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Rebalancing Your Portfolio Allocations 

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In today’s uncertain financial landscape and based on the market run-up we have seen the last few years, we believe it is more important than ever to establish a well-maintained portfolio that can help you reach your financial goals. Your portfolio needs to not only meet your need for capital, but also provide you with financial peace of mind.

While there’s no simple formula to help you figure out how your portfolio should be constructed, determining the right asset allocation should be the first step in the process. In order to properly ascertain your financial situation, there are a few important things to consider: age, time horizon, amount of capital to invest and future capital needs.

Another important thing to be aware of is your risk tolerance. Would you be willing to risk funds for the possibility of greater gains? While everyone wants to reap the rewards of high returns, not everyone can handle the high stress levels it can cause.

On the other side, avoiding investment risk isn’t always a wise decision. It is possible for portfolios to be too conservatively constructed, which makes them unable to provide the necessary long-term growth that is needed to outpace inflation and build wealth. Many investors seek absolute safety and keep their money in bank accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and other financial products without realizing that these “safe” choices may incur their own set of risks.

These risks include investment opportunity loss and the destruction of purchasing power resulting from inflation. When investors fail to take advantage of returns that a portfolio of growth investments can produce over time, this is called investment opportunity loss. Inflation can also hurt your investments, as it is often regarded as the silent destroyer of low-risk portfolios as purchasing power declines over time.

You need to find the right balance for you – one that satisfies your risk tolerance while also achieving an appropriate amount of growth and income.

At American Financial Investments LLC, we can help you create a financial strategy that fits your individualized investment objectives and goals. Allow our team to utilize our knowledge and experience to help manage your portfolio during various economic conditions and investment market cycles. Allow us to help you determine your risk tolerance using proprietary surveys, analyzing your finances and discussing your retirement and financial goals in depth.

We believe that your best bet for steady, long-term growth of your investments is having a well-diversified portfolio. This can help protect your assets from the risks of large drops and structural changes in the economy over time. When you work with the right financial professional, they can help you diversify, make adjustments when necessary and help increase your odds for long-term financial success. QCBN

By Ronald Stevenson and Barbara Clark Stevenson

Ronald F. Stevenson & Barbara Clark Stevenson own American Financial Security, LLC and American Financial Investments, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the State of Arizona. 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

YRMC’s Genetic Clinic: Information and Tools to Fight Cancer

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Have you wondered how scientific research affects real lives? Look no further than the Human Genome Project for an example of how research moved from research labs to patient clinics, like Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) Genetic Clinic in Prescott Valley.

How did this information make it into our everyday healthcare world?

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Jody Pelusi, PhD, FNP, AOCP, who oversees cancer genetic testing at YRMC’s Genetic Clinic recalls, for example, that breast cancer genetic testing used to involve only two genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2. 

“Now we know many genes exist,” said Dr. Pelusi. “Therefore, we do panel testing to look at anywhere from 30 to more than 100 genes.”

What can genetic testing at YRMC’s Genetic Clinic accomplish? The answer to that question depends on the patient’s individual needs. Genetic testing is typically pursued to:

Pinpoint actual risk for developing cancer from a hereditary mutation versus a perception of cancer risk.

Learn cancer risk based on personal or family risk factors for people found not to be at high risk for cancer based on genetic testing.

Determine the best cancer treatment options, follow-up care and long-term monitoring for people diagnosed with cancer.

Learning Your Genetic Risk for Cancer

Before genetic testing happens – typically starting with a swab of saliva from the mouth – Dr. Pelusi meets with people to discuss their goals. Her approach is part scientist, part counselor and all supportive.

“We talk about genetic testing, the information they will potentially learn and if knowing that will make a difference in how they approach their healthcare,” explained Dr. Pelusi. “Some people may come from families who didn’t discuss illness or they may be adopted and have no knowledge of their genetic history. There are many different circumstances.”

During a first appointment, Dr. Pelusi introduces cancer genetic testing by:

Reviewing the goals of cancer genetic testing.

Discussing why the person is interested in cancer genetic testing.

Developing a profile based on the family’s history of cancer, including the type of cancer and at what age the family member was diagnosed with cancer.

Outlining the pros and cons of genetic testing, including how test results can affect the people being tested as well as their family members.

“About 10 percent of people will actually be found to have a genetic change that puts them at higher risk for potentially developing a cancer,” Dr. Pelusi said. “However, this 10 percent is significant, as this can be life changing. Some individuals will come in and get the information and want to think about it before they determine if they want to undergo testing or not; this is absolutely fine.”

Your Genetic Test Results

For people whose genetic test results show they’re at higher risk for cancer, Dr. Pelusi works with their clinicians to provide valuable information on health care and lifestyle options. This may include increased health monitoring and screenings, lifestyle changes, risk-reducing surgeries and chemoprevention (using drugs, vitamins or other agents to reduce cancer risk, delay its development or help prevent recurrence).

“These are emotional topics,” Dr. Pelusi said. “This is not a time to fear cancer. But we sure can fight it with our awareness, our knowledge and our actions. I make sure people have the information they need to make a decision they’re comfortable with. I listen and respect their approach. You can’t get that in a mail order test.”

To schedule an appointment at the Genetic Clinic for a genetic evaluation and possible testing, call 928-442-8747. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a freelance writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in healthcare. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Arthritis: A Real Pain

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May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Given the fact that 54.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with this painful condition, it is timely to discuss suggestions for both prevention and management.

Many factors contribute to the onset of arthritis; yet, even if there is a hereditary component, there are several factors within our power that can protect our quality of life.

More than 100 conditions are classified as arthritis. Prevalence is higher among those physically inactive as well as those who are obese.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and results in the deterioration of cartilage in the joints, leaving people with the painful experience of bone on bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease and the most crippling form of arthritis.

In my work as a certified fitness professional, I have noted an increase in osteoarthritis in the last 10 years. I believe the typical American lifestyle, characterized by extended periods of sitting and a general lack of activity, is the No. 1 contributing factor. Ninety-five percent of Americans do not achieve the recommended 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis.

The cumulative effect of a sedentary lifestyle is obesity, or the state of carrying excessive body fat. Guidelines for body fat are no higher than 31 percent for women and a maximum of 24 percent for men. Excess body fat puts excessive strain on the joints, which causes deterioration of the cartilage, thereby removing the critical shock-absorbing components that keep us mobile and pain-free.

Exercise plays an important role in both the prevention and management of arthritis. After obtaining clearance from your physician, engage in low-impact exercise, such as walking, cycling and rowing. Water exercise is also an excellent choice, and joining an aquatic class is a great way to sustain motivation and provide support, even during times of inflammation when getting out the door may be a challenge.

In addition to cardiovascular exercise three to five times per week, follow a strength-training program at least two times per week. Make sure to include in every workout some time for flexibility training. Joints should be put through a full range of motion on a daily basis to maintain optimal function.

When it comes to avoiding joint stiffness, discomfort and pain, activity is truly the critical key to success! Create a habit. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. QCBN

By Lisa Fry

Lisa Fry is the Health & Fitness Director for Touchmark at The Ranch. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club. Membership is open to anyone 50 years and greater. To reach Lisa or for more information, call 928-708-3133.

Addressing Men’s Health with Chinese Medicine

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I have been blessed in my seven years of Oriental medicine practice to work with a diverse client base. Working with old and young men and women has shown me how comprehensive this medicine is for all humans, and also how specific it can be for each person. However, I tend to see the same patterns throughout the spectrum of people, even in different disease conditions.

This is a plus, in one sense, because we get to know effective treatments for familiar patterns. It is negative, in another sense, because it indicates that commonalities between groups of people exist, and this is directly related to how we live.

We are engaging in too much work and activity, and trying to support ourselves with devitalized food and drink, often consumed in excess. This way of living is nothing new, and was recognized in the ancient Oriental texts as habitual stress, indulgence in sweet and rich foods, and damage from emotional upset. Back then, they turned to acupuncture, herbal medicinals and a clear, bland diet. Today, we can do the same thing, bringing relief to discomfort and a greater understanding of the root causes of disease.

Last month in this column, the emphasis was on women’s health. So, this month, we will focus on men’s health. We will uncover what it is about acupuncture that is so effective and how to use that with other lifestyle modifications to promote prostate health. First, we will examine how and why acupuncture works.

Oriental medicine looks at the body, mind and spirit with a lens that sees qi, mBlood, yin and yang as vital body substances. The diseases are described in terms of deficiency, stagnation and excess of naturally occurring byproducts, such as heat, dampness and phlegm. Qi and blood should move freely throughout the body and be in good supply to nourish all the organs and tissues of the body. When the nutrition is appropriate and excess is not consumed, dampness and phlegm are prevented. When they do occur, it starts in the digestive tract. As it keeps building over time, it starts to affect other organ systems like the heart, kidneys and lungs. It also tends to cause blockages in the body, therefore impeding the smooth flow of qi and blood and setting the stage for pain, tissue growth and sluggish body movements. This is a major reason why clean, plant-based eating helps any disease condition, and why I include a nutrition plan with every treatment.

Changes in the prostate gland are unique to men’s health and do not present themselves until later in life. The Oriental medical lens often finds the pattern of spleen and kidney qi deficiencies when looking for the root cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It presents with changes in urination to be more frequent, urgent and at night. BPH is usually painless, but urinary tract infections can occur, causing pain. Kidney qi deficiency happens naturally with aging, but it is accelerated by working too much, not sleeping enough, medications, overeating and over-drinking alcohol and caffeine. Kidney qi is like our savings account of energy, and we want to do things every day to save qi and not be spending it all on stress and digesting too much food. When the kidney qi is low, the body has a difficult time pushing all the urine out; therefore, there is urinary urgency because the bladder fills too quickly.

Spleen qi encompasses our digestive energy. When we eat sweet, processed and rich foods, it damages the spleen and uses too much energy, thereby leaving dampness and phlegm as byproducts, which can then go anywhere in the body. This is similar to thinking about mucus or inflammation in the body. Dampness causes blockages, which further inhibit urination. Blocked qi and blood cause pain, sometimes quite intensely. Acupuncture is fantastic for opening these channels, promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood and greatly relieving pain.

The needles can work to strengthen the spleen to prevent dampness, but the best effect there is seen with changing the food intake. Start with eliminating foods that cause dampness, like gluten, refined sugar and flour, and saturated fats. It may seem daunting, but it is well worth it to improve such a vital part of the day as voiding the bladder.

When using needles, herbs and foods to strengthen spleen and kidney qi, results are noticed immediately, safely and effectively bringing relief and a sense of greater well-being, along with long-term repair. QCBN

By Katie Borchert

Dr. Katie Borchert has office hours daily at Partners in Health Care Naturally in downtown Prescott, 343 S. Montezuma St. She is also available for home visits, a great way to help the whole family. She can be reached at 928-445-2900 or kborchert3@gmail.com. The clinic website is prescottnaturopathicdoctors.com and Dr. Katie has Facebook and Instagram accounts featuring naturopathic living.

Combining the Benefits of Assisted Stretch and Massage

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Did you know that a muscle can stretch up to one-and-a-half times its original length? And, stretching can relieve physical, mental and emotional stress? Anything that tenses our body and mind can find relief from a good stretch. Stretching just makes you feel good.

Stretching our bodies is an important part of staying healthy. But the importance can be easily forgotten, especially when the results are often not as visible as weight lifting or as spectacular as crossing a finish line. But the benefits of a good stretch can do as much to benefit your overall health and well-being as regular exercise and a healthful diet.

A daily routine that includes stretching can lead to better posture, fewer aches and pains, greater confidence, less stress, increased flexibility and a cheerier outlook on life. A good stretching releases muscle tension, increases blood flow and circulation and sends oxygen throughout the body.

When thinking about stretching, most folks think about the neck, back or hamstrings, but there are many body parts that benefit from a good stretch besides the obvious tight muscles. 

One of the newest methods of stretching is to work with a therapist for a total body stretch to ensure all areas get a good stretch. This form of stretch therapy can equal and even surpass the feelings of deep relaxation and the rejuvenation that one feels after a deep tissue massage.

Stretch therapy is a series of customized stretches that lengthen and move muscles and joints. Specially trained massage therapists work with people of all fitness levels during a total body stretching session. 

One of the most popular and proven techniques is the Streto Method, which is offered at Massage Envy locations. This highly effective, therapist-led technique is based on research and best practices that show how stretch techniques that begin at the scalp and neck and move downward toward the feet offer numerous benefits to the mind and the body.

The Streto Method combines the latest stretch research with relaxation techniques inspired by yoga and meditation. Deep, synchronized breathing combined with active stretching relaxes and invigorates the mind and body. Each stretch builds on the others to provide a total body experience and each session is customized to meet individual needs.

Based on the concept “where your mind goes, the body will follow,” the Streto Method begins each total body stretch session at the head. Since muscle function is controlled through the nervous system and since much of our stress and tension is a result of our thoughts, it only makes sense to start with the control center of the body – the head and mind. Starting with the head and neck, as these primary nerves and muscles relax and thoughts are calmed, the rest of the body is more likely to respond to the therapy. Relax the mind and the body will follow.

How can assisted stretching with a specially trained massage therapist enhance your health, performance and mood? Here are just a few ways:

Flexibility means greater mobility and less stress on muscles during workouts and daily activities: reaching high, touching your toes or sitting with your legs crossed.

Range of motion improves in the joints as the body’s natural lubricants are released: reaching for the top shelf or doing a favorite dance with freer movements and restrictions.

Posture shapes up as flexibility improves, promoting muscular balance: standing taller, sitting straighter, walking with pride.

Blood flow is enhanced when muscles relax and the body straightens. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients getting to the muscles, joints, connective tissue and smaller blood vessels, resulting in more energy and less pain.

Smooth movements come with greater flexibility and increased blood flow. This means better muscle coordination, free joints and support to move and groove.

Performance and productivity are boosted, whether it is lifting groceries, weekend warrior activities, sitting at a desk all day or training for the Olympics.

Keep the body and mind young through active stretches that result in a more relaxed and stronger mental, physical and emotional well-being. Fewer limitations means doing activities that keep us young and vibrant.

Be at the top of your game with improved flexibility and mobility, which means greater strength, speed, power, agility and endurance so you can do more of what you love – from gardening to swimming to playing ball to having a slumber party with the grandkids.

Decrease the risk of injuries and increase recovery times by promoting blood flow, keeping the joints moving and strengthening surrounding muscles and tissues.

 

The Total Body Stretch using the Streto Method at Massage Envy locations can be added into a standard massage session or can be a stand-alone treatment. Both the 30- and 60-minute sessions offer immediate benefits, including relaxation and energy. 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. For more information on the benefits of massage and 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.

Prescott Embraces First Cowboy Contest on Record

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One-hundred and thirty-two years ago, the first cowboy contest (rodeo) ever held in America was staged in the pines of Prescott on July 4, 1888, and the tradition continues at the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

Known as Prescott’s most anticipated event of the year, the World’s Oldest Rodeo is respected among professional rodeos throughout the United States and across the world. Each year, Prescott celebrates the traditions stemming from generations of rodeo families who have competed in this rodeo since the beginning. Even today, families of past generations are living among us in this great community. Tradition is a huge part of what makes this rodeo special and unique.

Some argue that this is not the world’s oldest rodeo. Others have stated they have the world’s oldest; however, there is documented proof that Prescott was the birthplace of the first professional rodeo, starting on July 4, 1888, and then held continuously ever since. The other factors that apply to giving it the title are that Prescott rodeo (also known as Frontier Days Celebration) was the first place to hold a “cowboy contest” where people paid for admission and prize money was given to contestants who paid to participate in the contest. Another honorable mention is the rules for professional rodeo were created in the arena at the Prescott Frontier Days, rules that are still used across the U.S. in professional rodeo.

By 1928, the rodeo rules, still used today, had quickly become “Rodeo’s rules of wide fame” and were worked to a fine point by Lester Ruffner, former arena director, Doc Pardee, arena director in 1926, 1927 and 1928 and Grace Sparkes, secretary. These rules have been found to be almost foolproof and have been copied and used at many of the big rodeos held throughout the country. As early as 1915, Prescott was the shining example to be copied in other places where cowboy sports were featured.

The first award-winner at the first commercialized rodeo was a cowboy named Juan Leivas who received a mounted silver medal, which was known as the “Citizens Prize” and it was the first of its kind. He won the steer roping and tied for first place in bronco riding in 1888 and was hailed as the “Best Cowboy,” known today as the All-Around.

Newspapers are archived in the local Sharlot Hall Museum as far back as 1864 when Volume One, Number One, of the Arizona Miner was published on March 9 of that year. By 1888, the name had been changed to Arizona Weekly Journal-Miner. Initially, the newspaper highlighted Prescott’s first Fourth of July celebration commemorating Independence Day. It is on record in the July 11, 1888 Arizona Journal-Miner that the first cowboy tournament was held at Driving Park, later known as Forbing Park.

An article in The Saturday Evening Post by Wanden M. La Farge in 1938 identifies the first rodeo:

“By 1870 contests were going strong and rival ranches began pitting their top hands against one another. In 1888 someone decided there was a lot of money going to waste on the top rail of the corral fence and the first rodeo with paid admission was held at Prescott, Arizona. After that, organized rodeo just grew.”

Beginning in 1929, the Daily Rodeo Program carried the following statement in the foreword: The First Cowboy Contest of Record in the World was held in Prescott, July 4, 1888. It was also titled World’s First Active Rodeo, Original Cowboy Rodeo of America and Oldest Rodeo in Existence on official souvenir programs.

Arizona is synonymous with the West. Its romance and beauty along with the western traditions are found at the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

The World’s Oldest Rodeo is traditional as many of the original activities that were part of the “Cowboy Contest” are still held today, such as the grand entry formation (serpentine style), wild horse race and cowpuncher’s bronc riding. Team ropers have used the same box and the same stock contractor (Harry Vold Rodeo Company) has supported the rodeo for 47 years. Keeping up with tradition, Randy Corley has been the rodeo announcer for 38 years.

This year, we honor those traditions that make this rodeo traditional and nostalgic.

Please join us on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to keep up with us and share your rodeo photos and engage with Prescott Frontier Days! Use the following hashtags to stay in touch with us #WOR132 #WesternHeritage #WeAreProRodeo and feel free to tag us on your posts during rodeo week! We love hearing the stories from our rodeo fans and encourage activity and participation especially as rodeo week arrives.

See you at the R-O-D-E-O! QCBN

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

Five Herbs Best Grown in Mountain Gardens

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Many herbs are perennial, meaning they can be planted once and left to grow for many years. Perennial herbs take some of the heavy lifting out of garden design by returning year after year. They are comfortable and always look attractive. A perennial bed also allows you to divide and expand your herbal plants as they mature. When designing your garden, plant these herbs for a long-lasting, fragrant garden.

Echinacea is useful for healing, but it is also a beautiful accent for any garden. Echinacea, also known as Coneflower, grows in virtually any garden situation. From moist, fertile soil, to dry harsh arid conditions, echinacea finds a way to thrive like a wildflower.

To help your flowers spread through the gardens, wait until the coneflowers completely dry out in autumn. Remove the dried seedhead and separate the pointy black seeds left behind; gloves are recommended because they are sharp. Cast your seeds anywhere in the garden more plants are wanted.

Lavender is used for everything from cooking to healing. Try growing this elegant herb alongside your showiest flowers. Flowers cover the grey foliage in shades of purple, blue, pink and white; lavender is genuinely a gorgeous perennial herb. Be sure to plant lavender with room to grow. You will be shocked at how large the plants become after just a few years.

If the struggle is all you’ve known when growing lavender, try finding a specimen that is better suited for your garden zone. There are many from which to choose, and you may not have planted the right variety. If in doubt, the hardiest mountain lavender would have to go be Munstead English Lavender, but you’ll find a dozen varieties grown at the garden center through the year.

Mint can be invasive if planted in the wrong place, but it’s an essential addition to any hard-to-cultivate garden space. It spreads anywhere you allow it and many places you don’t. Try to plant your mint in a bucket that is buried part way as a means to control the spreading habit. This should do a reasonable job in containing your mint plant.

Mint is a refreshing, herbal tea and a beautifully scented plant. Try growing a greater variety of mints if you’re really interested in using them in tea. You should avoid allowing mint varieties to mingle, so allow plenty of room between each flavor. This helps ensure your bees and butterflies do not cross-pollinate each plant. You will find at the garden center the obvious peppermints and spearmints, but also consider chocolate mint, or orange, strawberry and pineapple mint for a fresh, new flavor in your gardens.

Sage is a wonderfully versatile herb for gardens. It comes in many colorful varieties and growth habits. Try using it as a decorative filler around other tall garden plants. Sage grows for many years, returning after even the harshest of winters.

The only drawback to sage for years is that it often becomes woody to the point its leaves only grow on the end of each stem. Avoid this by keeping it pruned back to encourage new growth. You will find leaves grow closest to the cuts that result in a fuller, more beautiful specimen. There are so many varieties of sage – you might just want to switch things up and grow a new variegated, or pineapple scented, or tricolored sage as your next new specimen.

Thyme is one of the herbs that grows anywhere. It’s perfect for gardeners who aren’t particularly hands-on because the less you fuss with this perennial herb, the healthier it becomes. There are many varieties from which to choose in both upright and trailing habits, so there’s one to fit almost any situation and style.

Use thyme as a filler between stone walkways. It offers a lovely scent when stepped on and easily handles modest traffic. Thyme grows well in areas that are just too dry and conditions that are too poor for other plants.

Garden Alert 
Flowers are being overrun by one tiny insect that sucks the life out of roses or anything in bloom. They damage trees like pears and redbud with curled leaves, or blackened tips that resemble fire blight. Also known as “No-See-Ums,” this insect makes a plant look terrible to the point of death if left unchecked. This alert is all because of the spring rains and cooler than average temperatures. 

Multi-Purpose Insect Spray is the spray of choice that obliterates this dangerous pest. Thoroughly soak every leaf of your plant until dripping wet, and reapply this same bug spray in 10 days and you will have a healthy, happy plant that thrives the rest of the season. 

Until next issue, I’ll be helping local gardeners with their herb gardens here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

By Ken Lain

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

Exploring an Alternative to Injections for Skin Rejuvenation

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Many in the Quad Cities area are following the lead of celebrities who are forgoing traditional injection therapies in favor of less invasive therapies, such as a combination of microcurrent (BioLift) and Quantum Hydration Therapies.

Although microcurrent treatments have been around for a while, the Quantum Hydration Therapy is the magic bullet when it comes to skin rejuvenation. Prescott DermaLift Clinic is Northern Arizona’s only provider of the combined treatments.

Individuals have reported they want to get away from the “frozen face” effect caused by injected therapies, some of which truly freeze the muscles in the face, causing muscles to atrophy and then sag if they quit using the treatments.

Electro-ionization is a new, less invasive antiaging treatment for women who want to look younger without resorting to face-freezing injections. “It is an entirely new, unique, non-surgical treatment that tightens, tones and lifts loose skin on the face and neck,” said Dr. Rita Rakes, M.D.

Meanwhile, there have been warnings about injectables. “Like Botox, Newtox is a form of botulinum toxin and when injected it can spread to other areas of the body, potentially causing swelling and breathing problems in rare cases,” stated Harvard Medical School Professor Dr. Aaron Keselham in The New York Times Science Section on May 14.

For those who want to find a more affordable, natural solution, the BioLift and Quantum Hydration Therapies may provide an attractive skin rejuvenation option.

“I’ve been having the bio-electric face lift for over 30 years and the older I get, the more I appreciate it. I moved to Prescott from Tucson and was so glad to find I could get the treatment here. Prescott DermaLift combined the BioLift with Quantum Hydration Therapy and a Dermaplane and the results were really fantastic,” says 69-year-old Joan Rinhardt. “My friends are all spending a fortune on injections, lasers and other invasive treatments. Hopefully they’ll convert to these very effective, affordable therapies.”

Other clients report tighter and firmer skin, the disappearance of fine lines and seeing a difference from the very first treatment, with no recovery downtime. QCBN

By Justin Schepman

Justin Schepman is the owner of Prescott DermaLift Clinic, located at 1000 Ainsworth Drive, Prescott, Arizona. For more information, visit prescottdermaliftclinic.com or call 928-713-6907 for a free consultation or appointments.

Aphasia: Communicating Through the Obstacles

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You can easily read today’s newspaper, but then struggle to read a child’s book aloud. For someone with aphasia, this wouldn’t be unusual. 

Aphasia is a language disorder that can affect a person’s ability to communicate. It can impair a person’s ability to speak, read, listen or write – but it does not influence intelligence. Nearly one million people in the United States live with aphasia today. 

Aphasia usually is caused by a stroke that damages the parts of the brain that control speech and language. But any disease or injury that damages the brain can cause aphasia, such as traumatic brain injury, tumors and neurological disorders. 

Symptoms of aphasia can range from mild to severe, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage. Some people with aphasia may have minor problems finding words to communicate complex messages, while others may have lost the ability to read or write. But regardless of the severity, most find it frustrating to not be able to communicate like they did before aphasia occurred.   

Many people with aphasia are mentally alert, even though their speech may be jumbled, fragmented or difficult to understand. People with aphasia may have trouble with: 

  • Speaking  
  • Finding the “right words” 
  • Understanding what others are saying, especially if it’s being said quickly or if it’s a complex thought 
  • Reading written materials 
  • Spelling or writing sentences 

 

However, aphasia symptoms often can be improved through a collaborative team approach with speech-language pathologists, family members and other professionals such as doctors, nurses, neuropsychologists and other therapists. 

Aphasia can have a life-long impact on an individual. So, it’s important to have ongoing support that allows a person with aphasia to continue practicing communication strategies, explore resources, gain encouragement and learn how to best navigate life with this disorder. 

At MVRRH, the goal of aphasia treatment is to impact a patient’s quality of life by improving confidence to communicate in various situations and to increase willingness to try activities an individual may have once thought her or she could never participate in again. 

To best communicate with someone with aphasia, Berman offers these tips: 

  • Get the person’s attention before you start speaking. 
  • Eliminate background noise. Close windows, shut off televisions or radios, move from a room if other conversations are going on.  
  • Keep it simple. Speak in short, simple sentences, but don’t “talk down” to the individual. He or she is an adult and should be treated as such. 
  • Slow your speech down. 
  • Don’t talk loudly. Keep your voice at a normal level unless the individual asks you to speak up. 
  • Be patient. Allow plenty of time for a response. Talk with the individual, not for him or her. 
  • Be creative. Try communicating with writing, gesturing, drawings, facial expressions and communication tools like an iPad. Encourage the individual to do the same. 
  • Ask “yes” or “no” questions that can be answered simply and without a lot of explanation. 
  • Confirm. Repeat back what he or she is saying. 
  • Ignore or downplay errors. All words don’t need to be produced perfectly to communicate. 

 

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. To learn more, email karenrussell@ernesthealth.com or call 602-540-5310. QCBN 

By Dr. Alan Berman 

 

#  # # 

Alan Berman M.D., is medical director at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is a 44-bed, free-standing rehabilitation hospital that provides intensive physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from strokes, brain, spinal cord, and orthopedic injuries, and other impairments as a result of injury or illness. For more information, visit MVRRH.ernesthealth.com. 

 

3700 N. Windsong • Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 • (P) 928-759-8800• (F) 928-775-7781 • MVRRH.ernesthealth.com 

 

Caring for the Caregiver

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In June, we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day and give thanks for all who have battled and continue to battle this life-altering condition. A diagnosis potentially changes many areas of life, both for the individual diagnosed and the loved ones who provide support. As a caregiver for multiple family members who have received this diagnosis, I would like to provide some tips for those who are in this role and navigating turbulent waters while remaining mindful of the need for wellness and sanity.

Have some quiet time in the morning before the day gets busy. Read something that provides hope and inspiration, and prioritize your day, knowing that it very well may not go as planned. Note urgent tasks that must be accomplished and if necessary, allow yourself to move lower priorities to another day. Rigidity in scheduling can be self-sabotaging to your mental health. Remember that caregiving requires an enormous amount of energy.

Start your day with good fuel for your body. We need a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fat to function properly. If you find that you lack sustained energy during the day, look at your nutrition. Also, make sure to hydrate properly; even slight dehydration will lower energy levels.

Schedule movement into your life each day, and if possible, get some time outside for rejuvenation. Have a friend hold you accountable for this; walking with a friend also meets social needs. Spending time outdoors is truly a wonderful therapy for body and mind.

Be as gentle and kind to yourself as you are toward the one for whom you are caring. Create awareness of your own needs by checking in with yourself during the day and asking, “On a scale of one to five, how am I doing?” Maintain an awareness of your own needs and commit to promptly tending to them.

Allow others to help. When someone offers to provide some respite, make a run to the grocery store or do errands, take them up on it! Making space in our lives for much-needed relief will refuel the spirit and mind as well as allow someone the opportunity to serve in a very special way – a win, win situation.

My heart goes out to all of the caregivers reading this article. In the caregiving role, it can be very challenging to manage physical and mental health. Always keep in the forefront of your mind that our ability to provide care runs parallel to our commitment to maintaining personal wellness, plugging in and recharging to empower! QCBN

By Lisa Fry

Lisa Fry is the Health and Fitness Director for Touchmark at The Ranch. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club. Membership is open to anyone ages 50+ years. To reach Lisa or for more information, call 928-708-3133.