2025 January issue of InMaricopa Magazine

BUSINESS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

From fungus to freedom Tips for clear, healthy toenails BY DR. JORDAN RICHARDSON

BRIEF

THE ROOST SPORTS BAR & CAFE

Y OU MAY KNOW OF SOMEONE CLOSE to you that has been diagnosed with a toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. There are dozens of treatments for toenail fungus, and it can be difficult to treat unless you understand it on a deeper level. Onychomycosis affects about 10% of the global population and is more common among older adults. In fact, in people over age 60, about 20% will deal with toenail fungus. This, of course, could be higher due to many people never receiving treatment or confirming a diagnosis. It can be contagious, but not in in the conventional sense — that if you are around someone with it, you’ll get it. It could be from contaminated nail trimmers or spa equipment, or prolonged periods of time in direct contact in the right environment. What environments are those, you might ask? There are many species of fungus, but one of the most common that affects toenails is called trichophyton rubrum. Factors such as climate or region can make a difference with the type of fungus seen. In general, fungi are opportunistic organisms, meaning they will grow in advantageous environments. They prefer warm, moist and dark environments to grow. Well, your shoe happens to be that type of place. You could have been exposed to a fungus in areas like public pools, showers at a gym or even a nail spa. The risk of being infected increases exponentially if you spend time in these types of environments. How can you know for certain that your toenails have a fungus? A clipping of nail, which can be painlessly obtained by your doctor, can be sent to a lab for fungal testing. This nail sample will also give clues as to how to best treat it and other factors that could have caused changes in shape and color if not from fungus. One commonly seen change is trauma to the nail, which can cause thickening and deformity to the nail if damaged, like the changes caused by fungal invasion. Of the many treatments for toenail fungus, you may have heard of treatments such as lasers,

Pizza Hut moved further from its roots as a buffet with stained-glass chandeliers and swapped its dine- in format for a smaller takeaway location a few doors down at 21101 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite E102. The Plano, Texas-based pizza restaurant received a permit for tenant improvements at the new location in June. The pizzeria, known for its innovative menu items like stuffed crust pizzas and the calzone-style p’zone, opened its Maricopa dine-in restaurant in 2006. The following year, it began offering delivery services.

After 10 years in business, The Roost Sports Bar & Café closed its doors for good Dec. 22. “And that’s a wrap! Dad and I are leaving the restaurant and bar game,” owner Ralph Skrzypczak said. “Thank you all for the support and love over the years!” Skrzypczak said “big changes” were going down with “new people” coming in Jan. 1. Four sources familiar with the restaurant told InMaricopa a new Mexican eatery was planned, with one source pointing to Mesa-based Chilaquiles Modern Kitchen.

Roots Eatery

A summary of the Nov. 8 – Dec. 8 restaurant health inspections by Pinal County Environmental Health Services.

Restaurant inspections

The owners of Say Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in the Maricopa Market on John Wayne Parkway, are ready to sell. Antonio Guerrero, an agent with RE/MAX Fine Properties in Scottsdale and the broker in charge of the sale, confirmed the “Turn-Key Sushi Restaurant” listed on the commercial real estate listing service LoopNet was indeed Say Sushi. “They’re owner-operators and they’re open four-and-a-half days a week,” Guerrero told InMaricopa. “It’s a very profitable business, but I think they’re wanting to retire.”

EXCELLENT • Denny’s • F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank • Gyro Grill • Maricopa Elementary School • Maricopa High School • Maricopa Wells Middle School • Roots Eatery • Santa Cruz Elementary School

microwave, topical creams and solutions, and oral medications. Statistically speaking, none of these guarantee the fungus will be resolved. However, there are some that can work better than others. Perhaps the most effective method is the use of an antifungal pill called terbinafine, brand name Lamisil. Some studies suggest that its effectiveness lies between 70 and 90%. Topical medications tend to have lower success with some studies suggesting effectiveness lower than 30%. Of course, this is dependent on the species of fungus, type of medication and the frequency of use. The key to successful treatment is a proper diagnosis, consistency and compliance with treatment. If you suspect that you have toenail fungus, come see one of our physicians at Maricopa Foot and Ankle and speak to us about testing your nail for fungus and starting the appropriate treatment that meets your health needs. 520-494-1090 MFAAC.com 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 126

BAR & GRILL Raea

What do the ratings mean?

FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

EXCELLENT: All priority standards are observed as compliant. SATISFACTORY: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given. UNACCEPTABLE: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow- up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.

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Maricopa Foot & Ankle Center

49237 W. Papago Road Located just 2 miles south on John Wayne Parkway and 3 miles west on Papago Road (520) 568-0808 • RacewayBarAndGrill.com