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Adult Care Services Offering Programs that Support the Caregiver

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Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care.

Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, and The Margaret T. Morris Center’s mission, Quality Care, Quality Services, and Quality of Life, is not solely about the person receiving the hands-on care from their programs, but for the support of caregivers as well. Two key people responsible for this within the three non-profits specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care are Candace Lea and Melody Thomas-Morgan. Both women passionately agree that offering support to family caregivers in today’s times is desperately needed.

Thanks to a one-year Community Health Improvement Grant from Dignity Health/YRMC, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center now offers care management and programming support for community members attending the day center. Candace Lea, who has been with Adult Care Services for more than two years as community liaison, transitioned to this new role effortlessly. With a master’s degree in business, emphasizing health care management, a past career as a program manager in case management, a family caregiver and a certified yoga instructor, Candace is a wealth of knowledge who knows the resources. She states that her goal as a care manager is to help family caregivers successfully navigate their role as caregivers when respite time ends.

The Margaret T. Morris Center Resident Services Specialist Melody Thomas-Morgan is no stranger to family caregivers. She served as the life enrichment director at The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center for many years. Melody transitioned to her current role at The Margaret T. Morris Center in 2016. Melody, a trained support group leader, is finishing her last class for the completion of her master’s degree in pastoral counseling in crisis intervention and trauma with a specialty in grief counselling and support. She is a natural at leading the Adult Care Services Support Group and helping families transition from hands-on caregivers to their prior role of spouse, child or friend, once deciding upon assisted living. Melody believes in giving caregivers hope as they deal with guilt and loss when making the best decisions for their loved one living with dementia.

Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care. What the caregiver is truly going through on the inside may not show on the outside. Adult Care Services is here for caregivers to navigate resources, deal with feelings of sadness, loss and grief, and instill hope for confident, successful living. QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

For more information about Adult Care Services, see the company website at www.AdultCareSevices.org or call 928-771-2335.

Yvonne Napolitano is the executive director of Adult Care Services.

Yavapai College Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate Achievements of More than One Thousand Students

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Commencement is about dreams realized for our graduates.

As a college president, there isn’t any other day that is more special, more exhilarating or more fulfilling than Commencement Day. For those of us in higher education, this is the biggest event of the year! It’s where we see the fruits of our labor and our mission fulfilled. And for our students and those who love them, it’s a day where hard work, perseverance and sacrifice have paid off.

Commencement is about dreams realized for our graduates. Never let it be said that dreaming is a waste of one’s time. Dreams are our realities in waiting. In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future. Dreams motivate and inspire. Dreams cause us to persevere under difficult circumstances and dreams create a focus in our lives.

More than 1,000 dreams were realized this year at Yavapai College’s spring commencement ceremonies. Two ceremonies were held at the Sedona Performing Arts Centers on May 6 for Verde Valley graduates, and another ceremony was held at Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center on May 7 for Prescott-area graduates.

Overall, an astounding 1,068 students, the majority of whom reside in Yavapai County, received a combined 1,351 degrees and certificates from YC this past year. This is a massive cohort of students and further shows that Yavapai College is completing its mission of providing accessible and affordable education to its residents.

The beautiful thing about Yavapai College is the diversity in age and the types of students who attend. Our youngest graduate this year was born in 2007. He is 15 years old, resides in Paulden and graduated with his Automotive Technician Certificate.

Our oldest graduate resides in Cottonwood, was born in 1938, and is 84 years old. She completed her associate of arts degree and Arizona General Education Certificate-A.

YC had 120 graduates under the age of 18 this year and 36 graduates over the age of 55.

All of YC’s students have found the strength to persevere under trying circumstances. They now know that no matter what challenges may come their way, they have the strength to prevail.

I’d like to salute Yavapai College’s graduates one more time. YC has been blessed by your presence and engagement with us, and we are humbled and proud to be part of your personal story. QCBN

By Lisa Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.

How to Keep Allergens Out of Your Home

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We hope these tips will help prevent the causes of allergies around your home.

Here in Prescott, we work hard to maintain our homes. As much as we try to keep things clean, we unknowingly track things into our homes – including the dreaded allergies from pollen. Prescott Maid to Order wants to share some tips with you on how professional cleaning can help reduce allergies in your Prescott home.

HEPA Filters

High-Efficiency Particulate Air – HEPA for short – filters are specifically made to trap allergens in the home that can make it past other vacuum cleaners that are only designed for suction. If your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, then you are likely breathing in allergens as you are vacuuming.

Here are a few tips about what else you can do to eliminate some of the allergens that get into your home:

Cutting clutter: getting rid of boxes can help with dust and hidden allergens in the home like dust mites and cockroaches.

Wearing a mask while you are cleaning will help, but we also recommend leaving your house for a few hours once you are done. This will limit your exposure to allergens you might have lifted into the air while cleaning.

Keep your bathroom free of mold by scrubbing tile regularly.

Wash sheets weekly in hot water with unscented cleaners and detergents.

Don’t air dry your laundry outside where it can be exposed to pollen, which again enters your home unknowingly.

Clean entryways by sweeping or vacuuming.

Don’t use do-it-yourself shampoo on carpets because of the risk of mold growth or dust mite populations. Get them professionally cleaned.

If you are allergic to dust mites, ask another family member to do the cleaning or hire a professional cleaning company.

Prevention

These are certainly not required, but they will make your life easier when you are cleaning and help prevent allergy flare-ups.

Rugs and carpets can trap allergens, so having hardwood, tile or vinyl flooring will reduce your exposure to these. Getting smaller rugs that you can wash will also help.

Encase mattresses and pillows with dust-proof covers to reduce problems with dust mites.

Consider replacing drapes or horizontal blinds with roller shades, which will keep dust and allergens at bay.

If you do have drapes and curtains, wash them regularly.

Make sure to have the high pot shelves cleaned a few times a year. They collect a lot of dust and are often forgotten because you can’t easily see them.

Taking off shoes before you go inside the house will also help keep allergens from being tracked in.

Keeping pets out of the bedroom is tough for some of us, but if you are allergic, don’t let them sleep on the bed. This is a nightmare for anyone with allergies.

Use air-conditioning instead of opening windows when it is hot. Air-conditioning filters the air, preventing dust, pollens and any other triggers from getting in.

When it comes to allergen control, it can be a challenge, especially in the springtime in Prescott. We hope these tips will help prevent the causes of allergies around your home. QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.

 

Controlling Weeds, Watering Plants, Preparing for Monsoon Season

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Spring sunset scenery. Fresh meadow with dandelions

The coming monsoon season typically triggers a weed bloom that people need to be ready for.

Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy.” This month, Tom and I thought we would get in the weeds.

Tom: Sandy, I suspect you already have a plan for this month’s column.

Sandy: Hi Tom, yep, you know me, always planning, thinking and dreaming. I asked Josh Crothers, owner of Prescott Landscape Professionals, and Chris Welborn, owner of Vicente Landscaping, to join us. We are getting into the summer months, and I want our readers to get great information regarding their landscape during this time of year.

Tom: Good thoughts. Welcome, guys. So, it is June. What sage advice do you have for folks about summer care for our landscaping?

Chris: Hey, Sandy and Tom, thanks for asking us to be here. One of the main events of the summer homeowners need to pay attention to is weed control.

Josh: Agree wholeheartedly. The coming monsoon season typically triggers a weed bloom that people need to be ready for.

Sandy: Oh boy, isn’t that the truth? How do you both recommend dealing with the weeds, beside putting a hex on them to not grow?

Josh: Probably the best preparation for weed control is by applying a “preemergent.” That is a product that will stop the growth at the seed level before the weeds can germinate.

Chris: Yes, Josh is right on. Getting the preemergent down is key. Doing that before the rain is best.

Sandy: I understand that commercial applicators of the preemergent need to be licensed by the state.

Josh: Correct. The Pest Management Division has an educational and testing procedure in place. It can be up to a two-plus year process to obtain licensing.

Chris: Several of the more professional landscape companies in this area have that license. The reason for the control is that we are essentially handling a product that can be harmful if not applied correctly. I am proud to say that Josh and I are both licensed and understand the importance of applying a chemical properly.

Tom: If I did not have a preemergent applied, and have weeds growing in my xeriscape yard, can I apply a weed killer? And while I am at it, the follow-up question: Is there a difference between a preemergent and weed killer?

Chris: First question, yes, you can apply a weed killer. After they start to grow you can apply the weed killer. Two problems with that approach, first is the likelihood of inconsistent application, and the chemical is nasty stuff, and if you aren’t properly suited up to apply, you can become contaminated. Also, now you must pick up all the dead weeds.

Josh: When any of these products are applied incorrectly, they have the potential to contaminate ground water.

Sandy: Too little and ineffective application, the weeds thrive. Too much, and there is an impact on the environment. Sounds like a job for the pros like you guys. What else should our readers be doing in June?

Josh: June is typically the hottest and driest month. Plants can get stressed if not watered sufficiently.

Chris: Plants should be nice and green this time of year. If they start turning yellow, that is an indicator they are stressed.

Tom: Should we just water them more?

Josh: Yes, supplemental watering in conjunction with your irrigation might be needed.

Chris: And, along with that, you should consider fertilizing them as well.

Sandy: Good advice! There are so many different fertilizer types out there. How do we know what to use?

Chris: Typical fertilizer for plants is characterized by the three main ingredients with the chemical periodic table symbol. They are Nitrogen, Phosphate and a K for Potassium: NPK.

Josh: There are different ratios of the three in different fertilizers. Arguments can be made for using different ratios at different times of the year. I suggest a balanced approach. 10,10,10 which coincides with the percentage of the three primary ingredients Chris mentioned.

Sandy: Should we just put the suggested amount around the plant and leave it or do you suggest watering in the granules?

Josh and Chris: Water! Water! Water!

Tom: About watering, you both mentioned supplemental watering as needed during hot, windy and dry times. Should that be done by hand, or should I just increase the flow from my irrigation system?

Chris: Either way really. Sometimes it is simpler to water by hand.

Josh: I agree, watering by hand in the evening also gives you more control over the amount of water you use.

Sandy: With the monsoon season right around the corner, what other advice do you have for our followers?

Chris: Check out your drainage systems. Check your gutters, underground pipes and surface swales, making sure they are free of anything that might block them or cause erosion in the rest of your yard.

Josh: Folks should also look at their plant depression areas around the plant base to be sure they are retaining their form and positioned to capture as much rainwater as they can.

Chris: There are several types of water catchment systems. You can have tanks to collect or use a more passive surface system.

Tom:  Should I also monitor my automatic irrigation system during the monsoon, dialing it down if we get rain?

Josh:  If you have a rain gauge and the latest rain measures a half inch or more, then you can decide how to moderate the frequency.

Sandy: Lots of folks use this time of year to plant new trees and shrubs. Is that OK?

Josh: Plant away!

Chris: Yes, Plant away. If your yard is frequented by wildlife, you may want to look at some plant types that do not attract animals and pests.

Sandy: I don’t want my yard to be a salad bowl for wildlife, for sure.

Josh: When you do plant, you may want to supplement the irrigation watering until plants are established.

Tom:Good advice all around. I am grateful to learn about the need for a state license to put down preemergent. To our readers, you can verify that a company is properly licensed to apply preemergent materials through the office of pest management, www.opm.azda.gov.

Sandy: Hiring licensed contractors, hmm, where have I heard that before?

Chris with Vicente Landscaping, and Josh with Prescott Landscaping Professionals, thank you both for taking the time to help our readers stay informed.

Thanks 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

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

Vinny Gallegos, CYMPO, 928-442-5730.

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

Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.

T-Shirt Season: Time to Show Off Your Brand

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Work with your apparel decorator and promotional goods provider to find the right product for you.

Summer is coming and everyone is getting ready for the warmer weather and outdoor events. Spring is the right time to order your apparel and promotional items for the season change. There are many great options to make the season safer and more enjoyable as you promote your business or event.

Many businesses are looking for great ways to promote their company with promotional products made for warmer weather. Some fun product ideas are coolers, water bottles, sunscreen packs, sunglasses, beach chairs, beach towels, totes and waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Besides branded giveaways and gifts, consider decorated pop-up canopies and tablecloths for the events that you’ll be hosting or participating in during this season.

While promotional goods are hot items, the right apparel can make all the difference. Those who work outdoors at summer camps and other places will appreciate clothing with built-in UV protection. This type of apparel offers protection of SPF30+ in youth to adult sizing. Your outdoor employees and parents of children at camps will thank you for your consideration!

As you consider summer branded apparel options, there are many styles to keep your employees and customers cool on those hot summer days. Tank tops, shorts, cotton t-shirts and caps of all styles, including those that have the neck cape are best-sellers at this time of year. All these items can be branded with your logo.

With so many fun options, it should be easy to find the right merchandise and apparel to make this season more enjoyable and safer. Work with your apparel decorator and promotional goods provider to find the right product for you. QCBN

By Eva and Vance Janckila

Arizona Cap & Apparel, formerly Arizona Cap Company, was opened in 1999 selling custom, decorated caps. Within a few years, the company began offering a full line of apparel and promotional items, including mugs, pens, banners and business cards. Today, it is owned and operated by a mother and son team, Eva and Vance Janckila. Located in Prescott Valley, the business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

Vance Janckila is the production manager at Arizona Cap & Apparel. He specializes in decorating apparel using several techniques, such as screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. For more information, visit arizonacap.com.

YRMC Launches Employee Recognition Programs: DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards

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Nominees whose actions most align with YRMC’s organizational values will be selected for DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards.

Nearly every day at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), I hear from a patient or family member about a nurse or other employee who made a positive difference to them during their time at YRMC West in Prescott or YRMC East in Prescott Valley.

These heartfelt messages helped inspire two new employee recognition programs at YRMC. The programs give patients, families, visitors and others the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary work of individual YRMC team members. They include:

The DAISY Award – This international recognition program rewards and celebrates the clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide. It was created in 1999 by the DAISY Foundation and has been adopted by health care organizations worldwide, including YRMC.

The Bumble-BEE Award – All YRMC employees (non-nursing team members) are eligible for this award. It recognizes YRMC employees whose efforts, support and kindness make a difference to patients, families and others.

These recognition programs have two features that distinguish them from most employee recognition programs. First, they give voice to the people YRMC serves – patients, families and community members. And second, the programs highlight the extraordinary – and sometimes unseen work – YRMC employees do every day.

Four times a year, three nurses and three staff members from both YRMC campuses will receive the DAISY Award or Bumble-BEE Award.

An objective and anonymous system was developed to select the award recipients. Nominees whose actions most align with YRMC’s organizational values will be selected for DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards. Those values include:

  • Respect – Behaves in a way that honors self and others.
  • Integrity – Is consistent and honest in word and deed.
  • Quality – Provides service excellence in meeting others’ expectations.
  • Commitment – Demonstrates dedication to one’s work, personal development, the organization, and YRMC’s mission and vision.
  • Accountability – Follows through and is answerable for one’s performance.

To learn more about the DAISY and Bumble-BEE Awards visit, YRMC.org/daisy-bee. QCBN

By Tracey McCollum

Tracey McCollum, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, is the chief executive nursing officer at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

Championing Private Property Rights

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Realtors are also advocates for their clients. A realtor’s job is to represent their clients’ best interests at every stage of the transaction.

Homeownership is part of the American Dream, and realtors play an essential role in that dream, but their value extends much further than that. Every home sale generates $88,000 in local economic activity, accounting for 18% of the nation’s GDP, and every two home sales supports one American job.

Real estate transactions are complex and include far more than many people know; attorney reviews, filing state/federal forms, tracking mortgage rates/terms, coordinating with lenders, scheduling appraisals/inspections, researching property taxes, public records, price trends, neighborhood details and school district ratings, handling negotiations, fielding incoming offers and showing requests, auditing your home before listing, requesting repairs or concessions, executing a multi-channel marketing strategy, and much more.

While some may be tempted to go it alone, known as “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), research shows the wisest choice is to trust a trained professional. According to data from the National Association of REALTORS (www.nar.realtor), FSBOs accounted for only about 10% of home sales in 2021. To put it in perspective, homeowners who decide to market their own property experience only an 11% success rate. That’s like a football team only making it to their own 10-yard line on every kickoff. No one is headed to the Superbowl, or even the postseason, with those stats! Additionally, homes sold by a trained realtor typically achieve a final sale price 74% higher than that of the average FSBO.

Realtors are also advocates for their clients. A realtor’s job is to represent their clients’ best interests at every stage of the transaction. This means ensuring that they receive fair and equitable treatment under the law. Realtors, who are bound by a strict code of ethics, can guide buyers and sellers through the process, ensuring that they understand their rights and obligations.

Realtors also play a critical role in ensuring that property rights are respected and protected. Local, state and federal regulations can have a significant impact on property rights, and realtors are often on the front lines advocating for their communities’ interests. This can include working with local zoning boards, advocating for property tax reform, and lobbying for legislation. PAAR sends a team of representatives to the Realtors Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., every year to stay on top of developments on a national level that may impact those they serve here at home in the Quad Cities.

Ultimately, realtors play an essential role in the United States, and even beyond into the global marketplace. From guiding buyers and sellers through complex transactions to advocating for their clients’ interests, realtors are on the front lines in the communities they live and work in every day. By fostering a culture of professionalism and ethical behavior within the industry, a realtor helps to ensure that property owners’ rights and investments are respected and protected for generations to come. As such, it is critical that we continue to support and invest in the real estate industry and the professionals who make it thrive. QCBN

By M. Faye Humphrey

Faye Humphrey is the 2023 president of the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS. With more than 20 years of experience, Humphrey is the broker/owner of KMF Real Estate, with offices in Prescott and Scottsdale.

The Prescott Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) is the trade association representing more than 2,000 REALTORS® serving the greater Quad Cities area. Established in 1944, PAAR’s mission is to advocate for private property rights, and provide its members with resources to foster their business success. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

For more information, contact:

Elissa Portela

Communications Director

Prescott Area Association of REALTORS®

Office: 928-445-2663 x 203

Elissa@paar.com

www.paar.com

How Prescott is Funded for City Needs

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Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations.

As we conclude budget approval for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins on July 1, questions arise about the city’s tax structure and how we are funded. Many are surprised to learn that transaction privilege tax (TPT, or sales tax) is the primary source of revenue for the city’s general fund, which pays for public safety and other critical city services. Property tax in Prescott accounts for less than 4% of revenue for the general fund.

As growth continues in and around Prescott’s city limits, the low city property tax plays a minor but important role in funding our public safety and other critical services. The Prescott property tax rate is much lower than the rate in the unincorporated county areas. For this reason, growth and increased property values disproportionately benefit the county, with their higher property tax rate. However, growth in the north Prescott area, both in the city and county areas, is stretching city public safety services capability and response times.

This means that the police, fire and emergency medical services are funded from the city’s general fund with a vastly lower property tax rate. Currently, for example, a property with a $400,000 assessed value outside of the city limits located in the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority’s district, pays an additional $1,041 annually above the same valued property in the City of Prescott.

As council moves to approve the Fiscal Year ‘24 budget, for the first time since 2017, we are considering an increase in the property tax levy by the maximum allowed 2%. This increase will trigger a Truth in Taxation process, which will include public notices and public hearings. What does this increase mean for Prescott homeowners? The answer is about $13.04 a year for a similar $400,000 property. While not a significant sum, the additional revenue will help the city keep up with the need for more police and firefighters.

Property Tax is a consistent funding source, while sales tax is subject to the cycles of the economy and tourism variations. Police and fire protection is a constant need and requires a more stable funding source. Property tax and its role in funding critical city services must be considered as a way to provide a more balanced source of revenue to meet the needs of our growing community. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.

Accessorize Your Hearing

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Fortunately, there are a wide range of accessories compatible with current hearing aid models.

Technology is constantly evolving, often at a rapid pace, with the goal of improving and simplifying the experience of the user. If you buy a new phone, you get a pair of wireless earbuds. Hearing aids are similar. While modern hearing aids can significantly improve a wearer’s quality of life, some situations could still be improved with the addition of an accessory such as listening to someone behind you while hiking or catching all the information at a meeting. Fortunately, there are a wide range of accessories compatible with current hearing aid models.

Remote Microphones

Remote microphones are a wonderful solution for improving communication between individuals. Let’s say that a hearing aid user is going on a tour. The tour guide will likely be at a distance from the user or often turned away. Obviously, this makes hearing the tour guide much more difficult for the person with hearing loss. Remote microphones eliminate this frustration by delivering the speaker’s voice directly to the hearing aids. The talker can be far away (typically 60 to 80 feet) or even turned away, and the user will still hear them perfectly clearly. Plus, it is all done wirelessly! And the microphones are small, meaning they are convenient to wear.

Also, they are fairly versatile. They can be used in the car, while hiking, in a restaurant or at home with the two individuals in different rooms. They’re also great for loved ones with very soft voices. Typically, remote microphones are designed for listening to a single talker, meaning they are not ideal for group situations. However, this also means that remote microphones are very affordable.

Roger Technology

Before proceeding, it should be noted that Roger technology is specific to Phonak hearing aids. However, it is unique and beneficial enough that I felt it warranted inclusion. Roger technology is similar to a remote microphone, but far more advanced. First, it can be used in virtually any situation. It can be worn by an individual, or it can be placed on a table to hear multiple talkers. When listening to multiple talkers, it can either be automatic or manual. When automatic, it will adjust its directionality to amplify whoever is currently speaking. Or, the user can select which directions it wants the device to focus on. For example, if you only want to hear in front and to the left, you can designate that and the device will ignore everything else.

Another advantage is that Roger technology can actively cancel out background noise and increase the volume of the desired signal. Thus, you would have a much more favorable signal-to-noise ratio than with a regular remote microphone. Studies actually show that individuals with hearing loss can hear better than those with normal hearing in noisy situations when wearing hearing aids and Roger. While it does cost more, it is a wonderful solution for those who struggle to hear in noise.

Television Streamers

One of the first things a patient tells me during their hearing test is that they have to blast the TV in order to understand what is being said. Having properly fitting hearing aids will automatically help. But TV streamers can make it sound even better! Again, since the signal is being beamed straight to the aids, it eliminates the need for the sound to travel over distance and through other aural clutter. Another nice feature is that the actual TV volume isn’t affected, so other people can still hear the TV at a volume that is comfortable for them. Unfortunately, TV streamers can’t improve the sound mixing of a program or make British accents any easier to decipher.

Remote Controls

All hearing aids have buttons that allow you to adjust programs. However, this may not be the best option for some wearers. If someone has arthritis or neuropathy, they may not be able to press the button. A person with memory loss may not be able to remember where the button is or its purpose. In these situations, a remote control can be very handy. It is easy to handle and very clear on its operation. For those who want to be more discreet, there are applications for the phone that can act as a remote control as well.

To be clear, accessories are not required to use hearing aids. But for those who need or want a bit more assistance, they are worthwhile. As always, let your hearing care professional be your guide. QCBN

By Jeff Lane, 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. 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.

Addressing Mental Health with Focus Zones at Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District

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Focus Zones are still one of the main concentration areas of our district, and the success stories keep coming.

Take a moment and think back to your school days. When you or your classmates acted out emotionally or disrupted class, the punishment would likely range from being sent to a corner, sent home or suspended. While this may still work for kids who are momentarily rebelling, there are others who misbehave as a cry for help.

Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District meets those students with understanding by giving them a safe space to get better – and to be better. We have spent years challenging traditional disciplinary actions that fail to address students’ mental health and the underlying cause of the issues.

I always say, “If there wasn’t a problem, there wouldn’t be a problem.” In other words, if there weren’t any problems in the student’s life, they wouldn’t exhibit problematic behavior in the classroom. Years ago, I dug into the science behind this concept and familiarized myself with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The CDC defines ACEs as potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that could impact health and well-being. This includes abuse, growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems, lacking basics like food and housing, and more. Approximately 70% of students in our school district receive free and reduced lunch, and 150 students are experiencing homelessness.

When students struggle with their mental health, whether as a result of abuse, neglect or trauma, it is difficult for them to be engaged in the learning environment, so they often resort to attention-seeking or avoidance behaviors. They can become disruptive in the classroom, and that impacts their learning, but it also impacts the learning of students around them.

Our district introduced a Focus Zone in 2017 to get to the root of behavioral issues in the classroom rather than putting a Band-Aid on it. The Focus Zone is a safe space where students can work on academics and shift negative-impulse behaviors into positive choice behaviors with the help of counselors, teachers and a paraprofessional. It is a reset zone more than anything, where kids can regulate and get back to class instead of sitting at home or getting suspended.

With a $150,000 Mobilize AZ grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in 2018, we expanded the program and established more Focus Zones. With additional funding sources, we now have Focus Zones on all four campuses.

Seeing the progress in students’ behavior and mental health first-hand has been nothing short of incredible. Namely, there was one fourth grader who was having a really hard time controlling himself and he constantly caused disruptions in the classroom. He started going to the Focus Zone and learned the shark pose, a calming technique, and he ended up utilizing that pose to stay in class. The bottom line is, we don’t want students to rely upon going somewhere else to regulate their emotions; we want to give them the skills to recognize they can do it themselves.

Focus Zones are still one of the main concentration areas of our district, and the success stories keep coming. To date, there have been more than 7,750 Focus Zone visits. But there are other programs and activities we have introduced to inspire health and growth. Our school district has approximately 70 different afterschool clubs, including biking, archery, dance, music, gardening and so much more. The Mobilize AZ grant also helped supply equipment like helmets and gardening tools to these programs.

We strive to give every student the opportunity to explore. A lot of students who attend schools in our district do not receive the same enriching experiences that students in other areas with other income levels may have, so we have made it a mission to broaden their experiences.

There is one young girl, for example, who didn’t deeply connect with anything in school until she joined the archery club. Now, she has a sense of excitement and belonging, identifying herself as an archer. She inspired me to think differently. Every day, I’ll walk into a classroom and think to myself, how many of these kids are the next Mozart? Or are Olympic track stars? Or gifted physicists? Unless we give them the opportunity, no one will ever know.

These programs can dually give students a sense of self and support mental health – an important issue to tackle in Yavapai County. The county is beautiful and idyllic, but there is a strong undercurrent of generational issues, ranging from substance abuse to homelessness and poverty. This has had a profound effect on our thinking for the district and the programs and activities we implement.

With the help from partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we will continue to prioritize the mental health of our students. Because there will always be another young boy who can excel if he just learns self-control or another young girl who can find purpose and fulfillment if she is just given the chance to explore. And you never know, the next Mozart could be in Yavapai County, ready to compose an ingenious symphony – we just need to give them the tools, time and opportunity to find out. QCBN

By Steve King

Steve King is superintendent of Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District.