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NEWS

On May 15, 1962, the City Hospital of Scotts-

dale – now known as Scottsdale Healthcare

Osborn Medical Center – opened its doors.

Over the past 50 years, as Scottsdale grew the

hospital did too, transforming into one of the

Valley’s premier health systems. Scottsdale

Healthcare Shea Medical Center opened

in 1984, Virginia G.Piper Cancer Center in

2001 and Scottsdale HealthcareThompson

Peak Hospital in 2007.

For more information, visit shc.org.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital announced the

launch of a new Liver Transplant Program in

affiliation withMayo Clinic-Arizona, the only

pediatric liver transplant program of its kind

in the region. Phoenix Children’s will be the

first in Arizona to offer a full-spectrum, child-

centered liver transplant program that will

complement the hospital’s successful heart,

kidney and bone marrow transplant programs.

Formore information,visitphoenixchildrens.com.

HONORS

MountainVista Medical Center announced

that the Arizona Department of Health Services/

Division of Trauma has named it a Provisional

Level III Trauma Center, meaning that Moun-

tain Vista has the ability to treat high-level acu-

ity patients and is equipped to treat rare and

life-threatening medical conditions. Mountain

Vista is the only Provisional Level III Trauma

Center in theValley.

Formore information,visitmvmedicalcenter.com

INNOVATIONSChandler Regional andMercyGilbert

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For more information, visit MercyGilbert.org

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LW2:Health-related product recallsLW7:Women’s HealthWeekLW7:When can a child stayhome alone

LW3: Varicose veins: The good,the bad and the uglyLW5:Carbonmonoxidepoisoning,hearingaid technology,‘frozenshoulder’

LW4:Free stroke screeningsLW4&5:Health-caresupport groups, classesand events

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING HEALTH-CARE NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILYTHE ARIZONA REPUBLIC Vol. 2, No. 5 May 2012

NEWS & TRENDSImportant information to keep you connectedto your health-care community.

Continued on page 6:Checking In

May is National StrokeAwarenessMonthBy The Numbers

– PAULA HUBBS COHEN

UNDERSTAND

DISCOVER

LEARN THIS ISSUE:Women’shealthcheckupsNEXT ISSUE:WednesdayJune6,2012TOPIC:Men’shealth: cancer,vision,painmanagementandhearthealth

SCOTT

SDALE

HEA

LTHCA

RE

RICK

D’ELIA

THINKS

TOCK

ScottsdaleHealthcareOsbornMedical Center in theearly 1960s,when itwasCityHospital of Scottsdale.

MOUNTA

INVISTAMED

ICALCE

NTER

BY DEBRA GELBART

When to have regular healthscreenings never used to bethis complicated. You saw your

health-care provider and simply followed hisor her direction, whether it was for a mam-mogram, Pap test or something else.But now, with the U.S. Preventive Services

Task Force (USPSTF) and other organizationsweighing in on the effectiveness of certaintests, you may be confused about how oftenyou should undergo routine screenings.“Every patient has the right tobe treated as an

individual,”said Barbara Lockwood,MSN,N.P., anursepractitionerwith SunriseWomen’sHealthCare inMesa.“Guidelines for health screenings arejust that - guidelines.Theydon’t necessarily applyto allwomen. Everywoman’s health-care providershould tell herwhat is best for her basedonherfamily andpersonalmedical history.”

Pap testsPap tests for cervical cancer, for example, area prime target for conflicting information.The USPSTF and the American College ofGynecology both say that if a patient has hada normal Pap result for the previous threeconsecutive years, then she only needs tohave a Pap test every three years. Yet somedoctors still recommend a yearly Pap.“It’s a good idea to discuss getting the test

every year with your doctor,” said Judith Wolf,M.D., a gynecologic oncologist and SurgerySection Chief at Banner MD Anderson CancerCenter in Gilbert, “if you change sexual part-ners or to protect yourself against any newstrain of human papilloma virus (which cancause cervical cancer).”Most women should have their first Pap

test at age 21, Lockwood said. A Pap beforeage 21 is often not necessary, she believes,because any atypical cells usually resolve ontheir own among women younger than 21.Most providers agree that a yearly Pap is

needed throughout the decade of the 20s,because younger women are more vulnerableto cervical cancer. Once you turn 30, “you maybe able to go three years between Paps aslong as you have had three consecutive nor-mal results,” said Scottsdale internal medicinespecialist Angela DeRosa, D.O. “But it’s criticalto talk to your doctor about your particularsituation.”DeRosa also recommends yearlyhuman papilloma virus (HPV) testing forwomen beginning at age 30.

MammogramsMammography may be the most contro-versial subject when health screenings arediscussed, because anecdotal evidence seemsto show that many practitioners and healthorganizations do not agree with the USPSTF’s

Checking

Which health screenings should you have and when?

in on

checkups

Along withmore common screenings, Scottsdale internal medicine specialist Angela DeRosa, D.O., recommends thatpatients in their 30s have a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) blood test that can reveal a predisposition to heart disease or cancer.

All women vets

have access

to annual well-

woman exams

through theVA.

– Cara Garcia, womenveterans programmanager,Veterans Hospital in Phoenix

Strokekills over133,000 people each year in theU.S.

Approximately795,000 strokeswill occur this year or1 every40 seconds

Strokes take a life approximately every4 minutes

2,000,000 brain cells die everyminute during a strokeFormore information about stroke’swarning signs and symptoms,visit stroke.org or call 800-STROKES (787-6537).SOURCE: NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION, STROKE.ORG

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General Manager: CAMI KAISER, ckaiser@republicmedia.comManager Creative Development: ISAAC MOYA, imoya@republicmedia.comEditor: PAULA HUBBS COHEN, Paula.Cohen@cox.netContributing Editor: JIM WILLIAMS, jlwilliams@republicmedia.comManaging Art Director: TRACEY PHALEN, tphalen@republicmedia.comDesign: SW!TCH s t u d i o Republic Media Intern: JESSICA RUSHAdvertising: RHONDA PRINGLE, 602-444-4929, rpringle@republicmedia.comFor general advertising inquiries, contact Republic Media at 602-444-8000.

Look for Livingwell a-z on the first Wednesday of each month!Each month, we bring you local health information you can use to keep you and your family living well.From A to Z, we tackle a broad range of health issues and offer tips for keeping your health-care costs incheck. This publication is produced by Republic Media Custom Publishing. For questions concerningany content included in this publication please contact: Editor Paula Hubbs Cohen, Paula.Cohen@cox.netor call 602-444-8658.

A division of The Arizona Republic.200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

BY POLLY BAUGHMAN

Consumers have long been advised‘buyer beware.’ In the healtharena, consumers are taking that

advice seriously and arming themselveswith information on product recalls ofprescription medicines, over-the-counterdrugs and even medical devices such ascardiac monitors and joint implants.

Email alertsWhile some recalls result in massivepublicity, some folks don’t want to chancethat they’ll miss the media coverage,especially since some recalls can ‘fly underthe radar’ of all but the most conscien-tious consumers.That’s why people can sign up for an

email alert from MedWatch, a Food andDrug Administration (FDA) program thatnot only informs the public about safetyissues, but also allows the public to reportadverse events resulting from the useof a health product. In fact, the FDA hasapproximately 75,000 subscribers to itsMedWatch Safety Alert program and asmany as 709,000 web users scouring itswebsite each month for the latest productrecall information.

FDA-regulated recallsThe products that can be subject to anFDA-regulated recall fall in these categories:• Drugs for humans and animals• Medical devices and radiation-emittingproducts

• Vaccines• Blood and blood products• Transplantable human tissue• Animal feed• Cosmetics• 80 percent of the foods eaten in theUnited States

Health-related product recallsHow to find out if a product you use is recalled

The number of recalls in these areas canbe surprising. Pharmacist Stuart Gethnerof Fairmont Pharmacy in Phoenix said, “Onaverage we deal with a recall of some sortat least once a month. Somemonths more.”

Range of seriousnessMost recalls are voluntary and initiated bythe manufacturer. However, it’s the FDAthat classifies the seriousness of the recalland ensures that the corrective action isin line with the potential danger.When a pharmaceutical-related recall

happens, pharmacists like Gethnerrespond according to FDA guidance. If arecall is for a minor concern, the phar-macy may only need to pull all items outof inventory. If a product poses a more

“The FDA encourages consumers and health-care

professionals to follow agency updates and to report

problems. The public is an important partner in protecting

the public health.” Shelly Burgess, FDA Office of Public Affairs

serious health concern, the pharmacytries to notify all customers in its databaseknown to have purchased the item andhave the product returned to the store.“It works pretty well with prescrip-

tion drugs. Over-the-counter drugs areanother matter,” Gethner said.

Avenues for informationFortunately, there are several avenuesfor consumers to learn of dangers.The FDA maintains a searchable data-

base of recalls on its website and theagency issues updates via email alerts,RSS Feeds and Twitter. Consumers cansign-up for alerts on narrow topics ofpersonal concern or the more inclusiveMedWatch Safety Alerts.

3 websiteswithmoreinfo on

recalls

THINKS

TOCK

To sign up for email

alerts:U.S. Food and

Drug Administration

(FDA):FDA.gov

To sign up for RSS

feeds from the U.S.

Consumer Product

Safety Commission

(CPSC):cpsc.gov

Or visit recalls.gov,

a collaborative effort

of several government

agencies including

the FDA and the

CPSC.The website

has information

on recalls ranging

frommotor vehicles

tomedicines to

cosmetics.

1.

2.

3.

2 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012

VITAL SIGNS

Can you guess this woman’s age?

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Find out what your heart age is by taking our informative assessment. It only takes fiveminutes and provides an evaluation of your heart health. The free test compares youractual age to your heart’s biological age and calculates your risk for cardiovasculardisease. You may be on course for continued heart health, or you may be at a higherrisk than you think. Learn where you stand and take action for your heart.

Connect with us:

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What’s your Heart Age?

BY POLLY BAUGHMAN

Cosmetic concerns over bulging,rope-like varicose veins oftendrive people to seek treatment.

Only then do they learn the extent towhich vein disease is affecting their health.“When I explain how varicose veins occur

and the symptoms associated with them,patients will often go ‘Aha, that’s whyI’ve been feeling this way.’They come inbecause of how the veins look and discoverthere’s more to it than that,” said EdgardoZavala-Alarcon, M.D., of Ciao Bella MedicalSpa & Vein Clinic in Chandler.

Aching legsIn those ‘aha moments,’ patients realizethe same underlying condition that makestheir veins unsightly can also cause:• Aching and throbbing pain• Itching• Numbness• Heavy and tired legs• Poor circulation• Night cramps• Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS

If untreated, pain usually increases andcan result in limitations in walking, opensores on the feet, blood clots and tissueloss. According to Rajagopalan Ravi,M.D., medical director of the Vein Centerat Arizona Heart Institute, 75 percentof ulcers in the legs are due to “venousincompetence,” the same condition thatcauses varicose veins.

Faulty valvesThe problems begin with faulty valves inthe veins, which are the vessels responsiblefor pushing blood against gravity backto the heart and lungs. Inside the veinsare one-way valves which open to allowblood-flow to the heart; these valves closeto prevent the blood from flowing back-ward.When the valves don’t close properly,blood can pool causing veins to bulge andpush on surrounding nerve endings.By age 50, about half the population

will develop varicose veins, and the rategoes up each year after that, explainedNick Morrison, M.D., of the Morrison VeinInstitute in Tempe and Scottsdale.

Family history, pregnancy, excessiveweight and jobs that require long periodsof standing can prompt earlier onset.

Easily treatedTypically, treatment involves inserting a cath-eter in the vein through an opening the sizeof a pencil-tip. As the catheter is removed, ituses laser or radiofrequency energy to heatthe vein and seal it shut. Blood flow from thetreated vein naturally diverts into stronger,healthier veins improving circulation.This approach is a vast improvement over

the once-common practice of ‘vein strip-ping’which was painful, required a longrecovery and was sometimes ineffective,according to Morrison and Zavala-Alarcon.“Treatments now are minimally invasive

and patients are awake.We use mild seda-tion, if any,” said Morrison. “The biggest sur-prise to patients is how easy the treatmentis and how immediate the results.”In fact, many patients can return to

normal activity immediately with littleor no pain. Patients with more extensivetreatment are allowed to return to normalactivity one to three days after the proce-dure, and can control discomfortwith over-the-counter painkillers.

Seeing is believingRavi encourages patients to learn moreabout what to expect when undergoingtreatment. To view a 10-minute patient-education video, visit azheart.com/centersofexcellence/veincenter.

Spider veins are red or dark-purple thread-like veins thatcan be found anywhere onthe body, but show up mostoften on the legs. Formedwhen the veins becomeenlarged and swollen withstagnant blood, spider veinsare often more noticeablethan varicose veins becausethey are close to the surface.

Easily treated, spider veinscan be addressed two ways:

1. SclerotherapyThis involves injections intothe veins that cause them toshrink, close-off and eventu-ally disappear. Nick Morrison,M.D., of the MorrisonVein In-stitute calls sclerotherapy “thegold standard” for treating spi-der veins in the legs and said,“Injections can be done on alunch hour and the patient cango right back to work.”

2. Laser treatmentsStrong bursts of lights aredirected at the veins caus-ing them to slowly fade anddisappear. New technologyallows the veins to be treatedby lasers without damage tosurrounding skin.

SOURCE:RAJAGOPALAN RAVI,M.D., OF THE VEINCENTER AT ARIZONAHEART INSTITUTE

Varicose veins:2 ways totreat peskyspider veins

It’s in thegenes Heredity is a major determinate in who gets varicose veins.Percent of children who will develop varicose veins

75% 100%25% 50%When oneparent hasvaricose veins

When bothparents havevaricose veins

The good, the bad and the ugly

THINKS

TOCK

WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 3

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COMPASS FOR CAREGIVERSMay 17, 10-11:30 a.m.May 24, 4-5:30 p.m.Banner Alzheimer’s901 E.Willetta St., PhxRegister: 602-839-6850;Deidra.Colvin@bannerhealth

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP(lunch provided)May 19, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.St. Joseph’s Huger Mercy Living Center2345W. Orangewood Ave., Phx602-406-5600

CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPS(DUET)Various dates, times & locations602-274-5022

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPMay 4, 10:30 a.m.-noonJohn C. Lincoln NorthMountain9202 N. Second St., Phx602-870-6374

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPMay 9, 2:30-4 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa877-924-WELL (9355)

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPMay 14; St. Joseph’s BarrowNeurological Institute114W.Thomas Rd., PhxCall for time: 602-406-6688

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUPMay 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m.St. Luke’s1800 E.Van Buren St., Phx877-351-WELL (9355)

LGBT CAREGIVERS (DUET)June 5, 9-10 a.m.OneVoice Community Center4442 N. Seventh Ave., Phx602-274-5022

SUPPORT GROUPS

BETTER BREATHERSMay 4, 1:30-3 p.m.John C. Lincoln NorthMountain9202 N. Second St., Phx602-870-6060

GRIEFMay 8 & 22, 4:30-6 p.m.By Hospice of theValley atVirginia G. Piper Cancer Center atScottsdale Healthcare10460 N. 92 St., Scottsdale480-323-1321

BETTER BREATHERSMay 16, 2-3 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

SYRINGO & CHIARIMay 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.St. Joseph’s BarrowNeurological Institute114W. Thomas Rd., Phx623-561-9606

COPDMay 17, 1-2 p.m.By Sun Health at Church of the Nazarene14636 N. DelWebb Blvd., Sun CityRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

SJOGREN’S SYNDROMEMay 19, 11:30 a.m.Scottsdale Country Club11500 N. Hayden Rd., ScottsdaleRSVP: grandy2@cox.net; 480-391-2522

HUNTINGTON’SMay 21, 6-8 p.m.St. Joseph’s350W.Thomas Rd., Phx602-406-4931

BRAIN TUMORMay 22, 6-8 p.m.St. Joseph’s350W.Thomas Rd., Phx623-205-6446

WOMENWITHMULTIPLESCLEROSISMay 26, 10 a.m.St. Joseph’s350W.Thomas Rd., Phx480-829-6563

PARKINSON’S

WESTSIDE TREMBLE CLEFS(singing program)May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10 a.m.-noonByMuhammad Ali Parkinson Center atSt. Joseph’sShepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church11025 N. 111 Ave., Sun City602-406-3840

PARKINSON’S DANCE-ARCADIAMay 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 1:30-3 p.m.ByMuhammad Ali Parkinson Centerat St. Joseph’sBrick’s Studio4550 E. Indian School Rd., PhxRegister: 602-406-6903

EASTSIDE TREMBLE CLEFS(singing program)May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 4-6 p.m.ByMuhammad Ali Parkinson Center atSt. Joseph’s

Granite Reef Senior Center1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale602-406-3840

PARKINSON’S DANCE-PARADISEVALLEYMay 4, 11, 18 & 25, 1:30-3 p.m.ByMuhammad Ali Parkinson Center atSt. Joseph’sElizabeth KeithMovement Education16620 N. 40 St., PhxRegister: 602-406-6903

VOCES UNIDAS(Spanish singing program)May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 10:30 a.m.-noonByMuhammad Ali Parkinson Center atSt. Joseph’sChurch of the Beatitudes555W. Glendale Ave., Phx602-406-2453

PARKINSON’S CAREGIVERS (DUET)May 7, 1:30-3 p.m., RedMountainMulti-Generational Center, 7550 E.Adobe St., MesaMay 9, 1:30-3 p.m. &May 15, 12:30-2 p.m., Church of the Beatitudes,555W. Glendale Ave., Phx602-274-5022

SENIORS

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATIONEXERCISE PROGRAMVarious dates & timesMountainVistaMedical Center, MesaTempe St. Luke’s, Tempe877-924-WELL (9355)

GRANDPARENTS RAISINGGRANDCHILDREN (DUET)Various dates, times & locations602-274-5022

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILUREMay 7, noon-1 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., MesaRegister: 877-924-WELL (9355)

MEDICATION CHECKSMay 8, 10-11 a.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa877-924-WELL (9355)

EYE HEALTH: CATARACTSMay 8, noon-1 p.m.St. Luke’s, 1800 E.Van Buren St., PhxMay 15, noon-1 p.m.Tempe St. Luke’s, 1500 S.Mill Ave.,Tempe877-351-WELL (9355)

All groups and events are believed,but not guaranteed, to be free unlessotherwise stated. Every effort has beenmade to verify accuracy, but please callbefore attending to confirmdetails.

WELLNESS

BONE HEALTH & OSTEOPOROSISVarious dates, times & locationsBy Sun Health & Banner HealthRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

SKIN CANCER &MELANOMAMay 3, 6 p.m.By Banner MD Anderson atBanner Gateway1900 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert602-230-2273

SOLVING SHOULDER,HIP & KNEE PAINMay 8, 1 p.m., Banner Baywood,6644 E. Baywood Ave., MesaMay 12, 8 a.m., Banner Desert,1400 S. Dobson Rd., MesaRegister: 602-230-CARE (2273)

EXERCISES TO PREVENT FALLSMay 8, 2-3 p.m.ParadiseValley Hospital3805 E. Bell Rd., Phxazhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355

ANTI-SKIN CANCER FOODSMay8, 6-7:30 p.m.Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center atScottsdaleHealthcare10460N. 92 St., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

FOOD ALLERGIESMay 9, 1-2 p.m.By Scottsdale Healthcare atAppaloosa Library7377 E. Silverstone Dr., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

STAY SAFE IN THE SUNMay 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.By Sun Health at La Loma Care Center14260 Denny Blvd., Litchfield ParkRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

EXERCISE & ARTHRITISMay 11, 10-11 a.m.By Sun Health at The ColonnadeRecreationVillage19116 ColonnadeWay, SurpriseRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

HEARING TESTSMay 15, 16 & 17, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.John C. Lincoln Audiologist atTatumHealth Center18404 N. Tatum Blvd., PhxAppointments: 602-494-6237

LASER SPINE INSTITUTE: MINI-MALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERYMay15,6p.m.&May19,10a.m.LaserSpine Institute,8888E.RaintreeDr., ScottsdaleMay17,noon,CrownePlazaPhoenix,2532W.PeoriaAve., PhxRegister:SpineSeminar.com; 866-811-3275

CPR TRAININGMay 16, 4-7 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-230-CARE (2273)

KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPYMay 16, 7-8 p.m.By Scottsdale Healthcare atBarnes & Noble10500 N. 90 St., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

HOMEOPATHYMay 17, 1-2 p.m.By Scottsdale Healthcare atDesert Foothills Library38442 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave CreekRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

MEN’S DISABILITY ISSUES GROUPMay 17, 5:30-7 p.m.Disability Empowerment Center5025 E.Washington St., Phx602-980-3232

SLEEP SECRETSMay 18, 1-2:30 p.m.By Sun Health at Sun CityWestRecreation Center19803 RH Johnson Blvd., Sun CityWestRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

SKIN CANCER SCREENINGMay 19, 8:30-11:30 a.m.Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center atScottsdale Healthcare10460 N. 92 St., ScottsdaleAppointments: shc.org/events;480-323-4636

BACTERIAL & VIRAL INFECTIONSMay 21, noon-1 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., MesaRegister: 877-924-WELL (9355)

LOSS OF BLADDER CONTROLMay 22, 2-3 p.m.ParadiseValley Hospital3805 E. Bell Rd., Phxazhealthyhours.com; 855-292-9355

HERNIATED DISCSMay 22, 6-7 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., MesaRegister: 877-924-WELL (9355)

URINARY INCONTINENCEMay 23, 6-7 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., MesaRegister: 877-924-WELL (9355)

SAVE YOUR VISIONMay 24, 1-2 p.m.By Scottsdale Healthcare atCivic Center Library3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

HEART/STROKE

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILUREMay 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Chandler Regional475 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

STROKE SUPPORT GROUPMay 7 & 21, 10 a.m.-noonCowden Center at John C. LincolnNorthMountain9202 N. Second St., PhxRegister: 602-331-8432

STROKE SUPPORT GROUPMay 9, 2:30-4 p.m.Chandler Regional475 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler480-728-3828

MENDED HEARTS SUPPORT GROUPMay 9, 6:30-8 p.m.John C. LincolnMedical Office Bldg 119841 N. 27 Ave., Phx623-879-5765

STROKE SUPPORT GROUPMay 10, 10-11 a.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-230-CARE (2273)

STRIKE OUT STROKEMay 10, 1-2 p.m.By Scottsdale Healthcare atCivic Center Library3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

HEART HEALTH: REDUCING RISKSMay 11, 9:30-10:30 a.m.By Sun Health at The ColonnadeRecreationVillage19116 ColonnadeWay, SurpriseRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

FREE HEART-HEALTHYEATING CLASSMay 15, 11 a.m.-noonBanner Heart Hospital6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa480-854-5401

STROKE SUPPORT GROUPMay 15, 3-4 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa877-924-WELL (9355)

MENDED HEARTS SUPPORT GROUPMay 16, 6:30 p.m.Banner Heart Hospital6750 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa480-854-5070

HEART HEALTH: TREATMENT& PREVENTIONMay 18, 9:30-10:30 a.m.By Sun Health at The ColonnadeRecreationVillage19116 ColonnadeWay, SurpriseRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

DIABETES

TAKING CONTROL OF DIABETESVarious dates, 10 a.m.-noonPhoenix Baptist Hospital2040W. Bethany Home Rd., PhxRegister: azhealthyhours.com;855-292-9355

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUPMay 10, 1-2 p.m.St. Luke’s1800 E.Van Buren St., Phx877-351-WELL (9355)

PREVENTING PRE-DIABETESPROGRESSIONMay 14, 1-2 p.m.By Sun Health at Church of the Nazarene14636 N. DelWebb Blvd., Sun CityRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUPMay 14, 3-4 p.m.MountainVistaMedical Center1301 S. Crismon Rd., Mesa877-924-WELL (9355)

INSULIN PUMPERS SUPPORTGROUPMay 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Cowden Center at John C. LincolnNorthMountain9202 N. Second St., Phx602-870-6060

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUPMay 16, 7-8:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-5195

DIABETES PREVENTIONMay 24, 10-11 a.m.By Sun Health at Grandview Care Center14505W. GraniteValley Dr.,Sun CityWestRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

ALZHEIMER’S/DEMENTIA

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERSMay 3 & 17, 1:30-3 p.m.Tempe St. Luke’s1500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe877-351-WELL (9355)

MAKINGMUSIC &MEMORIESMay 4, 10-11:30 a.m.By Banner Alzheimer’s atPyle Recreation Center655 E. Southern Ave., TempeRegister: 602-839-6850;Deidra.Colvin@bannerhealth.com

SOLUTIONS FOR DEMENTIAPROBLEMSMay 11, 10:30 a.m.-noonBy Banner Alzheimer’s atAZMuseum of Natural History53 N. Macdonald, MesaRegister: 602-230-CARE (2272)

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVERSMay 15, 12:30-2 p.m.By Duet at Church of the Beatitudes555W. Glendale Ave., Phx602-274-5022

Take advantage of over 150 opportunities for youto meet others with similar issues and learn moreabout various aspects of your health – from A to Z.

May MAY is National Stroke AwarenessMonth, stroke.org

In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month,numerous health-care facilities are offering commu-nity stroke screening events, often at no charge. Mostrequire pre-registration. Please call to confirm details.

MAY 11-31What:Vital signs, risk factor assessment, Bruit Check(abnormal sound in carotid artery) if indicatedPresented by: Abrazo Health CareAppointments: 855-292-9355; azhealthyhours.comCost: FreeDates/Locations: May 11, noon-4 p.m.:Paradise Valley Hospital, 3929 E. Bell Rd., PhoenixMay 16, 8 a.m.-noon:WestValley Hospital,13677W. McDowell Rd., GoodyearMay 18, 8 a.m.-noon:Maryvale Hospital,5102W. Campbell Ave., PhoenixMay 19, 8 a.m.-noon: Arizona Heart Hospital,1930 E. Thomas Rd., PhoenixMay 24, 8 a.m.-noon: Arrowhead Hospital,18701 N. 67th Ave., GlendaleMay 31, 8 a.m.-noon: Phoenix Baptist Hospital,2000W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix

MAY 12-19What: Evaluation of neck arteries, cholesterol/glucosescreen (4-hour fast recommended)Presented by: Banner Health and the AmericanHeart AssociationAppointments: 602-230-CARE (2273)Cost: FreeDates/Locations: May 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.:Banner Estrella, 9201W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix

May 15, 7-11 a.m.: Banner Del E.Webb,14502W. Meeker Blvd., Sun CityWestMay 18, 8-11:30 a.m.: Banner Boswell,10401W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun CityMay 19, 8 a.m.-noon: Banner Thunderbird,5555W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale

A SAMPLING OF ADDITIONALSTROKE SCREENING EVENTS:May 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.Location: St. Joseph’s, 350W. Thomas Rd., PhoenixAppointments: 877-602-4111

May 8, 8 a.m.-noonLocation: Cowden Center at John C. Lincoln NorthMountain, 9202 N. Second St., PhoenixAppointments: 602-434-6265

May 19, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Location:DeerValleyMedical, 6206W.Bell Rd., GlendaleAppointments: 602-368-0458(First 27 ultrasound carotid artery screenings offeredat no charge; others $55 each)

TOP Events

THINKS

TOCK

4 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICMay 15, 9-11 a.m.By Sun Health at Grandview Care Center14505W. GraniteValley Dr.,Sun CityWestRegister: tinyurl.com/SHCommEd2012;623-455-5633

CANCER SUPPORTGROUPS

HEAD & NECKMay 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s500W.Thomas Rd., Phx602-406-6621

ORAL, HEAD & NECKMay 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

CANCERMay 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2-3:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

CAVE CREEKMay 4, 10 a.m.-noonBy Scottsdale Healthcare atGood Shepherd of the HillsEpiscopal Church6502 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave CreekRSVP: 480-488-3283

GYNECOLOGICMay 8, 5-6:15 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

SPANISH-SPEAKINGMay 8, 6-7:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

YOUNGWOMENMay 8, 6:30-8 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5450

FACING FORWARD(for women)May 9, 1-3 p.m.Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center atScottsdale Healthcare10460 N. 92 St., ScottsdaleRegister: shc.org/events; 480-882-4636

COPINGWITH CANCERMay 9 & 23, 6:30-8 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5450

THYROIDMay 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

LUNGMay 12, 1-3 p.m.By St. Joseph’s atTheWellness Community360 E. Palm Ln., Phx602-712-1006

PROSTATEMay 14, 7 p.m.St. Joseph’s350W.Thomas Rd., Phx602-242-3131

CANCERMay 15, 5-6:15 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

UNA REUNION(Latino Cancer OutreachTask Force)May 15, 6-7:30 p.m.UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s500W.Thomas Rd., Phx602-567-7640

KIDS CAN COPEMay 15, 7-8 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5450

ORAL, HEAD & NECKMay 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMAMay 16, 6-7:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

COLORECTALMay 17, 6-7:30 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5450

ESOPHAGEALMay 17, 6-7:30 p.m.Banner Good Samaritan1111 E. McDowell Rd., Phx602-839-4970; 602-527-3776

PROSTATEMay 21, 4-5:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

PROSTATEMay 28, 7-9 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

CANCER-RELATED

GENTLE YOGAMay 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 4 p.m.Banner MD Anderson2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert480-256-4141

OVARIAN CANCER DISCUSSIONDr. Mike Janicek, Arizona OncologyMay 5, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Scottsdale Healthcare Shea9003 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale480-664-4948

MYELOMA DISCUSSIONDr. Jeffrey Schriber, Arizona OncologyMay 5, 10 a.m.-noonVirginia G. Piper Cancer Center10460 N 92 St., Scottsdale480-882-4636

CHAIR YOGAMay 7, 14, 21 & 28, 10 a.m.Banner MD Anderson2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert480-256-4141

LIVING & COPINGMay 8, 4 p.m.Banner MD Anderson2946 E. Banner Gateway Dr., Gilbert480-256-4141

YOGA, RELAXATION &VISUALIZATIONMay 14, 4-5:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-3817

TAI CHI &MANAGING SLEEPDIFFICULTIESMay 15, 4-5:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-3817

UNDERSTANDING TREATMENT& NUTRITIONMay 17, 4-5:30 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-3817

LIVER CANCER UPDATEDr. Mahesh Seetharam,Arizona OncologyMay 17, 6-8 p.m.TheWellness Community360 E. Palm Ln., Phx602-712-1006

MOBILIZING RESOURCES& SUPPORTMay 28, 6-8 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W.Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5450

BREAST CANCER

NEWLY DIAGNOSEDMay 3 & 17, 6-8 p.m.Co-sponsored byTheWellnessCommunityJohn C. Lincoln Breast Center19646 N. 27 Ave., Phx602-712-1006

YOGA FOR RECOVERYMay 3 & 17, 6-8 p.m.Co-sponsored byTheWellnessCommunityJohn C. LincolnMedical Office Bldg 119841 N. 27 Ave., Phx602-712-1006

YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITIONMay 8, 6-8 p.m.John C. Lincoln Breast Center19646 N. 27 Ave., Phx602-712-1006

SUPPORT GROUPMay 12, 10 a.m.-noonVirginia G. Piper Cancer Center atScottsdale Healthcare10460 N. 92 St., ScottsdaleRegister: tinastreasures@shc.org;480-323-1990

BOSOM BUDDIESMay 19, 10 a.m.-noonScottsdale HealthcareThompson Peak7400 E. Thompson Peak, Scottsdale623-547-2206

EAST VALLEY YOUNG SURVIVORS(age 40 and under)May 19, 10 a.m.-noonDynamic Life Coaching Center1701 S. Mill Ave., Tempe480-326-7023

BLACKS AGAINST BREAST CANCERMay 20, 3-5 p.m.TheWellness Community360 E. Palm Lane, Phx602-320-0502

SUPPORT GROUPMay 22, 5-6:15 p.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-4673

CIRCLE OF HELPMay 24, 6-8 p.m.John C. Lincoln19646 N. 27 Ave., Phx623-434-2784

PARENTING/KIDS

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUPMay 2, 9 & 16, 10-11 a.m.Phoenix Baptist Hospital2000W. Bethany Home Rd., PhxRegister: abrazohealth.com/newborn;855-292-9355

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONSUPPORT GROUPMay 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1-2:30 p.m.Chandler Regional1875W. Frye Rd., Chandler480-728-5414

CHILDREN’SIMMUNIZATION CLINICMay 5, 8 a.m.-noonScottsdale Healthcare Osborn3634 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale480-882-4317

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSIONSUPPORT GROUPMay 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10-11:30 a.m.Banner Desert1400 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa480-412-5292

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT GROUPMay 8 & 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Banner Thunderbird5555W. Thunderbird Rd., Glendale602-865-5908

NURSINGMOMS SUPPORT GROUPMay 9, 10:30 a.m.-noonBanner Del E. Webb14502W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West800-230-CARE (2273)

WEBSITES FORMORE INFORMATION• Abrazo Health Care (Arizona Heart Hospital, Arizona HeartInstitute, Arrowhead Hospital, Maryvale Hospital, ParadiseValley Hospital, Phoenix Baptist Hospital,WestValleyHospital): abrazohealth.com

• Banner Health: bannerhealth.com

• Cardon Children’s Medical Center: bannerhealth.com

• Chandler Regional Medical Center: ChandlerRegional.org

• Duet, Partners in Health & Aging: duetaz.org

• HealthSouth Rehabilitation: healthsouth.com

• John C. Lincoln Hospital: JCL.com• Laser Spine Institute: LaserSpineInstitute.com• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center:MercyGilbert.org• MountainVistaMedical Center:mvmedicalcenter.com• Scottsdale Healthcare: shc.org• St. Joseph’sHospital andMedical Center: stjosephs-phx.org• St. Luke’sMedical Center, Phoenix: stlukesmedcenter.com• Tempe St. Luke’s: tempestlukeshospital.com• TheWellness Community-AZ: twccaz.org

QUESTION:How canwe preventcarbon monoxide poisoningfrom our boat exhaust?Answer: Carbon monoxide (CO) poison-ing is a major contributor to fatalitieson Arizona lakes. CO levels from boatexhaust can reach critical levels in avery short period of time and can affectpassengers whether they are traveling,anchored or idling. Symptoms mayinclude severe headache, dizziness,confusion, nausea or fainting. However,when concentrations of CO are high,unconsciousness can be the first sign;this can occur with none of the previ-ously noted symptoms.You cannot see, smell or taste CO, so

you need to install and maintain COalarms inside your boat – and do notignore an alarm. Learn where your pro-pulsion engine and/or generator exhaustpipes are located and keep everyonewell away from these areas. Never sit,surf or hang on the back deck or swimplatform while the engines are running.The areas under swim platforms can bedangerous, too.If you suspect CO poisoning, immedi-

ately get the victim to fresh air and seekmedical attention.

BOB BARON, M.D., BANNER GOOD SAMARITANMEDICAL CENTER

QUESTION:What is ‘frozenshoulder’?Answer: The shoulder joint isencased in a capsule of connectivetissue; frozen shoulder, better knownas adhesive capsulitis, occurs whenthis capsule thickens and tightensaround the shoulder joint, restrictingits movement.

The first stage is pain with anymove-ment of the shoulder. As the shoulder’srange ofmotion becomes limited, it entersthe frozen stagewith notable loss of rangeofmotion. In the thawing stage, range ofmotion and pain begin to improve.Treatment involves stretching exercises

and sometimes, injection of corticoste-roids and numbing medications into thejoint capsule. Often oral anti-inflammato-ries are used, while in a small percentageof cases, surgery may be needed.

STEVEN J. HATTRUP, M.D., ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ANDCHAIR OF ORTHOPEDICS AT MAYO CLINIC IN ARIZONA

QUESTION:Do I really needthe latest and greatesthearing aid?Answer: Not everyone will need thehighest level of technology in their hear-ing aids, but make sure you are gettingwhat you need for your specific hearingloss because trying to save money andbuying something that doesn’t fulfill yourneeds will not give you the results youare looking for.Adjusting to hearing aids takes time.

You should see your hearing health-care provider four to six times overthe first sixty days and they can makeadjustments in the programming of thehearing aid based on the feedback theyreceive from you. Be patient - a personhas to commit to the process of workingwith their provider to achieve the mostbenefit out of their hearing aids. If youmake that commitment you will find itis well worth it.

ROBERT BABER, BOARD-CERTIFIED HEARING INSTRU-MENT SPECIALIST AND OWNER OF 21 MIRACLE-EARCENTERS LOCATED THROUGHOUT ARIZONA

ASK AN EXPERTHealth-care advice

LivingWell a-z invites readers to submit questionsto a panel of health-care experts. The short questionsand answers will offer readers a little more informationabout hot topics in medicine and refer you to otherresources where you can learn more. Responses willalso arm you with information so you know what to askyour own health-care providers.

If you would like your question to be consideredfor the June 6, 2012 issue of LivingWell a-z,please write to editor:Paula Hubbs CohenPaula.Cohen@cox.netor c/o The Arizona Republic200 E.Van Buren St., CA22 Phoenix, AZ 85004

WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 5

FREEHEARING TEST26 Arizona Locations

Call 602-814-0072www.Miracle-Ear-Phoenix.comNot a medical exam.Audiometric testto determine proper amplification needs only.Good only from participating Miracle-Earproviders. See store for details.

Solving Shoulder,Hip and Knee Pain

Early diagnosis and surgicaltreatment can be the answer.

May 8, 1 p.m.Banner Baywood Medical Center

May 12, 8 a.m.Banner Desert Medical CenterRSVP: (602) 230-CARE (2273)www.BannerHealth.com/events

Visit mayoclinic.org/arizona

Most people my age don’t think they can getskin cancer. But I was diagnosed with stageone melanoma at 17. Now, I wear my scarproudly and tell my friends how importantit is to get regular skin checks.My answer was Mayo Clinic.

Caitlyn Potter, Phoenix, AZ

Because ofMayo Clinic’s collaborativemodel of care, Caity had an entire team on her side, focusedon her recovery. Now, she is cancer-free and attending college. For over 100 years, people from allwalks of life have come to Mayo Clinic for answers. Mayo is an in-network provider for millionsof people. In most cases you don’t need a physician referral. For more information or to schedulean appointment, visit mayoclinic.org.

BARIATRIC PROGRAMHear aboutmedical& surgical

treatments for obesity.

THURS., MAY 3:6-6:45PM

TUES., MAY 15:6-6:45PM

(480) 301-4533MayoClinic.org/Arizona

Continued from COVER:Checking In

2009 recommendation that annual screen-ing begin only after a woman reaches theage of 50.“The focus of the USPSTF is more on

cutting costs and less on saving lives,”said Murali Murty, M.D., M.P.A., a radiationoncologist with Arizona Breast CancerSpecialists in Scottsdale. “I can’t count thenumber of patients under age 50 we seewho have breast cancer.”Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona recom-

mends and covers annual or biannualmammograms for women age 40 and over,depending on their doctor’s recommenda-tion as medically necessary, said seniormedical director Edward Fenstermacher,M.D., M.B.A. Blue Cross also covers a base-line mammogram for women between 35and 39 if recommended by their doctor.Your provider may recommend a base-

line mammogram between ages 35 and39. Whether or not a patient chooses tohave a baseline, she needs her first screen-ing mammogram at age 40, most provid-ers say. “It’s important that women intheir 40s have mammograms,” said Murty,“because cancer in a younger individualgenerally tends to be more aggressive.”

Scottsdale internalmedicine specialist AngelaDeRosa, D.O., examines Cassi Sharp ofGlendale. DeRosa believes in treating thewhole body as she thoroughly screens herpatients for a variety of common concerns.

A new, not yet widely used blood testfor breast cancer detection is availablethrough about 100 providers in Ari-zona according to the test’s developer,Phoenix-based Provista Diagnostics.Called the BT Test, it analyzes fivespecific blood-based proteins involvedin the body’s immune system responseto the development and proliferation ofbreast cancer.

Provista Diagnostics says that if breastcancer is present in a patient, the BTTest can recognize it with 97 percentaccuracy in women 35-49 years old andwith 86 percent accuracy in women 50years of age and older.The test costs$249 and some insurance companiescover it as an out-of-network benefit.

Scottsdale internal medicine specialistAngela DeRosa,D.O., has offered theBT test to her patients for about sevenmonths.“It’s an especially useful testwhen it can help distinguish betweenbenign breast disease and cancer if amammogram comes back inconclu-sive,” she said.There’s a possibility thatin five to 10 years, this test could makeit possible to reduce the frequency ofscreening mammography for womenunder 50, she added.

Blood test forbreast cancerdetection

Women’s health screening through the agesWomen in different decades of life have different health-care needs.Take a look at this handy chart that provides a broad summary of some of them.

Age Screening/Exam How often?

20s

Cholesterol testing (blood test) Every five years

Pap test Annually

Clinical breast exam Annually

Breast self-exam Monthly

30s

All other tests performed in the 20s, howevera Pap test may only be needed every threeyears in this decade (consult your provider)

HPV screening Annually

Thyroid test Annually

Diabetes screening Annually

Comprehensive metabolic panel andVitamin D testing Annually

C-Reactive Protein test Annually

Vision screening Every three to five years

35 Breast cancer test (optional blood test) Annually

35-39 Baseline mammogram Once

40 Screening mammogram Every one or two years(consult your provider)

40sAll other tests performed in the 30s

EKG At least once

Hormone testing Annually

50s

All other tests performed in the 40s Annually

Screening mammogram Annually

Fecal occult blood test for colon cancer Annually

Colonoscopy Typically every 10 years

Cardiac stress testEvery five to 10 years,depending on patient’smedical history

Bone density testing (DEXA scan) if patient isat high risk of osteoporosis

Per health-care providerrecommendation

60s All other tests performed in the 50s

60-65 DEXA scan Every two years

70s All other tests performed in the 60s

75 May be able to cease annual mammograms

RICK

D’ELIA

Along with their olderand/or retired col-leagues, female veter-ans returning from Iraq

and Afghanistan,most of whomare between the ages of 19 and29, receive routine screeningsthrough theVeterans Health Ad-ministration health-care system.In the Phoenix area,more than1,700 women who have returnedfrom these two overseas opera-tions are enrolled to receiveVAhealth-care.

When they return home, they arescheduled for an appointmentwith a primary care physician,explained Cara Garcia, the womenveterans programmanager fortheVeterans Hospital in Phoenix.“They get a head-to-toe evaluationwith screenings that may includea Pap test,diabetes screening ifthey’re overweight or have otherrisk factors, and a mental healthscreening,” she said. In addition,all veterans returning from de-ployment are screened for a braininjury,Garcia said.

Cara Garcia, women veteransprogrammanager at theVAHospital in Phoenix, said thatmore than 7,200 female veteransinMaricopa County are receiv-ing care at our localVA hospital.JoannAhlemeyer, Doctor ofNursing Practice, talks with apatient in the background.

suggest doing this earlier. Testoster-one deficiency in women is a commonproblem, she said, characterized by fuzzythinking, mood disorders and low libido.The deficiency can be easily correctedwith hormone therapy.A patient should have an EKG to evalu-

ate the heart’s electrical activity beginningin her 40s, DeRosa advised, and thenannually beginning in the 50s. She alsotypically refers a patient to a cardiologiststarting at age 50 for a cardiac stress testevery five to 10 years, depending on thepatient’s clinical background.Beginning at age 50, every woman

should ask her provider about a colonos-copy to check for colon cancer. The testis typically repeated every 10 years or so,again depending on the patient’s medicalhistory. Many providers recommend a fecaloccult blood test to detect hidden bloodin the stool every year beginning at age 50.

Bottom lineIt’s vital to discuss all of these screeningswith your provider, the professionalsadvise, because you as an individual mayneed specific screenings more or lessoften than the general recommendations.

Skin cancerSkin cancer screenings are another poten-tially confusing topic.The USPSTF has concluded that“the

evidence is insufficient to recommend foror against routine screening for skin cancerusing a total-body skin examination for theearly detection of…melanoma, basal cell can-cer or squamous cell skin cancer.”Yet again,many doctors seem to disagreewith that.In fact, DeRosa recommends starting

skin cancer screening at a young age.“In our practice, we follow the AmericanCancer Society guidelines of doing afull-body screen during the annual examstarting at age 18 to 21, depending on thepatient’s clinical background. While thepatient is gowned, it’s a great time for herto get examined,” she said.

Bone healthBone density testing, also called a DEXAscan, can begin in the 50s if the patientis at risk for fractures because of fam-ily history, because she has been or isa smoker, or because she doesn’t takecalcium regularly, DeRosa said. Blue CrossBlue Shield of Arizona recommends that apatient have her first DEXA scan between60 and 65, or as medically necessary,

Fenstermacher said. “After that, she shouldhave bone density testing every twoyears,” Lockwood said.

General healthCholesterol testing should begin at 20,Fenstermacher of Blue Cross advised, andcontinue throughout one’s life every fiveyears or as medically necessary. A bloodtest called a comprehensivemetabolicpanel that includes testing for bloodglucose, protein and calcium, is appropri-ate every year beginning in a patient’s 30s,DeRosa said. She also recommends thatbeginning in this decade of life, the patienthave another blood test called a C-ReactiveProtein (CRP) test that can reveal a predis-position to heart disease or cancer.Annual screening for diabetes and

thyroid health should begin in the 30s,DeRosa said, adding that annual thyroidtesting can begin in the 20s if the patientis on birth control pills.Vision screening through an optome-

trist or ophthalmologist should also beginin the 30s and be repeated every three tofive years, DeRosa said.Hormone testing should begin in

the 40s, DeRosa said, unless symptoms

VA Health Administration offersscreenings for female veterans

All women vets (of which there aremore than 7,200 in the Phoenix areaalone) have access to annual well-woman exams through theVA,Gar-cia said.These can include any orall of the screenings recommendedfor the general population, such asPap tests,mammograms and bonedensity tests.

SOURCE: MULTIPLE SOURCES

6 | LIVING WELL A-Z | WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012

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NationalWomen’s HealthWeekTake time to take control of your healthBYALISON STANTON

OnMother’s Day, SundayMay 13,the 13th annual NationalWomen’sHealthWeekwill get underway.

Theweeklong observance of women’shealth is coordinated by the U.S. Depart-ment of Health andHuman Services’OfficeonWomen’s Health.According to theNationalWomen’s Health

Weekwebsite,womenshealth.gov/whw,the event helps bring together businesses,health organizations, communities andgovernment and other groups in order topromotewomen’s health.

Make health a priorityThis year’s theme for National Women’sHealth Week is ‘It’s Your Time.’Women areencouraged to make their health a toppriority by taking the time to do tangiblethings that will help improve their physi-cal and mental health such as schedulinga checkup or preventative screening,

eating healthily, getting enough sleep,managing stress and avoiding unhealthybehaviors like smoking or not wearing aseatbelt or helmet.

OpenHouse at CurvesThroughout the Phoenix metropolitanarea, a variety of businesses and organiza-tions have planned special events in honorof NationalWomen’s HealthWeek. Oneof them is Curves, a nationwide group ofwomen-only fitness centers.Shannon Todarello, owner of Curves on

Central in Phoenix, said that 14 locations ina local Curves co-op are hosting an OpenHouse during the week of May 14 to 18.“People can come in, tour the facilities

and seewhatwe do.We’ll also be offeringeducation on fitness andwellness aswell asnutrition,”she said. OnMay 17 only, Todarellosaid Curves facilities across the country aregiving away free one-monthmemberships.Nationally, she said Curves is hoping to reachonemillion peoplewith the offer.

Other eventsSeveral other local businesses andorganizations have events plannedfor NationalWomen’s HealthWeek.Here is a sampling of some of them:

Ladies Night Out:What’s New inWomen’s HealthWhen:May 3, 6-7 p.m.Where:MountainVistaMedicalCenter, 1301 S. CrismonRoad,MesaWho:Open to the publicCost: FreeRegister: 877-924-9355

Community lecture ongynecological cancersSpeaker: ShanaWingo,M.D., gynecologiconcologistwith ArizonaOncologyWhen:May 9, 5:30-7 p.m.Where:BannerThunderbird,5555W.Thunderbird Road, GlendaleWho:Open to the publicCost: FreeInfo: 602-230-2273; bannerhealth.com

10th AnnualWomen’sTeaSpeakers:Brunch andpresentations on‘liquid face-lifts’, healthy foods andmakingthemost of yourwomen’s health visitWhen:May 19, 10 a.m.-noonWhere: ScottsdaleHealthcare Shea, BradyConference Center, 9003 E. Shea Blvd.,ScottsdaleWho:Open to the publicCost: FreeRegister:480-882-4636; shc.org/events

BYGREMLYNBRADLEY-WADDELL

With summerapproaching,manyparents arewondering thesame thing: Canwe leave the

kids alone for awhile?Thewholeday?Theevening?Theanswers, say those in theknow, should

bedetermined on a case-by-case basis.

Age andmaturityAge needs to be taken into consideration,but so doesmaturity aswell as the abilityto handle responsibility. Some 12-year-oldsare farmoremature than some 15-year-olds, said HaroldMagalnick, M.D., a Phoenixpediatrician. Nevertheless, he said, it shouldbe a given that children younger thanelementary-school-age should never beleft home alone.According to Sgt. TommyThompson of

the Phoenix Police Department, there isno state or federal law regarding the ageat which a child is considered old enough,

or too young, to be left alone. But bothThompson andMagalnick said parentsmust be ready to face the consequencesshould something go awry.“You need to be able to explainwhy you

didwhat youdid,”Thompson said, not-ing that negligence or abandonment areexamples of charges that parents could faceif a youngster is left alone and ends up inharm’sway.

Preparation and follow-upParents need to prepare their childrenfor going it alone at home, no matterthe duration.First, ask your child if hewants to stay byhimself, saidGoldie La Porte,manager of theChildDevelopment department at CardonChildren’sMedical Center inMesa. She saidmanywill embrace the opportunity, but chil-drenwith active imaginations, for example,might be frightenedby every noise theyhear. If your child isn’t interested, considerdelaying the solo stays, however, if your child

relishes the idea, gauge his readiness byobserving and communicatingwith him,La Porte said.Parents should set clear boundaries and

run through scenarios that could happen,such as a stranger knocking at the door, thephone ringing or even a house fire.“Put alot of structure into it,”said JanHamilton, apsychiatric nurse practitionerwithDoorways,a teen counseling center in Phoenix.“Thenhave your child call or text youwhile you’regone, or have someonego to your houseand check-in on your child.”Hamilton also suggests parents gradually

increase the length of their absences. Inaddition, aQ-and-A session after each outingis helpful so parents can determine if theirchild experienced any concernswhile theadultswere gone.“Theprocess of allowing kids tohavemore

responsibility is tricky, but it’s a normal part ofgrowingup that theyneed to learn,”Hamiltonsaid.“It’s normal to haveboth theparents andthe teensbe a little anxious about it.”

Ready – or not? – to stay home aloneConsider a host of variables before leaving your child alone• Areparents’contact numberswritten

downand in aplace accessibleto the child?

• Does the child clearly understand therules she’s supposed to follow and theconsequences of not followingthe rules?

• What should a child do if a strangerknocks on the door or the phone rings?

• Is there a trusted neighbor, friend orfamilymember that the child cancontact in case of an emergency?

• Or, is there a trusted person who cancheck-in on the child?

• Does the child know how to prepare foodin a safemanner?

• Does the child have the addedresponsibility of looking after youngerfamilymembers?

• Does the child understandwhen it isappropriate to call 9-1-1?

• If there is an emergency,does the childknow how to get out of the house,and getothers out as well, if necessary?

SOURCES:HAROLDMAGALNICK,M.D.; SGT. TOMMYTHOMPSON, PHOENIX POLICEDEPARTMENT; GOLDIELA PORTE, CARDON CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER;JAN HAMILTON, DOORWAYS

Some things to consider beforeleavingachildhomealone:

THINKS

TOCK

WEDNESDAY, May 2, 2012 | LIVING WELL A-Z | 7

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