Musical ear syndrome, also known as musical hallucinations or auditory hallucination, is more common than you might believe. It can cause enormous stress on the individual experiencing it. It is more likely to be a song or music without words but a few people have reported to me that they hear songs with words. I find in my practice that people are embarrassed to tell anyone about what they hear and are secretly afraid that they are going crazy. One source estimates that auditory … [Read more...] about Understanding Musical Ear Syndrome
Columnists
Maximizing Your Marketing Impact with Branded Materials
If you’re exploring ideas to help your business stand out and make an impact, promotional items can be a great way to leave a lasting impression. When you choose your products wisely, they become an important marketing tool that keeps your business and brand top-of-mind. There is a strategy to choosing which promotional items to use in your marketing efforts, and it’s a good idea to do a little research first. In the modern printing industry, the options are truly limitless – and that can … [Read more...] about Maximizing Your Marketing Impact with Branded Materials
Winter Doesn’t Always Mean a Cold Real Estate Market
And just like that, 2018 is coming to an end. I always enjoy this time of year because it allows us to reflect on the past and look toward future endeavors. For you, buying or selling a home might be one of your coming aspirations. I often get the question; “Blake, it’s December, is now a good time to sell, or should I wait until Spring?” It’s a valid question, and the answer is not so black and white. There are many factors to examine, and each seller has individual needs and … [Read more...] about Winter Doesn’t Always Mean a Cold Real Estate Market
Managing Traffic, Preparing for Winter Visitors
Winter recreation traffic congestion has long been a two-pronged issue for residents and visitors alike. Tourism represents a major economic driver in our region and is an important contributor to all of us who live and work in Arizona’s north country. With increasing tourism comes the equally important second prong of public safety issues that accompany thousands of winter recreation visitors. Stories of emergency vehicles having to travel in wrong lanes; visitors invading local … [Read more...] about Managing Traffic, Preparing for Winter Visitors
Considering Winter Cautions for Furry Family Members
Winter can be an amusing season for both you and your pet. For some dogs, there is nothing more exciting than playing in the snow. However, as fun as the snow may be, winter conditions can be potentially dangerous to your pet. If you keep these simple guidelines in mind, you and your pet can enjoy the winter season safely. The most obvious concern that comes with the winter season is the extreme cold. While we are all bundled up in our snow clothes, it can be easy to forget that our … [Read more...] about Considering Winter Cautions for Furry Family Members
Taking a Hands-On Approach to Health
It is prime time for colds and flu, and handwashing is the single most important measure you can take to prevent the transmission of germs and stay healthy. From respiratory to food-borne illnesses, most sicknesses can be avoided if everyone practiced proper handwashing techniques. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 95 percent of people claim to practice proper hand hygiene, but studies show only about 65 percent of people actually practice any sort of hand … [Read more...] about Taking a Hands-On Approach to Health
What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine (IM) is the future of health, wellness and quality of life. It focuses on healing the human body by identifying and treating the root cause of a condition. It is an open-minded way of practicing medicine that includes all forms of healing, traditional and alternative. As an Integrative Medicine Practitioner, I am classically trained as a family medicine doctor with additional training in supplements, botanicals, diet, mind-body modalities, energy medicine and other … [Read more...] about What is Integrative Medicine?
Running on Success
In 2016, when the Northern Arizona University men’s cross-country team won its first national title, it might have been hard for running enthusiasts outside of Flagstaff to find us on a map. But last month, after three years of dominating cross-country performances, opponents, media and fans know exactly where NAU and Flagstaff are. I had the good fortune to be at the NCAA National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, for NAU’s first and third championships. Let me tell you, watching the … [Read more...] about Running on Success
Happy Holidays from the Mayor
Hello, Flagstaff! I want to wish you all very happy holidays! Hopefully, we are all able to slow down and spend some extra time with loved ones and enjoy the season. To that end, instead of an update on local government, I’d love to share a favorite cookie recipe. It’s adapted from a Cook’s Illustrated recipe to work at higher elevations. Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 Tbs all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 14 tablespoons butter, browned ¾ cup dark brown … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays from the Mayor
Got Gout? Holiday Season Triggers Painful Feet
Got gout? If so, here’s an important tip for surviving the holidays: Watch what you eat and drink. Changes in diet, including overindulging in certain foods and beverages, can cause gout attacks this time of year. Gout attacks are extremely painful. They are caused when uric acid accumulates in the tissues or a joint and crystallizes. This most commonly occurs in the big toe joint but can occur in other parts of the foot, ankle and leg. Gout is a disease that results from an overload of … [Read more...] about Got Gout? Holiday Season Triggers Painful Feet