Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists Ear Candling: Good or Bad?

Dr. Eric L. Maxwell

Ear Candling: Good or Bad?

Ear candling.  I have had a lot of people ask me if this procedure actually works to remove wax from the ear canals.  Ear candling is also called coning.  The premise is that by putting a burning, cone-shaped candle in your ear that it will create negative pressure that will then pull out ear wax.  There have also been claims by some that ear candling will also clean impurities out the sinuses, brain, and other body parts. 

A number of years ago I had enough people start asking me about ear candling that I decided that I would look into it in greater depth.  I had some patients who were planning on having the ear candling performed so I had them come into the office first.  We took pictures of their ears with my video otoscope before and after the candling.  Guess what???  There was no difference in the amount of wax in their ear canals.  The candling didn’t help.  My patients were astonished.

They told me that they had seen a lot of ear wax when they had cut open the ear candle.  The wax that they actually had seen had been the wax from the candle itself. 

There are documented cases of ear candling causing significant distress to the ear canals.  This occurs when hot wax drips into the ear and there have been cases of burnt ear canals, burnt eardrums (requiring surgery to correct), infections, etc.  There is a good article online that goes into greater detail about ear candling.  It can be found at www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/candling.html 

So do I think that ear candling works?  No, I do not.  In fact, it can cause damage to the ear canals, eardrums, and other structures found in the ear.  Not to mention that people have burnt their houses down while candling.  In an upcoming article I will talk about the proper way to clean your ears.  Until then……Good Hearing.   

Dr. Eric L. Maxwell, Au.D, FAAA, was raised in St. George and spent a lot of time in the Cedar City in his youth. He studied Audiology at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah and earned a Master’s of Science degree in Audiology from the University of Utah. Upon graduating, Dr. Maxwell and his family moved to Tucson, Arizona where he practiced Audiology for five years. When an opportunity came to move to Cedar City, Dr. Maxwell jumped at the chance and have been back in Cedar City for the past 8 years. He loves the beautiful scenery, friendly people, and the community. Dr. Maxwell specializes in:

• Digital Hearing Aid Sales, Service and Counseling Specialist
• Earmold and Hearing Protection Specialist
• Diagnostic Medical Hearing Assessments for Adults and Children
• Industrial Hearing Conservation Specialist

PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO LOVED ONES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION OR SPECIAL NEEDS THROUGH PLANS 529 AND 529A (ABLE Act)

Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles, Attorneys at Law

Historically Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code has applied only to tax savings related to  higher education;  however, the new Section isthI529A, the ABLE Act, was recently enacted to provide a convenient way to help a loved one with special needs. 

There are tax advantages for using the 529 Education Savings Plan.  Funds placed in a 529 account can grow without having to pay tax on the income as long as the funds are used by the beneficiary for qualified higher education expenses.  A qualified higher education expense includes payment for tuition, books and supplies, as well as room and board if the beneficiary is enrolled at least half time.  This is appealing for many as a means to contribute to a child’s or grandchild’s education without paying income tax on the increase in the investment, and the contributor may qualify for a state income tax credit for the funds placed in the 529 account.  Although it is most common for a parent or a grandparent to create and fund a 529 account for a child or grandchild, anyone can contribute.  The owner of the 529 account and the beneficiary do not have to be related.       

If a beneficiary decides not to pursue higher education, the 529 account can be transferred to another member of the beneficiary’s family, or the funds can be withdrawn.  However, if the funds held in the 529 account are not used for qualified higher education expenses, the contributor may be required to pay income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings.  

The 529A plan, also known as the ABLE Act (Achieving a Better Life Experience), was signed into effect in December 2014.  The goal of the 529A plan is to provide supplemental benefits to a disabled beneficiary.   This will allow families with a disabled child a way to save for that child’s long-term disability expenses that are not otherwise covered by needs-based government programs.  There are a number of qualifications for the 529A, such as the beneficiary must be disabled before age 26; and disqualifications and taxes will apply if the account balance exceeds $100,000.00.  Any funds remaining in the 529A account upon the disabled beneficiary’s death must be paid to the State up to an amount equal to the total medical assistance paid by the State on behalf of the disabled beneficiary.

The 529A Plan is not available for use yet because the States are waiting for Federal regulations to be enacted to clarify several aspects of the ABLE Act.  However, it looks like a step in the right direction to allow parents and grandparents to provide for a disabled child.

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George market for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles or Phillip G. Gubler.  The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

Erin Kimball Foundation Receives Grant

N E W S   R E L E A S E
News Release: Immediate

For more information contact:
Contact:  Sue Kimball
Telephone:  435 627-9232, 435-231-9536
sue.erinkimball@gmail.com

St. George, UT, February 20, 2015 —  “Congratulations! It's a testament to the importance of your mission that the Erin Kimball Foundation was selected for one of four grants out of 55 applicants,” Emily Caputo, Coordinator of the Utah Women’s Giving Circle shared in announcing the $5,000 award.  Focusing on empowering women and girls, the Utah Women’s Giving Circle brings donors and charities together to impact the health, education and well-being of women across the state.

The grant will assist women and their children fleeing violence in southwestern Utah with housing. The Kimball Foundation’s H.O.M.E. Housing, Options, Mentoring, Empowerment program assists families to move from the crisis of emergency shelters to independence through rental assistance and empowerment support.  “With funding cuts and escalating need, financial support from the community is vital to the families we serve and the continuation of our mission,” shared Sue Kimball.  “If a woman has the courage to leave a situation of terror, it will never be okay that she is forced to return to keep her children from becoming homeless.”

The Erin Kimball Foundation provides a lifeline while mom gains the skills and employment to support her family. To date the organization has provided over 220,000 nights of housing in apartment settings and served 187 women and 415 children in the Five County region.  To learn more about services or how you can assist visit www.erinkimball.org or call 435-627-9232.

Photo:
Utah Women of Giving grantees from left to right - Judy Kasten-Bell, Boys & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis, Amanda Hughes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, Kristy Kimball, Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation, Esterlee Molyneux, Child & Family Support Center, Mary Southerland, Utah For Veterans

January 2015 Students of the Month Honored by St. George Exchange Club

The January Students of the Month recipients were recently honored by the St. George Exchange Club.  The St. George Exchange Club sponsors the Student of the Month Program, which honors one student from the area high schools each month. This program recognizes the students’ accomplishments in academics, service and leadership in their respective schools. Dixie State University recently partnered with the St. George Exchange Club and will provide each of the Student of the Month recipients a one-year, full-tuition scholarship. 

The 48 students recognized each school year by the St. George Exchange Club equates to a commitment of over $175,000 from Dixie State University. The Exchange Club is honored to work with Dixie State University in recognizing and supporting the outstanding high school students of our community.

In addition, one student from the eight students honored as Student of the Month from each high school will have the opportunity to become Student of the Year for their school and receive a college scholarship to the college of their choice from the St. George Exchange Club. Last year, the Student of the Year, EmRee Moody from St. George, was selected as the National Student of the Month and received a $10,000 scholarship from the National Exchange Club.

The St. George Exchange Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30AM at George's in Ancestor Square. For more information about the St. George Exchange Club, contact Shonie Christensen at 435-767-9000.  We congratulate the St George Exchange Club 2015 January Students of the Month.

Back Row:   Amber Diaz (Millcreek High School); Cody Fife (Pine View High School)
Front Row: Marisa Firth (Dixie High School); Rebekah Romney (Tuacahn High School); Daniella Vallejo (Desert Hills High School);  St George Exchange Club President Shonie Christensen

HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors Adds New Partner

Steven D. Palmer, CPA

Steven D. Palmer, a certified public accountant with extensive experience in audit and assurance specializing in audits of local governments and small businesses, recently became the twelfth partner of HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors, according to Phillip Peine, managing partner of the firm.

Palmer received his undergraduate degree from Southern Utah University and earned a Master of Accountancy degree from the same institution. He is licensed to practice in Utah and Arizona.

Palmer is experienced with a broad range of local government, non-profit, construction, pension plan, and forensic investigations. Palmer serves as a member of the HintonBurdick audit committee, which provides oversight for the firm’s audit department and he regularly provides instruction at annual seminars sponsored by HintonBurdick.

In announcing Palmer’s appointment, Peine noted that “the breadth of experience Steve brings to the position, including his expertise in audit and assurance, make him the perfect fit for our leadership team.”  

Palmer will work in the St. George office, alongside partners Chad Atkinson, Kris Braunberger, Dean Burdick, Todd Feltner, Morris Peacock, Philip Peine, and Mike Spilker.  Four additional partners work and manage offices outside of St. George. Mark Tichenor manages the Mesquite office, Robert Cox manages the Cedar City office, and Mark Frost and Kevin Stephens manage the Flagstaff office.

Palmer and his wife, Amy, reside in Leeds with their three children, Lindy, Kaleb, and Kolby.

About HintonBurdick CPAs & Advisors

Established in 1975, HintonBurdick currently serves clients in all 50 states and some foreign countries with accounting and audit services, litigation support, computer training and systems management, payroll services, tax planning and consulting services. Offices are located in St. George, Cedar City, Hurricane, and Richfield, Utah, and in Mesquite, Nevada, and Flagstaff, Arizona. For more information, go to hintonburdick.com, or call (435) 628-3663.

Fire and Ice Gala Funds Needs-Based Scholarships for Dixie State Students

This new year get ready to party for a good cause. The Dixie College Foundation will be holding their annual Fire and Ice fundraising Gala on February 27, 2015 at SunRiver St. George. This black-tie event raises funds used exclusively for need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students. The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts. 

A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Stephen Selu. Because of the assistance he received from a Fire & Ice Scholarship, Stephen was able to achieve and exceed many of his life's greatest goals. He became the first in his family to graduate from college. After leaving Dixie State he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Utah. Stephen recently accepted a job with one of the Nation's largest engineering firms, Kimley-Horn and Associates of Las Vegas, Nevada. Stephen stated, “The generosity of the Fire & Ice Scholarship was instrumental in my pursuit of success, and for that I say thank you.”

The Stephen Selu Famiily

Randy Wilkinson, Dixie College Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past 10 years, to contribute $1,600,000.00 toward need-based scholarships for students who could not attend Dixie State University without financial help.  With these scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities in their lives.  This is only possible where we live in a community with such generous citizens, both individual and corporate."

The 11th Annual Fire and Ice Gala is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required.  Tickets are $150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502.  To learn more about the gala or the Dixie College Foundation or to make a donation, contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.

All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University students.  The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution.  We invite you to be part of this event.

MAKE ESTATE PLANNING YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - JensenBayles

Phillip G. Gubler and Thomas J. Bayles, Attorneys at Law

New Year’s Resolutions – just about everybody sets them but not everyone reaches their goal.   The key to setting any resolution or goal is to make it specific and attainable.  This year, we want to remind you of the importance of keeping your estate plan up to date.  Estate planning goals  can change over time and for many reasons:

Marriage or divorce;
Birth or adoption of a child;
Death or disability of a child;
Birth or death of a grandchild;
Marriage of a child;
Divorce of a child;
Death of a spouse;
Increase or decrease in personal wealth;
Receipt of substantial inheritance or gift;
Sale or purchase of real estate or of a business; or
Changes in state and federal laws.

It is important that your estate planning goals are reflected in your current documents, and that you take advantage of federal and state tax laws, which may offer opportunities for significant tax savings to you through proper planning.  Any significant change in your net worth or changes in your assets due to the purchase or sale of a business or real estate may require some insightful tax planning. 

If you have an estate plan in effect, you have likely invested a significant amount of time, energy and emotion into your estate plan. Therefore, it is important to make sure your plan continues to reflect your goals.  Remember that you are the most important individual involved in your estate planning.   Estate planning professionals are available to assist you in this process and to help you develop the most efficient and manageable estate plan possible.  The advice of a competent estate planning attorney is essential in obtaining the best possible results from your planning and hard earned wealth.  Proper planning requires the involvement and thoroughness of estate planning attorneys and other advisors to look out for the well being of the client and the client’s family. 

It is recommended that you have your estate plan reviewed at least once every three years and sooner if there has been a significant change in your life. With the start of this New Year, an item on your to do list should be to review and, if necessary, update your estate plan to make sure it continues to meet your goals.

We invite you to consider investing a small amount of your time in your own estate planning.  Estate planning is an invaluable tool that provides increased financial security and peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones.  Make 2015 the year you get your estate planning in order.

Call us today to schedule an appointment to review your estate planning documents.

JensenBayles, LLP provides a broad spectrum of legal services.  Thomas J. Bayles has been actively providing advice in the areas of trusts, wills, probate and tax planning in the St. George market for over 15 years. Please visit our web site www.jensenbayles.com or call 435-674-9718 and ask for Thomas J. Bayles or Phillip G. Gubler. The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.