Health and Wellness - Spring 2022

Special Supplement to The Glendale Star and Peoria Times

HEALTH

WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living

Spring 2022

INSIDE

This Issue

MORRIS HALL........ 4 Is estate planning different for women?

BENEVILLA ............ 8 Seeking volunteers to help older adults

ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS ........... 11 Assisted Living Locators offers free senior referral services

Physicians thanked for their care at Abrazo

BY TIMES MEDIA GROUP STAFF

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brazo Health hospitals across the Valley paid tribute to physicians for their service, skill and compassion during the annual recognition of National Doctors’ Day. Each hospital hosted special meals as a way of saying, “Thank you for always being there,” depicting a collective sentiment of deep appreciation for the outstanding physicians who tirelessly care for our community.

Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in Glendale, and Abrazo’s hospitals in Phoenix and Scottsdale included opportunities for doctors and staff to socialize and enjoy a break from their hectic schedules.

“On behalf of all our employees and patients, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our physicians,” said Brian Elisco, market chief executive officer of Abrazo Health. “I believe strongly in the value of saying thank you every day, but as we celebrated Doctors’ Day on March 30, we paused to honor the contributions of our physicians for their dedication to the health of our community.”

Abrazo recognizes its physicians for being the pillars of the high-quality, distinctive services provided to the community.

During the last year, this has included accomplishments, such as performing Arizona’s first Intrepid tricuspid heart valve replacement; using augmented reality guidance technology for hip replacement;

You Want to

performing life-saving stroke, cardiovascular and trauma care; launching a robot-assisted spine surgery program; and improving lives through bariatric weight loss programs, to name a few.

“We also appreciate the support of our physicians throughout the coronavirus pandemic, advocating for vaccinations, hospital safety and community wellness.

Through our physicians’ support and partnership, Abrazo has been able to Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear was among the Abrazo hospistrengthen its services at tals Valleywide celebrating Doctors’ Day 2022. Pictured are Dr. SuKale, nurse practitioner Tracy Von Aspen and Dr. Judy Wu. each campus, and grow shant (Abrazo Health/Submitted) with our new hospital in Cave Creek and future surgical robotics, general surgery and manew hospital in Buckeye,” Elisco said. ternity care.

National Doctors’ Day is celebrated in The Abrazo system includes Abrazo Arhealth care organizations as a day to rec- izona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead ognize the contributions of doctors to indi- Campus, Abrazo Central Campus, Abrazo vidual lives and communities. It was offi- Cave Creek Hospital, Abrazo Mesa Hoscially established in 1991, and also marks pital, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, Abrazo the anniversary of the first use of general Surprise Hospital and Abrazo West Camanesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford W. pus — along with free-standing emerLong in 1842. gency centers, primary care and specialty Abrazo Health is one of the largest health physician practices, and graduate medical systems in Arizona, serving the Valley with education programs. advanced programs in cardiovascular, neuFor more information about services at rosciences, orthopedics, spine and sports Abrazo Health hospitals or a physician remedicine, trauma and emergency services, ferral, visit abrazohealth.com.

[Communicate More Effectively.]

We Are Your Healthcare Team.

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

www.mwuclinics.com

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Health & Wellness

Spring 2022

Speak Out! for those with Parkinson Disease

BY ETHAN WASH, M.S., CCC-SLP Midwestern University

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lmost everyone with Parkinson disease (75% to 90%) will experience changes to their speech and voice.

As muscle coordination changes, speech gets quieter and faster; occurs in short, fast bursts; or may sound slurred or monotonous. The person with Parkinson disease may not notice a change at all because the disorder also affects how they hear themselves, so a family member is often the first one to become aware of the speech changes.

Speech therapy can help recalibrate the way that people with Parkinson disease talk and hear themselves and help them speak with louder, clearer voices.

One of the most popular therapy options is Speak Out!, which helps people with Parkinson disease regain control of their speech. The program helps clients to speak with intent and helps them practice that clearer speech in daily life and is usually completed in 12 individual therapy sessions over four weeks.

Once clients complete their Speak Out! program, they are encouraged

to join The Loud Crowd, which is a therapy group for people with Parkinson disease that meets once a week to provide members support and practice through discussions and activities.

The Speak Out! and The Loud Crowd therapy programs were developed at the Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, Texas. For more information regarding this popular therapeutic program for Parkinson disease, visit parkinsonvoiceproject.org.

To schedule an appointment, call the speech-language pathology clinic at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale at 623-537-6000 or visit mwuclinics.com/arizona.

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 questions regarding any possible health condition.

Ethan Wash, M.S., CCC-SLP is a clinical instructor for the speech-language pathology program at the Midwestern University College of Health Sciences and a licensed, certified speech-lan-

The speech-language pathology clinic at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale now offers Speak Out! and The Loud Crowd sessions to help persons with Parkinson disease improve their ability to speak. (Midwestern University/Submitted)

guage pathologist who supervises graduate students in their clinical rotations at the speech-language pathology clinic at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale.

The clinical team utilizes the latest technology to evaluate and treat a wide range of speech, language and swal-

lowing disorders for both children and adults, at affordable prices.

Therapy sessions are available in the clinic — evening hours are available — and through online telemedicine services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 623-5376000 or visit mwuclinics.com/arizona.

Campus helps community live well with dementia

BY HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY

I

t’s astonishing to think that there are 5.8 million Americans living with dementia. Arizona has the nation’s highest growth rate for the condition, with more than 200,000 cases predicted by 2025. Unfortunately, there are not enough health care workers trained in dementia care. And family members who are suddenly thrust into the “caregiver role” may not prepared for a condition that lasts years and becomes more challenging.

There has never been a more critical time to expand services to care for people living with dementia and support their stressed family caregivers. Hospice of the Valley recently opened its Dementia Care and Education Campus in Phoenix to enhance quality of life for patients and families, inspire careers in dementia care, and help build a

Hospice of the Valley dementia educator Michelle Bales uses a mechanical pet to bring joy to her patient living with dementia. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

workforce for the future. This campus supports everyone in our community

with vital education, bringing comprehensive care and resources together in

one place.

Caregivers struggle, in large part, because they don’t understand dementia — and they feel alone and abandoned.

Skilled dementia educators with Hospice of the Valley’s Supportive Care for Dementia make home visits to help enhance quality of life for families caring for a loved one with any stage of the condition. Open to anyone in our community at no charge, this program provides valuable insight to educate, empower and support caregivers on this difficult journey.

Hospice of the Valley helps people live well with dementia and experience joy. It helps families find ways to connect with their loved ones and celebrate the person still within.

To learn more about the campus or Supportive Care for Dementia, call 602636-6363 or visit hov.org/dementia.

Spring 2022

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Health & Wellness

You Want to Communicate

[More Effectively.]

Exceptional Care For Children and Adults Midwestern University’s Speech-Language Pathology team provides comprehensive, affordable services for speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Licensed and certified speech-language pathologists team with graduate student clinicians to provide highly skilled therapeutic services for children and adults.

Our faculty offers expertise in child language and articulation disorders, motor speech impairment, bilingualism, augmentative and alternative communication, voice and speech fluency disorders, and communication changes that arise from stroke, dementia, or traumatic brain injury.

Midwestern University

Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

Also Offering Online Telemedicine Appointments and Bilingual Spanish Services

Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 5815 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com

Is estate planning different for women?

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Health & Wellness

BY ANDREA CLAUS

Morris Hall Partner and Attorney at Law

M

orris Hall is a premier estate planning law firm proudly serving the communities it calls home, having helped tens of thousands of families in the past 50 years.

Helping families is its practice, its privilege and its passion.

Every adult can benefit from having at least a basic estate plan in place. For women, however, estate planning is of the utmost importance for several reasons.

Statistically, women are more likely to outlive their spouse, ultimately leaving them to be the one to pass down the marital assets to children and other beneficiaries.

Women also tend to be the family caretakers, so they’re more concerned with issues such as guardians for mi-

Spring 2022

nor children and even plans for aging parents.

Finally, more women are becoming entrepreneurs, which adds to an already lengthy list of estate planning components.

The components of an estate plan may not be different for women.

However, they may serve a different purpose and/or may have an enhanced importance in their estate plan. Some may wish to consider adding the following to your estate plan: • Last will and testament.

• Incapacity planning.

• Retirement planning.

• Joint ownership.

• Medicaid planning.

To learn more about the components in an estate plan, or create an estate plan, call 602-249-1328 to schedule a free consultation.

Visit us online at glendalestar.com

Andrea Claus is a Morris Hall partner and attorney at law. (Morris Hall/Submitted)

HELPING FAMILIES IS OUR PRACTICE, OUR PRIVILEGE, AND OUR PASSION. Morris Hall provides premier estate planning services, proudly serving the communities we call home. Our team of experienced attorneys and professionals addresses client needs in estate planning, probate, and trust administration.

We pride ourselves on having helped tens of thousands of individuals and families over the past 50 years.

Visit morristrust.com to get your free Estate Planning Worksheet To schedule a complimentary consultation with an attorney call 602-249-1328 today!

Proud member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

The Palazzo offers a wealth of amenities

Spring 2022

BY THE PALAZZO

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tepping into The Palazzo, guests and residents see a posh, luxurious resort complete with smiling faces; ample amenities; and eye-catching, Tuscan-style architecture.

The continuing care community offers independent and assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing for those 55 and older.

The community can accommodate couples who may have differing care needs, allowing them to live together, while each receiving the assistance you need.

While the quality of care provided is superior, so, too, are the amenities residents have access to. The Palazzo packs needed amenities like a full-service salon, daily happy hour opportunities, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and 24-hour concierge services, chances to enjoy game nights, a heated pool and spa, and a gift shop.

On Tuesdays, see complimentary programming to anyone 60 and older for residents and guests. They are also

Health & Wellness

welcome to stay for the afternoon ice cream social.

From water aerobics and tai chi to exercise classes, live musical performances and other live entertainment, plus educational lectures and seminars, residents of The Palazzo gain access to a revolving lineup of interactive and immersive programs and classes that foster community and encourage physical and mental fitness.

Affordable, centrally located and ultra-modern, The Palazzo not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Come see why so many are choosing to spend the best years of their lives at The Palazzo.

Residents can enjoy an early morning swim in The Palazzo’s pool. (The Palazzo/Submitted)

The Palazzo

6250 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix 602-433-6300 palazzohc.com

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April is Foot Health Awareness Month 6

BY GREER BANKS

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oot health is important every day of the year. Feet are the foundation for everything, ranging from standing and balancing to walking and running or dancing or bowling. It all starts with healthy feet.

With 26 bones, 33 joints and over 110 ligaments, muscles and tendons, the foot is a sophisticated structure that supports the body and absorbs shock with every step. And it has an impact on how the rest of your body feels. If there is a problem with your feet, it may affect how knees functions and can cause discomfort in your hip or lead to back pain.

“If your feet hurt, you’re not able to be as active as you should be,” explained Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle.

“Walking has a big impact on your body. It strengthens your heart muscle, promotes circulation throughout your system, and can reduce the risks associated with diabetes.”

Zang said it’s important for feet to remain in good shape — and people

Health & Wellness

should listen to them.

The first step to keeping your feet in good shape is to listen to them. “Pain is really a gift,” Zang said.

“It’s your body’s way of letting you know there is a problem. Ignoring pain only lets the condition get worse. Seeking the help of a doctor at the first sign of pain increases the chances of getting better faster.”

Heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, burning, tingling and cramping are among common complaints. The good news is that these conditions respond well with proper care. And there are many nonsurgical treatments to address foot pain.

“My approach to dealing all types of foot pain is focused on diagnosing the cause of it and treating that underlying condition to relieve the symptoms,” Zang said.

For example, when it comes to the heel and plantar fasciitis, in-office care can resolve it up to 90% of the time.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation, relieving stress on the soft tissues, and dealing with the imbalanc-

It’s important to keep feet healthy so they don’t hold a person back. Diagnosing and treating foot pain has wide-reaching affects. (Stock image)

Spring 2022

Feet are the foundation for everything, ranging from standing and balancing to walking and running or dancing or bowling. It all starts with healthy feet. (Stock image)

es to address the cause and alleviate the pain.

“In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice, because it stopped the pain, but it did nothing to start a healing process,” Zang said.

“We now have treatments that help the body heal.”

Regenerative medicine, custom shoe inserts, stretching exercises and laser light therapy are all options that address the source of the problem.

Often, issues with the feet are the first sign of an underlying condition happening throughout the body.

“Feet can be a warning sign and can alert us to undiagnosed diabetes or vascular disease in its early stages. I can’t stress enough how important it is to listen to your feet,” Zang said.

He advises patients to pay particular attention to burning, tingling, numbness and cramping because they are symptoms of several different conditions.

In some cases, it could be a neuroma, which is thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes. Pain, a pins-

Catch up on Local Peoria News!

and-needles sensation, numbness and weakness could be neuropathy. And pain or cramping when walking, as well as cold or numb toes, could be peripheral artery disease (PAD).

“These signs and symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor,” Zang said.

“Many people think that these sensations come with age. Or they’ve been told there isn’t much that can be done for neuropathy. So, they think they just have to learn to live with it. That’s not the case.”

Treatments are available to address all of these conditions. Over the years they have advanced, and some of the biggest benefits include in-office procedures, less pain, and the difference it makes in their lives.

“Foot problems are treatable, and when they alert us to another health issue, it gives us a head start to get you to the right doctor to treat that as well,” Zang said.

It’s important to keep feet healthy so they don’t hold a person back. Diagnosing and treating foot pain has wide-reaching affects.

www.PeoriaTimes.com

Spring 2022

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Health & Wellness PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed Muscle cramping, difficulty walking, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very similar symptoms. So similar that in many cases, people are told it’s neuropathy when it may not be.”

Medicine is often prescribed. “Pills aren’t a cure, they just suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “If neuropathy

isn’t causing the symptoms, the real problem could get worse.”

It’s important to determine if PAD (peripheral artery disease) is causing the pain or making it worse. PAD is plaque in the arteries which causes poor circulation.

“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 PAD is treatable in

an office setting. Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist explains, “We go into the bloodstream to find the blockage using imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore blood flow.”

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.”

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

Stiff Joints Interfere with Everyday Living

HELP! Don’t wait for your feet to yell at you. If your feet hurt, they are talking to you. Our doctors can help tell you what they are saying.

Y / N

Does foot pain prevent you from doing your favorite activity?

Do you have burning or tingling in your legs or feet?

Do you have leg or foot cramps with activity or at rest?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

(602) 954-0777 azfeet.com Dr. Kerry Zang • Dr. Shah Askari • Dr. Dan Schulman • Dr. Kim Leach Dr. Barry Kaplan • Dr. Jeff Weiss • Dr. Patrick Gillihan

One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activity because of a condition called hallux rigidus. It’s a degenerative disease of the big toe joint. As it progresses, the pain in the joint increases and motion decreases.

“People don’t realize the impact their big toe has on their life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption, and forward movement as you walk,” explains Dr. Daniel Schulman, of CiC Foot & Ankle.

“When the joint is stiff, it’s not able to bend and rotate properly, and it changes how we walk without us even realizing it.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.

“It always concerns me to hear that someone is playing less golf or staying home because they’re in pain,” says Schulman. “There are ways to help.”

The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday activities.

“We have several treatment options to not only relieve foot pain but help improve how your feet work. If we can help your feet function better, in many cases the need for surgery can be avoided or at the very least postponed,” says Schulman. “Patients are always happy to learn about ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

For golfers, a stiff big toe can make their game suffer.

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Spring 2022

Benevilla seeks volunteers to help older adults

BY BENEVILLA

A

Surprise-based nonprofit, Benevilla offers a variety of free services to older adults who may need extra help maintaining their independence at home.

A handful of concerned volunteers in the Sun Cities founded Benevilla in 1981 to help their neighbors with errands and counseling.

Since then, it has grown into a network of Life Enrichment Day Programs, free caregiver support groups, free C.A.R.E.S. resource assistance and educational services, a free home services program, a family resource center, day care and preschool, a community garden and a soon-to-open adaptive gym.

A passionate team of volunteers supports all Benevilla resources and programs, including its home services, which offers grocery shopping, assisted transportation to medical appointments, light handyman services, business assistance, and in-person and phone wellness checks for older adults.

A handful of concerned volunteers in the Sun Cities founded Benevilla in 1981 to help their neighbors with errands and counseling. (Stock image)

These services help ease the burden on family members caring for loved ones and ensure older adults with zero support are not left isolated or alone.

Benevilla IS A NON-PROFIT offering many rewarding, creative, and exciting ways to partner with them in service to the community.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? - Grocery Shopping - Transportation - Light Handyman Services - and Phone Pals....

BE A BENEVILLA VOLUNTEER

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY / APPLY AT BENEVILLA.ORG OR CALL 623 - 584 - 4999 Volunteers.indd 1

3/22/2022 1:24:37 PM

The need for these services is critical and grows as baby boomers age into retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people ages 65

and older will almost double, from 37 million in 2006 to 71.5 million by 2030.

The volunteers’ time ranges from several hours a week to a few hours per month.

“We appreciate every minute of their time, and so do those they are helping,” said Joanne Thomson, president and CEO of Benevilla.

“Together with our dedicated staff members, volunteers help Benevilla serve thousands of people in our Northwest Valley communities every year.”

No special skills are required to become a volunteer, and Benevilla offers several ways in which they can contribute.

“Our need is greatest in providing free home services,” said Courtney Allen, Benevilla’s vice president of program operations.

“The more volunteers we have, the more people we can serve.”

To learn more about helping the community through volunteer opportunities at Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit benevilla.org.

Spring 2022

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Staying fit can offset minor aches and pains

BY GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

S

ince the start of the pandemic in March 2020, many people have had increased pain in their back, shoulder, neck, wrist and hips because they’ve become inactive and are spending so much time in front of the computer.

These pains can be credited 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 and 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 and 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 your while facing your palms

forward, then take the stretch overhead.

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 are good places Glendale Community College Fitness Center. (GCC/Submitted) to start. Canned fruit or vegetables can be used in place touching your chair while reaching of dumbbells. Raise your weights to your arms in front for balance. Add shoulder height at the sides, to the dumbbells as you get stronger. For front and to the rear. Do some push- advice from a certified fitness trainer, ups, resting on your knees or toes. reach out to the GCC Fitness Center at Try squats, by sitting back and almost 623-845-3800.

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Spring 2022

Airman & Family Readiness Center is never the wrong place

BY AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

A

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

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

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 home front 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

Airman...continued on page 11

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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

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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

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Spring 2022

Assisted Living Locators offers free senior referral services

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BY ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS

ssisted Living Locators provides a free senior referral service in Glendale, Peoria, Sun City and Surprise, throughout the East and West valleys.

Assisted Living Locators provides the full continuum of care, offering assistance in locating quality assisted living options throughout the Valley based on the clients’ budget, preferred location and medical needs.

The franchise is owned by elder care adviser and registered nurse Lori Sears. Assisted Living Locators offers a no-cost service for seniors and their families providing Lori Sears owns the local Assisted Living Locators franchise. She’s an elder care adviser and advice on short- and long-term care registered nurse. (Assisted Living Locators/Submitted) options, including in-home care, independent living, assisted living, For more information about Assisted memory care and independent retire- Living Locators, call 623-703-5326, ment communities. It generates reve- email lsears@assistedlivinglocators. nue from the fees per placement paid com or visit www.assistedlivinglocaby the assisted living facilities. tors.com/westvalley.

Airman...continued from page 10 in harm’s way to reintegrating with their community and family.

The MFLC program provides support for a range of individual and family issues. Psychoeducational 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,

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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 Program - Family Support (EFMP-FS) is a community support function provided by the Airman & Family Readiness Center that includes, but is not limited to, on- and off-base information and referral, parent training, support group, relocation assistance, financial management and school information.

For more information, call 623-8566550, email 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil or visit 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.

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Spring 2022