As one of the snowiest cities in America, Flagstaff has now been proclaimed “Arizona’s Winter Wonderland” by Governor Doug Ducey. “The Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau is excited about the proclamation,” said City of Flagstaff Economic Vitality Director Heidi Hansen. “This new designation will play a key role in our winter marketing efforts and the entire community will be vital in the roll out.” The Downtown Business Alliance, working with the CVB and the City of Flagstaff, is ready … [Read more...] about Celebrating Arizona’s Winter Wonderland
Columnists
Need to Purchase Insurance Through the Marketplace?
As of Sunday, Nov. 1, individuals were able to begin enrolling in health insurance plans for 2016 through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment dates are Nov.1 through Jan. 31, 2016. Those who do not enroll before Jan. 31 will not be able to enroll in a health insurance plan unless they have a qualifying life event. Those who are required to purchase health insurance coverage for 2016 and do not purchase insurance through the Marketplace, employer or … [Read more...] about Need to Purchase Insurance Through the Marketplace?
City Council Drowning in Water Issues
We have started into a series of public meetings about our water rates and whether they need to be raised. That question has brought up many more questions. With houses, we charge more per gallon as you use more gallons. This is done to get you to conserve water. Should we also charge commercial and manufacturing on a sliding scale like that? My position is no. If a manufacturer is using more water, that means more production, more money into Flagstaff, more jobs. If a hotel is using more … [Read more...] about City Council Drowning in Water Issues
Basic Business Empowerment Program Revamped
One look at Flagstaff’s bustling downtown on each First Friday of the month, and I am reminded how small businesses contribute to personal wealth and job creation. Looking statewide, according to the latest U.S. Census data, small businesses in Arizona employed over two-fifths of the state’s private workforce in 2012, or 955,194 workers. This is one of the reasons Coconino County Community Services Department, a Community Action Agency, launched the Basic Business Empowerment Program in spring … [Read more...] about Basic Business Empowerment Program Revamped
Putting an End to High Blood Pressure
When people hear the term “high blood pressure,” most associate it with old age. However, this is not always the case. High blood pressure can occur at any age. According to the National Institutes of Health, 19 percent of young adults have high blood pressure. While high blood pressure is more common in ages 60 or older, it is a health concern for individuals of all ages. High blood pressure is often known as “the silent killer,” due to the fact it exhibits no symptoms. However, managing … [Read more...] about Putting an End to High Blood Pressure
Speech-Language Pathologists Treating Stroke, Parkinson’s Patients
People who have neurological conditions – such as those caused by stroke and Parkinson’s disease – often have communication problems, including difficulties with swallowing and vocalizing. Because of their highly specialized training and experience, speech-language pathologists can work with these patients to help them regain function. Two major signs of a stroke are slurred speech and facial droop. Sometimes, the muscles used in swallowing become weak, which can cause the patient to aspirate … [Read more...] about Speech-Language Pathologists Treating Stroke, Parkinson’s Patients
The Art of Treating Acne
I chose to talk about acne because it is the most common skin condition in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 40 to 50 million Americans are affected by acne at any one time. Although so many people get acne, when it happens to you, it feels lonely and embarrassing. It can be emotionally and socially traumatizing. Acne can be so emotionally traumatizing that on the American Academy of Dermatology website at the end of the acne section is the suicide hotline. At … [Read more...] about The Art of Treating Acne
True or False? Test Your Coverage IQ
Only 45 percent of Americans feel confident enough to make insurance decisions, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Where do you stand? There's no time like the present to enhance your insurance literacy. The more you know, the better able you are to protect yourself, your family and your largest investments. Test your knowledge and learn more with this short quiz: TRUE OR FALSE? Your homeowners coverage should equal the estimated replacement cost of … [Read more...] about True or False? Test Your Coverage IQ
Do I Have to Rent to College Students?
As a broker of a property management firm, I am asked by many residential landlords if they have to rent to college students. The short answer is no, however there are many circumstances that may immediately change this answer to yes. As a landlord, it is imperative to always understand and know your legal obligations as well as tenants’ rights as defined in the Fair Housing Act (I strongly recommend consulting an attorney for this). Penalties assessed against landlords for discrimination are … [Read more...] about Do I Have to Rent to College Students?
Keeping Up With the News
Where do you get news about issues related to health and healthy habits? The Internet? Magazines? Newspapers? Television? Any of these might be a good source if you know what to look and listen for. The National Institutes of Health offers some questions to help you tell fact from fiction. Who is putting out the story? Whenever you are looking for information or the latest advice on a topic, consider the source. Who is producing the information? For example, when you find information on … [Read more...] about Keeping Up With the News