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Healthy Skin Requires Care

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Your skin is constantly changing and the only way to keep up the toll of aging and the effects of the sun and elements is constant care – from a daily regime of cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection to weekly soothing masks to monthly facials and more.

And, good skin care isn’t only for women. Men of all ages and professions can and should benefit from daily to advanced skin care. After all, the damaging sun rays and weather don’t discriminate between men and women.

There are various options that are effective in reducing acne and acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, redness and brown spots. Finding which treatment will be the most effective can be a challenge, as increasingly more products and treatments are becoming easily available. The most important consideration is whether the products and procedures are safe. The next considerations are cost, effectiveness, availability in your town and recovery time.

Fortunately, some of the most effective procedures are safe, effective, easily accessible and have short recovery times. Here are a few to consider:

Most of us are familiar with the daily regime of cleansing, toning, hydrating and protecting (sunscreen, hats, etc.) our face, neck and other exposed areas. Though these are some of the most important habits one can form at an early age and carry throughout life, there are additional means to protect and care for the skin, especially the face and neck area that are always exposed.

Basic facials focus on removing dirt, oils and dead skin cells; unplugging pores; and then soothing, hydrating and protecting the skin. These facials include the face and neck and may also include the back. Most facials take about an hour and should be performed by a licensed esthetician (skin care professional). Basic facials are recommended monthly or as often as desired or necessary.

Beyond facials are more extensive treatments that are meant to go deeper into the layers of skin and provide longer lasting effects. Two of the most effective and common skin treatments are microdermabrasion infusion and chemical peels. What’s the difference and which might be right for you?

Microderm infusion is a safe, non-invasive treatment that improves fine lines, aging skin and brown spots. The treatment removes dead and old skin cells from the epidermis, or the outermost layer of skin. The procedure buffs the skin by gently exfoliating the surface. It’s performed with a handheld device that uses micro-crystals to exfoliate away the outermost layer of your skin and infuse it with a hydrating serum at the same time. Removing the dead skin cells produces new, fresher-looking skin. Following the exfoliating process, the skin should be deeply hydrated to ensure skin health and the most effective results. Most people experience a recovery time of one to two days. Some people have just one treatment and are satisfied with the results, others prefer several treatments throughout the year and on a consistent basis.

Chemical peels, like microderm infusion, improve various skin blemishes. The main difference between a chemical peel and microderm infusion is that chemical peels can penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin. Light to mild chemical peels treat the outer layers of skin, heal quickly and produce minimal change to the texture of the skin. Strong chemical peels penetrate deep into your skin’s surface, impacting the various layers of skin. This allows the peel to address more severe issues, such as acne scarring or other scars.

During the treatment, a chemical solution is applied. The chemical components exfoliate the skin and cause the skin to shed or peel, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin. The stronger the chemical solution, the greater the resurfacing. Recovery times are dependent upon the strength of the solution and skin sensitivity. Because the skin is peeling for a few days, it is best to avoid the sun and limit social events during the healing process.

Both treatments improve the overall appearance of the skin. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the treatment, results and recovery time vary depending on the procedure and skin sensitivity.

Whether you are considering a basic facial for the first time or have one on a regular basis, or are considering more advanced skin treatments with longer lasting results, it is important to consult with an expert licensed anesthetist.

Massage Envy’s licensed anesthetists are skilled in all areas of skin care. Each session is customized to meet individual needs and desired outcomes. Skin treatment procedures can be scheduled for 60- or 90-minute sessions. QCBN

By Mark Love

Mark Love is the owner of Massage Envy Spa Prescott, located at 120 E. Sheldon St., by the new Sprouts grocery story. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with an anesthetist or massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-778-ENVY (3689).

 

 

Prescott DermaLift Rejuvenating Sun-Damaged Skin

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Although the sun isn’t the only thing that emits UV radiation, it does account for more than 70 percent of a person’s yearly exposure, which causes a plethora of skin-related abnormalities, including wrinkles, aging-related disorders, skin cancer and diminished immunity to infection. unlight has a profound effect on the skin that can result in premature aging, skin cancer and a host of other skin-related conditions. Exposure to UV light accounts for around 90 percent of all symptoms of skin injury.

UV radiation can cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal aging. It does this by penetrating the middle layer of skin (dermis), causing the abnormal buildup of elastin. When these elastins accumulate, enzymes are produced, which inadvertently break down collagen and create so-called “solar scars.” Creams and other topical remedies only penetrate the upper layers of the skin and provide superficial, temporary improvement in the skin’s appearance.

Additionally, the body has a defensive immune system meant to attack infections and abnormal cell growths, including cancer. This immune defense includes specialized white blood cells called T lymphocytes and skin cells called Langerhans cells. When the skin is exposed to excessive sunlight, certain chemicals are released that actively suppress these cells, weakening the overall immune response.

We all know the sun causes wrinkles and discoloration of the skin but what isn’t widely recognized is that beyond cosmetic benefits, keeping your skin healthy is important to your overall health.

Sun damage and the subsequent loss of collagen (a key ingredient to skin and immune health), can be remediated by new technology utilizing saline and negative ions (cold plasma, not to be confused with cool sculpting). Quantum Hydration Therapy stimulates a number of chemicals naturally produced in the body, including collagen and hyaluronic acid. The power of the combined negative ions and saline delivered during Prescott DermaLift’s Quantum Hydration therapy is the latest, most effective non-invasive way to lift and tighten skin and muscles in the neck, chin, eye socket area and brow while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid is classified as a powerful humectant (moisture binding ingredient) that plumps and heals your skin as part of the healing response created by the interaction of the saline and negative ions – essentially enabling your skin to repair itself with chemicals your own skin cells produce.

The Prescott Dermalift Clinic is Northern Arizona’s only provider of the Quantum Hydration therapy utilizing state-of-the art electro-ion technology to rejuvenate skin and muscles in the face and neck. This new process provides a non-toxic, non-invasive alternative to Botox, fillers, lasers and plastic surgery. The procedure is painless with no downtime. It is also the only process available that is safe to use inside the eye socket to diminish bags under the eyes and lift the brow line.

Quantum Hydration Therapy improves not just the appearance of sun damaged skin but the overall health of the skin. It is nearly impossible in Arizona to avoid the sun. Treatments such as lasers and peels can correct the surface flaws but don’t address the underlying issues. And those choosing to do these other treatments cannot be exposed to the sun.

The Prescott DermaLift Clinic can combine the Quantum Therapy with a Dermaplane treatment, which is done prior to removing dead skin cells, sun spots and other discolored areas of the skin. This treatment leaves the skin smooth and glowing and is an effective way to treat sun-damaged skin especially when combined with the Quantum Hydration facial. QCBN

By Justin Schepman

Justin R. Schepman is the owner of Prescott DermaLift Clinic, located at 1000 Ainsworth Drive in Prescott. Call for appointment or free consultation, 928-713-6907.

Finding Reputable Contractors

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Welcome to “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Tom: Hello, Sandy, our community YCCA gal! As always, it is a joy to be with you again this month and to share our column with the community. As usual, I am holding on to see what we are going to chitchat about.

Sandy: Hello back at ya, Tom. All is well in the wonderful world of YCCA. We have had some terrific contractor outreach meetings, the weather has been glorious, new virtual inspection processes with the City of Prescott are taking place, lots of remodeling, new homes and all is grand!
Wow, July was a busy month. Hope your 4th was full of fireworks and fun, rodeo time, parade vendors on the Square, Fire Hose races, kiddie parade and rodeo dancing. And, with all of that, more importantly, did you find time to get the work done?

Tom: Oh my, Sandy, so much going on, so little time. I think the idea of time off, particularly to honor our nation’s birthday, is a time not to work. Taking some time to reflect on how lucky we are in this country and be with friends and family to celebrate is so important.

Sandy: We are lucky to be in this country and this state and county. I just love it here. And I love what I do. All the members of the YCCA give me such great energy.

Tom: That is awesome. There is such a diversity of membership also. I bet you get calls all the time from members and constituents alike wanting help with one thing or another.

Sandy: I do! And you know how much I love to help people. That is one of the real rewards of this job! There are calls from installing doggie doors, to replacing ceiling fans, to building a yurt, new homes, garages, carports, bath and kitchen remodels and resolving unpermitted work, helping in creating road improvement districts, working with jurisdictions and challenges, and the list goes on.

Tom, I do believe that our life in the construction world is like Buddy Holly’s song: Every day, it’s a-getting closer, going faster than a roller coaster. Love comes our way because we love what we do.

Tom: You have given out our name, along with others, from time to time, to help folks out because they don’t know where to turn for a contractor or tradeperson to help them. That is great, but I think we could give our readers some more ways to vet a trade contractor or a general contractor.

Sandy: Great idea! There are so many third party companies out there with a wide array of names on their lists it can be pretty confusing on where to turn.

Tom: That I agree with. There are some companies that all one does is pay a fee and you’re in. Your name is on their list. Good, bad or different. Licensed and unlicensed.

Sandy: Properly vetting a company can take some time but is so worth it. When folks call me to inquire about a contractor, if I do not know of them, I always start by looking at their license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. I want to make sure the company is properly licensed for the service they provide. For example, last week a homeowner called and inquired about XYZ Company. I pulled up the license and saw that the contractor was licensed for C-61 Limited Remodeling and Repair Work, up to $50,000. Tom, this contractor had given the homeowner a bid for $120,000 for a new addition on their home. Red flag for sure.

Tom: Checking on the license is the first step for certain. If the company can’t pass that review then no need to look at them further. In the case you just cited, Sandy, they were working out of their licensed scope and operating unethically.

Sandy:  Getting back to the third party companies, people can simply ask those companies how they vet the names on their lists. Some do very little and others really get to know the company.

Tom:  From our perspective, we have some third party referral companies that have asked us to join and just want a fee paid. Those we politely decline. Others have taken the time to interview past clients, vendors and do background checks on me.

Sandy: Oh, I think I would love to see your background check report!!!LOL

Tom: Quite boring, I assure you.

Sandy: All kidding aside, you are correct, some referral companies are great. And people do need to ask them how they screen the names they give out. If the company doesn’t answer you, then the names on their list aren’t worth much.

Sandy: And just collecting complaints, while good to know, rarely tells the whole story.

Tom: You nailed it. And you used a key word, referral. We often want our client leads to come from referrals. For our company that is the best source of inquiries there can be.

Sandy: Curious, what percentage of your calls are from referrals?

Tom: About 60% in one form or another. Past clients, references, people who know me, things like that.

Sandy: I know so many of our area contractors. So many of our local companies have mastered construction management, they maintain a record of exceeding customer expectations while at the same time delivering the highest quality craftsmanship and value in every project. My knowledge of the members and the industry locally as a whole stems from knowing their reputations in the community and their hands-on work with so many of you and the citizens in our community.

Tom: At my firm, we pride ourselves on a team approach that is delivered with honesty and integrity. We’re proud to say that we’ve completed more than 1,600 projects in the Prescott area, which includes municipal and commercial buildings, historic restorations, sustainable green buildings and award-winning custom residential homes, remodels and everything in between.

Sandy: Referrals are fantastic and I am honored that we can give out many on our local industry.

Tom: A company’s reputation is only as good as its finished product. Most carpenters, form setters, roofers, tapers and other construction workers learn their trades through on-the-job training. It’s not always desirable or even possible to lure top craftsmen away from their current employers, so instituting a quality training program is an investment in long-term success. Keeping industrious workers means offering competitive pay, benefits and incentives, in addition to promptly addressing concerns and providing a safe work environment. Important management duties include hiring, firing, training, discipline and conflict resolution.

Sandy: The old saying, “You get what you pay for,” could not be more accurate. Soliciting three prices and choosing the lowest bid ensures one thing: Owners are getting the contractor who is willing to work the cheapest for the plans and specifications they paid their design professional to draft.

Tom: Sandy, yes I agree: “You get what you pay for,” and the assurance stops there. There is no guarantee that the owner will receive the best quality project, with the best materials and the best subcontractors. It also does not ensure that the project will be completed on time and within budget. So many times I see homeowners taking the lowest bid they receive and this just creates a relationship that revolves around cost, not quality. You get what you pay for.

Sandy: The contractor-homeowner relationship is just that, a relationship. Homeowners should choose contractors based upon capabilities, merit and demonstrated successes. After all, they will be working together—in some cases, for many months—to reach a goal or realize a dream.

Tom: Sandy, you are right on. Respect and open communication are paramount to the success of the project. Choosing the lowest bidder can often result in disputes, which can end up in litigation, increased costs and shoddy workmanship. Relationships are built on trust, communication and ideals.

Thanks, readers, for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN

By:

Tom Reilly, Architect, Contractor, Renovations 928-445-8506 renovationsaz.com

And

Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association.  928-778-0040.

Creating Privacy with Head-High Hedges

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Privacy and hedgerows are not top-of-mind until your neighbor dumps his leftover construction material for all to enjoy at the next backyard BBQ. My favorite is the super-sized motor home parked within feet of the property line that is now a chrome-covered albatross sitting between yards. We spend a lot of time outdoors in Arizona and a little privacy is essential.

An unfortunate mistake so many homeowners make is planting a hedge that becomes massive within several years, overgrowing its space and obscuring walkways and the front of your house. Screens taller than head-high can obliterate vistas and obscure sunsets. This article is dedicated to those plants that are easily maintained at head height with a little manicuring. Here is my list of the top seven local plants that make great scenes in local landscapes.

  1. Climbing Roses are a natural barrier for Prescott gardens. Not only are roses stunning the entire growing season, but in their thorny nature, they keep out the unwanted. Roses only need pruning in March, so they are far less work than other head-height shrubs. Also, check out the new Easy Elegance Shrub Series roses in a host of colors and fragrances. Now is a great time to plant a rose or any hedge.
  2. Gilted Edge Silverberry is a new hedge plant with a native twist that rivals manzanita and grows equally tall. Bright gold edges highlight every blue leaf for a stunning native hedge plant. Plant at four-foot intervals and you have a head high privacy screen so thick and bright no one would dare enter. Investment property owners use this plant because it classes up a property’s value, yet is hardy enough to keep up with a landscape’s deadliest tenant.
  3. Glossy Privet is a better choice with the same look. Growing to only head high, the broad green leaves form a thick hedge that ultimately reaches human height. The waxy leaves hold moisture within the plant’s structure, creating a low water, low maintenance hedge with fewer bug problems than its red-tipped counterpart.
  4. Golden Euonymous is the most popular of the hedge plants and as tough as they come. Bright gold foliage appears festive and fun for year-round class. An ideal hedge, it can be sheared or left to grow into a natural form dense enough to make an excellent visual and sound barrier. Look to the Silver King Euonymus for the same design element, only in a silver cream color that is equally striking. Feel free to mix and match the two for long hedgerows.
  5. Grape Holly is a natural alternative. Several varieties grow wild in the mountains of Arizona and snowball to six feet with minimal care. Once up to size, this hedge could be cut off from all care except very scarce water during the heat of summer. Fun gold flowers cover this plant in early spring, followed by a grape-like berry; the birds will love this hedge. The leaves resemble English holly, but are well adapted to our wind and bright sun. This plant makes an excellent fence along driveways, entrances and property lines.
  6. Mint Julep Juniper is another super hardy plant your grandfather used as a hedge, but with much better color. Of course, Northern Arizona is famous for our juniper forest, so a juniper hedge fits and is equally hardy. The signature seafoam green foliage proliferates to head high, needing little help and even less water. It forms a very thick hedge that requires infrequent trimming to keep it perfectly manicured.
  7. Victory Pyracanthia is another Victorian plant ideally suited to an eight-foot hedge row. White flowers in spring form orange berries the birds dearly love. Thick, glossy, green leaves are small, surprisingly hardy and the fastest growing of the tall hedge plants. This plant has all the seasons covered for a breathtaking landscape. Long thorns prevent a visitor’s escape through this hedge, and are equally good at keeping the unwanted out.

Spacing is critical for a fast filling hedge. Use the plant’s ultimate height as the spacing recommendations for a thick hedge. If the plant tag says that your plant will grow five to seven feet tall, use the smaller of the two numbers. Our arid Arizona climate seems to dwarf plants, or at least force them to grow on the small size of natural.

Ask for Help

When the perfect hedge requires planting 15 perfectly spaced specimens that create your ideal garden abode, ask that they be planted for you. We have staff members who love planting and watching a new garden come alive and the beauty of a new hedgerow in a customer’s yard. A good gardener will know the soils, wind and environmental issues and how to compensate for a plant’s best performance. When planting yourself, ask for insider tips and the three things needed to have a new plant genuinely thrive in our mountain soils.

Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners screen prying eyes here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

 

By Lisa Watters-Lain

Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd. in Prescott, or contacted through her website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.

Preparing for Senior Sun Safety

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As a child, you may have spent numerous hours outdoors during the summer. Now that you’re an adult, you may find the summer months to be far less enjoyable because of the heat. This is normal.

As you age, the body’s mechanisms that help regulate internal temperature become less efficient. This means that you lose some of your ability to adapt to heat, leaving you with a lower tolerance and making you more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

This is caused by a few different reasons – one being that an adult older than 65 doesn’t sweat as much as a younger individual. Sweating helps to cool the body. Also, an older adult may be more likely to have a chronic condition or be on medication that affects the body’s ability to respond to heat.

Called hyperthermia, heat-related illnesses can include heat exhaustion, cramps, fatigue and stroke (also called sun stroke). Symptoms can include a flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness or lack of sweating.

Hyperthermia is caused as blood rushes to the skin’s surface as the body tries to cool itself. As a result, less blood reaches the brain, muscles and other organs, which can interfere with muscle strength and mental capacity. In severe cases, this can be dangerous.

According to the National Institute on Aging, if someone is suspected of suffering from a heat-related illness, you should:

Get the person out of the heat and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge him or her to lie down.

If the person can swallow safely, offer fluids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.

Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits and/or groin area. These are places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.

Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke.

The best defense with a heat-related illness, however, is to prevent it from ever occurring. Arm yourself with some heat-related knowledge and take sensible precautions. Here are some tips to enjoy a warmer day safely:

Stay hydrated. Drink water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Check your medicines. Some may make you more sensitive to the sun. Ask your doctor.

Wear sunscreen. Apply before you head outside, and reapply often.

Wear proper clothing. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.

Wear sunglasses. Look for those that protect from UVB and UVA rays.

Go indoors. Mid-day sun is the hottest. Plan indoor activities for those times. Stay in air-conditioned areas when it’s hot outside.

Take cool showers or baths to cool down. QCBN

 

By Wendi Campbell, BSN, RN

Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is a 44-bed, free-standing rehabilitation hospital that provides specialized physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, and other 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). For more information, visit MVRRH.ernesthealth.com. 3700 N. Windsong Drive • Prescott Valley, AZ  86314 • 928-759-8800 • mvrrh.ernesthealth.com

Wendi Campbell, BSN, RN, is the director of Nursing Operations at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

Healthy End-of-Summer Tips and Tzatziki Sauce from the Garden

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This summer has been a journey. As someone with a busy lifestyle and a proud member of the community, I wanted to share some helpful suggestions to all as we transition into the end of summer.

Both personally and professionally, I have grown this summer in our garden environment. We believe that every life well-lived begins in the garden. Our company has catered to the James 4H Mingus Springs Camp and has provided fresh meals for approximately 913 campers from all over Arizona and neighboring states, participated in weddings, open houses, served family meals, life celebrations, community fundraising events, corporate daily meal services and more.

We have served a lot of health inspired meals. As the summer winds down, we offer these healthy tips:

Tip #1:  Drink Water 

I have followed the general guidelines for how much water to drink and when. I am not a doctor; however, this works for me. The goal is to stay hydrated for optimal health. Your skin will appreciate it, too.

Drink about half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

Drink no more than 12 to 16 ounces at a time.

Drink one quart of water before breakfast if possible.

Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water 30 to 60 minutes before meals for optimal nutrient utilization.

Remember to water your plants and herbs also. Both indoor and outdoor plants require water. If you are unsure of how much, ask our friends at Watters Garden Center. Ken Lain and his team are experts.

Tip #2: Exfoliate Your Skin  

Harsh summer sun, insect bites, chlorinated pools and the environment causes our skin to be dry, sunburned and mostly dehydrated. Your skin is more prone to being oily, which means your pores are likely to become more congested. Exfoliating weekly is a great benefit to healthy skin.  At The Natural Healing Garden, we offer skincare services and retail products that can be used to enhance your skin health.

Tip #3: Eat Your Herbs

As a certified herbalist, I love sharing my passion of the culinary herbs. There are hundreds of herbs and spices that can help you live a healthy life. Two of my favorite summer herbs are dill and garlic. Dill gives relief from insomnia, boosts immunity, promotes bone health, cures respiratory disorders and reduces pain and inflammation. Garlic reduces blood pressure, treats fungus, balances cholesterol and helps treat respiratory infections.

I wanted to share our Tzatziki Sauce recipe, which includes dill and garlic. Tzatziki sauce is a cool, refreshing yogurt, cucumber and herb dip. The ingredients are also good for you.

Please enjoy the recipe with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, grilled or roasted vegetables or a salad dressing. QCBN

By Debbie Maranvill

For more information about our company, visit naturalhealinggarden.com.

Our main office is located at 119 Garden St., Prescott, AZ 86305, 928-237-4116.

Our commercial kitchen is located at the Gateway Mall, in Prescott.

Debbie Maranville is the co-owner of The Natural Healing/Goods from The Garden Catering and Events.

Understanding the Customer, Home

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When I visit a home to find out how we can help someone with cleaning needs, I will usually ask, “How can we help you?” I may need to change my approach because often the response is, “Well, I want my house cleaned.”

As simple and obvious as it may sound, there are actually a lot of variations in types of cleanings, houses, people and their specific needs. For example, a single gentleman living alone with no pets may want the very basics and with little frequency. “Just do my floors and clean the bathrooms.” My next visit may be someone who wants a more frequent, very detailed cleaning, and with a lot of instructions. Some may not even know what they are looking for, but just know they need help.

We have to take into consideration that some people may like or want to do certain things, like dusting their prize collection of knickknacks, figurines, glass vases or statues. It’s important that a cleaning crew knows the specific needs and wants of each individual person we serve. Specific instruction as to how they want a surface or room cleaned is valuable. The customer should feel confident that there will not be damage and that the surface, such as a high quality wood floor or a special type of kitchen counter, is being properly cleaned and treated with care. This is their home, it’s personal. Very few services out there are as personal as someone coming into your home on a regular basis, being around your children, pets and touching your stuff.

Giving up a job such as house cleaning is sometimes difficult for someone who has taken pride for many years in the work he or she has done to make the house a home. It’s uncomfortable to admit to needing a little help, unlike all the years before. With that in mind, a cleaning crew needs to be aware of and place importance on the requests and desires of the customer.

So, what are the basics? A good cleaning of the bathrooms including toilets, counters, sinks, showers, tubs, glass doors, mirrors, light fixtures and floors. In the kitchen, all the outside surfaces, counters, sinks, outside of appliances, stovetop and inside the microwave. In the living areas and bedrooms of the house, dusting of the furniture and cleaning the floors.

How about the deeper stuff? Along with all of the above, someone may want all the fans cleaned, the baseboards scrubbed, the light fixtures cleaned and shined, the cabinets oiled, the blinds cleaned, the inside of the oven and the refrigerator cleaned, the pot shelves dusted. How about the tops of those kitchen cabinets?

Regardless of the depth and instruction on the particular job, the company that does that job needs to understand the customer, understand the instructions, genuinely care about the home and take pride in the work.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer! QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Prescott Making International Headlines with Eviation

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Prescott is making headlines locally and throughout the world of aviation. This June, City Manager Michael Lamar and I attended the Paris Air Show where Eviation’s newest technology was beautifully on display and Prescott, too, took center stage.

At the invitation of Eviation CEO and Founder Omer Bar-Yohay on June 17-20, we were able to take part in the unveiling of “Alice” in Paris. As members of the NASA, FAA and GAMA electric aviation committees, Eviation is a leader and key proponent in the future of the aviation industry, particularly in regard to electric aircraft.

Alice is a currently under development electric aircraft, built from 95% composite materials and controlled by fly-by-wire and three propellers. She will be designed to take nine passengers up to 650 miles at a cruise speed of 240 knots, and that design will take place right here in Prescott.

Coverage of Alice’s unveiling at the Paris Air Show press conference was broad, and included publications and news outlets such as Forbes, CNBC, MSNBC, BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg and Yahoo Business. Eviation’s ongoing relationships with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and the Prescott Regional Airport have been highlighted by these news outlets and will be paramount in the continuing development and growth of aviation in the Prescott community. In addition to Mr. Lamar and me, Arizona was represented in Paris by the Arizona Commerce Authority, which helped to promote our community and the entire state for leading edge technology and aviation.

The Alice Aircraft will be brought to Prescott, and housed in a hangar at the Prescott Regional Airport. After being transported back from Paris later this summer, Alice will be reassembled for development work to continue, with the assistance of ERAU faculty and staff beginning in August. Eviation’s goal is to have full FAA certification of the Alice Aircraft in 2021. We also expect that Yavapai College will play a role with training and certification for manufacture of the aircraft and associated components.

The bottom line is that partnerships with companies like Eviation, who see the potential and greatness that we all already know exists here, is incredibly beneficial for the City of Prescott and our community as a whole. The opportunity for students to work with a company of Eviation’s caliber and then potentially continue to work at that level while staying in our community is truly a dream. Between development of the Alice Aircraft and the ongoing beautification and growth of the Prescott Regional Airport, I am thrilled to see how the world of aviation can continue to positively impact Prescott.  QCBN

By Greg Mengarelli

Greg L. Mengarelli is the mayor of the City of Prescott.

What’s New on Europe’s Rivers?

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River Cruises have been one of the most popular ways to explore Europe in the last few years. While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through the heart of the country, allowing you insight into real life, traditions, local culture and enable you to see, smell and taste all the destination has to offer.

As most cruisers know, it’s the ports of call that bring an itinerary to life. AmaWaterways is a great example to look at. Most of our Arizona cruisers are very familiar with them, and many are on their fifth or sixth sailing with the line. Are you curious to know what keeps travelers coming back cruise after cruise?

First off, the crew! With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:3 or less, no wonder guests feel pampered and well taken care of. The intimate setting of a river cruise ship allows guests to feel at home naturally. There is a sense of community on board and you become part of the family during your time on the ship. It’s an excellent way for solo travelers to make new friends and meet like-minded travelers. The crew stays loyal to AmaWaterways; many have been with the line for 10+ years, providing some of the highest service levels on board the ships.

The ease of travel certainly helps. Imagine spending a week on board a floating hotel. Being able to explore multiple countries, cities and villages over the course of a week, without packing and unpacking… A delightful way to discover Europe! And best of all, every cabin comes with a view!

The diversity of the destinations is, of course, an attraction in itself. You can sail the Rhine in the spring, summer, fall and winter and each time the landscape has changed, there are other local festivities in place and excursions change with the season. While you might want to visit the Tulip Gardens in Amsterdam in the spring, you will see the Christmas markets along the Rhine in the winter, or enjoy Octoberfest festivities during fall foliage sailings, or taste your way through Europe’s famous beer gartens in the summer.

A wide array of excursions can be most intriguing. Choose from biking, hiking, kayaking, culinary-themed tours, walking tours, concerts, farm visits, wine tastings, lectures and more… There’s something offered for everyone. And most options are offered at various speeds to accommodate your fast, moderate and slow walkers.

Specialty Cruises like wine and golf-themed voyages, wellness or Christmas market voyages are another amazing way to repeat a destination with a new focus; opening an entirely new viewpoint and appreciation of the destination to its visitors. AmaWaterways just debuted its new Cruise and Golf Program – a fun way to get an insiders access of Europe.

And, of course, there are new ships that bring the latest innovations to the river vessels. A stellar example is AmaWaterways ship, the AmaMagna. She eas purposely built at twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more personal space, more unique dining venues and more leisure opportunities. Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 square feet with full balconies. In addition to the main restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AmaMagna introduces two enticing new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for the late co-owner of AmaWaterways, Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating. Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views. AmaMagna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center and two massage rooms, and her innovative Water Sports Platform opens to reveal a Sundowner boat upon which intimate river excursions will take place.

AmaWaterways’ current specials include complimentary roundtrip economy air from most major U.S. airports. That is a huge savings! Should you have miles for your flights, you can take the money savings option off the cruise fare instead. Past guests can enjoy tiered benefits like discounts, welcome amenities and cabin upgrades.

As one of AmaWaterways’ preferred partners, we are excited to offer our guests exclusive shipboard credits on every AmaWaterways sailing throughout the end of 2020.

To learn more about AmaWaterways and the programs they offer on board, join us at our 6th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo on Oct. 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff. Meet with Brandon from AmaWaterways, and many other cruise lines, tour operators and hoteliers face to face between 5 and 8 p.m. Our Avenues of the World travel advisors will be on site to answer any questions, schedule appointments and assist with live bookings on site. Don’t miss your chance to secure amazing booking specials and enter our door raffle for vacation giveaways and much more! QCBN

By Daniela Harrison

Daniela Harrison is a travel advisor and director of marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff. For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Anatomy, Prevention, Treatment 

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Surveys estimate that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects 10 to 15 million people in the United States. The excessive vibratory motion created by loud sound can cause a plethora of damage in the delicate cochlear sensory cells and the nearby supporting pillar cells of the hearing organ. The hearing organ is called the cochlea. Noise can rupture the tips of the nerve cells, fuse sensory nerve cells together, damage the area through which the cells transmit signals and even change the vascular pathways (blood flow) inside the organ. The vulnerability of the inner ear is dependent upon several factors, such as smoking, hypertension, lipid levels, age, gender, eye color and other genetic factors.

Noise damage usually causes difficulty hearing particular pitches of sound. With noise exposure, a person may experience damage in sections of the cochlea. The cochlear is tonotopically arranged high to low frequencies, similar to the keys of a piano. The more exposed area of the cochlea houses the high frequencies, the lower frequencies are deeper toward the center; thus, more protected.

This type of hearing impairment significantly compromises the ability to understand speech, especially in noise. Part of the hearing organ functions and a different part does not. Noise-induced hearing loss may also cause tinnitus, a ringing, roaring or cricket-like sound in your ears or head.

Causes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

There are two types of noise-induced hearing loss: gradual and traumatic. Many people think shooting a gun once or twice as a child does not count as having been exposed to noise. However, the long-term side effect of even one occurrence of significant noise may cause permanent, irreversible damage. Recreational and work-related hearing loss is common. The sound from a shop vac, leaf blower, hair dryer, skill saw, chainsaw and, of course, any motorized equipment, are just a few culprits of hearing loss.

Musicians should protect their hearing, as should the music lover! It only takes one loud concert without hearing protection to permanently change the quality of your hearing. If you want to see what the inside of the hearing organ looks like after noise exposure, do a web search for “images of noise damage in cochlea.” Those pictures are worth a thousand words. Show them to your kids!

Preventing Hearing Loss

To prevent hearing loss, you must be proactive and use hearing protection each time you are exposed to noise. Cotton in your ears will not provide any protection. You can wear either earplugs or earmuffs. Standard earplugs are nice because they are small and do not interfere with glasses. It is important to insert the plug deep into the canal. If you have very small or very large ear canals, earmuffs would be a better choice. Earmuffs should not touch the ear but rather make a seal all the way around the sides of your ears.

There are electronic earmuffs and custom ear plugs that amplify the sounds around you until the loud sound occurs, at which time the amplification is cut off. The custom products will require an earmold impression of your ear canals. The impressions are sent to the manufacturer to make custom-fit hearing protection. The in-the-ear custom-fit technology works well for rifle hunters. Earmuffs get in the way of the gun while shooting. If you are going to invest in electronic technology, do your homework and read the reviews prior to making a purchase.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Treatment

The treatment/management of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus is twofold: protect what you have and amplify what you need. Auditory rehabilitation and counseling work very well for managing hearing impairment. The sessions will focus on understanding your hearing loss, controlling the environment to facilitate better speech understanding, using visual cues and the best use of your hearing aids or other assistive technology. You learn the importance of reducing background noise so you can focus on speech. You are taught to instruct the people you interact with to speak slowly and distinctly and get your attention before they speak to you.

If you have difficulty understanding speech consistently, hearing aids are a great option. The new digital hearing aids are very good at increasing sound in a comfortable manner. The directional microphones and noise cancelling algorithms have brought relief to many hearing-impaired people (and their family members). If you are withdrawing from social activities because of your hearing, it is time to do something about it. Speak to an audiologist about your hearing options. QCBN

By Karon Lynn, Au.D.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Karon Lynn is a doctor of audiology with 30 years of experience working with hearing impaired individuals. Dr. Lynn may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.