ASCENDING THE HEIGHTS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS

The San Francisco Peaks located in  north central Arizona, just north of Flagstaff are a volcanic mountain range. The Peaks are the remains of an eroded stratovolcano. The highest summit in that mountain range is, Humphreys Peak which is the highest point at 12, 633 feet.

Snugly ensconced in this majestic utopian environment, located in Coconino National Forest amid a forestry of Ponderosa Pine trees, sits Northern Arizona University (NAU). My family discovered NAU while reviewing the Los Angeles Times newspaper two years ago. We were looking for an educational  institution that might be a good fit for my grandson who needed a change of environment, for several reasons,  not the least of which was the cost of  tuition his parents were paying.

After reading about NAU in the L A. Times we went online to research the university and learn more about it. Once we completed our research we had an even  greater interest in the school. Everything we learned about it was  impressive. Especially the favorable tuition rates accorded students from Southern California.

Fast forward  two years later to May 9,2014. My family traveled to Flagstaff, AZ to attend the graduation of my grandson. He not only graduated with a degree in BIO MEDICAL SCIENCE, But the coup de gras is that he graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE and his plan is to become a Cardiologist.

To say that my family is proud would be a gross understatement. We are beyond proud. We are ecstatic about the accomplishments of our son/brother/grandson/nephew/cousin. We are equally proud of the persistence and determination our family showed in rallying together to support our young graduate and to find the University best suited to meet his needs. A University that would allow him to thrive and reach his maximum potential. A University with a rustic environment filled with quiet peaceful tranquility,  ensconced in the middle of Ponderosa Pines some 7,000 feet above sea level. A University that encourages students to pursue excellence.  It all begins and ends with  family.
Remember Knowledge Is  Power!!
Allen Carter
         

When the Need Arises

   
This, my friends, is the age of enlightenment!!No longer is it necessary to be uninformed. There is much knowledge right at your fingertips waiting to be discovered and shared.
I have a close relative who underwent major surgery, at Cedars Sinai Hospital last week, using Robotic surgery. The surgery was successful and the patient is on the road to full recovery.
However, I would advise anyone who has a relative, loved one, or friend, who has to be hospitalized, to please, please do not under any circumstances allow him/her to be there alone and without support.
A hospital can be a haven of life saving care, or it can be a bane of destruction and even death.  
Even before being admitted to the hospital for a surgical procedure you should make every attempt possible to find the best surgeon for your particular procedure.
Some questions my family asked were;
(1)Why does my relative need surgery
(2) What are the alternative to surgery (if any)
(3)What operation are you recommending and why
(4) What are the risk factors
(5) How many of these Robotic surgeries have you personally performed
(6)What has been your success rate in performing these surgeries
(7) what kind of anesthesia will be used and who is the Doctor that will administer
(8) what is the normal recovery time
((9) How many of these surgeries do you perform each day or per week
(10) What time of day do you perform your first surgery
(11)Can my relative be the first surgery you perform that day
(12) In your opinion if you were to have this surgery performed, who would you choose to do it
(13)AND the one question we want a clear and concise answer to is; ARE YOU AND THE ANESTHESIOLOIST BOARD CERTIFIED 
These are a few of the questions my family will ask the doctor. Not only do I think these questions and others are necessary to ask, I think it is imperative that you ask them. My family believes that the more your family show the doctor that you care and are greatly concerned with the level of care that will be accorded your family member, the more the doctor and hospital staff will care and be involved with safety and proper procedures. The idea is to have the best care possible while in the hospital and hopefully return home, better off and healthier, than you were when you first entered the hospital
Remember Knowledge is Power!!
Allen Carter