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Trails 4 Tatas Returns to Prescott, Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Care

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Not an off-roader? That’s OK. The BBQ feast, raffles, and silent and live auctions are open to everyone.

The fifth annual Trails 4 Tatas (T4T) is heading back to Prescott Oct. 14, inviting off-roaders to bump their way along nearby scenic trails with other 4×4 enthusiasts to support enhanced care at the Baskin Breast Care Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

Participants can look forward to a full day of activities, starting with a free breakfast before they head to four-wheel on one of four trails – ranging from easy to moderately difficult – in the Prescott National Forest. Following the two- to three-hour trail ride, everyone will head back for a sumptuous lunch, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, the Rosie Raffle drawing (featuring a pink pistol) and a rambunctious live auction headlined by highly coveted prizes.

Not an off-roader? That’s OK. The BBQ feast, raffles, and silent and live auctions are open to everyone.

“Every penny raised stays within Yavapai County, directly benefiting our community, including our neighbors, our friends and our family members who are battling breast cancer,” said Laurie Cwikla, who has been organizing the event on behalf of Summit 4×4 Company for the past three years and expects a crowd of up to 200.

“Off-roaders are a breed all their own, a really fun group,” she added. “This is a unique day that begins with a great breakfast, continues with a scenic trail trip, then everyone eats another great meal and bids on fun stuff!”

Prescott Valley Chamber President Marnie Uhl, the 2021 guest of honor, is a breast cancer survivor who shared personal details about her journey with the disease during the 2021 T4T lunch.

“It’s the most devastating thing to face,” said Uhl, who was treated at YRMC’s Breast Care Center. “Every one of the nurses, doctors, radiologists and imaging techs are there to take you through your journey and assist you. At that moment you’re with them, they’re your angels.”

The 2023 guest of honor is Cwikla’s good friend, Lesa West, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2022, a diagnosis received while she was serving as a volunteer for last year’s T4T.

Cwikla took over leadership of T4T three years ago, shortly after becoming president of the Summit 4×4 Girls Tribe. Newly appointed president of the Summit 4×4 Club, Victor Torres, joined her this year in organizing the event. The two clubs are part of Summit 4×4 Company, a one-stop shop for any 4×4 enthusiasts’ needs with two locations: one in Prescott and the other in Prescott Valley. They also have Off-Road Auto Sales at their original location on Sheldon in Prescott.

Cwikla is extremely dedicated to making Trails 4 Tatas hugely successful, to the point that she’s organizing fundraisers year-round to support the cause. She arranges restaurant fundraisers with local establishments nearly every month. Every year, the kickoff to T4T is National Jeep Go Topless Day, an event that gathers off-roaders for a fun trail ride, during which drivers are encouraged to take the tops off their Jeeps and “go topless.”

Hosted in May, Go Topless Day raised more than $1,300 through donations and sales of t-shirts, bracelets, stickers and a 50/50 raffle. The 2022 Trails for Tatas raised more than

$62,000; the fundraising goal for 2023 is set for $100,000.

For Cwikla, who retired from Southern California to Prescott 11 years ago with her husband, Allen, being active in the off-road club and organizing T4T allows her to stay engaged with the community she cherishes. Admittedly, she is “someone who loves to stay busy.”

But it’s more than that.

“It’s a chance to be a part of something truly meaningful,” Cwikla said. “Everyone is invited to join our heartfelt mission. Together, we can provide hope and support to breast cancer patients on their journey to recovery.” QCBN

By Drew Whitney, QCBN

For all details and to register for the event, visit https://trails4tatas.com/. Attendees must purchase a lunch ticket ($25 for adults, $10 for children) to enjoy the BBQ lunch as well as bid in the silent auction and live auction. Those interested in sponsoring and donating to help Trails 4 Tatas meet, and hopefully surpass, its 2023 fundraising goal of $100,000 can contact Laurie@summit4x4clubs.com or call 909-229-7675.

Courtesy Photo: Trails 4 Tatas committee members join with Summit 4X4 Company owners and employees to award Yavapai Regional Medical Center and their foundation staff a $62,782 check, representing funds raised in 2022. 

Virtually Integrated Care: A New Era in Nursing at YRMC

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VIC is truly the beginning of a new era in nursing at YRMC.

For decades, hospitals have worked to blend the “high-tech” and “high-touch” aspects of health care as a way to elevate the patient experience. At Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), the recently launched Virtually Integrated Care (VIC) program is a stellar example of how the right kind of technology can accomplish this and more.

What is VIC? It’s a patented, service-marked, high-tech program that was developed by the Dignity Health/CommonSpirit network. VIC connects a remote, professional registered nurse to each patient, via a high-definition camera, video screen and two-way audio. VIC nurses don’t replace the bedside care team at YRMC. Instead, VIC nurses assist the bedside care team and also offer our patients another option for connecting to an experienced registered nurse.

Patients and their families can access a VIC nurse 24/7 simply by tapping the screen in the patient’s room. Once connected, patients can ask the same questions they would ask a YRMC bedside nurse: Am I scheduled for X-rays today? What time is my procedure? Would you make sure I don’t get beef with meals? Can I have an extra pillow?

Because VIC nurses have access to patients’ records – like all bedside nurses – they can answer these questions and more. After the conversation ends, the camera folds into the monitor to ensure the patient’s privacy.

Using VIC is voluntary, but since its introduction, the easy-to-use technology has been very popular with YRMC patients and their families. Our hospital’s bedside nurses also are pleased with VIC. They appreciate that VIC nurses take on a broad range of important, time-consuming tasks – charting, patient education and discharges, for example.

One of my favorite aspects of VIC is that the program’s nurses live and work in our community. The VIC hub is located in a specially designed area at YRMC East in Prescott Valley, not in a distant call center. However, it’s a testament to the advanced technology and flexibility of the system that in extreme cases – such as a snowstorm, for instance – CommonSpirit VIC nurses can seamlessly assist our patients from other regions.

Additionally, VIC effectively leverages technology to address the nationwide nursing shortage. In our community, VIC is bringing experienced nurses back to the profession and giving them the opportunity to care for patients in a different way.

YRMC West in Prescott is honored to be the first hospital in the southwest to use this breakthrough technology; additionally, VIC will be implemented at YRMC East in Prescott Valley in 2024. VIC is an example of how leading-edge technology can both improve the patient experience and address a major issue like the nationwide nursing shortage.

VIC is truly the beginning of a new era in nursing at YRMC. QCBN

By Anthony Torres, M.D.

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

Dignity Health YRMC Unveils Community Grant Program

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The grant program focuses on significant needs identified in YRMC’s most recent community health needs assessment.

Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is inviting local non-profit organizations to apply for grants that support the delivery of services vital to improving health, well-being and health equity in our community. The application period opened July 17 and runs through Sept. 8. Successful applicants will be announced in November. The grant projects will be conducted between January and December 2024.

The grant program focuses on significant needs identified in YRMC’s most recent community health needs assessment. Conducted every three years, the needs assessment helps YRMC – and the organization’s community partners – identify and address regional health needs and social challenges. YRMC is accepting proposals that address those areas of community need.

“We strive to be intentional and strategic in our community outreach, partnerships and philanthropic giving,” said Michael Bilton, system senior director for Community Health and Community Benefit at CommonSpirit. “It is important for our hospitals to use their resources in ways that help improve high-priority, locally relevant health issues. These grants are one example of that.”

In addition to improving the lives of people who live in the region, the grants also foster important partnerships between area community-based organizations.

“The grant program reflects a commitment to partnering with the communities we serve and to stimulating collaboration among others,” Bilton said. “Grant applications must include collaborating partner organizations helping to deliver services and not be solely about one agency’s work.”

This opportunity is part of the Community Health Improvement Grants program sponsored by CommonSpirit Health. YRMC is part of CommonSpirit Health, which was formed in 2019 when Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health came together to create a national health system.

Interested organizations may learn more about the grant program, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and a local contact for questions, by visiting: https://www.commonspirit.org/communitygrants. QCBN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Tracey McCollum

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

Smart Monitors Available for Diabetes Management

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“Understanding the reason for a patient’s fluctuating glucose levels leads to targeted care plans,” Wilson said.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a game changer for people with Type I and Type II diabetes. That’s how Bonita Wilson, RN, CDCES, diabetes educator at Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), describes the impact of CGM technology on the lives of people with diabetes.

“CGM is the latest and greatest way to monitor blood sugar levels,” she said. “And, it’s done without finger sticks.”

This is good news for the one in 10 Americans who live with diabetes, some of whom may need up to seven finger sticks a day to monitor their glucose (blood sugar) levels. Even better news is that CGM gives people greater control of their blood sugars and their long-term health.

“With CGM, patients can see the results of their dietary choices as they’re experiencing them,” explained Wilson. “If you eat a high-carb food, your CGM registers how that’s affecting your glucose levels as it’s happening. It’s immediate and it’s meaningful.”

CGM’s smart technology also provides trending data that a healthcare provider can download and review for patterns. This creates a complete picture of how blood sugar levels change over time. It also helps people with diabetes – and their providers – understand how food, activity, stress and illness affect their blood sugar levels.

“Understanding the reason for a patient’s fluctuating glucose levels leads to targeted care plans,” Wilson said. “This is important to diabetes management.”

How Do CGM Systems Work?

CGMs include the following three components that work together to gather and share information on blood sugar levels.

Glucose Sensor: This is painlessly inserted under the skin of the upper arm or abdomen either by the individual or, if the model requires, a healthcare provider. How frequently your sensor needs to be changed depends on the CGM model. It can vary from approximately six days to six months.

Transmitter: This small piece – which fits on the sensor – gathers information on the individual’s glucose levels and wirelessly sends the data to the receiver.

Receiver: A smartphone app or a small monitor captures the information from the transmitter and immediately displays current glucose levels. Some CGMs also send glucose information directly to an insulin pump.

The data gathered from a CGM is shared with whomever the patient designates – their healthcare provider, spouse or a neighbor.

“There’s lots of fear about high and low blood sugar levels,” said Wilson. “This CGM feature keeps people close to you informed of your glucose levels so they can check in if there’s a dip or spike. It’s a great safety feature.”

Diabetes, CGM Education Program Offered

YRMC’s Diabetes Education program is for anyone with diabetes, from the newly diagnosed to people who have lived with diabetes for decades. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association  for Quality Self-Management Education, YRMC’s menu of learning opportunities include:

Pre-Diabetes Session: An hour-long, free information session presented by Wilson that YRMC will host a total of six times in 2023 – three in Prescott and three in Prescott Valley.

Individual Consultations: During one-on-one meetings, Wilson advises people on all matters related to their diabetes, including CGM.

Diabetes Self-Management: Wilson leads this five-week series, which covers an important “M” topic each week – meals, motion, medications, monitoring and mindfulness.

“Participants learn from each other and they learn that they are not alone,” said Wilson of the Diabetes Self-Management series.

Wilson calls the series an underutilized Medicare benefit, as only 7% of people who are eligible for it actually take advantage of the opportunity. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Check out DignityHealth.org/YRMC for more information about the Diabetes Education program or call 928-771-5794 in Prescott or 928-759-5920 in Prescott Valley.

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

High Blood Pressure: What You Don’t Know Could Harm You

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If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to continue these healthy lifestyle strategies.

High blood pressure is known by several names, including “hypertension” and “the silent killer,” one of the most alarming descriptions given to a condition by the medical community.

“Just because the symptoms of high blood pressure are not apparent doesn’t mean it is not a serious condition,” said Interventional Cardiologist Olufunso Odunukan, M.D., MPH, FACC, FSCAI, of Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group (YRMG). “In fact, its lack of symptoms is exactly what can make hypertension so dangerous.”

Who is Likely to Have Hypertension?

While many factors – weight, family history, diet and more – can contribute to high blood pressure, age is the most common reason for high blood pressure. According to recent figures from the American Heart Association, 75% of women and 67% of men between the ages of 65 and 74 have high blood pressure. After age 75, approximately 84% of women and men suffer from the condition.

The formal definition of “blood pressure” can sound a bit like a math equation: Blood pressure is a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood to your body.

When Dr. Odunukan explains high blood pressure to patients, he compares it to a water hose under pressure. He also explains that as people age, their blood vessels become less elastic and the heart has to work harder to push blood through the vessels to the body’s organs.

“The organs – the brain, heart and kidneys – where the blood flow stops, take a pounding when your blood pressure increases,” explained Odunukan. “The result can be significant damage to those organs, and outcomes like stroke, heart failure and kidney failure.”

People with sustained, untreated high blood pressure may experience:

  • Severe headaches
  • Nose bleeds
  • Fatigue or confusion
  • Vision problems
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • Blood in the urine

“When people have these symptoms, it’s an indication that their blood pressure is extremely high,” Odunukan said. “They need to seek immediate treatment to avoid a catastrophic medical event, like a stroke.”

What Do My Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure consists of two numbers:

  1. Systolic – The top number indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when your heart beats.
  2. Diastolic – The bottom number measures the pressure against your artery walls while your heart is resting between beats.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. You’re considered to have high blood pressure when the systolic number is at or above 140 or the diastolic number is above 90.

Treating High Blood Pressure
“People in the pre-hypertensive phase don’t necessarily need medications,” Odunukan explained. “That is the time that lifestyle modifications – weight loss, dietary changes and increased physical activity – will have the greatest impact.”

Dr. Odunukan partners with his patients, encouraging them to adopt healthy habits proven to lower blood pressure, including:

  • Exercising at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Getting to a healthy weight if you’re overweight (even losing 10 pounds can significantly lower your risk for stroke).
  • Avoiding high-cholesterol foods.
  • Lowering your sodium intake.
  • Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains.
  • Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum.
  • Giving up smoking.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, it’s important to continue these healthy lifestyle strategies. Your physician may also prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure. Today’s blood pressure medications are very targeted, so your physician may recommend a combination of prescriptions to manage your condition.

Between appointments with your cardiologist or other healthcare provider, Odunukan recommends checking your blood pressure at your local pharmacy. If your numbers are good, keep taking your medications and continue your healthy lifestyle measures.

“It may take some time for you and your physician to find what works best for you,” Odunukan said. “Once you find it, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to remain on the medications.” QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Get in touch:
Dr. Odunukan specializes in non-surgical – or minimally invasive – treatments for valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. You may reach him at:

YRMG Cardiology

Outpatient Services Building West

1001 Willow Creek Road

Suite 2200 , Prescott, Arizona 86301

928-445-6025

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. O’Gara has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Should Lung Cancer Screening be Part of Your Preventive Health Plan?

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“It’s exciting how the body heals itself after giving up smoking,” Harvey said.

If you have a history of smoking, adding annual lung cancer screening to your preventive health plan could save your life.

Lung cancer screening uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to produce detailed images of the chest and lungs and detect lung cancer early, when it’s most curable.

“Early-stage lung cancer has about an 80% chance of cure, or survival, over five years,” said Jennifer Harvey, RN, Nurse Navigator, Lung Cancer Screening and Care at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “That is huge.”

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to explore the benefits of this lifesaving program. Here are just a few:

There’s even more data demonstrating that lung cancer screening works.

Thanks to its success, lung cancer screening now begins at a younger age and includes people who have smoked less. The latest Medicare screening guidelines include people who are:

  • Ages 50-77
  • Heavy smokers (one pack a day for 20 years or the equivalent)
  • Current smokers or smokers who have quit in the last 15 years
  • Free of any lung cancer symptoms

“Lowering both the qualifying age for screening to 50 years old (from 55), and the pack-per-day elgibility allows for more individualized risk assessment,” Harvey said. “For example, someone who has a strong family history of lung cancer, or other risk factors, is now eligible for screening at a younger age.”

Top physician organizations recommend lung cancer screening.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) – one of the largest physician organizations in the United States – is the latest to endorse lung cancer screening. The organization’s leaders point to mounting evidence that lung cancer screening works. The AAFP also supports the expanded criteria, which makes lung cancer screening available to more minority populations who may have fewer “pack years” but are at higher risk for lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening and Care at Dignity Health, YRMC is a dedicated healthcare partner.

That partnership begins by ensuring you qualify for lung cancer screening. Additionally, our nurse navigator is available to answer questions about LDCT and lung health.

Harvey reaches out to every Lung Cancer Screening and Care participant to remind them of their annual lung cancer screening. That year-to-year continuity is an important aspect of Lung Cancer Screening and Care.

“Lung cancer screening is not a one and done,” said Harvey. “If you don’t have any signs of lung cancer after your first screening, you will be screened annually. I suggest that people think of their LDCT as they would a mammogram or colonoscopy. It’s a screening that you need even – and especially – if you have no symptoms.”

If a patient’s lung cancer screening findings are suspicious, a follow-up scan may be scheduled. The Lung Cancer Screening and Care team may also recommend a biopsy, in which case the patient would be referred to a procedural pulmonologist or a radiologist. If surgery is needed, the Lung Cancer Screening and Care team also includes a cardiothoracic surgeon.

LDCT not only detects lung cancer early, but it can discover other potentially life-threatening illnesses before you’re experiencing symptoms.

LDCT scans include a large part of the body. This means in addition to lung cancer, LDCT can also detect chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD) and heart disease, for example.

If you’re a longtime smoker who wants to quit, you’ll receive support from Lung Cancer Screening and Care.

The health benefits of giving up smoking are substantial:

One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases 50 percent.

After 10 years, a person’s chances of developing lung cancer and dying from it are cut in half compared to someone who continues smoking.

“It’s exciting how the body heals itself after giving up smoking,” Harvey said. “After someone quits, it’s recommended that they continue annual lung screening for at least 15 years. After that, their chance of developing lung cancer drops significantly.”

How do you get help quitting? The Arizona ASHLine sponsors a customized program called Quit Coaching. You’ll find information at AZDHS.org/ashline or by calling 1-800-556-6222.

Want to learn more about Lung Cancer Screening and Care? Speak to your healthcare provider or contact us at 928-771-5454. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. O’Gara has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Five Questions to Ask Before Your Next Mammogram

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Does your facility have advanced breast imaging technology?

One of the most important healthcare decisions a woman will make is where to undergo breast screening.

“Most women assume that all imaging facilities offer the same services and are pretty much interchangeable,” said Breast Care Center Imaging Operations Manager Kathi Hoffer at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “In reality, there are significant differences between imaging centers.”

This October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center in Prescott are teaming up to give the women of our community the information they need to select an imaging center. We’ll also clear up some of the confusion about how frequently women should undergo screening mammography.

Does your facility have advanced breast imaging technology?

The Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center have exceptional technology dedicated to detecting breast cancer. This includes state-of-the-art digital mammography, a dedicated breast MRI system, three-dimensional breast imaging, the Hologic Supersonic Mach 30 breast ultrasound and more.

“Technology is constantly improving, so it’s also important for imaging centers to continually invest in proven technology,” said Hoffer.

If I need a follow-up imaging procedure after a screening mammogram, is that available at your facility?

The imaging center where you undergo your screening mammograms should be your breast health home.

“I encourage women to think long-term about their breast health,” Hoffer said. “This means finding a center that can manage all of the breast imaging needs you may encounter at different times.”

The Breast Care Center features a continuum of breast health services. The center provides breast screening, diagnostic procedures and, if needed, treatment planning and the guidance of a clinical navigator.

Do your radiologic technologists – the professionals who conduct mammograms – specialize in breast imaging?

At the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center, screening mammograms are performed by breast imaging technologists. These are radiologic technologists specially trained in breast imaging.

“This really makes a difference in your mammogram,” explained Hoffer. “Our breast imaging technologists are experienced at positioning for optimal views, recognizing possible pathology and taking extra views when needed.”

Are your radiologists board certified?

Radiologists are the physicians who interpret your mammogram and other imaging studies. At both the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center, radiologists are certified by leading radiology accreditation organizations. They also have been trained at some of the nation’s top radiology programs.

“We have an amazing team of radiologists,” Hoffer said. “They are extremely skilled at interpreting breast screenings as well as performing breast-related diagnostic studies and procedures.”

Are your breast imaging modalities accredited?

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is the leading accreditation organization for imaging studies in the United States. ACR accreditation means an imaging center provides the highest level of image quality and safety requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance.

Both the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center have earned ACR accreditation in mammography, breast MRI and stereotactic biopsy. The Breast Care Center was also recently designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the ACR.

A Mammogram Screening Schedule

Since 1990, screening mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality by nearly 40 percent in the United States. That’s an extremely positive track record. It’s why the Breast Care Center and Dignity Health Imaging Center support these screening recommendations:

A baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40.

Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing as long as you are healthy.

“Our community is full of very vibrant women in their 70s, 80s and even their 90s,” Hoffer said. “That’s a major reason we do not recommend ending annual mammograms at a certain age.”

Schedule Your Mammogram

Has it been more than a year since your last mammogram? Contact the Breast Care Center in Prescott Valley or Dignity Health Imaging Center in Prescott at 928-771-7577 to schedule your screening. It’s the best way to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Vein Center Welcomes Dr. Saina Attaran

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“I love everything about this community: the people, spirit and scenery,” she said.

Veins, vessels and valves are all part of the body’s vascular system, which is why cardiothoracic surgeon Saina Attaran, M.D., is at home in her new role at the Vein Center at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

“The venous system is critical to our overall health,” said Dr. Attaran, vein specialist at the Vein Center at YRMC. “We depend on our network of veins to deliver deoxygenated blood back to our hearts. It’s familiar territory for me.”

The Quad Cities community is also familiar to Dr. Attaran. She moved to the area in 2019 to join the surgical team at YRMC’s James Family Heart Center.

“I love everything about this community: the people, spirit and scenery,” she said. “Helping the people of my community stay healthy is a privilege.”

Patient-Centered Care

With Attaran’s exceptional skills and experience, the fully-staffed Vein Center will continue to provide top diagnostic and advanced therapies for people with lower-extremity vein issues. The strong partnership with Advanced Wound Care at Dignity Health, YRMC, will also continue.

“Our Advanced Wound Care and Vein Center teams often collaborate to care for patients,” said Advanced Wound and Vein Center Director Cheryl Sofonia. “It’s a benefit to patients that our clinics are together in one location. It’s an even bigger benefit that our Advanced Wound and Vein Center teams draw on the expertise of the multidisciplinary medical team to ensure patients receive the best care possible.”

Attaran echoes this and also emphasizes the patient’s significant role in the Vein Center’s care model. “Teamwork is a very important to the Vein Center. And our patients are at the center of our team. We work with every patient to improve their mobility with individualized care plans that may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings and possibly a venous procedure.”

A Global Medical Education

Attaran’s medical education has taken her to top medical centers in the United States and worldwide. She pursued a valve reconstruction fellowship in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Prior to that, she studied valve/aortic surgery during a fellowship at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong and cardiothoracic surgery during a junior clinical fellowship at the London Chest Hospital.

Attaran’s cardiothoracic residency took place in the United Kingdom at hospitals throughout London and Liverpool. She earned her medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara

How to Reach the Vein Center

The Vein Center is located on the campus of YRMC East at: Del E. Webb Outpatient Center 3262 North Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 928-759-5890

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. O’Gara has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Dignity Health, YRMC Breaks Ground for New Clinic

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The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country.

The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country. An $8 million, 10,000-square-foot family and specialty medical clinic is under construction at the intersection of Highway 69 and Lee Boulevard on the eastern edge of Prescott.

After several years of negotiation, property owner Jim Lee joined officials from Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center in early June to celebrate the groundbreaking for the long-awaited facility.

Jim and Linda Lee, long known as generous resident philanthropists for the greater community, said, “The new clinic will feature contemporary, state of-the-art advanced interactive technology equal to any place in the country. Patient records will be accessible to expert medical practitioners across the nation, and it goes both ways.”

Initially, staff will include two primary care provider and two advanced clinical practitioners. Other specialists will be available on an as-needed basis. John Amos, retiring president and CEO of Dignity Health, YRMC and his successor, Anthony Torres, M.D., who had been chief medical officer, praised the new clinic as a tremendous addition to the health care system for the region.

Designed by Archsol and to be built by Venn Construction (both Scottsdale-based firms), the clinic is expected to accept patients in 2023. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN