A small child, ravaged by cancer, needs specialized treatment at a hospital 300 miles away.A senior citizen needs to travel to medical treatment not available at home. A father, separated from hisfamily during a disaster, wants desperately to be reunited. A domestic violence survivor longs to start a new life in another city, but cannot afford to leave. A young burn survivor wants to attend a special camp for other kids who understand her emotions. They can get there when there's an angel in the cockpit.For those whose lives are in turmoil, the financial, physical, and emotional burdens of travel can make ordinary trips difficult. That's when they turn to Angel Flight West, a network of 1,200 volunteer pilots who fly their own planes and pay for all costs (which average from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars per flight) out of their own pockets. Angel Flight West pilots fly more than 3,500 of those every year.These pilots who give so much of their time and money to help strangers, come from all walks of life. But as different as these men and women are, they all have two things in common: The love of flying, and the desire to touch peoples lives.Not only have they earned the gratitude of their passengers, they've earned the trust and respect of a long list of organizations of all types. Seventy one year old Larry G. needs to travel from his home to a major medical facility for treatment of his cancer. 120 miles away but several hours of driving in traffic, Larry isn't strong enough to make the drive. As pilot Tom Close noted about this particular flight The events around Larry and this flight are indeed emblematic of AngelFlight West. AFW puts in touch those in need, and those of us with the luxury of giving back, using the opportunities and capabilities in our lives where they can have the biggest impact. The passengers and their families, the healthcare organizations pay nothing at all, ever.At the Santa Monica, California, headquarters, a dedicated staff manages the complex system of matching pilots with passengers, coordinating the flights, spreading the word among referral agencies, and continually recruiting new volunteers among 13 western states. If you are a caregiver, a patient who needs assistance, or someone who would like to donate, please visit their website www.angelflightwest.org or call them at 888-426-2643.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Cheri Cimmarrusti, Associate Executive Director of Angel Flight West. She can be reached at 888-426-2643 or by email at cheric@angelflightwest.org.

Feeling depressed is extremely common, especially following major life events such as loss. However, when feelings of depression begin to cause a loss of functioning or enjoyment in life, it may be time to seek treatment. Depression that persists over many weeks may result in loss of energy, constant feelings of sadness or emptiness, not enjoying things (family, children, friends, hobbies, etc.), sleeping too much or not enough, difficulty concentrating, or suicidal thoughts. This may require professional treatment.Depression can be a life-threatening disease and often causes relationship and employment problems. The good news is that with medical treatment, specifically therapy and sometimes medication management, recovery is possible.The article was written by Salt Lake Behavioral Health

Two years ago Ryan Kohrig retired from the military. It wasnt easy. He told me. His tone grew nostalgic and he began his story. Like a quarter of U.S veterans, Ryan suffers from PTSD. After two and half decades of military service and multiple combat deployments reintegrating into society was difficult for him. Daily trivial tasks that he knew he could do became a struggle. Sudden movements or sounds could easily startle him and leave him frustrated.In an attempt to cope with his PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia he did what any veteran would do and sought help from the VA.At first the VA prescribed Ryan with sleeping pills, which he admits worked for sleeping but, come morning, left him groggy and even more anxious than before. So he went back to VA. Again and again. Each time trying out different medications and to my surprise, different doctors. I never had the same doctor, so I kept having to retell my story every time I went in.Luckily, Ryan was able to find the help he needed. Ryan encountered a stranger at the gym who would end up changing his life forever. Ultimately, turning their retirement plan into a new career. We got to talking about my PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia. He mentioned something about CBD, and gave me some to try. I had never used cannabis before and was just shocked by the results. I couldnt believe something so small could make such a big impact on me.After his first use, Ryan stopped taking his medications all together, and began administering CBD oil to himself a couple times a day. After one week of this, he decided to tell his wife about what hed been doing. I was just happy he was happy. I never thought anything negative of it. Lindsey his wife told me.Our interview fell within days of the Department of Defense announcing its plans to take punitive measures against CBD, and during it there was no stronger sense of his determination then when he spoke about getting it in the hands of military men and women. These are the people who need it the most. He enlightened me.His feelings, he told me, are reciprocated. He receives emails, phone calls, Facebook and Instagram on a weekly basis from military members both active and retired, wanting to hear his story and tell their own. But above all else wanting to try CBD. Finally, they can.This Article was Submitted by Medical Marijuana 411, on behalf of Brock VanZweden, CEO of Quintessence Health & Wellness. He can be reached at 801-930-9381 or Brock@quintessencehealthandwellness.com.

Every year thousands of seniors utilize physical therapy to get back on their feet. Reasons may include: recovering from a joint replacement, chronic or acute pain in any part of the body, stroke, balance and falls, recovering from an extended illness, and declining strength and function. The primary goal of physical therapy is to help alleviate pain and restore function and return independence. Most people are aware that you can receive physical therapy in your home through a home health agency when you are required to be homebound. Many people may not know there is another option to receive the therapy they need. Those who may not qualify for home health services or are no longer technically homebound can receive the therapy they need in the comfort of their own home. Much like an old fashioned doctors house call you can receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in your home that is paid for by most insurances including Medicare part B, Medicare HMO , and secondary insurance benefits.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jim Harrison, DPT. Jim is a Physical Therapist with South Mountain Home Rehabilitation. He can be reached at 801-523-6376 or jim@smhrehab.com . Visit his website www.smhrehab.com.