Speech-language pathologists – also called speech therapists – are educated, skilled and licensed healthcare professionals. They’re also sometimes overlooked by people unaware of the important role these professionals play in health and healing. “Our profession focuses on helping people of all ages – newborn to senior – address health issues from the neck up,” said Lorrie Nebrig, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “Our work is both diagnostic – in that we help physicians pinpoint the patient’s health problem – and therapeutic because we also recommend and undertake treatments for the condition.” In May, speech-language pathologists nationwide celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month. YRMC’s speech-language pathologists have banded together to build awareness of how people can benefit from speech therapy. How can a speech-language pathologist help you or someone you care about? The answer to that question falls into four categories: Communication – In adults, finding words during conversations and formulating their thoughts are communication issues that can improve with the help of a speech-language pathologist. “Delayed speech is a common communication issue for children,” said Kelly Smith, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at YRMC. “We have play-based therapy sessions to help these children. We also work with the child’s parents so they can build their child’s language skills at home.” Cognition – People with cognitive disorders due to stroke, traumatic brain injury or dementia may have difficulties organizing their thoughts, focusing, remembering, planning and problem solving. “Memory is not a passive process,” said Jill Wingard, MA, CCC-LP, Speech-Language Pathologist at YRMC. “There’s lots going on in our brains to help us remember. We help the patient tap into all of this.” Swallowing – A swallowing disorder called dysphagia (pronounced dis-FAY-juh) is the most common condition addressed by YRMC’s speech-language pathologists. “We work with people of all ages and with all kinds of conditions to strengthen the swallowing function,” Nebrig explained. Heart problems, stroke, respiratory conditions and more can weaken the swallowing function. “Our goal is to ensure people are safe and not aspirating into the airway,” said Smith. Infants born early also may need swallowing therapy, which YRMC’s speech-language pathologists provide at the Family Birthing Center at YRMC East. Older youngsters diagnosed with chronic reflux, enlarged adenoids and other health issues undergo swallowing therapy at Outpatient Pediatric Services at YRMC East and YRMC West. Voice – Ongoing laryngitis, a paralyzed vocal cord and Parkinson’s disease are examples of conditions that impact the quality of an individual’s voice. “We look at all of the characteristics that go into creating a good, solid, clear voice,” Nebrig said. “Once we’ve gathered this information, we structure a therapy program to address each patient’s specific needs.” Think you could benefit from the help of a YRMC speech-language pathologist? Talk to your physician or contact YRMC’s Speech Therapy Department conveniently located in Physical Rehabilitation Services at the: YRMC Wellness Center 930 Division Street Prescott, Arizona 86301 (928) 771-5131 YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center 3262 North Windsong Drive Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314 (928) 759-5940

Kids on bikes decked out with streamers, shimmering stars, multi-colored paper flowers, spinning pinwheels and more joined the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) 2018 Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road on April 29. “Epic Rides is overjoyed to have partnered with Yavapai Regional Medical Center in celebrating their 75th anniversary while together we create a healthier Prescott community,” said Todd Sadow, President and CEO of Epic Rides, sponsor of the Whiskey Off-Road. “Through this partnership, YRMC increased kid participation to 288 kids riding bikes and raised $2,880 for Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.” Click here to watch YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride at the Whiskey Off-Road, 2018 on YouTube. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, YRMC covered every child’s $10 Fun Ride registration fee and donated the fees to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. “This was a triple win,” said Ken Boush, YRMC’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Families, children and our community all benefited. YRMC is pleased to further the cause of preventing child abuse.” More than 70 children and their parents visited the YRMC Kids’ Fun Ride Decorating Station on April 28. The kids individualized their bikes, trikes and balance bikes for the next day’s Fun Ride. They were joined at the Decorating Station by three professional cyclists: Chloe Woodruff of Prescott, who won the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and placed 2nd in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. Keegan Swenson of Park City, Utah, who took first place in the 2018 Men’s Pro Backcountry Race and placed 2nd in of the Whiskey Off-Road Men’s Pro Criterium Race. Sofia Gomez-Villafane of Park City, Utah, who took 10th place in the 2018 Whiskey Off-Road Women’s Pro Criterium Race and 6th place in the Women’s Pro Backcountry Race. “It was a great way to build the kids’ enthusiasm for the Fun Ride,” said Brian DeVries, PHR, YRMC’s Manager – Benefits and Employee Health/Wellness. “The YRMC team got to chat with families from our community. The kids and parents met some professional cyclists and we hope were inspired to pursue cycling or other fitness activities. Lots of parents thanked us for sponsoring the Kids’ Ride and the Decorating Station.” When kids lined up for the Fun Ride on Montezuma Street near Prescott Courthouse Plaza, YRMC’s Wellby Yavabear was there to help start the pedaling. It wasn’t long before the young cyclists were crossing the finish line. They were greeted by enthusiastic applause and balloons from the YRMC team. For more Whiskey Off-Road YRMC Kids’ Ride photos and videos, check out: YRMC on Facebook and Twitter Epic Rides on Facebook and Twitter #morekidsonbikes

What do you do with all of those beautiful fresh herbs and baby greens popping up at the Prescott Farmers Market and backyard gardens? Rita Carey Rubin, host of YRMC’s Your Healthy Kitchen suggests pesto! Rita recently visited AZTV’s Sandy and Friends with loads of greens like kale, arugula, cilantro and parsley. These super foods are packed with nutrients that fight cancer, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help your liver work better to eliminate toxins. You may have heard of basil pesto, made with basil, nuts, olive oil and cheese, but Rita says delicious pesto can be made with many different types of herbs and greens. “Pesto is great with soups, grilled, roasted or steamed vegetables, potatoes, meat, chicken or fish, and of course, pasta,” Rita says, “And it’s easy! You simply blend your ingredients in a food processor and… viola!” In this video, Rita shows how easy it is to make Carrot Top Pesto. Click here to watch Springtime Pesto on YouTube. Here are some pesto recipes you can download: Carrot Top Pesto Aimee Novak’s Pesto Possibilities Lemon Barley Salad with Kale Pesto Your Healthy Kitchen is one of the many ways that Yavapai Regional Medical Center, your not-for-profit community healthcare provider, provides health education and support to the people of Yavapai County.

You could say Elisabeth Ruffner first fell in love with her husband-to-be, Lester “Budge” Ruffner, and then with her adopted hometown of Prescott. “Budge and I met when a sorority sister asked me to go on a blind date with two young men who were students in the Mortuary Science College at the University of Cincinnati,” Ruffner said. Elisabeth, who was studying medicine at the University, was up for an evening of dancing. “By the end of the evening,” Elisabeth said, “the man who was dating my sorority sister asked me for a date. And that’s how it all began.” The couple married on August 10, 1940 at the Ruffner residence in Prescott. Soon after, Budge began his service in the United States Army Air Corps. On his return to Prescott, he joined the family business at the Ruffner Funeral Home. While raising the couple’s three children, Elisabeth also pursued her career as a community volunteer. One of her first projects involved something near and dear to her heart – ensuring the availability of healthcare to the people of her growing community. Elisabeth was among the community members who ensured the hospital would serve as a non-profit, community-based provider. She helped draft the document that launched Prescott Community Hospital Association, Inc., as an Arizona non-profit corporation. The Association purchased the vacant Jefferson Elementary School on Marina Street for $1,000 and converted it into a hospital. Click here to watch ‘My Memories of YRMC: Elisabeth Ruffner’ on YouTube. War efforts made medical supplies, hospital furnishings and physicians difficult to come by. A local rancher purchased what was believed to be the last operating room table not headed overseas. Two other area ranchers successfully challenged the people of Prescott to match their $10,000 contributions. Florence Yount, MD, traveled the region searching for beds, stoves, tables – any kind of hospital equipment she could locate. And with this community support, Prescott Community Hospital opened on March 1, 1943. By 9 p.m. on that date, Dr. Yount had delivered the hospital’s first baby. Soon the hospital was caring for more and more patients. Elisabeth and others saw the nurses and other medical professionals needed support, so they organized the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary. The goal of the Auxiliary was to free nurses and aides from duties that were unrelated to patient care. The “pink ladies,” as they were called, folded linens, staffed the reception desk, assisted hospital visitors and more. In 1960, the community again came together to support non-profit, community-based healthcare. They voted first to establish the Central Yavapai Hospital District and then in 1962 they voted to build a new hospital that would replace Prescott Community Hospital. “I believe it was the first time, at least in Arizona, of a non-profit local association taking over a government hospital,” said Elisabeth. “We provided a clinic for the county and then with a Hill-Burton Grant from the federal government, we built the wing to the south, which is now Yavapai Regional Medical Center.” In 1964, the hospital relocated to its current location on Willow Creek Road and changed its name to Yavapai Community Hospital. The hospital underwent another name change in 1984, becoming Yavapai Regional Medical Center. This change reflected the scope of its advanced medical services and growing service area. How does Elisabeth feel today about the community-wide healthcare network that grew out of the school on Jefferson Street? “I have total confidence in it,” she said. “I know that when I arrive as a patient, I will be given the best possible service and loving care.”