Page 20 July 2011 Senseless drownings can be prevented with tools By Daniel Kemp The word that stands out is “preventable.” Scottsdale Fire Department Battalion Chief Rod Thompson has seen his fair share of drownings and the predictability of the event gnaws at him. “Regardless of the age of the person, the most frustrating thing for us as responders is the fact that it’s such a senseless deal,” Thompson said. “We know that if you leave your child unattended, or don’t do all the things we talk about, that an unfortunate consequence can happen.” The traumatizing event can leave a lasting impact on the fi re fi ghter who remembers vivid details about the drowning. As of June 16, Maricopa County has reported 19 drownings, including eight children. There have been 60 water- related incidents. “You remember the little things,” said Capt. Forrest Smith, Mesa Fire Department Public Information Of fi cer. “The family coming in, the crying. It’s always a hectic scene. I can remember the weight of a little child when their parents are handing them off. Those little things have a psychological impact.” Throughout the state, departments have critical incident stress management (CISM) teams that help fi re fi ghters debrief after traumatic events. Departments also hire mental health professionals and have counseling at their disposal as needed. “Gone are the days of the men and women on the job being macho, not having any emotion,” Thompson said. “It’s helped us and is healthy to be able to talk and get those emotions and feelings out and process them.” Many fi re fi ghters have children the same age as young kids who have drowned. “To a whole crew it really is demoralizing,” Smith said. “A lot of our younger men and women have children in the same age group, so it really hits home.” Continued on page 45 www.integrativecareforwomen.com Facebook: Integrative Care for Women Twitter: @DrHeidiAZ “Top Doctors” - Phoenix Magazine Dr. Heidi Rula MD Integrative Care for Women 480.699.2508 2945 S. Dobson Rd. Mesa, AZ 8520 After traditional medicine prescriptions and treatments failed to address my patients’ health problems, I chose to combine my established medical practice with herbal and nutritional medicine, acupuncture and bio- identical hormone therapy. The result is a truly integrative care program for women that treats and prevents illness, not just symptoms. 62/87,216 75($70(17 35(9(17,21 Not Prescriptions Not Another Quick Appointment Not Reaction PMS, Menopause and Hormonal Issues Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia Breast, Bone and Heart Health Cancer and Chronic Disease Prevention Digestive Issues CONSTRUCTION m o m o C O M P A N Y , I N C . Over 35 Years Experience (602) 376-0613 www.mtoconstruction.com mtoconst@msn.com Custom Homes ~ Kitchens ~ Baths ~ Interiors ~ Exteriors Custom Residential Additions & Remodels ROC 127835 B Sports Camps Hubbard SPORTS, FRIENDSHIP & FUN soccer, basketball, archery, swimming, baseball & more! Sign up 1 week at a time · extended care & lunch provided HUBBARDSPORTS.COM · 602.971.4044
Page 21 July 2011 By Kaley Kalil Homegrown Arcadian and recent Californian Nick Kalil, along with his girlfriend, Christina Ferraro, recently spent an unforgettable week in the Dominican Republic at an unbelievable price. “We read about this vacation deal from a budget-friendly website called travelzoo. com,” Nick said. “And, price played a pivotal role in our decision-making process. “Tina found the travelzoo deal, and I did a little research and found a date that I could cash in some airline miles for free fl ights. (Vacationing in the Dominican Republic) seemed exotic and affordable, and usually those two words don’t share a sentence.” Nick and Christina stayed at the worldly Lifestyle Tropical Resort and Spa in Puerto Plata for seven nights, eight days. Other hotel guests included visitors from Germany, Switzerland, England and Japan. With the package they booked, Nick and Christina spent the week enjoying plenty of meals and drinks, relaxing at the VIP beach with private cabanas, an outside bar and made-to-order sushi, lounging by the pool and using free Wi-Fi areas for VIP members only. “It was stress-free and fantastic,” Nick said. Some pre-trip planning and research at Tripadvisor.com allowed Nick to see what activities were available and popular near their hotel in Puerto Plata. “We found the highest-reviewed activity on the island to be horseback riding with Joyce the Horse Lady,” Nick said. “We chose a half-day ride through the lush valley across town for $50 each, including pickup and drop-off. “Joyce was a riot, and her guides were quite friendly as well. Continued on page 30 Couple fi nds cheap fun in Dominican Republic visit Not just a design firm. Need Landscaping? From fixing a sprinkler head to a full yard remodel... Big or small, we do it all!! MaINtAIN DeSIGN InSTALL RePAIR Treeline Design Group, Inc. is the most widely used landscape design, installation, yard maintenance and repair firm in the Arcadia area. We can assist you with just about everything you can think of that relates to the outdoor look , feel and function of your home. -"/%4$"1&%&4*(/t*/45"--"5*0/ :" 3 % . " * / 5 & / " / $ & t 3 & 1 " * 3 Receive custom whitening trays and professional strength bleaching gel ($300 value) at your initial exam and cleaning appointment. Receive additional professional strength bleaching gel at each subsequent cleaning appointment. Offer Expires August 30, 2011. New patients only. Southtown Dental Care Dr. Matthew E. Nelson, DDS 7101 East Thomas Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Just South of Old Town near Thomas & Scottsdale Road at your Receive g gel at Cleanings & Prevention | Digital X-Rays | Cosmetic Dentistry | General Dentistry Call today for your appointment: 480-947-3004 www. SouthtownDentalCare .com Free Teeth Whitening for Life! for Life! Dr. Nelson is an Arizona Licensed General Dentist