Special Supplement to Ahwatukee Foothills News
HEALTH Winter 2021
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
Taking small steps for lifelong rewards BY MELISSA ELLIOTT, MSW AFN Guest Writer
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taying engaged, socially connected and finding meaningful programs to participate in over the last year has been challenging for everyone—but especially for seniors who can be vulnerable and isolated. The Area Agency on Aging has adapted to offer virtual versions of its Health Living classes, including Geri-Fit exer-
cise classes and other behavior change courses like chronic disease self-management, living life with chronic pain and diabetes self-management. This February and March, the agency will virtually offer the Aging Mastery Program. Developed by the National Council on Aging, The Aging Mastery Program is a 10-week course that explores topics like fall prevention, nutrition, exercise, medication management, financial management, emo-
tional health and life care planning. The class is taught by subject-matter experts. Participants receive a workbook and other supplemental materials. “The Aging Mastery Program is great because it is so comprehensive,” said Rose Leyba, the agency’s health promotion coordinator. “It doesn’t just focus on one area like physical health or fall prevention but covers a variety of topics that are important to older adults as they plan for
the future.” If you are interested in participating in the Aging Mastery Program, call 602-241-5562 for information and to register. For information on all the classes the Area Agency is offering, call the 24-hour senior help line at 602-264-4357 or visit the website at aaaphx.org. Melissa Elliott, MSW is vice president of programs & services for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One.
Ahwatukee Skin & Laser: Committed to care
cian Assistant Studies from Midwestern University. Sarah’s interest in disarah Neumann, a eases of the hair, skin and practicing physician’s nails, initially began when assistant since 2000, she was teenager battling is the founder of Ahwatuacne. kee Skin and Laser, a mulDue to her own struggles, tiple award winner in the her practice style today is Ahwatukee Foothills News’ based on compassion, unBest of Ahwatukee. derstanding, and a comGrowing up in a small town in Wisconsin, Sarah SARAH NEUMANN mitment to quality care. Through her Midwestlearned early on about the importance of hard work to achieve ern values, she believes in developing meaningful relationships with patients, success. After completing her undergraduate families, supporting the community and degree in community and medical di- advocating for patients regarding insuretetics and psychology and receiving her ance issues. The award-winning Ahwatukee Skin registered dietitians (RD) license, she discovered her passion for dermatology & Laser was launched in 2010 as a during a medical mission in Belize, Cen- full-service cosmetic, medical and surgical practice. tral America. The practice employs Mohs surgeons to The life-altering experience left Sarah wanting advanced training to help her provide state-of-the-art care for skin cancreate a holistic approach to patient care. cer patients, and dermatologic surgeons. After returning to the U.S., she received In-house appointments following CDC her Masters of Medical Science in Physi- guidelines and online appointments are AFN NEWS STAFF
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The staff at Ahwatukee Skin & Laser follow strict health and safety protocols to protect patients from COVID-19. (Ahwatukee Skin & Laser) offered Monday through Friday, walk-in services are available Mondays 12-1 pm
and Thursdays 7-8 am. ahwatukeeskincare.com.