Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
January 2019
January 2019, page 21

20 JANUARY 2019 By Robin Sewell Whether you enthusiastically stayed up past midnight to kiss, toast and mumble your way through “Auld Lang Syne,” or were quite happy to fall asleep before the ball dropped, 2018 is behind us and it’s time to say hello to 2019. Like many of us, I’ve always been someone who is somewhat comfortable with the status quo and can be a little apprehensive to change. However, I have made monumental changes all my life, some planned, some unexpected, and yet in the end, they have always pleasantly surprised me and turned out to be the road I was meant to travel. After 14 years, I am about to once again shake things up! But before I do, I would like to reflect upon what has been a great decade plus four. Back in 2003, after seven years as the main anchor for ABC15, I left my job to explore another passion, creating programing for film and television. My first concept was to produce a television show all about the state I had fallen in love with, Arizona. So, with this newfound passion and excitement, I approached my friend Win Holden, the former publisher of Arizona Highways magazine and said, “I have this brilliant and unique idea, I want to create the Arizona Highways Television show.” Win looked at me with a half- smile and said, “Sewell, if I had a nickel for everyone who wanted to do the Arizona Highways Television show, we’d be rich.” I quickly discovered that my idea was not so unique. However, despite all the inquiries and attempts to make it happen, no one had followed through with their big intentions. It was a risk, a challenge and a big departure for this former TV news gal. I could always look for another news job and I would always look back and be thankful I wasn’t afraid to try or to fail. In other words, I would have no regrets that I didn’t pursue my dream. The road to making this show a reality was not only uncharted, but it was full of bumps. First, I had never produced a syndicated television show and at the time, I couldn’t find anyone else here in town that had either. There were more naysayers and detractors than supporters and I remember that feeling of being overwhelmed as I searched for sponsors, a television station, a team and a crew who were as passionate as I was about this new and unproven production. Fortunately, I found my people – believers and visionaries who were willing to take a chance and who had the guts and imagination to envision the state’s very own television show that showcases all that is beautiful and magical about Arizona. Thanks to all of them, Win could now tell the next person that approached him about doing a show based on the famed and spectacular Arizona Highways magazine that it was already “in production.” In 2004, Arizona Highways Television debuted on 12 News. Since then, we’ve expanded to Tucson, Yuma and a version of the show even appeared on the Travel Channel. To this day, people still ask me, “After all this time, aren’t you going to run out of stories?” And I always say, “The magazine has been around since 1925, we have plenty of catching up to do.” Starting in February, Arizona Highways Television is moving to Channel 5 and Channel 3 to partner with Arizona’s Family. Instead of only being seen on one station, we will now harness the power of two. This gives us more opportunities to travel the state and share with our viewers all the treasures that dot Arizona highways and the stories of the people and places that make the Grand Canyon State unique and unforgettable. I’m looking forward to a new year and a new beginning and I hope all of you will join us for the journey to our new destination. — Robin Sewell is the host and executive producer of the Emmy Award winning Arizona Highways Television. Arizona Highways Television coming to Arizona’s Family Arizona Highways debuted in 2004 and 14 years later it has expanded to two television channels. N O W O P E N ! A U T H E N T I C AY U R V E DA T H E R A P I E S rejuvenation, stress reduction, weight loss, relaxation, radiant skin 20% OFF TREATMENTS DISCOUNT CODE: ARCADIA Consultations ~ Classes Deborah Garland Clinical Ayurveda Specialist 4429 N. 44th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018

21 JANUARY 2019 By Michelle Donati-Grayman It’s not just alcohol and illegal drugs that can impair driving – legally prescribed medications can also present dangers to safe vehicle operation, taken alone or in combination with each other. Almost half of adults 65 and older report using seven or more medications while remaining active drivers, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Nearly 20 percent of older drivers are using medications that have very limited therapeutic benefit, pose excess harm, or both. These types of drugs are called potentially inappropriate medications, or PIMs. Most of them, such as benzodiazepines and first- generation antihistamines, are known to cause impairing effects such as blurred vision, confusion, fatigue or lack of coordination. They can increase a driver’s risk for a crash by up to 300 percent. This research is from AAA’s groundbreaking multiyear LongROAD study. The project supports in-depth research on senior driving and mobility to better understand risks and develop effective countermeasures. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found fewer than 18 percent of older drivers report ever receiving a warning from their health care provider about how their prescriptions impact driving safety. Considering the large number of medications used by older drivers, AAA urges seniors and their families to ask a few simple questions during doctors’ visits to fully understand prescriptions and their potential impairing effects: Come prepared: Write down any prescribed or over-the-counter medications you take and bring that list with you to every medical appointment. Don’t forget to include vitamins or supplements. Ask questions: Ask your doctor and pharmacist as many questions as necessary to ensure you understand why you need the medications prescribed to you and how they can affect your driving, especially if you are taking multiple medications. Discuss alternatives: There are often ways to reduce risks through alternative medications or changing the doses or the timing of the doses. Don’t be afraid to question health care providers. It’s their job to help you. And it may help save your life. To learn more about medications, drivers can use AAA’s Roadwise Rx. This free online tool helps drivers and their families understand common side effects of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. It also flags interactions between these medications that can impact safety behind the wheel. Print the free list and report, then discuss the confidential results with your doctor or pharmacist to learn how to mitigate risks. The dangers of multiple medications in older drivers Year Anniversary Open House February 9th 2019 from 2pm - 5pm You’re Invited! Join the fun! Kiss the pooch booth - Games - Prizes - Food Trucks Face Painting - Tours - and so much more! 5 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 602.840.3446 www.ingleside.com 10 Year Anniversary Open House February 9th 2019 from 2pm - 5pm You’re Invited! Join the fun! Kiss the pooch booth - Games - Prizes - Food Trucks Face Painting - Tours - and so much more! 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 602.840.3446 www.ingleside.com 10 Year Anniversary Open House February 9th 2019 from 2pm - 5pm You’re Invited! Join the fun! Kiss the pooch booth - Games - Prizes - Food Trucks Face Painting - Tours - and so much more! 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 602.840.3446 www.ingleside.com JANUARY 23 - MARCH 10 THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY BEST MUSICAL! WINNER OF 8 TONY AWARDS ® INCLUDING Get behind the music and experience this Tony Award ® -winning true-life musical phenomenon! Featuring hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night),” Jersey Boys tells the rags-to-riches story of how four boys from New Jersey became a legendary sensation. Visit PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602.254.2151 for tickets! ArcadiaNewsAd-JB.indd 1 12/6/18 5:47 PM