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Bluhmin’ Around Town PAGE 5
Anthem Pet of the Week Serving the communities of Anthem, Black Canyon City, Carefree, Cave Creek, Desert Hills, New River, North Phoenix, Tramonto and Peoria
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
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This Week
NEWS............................. 3 Blood donations urgently needed by Vitalant
ARTS............................... 9
Abby Brill makes breathtakingly beautiful art in Prescott
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF CAVE CREEK) | TheFoothillsFocus.om
Author recounts health battles in her new book.
OPINION.................................5 BUSINESS...............................7
ARTS........................................ 9
FEATURES.......................... 10 CLASSIFIEDS..................... 14
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Cave Creek’s shops suffering through pandemic BY SARA EDWARDS Foothills Focus Staff Writer
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s the spread of COVID-19 has cost many people their jobs and forced them into social isolation, companies, restaurants and shops have suffered from the sudden decrease in business. Many North Valley small businesses have had to adjust to a new normal to keep their customers coming back so they can continue to serve after the pandemic passes. Sherry Vogler of Oak’s Diner has been serving innovative and traditional homemade meals for more than 16 years and depends on her dedicated customers.
Sherry Vogler of Oak’s Diner is worried about her business in the wake of COVID-19. (Submitted photo)
Vogler said Oak’s Diner is still serving its same Cave Creek favorites, but instead of dining room seating, the diner has transitioned to takeout and curbside service. Oak’s Diner is also serving free coffee. “Our commitment is what keeps us upbeat and focused because our job is to serve the hungry folks in our community,” Vogler said. The Foothills Food Bank has also adjusted its system to help better serve people who need food and supplies. The food bank’s executive director, Pam Dipietro, said it has had an overwhelming response. “We finally have come upon a sys-
see BUSINESSES page 2
Doctor: Keep mind healthy during crisis BY HAYLEY ANDERSON Foothills Focus Staff Writer
FEATURES................. 10
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OVID-19 is forcing us to practice self-isolation and social distancing to keep us well. But some are developing stress and anxiety amid the recent outbreak. “I think all of us are feeling stressed to some degree,” said Dr. Barry Freeman, senior medical director at OptumCare Network of Arizona. “These are trying times.” Self-isolation, for many, is a completely new experience, and with this, it is easier to develop unhealthy habits and upend daily routines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the people who may respond stronger to stress are older folks; those with chronic diseases and are at higher risk for
COVID-19; children and teens; people who suffer from mental health conditions and medical workers. “We’re not exactly sure where this is going right now, so try to stay healthy,” Freeman said. The pandemic’s economic toll adds to isolation stress. Freeman recommends staying mobile, by taking a walk in the hallway, practicing yoga or meditation, or trying new hobbies. “Try to get back to the things you like to do,” Freeman said. “Keep your mind healthy by doing things you love; keep your body healthy by exercising.” Yoga and meditation practices are known for slowing the breath and focusing the mind. Regular practice can reduce blood pressure and emotions affected by self-iso-
lation. Jennifer Miles, owner of Jennifer Miles Wellness program in Phoenix, is helping others cope with their stress through virtual yoga sessions. Miles transitioned from in-person to virtual meetings so she can help with isolation depression and stress. “Yoga and meditation utilize the medium of the breath,” Miles said. “And through the medium of the breath we can get to the nervous system.” She specializes in a form of yoga call nidra, or a yogic sleep, that focuses on a state between waking and sleeping. This can be beneficial in combatting sleep and focus problems that can arise in isolation.
see ISOLATION page 4