The new year provides an opportunity for many people to start fresh, begin eating healthy and start exercising. This is also a great time for those battling addiction to set goals for recovery. One of the best things a person can do is set themselves free from addiction. Getting sober can improve nearly every aspect of a person’s life by repairing long damaged relationships and boosting overall health. Starting the new year is always an exciting time for new beginnings. If you are one of … [Read more...] about Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution to Get Sober
Health
Chasing Health from the Inside Out
Anyone else out there taking a deep breath and bracing yourself for fall and winter and the expected increase in seasonal viral illnesses? Yeah, me too. While an uptick in seasonal viral illnesses seems overwhelming considering what we’ve collectively been through over the past 18 months, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to cross your fingers, squeeze your eyes shut and hope that you don’t get sick. You can take action to set your immune system up to take on these bugs when they come … [Read more...] about Chasing Health from the Inside Out
The Importance of Movement
The human body is designed around movement; without it, we would cease to exist. As movement declines, so does health and longevity, which means that movement is so vitally important that it sustains life. Consider the human form. Without blood pressure, we cannot move our blood; thus, our heart must be in constant motion. Without transport of blood, we cannot deliver oxygen, nutrients or medicaments to our tissues and ultimately our cells, then send the blood back for a refill. Then, there’s … [Read more...] about The Importance of Movement
Healthy Aging with Optimal Hormones
From Baby Boomers in their 60s and 70s to Millennials and everyone in between, aging is inevitable. But the aging healthfully movement is here! People are no longer comfortable with getting older and not feeling their best. Many people desire to stay feeling young, healthy and vibrant, no matter their age. Overmedication with synthetic medications is not the answer. If we shift the focus on healthy aging through hormone optimization safely, it will not only relieve symptoms of imbalance but … [Read more...] about Healthy Aging with Optimal Hormones
Governor Ducey Shares Latest On COVID-19
Governor Doug Ducey today toured the vaccine distribution site at the Arizona State Fairgrounds and announced ten Arizona health care frontline workers who will be among the first Arizonans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. After the tour, the Governor also announced the state is distributing $15 million in additional funding to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for health emergency needs. The funding will be used to help replenish the public health emergency fund. “The … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Shares Latest On COVID-19
Making Friends with Fear, Uncertainty
This year has been one for the record books with chaos, division, fear and uncertainty unlike anything many of us have experienced in our lifetime. Anxiety is best defined as a fear of the unknown. But the unknown is also a collection of infinite possibilities. Choosing to correlate uncertainty with possibility can help us embrace it and make friends with fear. In my last year of college, I was engaged to my high school sweetheart. The wedding plans were complete, the invitations about to be … [Read more...] about Making Friends with Fear, Uncertainty
Third COVID-19 Surge Stressing Healthcare Workers, Hospitals
As the number of COVID-19 patients rises in Northern and Central Arizona hospitals, Northern Arizona Healthcare officials say they are able to manage the situation for now, but that could change quickly. At the time of publication, Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) is treating 34 COVID-19 patients with 12 cases pending and hospital capacity, including critical care capacity around 60%. Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) is reporting 22 COVID-19 patients, also with its capacity hovering at … [Read more...] about Third COVID-19 Surge Stressing Healthcare Workers, Hospitals
Governor Ducey Extends Enhanced Surveillance Advisory Tracking COVID-19, Health Care Capacity
Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order extending the Enhanced Surveillance Advisory that requires hospitals, testing laboratories and other health care facilities to report detailed information about COVID-19. To help public health officials and local communities make data-driven decisions to fight the spread of the virus, Arizona’s Enhanced Surveillance Advisory, established by Executive Order 2020-13 in March, requires reporting about COVID-19 cases, health care capacity, and … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Extends Enhanced Surveillance Advisory Tracking COVID-19, Health Care Capacity
Recognizing that Health is Wealth
Does 2020 have you feeling down? Take heart, you’re not alone. As a cardiology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic and have talked to hundreds of people who feel the same way you do. The stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in many different ways, but nobody has been spared. If the phrase “the new normal” makes you cringe, I have good news for you – “the new normal” has the potential to be very positive! If we have learned one thing from … [Read more...] about Recognizing that Health is Wealth
Jump-Starting Your Health Focus with a Dietitian
The following is a question and answer session with Northern Arizona Healthcare Dietitian and certified diabetes educator Shannon Heffern, RDN: How can I make 2020 my healthiest year yet? You have the power to lengthen your life by making smarter choices! One important thing is not to follow a “diet.” You need a way of eating that’s sustainable. U.S. News & World Report, which ranked Flagstaff Medical Center a No. 2 hospital in Arizona, looked at the top 42 diets in America and … [Read more...] about Jump-Starting Your Health Focus with a Dietitian