Health and Wellness - Fall 2022

WELLNESS

HOSPICE OF

Learning difficulties? Have child’s vision tested

BY DR. ALICIA FEIS, FAAO Midwestern University Eye Institute

Startinga new school year is a great time to focus on your children’s vision — especially because there are 17 different visual skills required for effective learning.

Because vision and learning are so intimately connected, vision problems can easily be mistaken for learning problems. Correctable vision issues are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities, ADHD or dyslexia. As many as 40% of all children with learning disabilities have vision problems that are misdiagnosed. While many schools and pediatricians can perform basic vision screenings, only a comprehensive eye exam done by an optometrist can truly diagnose a vision-related learning issue.

Glasses are helpful for some vision problems, but vision is more than seeing 20/20. Learning to read involves accurate eye movements, focusing, and binocularity. As a result, learning is difficult if any of these systems are not functioning at an optimum level. But the good news is that vision therapy can help correct vision systems to improve visual function.

Vision-related learning problems are often not identified right away, and students who are affected might not even realize they are having a visual issue. Signs and symptoms can include skipping or re-reading of lines, following the text with a finger, closing or covering an eye, seeing double and avoiding close-up work. This list is not comprehensive, and children will have

the best chance of learning success when their families schedule regular eye exams with an optometrist to diagnose and treat any vision or other ocular health concerns. Make sure your child’s eyes are in tip-top shape for reading and learning by scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam at the Midwestern University Eye Institute in Glendale before any issues occur. Call 623-537-6000 for an appointment. 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 for questions regarding any possible health condition.

Dr. Alicia Feis, FAAO, is dean of the Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale and supervises third- and fourth-year optometry students in their pediatric clinical rotations at the Midwestern University Eye Institute. Eye Institute faculty doctors and students utilize the latest technology and research to evaluate and treat a wide range of vision and ocular health concerns for both children and adults, at affordable prices. For more information, call 623537-6000 or visit mwuclinics.com/az/ei.

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La Siena Senior Living features spacious studios and stylish one- and two-bedroom residences. (La Siena/Submitted)

La Siena offers retirement living with support

BY LA SIENA

Those

seeking a vibrant retirement lifestyle with a wealth of supportive services need look no further than La Siena, a Senior Resource Group community in North Central Phoenix.

Residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle that includes weekly housekeeping, laundry service, scheduled transportation and a wealth of on-site amenities.

Those looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon can catch a matinee at the on-site movie theater or catch up on their favorite book at the library.

Residents looking to stay active have plenty of options with a heated swimming pool, putting green, dance studio and fi tness center. Gourmands need not look further for a delicious dining experience — daily, fresh spe-

cials and an evolving menu are features of the community’s Grand Canal Restaurant.

The community’s independent and assisted living features spacious studios and stylishly appointed one- and two-bedroom residences. Should the need arise, La Siena’s licensed and accredited assisted living program provides a comprehensive menu of specialized care services that can be reduced or increased over time.

Residents enjoy the flexibility and option of occasional or full-time assistance and have a peace of mind knowing that should their needs change, a caring and professional staff will be there to meet those needs, now and in the future.

Tours are available by calling 602-635-6968 or visiting lasienaseniorliving.com.

BY HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY

It’s

staggering to think that 6.5 mil lion Americans are living with Alz heimer’s. With the highest growth rate for dementia in the nation, Arizo na is projected to reach 200,000 cases by 2025. Family members, suddenly thrust into the “caregiver role,” are un prepared to face a challenging disease that can last years.

The good news is… there is help — and it’s literally coming right to your doctor’s office. Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus is launching an unprecedented educa tion project aimed at training more than 3,000 health providers over the next 14 months to enhance dementia care for those with early and moderate stages of the disease. The extensive campaign is being funded by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“Half of all primary care physicians feel ill-equipped to serve the burgeon ing numbers of people living with dementia,” said Maribeth Gallagher,

Hospice of the Valley dementia pro gram director, citing a recent Alzhei mer’s Facts and Figures Report.

“There is a critical need to help doc

tors provide skillful and compassionate dementia care.”

These presentations teach doctors to assess and diagnose dementia, decode

behaviors that express unmet needs like fear or pain, and understand which medications help or harm dementia pa tients.

Hospice of the Valley already offers an in-home Supportive Care for De mentia program at no charge to fami ly members who are caring for loved ones with dementia. This new initia tive focuses on medical professionals, giving them tools to help their patients manage the disease with dignity and knowledge.

“We can educate providers — and through them, families — to improve quality of life,” said Dr. Gillian Ham ilton, medical director of Supportive Care for Dementia. “Physician offices are the first stop for families concerned about memory loss, and how they talk to families sets the stage for the whole journey through dementia.”

Call 602-767-8300 or email ed ucation@dementiacampus.org to schedule presentations for health care providers.

Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

Benevilla’s Caregiver Connect returns in person BY BENEVILLA

Benevilla’s

Caregiver Connect will return as a live, in-person experience at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18.

The four-hour, free educational event provides family caregivers with sup port, expert guidance and valuable in formation to assist them on their care giving journey.

The event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Sun City West, 17419 N. Conquistador Drive, Sun City West. It will feature educational presenta tions from local senior care experts on dementia care, Parkinson’s, caregiving education, and coping with loneliness especially during the holidays.

Family caregivers can get their pressing questions answered. The Ben evilla Preferred Partners, local senior services providers, will also have table displays to supply critical caregiver information to the attendees. They are experts in senior living options, home care choices, insurance alternatives, el

der law, hospice and more.

There will be interactive health ac tivities, and a healthy breakfast as well as snacks will be available throughout the event. The Benevilla programs will also be on hand with information high lighting our free C.A.R.E.S. Resource

Caregiver Connect

Department, including support groups, home services and education.

Benevilla has been helping family caregivers since 1981, when it started as a crisis counseling service.

“The Benevilla founders understood family caregivers were bearing a heavy

burden caring for their loved ones of ten neglecting their own health,” said Joanne Thomson, Benevilla president and chief executive officer.

“Today, 30% to 60% of caregivers pass from illnesses related to caregiver stress before the person they are caring for. That’s why getting family caregiv ers this type of support and information is crucial for our aging communities and their families.”

To register for the event, call 623584-4999 or visit the Benevilla website at benevilla.org/community-events-2.

Started by the community 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 ser vices for older adults, adults with dis abilities, children, and families.

For more information on services and volunteer opportunities, or to take a tour or make a donation to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit benevilla. org.

Enlarged prostates affect both men and women

BY DR. MICHAEL SWITZER Comprehensive

An enlarged prostate takes over people’s lifestyles. While men are scouting out restrooms when they arrive at a function, plan ning how far they drive without stop ping, and waking up several times a night, their partner is right there with them — getting up when the bathroom light turns on, waiting for them to re turn to the party, worrying if a car trip will be too long.

What is it?

Enlarged prostate is the common name for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which occurs when the prostate gland increases in size. As it gets larg er, it presses against the urethra, mak ing it difficult for men to empty their bladder completely.

Symptoms include weak, slow or in terrupted urinary stream, frequency or urgency, difficulty starting or straining to urinate, and getting up frequently at night to go to the bathroom.

The good news is that it’s not can cerous and does not raise the risk for prostate cancer. However, the same symptoms can be an indication of more serious conditions, including prostate cancer, so it’s important to be evaluat ed by a physician.

How is it treated?

First-line therapy starts with med ication that can be very effective in reducing the symptoms, but there are potential side effects like sexual dys function, fatigue and male breasts. But many men can’t tolerate the side

Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed

Muscle cramping, difficulty walk ing, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podi atric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very sim ilar 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 (pe ripheral 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 get ting an adequate supply, they start send ing 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 find ing 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

One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activi ty 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.

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.

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”

call

any of these

“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 stay ing 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 im prove 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 Schul man. “Patients are always happy to learn about ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

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

Staying fit can offset minor aches and pains

BY GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Sincethe start of the pandemic in March 2020, many people have had increased pain in their back, shoulder, neck, wrist and hips be cause 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 comput er, we’re often not mindful of posture and slouching. Here are some helpful things to prevent these nagging pains from becoming major debilitating is sues.

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

Glendale Community College Fitness Center. (GCC/Submitted)

and look straight ahead at the screen. Do not flex or extend the neck mus cles. Avoid slouching. Lift your ster num 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 lap top 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.

Stand regularly. Every 20 minutes is ideal. Even better, move to a standing position at your computer if you can maintain good posture. Alternating sit ting 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 to start. Canned fruit or vege tables 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 fit ness trainer, reach out to the GCC Fit ness Center at 623-845-3800

effects, or the medication doesn’t ade quately control the symptoms. Surger ies like TURP are also an option but come with serious risks factors.

What’s newest advancement in treatment?

PAE (prostate artery embolization) is an exciting breakthrough for treating BPH. It’s done through a tiny nick in the skin in the upper thigh. Small beads are deposited in the artery that supplies blood to the prostate. This reduces the blood flow to the prostate, which caus es it to shrink.

What does this mean to you?

PAE can reduce the size of the pros tate up to 40%, which relieves pressure on the urethra and improves symp

toms. There is less risk, reduced pain, no hospital visit, and a shorter recovery time than with traditional procedures. In many cases, patients begin to feel relief within a few weeks.

Are you a candidate for PAE?

You may be a candidate for PAE if medication is not relieving your symp toms, you cannot tolerate the side effects of your medication, or you are concerned about the risks of traditional surgery.

Dr. Michael Switzer is an interven tional radiologist who uses imaging technology and techniques to care for medical conditions that affect the nearly every organ system in the body. These conditions include PAD, en larged prostate, liver cancer and com pression fractures. He can be reached at Comprehensive Integrated Care at 480-374-7354.

we are researching the possibility of being open on Saturdays.”

Sun

vices remain available, including the water rebate for condo owners and help with electricity bills for low-income residents.

soon, he added.

However, he stressed these plans are preliminary and dependent on whether AARP Foundation officials allow the program.

Medicare open enrollment is here.

It is the only time of year when a beneficiary can make chang es to their current coverage including changing from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching back from an Advantage Plan to Origi nal Medicare.

Training volunteers could also present a problem due to space. Last year training was conducted at one of the Recreation Centers of Sun City facilities.

Mr. Duncan said officials are in the process of applying for grant funds from Arizona Public Service Co. for the electricity program.

or provide the lowest total cost to you.

Area Agency can help with Medicare open enrollment BY AREA AGENCY ON AGING

“Plus at this point I don’t have any idea how many of the volunteers will return if we do have a program,” Mr. Graff said.

When the Tax-Aire program returns, whether it be in 2021 or the next year, res-

You can also change your Part D Pre scription Drug Insurance provider.

Even if you are happy with your cur rent coverage, it can be a good time to review, compare with other options and make sure what you have meets your current needs.

You should also be aware of any changes that may occur in the upcoming year and how your current plan, benefits and drug prices com pare to other plans in your area. The plan with the lowest premi um may not always be the best

Area Agency on Aging Benefits Counselors and a team of 45 commu nity volunteers are ready to help you make the most informed decisions. They do not represent any insurance plan and are specifically designated to provide unbiased guidance and infor mation at no cost to you. They can help you understand costs and coverage and walk you through signing up for a new plan if needed.

Southwest Gas, which does not have a grant application process, donated $1,000, double the company’s normal amount, for the Crisis Assistance program.

Funds from that program are used for the water rebate, electricity, gas, taxi ticket and “Paint the Town,” a new program just added.

“It is nice being an inde-

All Area Agency Benefits Assistance Counselors and volunteers are certified Medicare counselors through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). To receive assistance, call the Area Agen cy on Aging Benefits Assistance Pro gram at 602-280-1059.

“I anticipate us breaking even or maybe even being a little in the black a little bit,” he said.

Dr. Samain is top dentist in Arizona

CAN officials also hope to increase their exposure to the community, providing more opportunity for residents to understand what the organization offers.

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Health & Wellness Executive Editor

At1st Classic Den

tal in Sun City, Dr.

Omaima Samain is passionate about dental im plants.

Ms. Rode told the board during its Sept. 8 meeting that Radiant Church, 10701 W. Boswell Blvd., new to Sun City, officials are trying to start a weekly food distribution, socialization and education event in which other service organizations can participate.

and studied dental implants at Misch International Implant Institute.

A member of the Inter national Congress of Oral Implantologists, Samain prides herself on listening to her patients and getting to know each one.

“We are looking being

Others have recognized this as well, as she was recognized by Hiossen Im plant as Arizona’s top den tist.

Samain has the creden tials to back it up. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at New York University School of Den tistry. She trained for two years in gen eral dentistry and hospital dentistry at University of Nevada School of Med icine. She furthered her training in re movable and fixed dentures at Univer sity of Connecticut School of Dentistry

“At 1st Classic Dental, we are a team of loving and caring staff who practice comfortable health-cen tered dentistry,” she said.

Dr. Omaima Samain of 1st Classic Dental says she has a loving and caring staff. (Photo courtesy 1st Classic Dental)

1st Classic Dental

Royal Oak Plaza

13203 N. 103rd Avenue, Suite G1, Sun City 623-974-0123

Airman & Family Readiness Center is never the wrong place

BY AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

Active-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 intro-

duced 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 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, 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 or email 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil, or visit 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.

Topic Tuesday offers ongoing education

BY HOME INSTEAD

Seniors

in or around Sun City can benefit from ongoing education on pertinent aging topics.

The Home Instead office of Sun City (623-499-3290) will begin hosting Topic Tuesday, which features an expert who will discuss a key aging topic for free.

The events are held at 1 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday at Home Instead, 14621 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City. The topics slated for the last quarter of the year include Medicare supplements, dementia support and overcoming loneliness near the holidays.

“It has been our goal since moving our business to Sun City to offer a free educational component for the community to benefit from,” owner Vicki Castleman said.

“The goal of Topic Tuesday is to cover multiple topics that may be of help to the seniors who live here. We all are getting older every day — the problem is that some issues, quite frankly, sneak up on us.”

Topic Tuesday will include a guest speaker, followed by a time for questions and answers. Participants are encouraged to come and connect with others who may be trying to solve similar issues.

Light refreshments will be provided at the Home Instead office, which relocated to Sun City in April.

“Many time, families I meet with to discuss our services need information on

many topics related to their aging success,” said Polly Evans, client and family care advocate.

“We provide resources as well as phone numbers for partners we work with. However, Topic Tuesday is a proactive approach to getting education out before people are faced with a crisis. We not only want to offer quality service, but also be a trusted resource in the community for all topics on aging.”

Home Instead provides in-home care for seniors, including companionship, home helper services, errands, transportation, personal care and dementia care — to name a few.

Services keep seniors safe and healthy wherever they call home. This is generally where people prefer to age. Home Instead helps to supplement care provided by the medical community by ensuring clients get to follow up on appointments, take medication and follow home health plans and can also support people post-discharge from hospital stays.

“We work to customize each client’s schedule,” said Crystal Gonzales, client care coordinator.

“Each client’s care plan is individualized to their case so our care pros can meet their needs while in the home.”

The mission of Home Instead is to “enhance the lives of aging adults and their families.” Topic Tuesday truly aligns with that mission.

of Dementia

&

Loneliness & Stress