Veterinarians at the Phoenix Zoo welcomed the help of the Associate Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery at St. Joseph’s Heart & Lung Institute, Dr. Brian deGuzman, to perform a delicate surgery on the oldest mandrill in the United States.

Wucaria, a 34-year-old female mandrill, a species of monkey, had a large abscess on her kidney. Phoenix Zoo veterinarians Dr. Gary West and Dr. Julie Swenson, discussed all options available to Wucaria. They also enlisted the aid of the Animal Health Advisory Committee, a team of specialists, consisting of mostly veterinarians, but also including “human” specialists, who volunteer their time and services, offering specialized medical care in areas like dentistry, cardiology, and surgery.

Wucaria’s case was discussed and it was determined that Dr. deGuzman, a Harvard-trained surgeon, would assist with the removal of Wucaria’s right kidney. Veterinarian Dr. West says, “Dr. deGuzman is able to bring his specialized skills to the operating table, offering us opportunities to provide exceptional care to our Zoo’s animals.”

PRNewsFoto/St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center; Phoenix Zoo, Ryan Dimal

With more than a half dozen people on the team including the Phoenix Zoo’s three veterinarians, a veterinary anesthesiologist, a veterinary surgeon, Dr. deGuzman and St. Joseph’s nurse, Jenifer Traylor, the kidney was successfully removed on June 2.

Wucaria is now comfortable and back on exhibit with her troupe. “A procedure like this requires an incredible amount of teamwork,” says Dr. deGuzman. “The Phoenix Zoo veterinarians are an extraordinary team and have been really accepting of the advice that I can provide on the animal cases. Each person on the team brings something different and unique to the table to help out these animals.”

Dr. deGuzman began volunteering at the Zoo three years ago as a member of the Animal Health Advisory Committee. “Volunteering at the Zoo is so gratifying as a physician,” says Dr. deGuzman. “The animals are innocent, they rely on us to help with their illnesses and provide them with the best care possible. We treat them in a compassionate and calming manner, and our goal is to always help them continue to live life to the fullest.”

“Dr. deGuzman brings the highest level of medicine from the human side which we can try to strive for,” says Dr. Swenson. “The specialists we are able to work with on the Advisory Committee bring very specific skills to some of our difficult cases.”

About the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoological park that serves 1.5 million guests annually. Home to more than 1,300 animals and many endangered and threatened species, the Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. For more information about the Zoo and upcoming events visit phoenixzoo.org.

About St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Located in the heart of Phoenix, St. Joseph’s is a 607-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services, with special advocacy for the poor and underserved. St. Joseph’s includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, the Heart & Lung Institute and a Level I Trauma Center and the Muhammad Ali Parkinsons Center.

Popularity: 28% [?]

Throughout the years, the medical staff at Remuda Ranch has found the holidays to be an especially emotionally vulnerable time for individuals with eating disorders.  Since 1990, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders, like one located in nearby Phoenix, has treated more than 10,000 patients suffering from anorexia, bulimia, anxiety and related issues.

“Family members often want to postpone treatment until after the holidays,” said Lesley Williams, MD, director of medical services at Remuda Ranch.  ”This delay can translate to patients not receiving the care they require during an emotional time when their eating disorder behaviors will likely increase rather than improve.”

Many patients who are in treatment during the holidays do miss their families, but they appreciate having the opportunity to receive help during this difficult time.  The stress of the holidays exacerbates eating disorder behaviors and the safety of an inpatient or residential setting allows them to address their eating disorder without outside distractions.

“Eating disorder patients are definitely affected by the holidays,” adds Dr. Williams.  ”The pressure of seeing family members, potential discussions about their appearance or what they are or aren’t eating can all be very anxiety provoking.  This doesn’t even include the tremendous focus on food at every event during the season.”

Dr. Williams says the body can be compromised physically with eating disorders.  Inadequate nutrition from restriction can make it difficult for the brain and vital organs to function.  Electrolyte imbalances caused by purging behaviors also negatively impact the brain and heart.

“Early intervention is critical,” adds Dr. Williams.  ”The sooner an individual gets help, the easier it is to reverse damage that has been done and it can prevent further harm from occurring.”

Popularity: 45% [?]

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals announces its 2011 Symposium March 3-6 at the Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak in Phoenix. The 24th annual program will bring together eating disorder specialists and medical professionals from across the United States by providing further training on the treatment of disordered eating. As part of the symposium, attendants will be part of the red-carpet premiere of Darryl Robert’s America the Beautiful: Body Mass Index, the sequel to his highly-acclaimed 2008 film America the Beautiful about self-image in the United States. Artist Fritz Liedtke will also exhibit his photography series Skeleton in the Closet. Four keynote speeches, sixteen master training sessions with a renowned faculty, and forty nine workshop presenters round-out the action-packed conference.

Established in 1985, iaedp provides educational programs and training standards for eating disorder specialists and other medical professionals caring for those suffering from the full spectrum of disordered eating. The group offers a highly respected certification process for specializing in eating disorder treatment and provides lectures and presentations for treatment professionals by treatment professionals experienced in all forms of the disease.

The 2011 Symposium offers four days filled with training sessions and instructive presentations including four keynote speakers: Ralph Carson, RD, PhD, Pauline Powers, MD, Peter Levine, PhD, and Kathy Steele. Dr. Carson has been involved in the clinical treatment of obesity and eating disorders for over 30 years and recently published the book Harnessing the Healing Power of Fruit. Dr. Powers is a nationally recognized eating disorders expert, with several books and over seventy published scientific articles about obesity and eating disorders. Dr. Peter Levine is the author of Waking the Tiger and the brand new In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness, where he explores the interconnections between evolutionary neurophysiology, animal behavior and trauma. Kathy Steele co-wrote The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation of the Personality and Treatment of Chronic Traumatization.

Popularity: 61% [?]

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market today announced a partnership with REC Solar, a leading solar electric system provider in the United States, to install roof-mounted solar systems on nine stores. The systems will generate more than 410 kW of solar energy. In total, the systems will produce an estimated 620,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, the equivalent of reducing 22 million pounds of CO2 emissions – or removing 28 million car-driven miles – over the next 25 years. Fresh & Easy stores already use 30% less energy than a typical supermarket.

“Fresh & Easy’s decision to become more energy independent is an example of why the Arizona Commerce Authority is focused, in part, on facilitating investment in the renewable energy sector and on job creation and training. Arizona has the potential to become the solar capital of the world and lead the nation as solar demand continues to grow globally and intensify nationally,” said Don Cardon, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority.

Fresh & Easy has invested in one of California’s largest solar roof-mounted installations on its distribution center in Riverside, California. The installation, which is more than 500,000 sq. ft., currently produces about 1/5 of the energy for the entire facility. Fresh & Easy’s website features a live reporting feed from the solar installation at the distribution center, reporting in real time the performance of the panels.

“With the success of our solar panel installation on our distribution center, we’re confident these systems on our stores will help cut down on energy costs even further,” said Tim Mason, Fresh & Easy CEO. “Through innovations like these, Fresh & Easy has been able to cut back on the amount of energy and water we use, efficiencies that are better for the environment and help us keep our prices low for our customers.”

Installation of the REC Solar systems will begin in March 2011 at the following stores:

Popularity: 49% [?]

University of Phoenix today announced the opening of the College of Criminal Justice and Security – a field-of-study and employment sector with an average projected growth of 10 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The new College will help meet the country’s increasing demand for these professionals by providing associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees programs with a unique focus on the skills needed for leadership roles.

“Over the next decade, the United States is facing a potential shortage of criminal justice and security professionals,” said James J. Ness, Ph.D., dean of the new college. “As a result of both macro- and micro-economic impacts such as terrorism, globalization, high turnover among corrections officers, and a growing prison population, we need criminal justice and security professionals who demonstrate strong leadership and administrative skills in law enforcement, corrections, criminal courts and security.”

The University’s criminal justice and security degree programs have been under the purview of its College of Social Sciences.  Establishing the new College of Criminal Justice and Security improves the University’s capacity for meeting the growing demand for these professionals in both the public and private sectors.

The College’s degree programs are designed to enhance the administrative skills needed to succeed in leadership roles within the criminal justice and security sector. Classes are led by faculty who have an average of nearly 20 years of experience in the field and hold leadership positions such as chiefs of police, wardens, district attorneys, security executives, probation officers and sheriffs.

Dr. Ness continued, “Safety and security are top-of-mind for both public agencies and corporations today and will continue to be at the forefront of organizations’ priorities in the future. Tomorrow’s leaders in criminal justice and security — whether they represent law enforcement, criminal courts, corrections, public services, or organizational security —  will influence how information is shared across agencies and how best to ensure the safety and security of people and assets.  This is why a well-educated work force is needed in fields related to criminal justice – and why it has now become an urgent national priority.”

University of Phoenix Provost, Adam Honea, Ph.D. said, “The University is extremely fortunate that Dr. Ness will be leading the new College of Criminal Justice and Security as its founding dean.  His impressive career credentials in the criminal justice and security field, and his experience as a University faculty member in both traditional higher education and in online learning with University of Phoenix, will serve our students well.”

Dr. Honea continued, “Not only is Dr. Ness dedicated to the University and its students, but his intellectual vision and strong leadership within the academic mission of the University, and his demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, will further shape our timely programs and current curriculum.  Under Dr. Ness’ guidance, University of Phoenix’s criminal justice and security graduates can prepare for the challenges they face as leaders in an increasingly complex world – one where our sophisticated and progressive administrative-focused curriculum is applied by knowledgeable professionals who continually establish new and improved standards for the safety and security of all citizens in our global society.”

The University of Phoenix Criminal Justice and Security programs focus on law enforcement, courts, institutional and community corrections, and security.  Concentrations are offered in management, human services and institutional health care. Its programs are available online and at nearly 50 University of Phoenix campuses across the U.S.

Popularity: 48% [?]

Beginning on November 30, close to 30 wounded warriors from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will take part in a rehabilitative bicycling ride in Nevada and Arizona on the latest stop of Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) national Soldier Ride.

Warriors will be fitted for upright, recumbent, or hand crank cycles to suit their injuries before setting out on the five day ride that will take them from the Vegas strip, to Lake Havasu, Arizona and finally onto Phoenix where they will be welcomed at the headquarters of national Soldier Ride sponsor U-Haul. The riders will be joined on the Phoenix leg of their ride by seventeen U-Haul team members.

“The men and women represented by the Wounded Warrior Project are true American heroes,” said Steve Nardizzi, Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director. “We are excited for them to enjoy the tremendous community support in Nevada and Arizona and be honored in the way they deserve.”

Soldier Ride is a WWP program that provides adaptive cycling opportunities across the country for wounded warriors. Soldier Ride is designed to restore the physical and emotional well-being of our newest generation of wounded warriors. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment customized to their individual needs.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Popularity: 54% [?]

Proposition 203, a measure that would allow patients to buy marijuana legally, is close to being put into law. As of Friday, the measure was said to be leading the “no” votes by 4,421 out of over 1.6 million total ballots cast, with only 10,000 left to be counted.

The controversial proposition was spearheaded by backers with nearly $740,000 in support by mid-October, according to Carolyn Short, the leader of Keep AZ Drug Free. She added that opponents had less than $20,000 to work with.

This is the third time that AZ voters have passed a law that allows doctors to give them permission to get weed – this time, it was retooled to avoid any discrepancies. In 1996, a measure that was passed was negated because the US Drug Enforcement Agency threatened to revoke the prescription privileges of any doctor that gave someone the OK for marijuana. This time  around, the ballot states that a  “recommendation” is needed from a doctor.

Opposition to the bill includes Governor Brewer, as well as law enforcement. The main concern for opposition is the language of the measure, which has been criticized in states like California. There, the law states that in addition to cancer, AIDS and migraines, pot can be given to anyone suffering from a malady that it could soothe. Proponents say that the bill has been written to avoid the mistakes that opponents say they’re making.

When the measure passes, health officials will have 120 days to set up their procedures for dispensing the green stuff. Estimates show that the system could be effectively set up in February.

Popularity: 22% [?]

Saturday, November 13, 2010 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tumbleweed Ranch at Tumbleweed Park
FREE ADMISSION

A slice of the Old West lifestyle on display at the Tumbleweed Ranch! The Chandler Museum is hosting this inaugural family-friendly event. Bring the whole family to Chandler Museum’s first Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off! The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Old West will be on display. Competitors prepare five courses – meat, beans, bread, potatoes, and dessert in the style of 1880s cattle drives. In this unique culinary competition, you will be able to taste samples for $2 or a meal for $10. Limited tickets are available for meals. Meals are served at noon.

Featuring Marshal Pioneer Pepper and the Sunset Pioneers
“The Greatest, Funniest, Bestest Cowboy Stage Show Around”

Catch a hay ride, horse ride or visit the petting zoo from Superstition Farms.  Demonstrations and activities include candle dipping and weaving.  Other food vendors include CampfireKettle Corn, Udder Delights and Chandler BBQ Co.

Vendors:
The Chandler Museum is no longer taking applications from vendors.  Please check back with us later this year for information on the 2011 Chuck Wagon Cook-Off.

Sponsorship:
The Chandler Museum is no longer seeking sponsors for the 2010 Chuck Wagon Cook-Off. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2011 Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, please call 480-782-2717.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Health officials are extremely concerned about the increase in Arizona suicides.

There were 15.4 suicides per 100,000 people in 2007 – that number shot up to 16.1 per 100,000 people last year, with a consistent rise in suicides over the past 10 years. According to Arizona health service officials, this kind of trend is nothing new for Western states.

The reasoning behind Western states’ propensity for higher suicide rates is unknown, but speculation suggests the increasing unemployment rate could be a cause. Arizona’s unemployment rate was at 9.7 percent in August, the highest number seen in 30 years.

To address this growing concern, the Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition is holding a statewide conference discussing the numbers, causes and ways to prevent suicide. Raising awareness of suicide to a point that breaks the norm of keeping suicidal thoughts inside is a big goal for the state, and the conference hopes to aid in the effort.

The national suicide rate is 11.3 per 100,000 people, according to the most recent numbers.

The most recent national rate, from 2007, is 11.3 suicides per 100,000 people. If you feel like you  may soon become part of this statistic, help is out there. Below are some places to get information and help regarding suicide and suicide prevention:

• Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition, www.azspc.org, is hosting a statewide conference Oct. 21-22 which will feature Alan Berman, a national expert, who will speak on suicide and bullying.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255 or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• Teen LifeLine (800) 248-TEEN or (800) 248-8255

Popularity: 27% [?]

PoopDoc.com is at it again. This time with a political bid to get things flowing with no pain and no strain. Unlike many politicians running for office today, PoopDoc.com offers an outstanding record for producing relief.

“PoopDoc for President. At least you’ll know what’s going to happen next,” exclaims PoopDoc.com’s newest billboard on Interstate 10 at 19th Avenue in Phoenix, Ariz. today. The company specializes in producing natural supplements for constipation relief* and is known for its provocative campaigns.

“The colon is the foundation to the house,” says Scott Olsen, founder of PoopDoc.com. “If you get the foundation right, the house is right.”

In today’s constipated political scene, Olsen explains that PoopDoc users have PoopDoc for constipation relief. “And the American people will be using votes for what COULD BE America’s greatest bowel movement,” he says.

Olsen says, “As cleansing goes for the body, it also goes for the government. Everything works better after a good flush.”

For more information about PoopDoc.com’s products, visit www.poopdoc.com. PoopDoc is “the number one place for a number two problem.”

Popularity: 37% [?]