UV Safety for Motorcyclists

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By Ivan Filner, DO, family medicine physician

Dr. Fillner on a MotorcycleAnyone who knows Dr. Filner knows that when he is not caring for patients, he can be found riding his Harley. In Arizona, we are fortunate to have many great months for long rides due to Arizona having more sunny days (85-90 percent per year) than almost all other states. In fact, we have more sunny days per year than California and Florida.

Have you ever heard the saying, “For every strength, there is a weakness?” This “law of opposites” applies to our good fortune in having so many sun-drenched days. The downside is more exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can result in premature aging of the skin and worse- skin cancer. Even on sunny days in winter, UV rays are just as harmful.

As a motorcycle rider, we wear protective gear from head-to-toe, so why would we need to worry about excessive UV ray exposure? Even with a full face helmet, parts of the face- primarily the nose, cheeks and lips- are exposed for longer than you think…long enough to put you at risk of a severe sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma.

Fortunately, protecting yourself from dangerous UV rays while riding is easy. Follow these tips year-round to ensure you’re riding for a long time to come.

1. Protect your face, neck, ears, and other exposed skin

Carry a small tube of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more in your jacket pocket, tank bag or panniers, and re-apply every two hours during your ride. If your sleeves do not quite meet your gloves, put sunscreen on your wrists.

2. Shield your lips

As your lips are also vulnerable to skin cancer, use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 (but no less than 15) and, like sunscreen, reapply throughout your ride.

3. Safeguard your eyes

Did you know melanoma can occur in your eyes? While they may be a bit more expensive, choose sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection, or UV 400 protection.

4. Protect the back of your neck

In addition to sunscreen, a light neck sock with an SPF rating is a good way to protect the back of your neck (and parts of your face), especially for sports bike riders who are bent over.

When many of us stop during our ride, we take off some gear, leaving more of our skin exposed to the sun. Be certain to apply sunscreen to those areas. A sunburn and/or the start of melanoma only take minutes, especially when in direct sun during our beautiful Arizona days.

We’re Here for You…Safely

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doctor with gloves and face mask

Valued DMG Patient:

As part of the District Medical Group (DMG) family, we want to ensure you know we are here for you. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, DMG locations across the Valley have remained open to support the health of our patients.

We understand you may have concerns about leaving your home right now, especially if you or a family member is not feeling well and needs medical care. We are employing safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect you and your family as well as our staff, including:

  • Safe screening practices for all patients and families prior to an in-person office visit
  • Availability of telehealth appointments, as appropriate, so you can meet with your DMG provider safely and securely from home
  • Enhanced office cleaning and personal protection procedures, with hand sanitizer readily available in our locations
  • Social distancing measures at check-in, checkout and in our waiting rooms, including rapidly moving patients that are sick to a private room
  • Use of masks and face shields by all providers and staff while caring for our patients
  • Providing cloth facial coverings to patients and any required family member entering the clinics without a cloth masks

Whether you or a family member needs to visit a DMG primary care location for preventive care (i.e. annual exams, screenings or vaccines), treatment of seasonal allergies or illness, behavioral health support, or management of a chronic or complex condition, we are here for you, providing a safe, clean environment. Our DMG primary care and behavioral health locations are open and available for in-person and telehealth appointments.

Contact the desired location to get the care you need when you need it:

 

Behavioral Health

DMG Desert Horizon Integrative Medicine
840 E. McKellips Rd., Ste. 110
Mesa, AZ 85203
(602) 470-5520

 

Internal Medicine

District Medical Group- East Mesa
(formerly Arizona Center for Internal Medicine)
6315 E. Main St., Ste. 4
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 830-4164

 

Family Practice

District Medical Group- Anthem*
(formerly Choice Medical Walk-in)
3624 W. Anthem Wy.
Anthem, AZ 85086
(623) 434-5748

District Medical Group- Lake Pleasant*
(formerly Choice Medical Walk-in)
10144 W. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., Ste. 1110
Peoria, AZ 85382
(623) 434-5748

*Walk-in care available at these locations

District Medical Group- Arrowhead
(formerly M&M Medical)
15182 N. 75th Ave.
Peoria AZ 85381
(623) 487-3334

 

For more information on each location’s hours of operations, services, and providers, visit DMGAZ.org. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to call us. You are part of the DMG family, and we are here for you.

Sincerely,
David Wisinger, MD
Chief Medical Officer
District Medical Group

Three Tips for Parents of Children with Differences

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By Nicholas Tanner, PhD, Pediatric Psychologist at DMG CRS
PHOENIX, November 30, 2018 /AZLatinos.com/

Dr. Nick Tanner

As a parent of a child with health, developmental and/or behavioral differences, you become more than a parent- you are an advocate, a champion and your child’s loudest voice. Here’s three tips to help you and your child’s health and quality of life. And, never forget that your child’s care team at DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services is here to support you every step of the way.

(1)  Advocate relentlessly.  Sometimes, your life may feel a little like it is “us against the world.” When parents have a kid with extra needs or differences, contentious situations and relationships can arise between parents and your child’s school, healthcare providers, and/or government agencies; never stop advocating as you know your child best.

As a pediatric psychologist, part of my job is encouraging parents to engage with these complex systems of care, help them navigate the procedural challenges inherent in these systems, and facilitate collaboration to help patients and families thrive. Although it’s important to have realistic expectations, the old saying is true- “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Families and parents who are persistent tend to be more successful in getting enhanced individualized and intensive attention. Though conflict can be uncomfortable, it’s important to be your child’s biggest champion; advocate relentlessly.

(2)   Focus on the big picture. Parents can understandably get caught up in what their children’s
limitations are- right now-in the present. They may lose sight of the long-term goals and potential of their child- what’s really important. Part of my job at DMG CRS is helping parents and families identify and connect with their values. Most parents want their children to live vital and meaningful lives, and sometimes an extra need or illness can make it hard to see what’s important in the long run.

Identifying values is one way to help figure out the big picture. Values can act as a compass, providing direction and assisting parents to move from a place of “My child can’t do this,” “What if they fail?” or “My child will never….” to a more productive vision of possibilities. My goal is to help parents begin to ask, “What can my kid do now?” “What do I hope they’ll be able to do in the future?” and “How can we help them get there?” Think about the long-term vision for your child’s life and his/her possibilities; dare to dream and focus on what’s important.

(3)  Take care of yourself. For good reason, many parents do not consider themselves or their well=being a priority or critical to their child’s outcome. On top of the already hectic demands of parenting, families of children with extra needs have additional financial and time requirements and/or strains. Many families I work with manage busy schedules that include juggling therapy appointments, doctor visits, school, parenting other children, and work.

Remember, there’s a reason the flight attendant tells parents to “put on your air masks before putting on your child’s air mask in the event of an emergency;” it’s impossible to help other people if you do not take care of yourself. Research shows that socially-isolated parents struggle to build fulfilling relationships with their children and are more likely to develop mental illnesses, including depression. It’s not “selfish” to take care of yourself; it is essential and necessary.  So, go ahead and make that therapy appointment for yourself, get a pedicure, or meet up with some supportive friends. It might be one of the  best things you can do for yourself and  your child.

SOURCE AZLatinos.com

 

DMGCRS Adds Providers to Serve More Children with Complex Medical Needs

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PHOENIX (October 2, 2018) – District Medical Group Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS) announced the addition of two pediatric specialty physicians serving patients at its multispecialty interdisciplinary clinic (MSIC) located in Central Phoenix at 3141 N. 3rd Avenue in Park Central Mall. A first-of-its-kind MSIC in Maricopa County, DMG CRS has been the exclusive medical home for AHCCCS Complete Care patients since 2012.

ashley-tian

Ashley Tian, MD

kelvin-panesar

Kelvin S. Panesar, MD

The following pediatric specialists are serving patients at DMG CRS effective October 1, 2018, bringing the total number of pediatric medical providers at the Valley of the Sun’s only MSIC to 88 across more than 25 medical specialties.

• Pediatric Neurosurgery: Ashley Tian, MD
• Pediatric Pulmonology: Kelvin S. Panesar, MD

Three to five more pediatric specialists are anticipated to be added by the end of 2018, and DMG CRS will continue to add specialists in 2019.

“Helping children with complex medical conditions have the highest possible quality of life is the reason I became a physician,“ said Ashley Tian, MD, a Banner Children’s pediatric neurosurgeon who treats patients at DMG CRS. “I chose to work at DMG CRS to be part of a team that coordinates care and supports, not just the patient, but the whole family, as part of the treatment plan.”

complete-careIn its commitment to providing coordinated care, DMG CRS also has primary care, dental, social workers, patient advocates, CRS enrollment specialists, child life and care coordinators and other services on-site to support patients and their families.

“Serving pediatric patients with complex medical conditions is what DMG CRS was specifically designed for; we are the only clinic in metropolitan Phoenix that provides coordinated care across medical specialties all in a one-story, easy-to-access clinic, “said Wendy Burkholder Chief Clinical Operating Officer for DMG. “Our patients rely on us to make care for complex conditions as easy and accessible as possible, and we are thrilled to have providers join our team that share our vision.”

Effective October 1, 2018, changes to AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC) expanded services, enabling families with CRS patients to bring other children in the family to DMG CRS. For more information on ACC changes, visit DMGCRS.org/ACC.

Pediatric providers interested in serving patients at DMG CRS can call the director of operations at (602) 914- 1522 or email CRSProvider@DMGAZ.org.

About District Medical Group and DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS)

District Medical Group (DMG) is a nonprofit entity consisting of more than 650 providers representing all major medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. DMG providers serve acute care and psychiatric hospitals, diagnostic centers, family health centers, an internationally-recognized burn center, and numerous outreach programs. DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS) is a first-of-its-kind clinic in the Phoenix area, serving AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC) pediatric patients with complex conditions and other children within the family. For more information visit DMGAZ.org.

Media Contact
Toni J. Eberhardt
President, Prescriptive Communications
C: (602) 418-7767
Email Toni

 

Article as originally posted at https://www.dmgcrs.org/dmgcrs-providers-complex-needs/

Innovative use of EMR helps identify more Make-A-Wish kids

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Make-A-Wish Arizona, the local chapter of the international wish-granting organization, and District Medical Group (DMG), a Phoenix-based non-profit medical group comprised of more than 650 providers across medical specialties, are piloting a unique referral process to increase life-changing wish opportunities for eligible children receiving care at DMG Children Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS) in Phoenix.

The “Medical Champions” program was created by DMG using their electronic medical records (EMR) system to better identify and track children with critical illnesses who would qualify for a wish experience. Read more

Ask a Doc: Do your kids need sunscreen if they’re in the shade?

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You should put sunscreen on your kids even if they’re playing outside in the shade. – Paul Bradbury, Getty Images

Mansi Sarihan, MD  |  Contributor
As originally published USAToday.com 9:20 p.m. June 18, 2018

Question: Do you need to wear sunscreen if you’re outside in the shade?

Answer: I receive this question often and every time I answer:

Definitely yes!

You may think you’ve got it made in the shade, but you can still be hit by harmful UV rays that bounce off the sand, sidewalk, pool or ocean. They can even bounce off grass!

Even under an umbrella or a shade structure, UV rays can slink through the fabric and cause skin damage.

Yes, shade is a blessing. But if you’re relying on it to protect your skin from sunburn, you may be very disappointed. That’s why you’ll want to apply sunscreen before you step outside, even if you’ll stay in the shade.

Here’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from direct and indirect UV rays:

  1. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 50 or higher, with full UV spectrum. Find a brand that you like – you’ll be more likely to use it. Reapply sunscreen every two hours you’re outside.
  2. Wear wide-brimmed hats (at least 3 inches of brim all around the head) and UV protective clothing.
  3. Avoiding the sun during peak hours is essential. From around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., try not to go outside. Or, stick to shaded areas such as swimming at times when the pool is out of the direct sun.
  4. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen. Daily application of sunscreen in the morning, regardless of your activities during the day (even just driving in the car), can yield healthier and happier skin.

Follow these rules and your skin will thank you.

Mansi Sarihan, MD, is chief of dermatology at Maricopa Integrated Health System and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix.

As originally published USAToday.com 9:20 p.m. June 18, 2018

Engaging Children with Spina Bifida for Increased Mobility

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018 – Linda Thunn

CRS partners with SBAAZ to encourage best mobility in young patients

SCOOOT provides an early experience of independence for kids with mobility challenges. It frees them to explore their home, play, chase and race friends and siblings without any help. Expert clinicians, designers and engineers worked hard to create a device that will help kids discover new skills as well as new pals. The potential for physical and cognitive development was a key factor in every element of the design.

Spina Bifida Association of Arizona Inc. (SBAAZ), an organization committed to enhancing the lives of those affected by spina bifida in Arizona, was awarded a grant from the PayPal Gives Corporate Advised Fund at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The grant was recommended by PayPal’s employee-volunteer led Chandler, AZ GIVE Team.

The SCOOOT program idea was presented to the SBAAZ by CRS’s Myelomeningocele Planning Clinic Lead Physician Pamela S. Murphy, MD, FAAP. The program was coordinated by Sharri Runnels, executive director of the SBAAZ, along with SBAAZ board member Linda Thunn, PT, DPT who is also the Myelomeningocele Planning Clinic physical therapist at CRS.

The CRS Myelomeningocele Planning Clinic occurs every Friday, and they see approximately seven patients for all day clinic, visiting up to 13 different providers, having blood work drawn, and if necessary they will get casted for their orthotics and/or have X-rays. SBAAZ provides lunch and signs people up for their medical alert bracelets. Free Arts of AZ is there for the kids to create projects at lunch time.

The SCOOOT program involves readiness assessments, equipment placement, activities and progress checks that will empower ‘toddlers’ to keep pace with their siblings and peers as they establish a sense of mastery over their world. The mobility device, resembling a toy more than a piece of medical equipment, allows children to reach items from the floor, ambulate, and enter/exit the seat safely at will.

“CRS is a great partnership for SBAAZ as we are able to share resources with clients and assess needs over lunch with families that are served by the fantastic care team brought together by District Medical Group,” stated Runnels, “SBAAZ is very grateful for the relationship with DMG and wanted to share the first SCOOOT placement with their staff as they pour so much into the kiddos!”

Spina bifida (Myelomeningocele) is a birth defect in which the spinal canal and the backbone don’t close before the baby is born. This type of birth defect is also called a neural tube defect.

The SCOOOT Earliest Mobility Program kicked off was on Friday, November 10, 2017 with placements being made at the CRS Myelomeningocele Planning Clinic.

Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Physical Therapy Department Spotlight

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Thursday, April 5, 2018 – Linda Thunn

The Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Pediatric physical therapists provide support and services for children (birth to 21 years) with developmental disabilities, and their families. They aim to develop, restore and improve mobility to improve quality of life.

Pediatric physical therapy benefits children and their families/caregivers by promoting activity and participation in everyday routines, increasing functional independence, improving strength and endurance, facilitating motor development and mobility, and easing the challenges of daily caregiving. Because patient’s are allowed to ”opt in” for services past the age of 21, there are several physical therapists qualified to treat individuals over the age of 21 as well.

Besides treating children one-on-one in the rehab clinic our providers also work in CRS’s Multidisciplinary clinics such as:

• Amputee Clinic
• Cerebral Palsy Orthopedic Clinic
• Cystic Fibrosis Care Center
• Myelomeningocele Planning Clinic
• Spasticity Planning and Follow-up Clinic

Our providers also perform equipment evaluations. They trial each child to determine what works best for them. Those evaluations are done on:

• Adaptive Seating
• Adaptive Car Seats (onsite at NuMotion)
• Forearm Crutches
• Gait Trainers
• Standers
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs (onsite at NuMotion)

A Spotlight on DMG Pediatrics

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Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – Prabodh Hemmady, MD | Eileen Maddix | Jeanine Pittman

Pediatrics Overview

DMG Pediatrics is multifaceted, responsible for patient care in many locations. At Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS), there is a robust ambulatory clinic at the Comprehensive Health Center (CHC) where both general pediatric and subspecialty patients are seen.

In partnership with the Ambulatory Care division of DMG, Pediatrics staffs primary care physicians at some of the MIHS Family Health Centers (Maryvale, South Central and Mesa). With the implementation of Proposition 480 (“Care Reimagined”), we are hoping to grow pediatric ambulatory care at MIHS. The Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient care units at Maricopa Medical Center are also great resources for Phoenix and the surrounding communities.

The Pediatric ED is open 24/7/365 and is staffed by Pediatric ED trained physicians. The inpatient units consist of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and acute care unit. We also care for non-ICU newborns who stay with their mothers on the post-partum unit until discharged home.

In addition, DMG Pediatrics supports the DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) clinic located near 3rd Ave and Thomas Road by providing genetics, neurology and gastroenterology subspecialty care on site.

Pediatric Subspecialties

Subspecialties at the MIHS CHC include the following fields:

Adolescent Medicine
Neurology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Cardiology
Infectious Disease
Nephrology
Genetics
Pulmonology

Pediatric Residency Program and Medical School Affiliations

DMG Pediatrics is a strong partner with Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) and MIHS in training resident physicians, and for many years it has been known as the PCH/MMC Pediatric Residency Program.

There are 32 categorical pediatric positions per year and well over 100 pediatric residents who rotate through MIHS when the medicine-pediatric residents and the pediatric/pediatric neurology residents are added. The pediatric residency program receives well over 1000 applications and interviews over 275 people for the 32 pediatric spots each year. The residents come from all over the country and bring with them a variety of backgrounds.

The department is also very active in educating medical students from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Midwestern College of Osteopathic Medicine. We also teach medical students from the Mayo School of Medicine and are excited about the relationship developing with Creighton Medical School.

Learn More About DMG Pediatrics

Would you like to know more about DMG’s Department of Pediatrics? The website is available in Spanish as well as English to better serve our patient population, giving them full access to the great information about us!

In Pediatrics: DMG’s Children’s Rehabilitative Services Leads the Way

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Children with special needs require care from a wide range of specialties: Physical and Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, Speech, Audiology, Plastic Surgery, Cardiology, Neurology and Psychology.

District Medical Group’s Childrens Rehabilitative Services Clinic houses these specialties and more under the same roof, as the largest multispecialty, interdisciplinary clinic in the State of Arizona. We provide a full spectrum of pediatric specialty care from birth to the age of 21.

AHCCCS Behavioral Health Services for Children in Foster Care  

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Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is committed to ensuring the availability of timely, quality health care for foster children, including behavioral health services through our three contracted regional behavioral health authorities (RBHAs) and the Children’s Rehabilitative Services (CRS) program.

If you experience any difficulty accessing needed behavioral health services or have any concerns regarding the quality of those services, we encourage you to contact the RBHA or CRS in your area.