Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for quadcities

quadcities

Trekking to Good Health

By Leave a Comment

If hiking is a fitness goal for the New Year, you may want to consider using trekking poles. Trekking poles look like ski poles and are standard equipment among hikers. They’re a great way to provide stability and support on all types of terrain when they are fitted and used properly.

When selecting trekking poles, hikers have a variety of options. Two poles can be used in tandem for stability, or one pole can be used for flatter terrains. Whether using one or two poles, however, a hiker should find one that allows a 90-degree bend at the elbow when the pole hits the ground. The pole’s weight, adjustability, locking features and shock absorption also should be considered.

Trekking poles can help reduce the impact of hiking on knees and leg muscles because arm and shoulder muscles help provide support and relief. Poles also offer stability and can help improve balance when walking through rough terrain or when crossing streams.

Studies have shown that trekking poles can reduce the impact strain of hiking on the knees and legs by 20-25 percent. In 1981, Dr. G. Neureuther proved that the use of “ski poles” while walking reduced pressure and strain on the opposite leg by 20 percent. A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine in 1999 showed that trekking poles can reduce the force on knees by up to 25 percent.

In a 2007 study from Medicine & Science in Sports & Science, it was found that a significant reduction of force was observed in the ankle and knee joints with pole use during downhill walking. In another study from the same journal in 2011, perceived exertion while hiking was lower in the people hiking with poles compared to those hiking without. There is also reduced muscle soreness in the legs of those hiking with trekking poles in the days following a hike.

To reap the benefits, Newell says, you have to be sure to use the poles correctly. To get the most out of trekking poles, consider:

 

  • Alternating poles and legs. Plant the opposing trekking pole with the opposite foot for a natural rhythm.
  • Double planting. On steep climbs or descents, plant both poles at the same time before taking a step.
  • Walk naturally. Maintain a natural arm swing.
  • Negotiating obstacles. When wading through water, plant the pole and make sure it’s secure before moving forward. To cross large rocks, plant both poles on the ground as you step up. QCBN

By Maribeth Newell, PT

Maribeth Newell is a physical therapist at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

 

Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital provides specialized physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from or living with disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses, or chronic medical conditions. The hospital is consistently ranked in the Top 10 percent of inpatient rehabilitation facilities nationally by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation (UDSMR) and is certified by The Joint Commission in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation.

 

For more information, visit MVRRH.ernesthealth.com.

 

3700 N. Windsong Drive • Prescott Valley, AZ  86314 • 928-759-8800 • www.mvrrh.ernesthealth.com

 

 

Understanding Your Audiology Results

By Leave a Comment

The first step on any hearing health journey is undergoing an examination. This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph. While the audiologist does review the audiogram during the appointment, it can sometimes be difficult to remember or fully grasp how to interpret your results. Proper interpretation is imperative, as it empowers you to be an equal part in treatment.

Hearing Thresholds

Hearing thresholds are presented graphically on the audiogram. The x-axis of the graph (left to right) represents frequency. Frequency is interpreted by humans as pitch, with increasing frequency corresponding with increasing pitch. Pitch increases from left to right along the x-axis. Thus, the left half of the audiogram would represent bass, while the right half would be treble. An average exam will test frequencies between 250 and 8,000 Hz. While human hearing can detect frequencies above and below this range, these are the most important for daily communication.

The y-axis (top to bottom) represents intensity as measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). On this scale, 0 dB HL does not represent the absence of sound, but rather the quietest sound that the average adult can hear. Intensity is interpreted by humans as loudness. A higher decibel level corresponds to a louder sound. Quiet sounds are at the top of the graph, while very loud sounds are at the bottom of the graph.

Your ears function both as combined and independent systems. As such, the audiologist will want to test the respective performance of each ear. The hearing thresholds for the right ear are represented by circles or triangles, while the left ear thresholds are Xs or squares. Hearing thresholds are the quietest sound you can hear at a given frequency. For example, the right ear threshold at 1k Hz may be 20 dB HL. This would mean that at that specific frequency, the right ear can hear the sound when it is 20 dB HL or louder, but not below that level. This will hold true for the threshold of each respective frequency. For normal hearing, 20 dB HL is considered to be the cut-off, with 21 dB HL and higher representing increasing degrees of hearing loss.

Speech Understanding

Another main component of a hearing exam is speech testing. Speech test results may be found in numerical form in a box typically located at the bottom of the page. Two main speech tests are typically performed. The first is the speech recognition threshold (SRT). It represents the quietest level at which you can understand speech 50% of the time. The SRT mainly functions as a way to verify accuracy within the test battery. A measurement which is more relevant to daily communication performance is the word recognition score (WRS). Your WRS represents how well your brain can interpret speech sounds and is reported as the percentage of words repeated correctly. When measuring the WRS, the words are presented at a loudness level that is easy for the patient to hear. A high WRS means you can understand words well, while a lower WRS means that the brain has difficulty interpreting the speech sound because of distortion in the auditory system.

Relationship Between Thresholds and Speech Understanding

One important concept to understand is that your hearing thresholds and ability to understand speech are not necessarily correlated. Better hearing thresholds do not always mean a better WRS, nor do worse thresholds always mean a worse WRS. Indeed, two individuals may have the exact same hearing thresholds, yet drastically different abilities to understand what is being said. What then, influences your WRS? It all has to do with the frequency filters in your ears. Each speech sound has a different fundamental frequency. Sounds like “shh” have a higher frequency than “oo” would. When sound is picked up by your ears, it is sent through specially designed filters to help separate out all the speech sounds. As more damage occurs to the auditory system, those filters become less precise and overlap with each other. Thus, “shh” and “oo” may appear to your brain to be coming from the same filter and it has difficulty distinguishing them.

While many factors are taken into account when deciding treatment, test results are a main one. By possessing a greater understanding of your results, you can feel confident in the decisions being made. QCBN

By Jeff Lane, Au. D.

Dr. Jeff Lane is an audiologist at Trinity Hearing Center, located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

Cirque du Soleil Skates into Findlay Toyota Center

By Leave a Comment

Cirque du Soleil invites you to an odyssey on ice in which graphics, music, skating and acrobatics come together to create a colorful, emotionally rich universe. Follow Axel, a young musician with a passion for illustration, as he leads you into his vivid imaginary world. In this epic fantasy, graphic art and music intertwine to create the supercharged world of AXEL. Ice skating extravaganza, impressive aerial feats, pop music and vibrant visuals create an energetic and immersive experience for the whole family.

Directed by Patricia Ruel and written by Fernand Rainville, Axel is inspired by his first love, the mysterious Lei. She turns his world upside down, creating an unreal space for him where she will be his heroine. As the leader of a band of rebellious youngsters, The Syndicates, Lei is the keeper of a precious talisman. Giving strength and courage to whoever possesses its light, the Shining Star is coveted by Vi, a supervillain supported by his gang, The Corporation. Vi is focused on just one goal: stealing the legendary talisman’s light! In this epic fantasy, Axel will realize that love is the source of the light that will give him the courage and strength he needs to overcome any obstacle and make his dreams come true.

The creative team drew inspiration from the energy and excitement of arena concerts and sports events to create an electro-pop circus show on ice. In this newest Cirque du Soleil creation, AXEL brings a new look to the world of ice skating by introducing us to the discipline of freestyle skating. This fresh take on skating, combined with the skill and power of traditional pairs, solo and adagio work, allows Cirque du Soleil to set the stage for high caliber ice skating of all kinds.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL will be at Findlay Toyota Center for four shows only, Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21. For more information on the schedule and for tickets, visit cirquedusoleil.com/axel or FindlayToyotaCenter.com. QCBN

 

More about Cirque du Soleil: AXEL is Cirque du Soleil’s 48th original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has more than 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.

 

Donna Werking is the owner of Northern AZ Social, a Prescott digital marketing agency. Contact her at 928-710-7910 or NorthernAZsocial@gmail.com.

 

Eating for a Healthier You in 2020

By Leave a Comment

Here are some helpful tips for feeling and looking your best in the New Year.

Eat moderate portions. Don’t limit your food options, but be mindful of the amount and quality of your food. Ensure you’re eating a colorful diet and getting adequate protein to drive cell recovery. Slow down and chew your food well. This helps you enjoy your food and gives your body time to feel full, leading to eating less.

Build your plate around plant-based foods; organic is great if it’s an option. Veggies and fruits play a major role in a healthy body because they contain vitamins and minerals that can help you process any unhealthy compounds. Eating more plant-based foods means fewer animal products, which contain additives, such as hormones.

Stay lean. Try to avoid foods with high saturated fat content, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Instead, focus on good sources of unsaturated fats, like avocados, olive oil and nuts.

Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and include healthy liquids like tea instead of sugar-loaded beverages, which can negatively affect your blood sugar and overall energy levels. Water is a great way to naturally detoxify your body, so ditch the juice cleanse and stick with water.

Give your stomach a break. Allow time between dinner and breakfast. If you finished eating dinner at 7 p.m., you could eat breakfast at 7 a.m. This gives the body a 12-hour break from processing and digesting food. It might also help you sleep better, which is another factor in allowing your body to recover appropriately.

Get some vitamin D and fresh air. Not only do we synthesize vitamin D from the sun, but we can also benefit from the meditative/relaxing qualities of Mother Nature and breathing clean, fresh air.

Keep moving. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Keep your muscles and joints healthy by using and moving them regularly. Sweating is also a great way to “detox” naturally.

Limit unnecessary supplements. You should be able to get most of your necessary nutrients from food. If you are short in some areas, a basic vitamin supplement isn’t a bad idea, but in many cases, too many supplements are just another thing to be filtered and processed and can be a burden for the body.

Check your skincare products. Our skin is our largest organ and every day we use products that contain chemicals, which then enter our blood and circulate throughout the body. If you want to burden your body with fewer chemicals, check the ingredients of your products before applying. QCBN

By Nicholas Brown

Nicholas Brown is a kinesiologist and certified fitness professional as well as manager of the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club. Membership is open to anyone 50-plus years, and guest consultations are available to meet with a professional to cater a program to an individual’s needs. For more information, call 928-708-3133.

 

Learning to Love What is Good for You

By Leave a Comment

The New Year often brings resolutions. Things you say you WANT to do, but haven’t wanted to do badly enough to do before now. Lets face it, just because it is a new year doesn’t mean we are miraculously going to change everything after the fireworks are done. I heard on a radio program a statement that has resonated with me. It is, “Learn to love what is GOOD for you.” We often do what we feel we are obligated to do, what we are mandated to do, what someone else tells us we should do, what our “friends” are doing on social media and a myriad of reasons and excuses to do what we do, whether or not it is GOOD for us.

“Find and then Learn to Love what is GOOD for you in 2020.” Yes, we are a cleaning company, and along with that, I see and meet many people every day, in their personal space… their home. Everyone has a different, unique life situation. Some are running around, trying to do it all, some are fighting illness or recuperating, some are beginning to slow down and enjoy retirement, some are in the midst of a huge move, some are graduating college, some are mourning the loss of a loved one or welcoming a new baby in the family. Each person’s life circumstance is unique and individual. The common thread is that everyone wants to make life better. There are no “one-size-fits-all” New Year’s resolutions.

As we look at the New Year and the rest of our days, we should take a look at what we spend our time and energy on. Yes, we all need to make a living, and often we have family responsibilities and health issues. Is there something that we can let go of? Are there tasks that we can get help with? Is there something in my home that will make me feel more comfortable, healthier? Are there important people in my life that I need to pay more attention to? Are there things I’m hanging on to that bother or stress me out each day? Am I giving enough priority to my physical and emotional health? Is there a hobby or project I’ve always wanted to do? Is there a service I can provide for someone else? These are some of the important questions to explore. Sometimes, the answers to the questions are not always easy, or what we want to face, but if it is good for us, then we need to learn to embrace it nevertheless.

Many times when I go into a home, the person starts out telling me WHY they are seeking help. They have always done everything themselves, but are at a place where they need some assistance. I say, “Good for them!” for recognizing that a little help now and then will be good for them. No need for them to feel bad about it; on the contrary, taking charge and making decisions that benefit our lives is essential to our well-being.

In the New Year of 2020, we here at Prescott Maid to Order not only wish you a Happy New Year, but sincerely hope that you are able to find and learn to LOVE what is GOOD for you! QCBN

 

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

 

Massage: One Resolution That Helps You Keep Others

By Leave a Comment

We know how it goes: Before the boot hits the pavement at the Whiskey Row Boot Drop in downtown Prescott and the Pinecone lowers in Flagstaff, each of us will have pondered and made one or more New Year’s resolutions. We reflect and resolve; we promise ourselves to improve our quality of life.

The Good News: Most of us see the beginning of a new year as a time to hit the reset button. The new year offers an opportunity to review the past year and determine what we want to change in the coming year. The most popular resolutions are to be a better person and to lose weight, followed by exercise more, eat healthier, spend less and save more, and get a better paying job.

We promise ourselves or resolve to do or not do something to be better, accomplish a goal, break a habit, live healthier. Some resolutions are practical – buy a new vacuum, write one thank you note a month. Others are more of a stretch – lose 100 pounds, write a novel, sail the seven seas.

The Bad News: The odds of keeping those resolutions are not in your favor. According to several surveys and reports, including a 2017 U.S. News report, it is very rare for someone to keep his or her resolutions for the whole year, and approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February.

The Resolution: Perhaps the problem is not the making of resolutions; rather, it is the resolutions we are making and why we are making them. Too many resolutions are made because we feel we “should” rather than because we “want” to. I should quit smoking; I should save money; I should exercise more; I should get a new job…yadda, yadda, yadda! It is exhausting living in Shouldsville!

However, when we resolve to do or not do something because it is what we want, then we are more empowered to do the tasks and make the changes. For example, consider the following: I want to have more savings so I can go to the beach for vacation; I want to quit smoking so I feel better; I want to exercise more often so that I can play soccer with my kids or hide and seek with my grandkids; I want to have more energy; I want fewer feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.

Not sure where to start when it comes to setting resolutions for the things you want? Here is an idea: Determine to get a monthly massage! Join the millions of Americans who believe massage is an important part of overall mental, emotional and physical health and well-being.

Massage, one resolution that can help you keep other resolutions: When you experience the benefits of massage on a regular basis, you are more likely to have the energy you need to tackle other resolutions. Imagine yourself feeling great on your way to the gym, enjoying better relationships and putting a positive spin on your finances.

Here are 22 reasons how monthly massages will help you move toward fulfilling your resolutions by improving your life. Massage therapy helps to:

1.   Reduce stress and cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

2.   Relax tight muscles and release tension.

3.   Reduce anxiety and soothe the mind and body.

4.   Increase immune responses.

5.   Clear the mind.

6.   Create mental, spiritual and emotional alertness.

7.   Release emotions and relieve depression.

8.   Increase circulation.

9.   Increase joint and muscle range of motion and flexibility.

10.  Remove toxins.

11.  Manage symptoms of chronic illness.

12.  Relieve pain and promote healing.

13.  Reduce the need for pain medication.

14.  Sleep better.

15.  Increase energy.

16.  Improve digestion.

17.  Soothe headaches.

18.  Recover more easily from injury and surgery.

19.  Prevent and decrease sports
injuries.

20.  Stimulate the immune system.

21.  Lower blood pressure.

22.  Increase the effectiveness of
medical treatments.

 

Make your New Year’s resolutions stick this year by making regular massages part of your promises to yourself. Massage can enhance your quality of life and your health! Whatever your resolution is, we are sure massage will help. QCBN

By Mark Love

Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa Prescott, located at 120 E. Sheldon St., by the Sprouts grocery store. To schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com, call 928-778-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MassageEnvyPrescott. Schedule an appointment online – your time, your convenience, your massage.

 

NAU is No. 75 in National Research Ranking

By Leave a Comment

For the first time in its 120-year history, Northern Arizona University broke through the country’s top 200 research universities, reaching No. 196 in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) research rankings for all universities in the country and No. 144 among all public universities.

It also rose to No. 93 among all universities without a medical school, and No. 75 among public universities without a medical school, taking into account research expenditures.

The NSF’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) annual survey ranks more than 900 colleges and universities and is the primary source of information on research and development expenditures.

NAU’s climb is attributed to a 15% increase in research expenditures from 2017 to nearly $53 million in 2018.

Breaking into these elite ranks has been an important goal for NAU since 2014. It represents the university’s commitment to and investment in research that is vital to students, faculty and the state.

These rankings reflect the achievements of NAU’s world-class faculty, dedicated research and support staff and talented graduate and undergraduate students. The vision and determination of academic and research leadership throughout the NAU campus have been key through the years in our rankings.

Our expert faculty are at the peak of their disciplines and I’m proud of the impact of their work. We are dedicated to teaching students to thrive in this new knowledge and technology-driven economy. Our faculty serve as mentors and role models to our students, a critical component of the graduate and undergraduate learning experience.

The annual ranking of U.S. universities by level of research activity considers total research expenditures, types of research and the number of personnel who participate in research and development.

NAU’s research touches physics, astronomy, climate and environmental science, ecology, forest health, land management, microbiology, health and social sciences, cyber systems and informatics, health equity, planetary sciences, bioengineering and material science.

Some examples of recent research awards include:

 

In June, Julie Baldwin and collaborators of the Center for Health Equity Research and the College of Health and Human Services received $2.8 million from the National Institutes of Health to reduce the burden of early childhood dental disease in two American Indian communities through an innovative oral health intervention.

Scott Goetz, from the School of Informatics, Computing and Cybersystems, was awarded $2.1 million in July from the US Army Corps of Engineers to investigate changing vegetation dynamics across Department of Defense lands of interior Alaska.

Ann Huffman from the Department of Psychological Sciences was awarded in July $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to improve personal and work outcomes and the quality of life for military personnel.

In August, Steve Burrell, NAU’s chief information officer, and partners received an award of $700,000 from the National Science Foundation for NAU and the Sun Corridor Network to establish high speed research network connectivity between several of Arizona’s community colleges to advance access for research and education.

In August, the College of Education received nearly $64 million from the U.S. Department of Education to support NAU’s Arizona “GEAR UP” program, to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

In September, Bertrand Cambou and collaborators in the School of Informatics, Computing and Cybersystems were awarded $6.2 million from the Air Force Research Laboratory for work at NAU and by partner industries to further develop advanced cybersecurity algorithms and hardware systems.

 

NAU’s national recognition in research helps attract and retain exceptional faculty, enhances experiential learning and undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities. It also grows and strengthens academic degree programs in high-demand fields, leading to further developing Arizona’s workforce, supporting jobs for students, faculty and staff, expanding the state’s economy and benefitting communities locally and around the world. QCBN

By Rita Hartung Cheng

Dr. Rita Hartung Cheng is president of Northern Arizona University

When Homes, Buildings Fall Short

By Leave a Comment

Most of us have experienced one of the following problems: a house with uneven temperatures, an air conditioning system that is too loud, a utility bill that is too high, an unpleasant odor, stuffiness in a house or building, a room that is too cold even though the air temperature is fine, a supply register blowing air on us, a house that always seems too dusty … all of these issues make us uncomfortable.

What do all of these problems have in common? They are all symptomatic of a combination of poor building, poor HVAC system design and/or system installation.

Can these problems be solved? It depends on the problem, building design and budget. Quite frankly, some of the problems we encounter cannot be eliminated because the initial design is so flawed, or a fix would simply be too expensive. But many problems are relatively easy to diagnose and resolve.

It is our experience that many occupants live with uncomfortable space or high utility bills for years because no one could seem to diagnose or solve the problem. They often learn to live with mediocre building performance. Many times, they are not even aware of an opportunity to reduce energy consumption, improve comfort and improve indoor air quality.

So, why do these problems persist? Most of the problems we see in homes and commercial spaces are caused by poor system design, system installation or a combination of both.

Let’s face it: most tradespeople are only versed in one trade. As Abraham Maslow said in 1966, “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” It ultimately means if you only have one skill, you will try to use it to solve every problem, even if it is not the best solution.

Most HVAC technicians are not trained in school or on the job to consider the basics of heat flow, air flow and moisture flow. We know this type of training is critical to solving home performance problems. At Advantage Home Performance, we have solved comfort and efficiency issues for many existing buildings that several contractors have tried to fix before. Without a deep understanding of building science, the solutions to these problems can be elusive.

We also know from firsthand experience that excellent building performance is not an accident. We design and install HVAC systems and insulation for several Energy Star Builders in the Quad Cities area. These builders consistently deliver homes that are healthy, comfortable, safe and energy efficient. I have spoken to the homeowners about their new homes after they have moved in and almost all of them are delighted with the performance of their new homes. These homes have a rigorous commissioning process and are inspected by a third-party testing company.

Home performance is both a philosophy and science based on the premise that homes and buildings should be safe, healthy, comfortable, durable and efficient. This goal is very attainable. We also adhere to this philosophy. Thus, my company’s name: Advantage Home Performance.

Home performance is based on building science. Building science is based on physics. Physics is the foundation for all science. If you want to know how to solve problems in buildings, we always go back to the building science.

As a former adjunct faculty member at Yavapai Community College, I taught a building science class. As a heating, air conditioning and insulation contractor, my company, Advantage Home Performance, often is called upon to solve an array of problems, from high energy use, uneven temperatures, moisture problems, elevated radon levels, comfort and indoor air quality. Most of these are caused by poorly designed building and HVAC systems.

In this column in the next several months, we will begin to share solutions to common problems we see in homes and commercial buildings in the Quad Cities area. We’ll talk about some cost-effective solutions to achieve acceptable indoor air quality, comfort and energy efficiency. QCBN

By Mike Uniacke

Mike Uniacke is the owner of Advantage Home Performance. His company is the winner of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Business Ethics. For more information visit advantagehomeperformance.com.

 

Encouraging All to Save for Retirement

By Leave a Comment

More people are saving more money for retirement than they have in the past few decades, according to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. That’s great news!

Now, for the not-so-great news. The report, titled “Retirement Security: Income and Wealth Disparities Continue through Old Age,” found that there’s still a lot of ground to cover to get retirement savings where they may need to be.

The report found that 30 years ago, in 1989, about 4% of low-income households and up to 65% of high-income households had set aside money in a retirement account. Those percentages increased to 11% and 86% of households, respectively, in 2016.

The report largely credits that increase in the number of people who are saving to more employers offering defined contribution plans. These include the tax-code-numbered plans that you are likely familiar with, like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Another process that gets credit for the increase, according to the report, is that more employers are automatically enrolling their employees in their employer-sponsored defined contribution plan.

In 2018, Vanguard reported that 48% of their plans had an automatic enrollment option. In many cases, automatic enrollment applied to new hires only at first, but many plans have been expanded to include existing employees. This helps frame the decision to enroll for the employee as an opt-out rather than an opt-in.

And, it’s not just that more people are saving. More people are saving more. That’s thanks in part to the fact that enrollment is not the only automatic feature of many employer-sponsored defined contribution plans. Most of these plans – 66% – also have automatic annual deferral rate increases. These increases in contributions can help employees automatically adjust for potential inflation and save just a bit more each year.

While these are encouraging statistics, the number of low-income households that are saving for retirement has not returned to level seen before the 2007-to-2009 recession. In 2007, 16% of households in the low-income category had some kind of retirement account.

Among those retirement accounts, the defined contribution plan reigns supreme in terms of usage. According to The Vanguard Group’s “How America Saves 2019: The Retirement Savings Behavior of 5 Million Participants,” more than 100 million Americans are covered by defined contribution plan accounts.

Even with many individuals participating, the report cites that a significant amount of those who are eligible for these types of plans fail to participate. Those who decline to participate are missing out on another potentially valuable opportunity: employer matching contributions. A third of all plans provided both matching and nonmatching employer contributions. These contributions can help increase the balance of a retirement account.

So, the good news is that more Americans are opening retirement savings accounts. If you’re one of them, you are doing the right thing to help prepare to have income in retirement.

If you’re not, there’s still time. If you have access to a defined contribution plan that you aren’t utilizing, it’s better to put something away than nothing. And, that’s only one option of many that can help you prepare for retirement.

Contact American Financial Investments, LLC today to get started on a strategy that can help take you to retirement and beyond. QCBN

By Ronald Stevenson and
Barbara Clark Stevenson

Ronald F. Stevenson & Barbara Clark Stevenson own American Financial Security, LLC. They specialize in Retirement Income Planning, Social Security Maximization, Tax Free Income Design, Personal & Corporate Tax Preparation and Planning. For more information, call 928-771-8368 or visit AFSprescott.com, 3112 Clearwater Dr., Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86305

Ronald F. Stevenson offers Advisory services through American Financial Investments LLC a Registered Investment Advisor in Arizona. Insurance products and services are offered through American Financial Security, LLC. American Financial Investments LLC and American Financial Security, LLC are affiliated companies.

 

 

Practicing Patient-Center, Goal-Directed Care

By Leave a Comment

Do you currently see a doctor or nurse practitioner with whom you set specific health goals? Does your doctor/nurse practitioner inform you about your medications, and educate you about the conditions in which you are receiving treatment? I hope so, because that is what we are supposed to do.

Not too many years ago, the medical field started a trend toward patient-centered care, which is medical practice that emphasizes the patient and his or her needs. The Institute of Medicine, a non-profit think tank, defines patient-centered care as “Providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions.” It sounds like a good idea. It is a good idea, and it works. And, more clinicians are doing it. Is yours?

For patient-centered care to work, clinicians need to provide information and education to patients so that they can make good treatment decisions. Research shows that when patients and clinicians work together toward a health goal, there is a much greater chance for success. Success means better outcomes, and that means a better quality of life.

Hand in hand with patient-centered care is the concept of goal-directed care. What is it? It is a way for patients and their clinicians to work together for better health.

The purpose of goal-directed care is to identify patient health goals. These goals can be physical, as in weight loss, diabetes management, improved physical performance or whatever the person’s individual health needs may be. They can be psychological – as with anxiety and depression management. Whatever the desired outcome, goal-directed care is a partnership between patient and clinician. Together, they create health care plans to achieve their goals.

The goal-oriented approach to health care has many pluses:

 

  1. It gives the provider and patient a chance to create mutually agreed upon goals.
  2. It also allows the provider and patient to focus on the complete person; all the conditions are taken into consideration when forming a wellness plan.
  3. Both the provider and the patient are on the same page concerning the desired outcome. This approach allows for shared decision-making; patients prioritize the plan based on what they feel is essential, and the clinician can focus on the most effective strategies on how to achieve the goals.

A good example using the patient-centered, goal-directed approach is weight loss. In the old days, your clinician would tell you that you should exercise for about 30 minutes, perhaps three times to as many as five times per week. Also, he or she might ask you to limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, avoid desserts and between-meal snacking. Such advice is too vague. What type of exercise? What kind of food? Where does one start? Join a gym? Read a diet book? And which diet book?

Using a patient-centered, goal-directed approach, the patient and clinician draw up a plan for weight loss success. Exercise and physical activity based on the patient’s likes and dislikes, current condition and lifestyle are considered. The same goes for diet; a well-planned, doable meal plan is established based on patient tastes. Perhaps medication is considered as adjunctive therapy. Whatever the plan, the goals are mutually agreed upon and are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based: SMART. Once initiated, the plan is carried out and evaluated after specific periods. Benchmarks are established, and adjustments made when necessary. Throughout the process, the patient and clinician work as a team to achieve the result.

It is our sincere hope at Vitality Care Center that you currently are working with a clinician who helps you establish and plan out your health goals. Everyone should have the opportunity to receive education about the medications he or she is taking and specifics about illness or chronic ailments. To be informed is to be better prepared to cope with or conquer the condition that is currently challenging you.

For additional information about patient-centered, goal-directed care, we invite you to email or call us at Vitality Care Center at the phone number and email addresses listed below. QCBN

 

By Clarke Krugman
AGNP-C CNS NE

Clarke Krugman AGNP-C CNS NE is the owner of Vitality Care Center and a certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Educator. For more information, call 928-515-0804, visit the Facebook Page @vitalitycareprescott or email at clarke@vitalitycareprescott.com or david@vitalitycareprescott.com.