Four Reasons You May Need a Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists – also called speech therapists – are educated, skilled and licensed healthcare professionals. They’re also sometimes overlooked by people unaware of the important role these professionals play in health and healing. “Our profession focuses on helping people of all ages – newborn to senior – address health issues from the neck up,” said Lorrie Nebrig, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “Our work is both diagnostic – in that we help physicians pinpoint the patient’s health problem – and therapeutic because we also recommend and undertake treatments for the condition.” In May, speech-language pathologists nationwide celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month. YRMC’s speech-language pathologists have banded together to build awareness of how people can benefit from speech therapy. How can a speech-language pathologist help you or someone you care about? The answer to that question falls into four categories: Communication – In adults, finding words during conversations and formulating their thoughts are communication issues that can improve with the help of a speech-language pathologist. “Delayed speech is a common communication issue for children,” said Kelly Smith, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at YRMC. “We have play-based therapy sessions to help these children. We also work with the child’s parents so they can build their child’s language skills at home.” Cognition – People with cognitive disorders due to stroke, traumatic brain injury or dementia may have difficulties organizing their thoughts, focusing, remembering, planning and problem solving. “Memory is not a passive process,” said Jill Wingard, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at YRMC. “There’s lots going on in our brains to help us remember. We help the patient tap into all of this.” Swallowing – A swallowing disorder called dysphagia (pronounced dis-FAY-juh) is the most common condition addressed by YRMC’s speech-language pathologists. “We work with people of all ages and with all kinds of conditions to strengthen the swallowing function,” Nebrig explained. Heart problems, stroke, respiratory conditions and more can weaken the swallowing function. “Our goal is to ensure people are safe and not aspirating into the airway,” said Smith. Infants born early also may need swallowing therapy, which YRMC’s speech-language pathologists provide at the Family Birthing Center at YRMC East. Older youngsters diagnosed with chronic reflux, enlarged adenoids and other health issues undergo swallowing therapy at Outpatient Pediatric Services at YRMC East and YRMC West. Voice – Ongoing laryngitis, a paralyzed vocal cord and Parkinson’s disease are examples of conditions that impact the quality of an individual’s voice. “We look at all of the characteristics that go into creating a good, solid, clear voice,” Nebrig said. “Once we’ve gathered this information, we structure a therapy program to address each patient’s specific needs.” Think you could benefit from the help of a YRMC speech-language pathologist? Talk to your physician or contact YRMC’s Speech Therapy Department conveniently located in Physical Rehabilitation Services at the: YRMC Wellness Center 930 Division Street Prescott, Arizona 86301 (928) 771-5131 YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center 3262 North Windsong Drive Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314 (928) 759-5940
Advance Directives: Taking the Confusion Out of Your Living Will
When you walk into your provider’s office, the hospital Registration Department, a local imaging center or a surgical center and complete the required paperwork, are you often stumped when you come across the question about whether or not you have a Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney or Advance Directive? It seems you are not alone in this confusion. “The statistics have been pretty consistent over the years that only about 25 to 30 percent of all people have advance directives, states Jill Logan, Director of Ethics at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “This is because people often think that these forms are only for the elderly or the ill, but they are for anyone aged 18 and above.” Ms. Logan went on to explain that, “It is a much better conversation to have with a family member to say ‘we are so glad that your mother completed this Living Will that can identify what she wants at this time’ versus ‘your mother is not getting better, what do you want us to do?’” An Advance Directive is a document that you complete that helps you express your wishes regarding healthcare decisions when you can no longer communicate. In this way, the Advance Directive becomes your voice so that your family members do not have the burden of making healthcare decisions for you in what is often a very confusing, stressful time. The Advance Directive consists of a Living Will, a Medical Power of Attorney (agent) appointment, and a Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney. The Living Will is a document that indicates what you do or do not want when you can no longer communicate your healthcare wishes. The Medical Power of Attorney can be anyone you choose—before you can no longer choose—to act on your behalf to oversee your healthcare decisions once you can no longer communicate. The Mental Healthcare Power of Attorney is a document that lets you name someone to make decisions for you related to your mental health if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself. “In Arizona, we have a statute that says your family members who have not been appointed as your agent or guardian shall not consent to or approve the permanent withdrawal of the artificial administration of food or fluid. So, this is another good reason to have these documents in place,” said Logan. Arizona accepts a variety of forms, so you can go to any of the following websites and download a copy: Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Arizona Secretary of State or the Arizona Attorney General. You can also go to either YRMC hospital location in Prescott and Prescott Valley and ask for a form at the Volunteer desk or ask your attorney to help you fill one out if you are doing estate planning. You may also send a copy to the Arizona Secretary of State. They will make it accessible to healthcare providers via the internet. Instructions for this process can be found on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website. The Advance Directive does not need to be signed by a notary in the state of Arizona. If your Advance Directive needs to be updated later, take a revised copy to the hospital, your doctor and your appointed agent. Your most recent form is what your provider will follow. If you have any questions about advance directives, please contact Jill Logan at (928) 771-5618.
Kids Rule the Road at YRMC Kids Fun Ride!
Kids on bikes decked out with streamers, shimmering stars, multi-colored paper flowers, spinning pinwheels and more joined the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) 2018 Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road on April 29. “Epic Rides is overjoyed to have partnered with Yavapai Regional Medical Center in celebrating their 75th anniversary while together we create a healthier Prescott community,” said Todd Sadow, President and CEO of Epic Rides, sponsor of the Whiskey Off-Road. “Through this partnership, YRMC increased kid participation to 288 kids riding bikes and raised $2,880 for Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.” Click here to watch YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road, 2018 on YouTube. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, YRMC covered every child’s $10 Fun Ride registration fee and donated the fees to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. “This was a triple win,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Families, children and our community all benefited. YRMC is pleased to further the cause of preventing child abuse.” More than 70 children and their parents visited the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride Decorating Station on April 28. The kids individualized their bikes, trikes and balance bikes for the next day’s Fun Ride. They were joined at the Decorating Station by three professional cyclists: Chloe Woodruff of Prescott, who won the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and placed 2nd in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. Keegan Swenson of Park City, Utah, who took first place in the 2018 Men’s Pro Backcountry Race and placed 2nd in of the Whiskey Off-Road Men’s Pro Criterium Race. Sofia Gomez-Villafane of Park City, Utah, who took 10th place in the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and 6th place in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. “It was a great way to build the kids’ enthusiasm for the Fun Ride,” said Brian DeVries, PHR, YRMC’s Manager – Benefits and Employee Health/Wellness. “The YRMC team got to chat with families from our community. The kids and parents met some professional cyclists and we hope were inspired to pursue cycling or other fitness activities. Lots of parents thanked us for sponsoring the Kids’ Ride and the Decorating Station.” When kids lined up for the Fun Ride on Montezuma Street near Prescott Courthouse Plaza, YRMC’s Wellby Yavabear was there to help start the pedaling. It wasn’t long before the young cyclists were crossing the finish line. They were greeted by enthusiastic applause and balloons from the YRMC team. For more Whiskey Off-Road YRMC Kids’ Ride photos and videos, check out: YRMC on Facebook and Twitter Epic Rides on Facebook and Twitter #morekidsonbikes
YRMC Planning to Expand Access to Primary Care Services in the Chino Valley Area
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is taking an important step to expand healthcare services for people in Chino Valley, Ash Fork, Paulden and other communities in the region. YRMC will relocate YRMC PhysicianCare Family Medicine, which opened in Chino Valley in 2016, to a larger building at 474 N. State Route 89 in Chino Valley this summer. At the end of May that building’s current occupants – Chino Valley Medical Center–Urgent Care – will close. YRMC will update the facility and re-configure it as a primary care medical practice before opening as YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care in late summer. “The new YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care facility is a good example of YRMC’s continued commitment to deliver high-quality healthcare throughout the region,” said John Amos, President and CEO of YRMC. “This latest expansion will give more people of our community easier access to YRMC’s exceptional network of primary care providers.” YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care in Chino Valley will deliver primary care medicine through a team of healthcare professionals including physicians, advanced clinical practitioners and other highly trained professionals. Physicians Jean Earl, DO, and Charity Weldt, MD, will continue to serve patients at the new YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care location. Two other physicians will join the Chino Valley team shortly after it opens in the new location and a third will join in November, bringing the total number of physicians to five. “The new YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care will be larger and give YRMC a good base from which to continue expanding our healthcare services for the region,” said Robbie Nicol, Executive Director, YRMC Community Outreach and Philanthropy. People who are currently receiving care at YRMC PhysicianCare Family Medicine in Chino Valley will simply drive to the new location once the move happens. No new patient documentation will need to be completed by current patients. New patients will need to complete new patient documentation. To keep the community informed of when YRMC PhysicianCare Primary Care will start accepting new patients, YRMC will use a variety of sources. “We of course will keep the local media outlets informed of our timeline to open. Another great way to receive information when it’s first announced is by subscribing to YRMC HealthConnect and connecting with YRMC on social media,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “It’s a great way to receive YRMC news early.” Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect by clicking here. Check out YRMC’s website here and reach YRMC on social media at: Twitter Facebook YouTube
Springtime Pesto: Your Healthy Kitchen
What do you do with all of those beautiful fresh herbs and baby greens popping up at the Prescott Farmers Market and backyard gardens? Rita Carey Rubin, host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen suggests pesto! Rita recently visited AZTV’s Sandy and Friends with loads of greens like kale, arugula, cilantro and parsley. These super foods are packed with nutrients that fight cancer, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help your liver work better to eliminate toxins. You may have heard of basil pesto, made with basil, nuts, olive oil and cheese, but Rita says delicious pesto can be made with many different types of herbs and greens. “Pesto is great with soups, grilled, roasted or steamed vegetables, potatoes, meat, chicken or fish, and of course, pasta,” Rita says, “And it’s easy! You simply blend your ingredients in a food processor and… viola!” In this video, Rita shows how easy it is to make Carrot Top Pesto. Click here to watch Springtime Pesto on YouTube. Here are some pesto recipes you can download: Carrot Top Pesto Aimee Novak’s Pesto Possibilities Lemon Barley Salad with Kale Pesto Your Healthy Kitchen is one of the many ways that Yavapai Regional Medical Center, your not-for-profit community healthcare provider, provides health education and support to the people of Yavapai County.
3-D Digital Breast Imaging: Convenient Access for You!
Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI) now offers breast tomosynthesis – also called 3-D digital breast imaging – as part of their mammography screening services. PMI joins the BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott Valley – which has two 3-D digital imaging units – to make the service conveniently available throughout the community. “Our goal is to ensure women have 3-D digital breast imaging available when they need it and where they need it,” said Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services at YRMC. “This is about convenience and peace of mind for our patients.” In addition to the most advanced 3-D digital breast imaging, women also have available an exceptional team of radiologists and breast imaging technologists at these locations: Prescott Prescott Medical Imaging 810 Whipple Street (928) 771-7577 Prescott Valley The BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center 7700 East Florentine Road (928) 445-2700 This additional availability of 3-D digital breast imaging will be particularly good news for the 43 percent of women ages 40 to 74 years old who are classified as having dense breast tissue. On a mammogram, dense breast tissue appears white as do breast masses or tumors. This means dense tissue can sometimes mask tumors. “Breast tomosynthesis technology allows our radiologists to see dense breast tissue better because it collects the images in slices, unlike traditional mammography,” explained Sterling. The 3-D digital technology can prevent women with dense breast tissue from undergoing several imaging studies, giving them information faster. Even more important, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2016, adding 3-D digital breast imaging can help physicians better detect cancers in dense breast tissue. To learn more about 3-D digital breast imaging, women should speak to their doctor. To schedule 3-D digital breast imaging or other imaging services, contact PMI at (928) 771-7577 or the BreastCare Center at YRMC at (928) 445-2700.
Love Story Opens A New Chapter for Prescott
You could say Elisabeth Ruffner first fell in love with her husband-to-be, Lester “Budge” Ruffner, and then with her adopted hometown of Prescott. “Budge and I met when a sorority sister asked me to go on a blind date with two young men who were students in the Mortuary Science College at the University of Cincinnati,” Ruffner said. Elisabeth, who was studying medicine at the University, was up for an evening of dancing. “By the end of the evening,” Elisabeth said, “the man who was dating my sorority sister asked me for a date. And that’s how it all began.” The couple married on August 10, 1940 at the Ruffner residence in Prescott. Soon after, Budge began his service in the United States Army Air Corps. On his return to Prescott, he joined the family business at the Ruffner Funeral Home. While raising the couple’s three children, Elisabeth also pursued her career as a community volunteer. One of her first projects involved something near and dear to her heart – ensuring the availability of healthcare to the people of her growing community. Elisabeth was among the community members who ensured the hospital would serve as a non-profit, community-based provider. She helped draft the document that launched Prescott Community Hospital Association, Inc., as an Arizona non-profit corporation. The Association purchased the vacant Jefferson Elementary School on Marina Street for $1,000 and converted it into a hospital. Click here to watch ‘My Memories of YRMC: Elisabeth Ruffner’ on YouTube. War efforts made medical supplies, hospital furnishings and physicians difficult to come by. A local rancher purchased what was believed to be the last operating room table not headed overseas. Two other area ranchers successfully challenged the people of Prescott to match their $10,000 contributions. Florence Yount, MD, traveled the region searching for beds, stoves, tables – any kind of hospital equipment she could locate. And with this community support, Prescott Community Hospital opened on March 1, 1943. By 9 p.m. on that date, Dr. Yount had delivered the hospital’s first baby. Soon the hospital was caring for more and more patients. Elisabeth and others saw the nurses and other medical professionals needed support, so they organized the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary. The goal of the Auxiliary was to free nurses and aides from duties that were unrelated to patient care. The “pink ladies,” as they were called, folded linens, staffed the reception desk, assisted hospital visitors and more. In 1960, the community again came together to support non-profit, community-based healthcare. They voted first to establish the Central Yavapai Hospital District and then in 1962 they voted to build a new hospital that would replace Prescott Community Hospital. “I believe it was the first time, at least in Arizona, of a non-profit local association taking over a government hospital,” said Elisabeth. “We provided a clinic for the county and then with a Hill-Burton Grant from the federal government, we built the wing to the south, which is now Yavapai Regional Medical Center.” In 1964, the hospital relocated to its current location on Willow Creek Road and changed its name to Yavapai Community Hospital. The hospital underwent another name change in 1984, becoming Yavapai Regional Medical Center. This change reflected the scope of its advanced medical services and growing service area. How does Elisabeth feel today about the community-wide healthcare network that grew out of the school on Jefferson Street? “I have total confidence in it,” she said. “I know that when I arrive as a patient, I will be given the best possible service and loving care.”
Dr. Marc H. Brickman Joins YRMC PhysicianCare Internal Medicine
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare is pleased to welcome Dr. Marc H. Brickman, DO, FACP, Internal Medicine. He has joined YRMC’s Internal Medicine team in Prescott. Dr. Brickman is a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He completed Residency training in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and served as Chief Resident at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Evanston, Illinois. Dr. Brickman is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Clinical Lipidology. Clinical interests include Internal Medicine, Clinical Lipidology, Diabetes Management and Rheumatology. Dr. Brickman is located at 3120 Clearwater Drive in Prescott and is currently accepting new patients. Please call (928) 771-3704 to schedule an appointment. YRMC PhysicianCare is pleased to accept most insurance plans, including Medicare. To learn more, visit www.yrmcpc.org.
3-D Digital Breast Imaging: Convenient Access for You!
Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI) now offers breast tomosynthesis – also called 3-D digital breast imaging – as part of their mammography screening services. PMI joins the BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) in Prescott Valley – which has two 3-D digital imaging units – to make the service conveniently available throughout the community. “Our goal is to ensure women have 3-D digital breast imaging available when they need it and where they need it,” said Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services at YRMC. “This is about convenience and peace of mind for our patients.” In addition to the most advanced 3-D digital breast imaging, women also have available an exceptional team of radiologists and breast imaging technologists at these locations: Prescott Prescott Medical Imaging 810 Whipple Street (928) 771-7577 Prescott Valley The BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center 7700 East Florentine Road (928) 445-2700 This additional availability of 3-D digital breast imaging will be particularly good news for the 43 percent of women ages 40 to 74 years old who are classified as having dense breast tissue. On a mammogram, dense breast tissue appears white as do breast masses or tumors. This means dense tissue can sometimes mask tumors. “Breast tomosynthesis technology allows our radiologists to see dense breast tissue better because it collects the images in slices, unlike traditional mammography,” explained Sterling. The 3-D digital technology can prevent women with dense breast tissue from undergoing several imaging studies, giving them information faster. Even more important, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2016, adding 3-D digital breast imaging can help physicians better detect cancers in dense breast tissue. To learn more about 3-D digital breast imaging, women should speak to their doctor. To schedule 3-D digital breast imaging or other imaging services, contact PMI at (928) 771-7577 or the BreastCare Center at YRMC at (928) 445-2700.
NAZ Suns Host Breast Cancer Awareness Night
It’s fun for a healthy cause when the Northern Arizona Suns take on the Iowa Wolves at the Prescott Valley Event Center at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Personalized Pink Jerseys … For a Good Cause The Northern Arizona Suns will take to the court in pink jerseys that feature the names of people from our community who have been affected by breast cancer. The Northern Arizona Suns Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign gives local residents the opportunity to honor these special people. After the game, the players’ pink jerseys will be auctioned off. Proceeds from the jersey auction will support breast care programs for people throughout our community via the BreastCare Center at YRMC. Pink Thundersticks and More The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive free pink LED thundersticks and pink ribbons. Kids can get their faces painted. There will be games and fun for people of all ages. Get Game Tickets! Want tickets for the November 11 Northern Arizona Suns game? Purchase them at the Northern Arizona Suns website or the Prescott Valley Event Center website. Tickets may also be purchased at the Prescott Valley Event Center box office, 3201 W. Main Street in Prescott Valley Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Saturday and Sunday game days from noon until half time. See you at the game!
To Boost Health and Wellness, Sit Less and Stand More!
Boosting health and wellness can be as easy as sitting less and standing more! Numerous studies prove that taking short breaks throughout the day to stand (or move around a bit) improves health and wellness in previously unimagined ways. Standing and/or engaging in frequent light activity (like walking around your office, standing while talking on the phone, or even just doing chores) improves mood and energy, sharpens mental focus, controls appetite, and dramatically improves blood sugar control. In fact, standing or moving for five minutes every hour may be just as important as a weekly exercise routine for reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Research Links Standing with Better Mood, Concentration, and Appetite Control Anyone with a desk job knows that prolonged sitting leads to stiff and painful hips and knees! However, sitting too much also reduces your ability to concentrate, and can increase mental stress. A study at the University of Colorado found that people who took frequent 5-10 minute standing or walking breaks during a six-hour workday enjoyed improved feelings of alertness and wellbeing, lower stress levels, and even reduced appetite compared to those who sat at their desks for most of the day. Remarkably, for most participants in the study, those regular breaks produced better results than starting the day with a brisk, 30-minute walk. Sitting also contributes to boredom and fatigue, which commonly triggers a search for snacks! Researchers theorize that low energy states, like boredom, trigger your brain to tell you to do something to improve your mood. Eating, even if you are not hungry, does help improve energy and concentration for a short period of time. However, simple, light activity produces the same results, with no added calories! Sitting Less Improves Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Risk of Chronic Disease One of the largest studies to examine the links between sitting and health is the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study. Researchers followed more than 11,000 adults without diabetes and compared the time people spent each day watching television with a number of health markers. As might be expected, glucose and insulin levels, blood pressure, and waist measurements increased with every extra hour people spent watching TV. Researchers were surprised, however, when they discovered that regular, moderate exercise (at least 150 minutes a week) did not improve the health of anyone who spent more than a few hours each day watching television. In other words, thirty minutes or more of concentrated exercise most days of the week did not ameliorate the negative health effects of sitting too much. Other studies show that taking a walk, or simply standing after meals (even just to do the dishes), can significantly lower post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In addition, and perhaps most intriguingly, long-term studies also find a decreased risk of death from any cause (including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer), in people who simply sit less during the day and move more. Standing Burns More Fat and Calories! How does standing more and sitting less improve health? Scientists aren’t exactly sure, but it might have something to do with our ability to use fat as fuel. Muscles that are important for postural support (standing) are quite good at siphoning off fat that is circulating in the bloodstream (as triglycerides and cholesterol), and using it for energy. When we sit too much, those muscles lose some of their ability to use circulating fat for fuel. This could contribute to some of the symptoms of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome, including high triglycerides, increased waist circumference and insulin resistance. When we stand or engage in light activity, we also burn more calories. In fact, most people can burn 500-800 additional calories by standing at work; engaging in ‘walking meetings’; taking regular movement breaks; and just not sitting more than a total of six hours a day! Burning more calories helps us achieve a healthier weight, which lowers the risk for many chronic diseases. Tools to Create New Habits Once you get into the habit, it’s easy to cut back on daily chair time. Numerous online tools are available to remind you to take a break from sitting. Check out Apple’s Stand Up – The Work Break Timer or Google Chrome’s Office Fit for just a few useful apps you can use at work or home. There are also many options out there for converting your work area into a sit/stand/or walk environment. Encourage walking meetings at work, and stand up while working whenever possible. Even walking to talk to someone in your office instead of calling or sending an email will get you out of your chair more often. If you are into playing video games at home, try some of the active options on the Nintendo Wii. Get off the couch during television ads to do chores or walk in place for a while. Even better, watch a lot less TV! Just sit less and stand more. You’ll feel better when you do!
New Cardiologist at YRMC PhysicianCare Cardiology
Soundos K. Moualla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, has joined the Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare Cardiology team at 802 Ainsworth Drive in Prescott. Dr. Moualla completed her medical degree at the National University of Ireland in Dublin, Ireland. Her post-doctoral education and training includes: Rotating Internship: Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland Internal Medicine Residency and Internship: Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN Cardiology Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH Interventional Cardiology Fellowship: Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN Peripheral Interventional Cardiology Fellowship: St. Luke’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ Structural Interventional Fellowship: Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ Special Masters in Physiology: Georgetown University, Washington, DC Dr. Moualla is currently accepting new patients. Call (928) 445-6025 to schedule your appointment. YRMC PhysicianCare is happy to accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Kids Rule the Road at YRMC Kids Fun Ride!
Kids on bikes decked out with streamers, shimmering stars, multi-colored paper flowers, spinning pinwheels and more joined the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) 2018 Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road on April 29. “Epic Rides is overjoyed to have partnered with Yavapai Regional Medical Center in celebrating their 75th anniversary while together we create a healthier Prescott community,” said Todd Sadow, President and CEO of Epic Rides, sponsor of the Whiskey Off-Road. “Through this partnership, YRMC increased kid participation to 288 kids riding bikes and raised $2,880 for Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.” Click here to watch YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road, 2018 on YouTube. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, YRMC covered every child’s $10 Fun Ride registration fee and donated the fees to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. “This was a triple win,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Families, children and our community all benefited. YRMC is pleased to further the cause of preventing child abuse.” More than 70 children and their parents visited the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride Decorating Station on April 28. The kids individualized their bikes, trikes and balance bikes for the next day’s Fun Ride. They were joined at the Decorating Station by three professional cyclists: Chloe Woodruff of Prescott, who won the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and placed 2nd in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. Keegan Swenson of Park City, Utah, who took first place in the 2018 Men’s Pro Backcountry Race and placed 2nd in of the Whiskey Off-Road Men’s Pro Criterium Race. Sofia Gomez-Villafane of Park City, Utah, who took 10th place in the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and 6th place in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. “It was a great way to build the kids’ enthusiasm for the Fun Ride,” said Brian DeVries, PHR, YRMC’s Manager – Benefits and Employee Health/Wellness. “The YRMC team got to chat with families from our community. The kids and parents met some professional cyclists and we hope were inspired to pursue cycling or other fitness activities. Lots of parents thanked us for sponsoring the Kids’ Ride and the Decorating Station.” When kids lined up for the Fun Ride on Montezuma Street near Prescott Courthouse Plaza, YRMC’s Wellby Yavabear was there to help start the pedaling. It wasn’t long before the young cyclists were crossing the finish line. They were greeted by enthusiastic applause and balloons from the YRMC team. For more Whiskey Off-Road YRMC Kids’ Ride photos and videos, check out: YRMC on Facebook and Twitter Epic Rides on Facebook and Twitter #morekidsonbikes
Yavapai Healthy Schools: Ensuring our Children are Healthy and Safe
Health and safety is a basic human need, at any age. This is why Yavapai Healthy Schools (YHS) is making sure this goal is met in Yavapai County schools. In 2015, a coalition of 15 organizations was established to ensure schools have the opportunity to improve our children’s health. And, YHS was born. Carol Lewis, Community Health Education Section Manager at Yavapai County Community Health Services said, “The initial goal [of the coalition] was to recognize schools that promote health education.” A menu of programs and activities was created at that time, which included, for example: nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse prevention and wellness. Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) and North Star Youth Partnership are two members of the coalition. Their areas of focus include the following: YCCHS – Focuses on programs related to tobacco/drug prevention, specialized nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, body art, and friendship/bullying. North Star Youth Partnership – Works on leadership and mentoring programs including Go Girl Go!, which is designed to educate girls and promote physically active to prevent risky behaviors. “Health educators struggle acquiring the time commitment to provide health education topics during the school day,” Ms. Lewis said. For convenience, a website was created so teachers could go to just one resource to choose the exact topics they want to teach to their particular students at their specific school. “Rather than 10 different programs trying to talk to administration,” Ms. Lewis said, “we created one website to promote all programs.” It was determined that most of the schools had some kind of wellness education program in place, but they were not able to measure their effectiveness. YHS helps schools do this. Many of the schools still want resources to help with certain topics, such as bullying. Schools were also interested in starting up school gardens. YHS has education on these and many other health topics. If a school wants to be part of this program, it is very simple. The YHS website lists all of the available services. There is a short application to complete. Schools that meet certain criteria can earn a Healthy Schools award and are recognized via YHS and the media. They are also eligible for a monetary award and receive a banner for their school as well. “I would like people to know the importance of promoting schools that make health and safety a priority. We will see schools recognized for being an ‘A’ school for academics but we want people to recognize schools that make health a priority,” Ms. Lewis said. Parents should also know about this program so they can encourage the schools their children attend to join. There is a section on the YHS website for parents to research the program. “People need to know the connection between health and academics,” Ms. Lewis said. “If a school promotes health, they are most likely to show an increase in academics.” For more information, contact Carol Lewis by email or phone (928-442-5572).
YRMC Volunteer Spotlight: John Peters and Richard McBride
If you’ve spent any time at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, you’ve probably heard the sound of a hand bell throughout the halls twice a day. The bell heralds the arrival of the snack cart, and the ringer is a member of the snack cart volunteer team, serving hot coffee, juices, fruit, yogurt and other goodies to visitors and staff at the hospital. On any given morning, you might be served by YRMC volunteers John Peters and Richard McBride. The duo often resembles a comedy team more than hospital volunteers. Employees and visitors who purchase snacks from the cart can’t help but join in the banter and good-natured teasing. But don’t let the lightheartedness fool you. They take their job very seriously. “A big philosophy we have is that we go the extra mile,” says Peters, “Let’s say that you have a nurse caring for a patient in one of the rooms in ICU. I know one nurse in particular who always wants a bag of cheddar popcorn and a string cheese. I’ll get her badge from her, ring it up and take it back there to her station.” Peters and McBride are particularly proud of their dedication. “Our record for uninterrupted service is 79 weeks without missing a day,” says Peters. A snowstorm prevented the volunteers from coming in on the 80th day. When asked why this dedication is so important, Peters responds, ”I really can’t explain it. I’m sure it’s this way for all the other volunteers. It’s just a sense of good feeling that you’re providing a service.” Peters describes the camaraderie and friendship as an added bonus to volunteering at YRMC, including getting to know the staff and fellow volunteers, learning about their families, grandchildren and travels. As McBride picks up the hand bell and starts down the hall to ring their arrival, Peters sums it up this way, “Volunteering is a wonderful experience. Period. It’s the only way to explain it.” The YRMC Volunteer Services Department welcomes inquiries about volunteering for the snack cart as well as a wide variety of other volunteer opportunities. For more information, call: Volunteer Services, YRMC West, Prescott: (928) 771-5678 Volunteer Services, YRMC East, Prescott Valley: (928) 442-8678
Volunteer Spotlight: Don Packard, PAWS Pet Therapy Program
Anyone who owns a dog or other pet knows the calming effect they can have. When we pet our animal friends, stress and worry often seem to melt away. Scientific studies have now proven this to be true. Pets can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. In addition, petting an animal can release endorphins that have a calming effect and can enhance healing. In keeping with our Vision of treating the whole patient — body, mind and spirit — Yavapai Regional Medical Center offers visits from specially trained therapy animals through the Pets Are Warm Support (PAWS) program. YRMC accepts dogs who are certified through Pet Partners, a national organization that evaluates and tests all animals to ensure that their health, skills and aptitude meet rigorous standards. Visits from PAWS pets can reduce boredom, increase socialization and communication, and provide comfort, especially for those patients who are missing their own pets at home. PAWS program volunteer Don Packard brings Sailor, his beautiful Australian Shepherd, to YRMC every Tuesday. “Of course I’m giving back, but there’s more to it than that,” says Packard, “It gives me satisfaction seeing these folks who don’t get to see dogs. It does their heart good, and it does mine too.” Patients aren’t the only people who enjoy the therapy pets at YRMC. The staff looks forward to their regularly scheduled visits as well. “He’s a therapy dog for everybody,” says Packard, “The staff really likes him too. He’s well known. ‘It’s Tuesday and Sailor’s here!’ That’s what they say.” You can take a preliminary quiz to see if your dog may have the right temperament to be a therapy dog at petpartners.org. If you’re a patient at YRMC and would like to arrange a PAWS visit, check with your caregiver first, then call Volunteer Services. In Prescott, the phone number is (928) 771-5678. In Prescott Valley, call (928) 442-8678. YRMC Volunteer Services welcomes inquiries about volunteering for the PAWS program as well as a wide variety of other volunteer opportunities. For more information call: Volunteer Services, YRMC West, Prescott: (928) 771-5678 Volunteer Services, YRMC East, Prescott Valley: (928) 442-8678
YRMC’s Patient Blood Management Videos Now at One Convenient Location
Patient Blood Management is a widely respected and widely practiced approach to patient care, particularly before, during and after surgical procedures. It emphasizes safe and effective medical and surgical techniques, which are designed to prevent anemia, decrease bleeding and improve the outcome of your procedure. Since 2012, Yavapai Regional Medical Center has practiced Patient Blood Management, reducing the need for blood transfusions, which can carry inherent risks. Learn more about Patient Blood Management and how it is being used at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. It’s important to make decisions now, prior to a scheduled or unexpected surgical procedure. Visit yrmchealthconnect.org/pbm to learn more.
Conserving Your Blood for Faster Recovery, Better Results
Pioneers … innovators … leaders, these words describe the medical professionals who introduced Patient Blood Management (PBM) to Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) as well as to healthcare organizations throughout the world. Why is PBM important to our community? First, YRMC sponsors Arizona’s only PBM program. Its goal is to prevent unnecessary blood transfusions by applying scientific and safe medical-surgical techniques. These techniques decrease bleeding, prevent anemia and speed recovery for patients. PBM Experts Gather PBM proponents from YRMC and organizations around the globe gathered recently for the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM) Annual Conference. SABM is a growing, international society dedicated to improving patient health through blood management. SABM’s Annual Conference focused on how PBM programs are improving patient outcomes by taking steps that reduce exposure to the risks associated with blood transfusions. YRMC Leads in PBM I was proud that my YRMC colleague, Jared Head, AGACNP-BC, Hospitalist, presented an excellent example of this to SABM Annual Conference attendees. He spoke about harnessing a substance produced by the kidneys to promote the production of red blood cells. This substance is preventing blood transfusions in YRMC’s open heart surgery patients. YRMC is also part of SABM’s leadership. Pierre Tibi, MD – Medical Director of YRMC’s James Family Heart Center and the hospital’s PBM Program – serves as the President of SABM. Additionally, during the SABM Annual Conference, I took the SABM certification exam. This one-day course and exam gave me the information and tools needed for best practices in the field of PBM. It reinforced for me that PBM improves patient outcomes and shortens the amount of time people spend in the hospital. YRMC Puts PBM into Practice Here are a few ways YRMC’s PBM program helps patients by reducing unnecessary transfusions: Administering iron therapy as well as Vitamins B6, B12, K and Folic Acid to people in outpatient settings. Using blood-conserving techniques and medications to promote healthy clotting before and during surgery. Decreasing patient blood loss through fewer blood draws and taking smaller amounts of blood during draws. I’m proud that YRMC is a Hospital Affiliate of SABM. I’m even prouder that as PBM pioneers, we are offering our patients the latest and best medical care. To learn more about PBM, email Dale Black, YRMC’s Patient Blood Management Program Coordinator. By Selina Bliss, RN, RN-BC Yavapai Regional Medical Center Professional Development Council Patient Blood Management Program and President of the Arizona Nurses Association
Prescott Radiologists Welcomes Peter Mamalakis, MD
Prescott Radiologists has hired a musculoskeletal radiologist with specialty expertise in diagnosing diseases and abnormalities of bones and joints based on images from MRI, CT scan, x-ray and ultrasound. Dr. Mamalakis was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is one of 12 children born to parents of Greek origin. He has quite varied experiences including studying Genetics at the University of Wisconsin, teaching for an adult education firm in North Carolina, and working in Internet Technology and Business Engineering. He ultimately decided Medicine was a better fit for him because, as he shared “I realized that in medicine, it would always be a challenge and I would always have to learn.” Dr. Mamalakis earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He completed his residency training in Diagnostic Radiology at Rochester General Hospital. Dr. Mamalakis said, “One of the best ways to keep me engaged is to give me the biggest, most complicated puzzle and then just let me see if I can figure out what the answer is.” Radiology is a great fit in terms of figuring out puzzles. He decided to do his musculoskeletal fellowship because, according to Dr. Mamalakis, “It offers hands-on interaction with patients as well as the challenge and focus it takes to read MRI, which can be extremely detailed and extremely sensitive. So it is a nice balance for me.” He completed his fellowship at VCU-MCV in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Mamalakis has over five years of specialty imaging experience in Maryland and Arizona and is a member of the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America. Arizona suits his interests well, as in his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and skiing. He loves national parks and has hiked the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon. “I highly recommend hiking Bryce Canyon in the winter time,” he said. He also likes to read, shoot pool and play darts. This board certified musculoskeletal radiologist is the only specialist in this field in the Quad Cities area, and Prescott Radiologists, YRMC, and the community are very fortunate to have this doctor with this remarkable skill set.
Chemoembolization: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Treating Cancer
As vascular specialists, interventional radiologists target specific illnesses and diseases by using image guidance and small devices, which they guide through blood vessels to reach a part of the body that requires treatment. One such treatment is chemoembolization, a minimally invasive procedure that can shrink or even destroy cancerous liver tumors. “Data from published studies on the procedure show that it is effective in up to 70 percent of patients in preventing disease progression,” said Ben Paxton, MD, Interventional Radiologist, Prescott. Liver cancer can be a primary or a secondary cancer. If it is a primary cancer, the cancer tumor originates in the liver. This type of cancer is typically associated with liver cirrhosis or from Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection. If it is a secondary cancer, tumor cells have metastasized—spread—from other organs in the body. Patients with other types of cancer are at risk for developing liver cancer since the liver acts as a holding area for circulating cancer cells. While surgery still offers the best chance of a cure, it may not be possible for as many as two-thirds of primary liver cancer patients and as many as 90 percent of those with secondary liver cancer. “Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive treatment for liver cancer that can be used when there is too much tumor to treat with surgical approaches,” said Dr. Paxton. This type of treatment attacks the cancerous tumor from inside the body, while keeping the surrounding tissues and organs healthy. This is different from systemic chemotherapy that attacks the entire body as well as the cancerous tumor. Chemoembolization delivers a high dose of chemotherapy directly into the organ while blocking, or embolizing, the arteries that supply the tumor with blood and nutrients. Embolizing the arteries that feed the tumor can help to shrink or destroy the tumor. Chemoembolization can be used in combination with systemic chemotherapy, radiation and radiofrequency ablation treatments. These other treatments can be used to treat cancer in other parts of the body while doctors can “utilize chemoembolization to control the cancer in the liver,” according to Iyad Hamarneh, MD, Oncologist, Arizona Oncology Associates in Prescott Valley. An example is a patient who has colon cancer that has spread to the liver. This patient has already undergone surgery and chemotherapy. “Chemoembolization provides another, less invasive option to control their disease that has less morbidity and less mortality and potentially could help control the cancer,” said Dr. Hamarneh. Dr. Hamarneh believes it is important that our community is able to provide top-notch cancer treatment because the financial burden of cancer and the time it takes to treat cancer can be considerable. “It is important to give these patients as normal a quality of life as possible and receiving treatment close to home is an important part of this process,” Dr. Hamarneh said. Dr. Paxton agrees. “It is important to provide this treatment locally in our community so that people don’t have to travel to receive it. They can spend more time in the comfort of their homes and with their families, and more time with their local doctors.” Dr. Paxton’s partner, Interventional Radiologist Matthew Dicker, MD, said, “We work closely with oncologists and their patients to provide minimally invasive options to diagnose and treat or aid in the treatment of cancers.” Dr. Hamarneh looks forward to working more closely with the interventional radiologists who perform chemoembolization in the quad-cities area and indicates that it is absolutely great and important that we can provide these options to our patients here locally. “The decision to perform chemoembolization is a complex one that requires close collaboration between the oncologist and interventional radiologist as it may not be the right choice for every patient with primary or secondary liver cancer,” said Dr. Hamarneh. For more information about chemoembolization, as well as image-guided biopsies, placing long-term IV access for chemotherapy, and other cancer treatment options that interventional radiologists perform, please contact Vascular and Interventional Specialists (VISP) at (928) 771-8477.
Springtime Pesto: Your Healthy Kitchen
What do you do with all of those beautiful fresh herbs and baby greens popping up at the Prescott Farmers Market and backyard gardens? Rita Carey Rubin, host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen suggests pesto! Rita recently visited AZTV’s Sandy and Friends with loads of greens like kale, arugula, cilantro and parsley. These super foods are packed with nutrients that fight cancer, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help your liver work better to eliminate toxins. You may have heard of basil pesto, made with basil, nuts, olive oil and cheese, but Rita says delicious pesto can be made with many different types of herbs and greens. “Pesto is great with soups, grilled, roasted or steamed vegetables, potatoes, meat, chicken or fish, and of course, pasta,” Rita says, “And it’s easy! You simply blend your ingredients in a food processor and… viola!” In this video, Rita shows how easy it is to make Carrot Top Pesto. Click here to watch Springtime Pesto on YouTube. Here are some pesto recipes you can download: Carrot Top Pesto Aimee Novak’s Pesto Possibilities Lemon Barley Salad with Kale Pesto Your Healthy Kitchen is one of the many ways that Yavapai Regional Medical Center, your not-for-profit community healthcare provider, provides health education and support to the people of Yavapai County.
After the Whiskey Off-Road: A Super Shake to Help You Recover
You’ve finished the race! What’s the best way to replenish your body and help the recovery process? Rita Carey Rubin, host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, recently caught up with Chloe Woodruff, professional competitive cyclist and founder / manager of the Stan’s-Pivot Pro Team, presented by Maxxis. Woodruff, a World Cup competitor, also happens to be a long-time Prescott resident. Woodruff shared some great tips on how professional athletes fuel up before, during and after the big race. Woodruff will be competing in one of her favorite races, the Whiskey Off-Road, April 27th through 29th, 2018 in Prescott. Woodruff says that the body is primed for nutrients to start the recovery process as quickly as 15 minutes after a race. When possible, Woodruff enjoys a “super shake” made with almond milk, protein powder, greens like spinach or kale, frozen banana and dates, almost immediately after getting off the trail. For sweetening, Woodruff chooses Natural Delights Medjool dates. After some four hours on the Whiskey Off-Road trail, the shake is satisfying and tastes great, and provides the body with the nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs to start on the road to recovery. Click here to watch After the Whiskey Off-Road Race: Recover with a Super Shake on YouTube. In separate videos, Rita demonstrates recommended recipes for a simple meal the night before as well as a power packed breakfast the morning of the race. Go to yrmchealthconnect.org regularly for these and many additional video demonstrations, tips and recipes from YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen. As part of YRMC’s 75th Anniversary celebration, Yavapai Regional Medical Center will be sponsoring the Whiskey Off-Road Kids Fun Ride on Sunday, April 29th as well as a bike-decorating event for kids on Saturday April 28th. Visit Epic Rides for more information and to register. YRMC will cover the cost of all children who participate in the Kids Ride and will donate the proceeds to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. The goal is to allow as many kids as possible to participate free of charge, giving back to the community that has given so much to YRMC over the years. Parents and guardians are welcome to accompany their kids on the Kids Fun Ride. Helmets are required by all.