The Truth About Babies and Juice
Is fruit juice a staple in your little one’s diet? If your child is 12 months or younger, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests a diet that’s free of fruit juice. The new recommendation – the first change on this subject since 2001 – is linked to rising childhood obesity rates and concerns about dental health. “Fruit juice contains lots of sugar,” said Jennifer Tidroski, DO, Pediatrician at Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott. “It’s better to introduce children to delicious whole fruit, which has fiber and is an important part of a healthy diet.” When can children have fruit juice? Here’s a guide to fruit juice consumption for children after their first birthday and as they grow: One to three years old – Limit fruit juice to four ounces a day. Four to six years old – Four to six ounces of fruit juice a day is the recommended limit for children in this age group. Seven years and older – Fruit juice intake shouldn’t exceed eight ounces a day. For youngsters, fruit juice should not be served in a way that allows the child to sip the juice throughout the day. Fruit juice contains carbohydrates and long-term exposure can lead to tooth decay. Another good reason to limit young children’s fruit juice consumption? “They may be less likely to crave soda and other sugary drinks when they reach their teen years,” Dr. Tidroski said. If your child does not have a doctor, contact Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott at (928) 778-4581. New patients are currently being accepted. For more about Ponderosa Pediatrics, visit our website and follow us on Facebook. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Truth About Babies and Juice and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-truth-about-babies-and-juice/.CaptchaSubmit
YRMC’s 2017 Florence Nightingale Winner
This year’s recipient of Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s Florence Nightingale Award is an amazing nurse. Lisa Steinbrink (pictured left in the photo) practices her nursing profession with the care and compassion that her patients deserve. Lisa has grown into her nursing career here with us at YRMC. She started at YRMC in March of 2006 as a Nursing Assistant. She approached her position with kindness and care. She was eager to learn and better the care of our patients. Lisa made it a priority to be sure that her patients had good hygiene, assistance with nutrition and caring support. She cross-trained as a Unit Secretary soon after to help ensure that the orders of the physicians were accurately processed for staff to follow. An Excellent Mentor Lisa became a Registered Nurse with us in the fall of 2010. She brought the same compassion, caring and work ethic she displayed in her nursing assistant position to her newfound nursing career. Since then she has grown and blossomed into an amazing leader on the Medical-Surgical-Telemetry Unit at YRMC West. She is a Charge Nurse and a Mentor to her Medical-Surgical-Telemetry family. She has excelled in the growth and development of her fellow nurses on the unit by leading the Clinical Ladder group. She educates new staff members during Hospital New Employee Orientation to help ensure they have a successful start in their new career with YRMC. And the Award Goes to… Lisa deserves to be a Florence Nightingale Award recipient not only because of her strong drive for improving nursing education and patient care, but also for upholding the YRMC Mission, Vision and Values. She represents her unit’s empathy statement by treating all her patients as if they were part of her family. We believe that if Florence was still with us today, Lisa would be having coffee with her discussing what other great things we could do as nurses to better our patient outcomes. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called YRMC’s 2017 Florence Nightingale Winner and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/yrmcs-2017-florence-nightingale-winner/.CaptchaSubmit
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 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Volunteer Spotlight: Don Packard, PAWS Pet Therapy Program and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/volunteer-spotlight-don-packard-paws-pet-therapy-program/.CaptchaSubmit
Enjoying the Best Grains for Diabetes
If you have diabetes, should you stop eating bread, rice and pasta? While everyone with diabetes (and pre-diabetes) benefits from eliminating processed grains from their diet (foods like white rice, cold cereals, white bread and snack foods), some individuals benefit from avoiding whole grain products as well. Others can lose weight and normalize blood sugar levels while still enjoying grains. However, if you eat grains, it’s important to be picky about the type and portion size of the grains you choose. Individuals who have difficulty losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels sometimes benefit from eliminating all grains, including whole grains, from their diets for a while. Whole and processed grains contain an easily digested type of starch that can trigger spikes in blood sugar levels after meals, leading to weight gain and many of the complications of diabetes. Some people find that they can add whole grains back into their diets after they reach their weight and blood sugar goals. Others with diabetes can maintain good health while still enjoying grains, but find that it is important to eat only whole grains, and in moderate quantities. Serving grains as a side dish, or about ¼ of a meal, is a helpful strategy that lends itself to healthy weight management and blood sugar control. So what are whole grains and why are they nutritionally superior to processed grains? All true grains, including rice, wheat, barley and corn, are seeds that come from different types of grasses. A whole grain consists of three basic components: an outer layer called the bran, a starchy center called the endosperm, and a tiny, oil-packed germ, which is the part of the seed which sprouts and grows into a new plant. There is also an area just under the Bran, where many important nutrients are stored. These nutrients include magnesium, B vitamins, and some important phytochemicals, like beta-carotene, which protect plants and humans from disease. When you enjoy whole grains, you benefit from every part of the grain, including all of the fiber and the nutrients that the grain stores. When you eat processed grains, like white rice or products made with white flour, you only consume the starchy center of the grain: missing out on the fiber, healthy oils, magnesium and other nutrients which actually help you maintain good blood sugar control. For most people with diabetes, it’s almost always best to eat whole, intact grains rather than products made with whole grain flours. Whole grain flour products (like whole wheat bread, or whole grain pastas, cereals, and crackers) do contain some fiber and important nutrients, but people often find that their blood sugar levels spike (or go too high), even after eating foods made with whole grain flour. Because the grains in modern-day flours are ground into very fine particles, it doesn’t take much time to digest and convert the starches in the flour to sugar – resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels after meals. Flour-based foods are also more likely to increase insulin levels in our blood, which contributes to weight gain (in the belly) and some of the other complications of diabetes. However, whole, intact grains take a little longer to chew and digest and this results in a slower conversion of starch to sugar and lower blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. Most Americans eat four basic grains – rice, oats, wheat and corn – but there are many healthier varieties available in most markets today. For example, barley is an economical whole grain that is an excellent substitute for rice. This humble grain contains more fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc and B vitamins than white and brown rice. Barley also has a low glycemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels as much as brown rice after meals. Barley can be used in place of rice in many dishes, including risottos, pilafs, salads and soups. Check out this YRMC Your Healthy Kitchen video and try Barley with Grilled Vegetables for a healthy and delicious side dish. Quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat are not true grains (quinoa and amaranth are related to spinach, while buckwheat is related to rhubarb) but they are the best grain-like foods to eat if you have diabetes. They each contain more protein, fiber and other important nutrients than most grains and don’t seem to raise blood sugar levels as much as true grains. While these pseudo-grains seem new and strange to most of us, people around the world have been eating them for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Quinoa makes a delicious pilaf or hot cereal, and can also be used in grain-based salads and soups. Cream of Buckwheat cereal is an excellent, healthier option to Cream of Wheat or Malto-Meal, and toasted buckwheat pilaf (kasha) is a centuries-old Eastern European dish. Try popped amaranth as a delicious topping on yogurt or hot cereal! If you have diabetes and/or are struggling to lose weight, experiment with different diet patterns to see what works best for you. Avoiding or reducing grains at meals can lead to rapid improvements in health for some individuals. However, it is important to follow a healthy diet that is sustainable in the long run. If you eat grains, be sure to choose only whole grain products and keep your portion to about ¼ of your plate. Remember to check out all of our cooking videos at YRMChealthconnect.org and follow us on Facebook at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen! 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. 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The Power of PET-CT
Imaging technology that both measures how quickly a tumor is growing and pinpoints its exact location is now available in Yavapai County at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) East in Prescott Valley. “This is the most advanced imaging technology of its kind available,” said Mary Sterling, YRMC’s Director of Imaging Services. Top Technology The “Time-of-Flight” (TOF) technology, as it’s called, combines Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) in a single imaging unit. The job of the PET scan is to detect molecular activity within the body for diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The CT scan precisely locates the cancer. A remodeled area adjacent to Imaging Services on the first floor of YRMC East in Prescott Valley will house the new PET/CT unit. It will include a room with comfortable chairs and blankets, where patients can relax before exams. “PET is a nuclear medicine procedure,” said Sterling. “This means patients receive a small amount of radiation called a radioisotope before exams. They need a comfortable place to relax for an hour before the procedure. This helps us to get the best scan possible.” PET-CT Helps Cancer Patients During its first year at YRMC East, the PET-CT technology will be used to: Diagnose and stage all types of cancers. Monitor treatment progress in patients who have undergone radiation therapy or chemotherapy. To learn more about YRMC’s comprehensive imaging program, visit Imaging Services, The BreastCare Center at YRMC, Prescott Medical Imaging and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Power of PET-CT and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-power-of-pet-ct/.CaptchaSubmit
The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group at YRMC
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, he or she may need to make lifestyle adjustments. However, with the right education and support, it can be very manageable, according to Andrea Klein, Certified Diabetes Educator and Director of Preventive Medicine and Wellness at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). In fact, Klein says that complication rates have actually decreased in recent years because of new treatment options, such as apps, meters that talk to phones and more types of medications than ever before. Treatment can be customized to just about anyone’s needs and situation. Here in the Quad-City area, the Living Well with Diabetes Support Group is a valuable resource for people living with diabetes who want to keep up with the latest information on how to stay healthy. Co-sponsored by YRMC and the American Diabetes Association, the group offers education and encouragement to local residents with diabetes and their spouses and caregivers. “There are two vital pieces of advice I give my patients,” Klein says. “First, the most important thing you can do is to educate yourself. And the number one thing to understand is how food choices and activity affect blood sugar levels.” Klein’s second piece of advice is, ”Even if you do everything that every book says, diabetes does progress. Let go of the guilt. It’s not your fault. You might eventually need to go on insulin for instance, but it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.” The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group meets once a month. The spectrum of topics includes eating well, fitness, stress management, dental health, vision, glucose monitoring and foot care. Guest speakers often attend and give expert advice. Klein says that the group is valuable to a patient’s success because, “They realize they’re not alone. They realize that they can learn from each other, as well as from the team that’s running the group.” Bev Hinton has been coming to the group for ten years. “It’s been a great support system in many ways, not just the diabetes,” she says, “I love it. It’s a wonderful resource.” The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group meets every third Tuesday, most months, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the YRMC Wellness Center Community Education Room, 930 Division Street, Prescott. For more information, call (928) 771-5794. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group at YRMC and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-living-well-with-diabetes-support-group-at-yrmc/.CaptchaSubmit
Summer and Strep Throat are Here
“My throat hurts,” are three words parents may be hearing from their little ones in the coming weeks. Pediatricians at Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott – as well as healthcare providers in the Phoenix area – are seeing an increase in children with strep throat. “Most parents think their children are less likely to pick up strep throat while school isn’t in session,” said Jennifer Tidroski, DO, Pediatrician, Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott. “But with summer activities – and our influx of summer visitors – youngsters are likely to be around many children, which could expose them to the strep bacteria.” Parents: Watch for these Symptoms What are the symptoms of strep throat? Parents should look for: Sore throat that starts quickly Pain when swallowing Fever Tonsils that are red and swollen Red spots on the roof of the mouth Swollen lymph nodes on the neck Babies with strep throat may have a thick nasal discharge, low-grade fever (under 101° Fahrenheit) and lack of appetite. Take the Strep Test “It’s important for parents to know they cannot determine on their own whether their child has strep throat,” said Dr. Tidroski. “But, it can be quickly diagnosed by a physician using a Rapid Strep Test.” If the RST results are positive, the provider will typically prescribe an antibiotic to treat strep throat. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to more serious conditions such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with strep throat should remain home from camp, daycare or school until they are fever-free and have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This will help prevent spreading the highly contagious strep infection. How to Prevent Strep While there is no vaccine to prevent strep, there are some precautions you can teach your children. These include: Frequent hand-washing Not sharing cups or eating utensils Covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing “Strep throat is a very treatable condition,” Dr. Tidroski said. “If your child has strep-like symptoms, the Ponderosa Pediatrics team advises you to have your children tested. If the test is positive, a treatment plan that includes rest, antibiotics and fluids will have your little one feeling better soon.” If your child does not have a doctor, contact Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott at (928) 778-4581. For more about Ponderosa Pediatrics, visit our website and follow us on Facebook. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Summer and Strep Throat are Here and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/summer-and-strep-throat-are-here/.CaptchaSubmit
Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink?
Prescott Frontier Days®, Inc. – host of the World’s Oldest Rodeo® – and Wrangler’s® Tough Enough to Wear Pink initiative recently presented The BreastCare Center at YRMC with a $2,500 donation. “We’re thankful for this generous gift,” said John Amos, President and Chief Executive Officer, YRMC. “Thanks in part to the widespread community support we are making progress in the battle against breast cancer. The most recent studies by the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute indicate a significant decrease in the breast cancer mortality rate in Yavapai County.” Joining the Prescott Frontier Days Wrangler’s® Tough Enough to Wear Pink check presentation at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds were, back row left to right: David Barrett, Vice Chair, YRMC Foundation Board of Directors Mary Ann Suttles, Secretary, Prescott Frontier Days, Board of Directors Front row, left to right: J.C. Trujillo, General Manager, Prescott Frontier Days Mella Dee Wagner, Prescott Frontier Days Foundation, Community Service Kathleen Hanna, Chair, Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo Helps Women in Our Community Tough Enough to Wear Pink was founded in 2004 to support rodeos – like Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo – as they raise funds for community organizations dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating breast cancer, such as The BreastCare Center at YRMC. As part of their fundraising efforts in 2016 Prescott Frontier Days sponsored a booth where rodeo attendees purchased Tough Enough to Wear Pink t-shirts, bracelets, bags, hats and other items. Additionally, on June 3, 2017 Prescott Frontier Days sponsored a dinner and a silent auction at the Freeman Building on the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Proceeds from the event – combined with sales from the Tough Enough to Wear Pink booth – will be used to help refurbish patient waiting and treatment areas at The BreastCare Center at YRMC. YRMC BreastCare Center Provides “Outstanding” Care “Our community is fortunate to have The BreastCare Center at YRMC,” said Mary Ann Suttles, Prescott Frontier Days Board of Directors. “Prescott Frontier Days and Wrangler are pleased to support the outstanding care delivered at the Center.” 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Are You Tough Enough to Wear Pink? and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/are-you-tough-enough-to-wear-pink/.CaptchaSubmit
New Breast Surgeon Joins YRMC PhysicianCare
Breast surgeon Michael G. Macon, MD, has joined Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare at 7700 E. Florentine Road in Prescott Valley. Dr. Macon graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Following graduation, Dr. Macon completed residency training in General Surgery at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. After his residency training he served in the U.S. Army in operations Just Cause and Desert Storm. Dr. Macon is a Certified Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Macon enjoys motorcycle and bike riding as well as being a grandfather. Dr. Macon is currently accepting new patients. Call (928) 442-8740 to schedule an appointment. YRMC PhysicianCare is pleased to accept most insurance plans including Medicare. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called New Breast Surgeon Joins YRMC PhysicianCare and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/new-breast-surgeon-joins-yrmc-physiciancare/.CaptchaSubmit
NAZ Suns Go Pink for The BreastCare Center at YRMC
On Friday, March 3, the Northern Arizona Suns and The BreastCare Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) team up to support excellent breast care programs for our community. The Northern Arizona Suns will take to the court in pink jerseys to Share the Care as they take on the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The game starts at 7:00 pm at the Prescott Valley Event Center. The doors open at 6:00 pm. Join the fun and the first 1,000 people will receive a pink ribbon courtesy of The BreastCare Center at YRMC. After the game, you’ll have the chance to take home a player’s pink jersey when the Northern Arizona Suns auction them off. Proceeds will benefit breast cancer screening through the YRMC Community BreastCare Fund as well as other individual services to support women throughout our community. Pull on a pink shirt, head to the game and Share the Care! Purchase tickets online or at the Prescott Valley Event Center box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called NAZ Suns Go Pink for The BreastCare Center at YRMC and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/naz-suns-go-pink-for-the-breastcare-center-at-yrmc/.CaptchaSubmit
Family History of Heart Disease? A Healthy Lifestyle Changes Genes to Reduce Your Risk
By Rita Carey-Rubin. If you have a family history of heart disease, here’s some good news: a healthy diet and lifestyle can actually influence your genes and reduce your risk of disease. According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can turn off disease-causing genes, and may cut your risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in half. Scientists at the Center for Human Genetic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from four large studies involving over 55,000 people. They developed a lifestyle score based on whether people smoked; if they ate a diet featuring fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains and nuts; if they exercised at least once a week; and whether or not they were obese. Lifestyle scores were then compared to a genetic score based on 50 genes associated with heart disease. What these researchers discovered was remarkable. People who inherited the genes for CVD from their parents had double the risk of developing heart disease; but a healthy lifestyle cut their risk in half. Conversely, people with ‘good’ genes (no family history of CVD), lowered their genetic protection and doubled their risk of disease if they smoked, had a poor diet, were inactive and/or obese. Thanks to advances in genetic research, scientists can now observe the direct effects that diet, exercise, stress, and other lifestyle habits have on our genetic code – the unique cellular operating system we inherit from our parents. In 2008, Dr. Dean Ornish demonstrated how healthy lifestyle choices influence cancer-causing genes in a small population of men with early stage prostate cancer. Ornish and his team analyzed the effects of a plant-based diet, regular exercise, stress management and peer and family support on 500 genes known to either promote or protect against prostate cancer. Remarkably, healthy habits turned off the genes that stimulate cancer growth, and turned on genes that help the body to stop cancer in its tracks. Other studies have demonstrated that healthy lifestyle choices can also turn off genes that promote inflammation, weight gain, obesity, and even depression. In spite of advances in medicine, CVD is still the number one killer of adults in the United States, and people with a family history are doubly at risk. However, research is proving that the lifestyle choices we make everyday can influence the genes we inherit, and possibly change the course of disease. Each month, at the YRMC Pendleton Center in Prescott, the Reversing Heart Disease Support Group meets to explore the diet and lifestyle strategies that Dr. Ornish and other prominent physicians recommend for preventing, treating and reversing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 3-4 pm and is free to anyone in the community. For more information, call Rita Carey Rubin at 928-771-5794. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Family History of Heart Disease? A Healthy Lifestyle Changes Genes to Reduce Your Risk and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/family-history-of-heart-disease-a-healthy-lifestyle-changes-genes-to-reduce-your-risk/.CaptchaSubmit
YRMC Pendleton Center: The Value of a Medically Supervised Fitness Program
By Joanne Robertson. Studies show that regular exercise after heart surgery increases quality of life and life expectancy. But after cardiac rehabilitation, some people find that determining how to begin or continue an ongoing fitness program, what to do, and most importantly, where to go for guidance can be daunting. The Pendleton Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center offers what is known as a medically-supervised fitness program. Those who benefit from the program not only include people who are transitioning from cardiac rehabilitation after recent cardiac surgery, but also those whose cardiac surgery was years ago. “I had a quadruple bypass about seven years ago and it’s very important to stay in top physical condition after you’ve had a surgery like that,” says Pendleton Center member Ron Phillips. “I’ve been coming here ever since my surgery, three times a week. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday you’ll find me here, and I work out for about an hour and a half to two hours. And I’m doing really well.” The incorporation of medical supervision and support in a gym setting makes perfect sense for people with other health concerns as well. Andrea Klein, Director of the Pendleton Center describes the added benefits. “Many local communities have free gyms, but at the Pendleton Center, we offer quite a bit more,” says Klein. “We communicate with our members’ health providers. In addition to supervision by staff, our members have access to guidance from diabetes educators, nutritionists, respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists. We provide medical monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and blood sugars. Our staff is trained to anticipate and recognize adverse signs and symptoms so that we can intervene appropriately right away.” These added features translate to peace of mind for the folks who work out at the Pendleton Center. “I find the staff here very willing to help you and communicate with you,” says Pendleton Center member Donna Walters. “They’re aware of what your condition is, so they make suggestions that will help you improve. When you come in, you have the option of having your blood pressure and pulse taken. It’s a very comforting atmosphere.” In addition to the medical support, members find emotional and social support as well. “You get to know people,” says Phillips, “I’ve got one friend who gets on the treadmill next to me whenever I’m on it, and we talk to each other for 30 minutes. And if one of us has been on there for ten minutes already, then we’re going to do forty minutes because you’re going to stay for the full 30 minutes for the other person, just to keep them company!” It’s the exercise and medical supervision that keep you healthy, and it’s the friendships that keep you coming back. Dr. John Oakley is living proof. “The Pendleton Center is, for me, a very positive experience,” he says, “And has been for 25 years.” Additional services at the Pendleton Center include cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes education, personal training, REACH (Resistive Exercise and Aerobic Activity from a Chair) and various support groups, including the popular Reversing Heart Disease support group. The outreach and education that the Pendleton Center provides our community is one example of the many ways in which YRMC keeps its Mission as a not-for-profit healthcare provider. For more information on medically supervised fitness and other programs at the Pendleton Center, please call: Pendleton Center West, Prescott: (928) 771-5794 Pendleton Center East, Prescott Valley: (928) 759-5920 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called YRMC Pendleton Center: The Value of a Medically Supervised Fitness Program and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/yrmc-pendleton-center-the-value-of-a-medically-supervised-fitness-program/.CaptchaSubmit
The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group at YRMC
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, he or she may need to make lifestyle adjustments. However, with the right education and support, it can be very manageable, according to Andrea Klein, Certified Diabetes Educator and Director of Preventive Medicine and Wellness at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). In fact, Klein says that complication rates have actually decreased in recent years because of new treatment options, such as apps, meters that talk to phones and more types of medications than ever before. Treatment can be customized to just about anyone’s needs and situation. Here in the Quad-City area, the Living Well with Diabetes Support Group is a valuable resource for people living with diabetes who want to keep up with the latest information on how to stay healthy. Co-sponsored by YRMC and the American Diabetes Association, the group offers education and encouragement to local residents with diabetes and their spouses and caregivers. “There are two vital pieces of advice I give my patients,” Klein says. “First, the most important thing you can do is to educate yourself. And the number one thing to understand is how food choices and activity affect blood sugar levels.” Klein’s second piece of advice is, ”Even if you do everything that every book says, diabetes does progress. Let go of the guilt. It’s not your fault. You might eventually need to go on insulin for instance, but it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.” The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group meets once a month. The spectrum of topics includes eating well, fitness, stress management, dental health, vision, glucose monitoring and foot care. Guest speakers often attend and give expert advice. Klein says that the group is valuable to a patient’s success because, “They realize they’re not alone. They realize that they can learn from each other, as well as from the team that’s running the group.” Bev Hinton has been coming to the group for ten years. “It’s been a great support system in many ways, not just the diabetes,” she says, “I love it. It’s a wonderful resource.” The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group meets every third Tuesday, most months, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the YRMC Wellness Center Community Education Room, 930 Division Street, Prescott. For more information, call (928) 771-5794. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Living Well with Diabetes Support Group at YRMC and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-living-well-with-diabetes-support-group-at-yrmc/.CaptchaSubmit
Summer and Strep Throat are Here
“My throat hurts,” are three words parents may be hearing from their little ones in the coming weeks. Pediatricians at Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott – as well as healthcare providers in the Phoenix area – are seeing an increase in children with strep throat. “Most parents think their children are less likely to pick up strep throat while school isn’t in session,” said Jennifer Tidroski, DO, Pediatrician, Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott. “But with summer activities – and our influx of summer visitors – youngsters are likely to be around many children, which could expose them to the strep bacteria.” Parents: Watch for these Symptoms What are the symptoms of strep throat? Parents should look for: Sore throat that starts quickly Pain when swallowing Fever Tonsils that are red and swollen Red spots on the roof of the mouth Swollen lymph nodes on the neck Babies with strep throat may have a thick nasal discharge, low-grade fever (under 101° Fahrenheit) and lack of appetite. Take the Strep Test “It’s important for parents to know they cannot determine on their own whether their child has strep throat,” said Dr. Tidroski. “But, it can be quickly diagnosed by a physician using a Rapid Strep Test.” If the RST results are positive, the provider will typically prescribe an antibiotic to treat strep throat. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to more serious conditions such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with strep throat should remain home from camp, daycare or school until they are fever-free and have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours. This will help prevent spreading the highly contagious strep infection. How to Prevent Strep While there is no vaccine to prevent strep, there are some precautions you can teach your children. These include: Frequent hand-washing Not sharing cups or eating utensils Covering their mouths when coughing and sneezing “Strep throat is a very treatable condition,” Dr. Tidroski said. “If your child has strep-like symptoms, the Ponderosa Pediatrics team advises you to have your children tested. If the test is positive, a treatment plan that includes rest, antibiotics and fluids will have your little one feeling better soon.” If your child does not have a doctor, contact Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott at (928) 778-4581. For more about Ponderosa Pediatrics, visit our website and follow us on Facebook. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Summer and Strep Throat are Here and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/summer-and-strep-throat-are-here/.CaptchaSubmit
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 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Volunteer Spotlight: Don Packard, PAWS Pet Therapy Program and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/volunteer-spotlight-don-packard-paws-pet-therapy-program/.CaptchaSubmit
Volunteer Spotlight: Dee LaFlamme, Patient Ambassador
The Volunteer Services Department at Yavapai Regional Medical Center offers patients a listening ear, an advocate and much more through the Patient Ambassador program. Due to patient care responsibilities, it can sometimes be challenging for clinical staff to sit with a patient to keep them company. At YRMC, the volunteer Ambassadors help to provide this important level of interaction. “They really have that extra time to attend to people, give them that extra empathy, that compassion, and just chit chat which is so necessary to help avert any anxiety that the patient might be feeling, or to just have a wonderful conversation. It’s huge.” says Nancy Thomes, Director of Volunteer Services. YRMC Patient Ambassador Dee LaFlamme says that every day is different as a Patient Ambassador. One day, she’ll enjoy a lively discussion with a patient whose room is full of family and friends. Other days, she’ll simply sit quietly with a patient who wants company. Ambassadors also run errands to the gift shop for toiletries, read aloud to the patient, or help write letters. “If they want to talk, I’m there to listen,” says LaFlamme. “I’m also there to help if they have any requests. I’m happy to do that.” LaFlamme says it’s important to take her cues from the patient, “I try not to stay too long. And when I know they’re not interested in talking anymore, I leave,” she says with a laugh. “In my small way, I actually make them feel better, but I tell many people that I get much more out of this than they do.” For information on volunteer opportunities at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, call: Volunteer Services, YRMC West, Prescott: (928) 771-5678 Volunteer Services, YRMC East, Prescott Valley: (928) 442-8678 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Volunteer Spotlight: Dee LaFlamme, Patient Ambassador and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/volunteer-spotlight-dee-laflamme-patient-ambassador/.CaptchaSubmit
Reducing the Need for Blood Product Transfusions
Imagine you’re scheduled for joint replacement surgery. Would you prefer that your orthopaedic surgeon use safe and effective medical and surgical techniques that are designed to prevent anemia, decrease bleeding and improve the outcome of your procedure? And what if you had an unexpected hospitalization? Would you want the hospital to honor your wishes regarding the transfusion of blood products? The answer to both questions is no doubt yes. That’s why Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has employed a leading-edge practice called Patient Blood Management (PBM) since 2012. PBM reduces the need for blood transfusions and preserves the availability of blood, which can be in short supply. Blood transfusions are necessary at times, but they do carry risks, including: increased rates of infection; complications to the kidneys, lungs and heart; and higher complication rates. “Some people are surprised that YRMC – a regional healthcare system in Arizona – is regarded as a worldwide leader on PBM,” said Dale Black, Coordinator of Patient Blood Management at YRMC. “But, once they meet YRMC’s forward-thinking leadership and excellent medical team, they understand.” PBM was introduced to YRMC by accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon Pierre Tibi, MD, FACS, Medical Director of The James Family Heart Center at YRMC. A renowned PBM leader, Dr. Tibi is president-elect of the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM). This international organization includes physicians and other healthcare providers dedicated to promoting effective PBM strategies. YRMC operates the only PBM program in Arizona recognized by SABM. What does that mean to YRMC patients undergoing heart, orthopaedic and other surgeries who want to utilize PBM strategies? It’s good news, according to Spencer Schuenman, DO, of Granite Orthopaedics and a member of YRMC’s Orthopaedic Surgical Services, which has been recognized for exceptional quality by leading U.S. quality assessment organizations. Dr. Schuenman began applying PBM principles in 2013. “In the first three years I used PBM, I performed 1,385 procedures,” he said. “The first year, I only used four units of red blood cells. The second year, I only used one unit. And in 2016, I did not use any red blood cells. These statistics speak for themselves regarding the effectiveness of PBM in helping ensure the best patient outcomes.” For planned procedures, the PBM process begins before patients are hospitalized. They work in partnership with their respective physician to prepare for surgery. The doctor and patient discuss when to temporarily discontinue prescriptions, such as blood thinners or over-the-counter medications like aspirin. The physician may recommend diet changes as well as prescribe iron and vitamin supplements. These steps can boost the red blood cell count for people with anemia or help prevent the condition while they’re hospitalized. YRMC healthcare professionals at all stages of care – from the operating suite to the patient bedside – employ PBM strategies to reduce blood transfusions. Those may include: following meticulous surgical techniques that reduce bleeding; minimizing the frequency as well as the volume of blood draws; salvaging blood lost during and after surgery to wash, filter and re-infuse with red blood cells before returning it to the respective patient; and utilizing special machines and medications to reduce the need for blood transfusion. PBM can also play a role in controlling healthcare costs. Blood transfusions are the most commonly billed hospital procedure at an annual cost of $10-15 billion nationwide. The average cost of a single unit of blood is $1,500. Want to learn more about PBM? Contact YRMC’s Dale Black at (928) 771-5109. Also, check out YRMC’s website and Doctors and Patients: The Patient Blood Management Collaboration, an annual symposium sponsored by YRMC. The symposium brings together medical leaders from throughout the world to present and discuss the latest science on PBM. In 2016, the symposium became a global event as people worldwide joined the symposium’s first ever live stream. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Reducing the Need for Blood Product Transfusions and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/reducing-the-need-for-blood-product-transfusions/.CaptchaSubmit
Gwen Rhodes Loves Cardiovascular Nursing
By Bridget O’Gara. You could say Gwen Rhodes’s heart was stolen by cardiovascular nursing early in her career. “I saw that you can fix a patient’s heart and they can go home, play with their grandchildren, pet their dogs and pick up their healthy, productive lives,” said Gwen. “It felt good.” While attending Coconino Community College’s Nursing Program, Gwen worked as a nurse’s aide—a good way to experience the hospital environment and explore all the nursing profession offers. An astute instructor detected Gwen’s love of cardiovascular nursing. Soon, Gwen was trained as a telemetry monitoring technician – or “tele tech” – and was observing patients’ heart rhythms. Gwen’s love of learning earned her an academic achievement award in science from Coconino Community College. While she describes it as a nice “kumbaya” moment, the recognition was confirmation both of the joy that learning brought Gwen and her dream to pursue a nursing career. “As I was taking my prerequisites for the nursing program, I began to see how it all fit together,” Gwen said. “I would learn something interesting in my anatomy and physiology class and then pick up something else in my biology class and think, ‘Oh, these two are connected.’” A Career with Heart After earning her nursing degree in 2006, Gwen forged a path to her goal: the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). She accumulated valuable experience caring for patients in a Telemetry Unit and an Intensive Care Stepdown Unit (SDU). After that, she transferred to the ICU and then she began training to care for patients in the CVICU of the hospital at which she worked. “I really wanted to be in the CVICU, but you can’t be trained to recover hearts until you have at least one year of Intensive Care Unit experience,” she said. In 2012, Gwen and her family moved to the Quad Cities—a homecoming of sorts. Gwen and her husband – who had moved to the community with his family as a teenager – lived in Prescott for the first five years of their marriage. When they returned, Gwen began working nights in the CVICU at The James Family Heart Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). That’s where she learned of YRMC’s plans to launch a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program in November 2016. This would make The James Family Heart Center at YRMC among a relatively few in Arizona to offer the revolutionary procedure. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure for people with severe heart valve disease who are too ill to withstand open heart surgery. It’s performed through extremely small openings either through the groin or the lower portion of the heart. Cardiac interventionalists and cardiothoracic surgeons repair the aortic valve without removing the old, damaged valve. Instead, they insert a replacement valve into the aortic valve’s place. Once the new valve is expanded, it pushes the damaged valve leaflets out of the way and the tissue in the replacement valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow. All of this is done without opening the chest. “I love bedside nursing so when I heard about TAVR and the TAVR Patient Navigator position the hospital was filling, I was unsure about leaving the clinical side,” said Gwen. An interview with YRMC’s TAVR planning team and a conversation with Pierre Tibi, MD, Medical Director of The James Family Heart Center at YRMC, gave Gwen the encouragement she needed to pursue the job. Today, Gwen continues to “recover hearts,” but as the TAVR Program’s Patient Navigator. TAVR Expands Heart Care While Gwen’s title may include “TAVR,” the scope of her work is much broader. YRMC’s TAVR Program is part of an excellent Heart Program designed to connect people who need heart care services to a cardiologist for ongoing heart care. “I’ve talked to TAVR Patient Navigators from other hospital programs and most of them only work with TAVR patients,” said Gwen. “At YRMC, we’re committed to helping people who should be under the care of a cardiologist find the heart care they need.” This broader vision of heart care comes to life through YRMC’s Echocardiography (ECHO) Alert Program. An ECHO exam uses sound waves to track the heart’s activity and detect blockages. Developed by YRMC team members Tricia Perey and Jose Zuniga, RDCS, of YRMC’s Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, the ECHO Alert program notifies Gwen when a YRMC patient receives an abnormal ECHO. “This is important because heart valve disease doesn’t get better,” she said. “It’s like wear on a tire. You can’t build up tread.” TAVR Tuesdays Another aspect of Gwen’s job is organizing the TAVR Clinic, which takes place each Tuesday at YRMC. Gwen coordinates the test the patient needs. This may include blood work, CT chest scan, echocardiogram, pulmonary function test or other exams. These results are provided to YRMC’s TAVR team – cardiac interventionalists and cardiothoracic surgeons – so they can determine if the individual is medically eligible for TAVR. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently restricts TAVR to people considered too high risk for traditional valve replacement surgery. For that reason, most TAVR candidates are in their 70s or 80s and often have other complicating medical conditions, such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “Our goal is to be able to inform the patient if he or she is eligible for TAVR that same Tuesday,” Gwen said. And, for people who are TAVR eligible, Gwen is their go-to source for information, questions and support. “People who need TAVR are medically fragile,” she said. “It’s great they’re able to remain close to home for this procedure.” And after they get to know Gwen, they’ll be glad someone with such a big heart is there to help them navigate the journey. Related: Pillow Encourages Heart-to-Heart Conversations 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. 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The Power of PET-CT
Imaging technology that both measures how quickly a tumor is growing and pinpoints its exact location is now available in Yavapai County at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) East in Prescott Valley. “This is the most advanced imaging technology of its kind available,” said Mary Sterling, YRMC’s Director of Imaging Services. Top Technology The “Time-of-Flight” (TOF) technology, as it’s called, combines Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) in a single imaging unit. The job of the PET scan is to detect molecular activity within the body for diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The CT scan precisely locates the cancer. A remodeled area adjacent to Imaging Services on the first floor of YRMC East in Prescott Valley will house the new PET/CT unit. It will include a room with comfortable chairs and blankets, where patients can relax before exams. “PET is a nuclear medicine procedure,” said Sterling. “This means patients receive a small amount of radiation called a radioisotope before exams. They need a comfortable place to relax for an hour before the procedure. This helps us to get the best scan possible.” PET-CT Helps Cancer Patients During its first year at YRMC East, the PET-CT technology will be used to: Diagnose and stage all types of cancers. Monitor treatment progress in patients who have undergone radiation therapy or chemotherapy. To learn more about YRMC’s comprehensive imaging program, visit Imaging Services, The BreastCare Center at YRMC, Prescott Medical Imaging and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Power of PET-CT and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-power-of-pet-ct/.CaptchaSubmit
Keeping Your Legs Healthy AND Attractive
By Kristen Dicker Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that causes decreased blood flow from the leg veins to the heart. The decreased blood flow causes the blood to pool in the leg veins, which can lead to varicose veins. Special valves in the blood vessels of the legs ensure blood flows up toward the heart for recirculation, and prevent the backflow of blood. When blood flows backward, it is called Venous Reflux Disease. Symptoms such as aching, swelling, fatigue or heaviness in the leg or an ulcer on the leg are common for those with varicose veins. If unchecked and untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to uncontrollable swelling, ulcerations that heal poorly, infections, and tissue loss. Drs. Matthew Dicker, M.D., and Ben Paxton, M.D., of Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Prescott (VISP) are interventional radiologists who are specially-trained in vein and artery health and function and believe it is important to keep your blood vessels healthy. Dr. Dicker said, “Aside from the cosmetic aspect, the symptom of varicose veins that prompts treatment the majority of the time is pain, throbbing or aching, usually at the end of the day. It is rare, but at times a varicose vein may bleed.” There are surgical and non-surgical options for vein treatment. One non-surgical option is vein ablation in which a probe is inserted into the poorly functioning vein to heat and then collapse it. Blood flow then re-routes through healthier veins. “There are many benefits of vein ablation over a surgical option. Ablation is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that avoids many of the increased risks of surgery, such as pain and infection. The recovery time is much quicker, and there are no scars or stitches. Ablation has a high success rate and lower recurrence rates compared to surgery,” said Dr. Paxton. Phlebectomy, when a vein is removed through a small incision, and sclerotherapy, when the vein is injected with a material and it collapses, are two other treatment options. Prescott’s Frank Colella saw Dr. Dicker for a phlebectomy to treat varicose veins that developed as a result of several biking accidents. In June of 2010, he was in a near-fatal biking accident while riding on White Spar Road. Among other things, he reinjured his left leg and was placed into a cast, which led to poor circulation. The combination of wearing a cast many times, as well as working long hours as a nurse practitioner, led to the development of his varicose veins. Frank said, “I work four long days, almost ten hours each day, and I see 20 or 25 patients every day. I’m on my feet and stationary all day long.” Dr. Dicker said, “Often, patients see me for cosmetic reasons and because their veins are unsightly. We can and do perform the procedure for this reason. We also want to make sure the veins are healthy and to rule out chronic venous insufficiency as the cause of the varicose veins, because it is this underlying condition that can pose a more serious health risk.” Frank is happy with his result and adds, “I’m not sure if it is because of my Italian heritage or what, but biking is in my blood.” And this is a good thing because biking will keep his leg veins healthy for many years to come. If you have questions about varicose vein treatment options, please contact Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Prescott at (928) 771-8477. Dr. Dicker will be speaking and answering questions about varicose veins and vein health at an upcoming event on February 4th in Prescott. If you would like to attend this free event, please contact YRMC’s Community Outreach Department at (928) 771-5738. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Keeping Your Legs Healthy AND Attractive and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/keeping-your-legs-healthy-and-attractive/.CaptchaSubmit
Enjoying the Best Grains for Diabetes
If you have diabetes, should you stop eating bread, rice and pasta? While everyone with diabetes (and pre-diabetes) benefits from eliminating processed grains from their diet (foods like white rice, cold cereals, white bread and snack foods), some individuals benefit from avoiding whole grain products as well. Others can lose weight and normalize blood sugar levels while still enjoying grains. However, if you eat grains, it’s important to be picky about the type and portion size of the grains you choose. Individuals who have difficulty losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels sometimes benefit from eliminating all grains, including whole grains, from their diets for a while. Whole and processed grains contain an easily digested type of starch that can trigger spikes in blood sugar levels after meals, leading to weight gain and many of the complications of diabetes. Some people find that they can add whole grains back into their diets after they reach their weight and blood sugar goals. Others with diabetes can maintain good health while still enjoying grains, but find that it is important to eat only whole grains, and in moderate quantities. Serving grains as a side dish, or about ¼ of a meal, is a helpful strategy that lends itself to healthy weight management and blood sugar control. So what are whole grains and why are they nutritionally superior to processed grains? All true grains, including rice, wheat, barley and corn, are seeds that come from different types of grasses. A whole grain consists of three basic components: an outer layer called the bran, a starchy center called the endosperm, and a tiny, oil-packed germ, which is the part of the seed which sprouts and grows into a new plant. There is also an area just under the Bran, where many important nutrients are stored. These nutrients include magnesium, B vitamins, and some important phytochemicals, like beta-carotene, which protect plants and humans from disease. When you enjoy whole grains, you benefit from every part of the grain, including all of the fiber and the nutrients that the grain stores. When you eat processed grains, like white rice or products made with white flour, you only consume the starchy center of the grain: missing out on the fiber, healthy oils, magnesium and other nutrients which actually help you maintain good blood sugar control. For most people with diabetes, it’s almost always best to eat whole, intact grains rather than products made with whole grain flours. Whole grain flour products (like whole wheat bread, or whole grain pastas, cereals, and crackers) do contain some fiber and important nutrients, but people often find that their blood sugar levels spike (or go too high), even after eating foods made with whole grain flour. Because the grains in modern-day flours are ground into very fine particles, it doesn’t take much time to digest and convert the starches in the flour to sugar – resulting in a spike in blood sugar levels after meals. Flour-based foods are also more likely to increase insulin levels in our blood, which contributes to weight gain (in the belly) and some of the other complications of diabetes. However, whole, intact grains take a little longer to chew and digest and this results in a slower conversion of starch to sugar and lower blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. Most Americans eat four basic grains – rice, oats, wheat and corn – but there are many healthier varieties available in most markets today. For example, barley is an economical whole grain that is an excellent substitute for rice. This humble grain contains more fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc and B vitamins than white and brown rice. Barley also has a low glycemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels as much as brown rice after meals. Barley can be used in place of rice in many dishes, including risottos, pilafs, salads and soups. Check out this YRMC Your Healthy Kitchen video and try Barley with Grilled Vegetables for a healthy and delicious side dish. Quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat are not true grains (quinoa and amaranth are related to spinach, while buckwheat is related to rhubarb) but they are the best grain-like foods to eat if you have diabetes. They each contain more protein, fiber and other important nutrients than most grains and don’t seem to raise blood sugar levels as much as true grains. While these pseudo-grains seem new and strange to most of us, people around the world have been eating them for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Quinoa makes a delicious pilaf or hot cereal, and can also be used in grain-based salads and soups. Cream of Buckwheat cereal is an excellent, healthier option to Cream of Wheat or Malto-Meal, and toasted buckwheat pilaf (kasha) is a centuries-old Eastern European dish. Try popped amaranth as a delicious topping on yogurt or hot cereal! If you have diabetes and/or are struggling to lose weight, experiment with different diet patterns to see what works best for you. Avoiding or reducing grains at meals can lead to rapid improvements in health for some individuals. However, it is important to follow a healthy diet that is sustainable in the long run. If you eat grains, be sure to choose only whole grain products and keep your portion to about ¼ of your plate. Remember to check out all of our cooking videos at YRMChealthconnect.org and follow us on Facebook at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen! 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. 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The Secret to Healthy Sweets
Believe it or not, a healthy lifestyle can definitely include rich, delicious sweets. The secret is to use the right ingredients and enjoy them in moderation. Rita Carey-Rubin, Registered Dietician, Diabetes Educator and host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen shares the reason why. “If you want to eat something sweet, I think it’s important to make and eat the treats you really enjoy. Sometimes desserts just don’t deliver the satisfaction and pleasure we are hoping for, so we wind up eating too much, searching for that satisfaction.” A satisfying and healthy choice, sure to quell your craving for sweets are Coconut Pecan Chocolate Truffles. Rita’s version is sweet, rich and nutrient-dense. She suggests that the more nutrient-dense our food is, the less it takes to satisfy our hunger and cravings. She recently visited Sandy and Friends on AZTV to share the recipe. Dark chocolate and cocoa are nutritional powerhouses. They contain important antioxidants – phytochemicals called catechin and epicatechin – that protect all of the cells in our body, including brain cells, from damage and aging. Add nutritious dates, pecans and coconut and your tastebuds will thank you! Rita’s recipe perfectly reflects her advice regarding healthy sweets. “We don’t have to feel guilty if we use healthy ingredients and eat desserts mindfully and soulfully, enjoying every bite,” she says. Download the Coconut Pecan Chocolate Truffles Recipe. 00Share with your friendsYour NameYour EmailRecipient EmailEnter a MessageI read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called The Secret to Healthy Sweets and is located at https://yrmchealthconnect.org/the-secret-to-healthy-sweets/.CaptchaSubmit