YRMC West
1003 Willow Creek Road
Prescott, Arizona 86301
(928) 445-2700
YRMC East
7700 East Florentine Road
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
(928) 445-2700
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YRMC’s Cath Lab Introduces “World-First” Technology
A new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory is currently under construction and scheduled to open later this summer at the James Family Heart Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West. The new Cath Lab includes technology so advanced that it is currently available in only a few hospitals nationwide. This technology will also make YRMC’s new Cath Lab the first of its kind in Arizona. “The Cath Lab technology is called both world-class technology and world-first technology,” said Lauren Weedon, RN, MSN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at YRMC. “The Cath Lab will be an excellent addition to the Heart Center and for the people we care for throughout our region.” When it opens, the Heart Center Cath Lab will join two other outstanding Cath Labs at YRMC West. The new Cath Lab is a planned addition to serve patients of YRMC’s Heart Center, including its growing Structural Heart Program. Two Innovative Technologies YRMC’s Cath Labs are equipped with exceptional diagnostic imaging equipment. Interventional cardiologists – specialists who perform non-surgical heart procedures – use that technology to visualize the heart’s arteries, vessels and chambers in order to pinpoint disorders. These physicians then treat their patients’ conditions using imaging equipment to guide and place heart stents, for example. The Heart Center’s new Cath Lab will feature these two imaging innovations: The Azurion Angiography Operating System – Patients who have undergone past Cath Lab procedures will recognize the angiography operating system as the table they lie on while a C-shaped arm glides around them taking x-ray images. The Heart Center’s Azurion operating system will not only take x-ray images but it also will gather ultrasound images. All of these images will be combined into a single, three-dimensional view of patients’ hearts. Approximately 100 of these Philips operating systems are currently available in the United States. The EchoNavigator – This technology introduces “road mapping,” which combines the Azurion’s three-dimensional images into a clear and detailed “map” of a patient’s heart. For the first time, physicians will see three-dimensional images of the heart: vessels, valves, leaflets and more in real-time. At the same time, the technology gives interventional cardiologists a sharp view of the catheter or heart implant they are guiding during an angiography procedure. “Road mapping allows our interventional cardiologists to overlay all of the heart’s structures and compare them on a single screen,” Weedon said. “This is new technology that I’m confident will one day become the standard of care.” Technology and Talent Offering the latest technology is critical to YRMC’s Heart Center, but there’s more to the equation, according to Weedon. “It’s about the technology and the talent,” she said. “The Heart Center has an incredible team of physicians, nurses and radiologic technologists. These professionals are constantly learning and striving to do their very best. And they do this for our patients.” For more information on YRMC’s heart services, visit the James Family Heart Center.
Enjoying the Goodness of Garlic in YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen!
People have been enjoying garlic as food and medicine for a very long time. Remarkably, many of the purported health benefits of this tasty herb, first recorded thousands of years ago in Chinese, Greek, Indian, and Egyptian medical texts, are backed by modern science today! Research shows that each pungent clove of garlic packs powerful phytochemicals, minerals and health-promoting fibers that may boost immune function, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. As an added bonus, garlic is delicious and versatile, adding sweet, savory or pungent flavors to meals, depending on how you slice, mince, press or roast it! We recently visited the set of AZTV’s Daily Mix to talk about the many benefits of garlic and to enjoy some rich, flavorful roasted garlic soup. Whole Garlic Bulbs, Ready for Roasting Garlic is packed with nutrients, including potassium, which may have a role in lowering blood pressure, and zinc: an important nutrient that supports healthy immune function. Garlic also contains a special fiber called inulin; a prebiotic that feeds and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Studies show that inulin-containing foods (which also include leeks, asparagus, onions, wheat, soybeans, bananas, and Jerusalem artichokes) increase the number and variety of healthy Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the large intestine. These health-promoting bacteria help to reduce inflammation in the gut (and consequently, throughout the body) and may also boost immune function. Reduced inflammation is thought to lower the risk of many chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. When garlic is chopped, pressed or sliced, a powerful phytochemical called allicin is formed. Scientific studies demonstrate many beneficial effects of allicin, including improved immune function, reduced cholesterol, and anti-cancer activity. It takes time for allicin to form after garlic is chopped, pressed or sliced, so to get the most out of garlic, let it sit on your cutting board for about 10 minutes before cooking. FYI: Allicin also gives garlic some of its pungent bite, and the longer chopped garlic sits, the sharper its flavor will be! Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup Because it can be challenging to have a social life while eating lots of raw or even cooked chopped garlic, try roasting whole bulbs of garlic instead! Roasted garlic is sweet and savory and you can enjoy eating a lot of it without any unwanted side effects! Although roasted garlic does not contain allicin (because the cloves are cooked whole and are not chopped, sliced or pressed), it does provide all of the other health-promoting nutrients, including potassium, inulin and zinc. Use roasted garlic as a spread on bread, or in sauces, salad dressings, or even hummus, and check out how easy it is to make roasted garlic soup! This recipe combines roasted garlic with a little lightly sautéed minced garlic; providing all of the health benefits with a milder flavor and aroma. For more delicious and nutritious recipes, plus dozens of healthy cooking videos, check out Your Healthy Kitchen at YRMCHealthConnect.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, at YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, where Rita Carey Rubin, MS, RD, CDE, posts photos and quick videos of meals she prepares in her home kitchen, plus links to food-related community events, nutrition-related videos, and recipes from her favorite food blogs. Recipe: Creamy Roasted Garlic and Carrot Soup
YRMC’s Celebrate Life Health Expo: Health Exhibit with Big Time Fun and Learning!
Get ready for an event that’s big, mega and even colossal. Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC) Celebrate Life Health Expo 2019 will feature MEGA Body™ and MEGA Heart™ health exhibits—the world’s only portable, inflatable, walk-through exhibits of the human body and the human heart. The Expo will also include a colossal colon, courtesy of Boston Scientific. “Touring MEGA Body, MEGA Heart and the colossal colon is a fun and informative adventure for people of all ages,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “This is truly an extraordinary and rare opportunity that we’re thrilled to make available to our community during Celebrate Life Health Expo.” Interactive tours of the larger-than-life inflatables and nearly 100 wellness and health exhibits are part of this year’s Expo. A free community service of YRMC, the Expo takes place: Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7, 2019 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Findlay Toyota Center 3201 North Main Street Prescott Valley, Arizona Meet the MEGAs and More! Tours of MEGA Body, MEGA Heart and the colossal colon, delve into how the body operates, potential health challenges and how our lifestyle choices – diet, exercise and not smoking – can help us stay healthy. “Boston Scientific’s colossal colon is a good example of this,” Boush said. “It’s designed to share lifesaving information to prevent diseases of the large intestine and digestive system.” MEGA Body includes a teeth-to-torso exploration of the body that begins in the mouth, where visitors learn about cavities and oral hygiene. As you travel through MEGA Body – approximately 50 feet long by 15 feet wide by 12 feet tall – you’ll learn about our body’s bones, muscles, skin and even our ears. You’ll also journey to many organs, including the: Brain Esophagus Stomach Intestines Kidneys Heart Lungs Get Pumped About MEGA Heart At 26 feet long by 15 feet wide by 13 feet tall, MEGA Heart has earned its name. Visitors to this big heart are in for a highly interactive educational experience designed to increase awareness of heart disease and share information on how to keep your heart healthy. During your MEGA heart health exhibit adventure, you’ll see how a healthy heart functions, observe examples of various types of heart disease and check out displays featuring some of the latest medical treatments for heart problems. Here’s what you’ll see inside MEGA Heart: Heart valves – The heart’s four valves control blood flow in and out of the heart. Endocarditis – An infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and heart valves. Ventricular septal defect – A hole in the heart, which is a common heart defect that’s present at birth. You’ll also learn about heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms and blood clots as well as current ways to treat those conditions. “Representatives from YRMC’s James Family Heart Center will join the Expo to highlight the Center’s state-of-the-art medical services and impressive facilities,” said Boush. To continue the focus on heart awareness, the James Family Heart Center will premiere a video of a pig heart dissection that will run hourly throughout the Expo. Pig hearts – provided by a scientific supply company – are used to teach heart anatomy because they are nearly identical to the human heart. Best. Exhibits. Ever. In 2019, nearly 100 organizations committed to health, wellness and community good will participate in YRMC’s Expo. “The Expo is a great opportunity for people to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals,” Boush explained. “If you enjoy hiking, biking, cooking, exercising, learning and more, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the Expo.” Here are just a few examples of the experiences and opportunities available to Expo attendees: People and organizations dedicated to biking, hiking and other healthy lifestyles A “smoothie bike”—create a nutritious smoothie as you pedal for fitness Healthy nutrition tips and demonstrations (with samples) CPR basics and first aid tips from emergency experts Self-defense and chair yoga demonstrations Kids’ fitness routines and information about tennis for kids Professional face painters and photos with your favorite mascot, including YRMC’s Wellby the Yavabear Pre-diabetes self-assessments, lung function tests, blood pressure checks and compression sock fittings Chances to get into prize drawings for a Fitbit®, Target gift card, a gift basket with kids’ dental health items and more Learn more about Celebrate Life Health Expo, see photos and view videos of MEGA Heart and MEGA Body, and watch for Expo updates on YRMC HealthConnect, Facebook and Twitter.
Parkinson’s Speech Therapy Helps Patients Re-Gain Their Voices
Belting out favorite movie tunes while tooling around town in the car is fun for most, but for Wayne Case, it’s homework. Wayne’s “homework” was assigned by Kelly Smith, MA, CCC-LP, Speech Language Pathologist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), as part of a Parkinson’s speech therapy initiative called the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program. Designed for people whose voices have been affected by Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, LSVT has allowed Wayne to re-gain his voice. Speech Language Pathologists: Giving Voices Back What does LSVT do? It teaches people with Parkinson’s disease how to: Raise their voices to audible levels Speak clearly Vary the pitch of their voices “We had noticed Wayne’s voice was becoming much quieter and monotone,” said Kathy Jensen, Wayne’s spouse. “It was definitely getting more difficult to hear him.” Since LSVT training, Wayne and Kathy are singing from a playlist that includes music from “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.” “My favorite song to sing is ‘The Hills are Alive,’ from the ‘Sound of Music,’” said Wayne. LSVT was inspired by its namesake, Lee Silverman, a woman living with Parkinson’s disease. It was developed by a team of speech language pathologists and a physician in the 1980s. LSVT is “evidence-based medicine” as it has been scientifically proven to be effective by the National Institutes of Health. LSVT involves training people with Parkinson’s disease to use their voices at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people adjust their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to others. This helps people with Parkinson’s disease feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level. “People with Parkinson’s disease cannot always perceive if their voices are loud or soft,” said Lorrie Nebrig, MA, CCC-LP, Speech Language Pathologist at YRMC. “We help them re-calibrate their listening so they learn how to use their new loud voices.” Combining Therapy and Technology Parkinson’s patients work with one of YRMC’s three LSVT accredited speech language pathologists. During the intense program, the patient and speech language pathologist meet four days a week for a month. The 45-minute sessions include “high effort” vocal function exercises – sustaining a strong “ahh” for approximately 15 seconds over and over – to strengthen the muscles involved in vocal loudness. They also use vocal exercises focused on pitch. These exercises help people with Parkinson’s disease learn how to alternate the pitch of their voices so they don’t sound monotone. “There was lots of practicing of ‘ahhs,’” said Wayne. “You have to work to get it louder and more forceful.” “And lots of repetition,” added Kathy. YRMC uses a software program that gives patients visual feedback as they practice their vocals and pitch. Learning to Speak with Confidence “We also focus on functional speaking,” said Jill Wingard, MA, CCC-LP, Speech Language Pathologist at YRMC. “This helps build confidence about speaking at home, in social situations outside of the home and at work.” Kathy recalls that Wayne’s LSVT also included answering questions about his favorite topics – growing up on a Kansas farm, studying business and law at the University of Kansas, and vacationing in Italy – to measure the level of his speaking voice. At home today, Wayne reads out loud from books and measures his volume with an app on his tablet. He uses the same app to check his “ahhs” and vocal variations. In fact, LSVT has given Wayne the confidence to meet friends for coffee and conversation. Think you could benefit from the help of a YRMC speech language pathologist? Talk to your physician or contact YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Services at: YRMC Wellness CenterPrescott, Arizona (928) 771-5131 YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient CenterPrescott Valley, Arizona (928) 759-5940
Six Ways to Help Your Kids Build Healthy Social Media Habits
Screens and social media are everywhere. From virtual school assignments to viral videos on YouTube, our children are experiencing more screen time than ever before. According to a recent study, children ages eight to 18 engage in some form of media technology – smartphones, tablets or computers – an average of nine hours a day. In an increasingly digital world it’s important that parents set safe boundaries and encourage the development of a healthy relationship with social media. The first question many parents face is: At what age should I allow my child to open a social media account? The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, restricts commercial websites and apps from allowing children under age 13 to open an online account without verifiable parental consent. “Every child is different,” said Pamela Lusk, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Ponderosa Pediatrics in Prescott. “Some 13-year-olds are able to handle social media and some are not. Parents need to ask themselves if their child is ready and then talk to the child about online safety and how to have a healthy relationship with social media.” Here are six suggestions to get you and your child started. 1. Limit screen time. Set time limits and media-free zones from the beginning to help your children retain balance in their lives. If you are transitioning to less screen time with an older child, try reducing screen time little by little. Less time spent engaging with social media means more time for experiences with friends, family and the outdoors. “Parents can emphasize the benefits of a balanced life by replacing screen time with other activities,” said Dr. Lusk. “Making dinner together or taking an evening family stroll are simple real-time activities. Or, you can encourage your child to get involved in a new extracurricular activity that allows him or her to interact with friends who have similar interests.” 2. Keep the communication lines open. Let your children know they can speak to you about social media, their experiences online and any problems they encounter. This helps you stay informed and allows you to guide and protect them. Remember, teens aren’t developmentally wired to fully understand long-term consequences. Parents should remind their children that deleted social media posts are never really gone. 3. Talk often about social media safety. Make sure your children understand how to stay safe on social media. Tell them not to give out personal details, like their full name, the name of their school, their phone number or their address. Help them understand the importance of not posting inappropriate pictures or updates. Make sure to have a discussion about cyber predators. Explain that they shouldn’t “friend” people they don’t know. And, most important, they should never meet anyone they only know online in person. 4. Encourage healthy connections. Talk with your kids about the type of accounts they follow and discuss the general feelings they have after engaging. For example, do they feel anxious or “lesser than” after scrolling through their feeds or do they feel inspired and motivated? Encourage your children to unfollow any accounts that create the former emotional response and instead follow those that create a positive sense of connection. 5. Set a positive example. Adults are not immune to the lure of screens and social media. Dr. Lusk suggests being conscious of the amount of time you spend on social media and the kinds of posts you make. “Children are constantly developing and looking for examples around them of how to act,” said Dr. Lusk. “Parents can set good examples by limiting their screen time.” 6. Take a break from the digital world. Digital detoxing is a healthy practice. There are small ways to “unplug,” such as the whole family turning off devices while at the dinner table or making the car a device-free zone. You can also suggest longer “unplug” sessions, like a low-tech weekend. While there might be some grumbling initially, most people – children and adults – are generally happier without the temptation of media technology. “This generation is part of the digital world,” Dr. Lusk said. “It’s important that parents help shape their children’s relationship with social media in a way that’s positive for their health. The best way to do that is to be informed and involved.” Dr. Lusk cares for children at Ponderosa Pediatrics, 2120 Centerpointe West Drive in Prescott. To make an appointment, contact Ponderosa Pediatrics at (928) 778-4581.
YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride: Pedaling for Fun and Fitness
When do colorful streamers tied to handlebars become wings that can make a bike fly? When a child’s imagination and energy are in high-gear as they were at the 2019 Yavapai Regional Medical Center Kids’ Fun Ride. Kids ranging in age from toddler to tween joined the YRMC Kids’ Ride, which took place Sunday, April 28 in downtown Prescott as part of the Whiskey Off-Road weekend. For the second consecutive year, YRMC sponsored the Kids’ Fun Ride, covering every child’s $10 registration fee, and donating the fees to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. “The weekend was an all-around success,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “It was great to see so many kids and their parents participating in this positive, health-focused event. To top it off, YRMC was pleased to again support the important work of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.” Riders Set a Record! YRMC partnered with Epic Rides, sponsor of the Whiskey Off-Road, on the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride. “Both of our organizations believe in creating healthier communities,” said Todd Sadow, President and CEO of Epic Rides, sponsor of the Whiskey Off-Road. “YRMC’s commitment helped increase participation in the Kids’ Fun Ride to a new high of 292 kids riding bikes. This allowed YRMC to donate $2,920 to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.” Kids Get Their Wheels Ready to Roll! On Saturday, April 27, kids, parents and grandparents joined the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride Bike Decorating Party at the Holiday Courtyard, right in the heart of the Whiskey Off-Road festivities. Children who registered for the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride were invited to the free bike decorating party, sponsored by YRMC. Under the Courtyard’s big tent, children let their imaginations go as they customized their bikes with colorful streamers, wheel beads, neon-colored tire valve caps, and fuzzy twists. Some of the super hero and unicorn stickers found their way on to kids’ bike helmets. Face painters took requests from party goers who asked for favorite animated characters, butterflies, cats, and more. Chili Bean the clown joined the YRMC Kids’ Bike Decorating Party, with her cool purple Schwinn Stingray. The Kids’ Fun Ride Begins! “The decorating party built the momentum for the Kids’ Fun Ride,” said Brian DeVries, PHR, YRMC’s Manager – Benefits and Employee Health/Wellness. “Our goal is to inspire fitness as a lifestyle among children and their families. From what we saw during the fun ride, the younger generation is very inspired.” The YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride began on Montezuma Street near Prescott Courthouse Plaza. YRMC’s Wellby the Yavabear was there to start the ride. It wasn’t long before young cyclists were crossing the finish line. They were greeted by enthusiastic applause and medals from the YRMC team.
YRMC Welcomes James F. Cahill, MD, Psychiatry
Yavapai Regional Medical Center PhysicianCare is pleased to announce that James F. Cahill, MD, Psychiatry, has joined its team on Gail Gardner Way in Prescott. Dr. Cahill is a graduate of and completed psychiatry residency (chief resident) and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs at the West Virginia College of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia. He has more than 25 years of post-fellowship professional experience in psychiatry. Dr. Cahill is currently accepting referrals from physicians in the community. Please speak to your family doctor if you feel that psychiatry should be considered as part of your treatment plan. YRMC PhysicianCare is pleased to accept most insurance plans including Medicare and is located at 1050 Gail Gardner Way, Suite 300 in Prescott, Arizona. For more information, call (928) 717-5232 or visit www.yrmcpc.org.
The Mediterranean Diet: Good for Your Heart and Good for Your Head
Should you follow your heart or your head? When it comes to what you put on your plate, the answer is to follow the Mediterranean diet and both your heart and your head will thank you. In the spirit of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, the James Family Heart Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) wants you to know the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is linked to better memory. Just remember: What’s good for your heart is good for your head. Getting Back to Basics The Mediterranean diet refers to a diet rich in plant foods and low in animal products. Here is a quick overview of the Mediterranean diet for beginners: Eat mostly vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, fish, seafood and potatoes. Limit your consumption of eggs, dairy products and poultry. Significantly reduce red meat consumption. Cook using extra virgin olive oil, spices and herbs. Eliminate highly processed foods, refined oils and grains, and added sugars. As a general rule, if your food comes from the garden or the sea, you’re on the right track. It is best to avoid packaged foods, as they are often processed. Before purchasing a packaged product, carefully read the package label so you know its exact contents. Heart and Brain Healthy Organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, dietitians and physicians recommend the Mediterranean diet, and variations of it, for many reasons. In addition to assisting with the prevention of cardiovascular disease, following a plant-based diet may help reduce your risk of dementia. While research continues, some studies have shown improved attention, better memory and less cognitive decline. Put it Into Practice Need some ideas on how to put the Mediterranean diet into practice? YRMC’s online nutrition program, YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen, has great video tutorials and recipes to start you on the path to better heart and brain health. Rita Carey Rubin, MS, RD, CDE – host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen – is a YRMC Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and trained chef. She demonstrates a Mediterranean diet meal plan that keeps variety and flavor in your food without added sugars and processed nonsense. Here are a few Mediterranean diet friendly Your Healthy Kitchen recipes to get you cooking: Power Up Your Plate with Purple Fruits and Vegetables Roasted, Seasoned Nuts and Seeds: A Perfect Go-To Snack Beans: Good for Your Heart and Your Health Hearty, Healthy, Whole Grain Risotto Live the Mediterranean lifestyle and share these recipes with your loved ones. After all, food and life are meant to be enjoyed.
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