact on heel pain. As the days cool down, our activity levels heat up. Going for a walk, playing a round of golf, and hiking are all possible again with the temperature below 100 degrees. But pay attention to your feet. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels,” said Dr. Shah Askari of CIC Foot & Ankle. More than 2 million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, a sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It’s anticipated this number will rise as people start taking advantage of better weather. It typically hurts when first getting up, and may lessen after a few steps,

but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice. “Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” Askari explained. Now, treatment focuses on the condition, not just the symptom. “Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explained. “Prolotherapy is an option that uses a natural irritant, which starts the healing process.” Growth factor therapy also jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues. In addition, the FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis. “Laser treatment is another way to treat heel pain, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing,” Askari said. “It’s all about healing.”

Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels (Stock image)

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Winter 2022

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Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed It’s important to determine the cause of these neuropathy symptoms, oftentimes it’s PAD (peripheral artery disease). PAD is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries which hardens into plaque. When this occurs, it limits the amount of blood that passes through the arteries.

BY REISHA ZANG

PHOENIX –Neuropathy is a condition that involves damage to the nerves in your hands and feet. “Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms people living with neuropathy experience on a daily basis,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is these symptoms are very similar to those of PAD. They are so similar that in many cases, people are given a diagnosis of neuropathy when in reality it isn’t.” With a diagnosis of neuropathy often comes a prescription for neurotropic medication. “Medicine isn’t a cure, it’s a way to suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “The concern with that is if it’s not neuropathy causing the symp-

If your neuropathy medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.

toms, the medication may be masking developing, progressive vascular insufficiency allowing PAD, if that’s the root of the problem, to get worse.”

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Do you have difficulty walking without taking a break? Do you have pain, numbness, or cramping in legs or feet? Is your neuropathy treatment not working? Neuropathy symptoms are very similar to those of PAD. It’s a circulation disorder which can be easily treated in our office without the need for general anesthesia. If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the questions above, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

(602) 954-0777 cicmedical.com DR. JOEL RAINWATER / DR. MICHAEL SWITZER / DR. HASSAN MAKKI / DR. KERRY ZANG DR. SHAH ASKARI / DR. DAN SCHULMAN / DR. KIM LEACH / DR. BARRY KAPLAN / DR. JEFF WEISS

“Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. The good news is that PAD is treatable. Specialists are able to perform an angiogram which lets them see if disease is present. This minimally invasive procedure is done through a

tiny nick in the skin in an office setting. “So, what we do,” explains Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist, “is go into the bloodstream to find the blockage with imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore that blood flow without surgery, without scalpels, without stitches.” Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about finding out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen. In fact, if you are experiencing any type of discomfort or things just don’t seem right, tell your doctor. The only way we can help is if you let us know you need it.”

Heel Pain Is On The Rise The weather has a big impact on heel pain. As the days cool down, our activity levels heat up. Going for a walk, playing a round of golf, and hiking are all possible again with the temperature below 100 degrees. But you need to pay attention to your feet. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels,” says Dr. Shah Askari of CIC Foot & Ankle. More than two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, a sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It’s anticipated this number will rise as people start taking advantage of better weather. It typically hurts when first getting up, may lessen after a few steps but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice.

“Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” explains Askari. Now, treatment focuses on the condition, not just the symptom. “Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explains. “Prolotherapy is an option that uses a natural irritant which starts the healing process.” Growth factor therapy also jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues. In addition, the FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis. “Laser treatment is another way to treat heel pain, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing,” says Askari. “It’s all about healing.”

Health & Wellness

Winter 2022

The Joint brings chiropractic care to Luke AFB BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

s part of its an agreement with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to provide on-installation chiropractic care to members of the military and their families, The Joint Chiropractic opened a clinic at Luke Air Force Base. The new clinic is located at 14185 Falcon Street between the alterations shop and military clothing in the Base Exchange building. New military patients pay $19 for their initial visit, which includes the consultation, exam and adjustment. In addition to serving those directly on base, The Joint Chiropractic honors members of the military in Arizona, and nationwide, through its Military Appreciation Program. The year-round program offers active and retired military personnel, National Guard and veterans, as well as their immediate families, an initial visit for only $19, which also includes the

The Join Chiropractic has opened a new location at Luke Airforce Base. (Stock image)

consultation, exam and adjustment. The program also reduces pricing

by $10 for a monthly wellness plan or chiropractic care package. There are 36

The Joint locations across the Valley that offer the program.

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