Mobile Trainers cofounders Justin Townsend and Chad Smith are a pair of exciting entrepreneurs with unique backgrounds.  Chad is a former NASA Mission Design Engineer, turned business owner, that transformed an old Texas steel distribution company into one of the10 fastest growing businesses in Houston, and Justin is a four-sport athlete and former collegiate swimmer that specializes in turnaround management for personal training departments at luxury gyms across the US.  

Now, the two of them are teaming up to bring the fitness industry’s top personal trainers to your doorstep. In a world that values on-demand service, convenience, and a sanitary workout environment, Mobile Trainers is hiring top-tier trainers to deliver their customized, science-based, and metric-driven training programs, helping clients reach their goals safely and efficiently.

What makes Mobile Trainers different from other online personal training programs? 

We recognized a real need in today’s fitness industry, which is expert in-home personal training. Many people are searching for an alternative to the gym these days, and a large portion of these individuals have a need/desire for a master personal trainer to help them get started and/or reach their goals! Mobile Trainers is taking the industry’s top personal trainers and delivering them directly to clients’ homes! We provide personal training, nutrition coaching, 3D body scanning, metabolic testing, and we bring a full suite of equipment right to your doorstep. 

So, why not try an online fitness class or online workout program you can do at home? For some people, this may work. If you have a lot of experience working out and have enough discipline to do workouts on your own, you may experience good results with online training.

However, in most cases, we find that these online alternatives just don’t do the trick. Consider this: our bodies are unique and respond very differently to different workout programs and nutrition plans. As a result, we see these one-size-fits-all programs yielding one-size-fits-few results. In addition, those who do not have a lot of experience working out may have improper technique, which can result in slower progress or even injury.    

Can you all come to apartments as well and not just a “home?”

Absolutely! We pride ourselves in our ability to provide goal-crushing workouts in as little as a 10X10 space, which makes most apartments perfectly suitable for our program.

Do Mobile Trainers have an app for their clients to use to help with their personal fitness goals? We do! In fact, all clients are given access to this app, where we will provide free supplemental online workouts they can do on days they’re not training with one of our trainers.

Do Mobile Trainers have an app for their clients to use to help with their personal fitness goals?

We do! In fact, all clients are given access to this app, where we will provide free supplemental online workouts they can do on days they’re not training with one of our trainers.

I also noticed that your clients get a 3D body scan every month? Is that in-person or in their own homes? 

Our 3D body scanners are portable, which allows us to bring them to clients’ homes.  

Our process typically begins with a free in-home consultation, where prospective clients will be allowed to learn more about our team and process. We will also make programming recommendations for their training, should they choose to join. Last but not least, these individuals will receive a complimentary 3D body scan!

Mobile Trainers don’t just focus on weight loss, correct? Do you also provide corrective exercise and senior fitness training? 

That’s correct. We help people accomplish various fitness goals, including weight loss, toning, strength increase, muscle gain, cardiovascular health, race preparation, injury prevention, flexibility, and much more. In fact, aside from weight loss goals, we see many clients with recent or ongoing injuries. We take pride in helping people reach their goals safely.

I found it super interesting that your trainers are not driven by sales but by results. Can you tell me more about that? 

Justin and I have always been concerned about using sales quotas for personal trainers at conventional gyms. All too often, the staff eventually becomes filled with the best salespeople and not the best personal trainers. Additionally, talented trainers cannot focus on their clients’ results because they have challenging sales quotas to meet! Isn’t it strange that most personal trainers aren’t required to deliver any sort of results for their clients at all? We sure think so!

That’s one of the many reasons we utilize 3D body scanners as a central part of our process. Using these scanners, we’re able to understand how your body responds to the training and nutrition program (allowing us to optimize your workouts), and we’re also able to evaluate the efficacy of our trainers! Our trainers aren’t required to make ANY sales of their own, and instead, they can place all their focus and effort on helping clients!

We believe this is how it should be.  

For more information on Mobile Trainers visit their website!

Through my role with Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA), I work with a population of children with a high prevalence of PTSD. PTSD stands for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. All ages, even children younger than six, can experience exposure to actual trauma such as physical or sexual harm, experiencing the threat of death, witnessing horrific events, seeing loved ones harmed/abused, psychological abuse and neglect. These events can activate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Signs that a child is experiencing PTSD include: 

• Depression: Difficulty experiencing happiness or other positive emotions
• Anxiety 
• Increased irritable behavior and angry outburst with little provocation
• Difficulty with concentration in school 
• Physical symptoms of headaches and stomach aches
• Nightmares 
• Difficulty sleeping and eating
• Dissociative episodes and flashbacks
• Drug use and risky behaviors such as unhealthy sexual activity

Aside from symptoms of PTSD, children under the age of six may also exhibit other symptoms of trauma such as Reactive Attachment Disorder (difficulty with seeking comfort or responding to comfort, restriction of their affect) and/or Disinhibited Reactive Disorder (child’s tendency to be overly familiar with strangers)

Something to remember here is that kids can feel shame, guilt and fear. They can have negative thoughts about themselves such as “I can’t trust anyone” or “I’m bad”. They may eventually start to blame themselves. Depending on the age of the child at the time of the trauma, the frequency of the traumatic event and how well they know the assailant, it may be difficult to tell somebody what has happened for fear of being judged or experiencing repercussions. Their aggression is a way to regain some control over their environment and stems from feeling threatened or scared. 

For parents with children experiencing PTSD, it is important that they do not take on the role of a therapist, and only reassure their children rather than investigate their feelings. They should instead take their child to a therapist the specializes in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy.

If a child is experiencing PTSD, parents should look for a therapist with experience with children and families that takes a relational approach and allows the child to lead the session. Then, they should ask for the child’s perspective after a session or two to see how comfortable they feel with the therapist.

In therapy, children will learn stress management and relaxation skills, how to express their feelings, and how to recognize the relationship among thoughts, feelings and behaviors. They will also go through various therapy techniques such as gradual exposure, cognitive processing of the abuse and joint-parent-child sessions.

To create a safe space at home for these children, it’s important to minimize judgement and spend quality time with them. A parent’s role is supporting the child/adolescent is helping them return to a calm state. Parents should also seek out their own support system to help hold their emotional responses to the child’s trauma. This allows the parent to be present and calm and responsive to the child’s needs.

If your child needs help with recovering from trauma, feel free to reach out to the Arizona’s Children Association: https://www.arizonaschildren.org/behavioral-health/. 

About Ramiz Audi, MD

Dr. Audi has years of clinical experience treating patients at inpatient units, emergency rooms and urgent cares in outpatient settings. Through his work, he has created psychiatric urgent care models for nonprofit agencies in Virginia and Arizona that help reduce recidivism of children. Currently, he is a medical director at Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA).

For 100 years, Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) has stayed true to “Protecting Children, Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families,” serving more than 40,000 children, individuals and families in all 15 counties each year.Learn more at www.ArizonasChildren.org.

Positive psychology was created in 1998 when Martin Seligman, Ph. D. gave his presidential address to the American Psychology Association (APA). It emphasizes the positive influences in a person’s life. Its core topics include happiness, wellbeing, resilience, flow, and mindfulness.

Dr. Seligman is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Positive Psychology. As part of his research, he identified five elements that are important for happiness – positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement. The acronym for these elements, PERMA, is the term that they are most often referred to.

Positive psychology focuses on positive emotions and personal strengths. This includes focusing on our character strengths, optimistic emotions, and constructive institutions. This practice is based on the belief that happiness is derived from both emotional and mental factors.

When I found myself at a point of burnout in parenting and in my personal life 7 years ago, when I created and founded L.I.F.E., I was researching how to find and sustain happiness. I was searching for how to find sustained happiness, fulfillment, and enlightenment in my life. This is when I came across Dr. Seligman’s work and research in Positive Psychology. Through his research, he found that the best way to sustain happiness was through philanthropy, community, and mentorship. 

Positive psychology focuses on positive emotions and personal strengths, not the dysfunction, deficits, or improving weaknesses. It can complement rather than replace traditional psychotherapy. I personally have found this to be a more successful approach when coaching physicians, nurses, and students.

Studies evaluating outcomes of interventions using positive psychology have mostly been small and short term, however, I believe in this work and supporting people from a place of positivity in order to help them build on their strengths and to let go of their shortcomings. Dr. Seligman found that if he supported highly functional people that they could reach great levels of success and happiness. He found that they only needed minimal support and small nudges which carry them so far. He found this much more rewarding and successful than focusing on people’s dysfunction and deficiencies. 

Focusing on positive experiences, positive individual traits, and positive institutions, carry individuals much further and helps to guide them to find fulfillment and meaning in their work and lives. I wanted to create an organization that focuses on the positive attributes of its members, supports their needs and well-being through providing education, community, mentorship, and philanthropy.

This is what I believe that I have created with L.I.F.E., and I hope to maintain this as I believe that there is no better time than the present time to support our community.

Here are 5 ways to practice positive psychology in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month:

1. Gratitude Journal.
2. The Gratitude Visit.
3. Best Possible Self.
4. Daily Strength Awareness.
5. Mindfulness Meditation.

Please look up our organization on social media and our website to learn more and see what we are up to! We need and appreciate all of the support we can get from our community in order to share it forward.

For more information on L.I.F.E. visit www.livingenlightenment.life or follow on Facebook.

To learn more about these five practices and to take the Personal Strengths test as well as rate your overall happiness and optimism to see where you’re currently at as well as to monitor your progress, visit https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/.

Mike Poe is the General Manager of Quintero for over 10 years.

Quintero Golf Club near Phoenix is a destination for any passionate golfer, whether locals or golfers visiting the Phoenix Scottsdale area from out-of-town. The course was designed by master architect Rees Jones, in the tradition of preeminent courses in the world – and goes a step beyond.

Carved out of a piece of lush Arizona desert, Quintero offers golfers the ultimate in seclusion, style, and service. Quintero has been ranked as #1 Best Public Golf Course by Golf Digest and Golf Weekly Magazine and ranked #1 in Arizona by Golf Advisor. 

How has the pandemic impacted the golf community?

Between mid-March and mid-May of 2020, we lost over half of our annual revenue, with people canceling their trips and tee times in the middle of prime golf season through the fall and winter. We adjusted our rates to serve the local clientele since no one was traveling here, but it took a while for people to notice our reduced rates and start securing tee times. We lost a lot of high-value bookings in prime season. It was tough. 

Things began to improve at the end of May. The state allowed golf courses to operate when surrounding states like California and Nevada were totally shut down. People began traveling from those nearby states and coming to Arizona, where things were more open and could golf. This created a significant surge in the Arizona golf industry, something we weren’t expecting.

What have you explicitly noticed at the Quintero Golf Club? Have you seen other changes throughout golf clubs in the country?

The pandemic increased our overall customer base, with other states migrating to Arizona. Additionally, many people took up golf that they hadn’t played before, or some people even revisited golf after not playing for a while because it was the only activity left. All of which is helping our future business. 

Over the summer, people came from other parts of the state and nearby states that had never played here. We keep Quintero in great shape even in those hot months, so we were ready to go. We’ve seen many of those same guests return already because they loved our course so much and wanted to come back. Overall, our customer service standards at Quintero are different from other courses, and that helps us retain guests.

Can you please describe this “shift in golf demographics?” How does it differ from the previous demographics of golf club members?

The past year, we’ve seen more of the business traveler and younger tech guys coming to the course during the workday. These people are conducting business on the course, doing things virtually and playing around, answering calls on the course, etc.

During the pandemic, that’s the only place they could go to do business outside of their home, and now they love it and don’t want to go back. 

What are some new methods of marketing towards these “younger” golf players? Any advice? 

We make sure they know we have strong Wi-Fi available, and they can use our restaurant and patio area to set up their computer if they need it. We also have “stay and play” options with six luxury condominiums located right on the course, perfect for business trips, families, groups of friends, or even just a couples vacation/staycation. They can book a condo, set up a shop there, and conduct business.

We can provide meals, grocery shopping, entertainment, our chef can cook in the fully equipped kitchen, whatever you want, we can make happen. 

Should clubs abandon their previous marketing techniques?

Definitely not. We successfully operated through a pandemic, and we’re slowly coming out of it, but this phase of returning to normalcy is just as challenging to predict. There are many unknowns, but we’ll keep our nose to the grindstone, keep an eye on data and pay attention to what’s going on with clients and future bookings. We’ll keep working hard and serving our customers to the best of our ability.

We know now is not the time to make decisions. 

Do you foresee an increase in these younger members? Or is this just a current fad because golf can be a “socially distant” form of outdoor recreation? 

We think we’ll continue to see younger members. They love working on the course and don’t want to go back to the old ways any time soon. We’re starting to see more female golfers than in the past, which is fantastic, as well as an influx in kids coming out with their families since it was one of the few hobbies they could do over the past year.

For more information on Quintero Golf Club, visit https://www.quinterogolf.com/.

Hi Kevin MacDonald, please give us a little background on yourself and your experience in the biomedical field: 

Kevin has been investing and developing biotechnology companies for over 20 years.  He is the co-founder of several Arizona-based biomedical companies in sectors that include medical device reprocessing, genetic testing, antivirus, and antimicrobial technologies, and he developed Advanced Medical Plaza in Chandler.  Kevin lives in Paradise Valley and he went to Gonzaga University and ChongQing University in China.   

What separates this mask from all the other masks that claim “kill COVID-19?”

RespoKare masks are FDA Cleared to make antiviral claims and “all the other masks” are not. Years of research culminated in the launch in 2011 of our surgical face mask with antiviral coating under the new (created for us) FDA product code OUK, followed by an N95 respirator in 2013 under the FDA product code ONT.  

What does the process to have a product “FDA” approved look like?  

RespoKare masks are FDA cleared or FDA listed. “FDA Approved” only relates to prescription drugs or Class 3 implantable devices.

RespoKare masks are FDA cleared, this means it has undergone a 510(k) submission, which the FDA has reviewed and provided clearance to market and sell with claims.  The costs of submission may exceed $2,000,000 spent on clinical studies and specialized attorney fees and around 2,000 pages of supporting documents and studies showing viral kill and safety.   

I read all the time about “ions” that destroy the virus, what are these ions and what do they do?  

An “ion” is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.  RespoKare patented mask coating produces ions and was developed by US scientists.  Our technology and coating mimic the surface of living cells to trap viruses that are then destroyed by concentrations of copper and zinc. 

Our technology, proven in studies, destroys 99.99% of human coronavirus and measles virus within 1 minute, and 15 flu virus strains within 5 minutes on contact with the mask surface.   

It looks like you have already tons of philanthropic work for individuals in the Valley. Can you talk about that a little bit?  

Innonix Technologies USA LLC donated thousands of masks to police departments, in-school elementary school teachers, and low-income senior citizen homes.  We continue to donate thousands of masks a month to people in need of better antiviral mask protection.  We try to play our part in the community. 

What are the next steps in getting this product into the hands of millions of Americans?  

RespoKare sells millions of masks a year in the USA. We had #1 mask sales in Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart in 2017-2019.  We are creating awareness of our brand and expanding into selling to hospitals and online to clients in need.  We sell in AZ in Walmart and Lowes. 

Are these masks produced here in the USA?    

We have begun producing a new next “generation antiviral mask” in Arizona that we will launch next quarter. I am excited to be able to tell you more about this new mask soon. 

Low testosterone, also known as “Low T,” is a common problem among men that negatively impacts both their physical and mental health. However, what’s far less common is that those affected by it seek the treatment they need to enhance their quality of life.

But — Change has never been easier. 

Having launched in October, Men’s Revival through their mobile program has since helped many individuals get back to becoming the best they’ve ever felt.

Patients can expect concierge service with weekly visits or phone calls with skilled nurses who can treat them in their living rooms, offices, or wherever else they feel most comfortable. 

Patients can also have it conveniently delivered via mail for self-administration.

We really saw an opportunity to fill a gap in men’s medical treatment because when you think about it, women are taught to get check-ups annually for health conditions like mammograms or to visit their OBGYN.

We aren’t taught to visit doctors regularly for men, so we avoid the issue until medical treatment is necessary most of the time.

So while we focus on low testosterone related issues, we also provide a well-rounded service that men can have Dr. Peter Raisanen teleconference them virtually or do an in-person home treatment.

Our main goal is to have men’s health be made easy, especially in this virtual 2020 atmosphere.

– Lincoln Jore, founder and co-owner of Men’s Revival

Most men with low testosterone, a sluggish thyroid, or even low energy shy away from seeking out help, either because they lack the time or energy to do so, or they prefer more privacy and distance than a traditional doctor’s office allows.

Men’s Revival seeks to eliminate these hurdles by making treatment safe, convenient, and private. 

Most people don’t realize just how much hormone levels impact men’s health both mentally and physically. Especially during this uncertain time, it’s more important than ever to prioritize your wellbeing.

Low testosterone has a direct impact on mood, energy, stamina, muscle tone, and very often, libido and sex drive. 

– Dr. Peter Raisanen, Men’s Revival’s medical director

Low testosterone can affect men as early as their mid-to-late 20s, and it can also lead to obesity, mood changes, the inability to produce muscle mass, a loss of body hair, depression, and erectile dysfunction, among other issues and health concerns. However, most men who begin testosterone therapy see positive changes within a matter of weeks.

Men’s Revival really focuses on the foundations that make men be their best selves. It’s the stress, the diet, the lack of sleep, and sometimes the lack of testosterone that plays a role in our mental and physical health.

I can’t tell you how many times I hear from patients “this is the. best I’ve ever felt.” Often, men don’t even realize what they “should and could” feel like in their daily life. We are just bogged down by external and internal factors, that health comes last.

We love to work with our patients on personal notes and determine the root cause of their symptoms.

How can any man feel and act their best if their foundations aren’t solid? That is what makes us unique. We want to find out what works for YOU and YOUR body. This is why I’m currently going back to school for my master’s degree in counseling. A lot of the time, men are taught to “suck it up, buttercup.”

We want to encompass all the factors that go into a man’s health, both mental and physical. This is why our first consultation and bloodwork is free because we genuinely care about your health and wellbeing!

– Dr. Peter Raisanen, Men’s Revival’s medical director

In some cases, a diminished sex drive, a drop in energy levels, mood changes, or a reduced vigor for life may not be the result of low testosterone. Other issues, such as a slow metabolism or a sluggish thyroid, may be to blame.

Men’s Revival can help clients identify the root cause of their issues and create custom plans that alleviate its effects. 

It is time to end the cycle of the negative stigma behind men taking care of their wellbeing and expressing their concerns if something “isn’t feeling right.”

In a medical and pharmaceutical industry that thrives off handing individuals prescriptions, Men’s Revival leads the pack by offering innovative and collaborative health services with the patients’ care in mind.

For more information on Men’s Revival, please visit: mens-revival.com. 

If you’re looking to get a little face time with the Men’s Revival team before your first call, follow along on their Instagram page at instagram.com/mensrevivaltrt

Puritize, a new ultraviolet light (UV-C) home sanitizing system, has announced the results of a laboratory study concluding that Puritize is scientifically proven to kill more than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Carrie Martz, founder, and CEO of Puritize, a woman-owned and Arizona-based business, is recognized as a leader at the forefront of developing UV-C light sanitizing systems and advancing sanitizing technology for consumers.

With the terms “coronavirus” and “COVID-19” running rampant in traditional media outlets, many individuals don’t know that SARS-CoV-2 is the virus itself. COVID-19 is the actual disease and symptoms that are caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus within our bodies.

The study was conducted by The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI)’s COVID-19 Testing Service Center (CTSC) at Northern Arizona University.

Findings from this study show that the Puritize device’s technology is an effective way to sanitize personal items that are used daily and can help avoid passing on germs, bacteria, and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, to others or oneself.

At the time of our scientific research, very few labs in the country were given access to the “root” of the virus, SARS-CoV-2, because you have to be in special labs to perform legitimate testing.

We did not want to bring a product onto the market that only claimed, “it kills 99.9% of germs and viruses,” which most products are stating today. We wanted proof.

We were fortunate that Northern Arizona University’s lab-tested Puritize on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and that we were able to test with another independent lab on other viruses such as the flu H1N1.

– Carrie Martz, founder, and CEO of Puritize

This study’s findings show that Puritize is effective at killing more than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.

Testing results on the Puritize device were indistinguishable from high heat, another effective condition for killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Because NAU played an important role in allowing Puritize to be proven as a tool to terminate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Puritize donated the devices to NAU health clinics to hinder the spread of the virus on a college campus. If a student tested positive, they would take the system home (or to their dorm) and sanitize anything they had been in contact with.

Instead of just telling students to leave and “quarantine” for several weeks, Puritize allowed for NAU staff and students to properly sanitize their personal belongings, as well as anyone else’s belongings they may have come in contact with.

Puritize could be an important tool to kill viruses, including CoV-2, on personal items, especially as the pandemic continues and the cold and flu season approaches.

UV-C sanitization devices have been trusted in hospitals and clinics for decades, and now Puritize has made clinical-grade sanitization accessible and affordable to the masses with a new essential tool for your home. 

Puritize is the first scientifically tested system using patented Advanced Refraction UV-C technology that provides 360-degree sanitization. 

Puritize’s waffle-like grid system creates maximum light bounce, ensuring every crack and crevice of complex devices are fully sanitized. Ordinary UV-C boxes don’t offer the patented Advanced Refraction Technology that Puritize does and can only reach the surface of items, thus missing the unseen area where hidden germs thrive. 

If you open up Puritize, you will notice the “waffle-like” grid system inside of it. We embedded UV-C light in those ridges. Other UV-C light products on the market are what we call “flat light,” and a singular light hits the consumers’ personal items from one angle. This doesn’t get into the ridges and crevices that germs or viruses thrive in.

Ours is like a “Star Wars” effect because the waffle-like system creates a 360-degree bounce that can reach into those nooks and crannies on our cell phones, on the sides of remote control buttons and the individual bristles of cosmetic brushes.

– Carrie Martz, founder, and CEO of Puritize

In 10 minutes or less, Puritize effectively kills more than 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses on common everyday items that are touched countless times daily, including masks, glasses, keys, headphones, toothbrushes, wallet, toys, pacifiers, and more. 

Puritize includes no harmful chemicals, making it safe for use on all materials.

The current pandemic has led to many products being introduced and available on the market across various price points. Still, none have the scientific testing and proven efficacy of Puritize to sanitize everyday products and protect against germs, bacteria, and specifically SARS-CoV-2. 

The Sanctuary Resort & Spa has acquired Puritize systems for their wellness suites, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America Western Region has placed these systems in inpatient treatment facilities. Puritize allows individuals peace of mind ranging from the hospitality to the health industries here in Arizona and nationwide.

Individuals considering purchasing a UVC light system for themselves or loved ones do not buy a “wand.” The waving of UVC light over your belongings is not effective in killing germs and viruses.

The consumer needs to do proper research on the UV light products they are purchasing, read their reviews, and check for clinical lab studies. If not, then it is just another product with false claims on the packaging.

For Puritize, we have taken steps to go the extra mile for consumers. We are a member of the Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio.org) and applied for the Arizona Innovation Award through the Arizona Commerce Authority. We didn’t win, but we made it to the finals!

Consumers need to research if UV-C products, like Puritize, are taking proactive steps to be recognized as a “proven and innovative” tool on the market.

– Carrie Martz, founder and CEO of Puritize

Puritize Home features a 10-minute sanitizing process and includes dividers to ensure items are kept separate for proper full sanitization and three USB ports to charge electronic devices, and a three-digit lock for secure storage.

The system automatically starts when the lid is shut and automatically stops when the cycle is complete or when the lid opens.

Generously sized to accommodate multiple products at once, Puritize Home retails for $199 and is available online at Puritize.com and Amazon.

For more information please visit: https://puritize.com/pages/covid

The month of November is National Diabetes Month. This is an exciting 30 days in the Diabetes Community. Every year, the Diabetes WALK is held state to state by the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). All over social media, diabetics are now talking about their experiences more openly.

In the year 2020, most people have an idea of what diabetes is, whether they’ve heard the term or know of someone who has it. Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions and a lot of misunderstanding about what a diabetic person experiences daily. There is also a lot of confusion about what diabetes actually IS.

Let’s break it down a bit. First, there are two common types of diabetes: type one juvenile diabetes and type two adult-onset. Although the titles of the two seem straightforward, they are not because adults in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s can be diagnosed with type one.

Here, I’ll explain.

Every human has an organ in their body called the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for housing and secreting different hormones in the body — insulin, which allows glucose to be passed into the cells.

Without insulin, glucose stockpiles in the blood and turns into toxic sludge. It slows down blood circulation to the organs, and the poisonous sludge starts to pour into the kidneys and liver. It makes the person sluggish, dehydrated, short of breath, and can ultimately lead to heart attack death if prolonged.

This process is called DKA, or diabetic keto acidosis. Symptoms of DKA include fatigue, anger, blurry vision, and lack of appetite due to dehydration.

Type one diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin AT ALL. A cell called a “beta-cell” attacks the pancreas, telling it that insulin is “bad.” It then kills the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Doctors, scientists, and nutritionists have yet to determine the core cause of beta cells’ formation or where they come from. They have decided it is a genetic mutation that is predisposed.

Type two diabetes, commonly confused with type one, is a whole other disease within itself. Type two diabetes is typically diagnosed in older people and people who are obese. Although this is true, this perception that you have to be overweight and older to have diabetes is NOT TRUE.

Over the years, it has come to light that younger generations have also developed type two, which can also be genetic. A huge misconception is that diabetes is a “sugar disease” and that you will, in turn, get diabetes if you overeat sugar. This, again,  is not the truth.

Yes, people who are obese DO get diabetes MOST of the time. But alcoholism and medications like Prednisone can cause type two diabetes. This is because your pancreas works overtime to cover the amount of glucose you need to function with the prescriptions consumed.

Type two can be managed by pills, which are small doses of insulin to kickstart the pancreases’ own natural insulin. It can also be controlled by diet and exercise – the less processed foods or heavy carbohydrates, the better the body can naturally break down the glucose.

Here is a critical point that I know EVERY diabetic reading this is just waiting for me to talk about.

There is NO CURE for type one diabetes. Until there is a way to determine why the Beta cells form and attack the pancreas, type one diabetics cannot be cured by diet and exercise. A type one diabetic HAS to take insulin synthetically before every meal and when their blood sugar spikes to survive.

Diabetics measure how much insulin to take by their carbohydrate consumption. Carbohydrates turn into glucose in the bloodstream, unlike protein, which breaks down into fat. Type one individuals do not need to take insulin for protein as it does not affect the blood sugar unless there are added sugars into things like processed meats or cheeses.

The only way to receive insulin is through an injection. Thankfully in 2020, technology has come a long way, and there are many spectacular technological advances. Companies like Medtronic, Tandem TSlim, and Omnipod make a device called an “insulin pump.” A beeper looking device with a tube attachment stores the insulin and is released into a hairline sized needle that stays under the skin.

Every three to five days, the port is taken off and reattached in a new area on the stomach, hips, or arms.

There is also a device called a CGM, which stands for “Continuous Glucose Monitoring” system. It is another device that stays attached to the skin by a hairline needle. The needle reads your blood and measures the glucose levels.

It then communicates with a device (usually a cell phone) and lets the diabetic know the fluctuations in their blood sugar in five-minute intervals. This can help prevent many high and low blood sugar spikes, so you can adjust accordingly by taking a sufficient amount of insulin or eating something.

The blood sugar is measured by how many milliliters of glucose is in the blood at the reading time. It is measured on a number scale. For a non-diabetic, regular readings are between 70-130, and non-diabetics are 80-150 and usually feel more comfortable. Everyone has different goals with their blood sugar; 120 is typically the target reading. Diabetics like to joke that 100 is a “unicorn number,” which is just as rare as seeing one of the mythological beasts. 

Several factors can affect blood sugar like carbohydrate intake, emotions, moods (which are big ones), medications, atmosphere, hot and cold environments, and lack of sleep all play a role. Sometimes, you can wake up and go throughout the day, trying your best to manage your numbers without explaining why your sugar levels are off.

Every day is a gamble, and there are no vacations for a diabetic. Diabetes can affect your daily life and the interpersonal relationships within them. It can create isolation and what we call “diabetic burnout,” which is when things become too overwhelming and the Diabetic stops taking good care of themselves.

Depression and suicide rates in diabetics are double the current average of individuals without diabetes in the United States. Other autoimmune issues are typical, such as fibromyalgia, celiac disease, and irreplaceable nerve damage.

These damages are sometimes inevitable, but the best control is active diligence and low carb, high protein diets.

I always say that diabetes is not a one-person disease. Still, individuals need a support system of patient, understanding individuals, and willingness to see past the mood swings, the breakdowns, the canceling of plans, and all the highs and lows (not just with our blood sugars).

It is also having patience and an understanding of yourself and your disease and that you are trying your best to control something that you were given with no choice.

Being a type one diabetic for 29 years, I have experienced more than most. Now that you know what diabetes is and some of the causes and effects, let me introduce myself.

My name is Devin “Dollface” Alexis. I am a 30-year-old female with type one diabetes from New York City. I was diagnosed when I was a year and a half old when I was taken to the ER due to a stomach virus. The truth was, I was in DKA and severely hydrated with a blood sugar of over 1,800.

Basically, I was at death’s door. My veins collapsed, and the doctors put stints in my legs to keep my heart from giving out due to lack of oxygen. I do not remember this experience, but I have gone through many, just like it in my life.

At the age of 20, I had a heart attack due to DKA. At 26, I started to lose my eyesight and, in 2018, went completely blind. For the entirety of last year, I had double eye surgery and spent days face down with gas bubbles in my eyes. In total, I had 11 laser treatments to rid of scar tissue and two injections.

I had no idea it was because of celiac disease, which was a byproduct of diabetes.

Celiac disease is a gluten allergy. Gluten is found in white flour or wheat, which is primarily used as a preservative in processed foods. Food companies use gluten to prolong shelf life on pasta, bread, and even things like soy sauce.

When you have a gluten allergy, it does several things to the body. It inflames the intestines and makes it contract, preventing food from being able to digest normally. It slows down the process of gastric absorption, so food sits in the stomach for hours or days at a time, causing bloating and constipation.

Often, the food cannot process at all and sits in the chest cavity until it comes right back up. The body attempts to release the gluten by way of skin irritation, breakouts, and areas of psoriasis. It also slows down the circulation of hair growth and cuts, wounds, scrapes, etc. to heal at an average rate.

As a result, I have developed Osteoporosis, which is when the bones become weak and brittle due to a lack of vitamins and nutrients being absorbed.

I’m not going to simplify my experiences by saying it has not been a rough road, but I have never let diabetes stop me from accomplishing my goals through the ups, downs, and pain. I have spoken a lot about my social media, which is my real message with this article.

I hope to influence those who are having trouble finding their inner strength through navigating this disease. At 30 years old, I can say I have genuinely accomplished my dreams. At the age of 16, I left home and started tattooing. I went to art school on a full scholarship, then esthetician and special effects training. 

I worked at film studios like Universal, Paramount, NBC, and Jame’s Franco’s production company doing special effects makeup for various films. Celebrities from Miley Cyrus to Kurt Russel are also a few of my clients.

There were days I couldn’t feel my feet, my blood sugar would drop so low then spike for hours at a time, or I avoid sleep going from 12 hours of filming to an overnight shoot.  I was a woman on a mission, and looking back, I don’t regret the fantastic career experiences rooted in me not wanting to be weak or defined by my disease.

Now, I don’t know about other diabetics reading this, but every time I see another Diabetic “out in the wild,” I automatically want to be their best friend! I met Afi while at the gym and noticed her CGM device on her arm.

We instantly connected and realized how many commonalities we shared, like working in entertainment and beauty!

Meet Afi Maita (also known as, Afi Like Taffy).

Afi was a former stylist for Saks Fifth Avenue here in Scottsdale, AZ. Originally from Nigeria, Africa, Afi is a style icon, influencer, and stylist.

When I heard this information, I knew we HAD to collaborate, and I couldn’t wait to do her makeup! A while after, I saw Afi on the cover of the September issue of AZ Foothills. I knew National Diabetes Month would be the perfect opportunity for us to showcase our work and talent and spread the message that diabetes does not control you. You control it.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Afi and ask her a few questions about her diabetes experiences.

How long have you had diabetes?

I’ve been living with the type 1 diabetes condition for over eight years. February 27th will be my ninth year after diagnosis.

– Afi Like Taffy

What does your typical daily regimen look like?

I wake up, and like clockwork, I check my blood sugar. By pricking my finger with a lancet (needle) utilizing a test strip that is pushed into a meter that gives an instant, accurate reading of my blood sugar. 15 minutes before I eat each meal, I administer insulin from my pump, putting in the carbohydrates I’m about to consume to cover my meals. I do this at least 5 times a day.

– Afi Like Taffy

How has diabetes affected your mental health? Do you ever experience burnout periods, and if so, what types of things do you do to cope?

I have learned to become a type 1 diabetic as this disease is for life. You can’t just be diagnosed, then boom, you know everything. I went to classes to educate myself, and it was challenging at first. I had thoughts of self-inflicting pain as it became unbearable, knowing I would have to live like this for the rest of my life.

I see a therapist once a month to help me manage my condition as a way of self-care. I also book myself a self-care treatment once a month with a facial or therapeutic massage to help pamper myself and boost my mental state.

– Afi Like Taffy

What about your career? Does it affect your professional life?

As a wardrobe stylist, I’m always running around, so I’ve had to adjust my insulin pump to administer less so I don’t suffer any lows (hypoglycemia). However, on average, I still manage two low blood sugar drops on a busy day consisting of sweating, shallow breaths, and dizziness. It’s very discombobulating. I carry Capri Sun drink packets with me wherever I travel to just be prepared, and most of the time, I run out, so I go to my back up fruit snacks for emergencies.

– Afi Like Taffy

Were you ever not able to do something career-wise because of diabetes? Did you ever feel limitations because of diabetes?

Knowing I can’t join the military, careers in the army, air force, etc. if given a choice was baffling as that is not even a choice for me with my unstable hereditary condition of Type 1 diabetes. However, there are so many other ways to serve your country today.

– Afi Like Taffy

As a type 1 diabetic, what are a few things you would like non-diabetics NOT do when diabetes comes up in a conversation?

Simply don’t say, but you are not fat, how can you be a diabetic? Please learn the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and don’t assume. Just ask me!

– Afi Like Taffy

How do you think we as diabetics can influence, inspire, and help spread awareness?

Utilizing whatever platform, you have to educate and spread the word, join nonprofit organizations like JDRF or Beyond Type 1 to spread awareness.  Please don’t be afraid to wear monitoring devices in places so people can see it. It’s a great conversation starter.

I work with two diabetic consumer goods brands called Myabetic and Pumpeelz. Use AFILIKETAFFY15 for Myabetic discounts when you shop. They have the coolest diabetic supplies bags. Pumpeelz provides you fun stickers to dress up your medical devices, customizing them, use coupon code AFILIKETAFFY25 to get 25% off when you shop.

– Afi Like Taffy

Are you apart of any groups, clubs, nonprofits for diabetes? If so, please explain what each is and your role in these organizations.

I have worked with the AZ Chapter of JDRF a few times on different events to raise money to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes as our condition is incurable. They are an excellent nonprofit organization that raises awareness of type 1, has chapters nationwide, and hosts a “Promise Gala” every November during Diabetes Awareness Month, which raises millions of dollars for research to find a cure. I was lucky enough to attend my first one in person last year before COVID-19 struck this year. It was magical. Were so close to finding a cure. I know it.

Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas, who also has type 1 diabetes, is another fantastic nonprofit organization that helps raise awareness by celebrating the achievements of people who live with the same condition. They ask us how we live beyond our situation, and it’s such a marvel to witness the type 1 warriors accomplishing amazing acts.

– Afi Maita

Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas, who also has type 1 diabetes, is another fantastic nonprofit organization that helps raise awareness by celebrating the achievements of people who live with the same condition. They ask us how we live beyond our situation, and it’s such a marvel to witness the type 1 warriors accomplishing amazing acts.

For more information about the Type 1 Diabetes Research Funding and Advocacy (JDRF), visit https://www.jdrf.org/.

For more information about Beyond Type 1, visit https://beyondtype1.org/.

Photography by Marika Castañeda
https://www.marika-photography.com/

Follow Devin “Dollface” Alexis on Instagram
https://www.devindollfacealexis.com/

Follow Afi Maita on Instagram
http://www.afiliketaffy.com/

The Dodger Dback rivalry may be the “new kid on the block” but some are saying it is now one of the more notable ones in baseball!

Well, I got to get a close up look at that rivalry at Tuesday nights game and I’m so excited to tell ya’ll all about it!

Ok so I have to admit …. going to the Yankees game with my Dad as a little girl my focus really wasn’t on the details of the game.  My focus was in the sky ….hoping a ball magically fell into the glove…that I religiously took with me to every single game.

Did I ever catch a fly ball?

No.  The closest I’ve ever gotten to catching a fly ball was when I was sitting in front of a man who caught one using his beer … but the only thing I got was wet.

Needless to say, the first thing I took note of at the game was the little girls with their Dad in the outfield holding tightly onto their gloves.  Our photographer Brian Hudson saw the excitement on my face & took out his camera to capture the moment.

I can’t guarantee you that the little girls will ever catch a fly ball, but I can tell you they’ll remember this moment forever. I tried to find a picture of me as a kid at a game with my Dad to share with you, but my mom didn’t want to dig through boxes and boxes of photos. Millennial kids will never understand the struggle.

Ok getting back to the game … I mean when you’re this close how could you not pay attention?  On the mound for the dodgers was Clayton Kershaw.

Growing up I was a softball pitcher. My Dad had me throw 100 pitches every single day, 365 days a year and study the batting lineup at dinner every night before the next game.

Clayton ranks 65/2168 on the all-time strike out list. I can tell you first hand this man has a mental toughness that is hard to beat.

Now to the Dback lineup ….I asked my Dad for advice….
Me: Dad who should I interview from Dback lineup?
Dad: Goldschmidt
Me: Is there something I should focus on?
Dad: Ask him how he started off and if he would come over to the Yankees?

That’s my Dad for you. My life tends to be a romantic comedy … but it’s no romance, just me and my dad laughing at our own jokes.

Ok getting back to the game …. again how can you not pay attention when you’re literally in the action.

Kershaw went a solid six innings only allowing a pair of solo homeruns. One went to AJ Pollack and the other was a long 479 footer by Christian Walker.

Kershaw left the mound with a 3-2 lead and southpaw Adam Liberatore took the mound only to lose the lead when Daniel Descalso’s triple brought in two runs.

Dbacks ended up victorious putting them at 21 wins and only 8 losses clenching the number one spot in the NL West.

And as for us women, we were definitely some of loudest fans at the game.

Some of us were rooting for the Dbacks, others for the Dodgers… some of us were changing who we were rooting for based upon who was winning …. but there was one thing that remained consistent in uniting women everywhere.

What was that you are wondering?  Well, I’ll let Matt Kemp demonstrate ….

The one thing that consistently united women everywhere was of course our love for baseball ….. but even more so, our love for baseball pants.

Thank you Matt Kemp! Until next game, Toniann