Anthony Torres

By now, you have probably heard of the “mindfulness movement.” You may have read a magazine article or two and it’s hard to ignore the ever-growing collection of mindfulness books at the bookstore or library. Many people who have tried it say that mindfulness has made a remarkable difference in their quality of life.

Now take mindfulness and apply it to medicine, specifically the treatment of chronic pain. This is what internationally acclaimed neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Safavi-Abbasi and neurosurgical nurse practitioner and certified somatic experiencing practitioner Elisa Venezia are bringing to their patients, right here in the Quad Cities area.

Safavi and Venezia are both with Yavapai Regional Medical Group – Neurosurgical Medicine and Physiatry in Prescott. They share a deep passion about what Venezia calls, “Helping our patients turn the volume down on their pain so it doesn’t dominate their life.”

It’s all based on a “biopsychosocial” approach to understanding pain. In simpler terms, pain is a complicated combination of biological, psychological and social factors. According to Venezia, the standard medical approach, which too often is the norm, only treats the biological aspect of pain.

Venezia clearly acknowledges that there are highly effective surgical solutions for many types of pain, particularly back pain. In fact, the team at Yavapai Regional utilizes many leading-edge neurosurgical techniques. But when a patient is told that there is no clear indication for surgery, they are often left wondering whether they will have to live with their pain indefinitely. The unfortunate outcome for some of these patients can be anxiety, depression, isolation and, increasingly, an addiction to painkillers, particularly opioids.

This is where Safavi’s and Venezia’s holistic approach takes up the challenge.

“Our brain pathways, including those that send pain signals to the brain, are wired very early in life,” explained Venezia. “For a person who experiences constant fight-or-flight responses related to early trauma – which might include symptoms like chronic pain, a fast-paced lifestyle or issues with alcohol – mindfulness can help ease them into the present moment rather than the state of hypervigilance that they’re used to. The practice is informed by neuroscience, as well as current pain-science literature, and is modeled after a more familiar practice called mindfulness-based stress reduction. It can decrease anxiety, depression and pain.”

Yavapai Regional physical therapist Cheryl Van Demark has been facilitating the Chronic Pain Self-Care Program in the Quad Cities community for several years. Safavi and Venezia have now teamed up with Van Demark, combining their efforts to offer a true multidisciplinary approach. 

“The class is all literature-based because we’re geeks,” said Venezia. “As people learn about the neuroscience of pain and incorporate some very simple practices in their lives, their pain experience can greatly diminish.”

The passion that Venezia has for this approach, and her patients, shines through.

“If you have already explored surgical options and your condition is non-surgical, you can still recover from the pain. The pain does not need to be front and center in your life. Be aware that it will take work and it will take time, but you can connect with joy and lightheartedness in your life again.” QCBN

By Anthony Torres

For more information about the Chronic Pain Self Care Program at Yavapai Regional Medical Group – Neurosurgical Medicine and Physiatry, call 928-445-4818.

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

Ask anyone who works at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, and they’ll tell you that Yavapai Regional volunteers are truly exceptional. Patients would certainly agree. Volunteers are an integral part of the work that happens here each day. In 2023, we boasted a total of 347 volunteers, who logged 54,929 volunteer hours. But beyond that, the volunteers bring a team spirit, can-do attitude, and dedication to giving that enhance the impact of care immeasurably.

Yavapai Regional recently recognized the invaluable contributions of all of our dedicated volunteers during our annual National Volunteer Month celebration. Three volunteers in particular were recognized for their significant impact on patients, families and staff members.

Nominated by their co-workers and peers, these 2023 winners are outstanding individuals who each bring a unique personality and approach to their work.

Dick Sheldon, East Campus Volunteer of the Year

Dick started volunteering at Yavapai Regional in 2019 and is a member of the Front Lobby team. He escorts patients and guests, helps patients check in and assigns badges to visitors. His sense of humor brings a smile and often a laugh to everyone he meets. You’ll be able to spot Dick on holidays when he arrives in full costume, lending a lighthearted moment to everyone’s day.

Dick is always willing to cover for volunteers who are unable to make their shifts and consistently strives to make the hospital experience run as smoothly as possible for all who enter the doors at Yavapai Regional.

Judy Grimm, West Campus Volunteer of the Year

Since starting in the summer of 2021, Judy has served in the Emergency Department and the Cath Lab, and currently works in the Endoscopy department. So far, she has accumulated a total of 427 hours of service.

Her warm and caring demeanor, combined with a positive, energetic and professional approach, has made her an invaluable asset wherever she works, brightening the environment with her presence. Judy is known for continually going above and beyond to help the GI staff with creating packets, patient transport and filling in the gaps wherever she is needed.

One co-worker puts it simply: “Judy is the best example of what a great volunteer is.”

Kathy Stemm, Sandy Zinn Martin Award

This award was established in memory of Sandy Zinn Martin, an inspirational volunteer whose positive nature touched many lives. It symbolizes the spirit of generosity and kindness that defines the Yavapai Regional volunteer community.

Kathy Stemm volunteers in the Front Lobby and is also the chair of the Baskin Breast Care Center. Since her start in 2020, she has logged more than 1,650 volunteer hours. Her generous heart clearly exemplifies what the Sandy Zinn Martin award is all about. Staff and fellow volunteers say that she is always ready to help others, checking in on volunteers who have been sick or unable to volunteer, and always greets patients and staff with warmth and a smile.

These awards serve as a token of our deepest gratitude to Dick, Judy and Kathy, as well as to all our remarkable volunteers, whose contributions are truly immeasurable. Their compassion and dedication inspire us all, and we are thankful for their invaluable service. QCBN

By Anthony Torres, M.D.

For information on the many volunteer opportunities available at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, visit yrmc.org/volunteer-services/services, or call Volunteer Services in Prescott at 928-771-5678, or Prescott Valley at 928-442-8678.

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

Are you thinking about becoming a volunteer at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center? Good for you. And we mean, literally, “Good for you.” Yavapai Regional volunteers are reaping benefits on many different levels. Here are just a few:

Good for your social life. Countless Yavapai Regional volunteers tell us that what started as a volunteer shift has resulted in lasting friendships. It’s a great way to make friends and get involved with like-minded people. You’ll often see our volunteers having lunch together in the cafeteria before their shifts begin or getting together after hours to attend various community events. Some of our volunteers even travel together.

Good for your physical and mental health. Research by the Corporation for National and Community Service shows that people who volunteer have lower mortality rates, lower rates of depression, and fewer physical limitations than those who don’t volunteer. Additionally, a 2013 study of more than 1,600 older adults found that the participants who volunteered at least 200 hours per year were 40% less likely to get high blood pressure than non-volunteers.

One Yavapai Regional Gift Shop volunteer describes the sense of purpose she experiences while volunteering:

“It makes me feel like I’m a part of a bigger thing and I like that,” she explained. “A woman came in this morning. It looked like she was feeling a little overwhelmed. I think she felt better after she spent some time with us. It just makes me feel like I’m doing something good. I believe in paying it forward.”

Good for our community. Volunteers provide vital support to the hospital and its services, which in turn serves our community. The diversity of types of work available to Yavapai Regional volunteers means that there is something for just about everyone. Positions include:

• Visitor reception in lobby areas
• Visitor escorts
• Gift Shop
• Courtesy cart transportation
• Chaplain services
• Support opportunities in patient care settings
• Clerical opportunities in office settings
• Music therapy
• Pet therapy

Good for our patients. Volunteers often have additional time to attend to patients and visitors, offering an extra dose of empathy, compassion and simple conversation. This can help ease any anxiety that patients and visitors might be feeling.

In addition, many volunteer positions are behind the scenes, supporting our staff in a variety of ways. This lightens the workload for staff, allowing them to have more quality time with patients. Staff throughout the hospital remark that their jobs are so much easier thanks to the volunteer workforce.

“Volunteering is the heart of this hospital,” said a front desk volunteer. “It’s a lot of fun. You’re going to enjoy every single minute of it. It’s good for the hospital and it’s good for you. That’s a win-win.” QCBN

By Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is the president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.   

The days are finally longer, trees and flowers are starting to bud, and frosty weather is on its way out. If you’ve been thinking about starting a walking routine, now is the perfect time. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. No special equipment or training is necessary, and people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit.

Research shows that walking at least 150 minutes at a brisk pace per week can help reduce your risk of serious illnesses like diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. It can also have a positive effect on bone health as well as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

In addition to the physical benefits, walking has been linked to a reduction in the risk for dementia and can improve your stress level, memory, sleep and emotional well-being. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression.

There’s no need to start out at 150 minutes a week to reap the benefits. Any walking is better than no walking and you can slowly increase your minutes over time. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Set realistic goals. Start by setting achievable goals for yourself. If you are new to walking, aim for five to 10 minutes of brisk walking a day and gradually increase the duration as you build stamina.
• Walk with a buddy. Walking with a friend or family member is a nice opportunity to spend quality time together while getting fit and keeping each other motivated.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes with plenty of support and cushioning.
• Choose your route. Look for walking paths or neighborhoods in your area where you feel safe and comfortable. Of course, walking in nature can be especially enjoyable. When walking in the evenings, make sure the path is safe and well-lit.
• Make it a habit. Incorporate walking into your daily routine by scheduling it at a specific time that fits easily into your schedule.
• Track your progress. Using a pedometer or a fitness app can help you track the number of steps you take each day and will allow you to see your progress over time.
• Keep in mind that even shorter periods of walking throughout the day, such as taking the stairs, parking farther away from your destination or taking a stroll during your lunch break can be added to your goal and will offer significant health benefits.
• Finally, it’s important to listen to your body. Start at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially If you have any health concerns or medical conditions.

So, lace up your shoes, step outside and start reaping the rewards of walking this spring. Your body and mind will thank you for it. QCBN

By Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is the president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.     

It’s an exciting time to be a healthcare provider. Medical technology and innovation are accelerating at an unprecedented rate, bringing new and more effective ways to care for our community. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is an effective tool that most of us wouldn’t have even dreamed of a decade ago.

At Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center, AI technology is being used to support our No. 1 priority – making your experience at Yavapai Regional the best it can be. ERAdvisor and CareAdvisor bring real-time updates on your wait time, appointments, lab results and much more, directly to your smartphone.

ERAdvisor

People arriving to the Emergency Departments at Yavapai Regional in Prescott and Prescott Valley are given the opportunity to use ERAdvisor. No sign-up or app download is needed, and it works on any smartphone. Here’s what to expect:

• Registration staff asks if you would like to use ERAdvisor during your visit.
• If you opt-in, staff enters your cell phone number into the system.
• You receive a welcome message on your smartphone to join ERAdvisor.
• You click on the link to log in.
• Once you’re logged in, the dedicated portal gives you access to:
• Automatic updates on wait times
• Secure sharing with family and friends
• Your lab and imaging results
• The ability to schedule follow-up visits

In addition, you can communicate with your care team, make requests and have questions answered. This immediate and enhanced transparency between patients and staff allows for less anxiety and frustration, which helps to make a potentially stressful time a bit easier.

CareAdvisor

CareAdvisor is offered when you’re admitted to the hospital. The interface is similar to ERAdvisor – you are given a log-in link on your smartphone. No app is needed.

You’ll have real-time access to:

• Your health progress
• Readiness for discharge
• Lab results
• An hour-by-hour plan for the day
• Reminders on health goals
• Educational content
• Nurse assessment updates

We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback for ERAdvisor and CareAdvisor, from both patients and staff. Empowering our patients with continuing information about their healthcare journey makes them an active participant in their care, which is better for everyone involved.

It’s truly a new era in health care. From Virtually Integrated Care, to state-of-the-art, minimally invasive neurosurgery, to next-generation heart care, innovative technology is here to stay at Yavapai Regional. But there is no substitute for the incredible care team we have. They’re the finest, most professional people you’ll find anywhere. By supporting our team with the latest technology and innovations in patient care, we will continue to build a better patient experience for everyone in our community. It’s something we are steadfastly committed to at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. QCBN

By Anthony Torres, M.D.

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is the president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

We don’t use a term like “New Era” lightly. For us, it reflects our total commitment to utilizing – and in some cases, pioneering – the latest in innovative medical technology in order to bring continual improvement in care for our patients. Yet, as always – and most importantly – all of our services are delivered by the finest, most professional people anywhere. Here are a few highlights:

Virtually Integrated Care (VIC)

VIC connects a remote, professional registered nurse to each patient and their bedside Care Team via high-def camera, video screen, and two-way audio. Patients and their families are able to access a VIC nurse via a tap of the screen in the patient’s room. They can ask questions, make requests, communicate concerns – all of which enhances their experience while improving hospital efficiency.

ERAdvisor and CareAdvisor

People arriving at our Emergency Rooms are offered an advanced AI-powered technology called ERAdvisor. Those who opt in receive a link on their smartphone, giving them instant and complete information about their ER visit, including real-time updates on their wait time. A similar AI powered smartphone technology for our in-patients, called CareAdvisor, is available in both hospitals.

Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery

Minimally invasive intracranial (skull) and neurosurgery of the spine are now performed using a state-of-the-art intraoperative 2D/3D imaging system, providing enhanced 3D visibility and surgical feedback. This powerful technology is getting people back to their lives faster than ever before.

Next Generation Heart Care at the James Family Heart Center

The James Family Heart Center at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional brings Central and Northern Arizona unparalleled access to leading-edge diagnostics, as well as the latest groundbreaking heart-healing procedures. All of this is delivered by world-class cardiac specialists, outstanding nurses and top technologists, in our state-of-the-art Cardiac Cath Labs and Hybrid Operating Room.

The Baskin Breast Care Center

Right here in Prescott Valley, you’ll find the world-class Baskin Breast Care Center. Earning the distinguished “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” accreditation from the American College of Radiology signifies that the Baskin Breast Care Center stands at the pinnacle of imaging excellence.

Yavapai Regional Medical Group

We continue to welcome exceptional board-certified physicians and highly credentialed advanced clinical practitioners to our practices and clinics. And, because Yavapai Regional Medical Group is part of the Dignity Health YRMC network, there’s seamless access to a range of advanced treatments and diagnostics.

Looking back, we’ve been serving Yavapai County for 80 years, and there’s so much to be proud of. Yet, in many ways, we feel like we’re just getting started. We appreciate your continued trust in Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center as we move forward in this exciting New Era in health care. QCBN
By Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP

Anthony Torres, M.D., FACP, is president and CEO of Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center.