Adam Feingold, MD: YRMC 2019 Physician of the Year
Kind, compassionate and willing to share his knowledge with staff are three recurring phrases employees and medical staff members use to describe Adam Feingold, MD, FACOG, Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) 2019 Total Healing Environment Physician of the Year. “I am truly grateful and honored for this incredible recognition from my YRMC colleagues—my work family,” said Dr. Feingold, a highly skilled Obstetrician-Gynecologist. “The work I do involves many different kinds of professionals – physicians, nurses and other clinicians – in order to fully care for the patient. To a person, every member of the YRMC team with whom I work is outstanding and ready to serve patients.” A Teacher at Heart An Arizona native, Dr. Feingold earned a double-major degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Arizona, Tucson. He graduated with distinct honors in 1986. Medical school took Dr. Feingold to Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He pursued his medical residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dr. Feingold’s love of teaching was recognized during his residency as he was named the Teacher of the Year in 1995. He is board certified and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. After completing his medical residency, Dr. Feingold returned to his hometown of Phoenix, where he worked for Cigna Healthcare. In 1998, he left the Valley to join YRMC and put down stakes in the Quad Cities. “It was a great honor for me to present this award to Dr. Feingold,” said John Amos, President and CEO, YRMC. “As a long-time member of our medical staff, Dr. Feingold has been with YRMC for many important milestones, including the opening of the Family Birthing Center at YRMC East in 2010. Dr. Feingold is an exceptional individual and an amazing physician. We are proud to recognize him as our 2019 Physician of the Year.” Promoting Excellence and Earning Recognition Dr. Feingold currently serves as medical director of the Yavapai Laborist Program, which was created to ensure a board-certified OB/GYN is always on-site at YRMC’s Family Birthing Center. He also has served as chairman of YRMC’s Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and was a member of YRMC’s Credentialing Committee. In 2010, Bridgeway Health Solutions of Arizona – now Arizona Complete Health –presented Dr. Feingold with the Summit Award for Obstetrics. Dr. Feingold was recognized for the high-quality obstetrical services he consistently provides members of the organization’s health plan. Qualifying for Physician of the Year YRMC’s Total Healing Environment Physician of the Year is selected annually by YRMC employees and medical staff and presented to a physician who: Provides excellent patient care. Is sensitive to the needs and desires of patients. Emulates positive relationships with employees and volunteers. Is respectful to all and a team player. Takes pride in YRMC and the community. In his leisure time, Dr. Feingold enjoys spending time with his family as well as pursuing his hobbies, which include stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking and hiking.
YRMC PhysicianCare Welcomes Tamika Davis, NP, Palliative Medicine
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare is pleased to announce that Tamika Davis, NP, has joined our Palliative Medicine team at 7880 E. Florentine Road in Prescott. She has completed a Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please call (928) 775-5567 to schedule an appointment. YRMC PhysicianCare is pleased to accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Healthy Legs, Healthy Life: Presented by Anil Kumar, MD
Yavapai Regional Medical Center brings you the Medical Director of The Vein Center at YRMC, Anil Kumar, MD, FACC, FSVM, DABVLM, DABVM, RPVI, RPhS, for an important discussion about the circulatory system and why keeping it healthy is vital to our overall wellbeing, particularly as we age. Dr. Kumar will provide an overview of the vascular system and how blood flow can be compromised. He’ll discuss steps we can take right now to keep our veins and arteries healthy. In addition, Dr. Kumar will give an overview of the most common conditions associated with poor blood flow and the latest treatments. Dr. Kumar will answer questions such as: How does the health of my veins and arteries relate to my overall health? How do I know if I am at risk? What steps can I take now to prevent issues later? What role do compression stockings play? Is medication necessary? What are the latest options for diagnosis and treatment? Join Dr. Kumar on Friday, February 14th from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at The Club at Prescott Lakes, 311 E. Smoke Tree Lane, Prescott. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by Friday, February 7th by using the “EVENTS” tab at yrmchealthconnect.org. If you don’t have computer access, you can call (928) 708-4636 to register. Coffee, water and breakfast bars will be served. Anil Kumar, MD, FACC, FSVM, DABVLM, DABVM, RPVI, RPhS is board certified in Internal Medicine, with subspecialty certification in cardiovascular disease. He is also certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, Vascular Medicine, Vascular Imaging, the National Board of Echocardiography, and the Certification Boards of Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiovascular CT. Dr. Kumar has presented his research at more than 15 regional, national, and international conferences. He has participated in several clinical studies and has authored numerous publications including original articles, review articles, case reports, and abstracts. A fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Vascular Medicine, Dr. Kumar is affiliated with many other professional societies including the American Venous and Lymphatic Society. He currently practices at The Vein Center at YRMC, located at the YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center, 3262 North Windsong Drive in Prescott Valley.
Don’t Let Chronic Pain Define You
If you are one of the millions of people in this country who struggle with chronic pain, you know firsthand how it can hinder your quality of life. You may have explored just about everything in an attempt to cope with your pain—injections, medications, chiropractic care, surgery—yet the pain persists. YRMC’s Chronic Pain Self-Care Program can help. This innovative program will show you how to work in concert with your body and mind to understand and ease chronic pain through self-empowerment techniques and physical therapy. You will learn ways of treating pain that work best for you. Since chronic pain is an individualized experience, your particular form of self-care is individualized, too. All you need is the willingness to learn more about what chronic pain actually is and what you can actively do about it. “The more we understand the predicament of chronic pain, the more empowered we are to disempower the pain process,” says Cheryl Van Demark, a physical therapist and certified yoga therapist who leads the Chronic Pain Self-Care Program as part of YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Services Department. What the Program Covers This program helps you understand the role played by your nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves) in perpetuating chronic pain. “When we enter a chronic pain experience, a number of changes happen in our nervous system,” Van Demark explains. “This program is about identifying and understanding those changes so you can begin working with your nervous system to unlearn conditioned responses to pain.” Along with exploring the neurological side of pain, the Chronic Pain Self-Care Program engages the whole person – body, mind and spirit – in a holistic approach to pain that aligns with YRMC’s Vision of a Total Healing Environment. The program explores ways to: Reduce stress Feel sensations of comfort and relaxation Use food as medicine Face fear of movement Mitigate suffering Cope with uncertainty Befriend the body Pace physical activity Develop self-compassion You’re in Good Hands This multidisciplinary approach draws from YRMC’s diverse pool of experienced health professionals in chronic pain management, to include: Cheryl Van Demark, PT Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist Rich Tenney, PT Physical Therapist and Postural Restoration Specialist Steven Galper, MD, JD, ABPN Board Certified in Neurology, Psychiatry and Pain Medicine Craig Leicht, MD Interventional Pain Management Rita Carey Rubin, MS, RD, CDE Therapeutic Dietician YRMC’s Chronic Pain Self-Care program consists of five, two-hour classes that meet on consecutive Fridays. Every six weeks you can join your classmates in an empowerment group dedicated to practicing learned skills. There is no additional cost to attend this empowerment group and you are free to ask a support person to join you. Participation in the program requires a referral by your physician. Please ask your physician to fax a referral to (928) 771-5507. If you have additional questions about Chronic Pain Self-Care at YRMC, please call YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Department at (928) 771-5131. The cost of the program should fall under your health insurance company’s physical therapy benefit.
Five Healthy Habits to Change Your Life in 2020
There’s nothing like starting the New Year with healthy habits that are reachable and will make a big difference in your life. Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has selected five healthy habits to inspire you in 2020 and beyond. Healthy Habit #1: Get regular preventive screenings. Preventive screening tests can detect illness early, when it’s most treatable. The screenings you need will depend on your health history and age. Here are some recommendations to jump start a conversation with your healthcare provider: Ages 18-39 – Most of the recommended preventive screenings in this age group can be completed during an annual physical. Depending on your health history, your provider may screen for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. For women, routine pelvic exams and pap smears screen for cervical cancer and other conditions. Don’t have a healthcare provider? Contact YRMC’s Physician Listing Service at (928) 771-5106. Ages 40-65 – Additional screenings are important for women and men 40 years and older. Mammograms, which screen for breast cancer, are recommended annually for women starting at age 40. Most men age 50 or older should have a prostate blood test and an exam. Male or female, when you reach 50, your physician will recommend a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. Age 65 and older – Bone density screenings – which measure bone strength to prevent fractures – typically begin at age 65. If you’re a postmenopausal woman, age 50 or older and have recently suffered a broken a bone, talk to your healthcare provider. Another screening schedule may be recommended for you. And men, ask your physician if you should be screened for osteoporosis, too. You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you used steroids for an extended time, are considered low body weight, smoke, use alcohol frequently, or had a fracture after age 50. Women, talk to your healthcare provider about the breast screening and bone density screening plan that fits your health history. The latest screening mammography and bone density screening technologies are available at: The BreastCare Center at YRMC at (928) 442-8900 Prescott Medical Imaging and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging at (928) 771-7577 YRMC Imaging Services at (928) 771-7577 Round out your preventive health habits in 2020 with regular dental and eye exams, as well as updated immunizations and annual flu shots. Healthy Habit #2: Eat right. Whether your goal is weight loss or weight management, moderation – not deprivation – is the key to success. Eat smaller portion sizes and fill up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein. Be mindful of what you eat and stay hydrated to maintain the energy you need throughout the day as well as to manage cravings. YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen offers nutritious, delicious and affordable plant-based meal options if you’re looking for some inspiration. Healthy Habit #3: Commit to regular exercise. Physical activity is crucial to long-term health. Work, family obligations and lack of energy can interfere with those needed workouts. If hours at the gym are not an option, or even an interest, get creative. Try walking during your lunch break, stretching while watching TV or riding your bike to run that errand. Hold yourself accountable by exercising with a friend or tracking your progress with a smartphone app. Has it been a while since you’ve exercised? Ease into a routine. You may also want to talk to your healthcare provider. Healthy Habit #4: Manage stress and pay attention to your mental health. As life gets busier, that to-do list and social calendar can start to feel overwhelming. Taking care of your mental health is another piece of the overall health puzzle. Calming practices like meditation and deep breathing are equally as important as taking some time for yourself and talking with a friend. Identify your stressors and look for ways to reduce them. Remember, a good laugh, a brisk walk or a hot bath can go a long way to easing a difficult day. Healthy Habit #5: Catch your ZZZs. Getting enough quality sleep not only keeps you sharp for the day but it is also critical for mental, emotional and physical health. When you sleep, your brain and body have a chance to repair and rebuild. A good sleep helps you learn better, get along with others and even builds muscle. So, turn off those screens, unwind to some calming music and get some rest. You deserve it. To keep you motivated during 2020, visit and subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect. We’ll inspire you with healthy living tips, local learning opportunities and answers to your healthcare questions.
YRMC PhysicianCare Gastroenterology Welcomes Dr. Rukshana Cader
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare is pleased to announce that Rukshana Cader, MB, BCh, BAO, has joined our Gastroenterology team at our outpatient clinic located at 810 Ainsworth Drive, Suite A, Prescott, AZ 86301. Dr. Cader is a graduate of the Trinity College Medical School and completed a Medicine Internship in Ireland. She completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University in Massachusetts. Additionally, Dr. Cader completed a Gastroenterology Fellowship and a Gastroenterology Motility Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University College of Medicine in Maryland. To schedule an appointment, please call (928) 771-5548. YRMC PhysicianCare accepts most insurance plans including Medicare.
YRMC PhysicianCare Welcomes Reynald Forde, MD, Family Medicine
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare is pleased to announce that Reynald Forde, MD, Family Medicine, has joined the Primary Care team at our outpatient clinic located at 7700 East Florentine Road, Building B, Suite 101, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. Dr. Forde is a graduate of the City University of New York and York College. He has completed a Doctor of Medicine at the International University of the Health Sciences in Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies. Additionally, Dr. Forde has completed a Family Medicine Residency at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Forde is currently accepting new patients. Please call (928) 442-8710 to schedule an appointment. YRMC PhysicianCare is pleased to accept most insurance plans including Medicare.
Eat Well in 2020 with YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen!
Are you ready to shake up your diet, savor simple, flavorful meals, meet some neighbors, and learn a whole lot about healthy eating along the way? You can start right here at YRMC HealthConnect, where we’ve been stocking the library at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen with dozens of stories packed with easy, delicious recipes, cooking tutorials, reliable nutrition information, interviews with local chefs, farmers, kids, teachers, doctors, gardeners, and more! As the host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, I rely on my experience as a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Personal Chef, as well as my lifelong love of good food to create flavorful meals, snacks, beverages and even desserts that nourish and satisfy. With a focus on incorporating fresh, affordable ingredients, I take you step by step through each recipe, sharing helpful cooking and nutrition tips along the way, including this easy way to dice an onion! In the Your Healthy Kitchen catalog, you’ll find recipes suitable for anyone looking for healthy meal ideas, plus extra tips for eating well with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Want to learn how to prepare and enjoy more vegetables, whole grains, fresh herbs and greens? We’ve got you covered with videos featuring vibrant flavors, fresh, colorful produce, and nourishing grains, including barley, oats, quinoa, and more. Printable recipes with nutrition information and an estimated cost per serving, like this one for our popular Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable and Barley Salad, are posted at YRMC HealthConnect with every video. Check out the video that shows how to make this flavorful, nutrient-packed crowd pleaser and learn about the benefits of barley as well! Guests from YRMC and the community join us frequently on the set and in the field, bringing delicious local flavors and bright, talented people into the kitchen. Want to learn more about the Breast Care Center at YRMC, Preventive Medicine and Wellness at the Pendleton Centers, or the James Family Heart Center? Check out our videos featuring the fabulous folks who work with and lead these programs! We also have great footage featuring local farmers, gardeners, and chefs, including this fun episode with Sharla Mortimer and me preparing a delicious meal at Mortimer Farms. To view more of our videos, interviews, articles and recipes, simply go to YRMC HealthConnect, scroll down the page and click on the Your Healthy Kitchen blog. You can also access additional videos, including short interviews with farmer friends, all of our episodes on AZTV’s local morning variety show, and even footage of the amazing human-powered smoothie machine on the Yavapai Regional Medical Center You Tube Channel. You can also follow me on Facebook, at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, where I share what I am making in my kitchen at home, plus links to other helpful recipe sites and videos, gardening tips, food and nutrition related events in the community and more. Whether you are just learning to cook and changing your diet or are already comfortable in the kitchen, there’s something here for everyone. Hope to see you soon! Taco Time at Mortimer Farms
Breast Screening Guidelines: What You Need to Know
If you are confused about the conflicting advice on breast screening (mammography) guidelines, you’re not alone. Women are asking: What’s the best age to begin breast screening? How often should I have breast screening? Is there a time that I’ll no longer need breast screening? “Most physicians, including myself, the radiologists at YRMC’s BreastCare Center and the American College of Radiology, recommend annual screening mammography starting at age 40,” said Michael G. Macon, MD, Breast Surgeon and Medical Director of the BreastCare Program at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). At what age can annual breast screenings stop? That depends on the woman, according to the experts at YRMC’s BreastCare Program. “There are many women in their mid-70s who will live 15 to 20 more years,” Dr. Macon said. “If those women are going to act on the information from the mammogram, they should continue annual breast screenings. However, different organizations have different recommendations.” A Controversial Recommendation In January 2016, the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) announced dramatic changes to its breast screening guidelines. The USPSTF – an independent group of preventive and evidence-based medicine experts – recommended that breast screening begin at age 50 and end when a woman reaches age 74. The group also recommended breast screening take place every two years, as opposed to annually. The USPSTF’s recommendations are based on statistics that show more women can be saved at lesser cost when breast screening begins later in life. As women age, they are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. “The USPSTF is studying millions of women and making a recommendation based on data,” said Dr. Macon. “The difference is that physicians look at one woman at a time and ask: ‘What is best for this patient?’” Members of the medical community were alarmed by the USPSTF recommendations. They pointed out that breast screening mammography beginning at age 40 has been shown to reduce deaths due to breast cancer. Additionally, while breast cancer is more common as women get older, in younger women breast cancer tends to be more aggressive. Clinicians also argued that these more aggressive cancers need to be detected when the cancer is most treatable. Breast screening annually – rather than every two years as recommended by the USPSTF – would catch cancer earlier, when cure is most likely. Online Tools Assess Your Breast Cancer Risk Breast screening recommendations are based on women at average risk for breast cancer. How can you learn your individual risk for breast cancer? You can start with an assessment tool. The Gail Model and Tyrer-Cuzick Model Breast Cancer Risk Evaluation Tool estimate the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer within five or 10 years of her current age and during her lifetime. Take Action to Manage Your Health “It’s difficult for an organization in and of itself to make a nuanced recommendation on breast screening that works for all women,” said Dr. Macon. “Statistically, the USPSTF recommendations may make sense as a public health recommendation, but that doesn’t give a specific woman information on how she should act.”
Why Does Breast Density Matter?
You’re dedicated to your monthly self-exams and you follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for breast cancer screenings, given your age and family risk factors. But when it come to breast density, are you aware of dense breast tissue? An important part of breast cancer prevention is knowing your breast density and taking this into account during screening. Breast density is a way to describe the composition of a woman’s breasts. It compares the area of breast and connective tissue – as seen on a mammogram – to the area of fat. Breast and connective tissue are denser than fat, so high breast density means there is more breast and connective tissue as compared to fat. On a mammogram, connective tissue appears as solid white, making it difficult to see through. And therein lies the challenge. “Breast cancer also is white on a mammogram,” said Michael Macon, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon and Medical Director of the BreastCare Program at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “The whiter the background, the more difficult it is to identify breast cancer in the white background of a dense breast.” What Causes Dense Breast Tissue? Generally, women who are younger and thinner have denser breast tissue, according to Dr. Macon. As a woman ages, she may gain weight, decreasing the density. Genetics also plays a role. If your mother had dense breasts, you are more likely to as well. Additionally, breast density is more common among women taking hormone therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Women with dense breasts have a higher risk – up to six times, by some estimates – of developing breast cancer. The reason is unknown. Learn Your Breast Density How can you learn your breast density? The YRMC radiologist administering your mammogram will determine the ratio of your dense to non-dense tissue. Four categories are used in the Breast Imaging Reporting and Database Systems: Fatty Replaced Breast (Category A, 0-25% dense tissue): This mammogram likely would show any abnormalities. Scattered Fibroglandular Density (Category B, 25-50% dense tissue): This breast density has quite a bit of fat, but also a few areas of fibrous and glandular tissue. This is the most common category. Heterogeneously Dense (Category C, 50-75% dense breast tissue): When areas of fibrous and glandular tissue are greater than fatty breast tissue, it can be difficult to see small masses on mammograms. Extremely Dense (Category D, 75-100% dense tissue): This increases the difficulty of detecting cancerous tissue because it can blend in with other white background tissue. What Should I Do About Breast Density? Should I Worry About Dense Breast Tissue? “If the radiologist determines you have heterogeneous density or extreme density, it is important to have a 3-D mammogram,” said Dr. Macon. “A 3-D mammogram uses new technology to create a three-dimensional picture.” To assess your risk for breast cancer, Dr. Macon recommends the Tyrer-Cuzick Model – also known as the Ibis Risk Model – which is available here. This risk assessment tool generates a 10-year risk and lifetime risk of breast cancer based on your answers to a series of questions, including one about breast density. Women with Category C or Category D breast density have an increased risk for breast cancer. “For women with a lifetime risk of breast cancer greater than 20 percent,” explained Dr. Macon, “more aggressive breast surveillance consisting of alternating 3-D mammograms and breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the standard.” For screening mammography, including 3-D mammography, contact: The BreastCare Center at YRMC at (928) 442-8900 Prescott Medical Imaging at (928) 771-7577
Your Heart Rhythm and Why it Matters, Presented by Nisha Tung-Takher, MD
Yavapai Regional Medical Center brings you YRMC PhysicianCare Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Nisha Tung-Takher, MD, for a fascinating presentation about the heart’s electrical circuitry. She’ll provide an overview of the heart’s electrical system and how it affects your health. She’ll also discuss various conditions associated with abnormal heart rhythm, their symptoms and treatment options. Dr. Tung-Takher will answer questions such as: What is the circuitry of a normal heart? How and why does circuitry become abnormal and what are the symptoms? What is electrophysiology? What are the benefits of medication vs. ablation? What does a pacemaker do? How does a defibrillator work? What is resynchronization for congestive hear failure? Join Dr. Tung-Takher on Friday, January 10th from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at The Club at Prescott Lakes, 311 E. Smoke Tree Lane, Prescott. Click here for directions. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by Friday, January 3rd by using the “EVENTS” tab at yrmchealthconnect.org. If you don’t have computer access, you can call (928) 708-4636 to register. Coffee, water and breakfast bars will be served. Nisha Tung-Takher, MD, pursued a Cardiology fellowship at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Phoenix and an Electrophysiology fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Harbor Medical Center. She had medical residencies at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She currently practices at YRMC PhysicianCare Cardiology at 802 Ainsworth Drive, Suite A, in Prescott.
YRMC’s New Cardiac Cath Lab: A First for the Western United States
A third Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory – featuring technology available in only a few hospitals nationwide – has opened at the James Family Heart Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West in Prescott. “Our comprehensive Heart Program offers – in addition to a robust surgical program – a wide range of highly advanced catheter-based therapies in the cardiovascular arena,” said Soundos Moualla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Medical Director, Structural Heart Program, James Family Heart Center at YRMC. “The innovative technology and clinical expertise allow us to deliver highly advanced structural, coronary, peripheral and electrophysiological procedures to our community. The new Cardiac Cath Lab enhances our standing in these areas of excellence.” In fact, the new Cardiac Cath Lab incorporates technology so advanced that it is the first of its kind in the western United States. It joins two other advanced YRMC Cardiac Cath Labs, and the Hybrid Operating Suite all of which are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment. In the Heart Center’s Cardiac Cath Labs, interventional cardiologists – specialists who perform non-surgical heart procedures – tap technology to visualize the heart’s arteries, vessels and chambers. After diagnosing a heart disorder, YRMC’s interventional cardiologists repair patients’ hearts using the advanced imaging technology. “The heart services provided at YRMC are typically only available in much larger markets across the country,” said George Rizk, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, James Family Heart Center at YRMC. “We are very fortunate to have this technology and talent available in the Quad Cities area.” The following features are part of the world-first technology in YRMC’s new Cardiac Cath Lab: Azurion Angiography Operating System – The Heart Center’s Azurion operating system takes both x-ray and ultrasound images. As the patient lies on the table, a rotating arm gathers the images into a single, three-dimensional view of the heart. Approximately 100 of these Philips operating systems are currently available in the United States. The EchoNavigator – This technology gathers the Azurion’s three-dimensional images into a clear and detailed “road map” of the patient’s heart. It allows physicians to see real-time, three-dimensional images of the heart. At the same time, the technology gives interventional cardiologists a sharp view of the catheter or heart implant they are guiding during a procedure. “YRMC’s Heart Center has invested in both the technology and the talent,” said Lauren Weedon, RN, MSN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at YRMC. “This allows our physicians, nurses and radiologic technologists to learn new, innovative procedures. Our team is constantly learning and striving to do their very best for our patients.” Skilled teams of interventional cardiologists, nurses and radiologic technologists perform the following leading-edge procedures and more in YRMC’s Cardiac Cath Labs: Mitral Valve Repair with MitraClip Paravalvular Leak Closure (PVL) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) WATCHMAN™/Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure Check out other heart innovations and heart healthy tips on YRMC HealthConnect.
Five Healthy Habits to Change Your Life in 2020
There’s nothing like starting the New Year with healthy habits that are reachable and will make a big difference in your life. Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has selected five healthy habits to inspire you in 2020 and beyond. Healthy Habit #1: Get regular preventive screenings. Preventive screening tests can detect illness early, when it’s most treatable. The screenings you need will depend on your health history and age. Here are some recommendations to jump start a conversation with your healthcare provider: Ages 18-39 – Most of the recommended preventive screenings in this age group can be completed during an annual physical. Depending on your health history, your provider may screen for high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and diabetes. For women, routine pelvic exams and pap smears screen for cervical cancer and other conditions. Don’t have a healthcare provider? Contact YRMC’s Physician Listing Service at (928) 771-5106. Ages 40-65 – Additional screenings are important for women and men 40 years and older. Mammograms, which screen for breast cancer, are recommended annually for women starting at age 40. Most men age 50 or older should have a prostate blood test and an exam. Male or female, when you reach 50, your physician will recommend a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer. Age 65 and older – Bone density screenings – which measure bone strength to prevent fractures – typically begin at age 65. If you’re a postmenopausal woman, age 50 or older and have recently suffered a broken a bone, talk to your healthcare provider. Another screening schedule may be recommended for you. And men, ask your physician if you should be screened for osteoporosis, too. You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you used steroids for an extended time, are considered low body weight, smoke, use alcohol frequently, or had a fracture after age 50. Women, talk to your healthcare provider about the breast screening and bone density screening plan that fits your health history. The latest screening mammography and bone density screening technologies are available at: The BreastCare Center at YRMC at (928) 442-8900 Prescott Medical Imaging and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging at (928) 771-7577 YRMC Imaging Services at (928) 771-7577 Round out your preventive health habits in 2020 with regular dental and eye exams, as well as updated immunizations and annual flu shots. Healthy Habit #2: Eat right. Whether your goal is weight loss or weight management, moderation – not deprivation – is the key to success. Eat smaller portion sizes and fill up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein. Be mindful of what you eat and stay hydrated to maintain the energy you need throughout the day as well as to manage cravings. YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen offers nutritious, delicious and affordable plant-based meal options if you’re looking for some inspiration. Healthy Habit #3: Commit to regular exercise. Physical activity is crucial to long-term health. Work, family obligations and lack of energy can interfere with those needed workouts. If hours at the gym are not an option, or even an interest, get creative. Try walking during your lunch break, stretching while watching TV or riding your bike to run that errand. Hold yourself accountable by exercising with a friend or tracking your progress with a smartphone app. Has it been a while since you’ve exercised? Ease into a routine. You may also want to talk to your healthcare provider. Healthy Habit #4: Manage stress and pay attention to your mental health. As life gets busier, that to-do list and social calendar can start to feel overwhelming. Taking care of your mental health is another piece of the overall health puzzle. Calming practices like meditation and deep breathing are equally as important as taking some time for yourself and talking with a friend. Identify your stressors and look for ways to reduce them. Remember, a good laugh, a brisk walk or a hot bath can go a long way to easing a difficult day. Healthy Habit #5: Catch your ZZZs. Getting enough quality sleep not only keeps you sharp for the day but it is also critical for mental, emotional and physical health. When you sleep, your brain and body have a chance to repair and rebuild. A good sleep helps you learn better, get along with others and even builds muscle. So, turn off those screens, unwind to some calming music and get some rest. You deserve it. To keep you motivated during 2020, visit and subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect. We’ll inspire you with healthy living tips, local learning opportunities and answers to your healthcare questions.
12 Ways to a Healthy Holiday
Brighten the holidays with these 12 healthy holiday tips from Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These little nuggets of conventional wisdom may remind us of small things our mothers used to say, things we too often forget. But put into practice these tips really can improve both our health and happiness during the weeks surrounding the holidays. Be good to yourself. If you feel stressed out or overwhelmed by the holidays it is important to carve out a little time just for you. Because without enough sleep, human support and community interaction stress can indeed jeopardize your health. Remember the children. With all the activity going on it’s important to identify toys, food, drinks or other household items that may prove dangerous to kids. Also important are extra measures taken to protect them from accidents like drowning, burns and falls. Wash those hands. You can help combat germs by using lots of soap and rinsing hands under warm water for at least 20 seconds. This takes a serious bite out of those pesky, contagious bugs. Practice food safety. Remember to keep hands and surfaces clean, avoid cross-contamination, refrigerate foods promptly, and cook foods to proper temperature. Try to maintain a healthy weight. You can enjoy those holiday treats with less guilt by increasing your physical activity. It’s a matter of calories consumed vs. calories burned—and keeping consumed calories as nutritious as possible. So think more good calories, less bad calories like those found in fat, salt and sugar. Bundle up. When venturing out in the cold wear light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots. It will help you stay warm and dry, while also helping keep winter illnesses at bay. Buckle up for safety. Put on the seat belt, no matter how short the drive is, and ask the same of passengers. Also follow height, weight and age guidelines to properly secure children in car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same. Because to do otherwise puts everyone on the road in danger. Keep up with vaccines. Make sure everyone in the family is current on vaccinations, especially the annual flu vaccine, by paying a visit to your healthcare provider. Stay on top of exams and screenings. So along with vaccines, ask your healthcare provider about all the screenings and exams recommended for you and your family and whether they are up to date. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke as much as possible. Because cigarette smoke heightens health risks for everyone exposed. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so keep an eye on stoves, fireplaces, space heaters and candles. Also have an emergency plan in place and make sure everyone is prepared to use it. Please follow these tips and have a happy, healthy Holiday Season from YRMC!
Brains, Heart, Courage: YRMC Volunteers of the Year for 2019
The quest for brains, heart and courage was a central theme in the beloved novel and film The Wizard of Oz. Had the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion made Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) their first stop, their quest would have been fulfilled. Any day of the week, the YRMC volunteers display these traits and more, according to Nancy Thomes, Director of Volunteer Services at YRMC. The staff at YRMC recently honored its volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. With nearly 400 people attending, this year’s theme was The Wizard of Oz. The festivities took place at the Prescott Resort, with YRMC staff appearing as various characters from the classic story. Thomes says the luncheon conveys only a fraction of the gratitude that YRMC and the community at large has for the volunteers at YRMC. “In 2018, our volunteers contributed 112,132 hours of service, which is a record,” says Thomes. “Every one of those moments means that someone, in some way, is served because of our volunteers. How fortunate we are.” Three volunteers in particular were honored for the ways in which they embody the mission and vision of YRMC each day they come to work. YRMC West Campus Volunteer of the Year: Joe Clyne Joe Clyne started volunteering at YRMC 13 years ago and has given more than 2,300 hours in 11 different capacities. He currently volunteers as an Escort as well as offering administrative assistance in the Payroll Department and delivering mail. Clyne saw a need for regular clean up and maintenance in the Healing Garden and took it upon himself to fill that need as well. “Volunteering at YRMC is very satisfying and gives me a real sense of purpose,” says Clyne. “Being the Volunteer of the Year is a recognition that is beyond words. There are so many deserving volunteers working at this facility.” Clyne’s knowledge and experience, positivity and willingness to jump in wherever he’s needed makes him the YRMC West Campus Volunteer of the Year for 2019. YRMC East Campus Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Bell Andrea Bell joined the YRMC Volunteer community in July of 2011, when the BreastCare Center at YRMC East opened its doors. Since then, she has donated more than 1600 hours of her time to the program. Bell served as the Department Chair for a period of time and has even helped train new volunteers when the Chair position was vacant. Members of the staff consider Bell’s compassionate support for both patients and staff one of the reasons why the BreastCare Center volunteer program is such a success. However, Bell’s unassuming nature deflects the high praise. “I used to say ‘I’m just a volunteer’ and boy would they put me in my place! I don’t say that anymore!” says Bell. On a more serious note, Bell expresses her gratitude for the opportunity. “I always feel so thankful that I’m able to give my time to volunteering at YRMC,” Bell says. “Volunteering is an uplifting and positive part of my life. It’s a gift to me!” Bell was recognized at the luncheon as the YRMC East Campus Volunteer of the Year for 2019. YRMC Sandy Zinn Martin Award: Rick Smith Sandy Zinn Martin was a long-time YRMC volunteer who was known as the ‘little lady with the big personality.’ Her dedication and giving nature was known throughout the hospital. The Sandy Zinn-Martin Award was created in her memory to honor her spirit of generosity. It is given each year to a volunteer who embodies the ‘above and beyond’ attitude that Sandy exemplified. Rick Smith is an East Campus Escort on Thursday afternoons and works as a substitute Courtesy Cart driver or Shredder when needed. He has volunteered at YRMC for more than two years and has clocked more than 550 volunteer hours. But Smith’s dedication to YRMC and its volunteers extends far beyond this job description. Smith is considered a friend to all. In his off-duty hours, has been known to visit fellow volunteers in the hospital, rehabilitation facilities and even in their homes. His optimism and sense of humor makes everyone smile, even when sick or convalescing. Smith takes the accolades in stride. “I am surprised and humbled. It is very nice to be acknowledged,” he says. “I consider these hard working and dedicated people to be my friends and I’m lucky to get to spend time with them.“ “I have been very lucky in my own life,” Smith reflects. “It so nice to do a little bit for folks who are maybe not having the best of luck. You definitely get back more than you put in.” Smith’s generosity of spirit has earned him the YRMC Sandy Zinn-Martin Award for 2019. In The Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man wisely said, “You people with hearts have something to guide you.” Thomes says that the Tin Man must have known something about volunteerism. “Without generous hearts, there would be no volunteering,” she says. “I work with what I consider the best of the best. These are individuals who want to give of their time, the most valuable resource that anyone can give.” Thomes continues, “I feel a little skewed about humanity because I work with the kind of people who say yes to whatever we ask of them. I think volunteering is the best thing a person can do.”
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. Watch Volunteer Spotlight: John Peters and Richard McBride on YouTube 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
10 Facts We Learned at YRMC’s Patient Blood Management Symposium
Science and history intersected during Patient Blood Management: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) 6th Annual Patient Blood Management (PBM) Symposium. Approximately 350 people – PBM advocates from across the southwest, physicians, nurses, college students and more – gathered for the 2018 PBM Symposium at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center in Prescott. Throughout the world, even more streamed the Symposium live on laptops, smart phones and other devices. “It was the best of both worlds,” said Dale Black, Patient Blood Management Program Coordinator at YRMC. “Our guests enjoyed a pre-Symposium reception that included an array of appetizers, lots of friendly conversation and information from our industry partners who support YRMC’s vision for Patient Blood Management.” Industry leaders who joined YRMC at the PBM Symposium include: Instrumentation Laboratory Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Haemonetics Baxter “During the Symposium,” said Black, “we welcomed guests from throughout the globe who live-streamed the event. All Symposium participants took away new information about the value of PBM and the leadership role YRMC plays in PBM.” If you missed the Symposium, we’ve collected some highlights to get you up to speed on PBM’s science, history and future. #1 Patient Blood Management wasn’t built in a day. The 6th Annual PBM Symposium coincided with YRMC’s 75th anniversary, a perfect opportunity to highlight the history of PBM, courtesy of Pierre Tibi, MD, FACS, Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Medical Director of the James Family Heart Center at YRMC West. Dr. Tibi said the idea of transfusing blood goes back to 1556, but the first actual human-to-human “blood transfer” happened in 1818. Fast forward to the early 1900s for another milestone: the identification of human blood types—A, B, AB and O. Soon after, a test that allowed physicians to ensure blood compatibility before transfusing patients was introduced. Another big breakthrough coincided with World War II as researchers discovered how to break down blood into components and products. Plasma – a blood product – saved the lives of many wounded soldiers during the war. #2 Blood is one tough tissue. Daniel Beck, MD, Anesthesiologist at Prescott Anesthesia, emphasized that blood – a connective tissue – actually functions like a complex, multifaceted organ. Comprised of water, electrolytes, small molecules, proteins and cells, blood performs many significant roles in the body. For example, Dr. Beck highlighted the important job performed by one of our two types of white blood cells. “These white blood cells repair all types of tissue damage,” said Dr. Beck. “The repairs range from paper cuts to broken bones and all of the way to heart attacks.” #3 When it comes to the safety of our blood supply the expression, “we don’t know, what we don’t know,” applies. Medical experts in the United States agree that our blood supply is the safest it has ever been when it comes to disease transmission. “The concern is always about unknown infectious diseases,” said Elizabeth Black, Data Manager and Administrative Assistant, YRMC’s PBM Program. “Current blood testing measures are only going to test for infectious diseases we know about. You can’t test for something if you don’t know it exists.” #4 Storing your own blood for surgery comes with some potential complications. Storing your blood for use during and after surgery sounds like an ideal way to prevent the transfusion of a virus. However, autologous blood donation – as it’s called – may lead to anemia, which can slow recovery. “Even your own blood is stored blood,” said Elizabeth Black. “It is not the same quality as the fresh blood moving through our bodies or the blood that’s taken immediately before surgery.” #5 Physicians and PBM experts know: If you don’t use it, you won’t lose it. YRMC’s thriving Structural Heart Program demonstrates how medicine is integrating PBM into its less invasive procedures. Soundos Moualla, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist at the James Family Heart Center at YRMC West, uses less-invasive procedures and advanced technologies to help people previously considered too high-risk for surgery. These procedures require small skin punctures, rather than major incisions. “These new technologies allow us to safely perform minimally invasive procedures,” said Dr. Moualla. “The procedures do not require blood use and typically there is no blood loss.” #6 New procedures at YRMC’s Heart Center support PBM principles. In the 1980s, cardiology took its first steps in this direction with the introduction of cardiac stenting, which allowed some patients to forego open heart surgery. Today, many heart procedures are minimally invasive, including these which are available at the James Family Heart Center at YRMC West. Left Atrial Appendage Closure (WATCHMAN) Mitral Valve Repair with MitraClip Paravalvular Leak Closure (PVL) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) #7 Your YRMC providers are your PBM partners. PBM is at its best when there is strong communication between nurses, patients, family members and other patient advocates. This is standard operating procedure at YRMC. “We’ll literally report at your bedside to involve you and your family,” said YRMC’s Selina Bliss, MS, PhD, RN. “This allows us to clearly communicate a care plan for your anemia.” YRMC’s multi-disciplinary team – advanced clinical practitioners, dietitians, medical laboratory professionals, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians and more – also share their best practices for preventing patient anemia during “Lunch and Learn” programs. Recently, YRMC’s Emergency Department team outlined how early admission of a medication to treat excessive blood loss has helped patients experiencing traumatic bleeding. The ICU staff shared a successful strategy to monitor hemoglobin counts – a low count may indicate anemia – as a way of reducing the frequency of patient blood draws, which can lead to anemia. #8 Researchers are applying leading-edge science to the study of blood. Creating a blood substitute…developing a universal blood type…transforming human stem cells into units of blood…all of these and more are under research today. “Scientists are looking for the optimal artificial human blood that can carry oxygen to our tissues without any of the biological baggage associated with a unit of blood,” explained Jared Head, AGACNP-BC, Hospitalist, NAZ Hospitalist. #9 PBM’s future is now. During the PBM Symposium, Dale Black, PBM Program Coordinator, spoke with Tucson resident Anthony Caballero about the extensive heart procedures he underwent at YRMC’s Heart Center, all using PBM principles. Even as researchers race toward an array of alternatives to blood transfusions, most medical experts point to PBM as the most effective way to safely care for patients. “What we are doing now may well be the future,” stated Head. “Keeping blood inside of the body and minimizing the number of blood draws to harness anemia—these and other PBM strategies may be the future of transfusion medicine.” #10 PBM is making a difference at YRMC today. YRMC has experienced an impressive reduction in the use of blood products, thanks to its hospital-wide PBM Program. “YRMC launched its PBM Program in 2012,” said Diane Drexler, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer at YRMC. “Since then, our use of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma has declined by 32 percent and 61 percent, respectively.” Why is this decline good news for YRMC’s patients? It means YRMC’s surgeons and other physicians are minimizing patients’ blood loss and reducing unnecessary transfusions. And, as studies have shown, both of these PBM strategies can improve patient outcomes and speed recovery. For more information about YRMC’s Patient Blood Management Program, visit us here.
Curious About Patient Blood Management? Watch YRMC’s Live Broadcast on October 25
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is recognized worldwide as a pioneer in Patient Blood Management (PBM). The public has the opportunity to learn from these PBM pioneers by watching Patient Blood Management: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, YRMC’s sixth PBM Symposium. The Symposium will be broadcast live via the Internet for the public to watch from the comfort of their homes. Log-in to learn about the science and history behind PBM on: Date: Thursday, October 25, 2018 Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Mountain Standard Time Log-In Options: YRMCHealthConnect.org/pbm or Facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter What is PBM? What does PBM mean to you as a patient? It minimizes blood loss, reduces unnecessary transfusions and improves patient outcomes when medical teams embrace evidence-based medical and surgical concepts guided by the principles of PBM. Watch YRMC Patient Blood Management Services on YouTube. YRMC’s PBM Symposium will include an expert panel and short videos that highlight significant PBM experiences among Symposium participants. PBM Symposium Experts: Informative & Interesting Additionally, these Prescott, Arizona PBM experts will give thought-provoking, informative talks on: The Wonder of Blood Daniel Beck, MD, Anesthesiologist, Prescott Anesthesia The History of Transfusion Medicine Pierre Tibi, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Patient Blood Management and the James Family Heart Center at YRMC West Transfusion Medicine, Where We are Today Elizabeth Black, Data Manager/Assistant Coordinator, Patient Blood Management Program, YRMC Transfusion Medicine, What the Future Holds Jared Head, AGACNP-BC, Hospitalist, NAZ Hospitalists Heart Surgery Without “Surgery” Soundos Moualla, MD, Cardiologist, YRMC PhysicianCare Nurses: Creating an Environment in Which Patients Thrive Selina Bliss, MS, PhD, RN, YRMC Out-of-Town, But Not Out-of-Time Dale Black, Patient Blood Management Program Coordinator, YRMC For more information about Patient Blood Management: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, visit YRMCHealthConnect.org/pbm.
Women and Lung Cancer: Should You Get Screened?
It’s probably no coincidence that National Women’s Lung Health Week (May 12-18, 2019) kicks off on Mother’s Day. According to the American Lung Association, over the past 41 years the rate of women being diagnosed with the disease has increased by 87 percent. Women or men who smoke are at most risk for developing lung cancer, but people who have never smoked also can be diagnosed with lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes smoked. If you quit smoking – even after many years of smoking – you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer. During National Women’s Lung Health Week, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is highlighting low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Heavy, long-term smokers, current smokers, or people with a family history of lung cancer have lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) available at: Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI) Prescott Valley Medical Imaging (PVMI) YRMC East in Prescott Valley Why Lung Cancer Screening is Important Lung cancer often has no symptoms. Because of this, it can spread outside of the lungs before it is detected. By then, the cancer may be advanced which can affect treatment outcomes for the patient. “It’s very important to get screened even if you don’t have symptoms,” said Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services for YRMC. “The benefit of early detection is finding a cancer before it has a chance to spread. The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it is treatable.” Should You be Screened for Lung Cancer? LDCT is part of YRMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program. To be eligible for the Medicare-sponsored screening you must be: Between the ages of 55-77 Free of cancer symptoms Either currently smoking or a past smoker who quit 15 years ago or less A heavy smoker averaging one pack per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years People are encouraged to talk with their primary care providers to determine if they are eligible for the screening program. “The patient and healthcare provider will have a discussion about the patient’s smoking history and find out if they have any symptoms,” Sterling said. “They’ll also talk about smoking cessation if the patient is still smoking.” A Team Approach YRMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program uses a team approach that draws on the skills of primary care providers, pulmonologists, procedural pulmonologists, radiologists and a cardiothoracic surgeon. The program also includes a patient navigator whose job is to serve as a patient contact. This professional answers questions about program eligibility and directs patients to the appropriate provider if specific care is required. The patient navigator also can help people determine if their current insurance plan covers the screening or assist people who would like to undergo the exam using the self-pay option YRMC offers. A Prevention Plan “The program is not a one-time screening test,” said Sterling. “Annual follow-up screening is recommended for patients whose initial screenings do not show signs of lung cancer.” If a patient’s LDCT findings show signs of lung cancer, a follow-up scan will be scheduled. A biopsy may also be recommended, in which case the patient would be referred to a procedural pulmonologist or a radiologist, depending on the location of the lung nodule. Should the patient need surgery, the Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program team also includes a cardiothoracic surgeon. Jennifer Harvey, RN, BSN, YRMC’s Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program Patient Navigator encourages people to support lung health year-round and during National Women’s Lung Health Week. Learn More About LDCT For more information about LDCT, please contact your primary care provider or the Lung Cancer Screening and Care Program Patient Navigator at (928) 771-5454. Need help giving up smoking? Contact the ASHLine, Arizona Smokers’ Helpline (1-800-556-6222), for free assistance. Help spread the word about lung cancer screening by sharing this YRMC HealthConnect article with your social media friends.
Prescott Medical Imaging: New Technology to Detect Bone Loss Disease
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) – gold standard technology for measuring bone mass and diagnosing osteoporosis – is now available at Prescott Medical Imaging (PMI) in Prescott. With the introduction of DXA to PMI, the service is now accessible to people throughout the community. DXA is also available at the BreastCare Center at YRMC East. How does DXA work? During a DXA exam, the patient lies flat on a comfortable, padded table. An x-ray generator is located below the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is positioned above. The detector passes over the patient, generating images on a computer monitor. “DXA is quick, painless and uses very little radiation,” said Michael J. Locke, BBA, BBM, CRA, Outpatient Imaging Operations Manager at PMI and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging (PVMI). “The exam lasts approximately 10 minutes. After the exam, one of our experienced PMI radiologists interprets the DXA and shares the results with the patient’s physician.” Osteoporosis – which causes bones to weaken and easily break – is a “silent disease.” Some people don’t realize they have experienced dangerous bone loss until they suffer a fracture. “DXA is an extremely important preventive and diagnostic tool,” said Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “The information DXA provides helps patients and their physicians develop a plan that can prevent fractures due to osteoporosis.” Who should undergo DXA? Talk to your physician about your risk for osteoporosis and the possibility of undergoing DXA. In general, risk factors for osteoporosis include: Being over age 50 and female (men typically begin to experience bone loss after age 70) Menopause, particularly early-onset menopause A family history of osteoporosis Being small and thin Broken bones or height loss For more information about DXA and other imaging services, contact: Prescott Medical Imaging 810 Whipple Street Prescott, Arizona (928) 771-7577 The BreastCare Center at YRMC East 7700 East Florentine Road Prescott Valley, Arizona (928) 442-8900
Eat Well in 2020 with YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen!
Are you ready to shake up your diet, savor simple, flavorful meals, meet some neighbors, and learn a whole lot about healthy eating along the way? You can start right here at YRMC HealthConnect, where we’ve been stocking the library at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen with dozens of stories packed with easy, delicious recipes, cooking tutorials, reliable nutrition information, interviews with local chefs, farmers, kids, teachers, doctors, gardeners, and more! As the host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, I rely on my experience as a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Personal Chef, as well as my lifelong love of good food to create flavorful meals, snacks, beverages and even desserts that nourish and satisfy. With a focus on incorporating fresh, affordable ingredients, I take you step by step through each recipe, sharing helpful cooking and nutrition tips along the way, including this easy way to dice an onion! In the Your Healthy Kitchen catalog, you’ll find recipes suitable for anyone looking for healthy meal ideas, plus extra tips for eating well with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Want to learn how to prepare and enjoy more vegetables, whole grains, fresh herbs and greens? We’ve got you covered with videos featuring vibrant flavors, fresh, colorful produce, and nourishing grains, including barley, oats, quinoa, and more. Printable recipes with nutrition information and an estimated cost per serving, like this one for our popular Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable and Barley Salad, are posted at YRMC HealthConnect with every video. Check out the video that shows how to make this flavorful, nutrient-packed crowd pleaser and learn about the benefits of barley as well! Guests from YRMC and the community join us frequently on the set and in the field, bringing delicious local flavors and bright, talented people into the kitchen. Want to learn more about the Breast Care Center at YRMC, Preventive Medicine and Wellness at the Pendleton Centers, or the James Family Heart Center? Check out our videos featuring the fabulous folks who work with and lead these programs! We also have great footage featuring local farmers, gardeners, and chefs, including this fun episode with Sharla Mortimer and me preparing a delicious meal at Mortimer Farms. To view more of our videos, interviews, articles and recipes, simply go to YRMC HealthConnect, scroll down the page and click on the Your Healthy Kitchen blog. You can also access additional videos, including short interviews with farmer friends, all of our episodes on AZTV’s local morning variety show, and even footage of the amazing human-powered smoothie machine on the Yavapai Regional Medical Center You Tube Channel. You can also follow me on Facebook, at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, where I share what I am making in my kitchen at home, plus links to other helpful recipe sites and videos, gardening tips, food and nutrition related events in the community and more. Whether you are just learning to cook and changing your diet or are already comfortable in the kitchen, there’s something here for everyone. Hope to see you soon! Taco Time at Mortimer Farms
YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen: Making a Delicious Meal in a Bowl While Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Screening
Did you know that early detection of lung cancer saves lives and that lung cancer screening services are available at YRMC? To raise awareness of the vital role regular imaging plays in lung cancer survival, we invited Jennifer Harvey, Nurse Navigator, Lung Cancer Screening and Care at YRMC, onto the set at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen! Jennifer supports and guides individuals at risk for lung cancer through the screening process and offers support to those who are trying to quit smoking. In the kitchen together, we talked about who might benefit from regular lung cancer screening, as well as strategies to help with the food and weight challenges people often face when they quit smoking. Of course, we also made a delicious, nourishing meal, filled with flavorful ingredients that just happen to help our bodies heal and detoxify from nicotine! Lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, more people die annually of lung cancer than cancer of the colon, breast and prostate combined. While both smokers and non-smokers can develop lung cancer, the risks are much greater for past and present smokers. Lung cancer screening is designed to catch cancer at its earliest stages, when survival is most likely, in those who are most at risk. Join us as Jennifer explains the criteria that define high-risk individuals, talks about her role as a Nurse Navigator, and shares what inspires her at work, everyday. Recipe: Whole Grain Spanish Rice Statistics show that many people (but not all) do gain weight after smoking cessation. However, the health risks of smoking far outweigh the downsides of weight gain — so don’t let the scale stop you from quitting! Also, developing a healthy relationship with food, the stressors in your life, and your body can be some of the greatest gifts of smoking cessation. Simple tips that can reduce the amount of weight you might gain after saying goodbye to cigarettes include: When you eat, just eat. Taking time out for meals and snacks and eating them without distraction (i.e. no TV, work, computers, phones, etc.) will increase your sense of satisfaction and ‘fullness’ after eating, improve calorie burning, and reduce your cravings for sweets and snacks throughout the day and night. Instead of snacking on sweets or processed foods like chips or pretzels, consider creating snacks that resemble little meals. A small meal that includes fruit or vegetables, some protein (chicken, fish, meat, eggs, beans or nuts), carbohydrate (whole grain products, fruit, or beans) and healthy fat (avocado, nuts, seeds, or olive oil) will satisfy your taste buds as well as your belly and your brain. Check out this episode of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen for great snack ideas! Experiment and discover how physical activity helps you move through and reduce stress, fatigue, boredom and food cravings! It’s important to find a way to move your body that is enjoyable, not stressful. Do you like walking in nature or around your neighborhood? How about dancing, alone or with others? Working in the yard or garden, going to a gym, taking gentle or vigorous exercise classes, doing yoga or Tai Chi, or even standing, stretching, and walking in place at regular intervals during the day qualifies as healthy movement that can reduce stress-related eating. Eat a larger meal in the middle of the day and a smaller meal at night. Most people burn more calories between noon and 2 pm, so it makes sense to eat more food at lunch! For other great tips on successfully navigating the challenges of smoking cessation, check out all of the resources available from the American Cancer Society and consider joining thousands of other Americans who have decided to quit on November 21st for The Great American Smokeout! Remember to also check out all of our informative videos and easy, delicious recipes at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen! Our site now includes an easy link to Your Healthy Kitchen’s YouTube Channel, where you can easily view and access our entire library! You can access these at https://www.yrmchealthconnect.org/your-healthy-kitchen/.