Blessed with high altitude and a finicky growing season, Northern Arizona is often criticized as a frustrating place to grow food. In spite of these challenges, the City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Foodlink are proud to celebrate the overwhelming success of the 2011 growing season. In just two community gardens, over 160 community gardeners raised 6,600 pounds of food to help supplement not only their diets, but those of friends, family and the local community. In addition to getting to know … [Read more...] about Growing Food, Growing Community
Columnists
What Day is it?
We are enjoying the nice weather and here comes two feet of snow. It took some of us a few days to shovel ourselves out, which made us feeling like we should be singing Christmas carols. Within a few days, the snow is just about gone and spring is once again in the air. Back in the office, phones start to ring with the question, “How do I file for an extension?” What – an extension? I was just singing Christmas carols the other day; how could this be? Yes it is true, we only have a few weeks … [Read more...] about What Day is it?
Treating or Avoiding Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a weakened and bulging area in the aorta, the major blood vessel that feeds blood to the body. The aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose, runs from your heart through the center of the chest and abdomen. Because the aorta is the body's main supplier of blood, a ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Most small and slow-growing aortic aneurysms don't rupture; but large, fast-growing aortic aneurysms may. Depending on the size and rate at which … [Read more...] about Treating or Avoiding Aortic Aneurysm
Keep an Eye on the KWEFS and Other Emerging Economies
If Jim O’Neill, author of The Growth Map, is correct and good things can come from crisis, we are in for a doozy of a future based on the last couple of years alone. Unlike many books on the post-economic apocalypse, O’Neill’s is refreshingly upbeat. Yes, China and countries like India and Brazil are gaining on us, but don’t be concerned. O’Neill’s “guess is that within a couple of years this depressing mood will lift.” If those countries achieve their goals, “it will be good for the world, and … [Read more...] about Keep an Eye on the KWEFS and Other Emerging Economies
Looking Back–Focused on the Future
As the clock high above the historic Coconino County Courthouse marks the passing of the hour and the roar of another train can be heard slicing through downtown Flagstaff, it is difficult not to notice that our community’s recent past is still alive. While the hitching posts and dirt roads have given way to pavement and the horsepower of the modern pickup truck and SUV, our community remains fortunate enough to experience life much like generations before. Although technology has brought … [Read more...] about Looking Back–Focused on the Future
Are Veterinarians Real Doctors?
I love being a veterinarian. With my combined interest in science, medicine and animals, becoming a veterinarian seemed a natural career choice. Veterinary medicine is challenging, exciting, and rewarding. It is sometimes wondrous, such as when I am helping to bring new animal lives into the world. Sometimes, being a vet is draining, such as when I’m helping owners cope with the ordeal of deciding to end the life of a beloved pet or when I have to explain that despite the amazing advances in … [Read more...] about Are Veterinarians Real Doctors?
What is Up with Testosterone?
It's no longer a secret that an adult man's testosterone levels decline with age. This natural process, called male menopause or andropause, has gotten recent press with the advent of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Proscar. The billions of dollars these drugs have generated for pharmaceutical companies demonstrates that men are clearly looking for a boost in their sexual prowess as they age. But, as usual, these drugs are focused on treating the symptom and not the cause. It is … [Read more...] about What is Up with Testosterone?
Lowering Taxes Today Without Increasing Them Later
It is tax time once again and like many, you are probably trying to figure out ways to reduce your taxable burden. If you are a business owner, then you know that there are a myriad of ways that can reduce what is owed to Uncle Sam, but in order to implement these strategies, you have to be working with the right CPA. The majority of qualified accountants will tell you that the most basic and common way to reduce your tax liability is to put a tax-deductible investment plan in place for the … [Read more...] about Lowering Taxes Today Without Increasing Them Later
Heart Disease Claiming More Lives than Breast Cancer
Heart Disease is Not Just a Man’s Disease Heart attacks tend to strike men in their prime, but few women have heart attacks before age 65. Yet, overall, heart disease is the number one killer of women in America, claiming six times as many lives as breast cancer. And women are twice as likely as men to die following a heart attack. Recognizing the Warning Signs Because women aren’t expected to have heart disease, warning signs are often missed or misdiagnosed. Doctors may … [Read more...] about Heart Disease Claiming More Lives than Breast Cancer
Increasing Wellness with Acupuncture
Asian medicine has flourished in China for over 4,000 years. Acupuncture, herbs, moxabustion (heat therapy), cupping and massage are employed to encourage, maintain and improve good health. Traditional Asian medicine is a complete natural medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. It is effective in treating many physical diseases as well as emotional imbalances. Acupuncture is often used to alleviate pain and facilitate quicker healing … [Read more...] about Increasing Wellness with Acupuncture