Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint. It helps define your personality, mood and health. Unfortunately, there are approximately 7.5 million people in the United States who have trouble using their voice. They can have problems with pitch, loudness and/or quality. Pitch is the highness or lowness of a sound; loudness is the volume of the sound; and quality refers to the sound’s character. A person may use a pitch that is too high or too deep, or too loud or too soft. They might sound … [Read more...] about Protecting Your Voice
Columnists
Electrophysiology
Electrophysiology (EP) is one of the fastest growing specialties in cardiovascular medicine. EP focuses on the heart’s electrical system, which regulates the rhythm and beats to keep blood flowing in, through and out of the heart. Electrophysiologists, or heart rhythm specialists, are cardiologists who specialize in EP. These specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions associated with irregular heart rhythms. Treatment options may include medication as well as the implantation … [Read more...] about Electrophysiology
Saving Lives With CT Lung Screening
In 1987, lung cancer surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer death in women. According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, accounting for more deaths annually than colon, breast and prostate combined. In light of these grim statistics, the fight against lung cancer may be taking another major step forward. Based on new evidence, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – a … [Read more...] about Saving Lives With CT Lung Screening
NAU Values Veteran Students
At the end of January, Northern Arizona University had the honor of hosting Ted Vogt, director of Arizona’s Department of Veteran Services. The entire afternoon was filled with activities related to our military veterans, concluding with a meeting of NAU veteran students at Flagstaff’s American Legion Hall. As an Army brat (during his 20+ years in the Army, my father served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam), it made me proud that NAU and the state of Arizona take seriously serving those who served … [Read more...] about NAU Values Veteran Students
Hearing Loss Quiz: Are You at Risk?
Do you ask people to repeat themselves? If you ask people to repeat themselves, do they seem annoyed? Do you think that many people mumble? Has someone ever said, “You hear what you want to hear,” to you? Do you find it difficult to hear friends/family if there is noise in the room? Have you stopped going to activities because they are just too much trouble? Do you have any ringing or roaring in your ears? Have you had noise exposure such as gun fire, heavy equipment, chain saws … [Read more...] about Hearing Loss Quiz: Are You at Risk?
The Best Car Deal
It has always been said that automotive sales are a leading indicator of the nation’s economy. Last month, I attended the National Auto Dealer Convention in New Orleans. My sense is that the automotive industry is coming back to pre-recession levels and the car manufacturers and dealership vendors are excited. What this means for you is that there are many economic factors that really favor the consumer right now. The top three factors are interest rates, used car values and new inventory … [Read more...] about The Best Car Deal
County’s Comprehensive Plan
Good planning is the way that we build a strong future for our county. The County Comprehensive Plan is one way we ensure good planning. The county has recently begun the process to review and revise the Comprehensive Plan, which guides all growth and development in our county. No one can stop growth and change, but we can guide it in ways that make our county stronger and more resilient. Growth comes as families, industries and communities increase and flourish, but growth also places … [Read more...] about County’s Comprehensive Plan
Voters Deciding Flagstaff’s General Plan
There will be a mail-only city election in May. The only issue is the proposed Flagstaff General Plan (also known as the Regional Plan) – approval or not. The ballot will only have that one question. Who cares? Chances are pretty high that you have never encountered the current general plan and you will never encounter or have any reason to read the new proposed plan. Having a general plan is required by the state. It must be revised or re-enacted every 10 years. The general plan you … [Read more...] about Voters Deciding Flagstaff’s General Plan
Mark Your 50th Year With a Colonoscopy
Happy 50th birthday! You have lived for half a century and should celebrate this accomplishment. After the party, it is important to remember another important milestone in turning 50: it is time to schedule your first colonoscopy. March is colorectal cancer awareness month and good time to start the discussion with your loved ones, coworkers, and employees about this important exam. There are many free resources available on the Internet to help educate, answer questions and even send a fun … [Read more...] about Mark Your 50th Year With a Colonoscopy
Clear About the Cloud
In the last few years, a lot of people have taken a close look at something known simply as "The Cloud." However, if you're like many businesses, then you may have some concerns about how safe and effective using the Cloud would really be. What is the Cloud? With the rise of networking capability, it has finally become possible for individuals and companies to disconnect themselves from their own servers and start relying on the processing power of others to get things done. In effect, the … [Read more...] about Clear About the Cloud