Gilbert Sun News Health and Wellness - Fall 2021

HEALTH

Special Supplement to Gilbert Sun News

WELLNESS

Your Local Guide to Better Living

Fall 2021

Protecting against flu What veterans should know helps fight COVID-19 about bladder cancer STATEPOINT

STATEPOINT

W

ith students across the country returning to the classroom and adults returning to the workplace and gathering in person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that the second flu season of the COVID-19 pandemic will be significantly more active than last year.

But, the good news is that there are three simple steps everyone can take

Comprehensive Cancer Care In Your Neighborhood

to help protect themselves, their loved ones and communities: 1. Get the Flu Shot: Make sure to get the flu shot, and get it as early as possible. Most health care providers advise getting your flu vaccine in early fall.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early results show that only about half (50% – 55%) of U.S. adults received the flu vaccine last year.

see FLU page 3

Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers is pleased to introduce

T

he end of military service doesn’t always mean the end of hardships for those who served. As they age, many veterans can be faced with health challenges, including cancer.

Each year, approximately 40,000 new cancer cases in veterans are reported, and bladder cancer is among the top five most frequently diagnosed types of cancer among patients treated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Bladder cancer can happen to anyone,

Medical Oncology & Hematology

see BLADDER page 2

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• Did you know there are more than 50 Medicare Advantage plans in Maricopa County?

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www.ironwoodcrc.com Onyemaechi Okolo-Taku, MD

but there are some factors that make a person more likely to develop and be diagnosed with it.

For example, the risk of bladder cancer increases with age and is more likely diagnosed in patients over the age of 55.

Other risk factors include: smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, history of bladder infections or irritation, family history of bladder cancer and, for Vietnam veterans, the VA has added exposure to Agent Orange to that list.

Katarzyna Trebska, MD

There are a lot of NEW plans available this year. If you do nothing, you may not be getting all the benefits or cost savings you are eligible for.

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Now seeing patients in our Chandler & Gilbert Offices Our Comprehensive Cancer Centers offer Medical Oncology, Radiation, Breast Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, Genetic Counseling, Integrative Oncology, Imaging services (PET and CAT scans) along with open enrollment for a wide variety of research studies all at one convenient location in your neighborhood. In addition, our services include social work, nutrition, mind and body health programs and support classes for patients and caregivers.

Come see if this is the year you should choose a new plan.

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BLADDER

Health & Wellness

from page 1

Understanding an individual’s potential risk, as well as the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer is essential, as early detection can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.

The most common sign of bladder cancer is painless-but-visible blood in the urine. However, other signs to watch for include: pain during urination, changes in the frequency or ability to urinate and lower back pain on one side of the body.

A cystoscopy is a standard medical procedure that allows a urologist to look directly into the bladder for suspicious tissue. Historically, cystoscopies have been done using white light.

However, there is also a procedure called blue light cystoscopy that uses both white and blue light to create an enhanced view. veterans and others who suspect that they may have bladder cancer should ask a urologist for more information on blue light cystoscopy.

To learn more, rebrand.ly/About-Cystoscopy.

Fall 2021

Exercise crucial for a healthy lifestyle

BY LIFEQUEST PHYSICAL MEDICINE

R

egular exercise is proven to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost your immune system, and prevent weight gain.

We’ve provided some high- and low-impact activities as well as a few tips to help you get your body moving while following the CDC guidelines.

High impact activities are exercises that often require both feet to come off the ground while working out. These activities are called high impact because once your body leaves the ground, gravity forces you back down.

This causes your feet to hit the ground with pressure often similar to carrying twice your bodyweight.

Benefits include increased heart rate, improved bone density and cardiovascular strength, better balance and stability, and increased stamina.

High impact activities may not be ide-

al for those who have pre-existing injuries, joint conditions or excess weight.

This doesn’t mean that people with these conditions should not do high-impact activities, but that they should be added into exercise routines in moderation.

Incorporating a few high impact activities into a low impact routine is a great starting point that will help strengthen your body and burn calories. Some high impact workouts include: burpees, jogging, jumping jacks, jumping lunges.

Low-impact activities are exercises that often keep at least one foot on the ground while working out. Joints absorb far less impact, making them ideal for pre-existing injuries, chronic inflammatory conditions or beginners.

Don’t be fooled by the term “low-impact.” You can still achieve an excellent workout with low impact activities, but you may have to work a little harder.

Some low impact exercises include: bi-

cycling, exercises on elliptical machines, hiking, pilates, rowing, swimming, walking, weightlifting and yoga.

By adding a mixture of low and high impact activities to your workout routine, you will be able to strengthen various muscle groups and provide your joints with rest when needed.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to exercising. The key is to sit less and move more so that you can live a healthy life.

For those who are missing a gym, consider taking advantage of virtual classes or looking up some online exercise routines.

Though it is recommended that adults get at least 35-60 minutes of exercise a day, that doesn’t mean it has to be all at once. Consider breaking up your workouts so that you can fit them into your schedule better.

Information: lifequestarizona.com

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L

utz Get Healthy Family Medicine at 3530 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert was founded by Dr. Victoria Lutz, a board-certified nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice who has been in the medical field for over 30 years.

Lutz managed three different medical practices – including a plastic surgeon’s office, weight loss clinic and occupational health/urgent care center – before returning to school to earn her nursing degree.

Victoria earned her first bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University. After raising a family, she returned to school and earned her bachelors in nursing and masters in nursing education from Brookline College.

From there she went on to earn her masters degree in family nurse practitioner from South University and finally her doctorate in nursing practice from Graceland University.

Her passion is helping patients achieve their optimal level of health and wellness.

While treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, she provides the care and compassion necessary to treat patients of all ages and from all walks of life.

She is bilingual, Spanish speaking and enjoys spending time getting to know her patients while providing the most recent evidence-based treatments to all who enter her clinic.

Using both modern Western and holistic medicine, Lutz works with patients to personalize their treatment plan to meet their individual needs.

Information: Lutzgethealthy.com

Fall 2021

Health & Wellness

Simplify your dental shopping experience

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hether you’re shopping in the dental aisle or scrolling online, it may be surprising to see just how many products there are to choose from. However, dentists have a simple tip to pick the right ones for you and your family – check for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

The 90th anniversary of the ADA Seal of Acceptance program is an excellent opportunity to learn more about its im-

portance.

Although initiated in 1931, dentists and consumers still recognize it as the gold standard for evaluating safety and efficacy of dental products.

The ADA Seal is backed by science and every product carrying the Seal has been scientifically evaluated by independent dental experts to be safe and effective.

To earn the Seal, companies are often asked to meet higher standards than what’s required by law. Products that don’t meet these tough guidelines don’t get the Seal, period.

What many people don’t know is that the Seal isn’t just found on toothpaste and toothbrushes. From water filters in the kitchen to mouthguards on the playing field, products that promote healthy smiles go beyond the bathroom sink.

Check that all these items carry the Seal, as well as on any newer dental products you purchase, such as sugarless gum, mouth rinse, whitening products, denture products and interdental cleaners like floss, water flossers and floss picks.

Today, more than 400 over-the-count-

er dental products carry the seal and these products can be used with assurance that they have demonstrated safety and efficacy according to ADA requirements.

At MouthHealthy.org/Seal you will find downloadable shopping lists for adults and children, along with other essential dental tips and resources.

The rate of vaccination among children dropped from 62% in 2019-2020 to 58% in 2020-2021, which could be attributed to remote learning and greater isolation than in previous years.

Everyone in the household should get the flu vaccine. With COVID-19 variants making people sicker than previously

seen, getting the vaccine and protecting yourself from the flu can keep your immune system healthy.

Some studies have even found that individuals who contracted COVID-19 but received the flu shot were less likely to require treatment from an emergency department or intensive care unit.

2. Practice healthy hygiene: Continue to practice healthy hygiene habits like washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask when appropriate.

This means wearing a mask while shopping indoors, or attending an indoor event with a crowd of people.

3. Stay home when sick: Stay home

and avoid contact with others if you aren’t feeling well. Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu look alike – including fever, cough, muscle aches and sore throat – and knowing the difference can only be done through testing. Get tested if you develop any of these symptoms to rule out COVID-19.

STATEPOINT

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FLU from page 1

Great dental habits can help promote healthy smiles. Seek out the Seal to be sure your routine includes dental products backed by science.

Insurance Accepted

• Aetna • Blue Cross/Blue Shield • Cigna • Medicare • Multiplan • United Healthcare Commercial

Dr. Victoria Lutz Family Medicine

Fall is for Healthy Habits, Let us Help You Reach Your Goals!

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• Personalized Care • No long waits to be seen • A provider who really listens • We are seeing sick patients and treat Covid

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Health & Wellness Sponsored Content

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PAD Impacts Everyday Living PHOENIX –The need to stop and rest after walking a short distance because of a leg cramps, numbness in the feet or leg pain could be more than normal aging or adjusting to increased activity. While the inclination may be to think it’s just part of getting older, these symptoms may be caused by vascular insufficiency.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of those conditions that is sometimes easy to dismiss. “If you find yourself needing to rest because your leg cramps when you walk even a short distance, or at night you need to stand up to relieve a cramp in your foot, that’s your legs and feet telling you they need help,” says Dr. Joel Rainwater, chief medical officer of Comprehensive Integrated Care (CiC).

“PAD is often called the silent killer because you may have it and not even know,” says Rainwater. Its diagnosis is often delayed and not identified until it has progressed.

build-up occurs gradually and hardens into plaque inside the artery restricting blood flow. Without an adequate blood supply, the body can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to maintain healthy legs and feet.

“It’s not normal to have difficulty walking to your mailbox, it’s not normal to have constant leg pain or cramping,” says Rainwater.

It’s also interesting to note, that the symptoms of PAD and neuropathy are very similar. They include difficulty walking without taking a break, burning, tingling, numbness and/or pain. “When I see a patient who has been told they have neuropathy and they’ve been maximized on medication that’s not working, I know there may be something else causing it and one of the big, notorious offenders in that scenario is PAD,” says Rainwater.

PAD is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries. This

“This is something we can fix,” explains Rainwater. “The good news about PAD, is that there’s hope.

There is treatment and it’s excellent, it’s been one of the biggest success stories in all of medicine.” Patients are able to get back on their feet and everyday living with almost no downtime, no stitches and no overnight hospital stay. Medicare as well as most insurance plans will cover treatment.

“I’m here to tell patients that there are options, all they have to do is ask. They might have to ask a different doctor, but they don’t have to live with the idea that they’re going to suffer for the rest of their life,” says Rainwater. His best advice, “Go look for answers.”

PAD IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED. WERE YOU? Y/N

Do you have difficulty walking without taking a break?

Do you experience pain, numbness, or cramping in your feet or legs?

Is you neuropathy treatment not making symptoms go away?

The symptoms of Neuropathy 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 these questions, call our office today to see how our doctors can help.

(602) 954-0777 ciccenters.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

Fall 2021

Heel Pain Is on The Rise Restaurants are busy, baseball stadiums are welcoming fans, and this summer is slated to be one of the busiest travel seasons ever. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet,” says Dr. Kerry Zang, podiatric medical director 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 activity levels increase.

It typically hurts when first getting up, may lessen after a few steps but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was given. “Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” says Zang. Now, new treatment options focus on resolving the condition, not just the treating the symptoms.

“Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explains. “One form is prolotherapy, which tricks the body into thinking it was injured and starts the healing process.”

The FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis.

“Laser treatment helps reduce pain, increase circulation and attracts the patient’s own growth factors to the area, all of which promote healing,” says Zang.

If left untreated pain can become chronic, but the good news is there are still options. “Growth factor therapy jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues,” says Zang. “It’s all about healing.”