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Donna Werking

Rodeo Champion Dances to Raise Money for Kids

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James Charles “J.C.” Trujillo is a native-born Arizonan who has lived in his hometown of Prescott virtually all of his 70 years. As a youngster growing up on a ranch, he decided he wanted to be a rodeo cowboy — and more than that, a world-champion “bareback rider.” He achieved that ambition when he was a member of the Arizona State University intercollegiate rodeo team, and in 1968, won the intercollegiate bareback riding championship.

Since 1967, Trujillo has been a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and qualified for the national final rodeo 12 times. He still holds the World’s Oldest Rodeo record for five bareback championships. In 1981, he won the world championship in the bareback riding. In 1985, Trujillo retired from professional rodeo after competing in his final National Finals Rodeo during the first year it was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. He placed sixth in the world that year.

He is well respected and well known in the professional rodeo industry. He continues to serve on committees and engages with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and other rodeo committees around the United States. Trujillo is passionate about preserving the sport of rodeo and also about keeping the western traditions alive at the World’s Oldest Rodeo.

Now, the general manager of the renowned Prescott Frontier Days, Trujillo is married to his wife, Margo, has two daughters and six grandchildren, including two grandsons, who compete in high school rodeos. Perhaps the best descriptors for Trujillo are that he has a captivating megawatt smile, loves to laugh and firmly believes that a positive attitude will win competitions.

Trujillo has led the non-profit organization, the Prescott Frontier Days, Inc., for the past 16 years and has seen an increase in sponsorships, record attendance, booming ticket sales and a rodeo title that is coveted by professional cowboys and cowgirls around the country. The World’s Oldest Rodeo is known as a nostalgic, traditional and competitive rodeo by rodeo fans, sponsors, contestants and the community. With his leadership, knowledge of professional rodeo and his passion to preserve the traditions that make the Rodeo unique, the World’s Oldest Rodeo is one of the top best 40 rodeos in the United States.

Preparations have already begun for the 133rd World’s Oldest Rodeo that takes place at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds from June 29 through July 5, 2020. Tickets go on sale in mid-December and can be purchased online at worldsoldestrodeo.com.

When Trujillo is not working, he is a very dedicated family man and he and Margo spend time with their two daughters and six grandchildren. Competitive rodeo runs in the family as two of their grandsons are competing in high school and now professional rodeo. Trujillo is a mentor to both of his grandsons and is not afraid to teach them what he knows about rodeo, life and being a stand-up man in today’s world.

Helping others is not foreign to Trujillo as he has hosted a boy’s hunting camp at his home near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He is a giving, loyal mentor to many and is always willing to lend a bit of advice, either rodeo related or life in general. He is a well-respected husband, father, grandfather, rodeo legend and now hopefully a champion dancer!

This year, Trujillo is entering another competition, the local Dancing for the Stars event to help raise money for kids in Yavapai County and will be on the stage performing on April 18. The event is held at the historic Prescott Elks Theater on April 18, 2020, with two performances (a matinee and one evening show).

“I am honored to be included and considered for the Dancing for the Stars event. I believe in the organization and have attended the event. I am looking forward to putting ‘my best foot forward’ and appreciate the community’s support,” Trujillo said.

Your support, vote and donation are much appreciated! Help Trujillo be a success for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona by clicking visiting WorldsOldestRodeo.com/Vote-JC to donate, vote or sponsor Trujillo, and please share on your social media channels. Thank you in advance for your support of this great event, great organization and great community leader! QCBN

By Donna Werking

Celebrating National Tourism Week

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Prescott leads travel and tourism during Travel Rally Day in support of the many ways travel contributes to the community.

The event was part of the 36th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which unites communities across the country to celebrate how travel matters to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.

The theme of this year’s NTTW, “Travel Matters,” highlights the innumerable ways in which travel makes up the fabric of Prescott’s culture and economy. Each day of NTTW will celebrate a different facet of travel: the economy, new experiences, jobs, infrastructure, health benefits, hometown pride and how travel strengthens families.

“Travel supports one in nine American jobs and tourism has a direct impact right here in Prescott, Arizona. We will hold an open house on Tuesday, May 7, from 2-4 p.m., at City Hall for all the tourism stakeholders. All tourism stakeholders and their staffs are invited. The Tourism Office will also conduct visits that week to our stakeholders,” said City of Prescott’s Community Outreach Manager John Heiney.

“In every pocket of America – from the largest cities to the smallest towns – travel matters,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “I, like so many others, got my start in the travel industry, and it shaped my life in ways I could have never imagined. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we’re celebrating how travel powers our economies, strengthens our communities and changes our lives.”

From small businesses to large industries, travel employs a diverse workforce in Prescott. The facts are:

Jobs are supported by travel and tourism.

Travel and tourism helps local tax revenue for Prescott

This is an important part of travel’s economic importance nationwide.

Travel is a $2.5 trillion industry in the U.S. 

These visitors support 15.7 million American jobs – roughly 8.9 million direct travel jobs and 6.8 million indirect jobs.    

Travel-related spending generated $171 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue in 2018.

“I have seen firsthand how much travel matters to our community,” said Margo Christensen with the Ponderosa Hotel Management Group. “We continue to see increases in occupancy and Transient Occupancy Tax (bed tax) collections and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center receives a steady flow of visitors every day from around the world. I’m proud of Prescott, and eager to welcome even more visitors here to show them why we love Prescott, Arizona so much.”

Heiney added, “Bed tax collections are approaching $1 million this year. This year alone, about 60 percent of collections are going directly back into the community in the form of special event grants to non-profits, and public improvements to trails, parks and open space.”

To learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week 2019, please visit our event page online at visit-prescott.com. QCBN

By Donna Werking

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

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.

Combining Traditional Medicine with Supplemental Therapies 

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The challenge of bringing neurosurgery into the 21st century with patient-friendly outpatient care has more than met its match in Whitney James, M.D. As the Quad Cities’ newest and youngest neuromodulatory surgeon, Dr. James has launched her medical practice at Northern Arizona Pain Institutes (NAPI) in Prescott.   

Melding the art and science of medicine, James applies outpatient surgical solutions to alleviate brain, spine and peripheral nerve damage associated with chronic pain, cancer and other maladies. She specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures with outstanding aesthetic results and a soothing bedside manner.  

“I am very motivated by the artistic and aesthetic aspects of medicine, especially as a surgeon,” James revealed. “Science furnishes the all-important knowledge, but the actual practice of medicine is very much a performance art.”  

She characterizes her business model as a “game changer,” because of its ease and simplicity for patients, along with reduced costs for the medical community. Patients of Dr. James also receive alternative therapy treatments under her supportive care model to expedite healing. Some of the holistic supplemental therapies include: yoga and cranial sacral therapies as well as acupuncture, acupressure, aqua therapy and more.  

James encourages pain patients to participate in Yoga Therapy, which uses self-inquiry to facilitate harmony between body, mind and breath. When there’s a disconnect between these three aspects of self, a patient’s physiology may become imbalanced, further exacerbating symptoms of stress, fatigue, pain and illness. Through the tools of movement, breath and deep relaxation, patients experience a deeper connection to the innate healing capacity within. Under the guidance of yoga therapists Malisa Bobbitt and Kori Moore-Gibson, patients’ bodies begin to heal and rebalance naturally, helping one to feel healthier, happier and more alive. 

Carol C., a patient of Dr. James, expressed, “With yoga therapy, I could tap into the key ingredients for creating long–lasting health and wellness. As I practiced, I learned how to reconnect with my body and myself. Not only did I heal a series of chronic ailments, but I also lost weight by adding a full-body exercise routine to my daily regime.”  

Additionally, balance poses in yoga invite you to get out of your head and into your body. Yoga gives you healing tools to better cope with stressful events and trauma, says James. It can bring your awareness to the tension being held in your body, allowing you to let that tension go.  

Craniosacral Therapy, provided by Licensed Massage Therapist Jan Michael Meade, is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork that addresses the whole body and person through the nervous system with subtle, light touch and deep listening. The goal is to assist the nervous system transition from sympathetic to parasympathetic, or from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” CST helps release compression and blockages in those areas where there is cumulative stress or deficiency weakness. Cranial sacral therapy seeks to restore the natural position of the bones and can decrease stress from chronic injuries as well as provide relief from migraine headaches, neck and back pain, temporomandibular joint disorder (the inflammation of the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) and more. 

 

According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Often, migraines are triggered or exacerbated by stress and poor sleep. In a study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that participants who received bodywork like Craniosacral Therapy had better quality sleep and fewer migraines than participants who didn’t. Effects lasted up to three weeks after therapy ended. Since Craniosacral Therapy is supportive to the whole person, there is no limitation to the help it can provide for a patient’s symptoms. It is a direct practice of the art of active relaxation and is based on reconnecting the patient to the core self.   

 

Acupuncture involves needles, heat, pressure and other treatments that are applied to certain places on the skin. Chronic Pain Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions: 

 

  • Back and neck pain 
  • Osteoarthritis (also known as “degenerative joint disease” or “wear and tear arthritis”) 
  • Chronic headache 
  • Shoulder pain 

 

Through 16 years of medical study and a residency in Tucson, James’s milestone achievements include a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience from Bates College in Maine; a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health; a Fulbright scholarship for medical research; a master’s degree in health science and international health policy from Johns Hopkins University; and a Yale University Doctor of Medicine degree. In addition to helping patients, James loves mentoring students, hiking with friends, dancing in the kitchen with her two toddlers and entertaining at home with her husband.  

“I am attracted to medicine because you can literally save lives, which is incredibly rewarding as a physician,” she explained. “You can do so much to immediately improve the quality of life for patients. That’s why I was drawn to surgery and the self-healing power of the human body. The results are so tangible and rewarding.” QCBN 

By Donna Werking 

Dr. Whitney James, M.D. PC, is a neuromodulatory surgeon. To learn more about her practice, visit drwhitneyjames.com, follow her on Instagram at @girlneurosurgeon, or call her office at 928-212-1479.  

 

Award-Winning Leadership Developing Area Youth

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The Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ) has unanimously appointed Nicole Kennedy as the interim executive director in February 2019.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona offers affordable after-school and summer programs for youth ages six to 18 in Prescott and Prescott Valley. Its award-winning programs are designed to change the lives of young people across four key areas: fun with a purpose; academic success; good character and citizenship; and healthy choices.

Immersed in that mission, Kennedy has served as vice president of development since 2015 and is actively engaged with the 15-member board, which in 2018 was honored for superlative leadership by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. That recognition came in the form of a 2018 League of Eagles Silver Award, earned by fewer than 15 percent of the 1,100 branches of the non-profit organization founded 160 years ago.

Boards receiving the national Eagles Silver Awards have demonstrated tangible impact on local youth through operational excellence. The award recognizes 90 percent or more achievement across proven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) employed to measure the governing strength of an organization through its board members collectively and individually.

During her tenure with BGCCAZ, Kennedy has spearheaded the organization’s capital campaign. She also has been a driving force behind the highly successful Dancing for the Stars (DFTS) fundraiser since introducing the concept to Central Arizona three years ago. The event has grown to become a significant contributor to the club’s youth programs, now raising nearly 25 percent of the annual budget.

Under Kennedy’s leadership as interim executive director, emphasis will be placed on completing existing projects, including the build-out of the new Prescott Valley club, other funding initiatives through the capital campaign, final preparations for the 2019 DFTS competition and enhanced programs supporting area youth.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona have come a long way in the last few years under the leadership of Gerald Szostak and a committed board,” Kennedy affirmed. “I am proud to be part of our mission of serving the youth of our community and am humbled to have been selected as the interim executive director as we continue to move forward. With the dedication of our board and staff, I look forward to continuing to grow our organization, both with the addition of space to address our wait list and to seeking new opportunities to improve our programs for youth, families and the community at large.”

Kennedy succeeds Szostak, who has accepted a position with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. Szostak continues to reside in Prescott, remains vested in BGCCAZ’s success, and will be working closely with the team during the transition. Because of the exceptional strength of staff and the award-winning board, the process is expected to be seamless.

The board “is an amazing group of dedicated professionals all committed to creating a safe, inviting, program-rich environment for the kids in our community,” summarized board member and City of Prescott Police Chief Debora Black. “Our board members’ enthusiastic participation in fundraising, club events and committee meetings exceeds all expectations and remains the foundation for our successful service to youth in our communities. With Nicole at the helm, it will be full-steam-ahead business as usual.”

In addition to Black, the board consists of Joe Baynes, City of Prescott recreation services director; Linda Thein, community leader; Donna Werking, owner of Northern AZ Social, LLC; Michael Kouvelas, owner of the Hassayampa Inn; Alex Vakula, Attorney at Vakula Law Firm; Bryan Jarrell, Town of Prescott Valley Police Chief; Elena Sanwick, Realtor with Luxury Prescott Real Estate; Drew Diener, Associate at Musgrove, Drutz, Kack & Flack PC; Steve Schott, financial advisor at Andy Tomlinson Wealth Management; James Carr, vice president of commercial lending with Foothills Bank; Travis Stedman, owner of Arizona Seamless Gutters; Tom Toth, owner of Prescott True Value Hardware; Matt Holdsworth, chief financial officer of Crossfit, Inc.; John Dunkel, vice president and financial consultant with Charles Schwab; and Leza Lachapelle Dandos, radio personality at Great Circle Media. QCBN

By Donna Werking

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

Northern Arizona Pain Institutes Introduces New Licensed Acupuncturist  

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Meet Northern Arizona Pain Institutes’ Acupuncturist, Tiberiu (“Ted”) Fulop, LAc. Fulop is a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Licensed Acupuncturist who has recently moved to the Prescott area from Burridge, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He is originally from the western part of Romania (Transylvania).  

Fulop graduated summa cum laude from Illinois Medical in 1991 with a specialty in Cardio Pulmonary. He has completed coursework and extensive clinical training in acupuncture and oriental medicine from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine as a diplomate. Fulop is also licensed in Respiratory Therapy, by the National Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners and is a member of the National Hypnotherapist Guild. 

Fulop offers a multi-dimensional approach, providing a unique framework of health services. He began his career as an army medic in Europe. He pursued multiple clinical certificates and logged thousands of hours honing his diagnostic skills. While continuing his work with respiratory patients, he became a Reiki Master Teacher of Shambalia Multi-Dimensional healing. A patient can present any illness related to inflammation, energetic imbalances or may want to boost the immune system. Fulop has the resources to help a patient to get back on their journey to health and well-being. 

Fulop joined the Northern Arizona Pain Institutes’ team in December. He offers an alternative treatment for pain that originated in China thousands of years ago called acupuncture. Acupuncture involves needles, heat, pressure and other treatments that are applied to certain places on the skin. Chronic Pain Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for chronic pain. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions: 

 

  • Back and neck pain 
  • Osteoarthritis (also known as “degenerative joint disease” or “wear and tear arthritis) 
  • Chronic headache 
  • Shoulder pain 

In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture has much more to offer beyond pain relief. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses including: 

  • Joints and Muscle 
  • Arthritis 
  • Rheumatism 
  • Tendonitis 
  • Carpal Tunnel 
  • Joint Pain 
  • Back Pain 
  • Muscular Pain 
  • Upper Respiratory Tract 
  • Acute sinusitis 
  • Acute rhinitis 
  • Common Cold and Flu 
  • Acute tonsillitis 
  • Respiratory System 
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders 
  • Spasms of esophagus 
  • Hiccough 
  • Acute and Chronic Gastritis 
  • Gastric Hyperacidity 
  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief) 
  • Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications) 
  • Acute and Chronic Colitis 
  • Acute Bacillary Dysentery 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Crohn’s Disease 
  • Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorder 
  • Headache and Migraine 
  • Mental and Emotional Issues 
  • Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions 

Fulop said, “I am proud to service the Prescott community and team with Northern Arizona Pain Institutes. By adding acupuncture to our treatments, we offer another layer of healing services for those who suffer with chronic pain.” QCBN 

 

By Donna Werking 

To schedule an appointment with Ted Fulop, Lac, you may contact him at Acupuncture@NorthernArizonaPainInstitutes.com or 928-514-9992. 

 

 

Boys and Girls Clubs Recognized for Board Leadership

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Boys & Girls Clubs of America awarded the local board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ) the 2018 League of EAGLES Silver Award.

This award is a key element of the national organization’s Great Futures 2025 Strategic Plan to build strong organizations. The award recognizes local organizations for achieving 90 percent or more of the Board Governance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which define the strength of the organization’s board of directors. Recipients of the League of EAGLES Award achieved a set of standards that provide an outcome-based assessment of the board’s responsibilities and impact on for the organization. This award measures six key elements of a “strong board of directors,” which include 90 percent or more individual board members achieving the standards on the chart to the right.

Reaching this milestone is a significant accomplishment of which only 15 percent or less of the 1,100-member organizations of the 160-year-old national youth development organization met in 2017. The award is a testimony of the dedication and commitment of the organization’s board and executive leadership to serving the youth of our community at the highest level.

“This award is so well deserved.  It is really great to work with a committed and fun board that has one common goal, to help kids in our community,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona Executive Director Gerald Szostak.

The current board of directors for BGCCAZ consists of 16 members, including Chairman of the Board Chief Debora llack with the City of Prescott; Joe Baynes with the City of Prescott; Linda Thein, a community leader; Michael Kouvelas, owner of the Hassayampa Inn; Alex Vakula with Vakula Law Firm; Chief Bryan Jarrell with the Town of Prescott Valley; Elena Sanwick with Luxury Prescott Real Estate; Steve Schott with Andy Tomlinson Wealth Management; James Carr with Foothills Bank; Travis Stedman with Arizona Seamless Gutters; Andrew Diener with Musgrove, Drutz, Kack & Flack, PC; Tom Toth with Prescott True Value Hardware; Matt Holdsworth with Crossfit, Inc.; John Dunkel with Charles Schwab; Leza Lachapelle Dandos with Great Circle Media and Donna Werking with Northern AZ Social. QCBN

By Donna Werking

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

Managing Pain in Northern Arizona 

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We’ve all felt it: a twist here, a pull there or a twinge when moving too quickly, too forcefully or too awkwardly. This troubling pinch in the back, shoulder, neck, arm or leg could progress toward a lengthening battle with debilitating pain. That’s when your primary care physician can refer you to Northern Arizona Pain Institutes (NAPI) to get your life back.       

Leading pain management efforts at NAPI’s Prescott, Flagstaff and Show Low offices is Robert J. Brownsberger M.D., whose pioneering therapies reintroduce suffering patients to an activity-based lifestyle. Trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and board certified in pain medicine, Dr. Brownsberger realized during his medical residency 37 years ago that his professional talents would best serve patients besieged by chronic pain.  

“Patients who first arrive at my office often feel trapped,” said Dr. Brownsberger. “They cannot take on usual physical activities which they had previously enjoyed. We are able to manage a wide range of pain conditions to get them back to doing what they love. By evaluating and treating all levels of pain in a comprehensive, compassionate and professional way, we can get patients on the road to fewer and less severe incidents of discomfort.”  

The disease of chronic pain is poorly understood by just about everyone and neglected by the medical community, Brownsberger said, so he pursued the specialty. During a rotation in pain management with medical residency at the University of Washington, he found his niche.  

He earned his medical degree from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1981. In return for a scholarship, he served as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps’ helicopter squadron. Of that time as primary care physician to pilots, he said, “I have great admiration for the men and women serving our country in the military branches, and this was by far one of the best experiences of my life.”   

Embarking on his non-military medical career, he worked with an orthopedic office for two years before opening his own practice. Now, he utilizes new FDA-approved and medically-supported treatments to squarely target patients who experience unresolved and persistent pain. With complaints about aching backs the second leading cause of visits to a doctor’s office, it’s easy to see how a minor incident might become something more debilitating. 

“The ability to move or function is limited,” he said of patients experiencing chronic pain. “You are thinking it’s going to be short term, but it turns into days, weeks, months or years. Imagine how it could affect your overall ability to be gainfully employed or have a meaningful relationship with family. It affects all aspects of a person’s life and can easily impact the whole family.”    

 

Pain management with NAPI’s tools can mean a world of difference. Unless surgery is clearly indicated, patients are best served with alternative methods including behavioral therapy, medication management and injections, Brownsberger said. These options can help improve motor skills and quality of life by significantly reducing the severity of pain. As a disease state progresses, a “whole smorgasbord of therapies” can be implemented.  

 

Newer therapies include spinal stimulation, radio frequency therapy and epidural injections at trigger points. X-ray guidance plays an important role for injections to areas such as the knees,   enabling Brownsberger to “see the contrast from the injection, feel the knee joint and know we are getting the medication to the right place.”   

NAPI’s newest therapy is Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) stimulation, a minimally invasive treatment approved by the FDA. The DRG method utilizes stimulation through pacemaker-type implants to specific joints, such as the knee or foot, or an area affected by diabetic neuropathy. Wires connected to an external battery are maneuvered within the patient’s body to trial the therapy before surgical placement.  

The DRG stimulation therapy locally and throughout Northern Arizona is only available through NAPI. July marked the first time a patient here was able to experience the technology, and the team was enthusiastic about the outcome.   

“The beauty is that the patient gets to try it,” Brownsberger explained. “Patients have control over the treatment by turning if off or on, up or down. It works by preventing the signal for pain from getting to the brain.” QCBN 

 By Sue Marceau  

 

Making Moves that Count 

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Social media and digital marketing entrepreneur Donna Werking elevated stepping out of one’s comfort zone to new heights in April, performing a fiery samba with local dance professional Zach Leonard to help the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona (BGCCA) raise more than $220,000.  

For this second year of the hugely popular Dancing for the Stars (DFTS) fundraiser at The Elks Theater, Werking leapt at the chance to become one of 10 celebrity dancers when the BGCCA board asked.   

“Of course I was immediately 100 percent in,” said Werking, owner of Northern AZ Social, a provider of social media and digital marketing services. So began her weeks-long transformation to one-time (for now) stage performer.   

From a fulfilling day job developing, implementing and monitoring digital marketing campaigns,   

Werking burned the midnight oil to evolve from zero professional dance expertise to one-half of a tour de force on stage. 

“I did have some reservations,” Werking admitted.  “But I have learned over time that if you do not take opportunities when they are presented to you, they may never come around again. When you look at the bigger picture, DFTS is a team effort and the reward is serving the children in our community.”   

Money raised is spent directly on programs and improvements for area youth, including additional extracurricular programs and a new club in Chino Valley.     

“The biggest challenge was learning the technical steps,” Werking said. “I really had no idea how complicated Latin ballroom dancing could be. We also danced from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. three to four times a week.”  

Werking said she was amazed by the support of the community for this event, including the “incredible talent and guidance” of her professional dancing partner, Leonard. Asking for sponsorships was made easier by the success of the inaugural 2017 event, she added, noting that businesses she approached “jumped for the chance to be involved.” 

She originally connected with DFTS when she was invited as a member of the marketing committee in 2017. “With such a grand fundraising concept, I gladly contributed my time and supported the event as a sponsor. My role also included negotiating marketing trades with local businesses. It was well worth every minute spent to this cause. The organization is first-class, and I hope to be involved in some capacity in the future.” 

 

Besides Dancing for the Stars, Werking has volunteered with Chapel Rock Camp & Conference Center, Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County and the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop, which she co-founded in 2009.  

 

“Philanthropic work creates relationships and strengthens bonds in the community,” Werking said. “I have reaped the rewards of referrals and built strong friendships by dedicating my time to select organizations. Most of my success is because of the friendships I have established over the years, while volunteering guidance and knowledge so people can grow as a business. They are forever grateful, and I am pleased to have made a new friend.”  

For budding volunteers, she suggested having “solid guidelines in place” and asking themselves, “Do I have enough time? Can I serve this organization in a responsible way? Can I fully commit and achieve the goals?”  

“You must choose wisely because time is a valuable asset,” she said. 

Werking has great respect for people who work in the non-profit industry. “They are inspirational and hard-working individuals. We should all spend a day in their world.” QCBN 

 

 

Photo caption: 

Social media and digital marketing entrepreneur Donna Werking performed a samba with local dance professional Zach Leonard April 14 at the 2018 Dancing for the Stars fundraiser benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona.   

Photos courtesy Tracy Fultz of Blushing Cactus Photography 

 

 

Freezing Your Fat Before Summer 

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Hundreds of thousands of people undergo liposuction each year, but there is a new procedure on the market that has piqued new interests and provides satisfying results. This treatment is called “CoolSculpting” and the full body targeted treatment is now available in Northern Arizona.  

CoolSculpting is a fat-freezing procedure and it’s the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. The results are proven, noticeable and lasting.  

So what is CoolSculpting?  

It was developed by renowned scientists of Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital using a patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and little to no downtime. The reduction in fat cells in the treated area provides noticeable and lasting results to help you look and feel your very best. 

Sometimes, no matter how intense your workout or strict your diet, you can’t seem to ditch stubborn fat. We all have certain trouble areas where flab builds up and doesn’t shed, despite our best efforts. Wouldn’t it be great if you could reduce those problem areas without the traditional methods like diet and exercise? 

Now, you can. Nutritional Weight Loss Center has mastered the technology to administer a procedure that’s safe and comfortable – and provides you with results that you’ll absolutely love. Within one treatment, you’ll be on your way to achieving the sleek, toned body that you’ve always dreamed about.  

Get to Know Dr James A Martin 

Dr James A Martin is a full body certified CoolSculpting physician located in Prescott. He graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1962. He has had a successful family practice in New Mexico, Colorado and currently in Prescott, Arizona. It was in New Mexico that Dr. Martin developed and organized the original nutritional weight loss program that has progressed through constant study and updating to the current form used today. Martin has been active in his profession both nationally and locally throughout his years in family practice. This includes being President of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. He also has served as Chief of Staff of Mesa General Hospital and chaired the Board of Trustees for many years at that institution. He has been awarded the Degree of Fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians in which he is also certified. Dr. Martin is also a member of the American Bariatic Society and has been for many years. During the Korean War, Martin was awarded several medals and a Presidential Unit Citation. He continues his interest in aviation, as well as being an avid horseman, fisherman and artist. QCBN 

 

By Donna Werking  

 

Please visit PrescottWeightLoss.com to find out more about CoolSculpting or call our full body certified specialist, Sonya Borondy at 928-350-8686. Ask us about our promotional offer; Get 30% OFF CoolSculpting. See website for details. Schedule your FREE consultation to see if you qualify.