Vista Health and Wellness Winter 2018

WINTER 2018

Health & Wellness

LEGACY HOUSE AVONDALE Senior living facility stacked with ‘cruise ship’ amenities Page 18

VAPING

The danger in this growing habit Page 12

MEALS OF JOY Food delivery service stressing senior nutrition Page 10

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2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Inside this issue Health & Wellness

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Fast facts about Abrazo West Hacienda Del Rey offers a different way to experience senior living CardioMEMS device makes monitoring heart failure simple Meals of Joy stresses senior nutrition Winter superfoods for optimal health Vaping is a dangerous habit How a healthy diet helps you and the environment Vein Envy builds relationships Simple ways to get a more restful night’s sleep West Valley Medical Bios Senior living facility like a docked ‘cruise ship’ Personalized, patient-centered care at CTCA Make morning workouts work for you Abrazo West Campus announces growing expansion project When is the right time for hospice?

Estrella Women’s Health Center has patients in mind How to maintain mental focus Cities at a glance VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt EDITORS Niki D’Andrea Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Connor Dziawura (Assistant Editor) WRITERS Lin Sue Cooney Heather Copfer Dr. Wissam Jaber Keith Jones Steven Solomon ADVERTISING SALES Laura Meehan Dick Walters Deeanna Acosta DESIGN AND ART Shannon Mead

250 Litchfield Road #130 Goodyear 623.535.8439 westvalleyview.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRINTED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PUBLISHER’S PERMISSION. STATEMENTS AND OPINIONS PRINTED IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS AND NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF TIMES PUBLICATIONS OR ITS ADVERTISERS.

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Fast facts about Abrazo West Campus

By Keith Jones

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hospital capacity in the coming months. It brazo Community Health Net- will provide additional beds for telemetry work’s Abrazo West Campus, a patients, while offering the flexibility to 188-bed acute care hospital and accommodate medical/surgical patients Level I Trauma Center in Goodyear, as needed.

“Bed expansion in the hospital’s opened in 2003. The hospital recently South Tower will help acmarked its 15th anniversary commodate the area’s inby announcing a multimilcreasing population and lion-dollar expansion projserve the patients and phyect to meet a growing need sicians who are entrusting for inpatient beds to serve Abrazo West with their patients from West Valley care,” said Frank Molinaro, communities.

Abrazo Community Health Located at 13677 W. McNetwork CEO. Dowell Road, the hospital “Abrazo West Campus offers comprehensive orthopedics, neurosurgery, Frank Molinaro is chief executive opened 15 years ago as a small robotic-assisted surgery, officer of Abrazo Community community hospital and has heart and vascular, ob- Health Network. (Photo courtesy evolved into a thriving medAbrazo Community Health Network) ical center serving the West stetrics, women’s health, wound care with hyperbaric treatment Valley and beyond. Over time the hospital and therapy services as well as 24-hour has added complex services like the Level 1 Trauma program, neurosurgery, electroemergency care among its services.

A new 12-bed nursing unit will be built physiology and interventional cardiology.”

Abrazo West Campus has achieved in 2019, fulfilling a projection for added

Leapfrog A grades for patient safety four consecutive times and recently added a new biplane imaging interventional radiology suite. A chest pain center and primary stroke center, it also earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll award.

“The multimillion-dollar expansion project is an investment for a sustainable future for the Abrazo West Campus and a sign of confidence in the direction we are headed as an organization,” Molinaro said. “With more and more patients choosing Abrazo West, it’s important to meet our community’s expectations for high quality care and an excellent patient experience.”

With the Abrazo West Campus growing quickly, the Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center, 525 S. Watson Road, Buckeye, was created just a few years ago to provide emergency care to those who need it most.

A Uniquely

different way to experience senior living.

Our dedicated associates are committed to enriching your life and providing a warm, friendly environment with the finest services and amenities.

Everything to make you feel at home here.

A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • M E M O RY C A R E

Call 480.900.3923 to experience the NEW Hacienda Del Rey. MBKSeniorLiving.com 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Hacienda Del Rey offers a different way to experience senior living

By Steven Solomon

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he senior community at Hacienda Del Rey in Litchfield Park features living arrangements and amenities designed to showcase an experience it says is “reminiscent of a charming neighborhood, with welcoming homes to call your own.”

“You will see tons of smiles, homecooked meals that have amazing aroma throughout the cottages, gorgeous interiors, caregivers who are thoughtful and delightful to talk to, a clean community throughout, and friendly staff,” said Tisha Hunter, director of sales.

Senior living and care options include assisted living, Memory Care – Our Connections for Living Program, and short-term/respite care.

Assisted living services include 24-hour oversight by professionally trained caregivers, daily medication and bathing assistance, daily dressing and grooming assistance, daily bathroom assistance, escorts to activities and meals, assisted living-focused resident enrichment programs, volunteer and community outreach opportunities, and an emergency alert response system.

Connections for Living Services include 24-hour professionally trained caregivers; daily, weekly and monthly activities to promote physical wellness, social and family engagement, sensory stimulation and personal reminiscence; inspiration stations and baskets; daily assistance with medication, bathing, dressing, grooming and bathroom needs; assistance with meals and snacks, escort to activities and meals, on-site pharmacy services and an emergency alert response system.

Seasonal residency includes meals, housekeeping, free scheduled transportation, a robust activities calendar with daily opportunities for socialization, education, fitness and overall wellness; and full access to the community’s resort-style amenities,

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Each cottage has a great room with a huge kitchen and granite countertops, a large living room area for residents and family members to entertain in, and specific activity rooms for crafts, puzzles, blackjack and poker. (Photo courtesy Hacienda Del Rey)

fitness center, library, game and card rooms.

In addition to landscaped grounds with courtyards, patios, walking paths and outdoor barbecue area, there is a library, on-site laundry facilities, full-service beauty salon and a barber; poker, garden and book clubs; fitness classes and off-campus trips to local attractions and events. The amenities, and there are many, include three homecooked meals a day, snacks, activities,

housekeeping, linen changing, transportation, all utilities paid for, and live entertainment.

“We have nine beautiful cottages that have 10 spacious studio apartments per cottage,” Hunter said. “Each cottage has a great room with a huge kitchen and granite countertops, a large living room area for residents and family members to entertain in, and specific activity rooms for crafts, puzzles, blackjack and poker.”

Hacienda Del Rey has nine cottages with 10 spacious studio apartments per cottage. (Photo courtesy Hacienda Del Rey)

Daily fitness classes range in focus from balance to aerobics. “About 80 percent of our community participates

in our fitness program,” Hunter said, noting that fitness opportunities include yoga, strength training, chair exercises,

stretching, mind aerobics and more.

To schedule a tour, call 623-806-8469 or visit mbkseniorliving.com.

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CardioMEMS device makes monitoring heart failure simple

By Connor Dziawura

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eart failure is one of the most significant health care burdens in the country. Around 5.7 million adults nationwide deal with it, according to a 2016 report from the American Heart Association. As it worsens, symptoms – which include swelling, trouble breathing, weight gain and lethargy – also increase.

Traditionally, patients with symptoms of heart failure would be admitted to the hospital and be subject to a gamut of tests, according to Abrazo West Campus cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Garg.

Doctors would then have to determine the best treatment.

“So, the goal was: What could we do to prevent the patient from getting to that stage where they get hospitalized and acute heart failure?” he explained.

That solution is the CardioMEMS HF System.

About the size of a paperclip, the CardioMEMS device – which was developed around five years ago but implemented at Abrazo West Campus more than a year ago – is a sensor that relies on radio frequencies. Using microelectromechanical (MEMS) technology, it gathers patients’ pressure readings.

Surgically implanted into the pulmonary artery, it then becomes a part of the blood vessel, Garg said. But what happens next is essential.

“The most important part starts after the device is implanted, because this device now is generating information,” he explained. “Now, we have to capture that information.”

It’s captured via a special pillow and electronic unit that wirelessly transmits data directly to a website that is viewable by doctors and nurses. From there, staff can analyze patients’ pressure readings and, if necessary, call them to adjust medications.

The concept, Garg said, is to prevent patients from needing to be hospitalized which, in turn, reduces health care costs

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Abrazo West Campus Cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Garg, left, successfully implanted the CardioMEMS HF System into his patient, Cynthia Waterman. (West Valley View photo by Josh Susuras)

and other risks. Already, national clinical trials have shown 38 percent fewer hospital stays in patients’ first year with the device.

Patients who receive the device must meet several criteria, though. First, a diagnosis of heart failure is needed. At least one hospitalization in the past 12 months can qualify. Second, it has to be advanced heart failure, meaning the patient is very symptomatic.

Cynthia Waterman is just one of the many people in the country who have suffered the consequences of advanced heart failure. The New Yorker had a December 2016 valve replacement, but her symptoms hadn’t improved.

So, in October 2017, she relocated to the West Valley to visit her daughter, Susanna Waterman. It was then the two learned about the possibilities of CardioMEMS from Garg.

“From the beginning, he (Garg) told us that she was a good candidate for it and that her quality of life would improve,” Susanna explained. “I’d seen what had happened with my mom for a year; she was struggling. He was so

confident but I was like, ‘OK, let’s see what happens.’”

So, Cynthia had the device implanted in November 2017.

“After the device was implanted, she didn’t have any more hospitalizations for shortness of breath or swelling,” Susanna said.

“She’s not computer savvy, but within two weeks she was able to figure out how to do the readings herself. It’s a great device. It’s helped her in terms of monitoring her fluid balance levels.”

The device, Cynthia said, did not require a steep learning curve.

“You have to position yourself,” Cynthia added during a demonstration of the pillow. “If you’re not positioned properly, it will tell you that the movement, the activities are wrong.”

Garg was behind the first implantations at Abrazo West, Abrazo Arrowhead and Banner Boswell. The procedure began for Abrazo surgeons at Arizona Heart Hospital before expanding to the west campus.

The device is simple. Its construction

The paperclip-size CardioMEMS HF System, using microelectromechanical technology, wirelessly transmits patients’ pressure readings to doctors for easy monitoring. (West Valley View photo by Josh Susuras)

is minimal and has no battery life. Because of this simplicity, it doesn’t need to be replaced.

“From a longevity standpoint, it works well, because it’s just a sensor,” he added. “It’s just monitoring the blood pressure changes that are happening in the blood vessel.”

This easy access to the web-transmitted data trends takes the guesswork

out of managing heart failure, he said.

Though patients don’t receive their own data (to prevent self-determined adjustments), the goal is to eventually transmit that information to an app on patients’ smartphones, Garg added.

“I can’t believe in 2018 we’re talking this, because a couple of years ago this would have sounded like some kind of science fiction,” Garg enthused, com-

paring it to how ultrasound was likely viewed decades ago.

Now, CardioMEMS could be the future of heart failure management.

“It’s a new paradigm in the management of heart failure,” he said. “I think this is definitely a paradigm shift in the way we’re going to manage heart failure in the future. This is really something that is very revolutionary.”

For Cynthia, that revolutionary success rings true, and Susanna is appreciative.

“Her quality of life – just like Dr. Garg had said – has improved tremendously,” Susanna said a few months after her mother’s procedure. “I was afraid for her.

If she had not come out here, I’m pretty sure she would not have made it. I’m that confident. She was having difficult breathing, couldn’t sleep flat, and now she’s a lot more educated.”

She continued, “It’s an advanced tool that helps her monitor her condition. It has improved her quality of life. She’s back to enjoying shopping … behavioral-wise, she’s back to her energy levels.”

Bridgewater Assisted Living Avondale 295 E Van Buren St. | Avondale, AZ 85323 | (602) 882-2110 | www.BridgewaterAL.com 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Meals of Joy stresses senior nutrition

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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arry Cervarich was on a meal delivery route in Oregon when he was asked to give the client her food. Cervarich agreed.

He walked to the porch, and the woman slowly opened the door. What Cervarich saw was horrifying.

“There’s a lady, who’s probably 80,” he said. “The house was really dark.

The shades were pulled. She looked so lonesome. She reached through the door and said, ‘Thank you,’ and shut the door.

“I stood there and I started to have tears in my eyes. The guy said, ‘It got to you, didn’t it?’ I couldn’t believe this was going on in our world today.”

So, four years ago, the now-PebbleCreek resident founded Meals of Joy, a Litchfield Park-based food delivery service that stresses the importance of seniors and nutrition. It services the West Valley only five days a week.

“Seniors are out there struggling.

It doesn’t matter where you live,” said Cervarich, 78.

“We’re supposed to be a rich state.

People come down here to retire. Things change when someone loses their spouse or there’s a financial crisis.”

To help raise money for the organization, Meals of Joy hosts a masquerade gala each October.

“Ninety-five percent of the funds go to the meal program,” he said. “We don’t have a whole lot of overhead. We want to give them a decent meal that they enjoy.”

Meals of Joy has support from Abrazo West and Sun Health at Home, said Cervarich, who also runs Homeless Youth Connection. Meals of Joy serves the 55 and older community and clients do not need to have medical or financial difficulties.

“We’re getting calls from seniors saying they’re tired and they don’t want to cook anymore,” he said. “They’re losing interest in their daily cooking habits.”

Meals of Joy also doesn’t pressure se-

Meals of Joy board member Jack Kastel shows off meals provided by his Litchfield Park-based organization.

(West Valley View photo by Tim Sealy) 10

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niors to keep participating. There are no set-up or applications fees. All staff asks for is the next of kin, in case a delivery driver sees something wrong. There is an ongoing need for volunteer drivers to deliver meals.

Colored menus are sent out a month ahead so clients can choose what they want. Cervarich said the only complaint he’s received is that Meals of Joy provides too much food.

“We absolutely do not send any meal that’s frozen,” he added. “At 8 or 9:30 a.m., they arrive at a central office where our volunteers are waiting to deliver immediately.

“In most cases, the meals can’t get any fresher. Some are still warm from being prepared. The containers are microwaveable, though. If they want to freeze them and reheat them later, they can do that.”

Meals start at $10. The charity will adjust for those who are struggling.

“They can order the meals they would love to eat and not be force fed,” Cervarich said. “The purpose is to choose what they’d like to eat and eat something to get nutrition in their system. If they order one meal in a week that’s one meal they probably wouldn’t have had.”

Cervarich said he’s looking to move the commissary kitchen from Phoenix to the West Valley to better serve his needs. For now, though, he’s focusing on Homeless Youth Connection and Meals of Joy. “What we really want to do is help seniors stay in their own home and not be off to a nursing home,” he said. “We want them to feel their home is their home.

“It’s so moving to the drivers to deliver a meal and say, ‘I’m from Meals of Joy. Here’s your meal.’ It puts a smile on their face and it makes you know you’re doing the right thing.”

Meals of Joy

501 E. Plaza Circle, Suite 2 Litchfield Park • 623-594-9588 info@scosic.org • mealsofjoy.org

Winter superfoods for optimal health Special to Vista

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llnesses seem to peak during the winter months. A tapped-out immune system as well as dry, cold air may encourage the spread of common viruses and bacterial infections more easily. As a result, it’s important that men, women and children take every step possible to ward off sickness when the temperatures drop. Dietary changes can make a world of difference, and more and more people are including these proven superfoods in their winter diets.

• Avocado: Avocado has high levels of essential fatty acids and vitamin B6, which is important in the biosynthesis of important neurotransmitters.

Foods high in B vitamins may be able to counteract some of the symptoms of winter-related depression.

• Pomegranate: This quirky fruit has vitamins C and K, folate and potassium and is a good source of fiber. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties,

which can help in reducing joint pain and preventing strokes. Pomegranate may also help the body fight viruses.

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon has high levels of antioxidants, and some studies point to cinnamon as a natural antibacterial agent. Cinnamon also can help regulate blood-glucose levels, which is beneficial for those with diabetes.

• Prunes: Now widely referred to as “dried plums,” prunes are an important source of boron, which could prevent osteoporosis. High in antioxidants, prunes help the body fight a variety of illnesses.

• Cabbage: Cabbage may be a key element in the fight against cancer. Cabbage has phytochemicals that can protect the body against cancer-causing free radicals. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which can stimulate a sluggish digestive system.

• Butternut squash: This food is packed with carotenoids, which are stellar antioxidants. The starches in this squash

also have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Chestnuts: Chestnuts are worthy of inclusion in anyone’s diet. Unlike many nuts, chestnuts are relatively low in fat but have high levels of protein. They’re also packed with vitamin C and B vitamins.

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www.estrellawomenshealthcenter.com 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Vaping is a dangerous habit

By Dr. Wissam Jaber

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ur country has made great strides in reducing the use of cigarettes and educating Americans on the dangers of smoking. The medical community has made it a priority to research the impact of cigarettes and encourage smoking cessation to reduce the incidence of lung and aero-digestive cancers and other smoking-related disease.

Now comes the rising popularity of e-cigarettes or vaping. We are continuing to learn more about health risks associated with vaping. It is by no means the “healthy alternative” that slick marketing campaigns portray.

Recently, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb declared, “We see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion.

We must adjust certain aspects of our comprehensive strategy to stem this clear and present danger, in addition to ordering manufacturers to prove they can keep the products away from minors. This is an important, laudable step toward reducing the use of e-cigarettes among minors.”

It’s important to understand the prevalence of e-cigarette use and why action must be taken to reduce its growth. Between 2011 and 2015, the use of e-cigarettes among high school students jumped by an astonishing 900 percent.

Estimates claim as many as 2 million United States high school students have vaped, and that number is only growing. Promoted as a “cooler,” safer way to smoke by young adults, magazines and influential blogs, vaping has established a firm culture among adolescents while avoiding regulation that would limit its use.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found e-cigarettes to contain carcinogenic compounds similar to those found in cigarettes that contribute to lung and throat cancer. Other studies show that lead and other heavy metals are often inhaled while vaping, and even the popular flavors touted by users are shown to be dangerous; buttery-flavored

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diacetyl has been linked to serious lung disease.

Additionally, there is no long-term research that shows these products reduce the likelihood of smoking cigarettes. The FDA does not recommend vaping as a safe alternative, as it still causes harm to the lungs and can be addictive. The chemicals found in e-cigarettes are especially harmful to pregnant women and adolescents, which can lead to long-term, harmful side effects.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, one of my priorities is educating the public about the threat of lung, throat and other cancers tied to smoking. While they may not have the reputation that cigarettes have, it is clear that e-cigarettes and vaping present their own health hazard.

It’s critically important that parents and mentors of young people have open, honest conversations with them. Here are a few key points to convey: • Vaping is not “cool” and it’s not a healthy substitute for cigarettes. It harms the lungs, which could lead to long-term damage.

• The chemicals in e-cigarettes can lead to side effects that may impact adults who smoked

e-cigarettes as teens.

• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can lead to cancer.

The next step in our fight for a healthier America must be a reasonable, constructive policy that limits the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and a commitment to further research on the long-term effects of these products.

Dr. Wissam Jaber is director of interventional pulmonary medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America Phoenix. Cancer Treatment Centers of America is located at 14200 Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear. For more information, call 623-428-9679 or visit cancercenter.com.

Dr. Wissam Jaber said e-cigarette use must be limited among adolescents. (Photo courtesy Cancer Treatment Centers of America Phoenix)

How a healthy diet helps you and the environment Special to Vista

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he right dietary choices can not only improve your health but the environment as well. But urbanization and increasingly busy schedules force many people to seek the most convenient, and not necessarily the healthiest, foods.

The growing reliance on processed foods may be hurting humans and the planet they call home. Processed foods tend to be loaded with starches and preservatives, increasing consumers’ risk of diabetes and being obese. In addition, many prepackaged foods are shipped from faraway processing plants, and vast amounts of fuel must be consumed for products to get from those plants to local grocery stores.

But subtle shifts in dietary habits and trends can decrease mortality rates and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food production. Adopting alternative diets that feature a higher ratio of fish, whole grains and locally

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grown produce can greatly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.

The “New Nordic Diet” is one example of a growing dietary trend that has the potential to improve the health of humans and the environment. So says Henrik Saxe, an associate professor who specializes in sustainability at Copenhagen University. Researchers found a reduction in greenhouse gases of at least 6 percent with the New Nordic Diet, as compared to typical diets in Denmark.

The following are a few ways average men and women can eat to promote their own health while simultaneously protecting the environment.

• Adopt climate-friendly eating habits that rely on more domes-

tic, in-season foods.

• Cut down on meat consumption.

• Eat organic foods as much as possible.

• Avoid seafood harvested from fish farms which can negatively impact your own health and marine life.

• Grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Shop at local markets that support nearby farms and farmer’s markets.

• Purchase products with the least amount of packaging.

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Vein Envy’s staff is, from left, medical assistant Cynthia Espinoza; registered phlebology sonographer Davis Margou; Dr. Ryan Jones; Kodi Pareja and medical assistant Sabrina Dunn. (Photo courtesy Vein Envy)

Vein Envy builds relationships

By Heather Copfer

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ersonal relationships are important to Vein Envy.

“I’ll go out to the waiting room and talk with patients,” said Dr. Ryan Jones, founder of Vein Envy. “It’s really family-oriented here.”

The feeling is woven throughout Vein Envy’s practice at 14044 W. Camelback Road in Litchfield Park.

Jones is an alumnus of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Utah State University and Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also served in the Air Force for nine years. During his last four years, he became fascinated with veins and developed a phlebology practice at Luke Air Force Base. Last July, one month after he completed his service, he opened his own practice.

“I’ve already seen a good response and I’m starting to get busy with patients,” he said. “It’s been really satisfying to see and treat these patients and create these great relationships.”

Nearly 50 percent of the population

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suffers from vein issues, according to the venous surgeon. Symptoms range from restless legs to swelling and heaviness.

But not everyone receives a correct diagnosis for their pain.

“A lot of times patients will be told ‘This is a cosmetic issue’ or ‘There’s nothing that can be done for this. You just need to raise your legs,’” Jones said.

While many patients visit Jones to seek treatment for spider veins, a lot of them don’t know they have an underlying vein issue like varicose veins.

Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins that are most common in legs and feet. They occur due to weak valves in the veins that cause blood to flow away from the heart.

Jones asks patients who come in for treatment of spider veins a few questions to determine the cause. About half of these patients discover they have deep varicose veins that are causing their spider veins.

The good news is that there are multi-

ple ways of treating varicose veins.

“I found the best success for treating veins, the most painless and pleasant for patients, is radiofrequency,” Jones said.

This treatment is like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). However, instead of using a laser, it uses radiofrequency and causes less bruising. It has an equivalent success rate of closure of the vein, which allows the blood to recirculate to different veins.

After venous procedures, Jones quickly follows up with his patients, which helps grow his personal relationships with his clientele.

“We get to know patients and their family members very well so that’s probably the most rewarding thing with veins for me.”

Vein Envy

14044 W. Camelback Road, Suite 226 • Litchfield Park 623-233-1050 • veinenvy.com

Simple ways to get a more restful night’s sleep Special to Vista

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good night’s sleep can benefit the human body in various ways, including increasing alertness and improving mood and productivity. But according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, chronic insomnia disorders, which are defined as insomnia that occurs at least three times per week for at least three months, affect 10 percent of the adult population, while an additional 15 to 20 percent of adults suffer from a short-term insomnia disorder (less than three months). Fortunately, insomnia is treatable, and many people who suffer from insomnia can address their conditions without use of medication. The following are a handful of strategies adults can employ to ensure a more restful night’s sleep.

• Reduce stimulant consumption.

When consumed in large quantities or close to bedtime, stimulants such

as caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep. Beverages such as coffee and soda contain enough caffeine to interfere with a person’s ability to fall asleep, so keep your caffeine consumption to a minimum, resisting caffeine four to six hours before bedtime. Nicotine, which is the active constituent in tobacco, can also act as a stimulant, giving men and women another reason to quit smoking. If you must have soda, coffee or tea before, during or after dinner, drink only decaffeinated beverages.

• Stop staring at the clock. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, staring at the clock as you are trying to fall asleep increases the stress hormone cortisol in your body, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Turn your alarm clock away from your bed so you cannot see the time.

• Read before bed but not in bed. The National Sleep Foundation notes that calming activities such as reading can

help the human body shift into sleep mode. But reading in bed may have an adverse effect on your ability to fall asleep. Read in an armchair in your bedroom or another room, and as you feel yourself growing tired, stop reading and get into bed. If possible, read print books, magazines or newspapers before going to sleep, as studies have shown that the blue light from electronics such as tablets and e-readers can disturb sleep.

• Avoid alcohol. Men and women who struggle to fall asleep may find that alcohol helps to bring on sleep.

While that’s often true, a few hours after consumption, alcohol begins to act as a stimulant. That can affect both your quality of sleep and your ability to remain sleeping. Avoid consuming alcohol within three hours of your bedtime so you can sleep better and longer and are less likely to suffer from interrupted sleep.

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Back row: Brittney, Sandy, Susan, Dr. Gibbs, Loree, Dr. Martin, Kathy, Sam. Front row: Lisa, Cheri, Noelia, Jennifer 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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2018

Medical Bios

Champagne Images Full Service Salon Our mission is to create a friendly, comfortable, clean atmosphere, where you can relax and unwind with a glass of champagne. We have served the West Valley for over seventeen years. Our talented team is committed to ongoing education so that we may deliver exceptional service and superior products. We are dedicated to bringing you in demand services such as the Brazilian Blowout, Redken color services, CND Shellac, LED facials, extensions and hair replacements.

We feature a wide variety of high performance products like Redken, Pureology, Lanza, bareMinerals, Pevonia and more. We look forward to helping you achieve exceptional hair, skin and nails. We are located on the southeast corner of Litchfield Road and Indian School Road. Learn more about us at ChampagneImages.com.

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BenjaminCooperman, DMD DENTISTRY Dr. Cooperman has learned many things during his years working in the field of dentistry. One of the most beneficial is the importance of building meaningful, honest relationships with patients. This is the key to helping them feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. Cooperman’s philosophy centers on patient education, offering sensible options, and helping patients achieve a healthy and attractive smile without overpaying for exceptional clinical care.

Dr. Cooperman is skilled at working with patients of all ages, including children. His friendly and approachable personality allows him to connect with people on a personal level. He enjoys talking with patients, getting to know them, and providing them with the outstanding dental care they need and deserve.

Dental Ben’s is a doctor-owned practice where the quality of care patients receive really shows. With his passion for dentistry and providing patients with continuity of care, Dr. Cooperman is proud to lead the Dental Ben’s team.

Dr. Steven Higgins, D.C., C.M.V.I. CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Steven Higgins, Chiropractor is located in Buckeye, AZ on the North West corner of Yuma and Watson.

Dr. Higgins is a 2003 manga cum laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated with two top honors in his class; Clinical Excellence and Excellence in Chiropractic Philosophy.

He was also inducted into the Pi Tau Delta Chiropractic Honor Society and chosen as a Vogt Scholar. Dr. Higgins has an undergraduate degree in Medical Diagnostic Imaging from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He is also a trained EMT-I. Dr. Higgins has been practicing chiropractic in Arizona since 2004. He has additional training and is a graduate of the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. He has completed a Certificate in Motor Vehicle Injuries from the American Academy of Motor Vehicle Injuries. He is a candidate for a Diplomate in Motor Vehicle Injuries.

As an EMT-I Dr. Higgins worked multiple motor vehicle collisions and has been involved with patient treatment from the crash scene, into the emergency department and now is treating the injuries sustained in those types of collisions as a chiropractic doctor.

Dr. Higgins is trained in multiple chiropractic techniques and therapies including Palmer package, Diversified, Activator, Thompson, Gonstead, and IASTM as well as others.

Dr. Higgins has been married to his wife Dawn for over 20 years and has 2 children and 1 grandson.

Goodyear Chiropractic CHAMPAGNE IMAGES

3301 N. Litchfield Rd. #500 | Goodyear (623) 536-6617 | ChampagneImages.com 16

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VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

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980 S. Watson Rd. Suite 105, Buckeye, AZ 85326 | 623.444.4060 www.goodyearwellness.com

2018

Medical Bios

White Tanks Physical Therapy ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION White Tanks Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Rehabilitation is a dynamic outpatient physical therapy practice specializing in evaluation and treatment of most musculoskeletal disorders including but not limited to: low back pain, pre- and post-surgical joint replacement rehabilitation, shoulder, hip and knee replacement, impingement, contusions, sprains athletic injuries and sport specific rehabilitation.

WTPT’s philosophy of care is that every patient matters and we believe in movement as a means of healing.

Patients can expect to learn about their diagnosis, how the body is to function and what exercises and treatment techniques will be required to restore to more normal function.

Contracted with most insurance plans, office staff committed to serving patients in efficient and courteous manner, no aides/tech direct hands on care by skilled therapist, we proudly serve local police, fire fighters, active and retired military. Philosophy of care is directed at hands-on therapeutic exercise, not modality driven.

Outcomes Excellence Award-FOTO, recognized excellence in effectiveness of treatment.

WHITE TANKS PHYSICAL THERAPY 250 N. Litchfield Rd. 155 | Goodyear (623) 882-9787 | whitetpt@hotmail.com

Gobi Paramanandam, M.D. Hospice and Palliative Medicine Gobi Paramanandam, M.D., is director of Arizona Palliative Home Care, a program of Hospice of the Valley. He joined the not-for-profit agency in 2011. The program he oversees offers coordination of care to late-stage, chronically ill patients struggling with daily living and disease management but not ready for hospice. This year the agency’s palliative care programs were honored with the 2018 Circle of Life award, presented by the American Hospital Association.

Paul Woolf, D.C., C.M.V.I. CHIROPRACTOR With nearly 30 years experience, Dr. Woolf has helped treat and care for over many patients ranging from newborns to seniors.

He attended Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Woolf lives in Avondale with his wife, 2 children and 3 dogs.

• AUTO INJURY • AZ WORK INJURY • NECK • BACK PAIN

Dr. Paramanandam received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and a master’s degree in health sector management from Arizona State University. He completed a fellowship in palliative medicine at Mayo Clinic. He is board certified in family medicine and in hospice and palliative care.

HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY

Arizona Palliative Home Care 1510 E. Flower St. l Phoenix, AZ 85014 (602) 530-6900 l hov.org

Goodyear Chiropractic

11 W Van Buren St #28, Avondale, AZ 85323 | 623.932.4060 www.goodyearwellness.com 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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17

Senior living facility like a docked ‘cruise ship’

By Connor Dziawura

O

ften, making a decision about a senior living facility just boils down to the feeling you get when you see it, according to Jenn Eldredge, Legacy House Avondale’s marketing director.

Sure, there are many important factors to take into consideration. Budget matters. You’re going to want a prime location for your own needs. But the true key is personal fit and comfortability, as Eldredge puts it simply.

“That’s something that you can’t sell or experience until you walk into a place,” she said. “Visiting with the management team and also visiting with the residents that live there, I think that’s a big thing that a lot of people should be able to do, is to actually talk to some of the residents that live there on a day-byday basis to get a feel for that.”

Opened in May, Legacy House Avondale offers independent and assisted living as well as memory care for individuals ages 55 and older.

The independent and assisted living area has 127 studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, private baths and more. Individuals who need assistance can receive it with daily living activities like changing and bathing, as well as medication mon-

Legacy House Avondale has been open for six months, offering independent and assisted living as well as memory care for individuals ages 55 and older. (Vista photo by Pablo Robles)

itoring, housekeeping and linen service, laundry, transportation, thrice daily meals and a whole host of other needs.

“Our staff are all certified caregivers and we have two nurses as well that are onboard,” Eldredge said, adding, “Then we have a full activity committee. We do fun things like go out to the casino and have entertainment and board games and card games and all different kinds of fun stuff that they can enjoy.

“It’s just a really fun family set up, family setting. There’s a movie theater, there’s a bistro, a library, a salon and different card rooms and game rooms.

And so they get to be able to enjoy their own room, their own apartment, and then we’re just here for backup to help them if they need it.”

Separately, there are 42 studio-style private memory care apartments with baths and more. This area has much overlap with amenities and aspects of the care and service provided in the assisted living area. Additional amenities include private kitchen and dining areas and separate craft and activity areas, as well as secure keypads and more.

“They have their own caregiving staff, their own nursing, their own activity committee, and we just meet them at the level that they’re at and help them with whatever it is that they need as well,” Eldredge expanded. “But they have different fun activities that they get to participate in and entertainment and games and all that kind of stuff as well.”

Among the Southwest Valley facility’s strong suits, Eldredge said, is the “It’s Never Too Late” computer-based program that helps residents with a variety of apps like Skype as well as information Legacy House Avondale is a “fun family set up,” according to Jenn Eldredge, marketing director. It has a movie theater, bistro, library, salon and more.

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on church services, old movie and television show streams, trivia and more.

“It has been proven to help those with memory loss to kind of help slow down that progression,” Eldredge said.

Legacy House Avondale’s basis, though, is the Legacy Retirement Communities philosophy: personal touch.

Other core values detailed on the company’s website are thrift, continuous improvement and personalization.

“What it really means is it’s like a heart-to-heart connection. So, our residents are just not another face or another number in our building; they are real people,” Eldredge explained of the “personal touch culture” philosophy. “So we try to get to know them on a heart-toheart basis, what makes them happy, and we try to touch on those points with their stay with us.”

When it comes to senior living, the field isn’t without its misconceptions, though.

Nowadays, Eldredge says the industry seems to have improved in some respects.

And while Legacy House Avondale may be a business, it prioritizes its residents.

“I think a lot of folks in the age group

Legacy House Avondale has plenty of dining space for residents. (Vista photo by Pablo Robles)

that we work with remember nursing homes back in the day where there wasn’t (sic) as many regulations to keep them nice or clean or safe or anything like that. It’s more of a hospital setup, more sterile and hospital-ly, I guess you can say,” she explained.

“But they’re really not,” she clarified.

“When you come to these places, it’s like a cruise ship that doesn’t move. There are fun activities. You have your own

space. We don’t come in and take away their independence; we just add to it so that they can continue to be as independent as they can, but safe at the same time.”

Legacy House Avondale 2635 N. Dysart Road, Avondale 623-478-3800 legacyhouseavondale.com

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(623) 547-0700 | www.rahwest.com 2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Personalized, patient-centered care at CTCA

By West Valley View staff

F

ounded in 1988 on a personalized, patient-centered approach to cancer care, Cancer Treatment Centers of America is dedicated to tailoring a combination of cancer treatments to the needs of each patient.

From genomic tumor assessments to state-of-the-art technologies and evidence-informed supportive therapies that target cancer-related side effects, comprehensive services are delivered by a team of cancer experts, all under one roof.

Inherent in this integrative approach is a commitment to personalized medicine, tapping breakthroughs in genomic testing, precision cancer treatment and other scientific advances to offer patients as many options as possible.

The CTCA team of oncologists includes board-certified specialists with advanced training and expertise

in many cancers — including breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, melanoma, throat, cervical, ovarian, pancreatic and lymphomas — as well as the wide array of treatment options available to fight them. These medical specialists are just some of the experts delivering comprehensive care at CTCA. Each patient’s care team is assembled according to that person’s needs. Members of the care team, like the medical or radiation oncologist, are dedicated to treating the cancer. Others, such as the dietitian or the pain management physician, help the patient manage the side effects of cancer, to reduce the risk of treatment delays and improve quality of life.

The CTCA integrative care model works on two levels. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are used to attack the cancer. At the same time, evidenced-informed supportive thera-

pies like naturopathic medicine, nutritional support and physical therapy help patients combat treatment-related side effects, to help them build the strength and stamina to fight the disease.

CTCA recognizes no two cancer patients and no two cancers are the same. Every patient’s care plan, from treating the disease to managing related side effects, is designed to meet his or her needs and treatment goals. Patients and their caregivers are involved every step of the way, empowered to make informed decisions about their care.

Today’s shift in thought and approach toward cancer treatment is toward individualized care, and at CTCA, that approach is a fundamental part of the treatment model. A deeper understanding of how cancer forms and grows has led to more targeted treatment options, especially for patients with rare or hardto-treat cancers, or those whose tumors did not respond adequately to conventional treatments.

With the aid of the gene-mapping technology of advanced genomic tests, oncologists at CTCA in some cases can investigate a tumor at the molecular level, identify the abnormalities that drive its growth and behavior, and recommend treatment options that may not have otherwise been considered. Genomic testing is part of the

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America care team is individualized because no two patients are alike. (Photo courtesy Cancer Treatment Centers of America)

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VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

From genomic tumor assessments to state-of-the-art technologies and evidence-informed supportive therapies that target cancer-related side effects, comprehensive services are delivered by a team of cancer experts, all under one roof. (Photo courtesy Cancer Treatment Centers of America)

CTCA commitment to personalized cancer care — using as many resources as possible to tailor treatment plans specific to each patient’s individual needs.

Expert, patient-centered care that integrates conventional, personalized treatment options with evidence-informed therapies that support the whole

person — before, during and after treatment: Those are the major pillars on which CTCA was founded. And they continue to drive the staff today.

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Make morning workouts work for you Special to Vista

M

any men and women struggle to find time to exercise. If hectic schedules dominated by professional and personal commitments have made it difficult to make exercise part of your daily routine, you might want to consider skipping the snooze button so you can work out in the early morning hours.

Early morning workouts have their ups and downs. Glucose levels in the body tend to be low in the morning, when many people wake up with a relatively empty stomach. Low blood glucose levels can cause feelings of nausea and weakness and possibly make you feel faint. In addition, since you likely aren’t moving much while you’re asleep, your joints and muscles are likely less mobile early in the morning than they are in the evening, which can make morning workouts difficult and, if you don’t allow yourself more time to warm up, put your body at greater risk of injury. But morning workouts can also energize you throughout the day, and many people find it easier to consistently exercise in the early mornings than at night, when distractions or long days at the office can affect your motivation to work out.

Early morning exercise routines can be difficult to adjust to, but there are some ways to make the adjustment to such regimens go more smoothly.

• Make sleep a priority. Prioritizing sleep makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning, when you will face the daily temptation to hit the snooze button and roll over. But if you aren’t sleep-deprived, you will find it easier to skip the snooze phase of your morning routine and get right out of bed. Skip the late night talk shows and call it a night earlier, making sure you get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night.

Once you establish a new sleep schedule, you will find it easier and easier to get up and hit the gym in the morning.

• Designate more time to warm up. Early morning workout routines require athletes to warm up more than they would when exercising at other times of the day.

As previously noted, your body is per-

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haps at its least mobile right when you get out of bed, so set aside more time to warm up when you work out in the mornings.

Five to 10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise before you begin your workout can be enough to increase your body temperature and loosen your body up so it’s ready for exercise.

• Don’t do it alone. The buddy system is effective for many people regardless of when they exercise, but it can be especially beneficial for men and women who want to start working out in the morning. If someone is waiting for you at the gym or if your significant other is up and ready to go, you’re far less likely to skip a morning workout than you would be if you are doing it alone.

• Eat at your own discretion. Some people simply cannot eat before a workout, while others find working out on an empty stomach makes them faint and weak. The problem many people who work out in the early morning encounter with regard to eating before their

workouts is they simply don’t have the time to eat and afford their body enough time to turn that meal or snack into fuel that will benefit their workout. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that eating a meal 45 minutes before a moderate-intensity workout enhances exercise capability.

But morning exercise enthusiasts typically find they do not have that spare 45 minutes to wait around while their bodies absorb a meal. Eating healthy before exercise, and giving your body adequate time to absorb that meal, can definitely fuel your workout. But if that 45 minutes ultimately compromises your ability to work out, you may want to have a glass of orange juice or a drink that contains carbohydrates so your body has some fuel as you exercise.

Many adults find that mornings are the only times they can consistently exercise. Adjusting to such a routine can be difficult, but there are some ways to make that adjustment easier.

Meet Our Providers James M. Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Johnson attended undergraduate school at Northwest Missouri State University, and graduated with a degree in pre-professional zoology with a chemistry minor. He attended medical school at University of Missouri - Columbia, and completed his residency at Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He is a board-certified physician with interests in obstetrics and gynecologic surgery, including robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Johnson is the Chairman for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and OB Hospitalist Director at Banner Estrella Medical Center.

Gema E. Fernandez, M.D.

D r. F e r n a n d e z a t t e n d e d undergraduate school at University of Florida. She completed medical school at the University of Florida - College of Medicine, and finished w i t h h e r r e s i d e n cy at B r o w n University specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a boardcertified physician with interests in general obstetrics and gynecology.

Raymond D. Suarez, M.D.

D r. S u a r e z c o m p l e t e d undergraduate school at Creighton University. He attended medical school at Georgetown University, and finished with his residency at Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He is a board-certified physician with interests in obstetrics and gynecology, including robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery.

Briggs Geier, D.O.

Dr. Geier graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biology. She attended medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona and completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix. She is a boardcertified physician. She is a member of American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology with interests in all aspects of general obstetrics and gynecology.

Erica McLaughlin, M.D.

Cari L. Cowling, M.D.

D r. C o w l i n g r e c e i v e d h e r undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University with a degree in genetics. She completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. She finished with her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital. She is a boardcertified physician and enjoys the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology including robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. McLaughlin graduated from University of Nevada Reno with a BS/MS degree in Biotechnology.

She then attended medical school at University of Nevada School of Medicine and completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Banner Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix. She is a board-certified physician. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with interest in obstetric and gynecologic surgery, including minimally invasive surgery technique. She recently assisted in the production of a robotic surgical video that was awarded Best Robotic video by the AAGL world congress.

Other interests include adolescent gynecology and menopausal medicine.

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Abrazo West Campus announces growing expansion project

Abrazo West Campus staff recently celebrated the hospital’s 15th anniversary. Established in 2003, Abrazo West has evolved into a thriving medical center serving the West Valley and beyond. The hospital has announced a new expansion project adding inpatient bed capacity, which is expected to be complete in 2019. (Photo courtesy

Abrazo West Campus)

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

he Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear is planning a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet the growing need for inpatient beds in the hospital serving the West Valley.

“It’s very exciting for the community and the hospital,” said Stan Holm, CEO of Abrazo West and Maryvale campuses.

A 12-bed nursing unit will be built in existing shelled space, fulfilling a projection for added hospital capacity in the coming months. The new unit will provide additional beds for telemetry patients, while offering the flexibility to accommodate medical/surgical patients as needed.

“Seven years ago, we had a $26 million expansion and that included our south tower where we had shelled space and additional operating room space,” Holm said. “We knew we were going

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to need the space as more patients are choosing us.”

Abrazo Community Health Network CEO Frank Molinaro added, “Bed expansion in the hospital’s south tower will help accommodate the area’s increasing population and serve the patients and physicians who are entrusting Abrazo West with their care.”

Holm explained during the winter season, the hospital is frequently at full occupancy. Outside of winter, “We’re at a higher census than we’ve ever had before. A census is how many patients are in beds each day. Patients are choosing us and it’s a growing population.”

The project is expected to be complete in 2019. The hospital is located at 13677 W. McDowell Road.

“Abrazo West Campus opened 15 years ago as a small community hospital and has evolved into a thriving medical center serving the West Valley

and beyond. Over time the hospital has added complex services like the Level 1 Trauma program, neurosurgery, electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. This addition is another step in providing the resources needed to deliver on our mission to help people live happier, healthier lives,” Molinaro said.

Abrazo Community Health Network continues to invest in Arizona and the Abrazo West project is the latest example of its commitment to the West Valley.

“The Abrazo West Campus has an outstanding future, with an engaged board and physicians all working together with hospital staff to keep Abrazo West moving forward,” Molinaro said.

Abrazo West Campus has achieved Leapfrog A grades for patient safety three consecutive times, received the 2018 Icon Award from the Southwest Valley Chamber, and earlier this year

opened a new biplane imaging interventional radiology suite. A Chest Pain Center and Primary Stroke Center, it also earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll award recognizing the hospital’s commitment to quality patient care.

Abrazo West Campus has 188 beds.

A Level 1 Trauma Center, it also offers comprehensive orthopedics, neurosurgery, robotic-assisted surgery, cardiovascular, obstetrics, women’s health, wound care with hyperbaric treatment and therapy services as well as 24-hour emergency care.

Abrazo West Campus by the numbers • Established in 2003 • 188 licensed beds • 779 affiliated physicians • 230 volunteer ambassadors • 1,052 employees

Abrazo West Campus has been recognized for high standards of quality and safe patient care by receiving an “A” Safety Score rating by The Leapfrog Group. (Photo courtesy Abrazo West Campus)

2018 VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS

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25

When is the right time for hospice?

By Lin Sue Cooney

A

pretty amazing thing happens to people who work at Hospice of the Valley – and it happens a lot. People we’ve never met will introduce themselves and then, blinking back tears, thank us for the beautiful care their loved one received.

And then, what we hear from many families is: “I wish we’d called hospice sooner.”

The truth is we wish the same thing.

We want every patient and family to have compassionate care and support for as long as possible while they are living with their life-limiting illness, not just at the very end.

The right time to call Hospice of the Valley is when patients are ready to shift from aggressively treating their terminal illness to having care that keeps them comfortable. For some people that is sooner, for some it’s later – there is no crystal ball.

Many of us are fearful of the word “hospice” because it sounds like “giving up.” We associate hospice with end of life and push it away. And because we are afraid we wait too long to choose hospice.

Many studies show hospice patients live longer because they have more access to medical care that comes right to their homes. Their symptoms are managed so they can really enjoy life.

They get emotional and spiritual support which helps brighten their outlook.

Family members are supported, reducing stress and enhancing quality of life for everyone.

Hospice also relieves anxiety. Someone struggling with a life-limiting disease is always one late-night crisis away from a 9-1-1 call and a trip to the hospital. Families have peace of mind knowing they have 24/7 support and that we can send a nurse to their home any time of day or night.

But isn’t hospice expensive?

Families sometimes mistakenly believe they can’t afford hospice. It must 26

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VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

Hospice benefits cannot run out if patients sign up too soon. Hospice care is available for as long as a patient needs it. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

be really expensive to have a whole team coming to your home to care for you, right? But hospice is paid for by Medicare and most insurance plans.

And no one should ever worry if they don’t have coverage. As a not-for-profit, Hospice of the Valley turns no one away – regardless of insurance or financial means.

What if I sign up for hospice too early?

Another big misconception is that your hospice benefit can run out if you sign up too soon. Hospice care is available to you for as long as you need it.

You can’t “use it up.” Instead of waiting until the very last weeks or even last days, families could have months of beautiful care and support. They could rest in the knowledge that they are not alone. They could spend time making memories that will last a lifetime. And

Lin Sue Cooney is Hospice of the Valley’s director of community engagement. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the

Valley)

patients could have someone to hold their hand and walk alongside them on this journey.

If you have questions about hospice care, please talk to your doctor or call one of our nurses anytime at 602-5306900.

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Estrella Women’s Health Center has patients in mind

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

E

strella Women’s Health Center could be considered a one-stop shop for all things obstetrics/gynecology.

With five physicians, five nurse practitioners, one physician’s assistant and two midwives, Estrella Women’s Health Center in Goodyear can cater to most patients’ needs. Practice administrator Justin Wood said the center prides itself on speaking in terms everyone can understand, not just doctors.

Apparently, their techniques work.

The Goodyear office and its partner practice in Phoenix see between 45,000 to 50,000 patients a year. Between August 2017 and September 2018, they delivered about 2,000 babies “Another thing we do that’s different is if the doctor is in the office seeing patients and a patient goes into labor, he or she will leave the office and deliver the baby,” he said.

If it’s after 7 p.m., an on-call doctor will deliver.

Midwifery services are available in Goodyear and Phoenix, offering care for healthy, low-risk women through-

Estrella Women’s Health Center focuses on obstetrics and genecology. (Vista photos by Pablo Robles)

out pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. Midwives also care for women throughout the lifespan for annual checkups, family planning, menopause and common infections and health problems.

The midwives at Estrella Women’s Health Center, Michaela Wagner and Tracy Burns, are certified nurse midwives who have master’s degrees in

nursing and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

According to Wood, midwives are experts at educating women about normal changes and identifying symptoms that require calling the attention of a physician. They practice using evidence-based care and can prescribe medications, order tests and perform medical procedures when there is a specific concern for the mother and baby’s health.

In Phoenix, the MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is available to improve vaginal atrophy caused by a decrease in estrogen. It requires no anesthesia, minimal side effects, no downtime, and symptom relief after one treatment.

The practice also does minimally invasive and robotic surgeries with Abrazo West Campus and Banner Estrella Medical Center.

Estrella Women’s Health Center

Estrella Women’s Health Center is, left to right, Jazmine Perez, Shannen Aranda, Evelin Garcia, Willita Riggs, Dr. Raj Rathee MD, Jenny Boles, Cherie Sanchez, Rachel Denton, Jazmin Leal, Josie Reyes and Morgan Pellegrini.

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VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

1170 N. Estrella Parkway, Suite A107, Goodyear 9930 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix 623-846-7558 estrellawomenshealthcenter.com

How to maintain mental focus Special to Vista

T

he technological advancements made in the 21st century have undoubtedly made life easier in many ways, but this golden age of gadgets has not come without some negative side effects. Thanks to the near-constant availability of the Internet and devices like smartphones and tablets, many men and women find it difficult to maintain their focus throughout the day. But while such distractions are never too far away, there are some ways to stay focused and productive.

• Get more exercise. Studies have shown that exercise and improved mental focus are linked. In a 2013 analysis of 19 studies involving more than 500 children, teenagers and young adults, researchers found that exercise sessions between 10 and 40 minutes immediately boosted concentration and mental focus. That improvement might be a result of exercise increasing blood flow to the brain. Men and women who find themselves struggling to focus

at work after lunchtime may benefit from incorporating some exercise, whether it’s a brief walk or a more strenuous workout, into their midday routines.

• Perform breathing exercises. Nervousness is an oft-overlooked cause of loss of focus. When nervous, breath can become shallow and restricted, which can have a negative impact on the flow of oxygen to your brain, making it more difficult to concentrate. Professional athletes have long espoused to the virtues of breathing exercises as a means to calm their nerves, and professionals can follow suit. Some simple breathing exercises can help busy professionals multitask more effectively by helping them concentrate on the tasks at hand and overcome the distraction of having so much to do at one time.

• Stay hydrated. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration caused loss of focus and a sense of fatigue among women. While the loss of focus was considered insubstantial

SURPRISE

and the study only examined women, remaining hydrated throughout the day may make it easier to focus on work and other tasks throughout the day.

• Get adequate sleep. One of the best ways to improve focus during the day is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night.

Sleep deprivation produces a host of negative consequences, not the least of which is its impact on cognitive functioning. Research has shown that sleep deprivation compromises alertness and concentration, making it more difficult to focus at work and tackle tasks that require deep analysis and thought. In addition, a survey from the National Sleep Foundation found that sleep-deprived men and women are less likely to exercise and eat healthy diets, each of which can boost mental acuity.

Focusing in today’s atmosphere of constant distractions can be difficult, but men and women can overcome diversions by employing a handful of successful strategies aimed at improving concentration.

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Cities at a Glance Year of incorporation: 1946 Population: 85,167 Median age: 32 Median household annual income: $56,120 Land area: 54 square miles City Hall: 11465 W. Civic Center Drive (623-333-1000) www.ci.avondale.az.us Mayor: Kenn Weise Vice mayor: Bryan Kilgore Council: Lorenzo Sierra, Veronica Malone, Pat Dennis, Mike Pineda and Tina Conde City manager: Charles Montoya

Police Dept.: 11485 W. Civic Center Drive (623-333-7000) Police chief: Dale Nannenga Fire Dept.: 1825 N. 107th Avenue (623-333-6000) Fire chief: Paul Adams Libraries: Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive (623-333-2602); Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue (623-333-2665) Post Offices: Avondale Post Office, 401 W. Western Avenue (623-882-9148); Cashion Post Office, 1216 N. 111th Drive (623-936-1362)

Year of incorporation: 1929 Population: 62,582 Median age: 32.5 Median household annual income: $60,983 Land area: 600 square miles City Hall: 530 E. Monroe Avenue (623-349-6000) www.buckeyeaz.gov Mayor: Jackie Meck Vice mayor: Eric Orsborn Council: Jeanine Guy, G. Patrick HagEstad, Michelle Hess, Craig Heustis and Tony Youngker

City manager: Roger Klingler Police Dept.: 100 N. Apache Road, Suite D (623-349-6499) Police chief: Larry Hall Fire Dept.: 21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 101 (623-349-6700) Fire chief: Bob Costello Libraries: Downtown Branch, 310 N. Sixth Street; Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 116 (623-349-6300) Post Office: 51 E. Monroe Avenue (623-386-3117)

Year of incorporation: 1946 Population: 77,776 Median age: 36.7 Median household annual income: $69,078 Land area: 190 square miles City Hall: 190 N. Litchfield Road (623-932-3910) www.goodyearaz.gov Mayor: Georgia Lord Vice mayor: Wally Campbell Council: Laura Kaino, Joe Pizzillo, Sheri Lauritano, Bill Stipp and Brannon Hampton

City manager: Julie Arendall Police Dept.: 11 N. 145th Avenue (623-932-1220) Police chief: Jerry Geier Fire Dept.: 14455 W. Van Buren Street, Suite E-102 (623-932-2300) Fire chief: Paul Luizzi Library: 14455 W. Van Buren Street, Suite C-101 (602-652-3000) Post Office: 875 S. Estrella Parkway (623-882-9148)

Year of incorporation: 1987 Population: 5,392 Median age: 44.2 Median household annual income: $77,481 Land area: 3.3 square miles City Hall: 214 W. Wigwam Boulevard (623-935-5033) www.litchfield-park.org Mayor: Thomas Schoaf Vice mayor: Paul Faith Council: Tim Blake, Ann Donahue, Peter Mahoney, Jeff Raible and John Romack

City manager: Bill Stephens Police Dept.: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (602-876-1011) Fire Dept.: 14455 W. Van Buren Street, Suite E-102 (623-932-2300) Fire chief: Paul Luizzi Library: 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard (602-652-3000) Post Office: 591 Plaza Circle (623-935-2089)

Year of incorporation: 1929 Population: 7,008 Median age: 30.8 Median household annual income: $34,485 Land area: 6 square miles City Hall: 9555 W. Van Buren Street (623-936-7111) www.tollesonaz.org Mayor: Anna Tovar Vice mayor: Juan Rodriguez Council: Lupe Leyva Bandin, John Carnero, Clorinda Erives, Linda Laborin and Albert Mendoza

City manager: Reyes Medrano Jr. Police Dept.: 8350 W. Van Buren Street (623-936-7186) Police chief: Wayne Booher Fire Dept.: 203 N. 92nd Avenue (623-936-8500) Fire chief: George Good Library: 9555 W. Van Buren Street (623-936-2746) Post Office: 8805 W. Van Buren Street (623-907-0206)

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VISTA HEALTH & WELLNESS 2018

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NOW ACCEPTING APARTMENT RESERVATIONS

Artists Rendering

FROM THE ESSENTIALS OF LIFE TO THE BEST OF LIFE! Coming May of 2019 is Robson Reserve at PebbleCreek, a new luxury Robson Senior Living Community.

Robson Reserve will be a place where you can enjoy all the freedoms you expect out of life without all the worries associated with traditional home ownership.

Two outstanding leasing options will be offered to meet your needs and lifestyle: • Independent Living • Assisted Living Whichever option you choose, you’ll be able to continue an active and social lifestyle at Robson Reserve in beautiful PebbleCreek*

Along with impressive residences, a wide range of services will be offered to make your life easier and more fulfilling. Everything from delicious meals and housekeeping to transportation and extensive activities will be offered at Robson Reserve.

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Opening May 2019 15833 W. Clubhouse Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395 RobsonReserve.com

*Robson Robson Reserve will offer its own outstanding amenities separate from the existing PebbleCreek community. All residences must be occupied by at least one resident 55 years of age or older. Services provided are limited to those described in the Lease or Residency Agreement. The community is not a hospital or nursing home. Terms are subject to change without notice. 17RC212 11/18