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All that “swells” is not fluid. It may be fat, fibrosis or scar tissue. It also could be edema, according to Anil Kumar, MD, MRCP (UK), FACC, RPVI, RPhS, FSVM, DABVLM, Medical Director, The Vein Center at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Leg edema – an acute buildup of fluid in the tissues – becomes progressively worse if it’s not treated. Find out if your leg swelling is due to edema by taking the thumb test. Press your thumb against a bone for 10 seconds. If it makes a dent, the swelling is due to fluid. “Leg edema is a very common condition,” said Dr. Kumar. “It’s five times more common than heart failure. But, it’s important to remember that edema is a symptom, not a diagnosis.” During Say So Long to Swelling: What You Need to Know about Leg Edema – a YRMC Healthy Conversations presentation – Dr. Kumar explores the most common reasons for leg edema. They include: Underlying medical conditions Medications Trauma Surgery Dr. Kumar also highlights how best to treat leg edema. It begins with early diagnosis to ensure the condition doesn’t cause permanent skin changes like stasis dermatitis (skin inflammation in the lower legs) and venous eczema (a condition that causes the lower legs to itch and swell). And, spoiler alert: Dr. Kumar does not recommend diuretics as a treatment for leg edema. Want to learn more about edema? Download this fact sheet: 10 Facts About Leg Edema from Dr Kumar. Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect to keep up-to-date on Healthy Conversations topics or checkout our calendar. You can register for future presentations or watch past presentations at YRMC HealthConnect.
If you’re experiencing difficulty swallowing, mealtime or even taking a drink of water can be an unpleasant experience. You may even be avoiding your medications because they’re difficult to swallow. “Problems with swallowing should not be underestimated,” said Courtney Brimm, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “It’s important to understand the underlying cause of your swallowing issue so it can be treated.” There are two types of swallowing disorders that affect an estimated 20 percent of older adults. They are: Dysphagia – This is a serious condition that’s a common consequence of many medical conditions, including stroke and chronic diseases that affect the nervous system. It also may be brought on by head or neck surgery. Untreated, dysphagia may lead to malnutrition, dehydration or aspiration pneumonia. Presbyphagia – This is caused by natural changes to the anatomy and physiology, which happens as people age. “Presbyphagia can contribute to loss of functional reserve, which is the body’s ability to continue functioning when we’re ill or stressed in some way,” said Brimm, a member of YRMC’s Physical Rehabilitation Services team. “Presbyphagia can also negatively impact your quality of life and independence.” What are the signs you may have a swallowing disorder? Discomfort while eating and drinking is a red flag. This can lead to unintentional weight loss as some people will avoid eating because they’re so uncomfortable. “Many people may feel as though they are unable to make the swallow happen,” explained Brimm. “They have a sense of food, liquid, or pills sticking in their throat.” During Swallowing Issues and Aging: What You Should Consider, Brimm highlights: How swallowing changes with age. Warning signs that you may have a swallowing disorder. Swallowing safety. What to do if you suspect you have a swallowing disorder. Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect to keep up-to-date on Healthy Conversations topics or check out our calendar. You can register for future presentations or watch past presentations at YRMC HealthConnect.
“Into each life some rain must fall.” These words are more than song lyrics or a familiar expression to Cheryl Van Demark, PT, C-IAYT, Physical Therapist and Yoga Therapist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). They’re part of a self-compassion practice Van Demark teaches in the YRMC Self-Care Program for Chronic Pain called RAIN—Recognize, Allow, Investigate and Nurture. RAIN is from the work of psychotherapist Tara Brach, PhD. Sprinkle Some RAIN into Your World During Practicing Self-Compassion, a YRMC Healthy Conversations presentation, Van Demark teaches you how to practice RAIN and introduces you to the benefits of self-compassion. “RAIN is a template for a self-compassion practice that can either be brief or lengthy, according to your individual needs,” she explained. Van Demark also notes that self-compassion literature suggests employing the “Golden Rule.” This means treating others as you want to be treated, but directing it inward to yourself. “To quote Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh,” said Van Demark, “compassion is a verb. It’s the action we take to relieve suffering in ourselves or others.” Be Kind to Yourself How do we put self-compassion into action? It could be, for example, by recognizing your personal need for exercise in order to maintain your physical and mental health. The nurturing, or action, could be to carve out 30 minutes a day for a brisk walk. “Today in particular we’re confronted with global and individual suffering—social, economic, psychological and more,” said Van Demark. “This calls out loudly for us to practice self-compassion.” Self-Care Program for Chronic Pain Van Demark also oversees YRMC’s Self-Care Program for Chronic Pain. Through this program, participants learn to work in concert with their bodies and minds to understand and ease chronic pain. Self-empowerment techniques and physical therapy are also important components of the program. For more information, contact Cheryl Van Demark (cvandema@yrmc.org). Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect to keep up-to-date on Healthy Conversation topics. Check out our calendar for upcoming presentations and register or view past presentations at YRMC HealthConnect.
Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic issue, according to Anil Kumar, MD, ABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, FACC, FSVM, Medical Director of The Vein Center at YRMC in Prescott Valley. “Varicose veins are a potentially dangerous health issue that people often overlook,” Dr. Kumar said. “Without treatment, symptoms may progress and severely impact your quality of life. It’s our mission to educate and treat people about all aspects of vein health at YRMC’s Vein Center.” Dr. Kumar shares practical information on vein health during Varicose Veins – More Than a Cosmetic Issue. An accomplished vein specialist and vascular medicine physician, Dr. Kumar talks about: Strategies to prevent varicose veins and other vein disorders. Signs of vein disease that are often misunderstood, or worse, misdiagnosed. Factors that increase your risk for vein disease (some you can control and others you can’t). The latest treatments for vein disease, from compression stockings to advanced procedures. Dr. Kumar even shares this “tip sheet” for healthy legs and good circulation. Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect to keep up-to-date on Healthy Conversation topics or check out our calendar. You can register for future presentations or watch past presentations here.
What’s the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need from a plant-based diet? “Enjoy the rainbow,” said Danyelle Schott, Certified Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). “The more colors – like red apples, orange peppers, green kale and purple grapes – the greater variety of important nutrients in your diet.” Danyelle calls this “nutrient density,” meaning food that’s high in nutrients but relatively low in calories. These kinds of foods contain vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats. If you’re exploring a vegan diet – one without animal products, including meat, eggs and dairy – Danyelle says you can find needed protein in foods like oats, almonds and pumpkin seeds. Looking for an egg substitute for the muffins you’re making? You can substitute overripe bananas or pureed fruit for the eggs. There are more ideas on these flyers on plant-based eating. Watch Danyelle’s YRMC Healthy Conversations presentation, Plant Based Eating for Healthy Living, to learn how you can transition to a plant-based diet. (Meatless Mondays, anyone?) During the presentation, Danyelle even shares two of her favorite recipes for a veggie bake and a burrito. Subscribe to YRMC HealthConnect to keep up-to-date on our livestream topics or check out our calendar. You can register for future presentations or view past presentations at YRMC HealthConnect.
