Kare Bears’ Korner

Cardiac Implants Presentation on February 23

Join us Feb. 23 in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom from 11 a.m. to noon to learn about cardiac implants from Mark Burns, MD.

Dr. Mark Burns is board certified in electrophysiology and cardiology. He will present information to us on implantable devices, such as cardiac loop recorders, cardiac pacemakers, and cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).

Drawing from his extensive training and practice, he will explain the different conditions each device treats, as well as the medical benefits and criteria for implanting them. He’ll explain what to expect after implant, the life expectancy of the device, and what happens when the battery depletes. Dr. Burns will also take questions following his presentation.

Dr. Burns completed his medical degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He completed his residency at the University of Toronto, Canada and adult cardiology training at Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He then completed his electrophysiology training at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Burns is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. He has been practicing medicine in Arizona since 2001.

Kare Bears Korner: Thanks to the Wine Club for Its Generous Donation

Rayma Scalzo

Kare Bears wishes to thank the Wine Club for its generous donation of $8,000. The club has given us large donations for several years, and we truly appreciate it so much. These donations have made a difference in allowing us to fulfill our mission.

As you may know, Kare Bears impacts the quality of life for many residents. All residents of PebbleCreek are considered members of our Kare Bears family and, therefore, entitled to our services. It is all about health and wellness and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. There are many services we provide, but the most valuable free services are the loan of medical equipment and transportation to medical appointments. The numerous health events and monthly speaker presentations are also very important and can make a difference in your life.

Kare Bears, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is not affiliated or funded by the homeowner’s association and relies solely on contributions from the community of residents. As PebbleCreek grows, there are additional needs and increased demand for our services.

Kare Bears has some of the same expenses you pay for the upkeep of your home, plus much more. Here are just a few of the expenses we incur: leased equipment, office/general expenditures, repairs and maintenance, household supplies, and gas, electric, and water. Other expenses include insurance, office supplies and equipment, telephone, computer equipment and software, promotion expenses, transportation gas reimbursement for drivers, medical equipment repair, Share Bears, sympathy food platters, and much more.

There are many residents who make generous donations. They might not come in a large sum, but every penny counts. We not only need monetary assistance; we need volunteers and medical equipment. Check out our website for more information about our services and resources. You can even donate or volunteer online on our website, www.karebears.org.

Thank you all for your continuing support of Kare Bears.

Kare Bears’ Korner: Health & Wellness Programs

Dee-Dee Patrick, MS, RN, Director, Kare Bears’ Health & Wellness

If you have attended one of the events brought to you by Kare Bears’ Health & Wellness over the past few months, you have probably registered online. All our health screenings and class registrations are accessible by going directly to the Kare Bears website at KareBears.org.

You will find links that connect you directly with Vitalant’s web page for blood donations and allow you to register for Smart Driver classes through AARP. In addition, you can view what appointment slots are available for Accent Audiology testing, Team Select skin cancer screenings, and Walgreen’s influenza vaccines. When a class has a limit on participants, the system will let you register until the session is full. We hope you find this method of registering easier than needing to run over to Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse to sign up. As a bonus, you receive reminders via email two days in advance of an event.

We have a new provider for the skin cancer screenings. Team Select provides the service in a mobile van, much like our previous provider. The dermatological exams are very popular with our community and strongly recommended. These are offered several times throughout the year.

CPR/AED classes are now CCR/AED. Continuous chest compressions have replaced the previous intermittent breaths provided in this life-saving technique. While you may still opt to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with a loved one, you now have the option to be more effective and safer by using chest compressions solely. This also eliminates the need to keep count.

AARP has gone virtual with their presentations, and you can now take them via the comfort of your home. They are still live, and you can ask questions of the instructor. Zoom has changed our lives in many ways since the pandemic began.

Please consider donating to Kare Bears, which is a 501(3)(c) organization. Your contribution is tax deductible. Kare Bears relies on donations from our residents so that we can continue to not only keep the Kare Bear House open but also provide transportation, lending of medical equipment, and other free services to PebbleCreek. This can easily be done via our website at KareBears.org.

Keep safe, stay well, and keep learning.