Columnists

Retail is an important piece of the economic puzzle and employment picture. It often takes a diminished role in the conversations about economies and life cycle employment; however, the numbers reveal that the retail trade sector of the economy is more than entry-level work. The retail trade sector of the economy is truly a dark horse carrying greater numbers and contributing well beyond its assumed capacity. Local retail businesses are a lifeblood to our economy and deserve our attention and … [Read more...] about The Value of Retail

Did you know almost 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers this year, or that oral cancer kills one American every hour and that the five-year survival rate of those diagnosed is only slightly more than 64 percent? Oral cancer’s incidence rate has increased the last five years in a row. The mortality rate for oral cancer is higher than the rates for cervical cancer (12,200 per year), Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer and skin … [Read more...] about Dentistry Striving to Improve Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Weight loss and healthy weight maintenance are the main reasons many of us decide to become physically active. Indeed, multiple studies have proven that exercise is necessary to lose weight and, more importantly, keep it off. However, the benefits of exercise extend far beyond shrinking the size of your belly. Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis. Exercise improves lung capacity, physical … [Read more...] about Exercise to Improve Your Mind

Over the past few years, a worldwide consciousness about the need for bees has developed, the direct result of studies indicating that one-third of all honeybee colonies in our country have disappeared. Currently referred to in some circles as Bee-nificial, the benefits of these and other pollinators, long overlooked or at least taken for granted, have now become news headlines as we realize why we need bees and the serious consequences of their dwindling numbers. More Than 85 Percent of … [Read more...] about Bee-nificial Pollinators: Why We Need Bees

On July 24, the Associated Press headline "Across U.S. Job Market, Layoffs are Becoming Rare" caught my eye. The piece made a case for showing that as the economy has improved nationally, employers have regained confidence and have been shedding fewer workers. As of late July, the story stated, unemployment benefits dipped to their lowest level since February 2006. The unfortunate reality for many communities such as ours, however, is that local economies remain fragile. On July 18, days … [Read more...] about Coconino County Career Center Puts Layoffs Out of Work

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, accounting for 40 percent of all U.S. deaths. That's more than all forms of cancer combined. Why is heart disease so deadly? One reason is that many people are slow to seek help when symptoms arise. Yes, someone gripped by sudden chest pain probably knows to call 911. But heart symptoms aren't always intense or obvious, and they vary from person to person and according to gender. Because it can be hard to make … [Read more...] about Twelve Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore