COASTAL BEND
NSIDE
MD
ANSWERING THE CALL CHRISTUS HOMECARE
DECEMBER 2013-JANUARY 2014
+ LOVE AND COMMITMENT ACADEMY WINDOW COVERINGS
Speaking from the heart about The Plaza at Mirador. The choice when you want more than assisted living, you want more out of life.
“ The Plaza at Mirador is a wonderful place to live! My daughters love to come here. And they don’t have to worry about me—I love that!”
i, TX Lucy McDearmont, Corpus Christ
You don’t have to pay more to get the most comfort, service and professional care for your loved one, including spacious private suites with a kitchenette, three nutritious meals a day and a full calendar of activities and events. Compare everything we offer, all with incomparable devotion—backed by a full continuum of care which includes Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Short-Term Rehabilitation.
At The Plaza at Mirador, you can move directly into Assisted Living, Memory Support or Skilled Nursing without paying an entrance fee. Call 361-371-4094 to schedule a personal tour or visit www.ThePlazaAtMirador.com H E A LT H S E RV I C E S A T M I R A D O R
The Plaza does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits under any of its programs and activities.
5857 Timbergate Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 SQM100110 AL AD[8.375 X10.5]mech.indd 1
11/19/13 3:14 PM
Our mission is to provide medical
transport for critically ill or injured persons requiring medical or trauma facilities within our South Texas service area. Emergency assistance is provided to all persons regardless of their ability to pay.
www.haloflight.org 361.265.0509 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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Alice 361-664-4888 路 Corpus Christi 361-882-5900 www.rivercityhospice.com
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CORPUS CHRISTI PODIATRY -
DIABETIC FOOT CARE BUNIONS HAMMERTOES INGROWN TOENAILS PAINFUL NEUROPATHIC FEET
WWW.CCPODS.COM
DR. JOHN R. GOUIN
2601 HOSPITAL BOULEVARD - SUITE 211 - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78405
361.883.5955
BOARD CERTIFIED IN FOOT SURGERY WITH THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FOOT AND ANKLE SURGEONS MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION N S I D E C O AOF S T A L“AN B E N DUNFORGETTABLE / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U ASALUTE,” RY 2014 4 AUTHOR AVAILABLE AT IUNIVERSE.COM AND BARNES AND NOBLE
Kingsville
HOME REHAB Serving South Texas, San Antonio and Austin.
Focused on restoring function and regaining independence. Kingsville Home Rehab Services, Inc. was established in 2004 and is a leader in home health rehabilitation. We provide to our patients quaility and evidencebased rehabilitaiton services. Integrity, excellence, trust and compassion are the core values in which Kingsville Home Rehab therapist’ and staff follow day to day, and from one home to the next. Kingsville Home Rehab’s primary goal is to enhance a patient’s quality of life with subtle changes. Whether teaching a fall prevetion program or making small postural changes to relief lower back pain, our goal is to maximize our patient’s potential.
P.O. Box 1205 Kingsville, Texas 78364 Ph: (361) 221-9177 Fax: (361) 221-0178
www.kingsvillehomerehab.com D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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Come Visit Our House! Always in need Of volunteers! Visit gchscc.org For info!
Looking for a place to bring those old towels and newspapers? Bring em’ to us!
NSIDE Coastal Bend MD
December 2013/January PU BLIC A T I O2014 NS
CEO/NSIDE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS ELIOT GARZA South Texas’s Largest True No Kill
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PUBLIC ATIONS
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PROFILE
CHRISTUS HOMECARE
In true reflection of the CHRISTUS Spohn mission, this team answers the call to provide quality care to patients and their families in the comfort of their own homes often during the most difficult time in their lives.
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ACADEMY WINDOW COVERINGS
More than the place to go for designer window treatments in Corpus Christi, this family business spans more than 50 years, embodying the love and commitment owners Richard and Ernestine Valadez have shared for half a century.
DEPARTMENTS 08 11 24 26
Feature Patient Health & Wellness Senior Care
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HIGH-CALIBER CANCER CARE The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center earns national recognition with a prestigious three-year accreditation, further establishing its reputation as a health care leader in the Coastal Bend area. By: [ STEVEN ALFORD]
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The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program has once again received a prestigious three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The designation is awarded to only about one in four programs nationwide, and it is regarded as a symbol of a cancer center program’s commitment to providing high-quality cancer care to the community and its patients. It’s a rigorous survey that looks at many aspects of care, including pathology, surgery, radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and more,
according to Thomas Enright, executive director of the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Program. “Being the only accredited cancer center in Corpus Christi means we are the only ones routinely providing an organized multidisciplinary approach to the care oncology patients receive,” Enright said. “We benchmark ourselves against other accredited programs in the state of Texas and the nation.” But most importantly, Enright said, in working to achieve the designation, the CHRISTUS Spohn cancer program is following the roadmap to being recognized as a top-rated cancer program on a national level. The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center earned the accreditation after an onsite, objective evaluation of the center by experienced health care professionals. The survey team gathered extensive performance information as the basis for evaluating compliance. The American College of Surgeons Commission
PHOTO BY RAYMOND GRAY
NSIDE FEATURE
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For more information on the CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center, visit www.christusspohn.org.
ABOUT CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal Bend. The health system is consistently ranked as a health care leader in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves.
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PHOTO, TOP, BY RAYMOND GRAY; PHOTO, BOTTOM, BY STEVEN ALFORD
THE CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER CENTER IS THE ONLY ACCREDITED CANCER PROGRAM IN THE SOUTH TEXAS REGION.
on Cancer has been accrediting cancer programs since the 1930s, and currently, only 1,400 facilities across the United States have gained accreditation for their cancer program. The CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center, located at 1415 Santa Fe, is the only accredited cancer program in the South Texas region.
NSIDE PATIENT
MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE PHARMACIST, MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
CHRISTUS Spohn Health System receives national recognition for its advances in pharmacy technology, placing it in the upper tier of health systems nationwide. By: [STEVEN ALFORD]
In an ongoing effort by CHRISTUS Spohn Health System to provide safe and reliable patient care, the system has garnered national attention. Two separate documentary film crews chronicling medical advances visited the Coastal Bend in September to interview CHRISTUS Spohn pharmacy supervisors. The documentaries focused on the health system’s use of technology and standardization to reduce medication errors and speed up distributive processes, ultimately freeing up pharmacists to make rounds and work alongside clinicians. A CHRISTUS Spohn pharmacist in patient care areas will become more of a familiar sight as the health system implements Bedside Medication Verification (BMV) and Computerized Patient Order Management (CPOM) systems to streamline medication processes, according to George Udeani, clini-
cal pharmacy manager at CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. CHRSITUS Spohn also recently centralized medication distribution for all of its six South Texas hospitals through Med Safety Central (MSC), located
at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South, which dispenses 80 percent of the medications administered within the health system. In turn, the advances have created more oversight and new electronic verification of medications, thus reducing
“HAVING PHARMACISTS WHERE THEY NEED TO BE IS MAKING A FINANCIAL AND MEDICATION SAFETY IMPACT.” D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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views the order and scans the patient barcode to make sure everything matches before giving the medication to the patient and recording the whole process in the computer. The process creates a closed medication loop, making sure fail-safes are in place to closely protect and monitor
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patient safety, Udeani said. But an additional benefit means pharmacists are freed up to spend more time with patients and clinicians in the patient care setting, with another set of expert eyes on the floor. “As part of our patient care-centered approach, our pharmacists can now
For more information about CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, the largest hospital system in South Texas, please visit www.christusspohn.org.
PHARMACIST WORKING, DOCENT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
errors and increasing patient safety. This is how the new system works: When patients are admitted, they receive a wristband with a barcode that their physician enters electronically, which is reviewed by pharmacists at the MSC. The medication is then sent to the patient’s nurse, who again re-
interact more with nurses, physicians and patients themselves in the care environment rather than the pharmacy,” Udeani explained. Due to these technological improvements, CHRISTUS Spohn has been able to free pharmacists of their time-consuming distributive duties and send them out into clinical functions. This has enabled CHRISTUS Spohn pharmacists to play a vital role in the clinical setting, impacting patient safety, reducing errors and saving the health system money in the long run. As concerns over medication errors recently made national headlines, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System began to evaluate its own medication management processes to develop a plan to increase medication safety in the region. Joe High, regional director of pharmacy, was brought on board to helm the project after successes within other hospital systems. With his team, High set out to introduce new technology and programs to improve safety, reduce errors and free up pharmacists to become more engaged in the patient care environment. This included introducing the Alaris System smart infusion technology and the PHACTS portfolio of products, both of which work in concert with BMV to support safer medication distribution directly to patients. The results have placed CHRISTUS Spohn in the upper tier of health systems nationwide using technology to improve safety and cut costs. Consequently, news crews began inquiring for interviews on the region’s success. “Having a pharmacist where they need to be is making a financial and medication safety impact,” High explained to a documentary film from California-based CareFusion. “We’re still waiting for more data to come in, but the pharmacists are making a real difference.” Though these are relatively new changes within the health system, High said there are still many goals left to achieve in the quest for standardization and safer approaches to distributing medications. CHRISTUS Spohn continues to expand its goals of placing more pharmacists in clinical roles where they can more directly impact patient safety and experience.
Welcome to the SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical care in many of the major hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our surgeons and staff provide individual and conservative treatment using the most effective and modern technologies available in the world.
SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 3rd Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
361.883.4323
www.southtexasbrainandspine.net D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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NSIDE PATIENT
‘OWNING THE BONE’ What’s better than fixing a broken bone? Preventing it. And surgeons are working to do just that by helping manage the osteoporosis epidemic.
There are more than two million fragility fractures a year in the United States. That’s more than the number of heart attacks, strokes and breast cancer diagnoses combined. Today, more than 40 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density, and given our aging population, the problem is expected to worsen in the coming years. In response to the growing crisis, University Hospital has joined a national Own the Bone initiative, and it is one of 44 U.S. hospitals to be recognized by the American Orthopaedic Association for outstanding success in teaching patients how to prevent future fractures. “Our goal is to not simply treat fragility fractures, but prevent them from recurring,” explains Dr. Animesh Agarwal, UT Medicine orthopaedic surgeon and professor in the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Traumatology. “When a patient comes in with a fracture, we have a responsibility to teach them what they can do to reduce their chances of ending up back in my office or the hospital with another, potentially more serious break.” Through the comprehensive program, patients at University Hospital are educated on vitamin D supplementation and the use of medications that can help minimize further bone loss that occurs in osteoporosis. “We as orthopaedic surgeons are not only managing the surgical aspects, but also bone health. That’s what we mean by ‘own the bone.’” The Division of Orthopaedic Trauma has estab-
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lished a fragility fracture clinic at its trauma clinic at University Hospital. Physician Assistant Chris DeLallo helps oversee the medical management of these patients. “We focus on the surgical management of the fracture and assess the patient with regards to underlying osteoporosis and assess their risk for a second fracture,” Agarwal says. “Oftentimes, we are seeing them for the second fracture as their initial presentation into our system. If this type of program had been present elsewhere, they may have been plugged into the program and perhaps this fracture would have been prevented.” Exercise is one of the most important things pa-
ment their results and compare them with other participating hospitals across the country. Today, only about 100 health care organizations are participating in the program, but Agarwal is hoping more of his colleagues pledge to own the bone. “The stakes are really high,” he says. “Nearly 25 percent of patients who suffer a hip fracture die within one year, and for many of them, this was not their first fracture due to osteoporosis. It’s time to bring greater attention to this silent public health epidemic. “The American Orthopaedic Association, along with other national orthopaedic organizations, is stressing the importance of taking ownership of
EXERCISE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS PATIENTS CAN DO TO REDUCE THEIR RISK FOR A SECOND BREAK. tients can do to reduce their risk for a second break, and teaching them which exercises can make the biggest impact and how to do them correctly is one of the key prevention measures included in the Own the Bone program. It also includes nutrition, medication and lifestyle counseling, as well as bone mineral density testing. The Own the Bone Web-based registry enables participants to docu-
the entire patient’s bone health and not just fixing the fracture. University Health System has made that possible by allowing and supporting us to become part of this national Own the Bone program.”
For more information, please visit www.universityhealthsystem.com/orthopaedic-services.
MAN SAILING, WARREN GOLDSWAIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
By: [LENI KIRKMAN]
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The Gift of
Homecare The Gift of Homecare
The team at CHRISTUS HomeCare answers the call and takes a team approach to providing patients and their families with quality home health and hospice services in the comfort of their own homes. By: SARAH TINDALL Photography: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT
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“TO HAVE PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TRUST ME DURING THIS TIME IN THEIR LIVES IS VERY TOUCHING, AND I DON’T TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED.”
C
HRISTUS HomeCare is qual-
ity care at home providing home health and hospice services for patients 18 years and older in the comfort of their homes since November 1983. CHRISTUS HomeCare is the only nonprofit faith-based program in Corpus Christi that provides these services as an extension of CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. The goal of the CHRISTUS home health program is to help patients recover from illness or injury at home once they no longer meet inpatient criteria within the hospital or a sub-acute setting such as rehab or skilled nursing. Home health services can include nursing care that is rendered by a registered nurse (RN) and/or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), physical, occupational and speech therapists, home health aides and medical social workers. Homecare services must be ordered by a physician, and they must be medically necessary. The patient must also meet homebound criteria in order to receive these services. When home health services are ordered for a patient, most often, an RN will travel to the patient’s home and do a head-to-toe physical assessment on the patient to determine their needs based on the medical diagnosis. From that assessment, a plan of care is formed, and a visit schedule is determined. During the course of treatment, the nursing team will perform handson skilled services such as, but not limited to, wound care, IV therapy, ostomy and catheter care. The nurse also teaches comprehensive disease management and instructs the patient and the family how to manage the disease and administer medications, and when to call the doctor. While patients are on homecare services, if a medical problem arises, they are encouraged to “call the nurse first� before they go to the ER, thereby preventing possible readmission to the hospital. Home health physical and occupational therapies are widely utilized after a joint replacement, stroke or deconditioning secondary to a lengthy illness as a transitional period between the hospital and outpatient therapy. The goals of the therapists are to help patients get stronger by working with them on
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strength, transfer and gait training, as well as helping them relearn their activities of daily living. The therapy team also does a comprehensive home safety evaluation and makes recommendations for enhanced safety in the home by installing ramps, grab bars and home medical equipment. Speech therapy can work on swallowing and other exercises that are especially beneficial to a patient after a stroke or other illness. Home health aides will help the patient with personal care for a short period of time until they or their family can do it. The medical social worker can also be utilized for several visits to help the patient with community resources when indicated. Home health services are usually covered by a percentage by commercial insurers and at 100 percent for Medicare patients. When patients are diagnosed with a terminal illness and a cure is no longer a possibility, CHRISTUS Hospice can offer care, pain and symptom management with dignity, comfort and spiritual guidance. Typically, a patient chooses hospice care when all treatment options have been exhausted or the patient chooses to no longer seek aggressive or curative care. A team approach is used to care for these very
welcomes any calls and is eager to provide information on the hospice program or to help educate on which services they would be best qualified for. Hospice services are covered at 100 percent by Medicare and Medicaid and by most insurance carriers. The mission of the CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital family is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and CHRISTUS HomeCare is part of that mission. “Hospice is a calling,” says Liz Boatright, an account executive at CHRISTUS HomeCare. “It is the heart that makes the mission, but it is our faith that brings healing spiritually and emotionally. Because we serve others, we serve Jesus Christ.” Another part of fulfilling that mission is the community service programs offered by the organization. CHRISTUS Hospice offers grief support for anyone who has lost a loved one, regardless if they used CHRISTUS Hospice services or not, every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Anyone is invited to attend and share their experiences, and they may bring a brown bag lunch if desired. Meet the team: Drs. Mayra Propst and Jerome Lee Sang, medical directors. Propst is board-certified in family medicine, and she has worked for CHRISTUS Hospice & Palliative Care – Spohn for the past year.
rather at home.” Propst enjoys homecare, as well, because she says it is more personal and the patient is in their natural environment, surrounded by their loved ones and the things they cherish. The work is fulfilling because she feels that she is able to take the time to really address the needs of patients and their families when they are facing extremely difficult decisions. “I remember having a conversation with the spouse and son of a patient who was imminently dying at the hospital,” Propst says. “We were called in toward the end of this patient’s life. I remember answering their questions, and they were so grateful for that. They had many unanswered questions, and I felt that I brought a lot of comfort by simply giving them the time to ask questions and be heard. They had some hard decisions to make at that point, and I felt they were glad they didn’t have to make those decisions alone. This is only one of many touching situations I’ve had with patients and their families. It’s truly very fulfilling work.” Propst also believes in the CHRISTUS Spohn mission statement: “to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” She says it is one of the reasons she works for this organization. “While hospice care may
A team approach IS USED TO CARE FOR THESE VERY SPECIAL PATIENTS. special patients. The CHRISTUS Hospice team consists of physician medical directors, RNs, LVNs, nurse aides, chaplains, medical social workers, complementary massage therapists and volunteers. When a patient elects hospice services, the patient not only has a team of medical professionals to care for them physically, spiritually and emotionally, but they also receive durable medical equipment and medications that are used for pain and symptom control specific to their diagnosis. CHRISTUS Hospice is contracted to render inpatient and respite care at several local facilities if needed. The chaplains and social workers follow the loved ones of the deceased patients for 13 months after the passing of the patient for bereavement and grief support. Most often, families will express, “if only they had hospice sooner.” Hospice is a gift, and it can be available no matter where a patient calls home. Patients needing hospice care can call CHRISTUS Hospice directly to find out if hospice is right for them and how to begin the services. A patient needing hospice care requires an order from two physicians – usually the primary care physician and the hospice medical director. CHRISTUS Hospice
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“My interest in hospice grew from my desire to treat patients from a different perspective,” she says. “I realized that as physicians, we are very good at focusing on treatment, and rightfully so. However, there is a group of patients who are no longer candidates for treatment, and the shift can be very difficult for them and their families. These groups of patients need just as much care, if not more, and I wanted to be a part of easing their pain during this season in their lives in any way I could.” Propst enjoys the work because it allows her to build close relationships with the patients in her care and their families. “To have them trust me during this time in their lives is very touching, and I don’t take that for granted,” she asserts. “The most important determining factor for me is the patient’s wishes (or if they cannot make the decision for themselves, then the appointed medical decisionmaker). I try my hardest to honor their wishes. “Very seldom are we unable to control patients’ symptoms at home. Most of the time, when we choose to admit the patient, it is because it is the will of the patient or family that they pass away outside the home. I do find, however, that most people don’t want to pass away in a hospital setting, but
not provide healing in the ‘physical’ sense, it serves as an avenue for emotional and spiritual healing, which I believe to be just as important.” Sang is board-certified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care. Sang was one of the first physicians in the Corpus Christi area to become board-certified in hospice and palliative care in 2007, and he was recognized in 2006 by the Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization as Hospice Medical Director of the Year. “I like the concept of hospice and what it has to offer patients: the ability to stay home longer and be more comfortable in their own homes rather than being in the hospital,” he says about his choice to focus on hospice care. Sang says he finds the work fulfilling: “Physicians go into medicine to help relieve patient suffering. Hospice and palliative medicine allows me to alleviate patient suffering the most usually during the most difficult time in their lives.”
For more information about CHRISTUS HomeCare, visit www.christushomecare.org or call 361-994-3400.
Saving eyesight...
Over 1,600 diabetic retina laser treatments
every year.
Charles H. Campbell, M.D.,F.A.C.S. and Walter E. Moscoso, M.D. Diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina.
5540 Saratoga Blvd. #200 361-993-8510 1-800-779-3482 with satellite offices in Kingsville, Beeville, Aransas Pass
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Half a Century of
COMMITMENT ACADEMY WINDOW COVERINGS: The place to go for designer window treatments also serves as a wonderful story of love and commitment thanks to the hard work and dedication of Ernestine and Richard Valadez. By: [Sarah Tindall] Photography: [Dustin Ashcraft]
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“Even though we’re 79, we’re not thinking about retirement any time soon. We’ll be here.”
A
cademy Window Coverings is more than the place to go in Corpus Christi for designer window treatments. Owners Ernestine and Richard Valadez have been married for 59 years and they have run the business for 54, so the story of the business is part of the larger story of love and commitment that the couple has shared for half a century. Their story began when they first married nearly 60 years ago. Ernestine and Richard lived in Del Rio and even Charroux, France, while Richard was serving in the Air Force. Once he was discharged, they moved back to San Antonio, where Richard began working for Academy Venetian Blinds. The company moved the family to Corpus Christi from San Antonio in 1959, and shortly thereafter, the business was put up for sale and the couple decided to take a leap of faith and buy it, changing the name to Academy Window Coverings. According to Ernestine, they made it through those first years with hard work and time management. Time passed and the couple eventually had six children: sons Richard Jr., Rudy, Ruben, Roy and Robert, and daughter Stella. Richard Sr. added space to the business so the children could always be with them as they worked. Work never got in the way of family togetherness. Ernestine says proudly that she and Richard have eaten lunch together every single day for the past 54 years and that both were active and supportive in the lives of their six children as they grew up.
Now, with four sons working in the business and 16 grandchildren to be proud of, all that hard work has paid off and the business is flourishing. Academy Window Coverings specializes in all types of window coverings, interior and exterior, for home or office. Their custom-design window treatments, blinds, shutters, shades and draperies are completely customized to fit customers’ needs and styles. Because they are locally owned and operated, they also offer in-home measuring and installation for their entire product line. Along with a complete line of interior window treatment products, the company also offers security and protection-from-the-elements products for the outside of a residence or commercial property, including burglar bars, outside roll-up shutters, accordion folding shutters, Bahama shutters and colonial shutters, along with awnings and car ports. All of their products come from nationally recognized manufacturers like Hunter Douglas, Graber and Levolor, and Ernestine also asserts that she can get any product a client wishes to order, even if not from the brands they usually carry. Also, when a customer orders an item, a member of the Academy team goes out to the home or business to measure the windows themselves so that each job is custom fitted and up to the high Academy standards. “We just love the products, but every time I take care of a customer, I enjoy it so much,” Ernestine says. “Soon after they come to us with their business, we become friends. It’s like we offer counseling along with window treatments!” Having been in business for so long also means that the children and now the grandchildren of her clients are com-
ing in to decorate their own homes. “We had a customer come in last week, and the client told us her mom had our window coverings in her home,” Ernestine says. “‘There’s no place to go but Academy – they’re the best,’ she told me.” It would seem that after 54 years, the Valadez couple would be ready for retirement – to pass the reins along to their four sons and totter off to a life of well-earned leisure. But Ernestine is adamant that she and Richard are still running the show. “We’ve got the whole family working together, and even though we’re 79, we’re not thinking about retirement any time soon. We’ll be here.” It is somehow a comforting thought that although modern life has changed so drastically over the past half-century, with the advent of the technology revolution and global economies and the rest of it, some things like families working together to bring products they love to the community they belong to never change. Even home décor has come full circle: Ernestine laughs that the colors and styles that were so popular in the ‘50s and ‘60s are back in style again – which is a renaissance for her, as she remembers selling these styles the first time they came around.
For more information about Academy Window Coverings, go to www.academywindowcoverings.com, visit the showroom at 4303 South Padre Island Dr. in Corpus Christi or call 361-852-6088. D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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NSIDE HEALTH & WELLNESS
FOOD LABELS ON THE SHELVES ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO BE
10 PERCENT ACCURATE.
will not be available for use in the body. If you look at the makers of some of these “multivitamins,” you’d find that sometimes, it’s even a conflict of interest for the company to sell a health product.
NUTRITION FOR A MACHINE Protect your body with a multivitamin you can trust. By: [BRENT NORMAN]
Unfortunately, a lot of supplements these days are run by the same low standards of the food industry. It has been reported that food labels on the shelves are only required to be 10 percent accurate! Basically any food item down the aisle will have identical labels, but it may not have the same amount or quality of food in the package. Supplements follow that same low requirement of standards, and it’s unacceptable. I’ll be blunt: If you buy your multivitamin from your local supermarket, chances are that if you were to throw that bottle in the garbage and drink some water,
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you wouldn’t feel a difference. Make sure you research your nutrition and know how and where it is made. Who trusts the product? Make sure you know specifically why you are taking what you take. When it affects the $24 million machine you walk around in, do not be easily sold. We want to be sure we are there for others – dependable. Research your products. Multivitamins are usually a mixture of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but the quantity and quality of ingredients in most bottles is appalling. When vitamins and minerals are not paired or not paired correctly, it means the “nutrition”
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I have an awesome way to boost your cardiovascular function and of course, protect from cardio disease. A blend of a quality vitamin C and grape seed extract included in your diet, especially when paired with adequate electrolytes, can work wonders for your body and how you feel after your long day. More specifically, these ingredients provide significantly better protection against the oxidative modification of LDL than they would individually. So it helps prevent your arteries from clogging! Laboratory studies confirmed that a quality blend of grape seed extract and vitamin C, a compound with bioflavonoids helps maintain healthy cholesterol and helps promote capillary strength, vascular function, immune function and circulation. These are the benefits of eating purple berries and red grapes and drinking a glass of classy red wine. Having more of this in your eating choices can protect against heart disease, especially when dealing with a diet high in greasy, saturated fat. The amount of vitamin C needed a day ranges depending on individual ingestion, the ability of the body to absorb, the efficiency your body has to utilize nutrients, metabolism, work output, work environment and various stress levels. Now, collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, and it is essential to muscle, teeth, bone, skin and blood vessels. No vitamin C equals weak collagen! It helps adrenal function and immune function, protecting important organs, including the liver, from environmental toxins. We commonly need higher levels of vitamin C than the normal RDA levels suggest. Vitamin C also balances and relaxes free radicals, reduces lipid damage and helps regenerate coexisting antioxidants. It is also a key component in ATP synthesis for energy. Athletes can benefit from this at higher doses due to their intense activity levels. This blend helps with strength and reduction of inflammation and recovery for athletes so they are ready to perform at a maximal level.
THE LIVER: THE BODY’S MANAGER
Our liver gets a face full of anything we decide to eat or drink. It has to break down and metabolize everything we ingest, so it needs all the help we can give it. Our liver has the job, more specifically, of building important blood proteins, and it helps convert fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals for use; makes structural components, even for the cell membrane; filters toxins from the blood; and helps the storage process of other nutrients. It’s a big job – in one word, all kinds of antioxidants.
PHOTO BY D&P PHOTOGRAPHY
BOOSTING YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
The primary and common natural aid to the liver is milk thistle. It works to detoxify the liver and has a strong antioxidant property so that the cells of the liver are protected and regenerated from everyday damage. This damage comes largely from poor food choices and availability. Also, there is a member of the ginger family, turmeric root. Like I said before, the liver needs all of the fortitude possible, and the powerful antioxidant compounds in this powdered root can have a massive effect. Another helpful addition to a good liver support system is alpha-lipoic acid. This component is easily transported through the cells to help important enzymes, and it is thought to be able to regenerate antioxidants, whether water or oil soluble. The last one on liver support – and an essential one for many reactions to help detoxify the liver – is an absorbable form of choline so that the important methyl groups will be available for the process. These are important structural components of the cells, and they are key in processing dietary fat. Choline has also been shown to play a role in heart health. Supplementing other natural aids like green tea extract and even broccoli extracts is encouraged. Don’t leave your liver high and dry; it has the important role of the body’s manager. If alcohol is prevalent in your lifestyle, this is twice as important for you. Your ingredient list for your liver support should be as natural as possible and short. We not need one these novels you find on the back of some products at the market. Please feed your body good, natural, high-quality fats instead of making your liver struggle to break down highly processed foods.
Be sure to check out my TEDx talk on my thoughts and plans for our community. We are one. We are fit. Join our culture! For more information, videos and upcoming events, visit www.onefitculture.com or www. hardstylekettlebell.com, or call 830-522-0122.
C orpus C hristi L iquor C atering ✷ ✷ ✷
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help?
When Cocktails Are Called For... ✷ ✷ ✷
CCLC Services:
• Weddings • Fundraisers • Corporate Events • Fully Hosted Bars • Cash Bars • Frozen Margaritas • Machine Rentals • Bartending Services, Etc.
Megan Gordon
361.688.0180 megan@ccliquor.com
5638 Saratoga Corpus Christi, TX 78414
361.985.0931
1034 McIver #102 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
FULLY LICENSED & INSURED ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS COMPANY
@CCSmallCakes www.facebook.com/CCSmallCakes
www.ccliquor.com25
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
NSIDE SENIOR CARE
The importance of socialization: As an increasing number of studies prove, when it comes to aging, there truly is strength in numbers. By: [ VANESSA HANCOCK]
The aging population is a topic that has become increasingly popular over the last few years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people aged 65-plus will grow to 80 million by the year 2050, with the fastest-growing group being those aged 85 and older. As men and women live longer, the number of years spent in retirement increases, as well. It is not uncommon now for people to live an additional 15 to 20 years past their retirement age – thus spending
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21 to 23 percent of their total lifespan in retirement. That is a large chunk of time, and we, as spouses, children and friends, need to address how our loved ones will spend that time. One key aging factor that usually gets overlooked is the importance of socialization. An increasing number of studies are finding that socialization is just as important as physical activity. Retirement brings a loss of a work routine and seeing those familiar faces at the office every day. For most, the tran-
sition from work to retirement is bearable and met with little struggle. For others, retirement is met with feelings of loss of purpose and social isolation, which can bring on bouts of depression. According to a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health, social and productive activities such as playing cards, going to the movies and attending church, which involve little or no enhancement of physical fitness, lower the risk of all causes of death as much as exercise does. (It’s important to note that these activities should not replace exercise, but instead be used in tandem to achieve a more balanced life.) A strong social support system also decreases the loss of cognitive functions. Those who have consistent human contact are less likely to develop symptoms of dementia and depression. Socialization even plays a key role when it comes to nutrition. Seniors who are isolated are more likely to suffer from malnutrition.
PHOTO BY JEANNINE LEAL
THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL AGING
SOCIALIZATION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.
O
GIRALÚDTBOL ELITE F SCIENCE OF SOCCER WITH STYLE
The results are in, and studies continuously prove that there is strength in numbers when it comes to aging. The community setting of The Plaza at Mirador is an ideal place not only to age, but to age successfully. Residents of The Plaza experience daily contact with fellow residents and staff, and visits by family and friends are highly encouraged. The plethora of social activities offered each day makes it nearly impossible for anyone to feel isolated. It’s as simple as this: Stay involved to stay alive.
PHOTO BY JEANNINE LEAL
ABOUT MIRADOR Located in the heart of South Corpus Christi, Mirador is the area’s only full-service life care senior living community. The community includes 125 customized independent living apartment homes, each with a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer and a 24-hour emergency response system. The Plaza consists of 44 private assisted living suites, 41 private rooms for dignified nursing care and 18 private Alzheimer’s certified residences for memory support. Designed to enrich the lives of seniors, Mirador features 25,000 square feet of commons areas on a lush 17-acre campus with a premier location close to local restaurants, shops and attractions.
Vanessa Hancock is the director of sales and marketing at The Plaza at Mirador. For further information on Mirador and The Plaza at Mirador, please call 361-2887027 or visit www.miradorretirement.com.
2.19il 23 4 4 . 1 6 » » 3 tbol@gma
» »Em»ail»: giraldoeelilitteefufutbol.com aldo
ir Web: g
sulting ing/con cer train m c so g l a ro t p ra fession lopmen ime pro d deve se a • Full-t -b h rc e resea • Uniqu 2 -2 4 s e • Ag twitter.com/Giraldoelitefut facebook.com/giraldoelitefutbol
PARAGON BRAZILIAN JIU-JIUTSU also offers classes in Mixed Martial Arts
TOP-NOTCH EQUIPMENT:
• Muay Thai Bags • Full MMA Ring • Dressing Room • Lockers
(361) 549-3597
6313 Wooldridge Suite #8 Corpus Christi, TX 78414 www.paragonbjj.com D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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Orthopaedic Associates of Corpus Christi
Announces the Formation of
bone & joint
Bernard M. Seger, M.d. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Knee & Shoulder Surgery
JOhn P. MaSciale, M.d. Adult Spine Surgery
dawn M. grOSSer, M.d. Foot & Ankle Surgery
charleS w. Breckenridge, M.d.
JOhn M. BOrkOwSki, M.d. Adult Spine Surgery
ryan B. ThOMaS, M.d. Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity
JuSTin kliMiSch, M.d. Adult Joint Reconstruction & Hip and Knee Replacement
Frank a. luckay, M.d. General Orthopaedics
Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Shoulder & Knee Surgery
Se habla espa単ol
(361)854-0811
601 Texan Trail, Suite #300
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S T A L B E N D 29 http://www.southtexasboneandjoint.com
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When you think of physical therapy... you most likely think of our ability to
treat the standard musculoskeletal injuries or conditions such as strains, sprains, low back pain, neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain, etc.,
...but did you know Humpal P.T. also has programs for:
• Pregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care) • Diabetes • Fall Prevention • Neuropathy
• Cardiovascular Therapy • Osteoarthritis • Vertigo (dizziness) • Osteoporosis
• Athletic Rehab (Sport Specific) • Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome • Orthotic Evaluation/Fabrication • Pre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy
We have a program for you if you are unable to perform your activities of daily living due to pain or limited range of motion.
We will put you back in the Game of Life!
4500 sq.ft.Gym - Corpus Christi location
46’x 20’Indoor Pool - Corpus Christi location
All 6 locations offer carefully designed and supervised exercise programs in State of the Art gyms and Large Indoor Heated Pools.
Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Compensation, and most insurances accepted.
If you have a condition that is causing you pain or concern, ask your Doctor for a prescription to Humpal P.T., or stop by any of our locations to request a FREE physical therapy Screening to determine if your condition can benefit from physical therapy.
Humpal Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers
w w w. H u m p a l P h y s i c a l T h e r a p y. c o m w w w. F a c e b o o k . c o m / H u m pa l P T
Corpus Christi, 5026 Deepwood Cir., 361-854-2278 Calallen, 4040 Five Points Rd., 361-241-7399 Alice, 1302 E. 5th St., 361-664-9675 Portland, 114 Lang Rd. 361-643-8243 Aransas Pass, 2150 W. Wheeler Ave., 361-758-5199 Rockport, 1811 Broadway (aka Fulton Beach Rd.), 361-729-8777
6 Locations • 120 Employees • One Philosophy- DProvide the Best care! E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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Nueces
MoNuMeNts “Creating Everlasting Memories” OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Specializing in: • BENCHES • MONUMENTS • MARKERS • BRONZES
• SOLAR LIGHTS • DATES OF DEATH • PICTURES & VASES
STAY IN THE KNOW! “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK
Hablamos Español
Find us on Facebook
Layaway Available / No Interest Payment Plans Accepted By All Cementeries / Home Appointments Available
~361.452.2366~ 2501 S.P.I.D, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78415 WWW.NUECESMONUMENTS.COM
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Monday-Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm • Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4
www.GETNSIDE.com
WE HAVE YOUR
FAMILY FUN!
1314 SPID, Corpus Christi 361-814-8770
www.ronhoover.com
Christina Kubala Velazquez Owner + Instructor
tumbling + cheer prep + adult tumbling + toddler tumbling + todder cheer prep Private tumbling/ cheer lessons + Hip hop dance class + Competitive cheer teams ages 4-18 + College competitive cheer teams 6801 Weber Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (B) 361.334.2774 (C) 361.774.0112 /// AdvancedCheerAndAthletics@gmail.com D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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The Corpus Christi Education Foundation (CCEF) recognizes the following 2013-2014 Honor Society Inductees who have made a real difference in education for thousands of CCISD students. Since 2008, their contributions have resulted in more than $650,000 to provide new classroom programs and scholarships. many thanks to these outstanding partners, who are Building the future of corpus Christi by making education a priority today.
Superintendent’s Circle of Lifetime Membership - $50,000 +
Principal’s Circle - $30,000 + NSIDE Coastal Bend Magazine Optimist Club of Corpus Christi Trafigura Terminals, LLC
Educator’s Circle - $10,000 + AG|CM, Inc. Coastal Bend Community Foundation CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery Flint Hills Resources Friends of Mary Helen Berlanga Fulton-Coastcon Gignac & Associates, L.L.P. H-E-B Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP Family & Friends of Lt. Cdr. Rick Mead Thompson & Horton LLP Stripes LLC - Donor of the Year
Student’s Circle - $2,500 + Bill’s Sparkling City Charter Borden Insurance Port of Corpus Christi W.B. Ray High School Class of 1973
Your City. Your Students. Your Support. ... Our Future. | www.ccef-ccisd.org
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 / N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D
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St. Peter’s Home Health, Inc. Certified by Medicare in 2005 and accredited by Community Health Accrediation Program in 2010
SERVICES PROVIDED:
SKILLED NURSING / HOME HEALTH AIDE SPEECH THERPY / PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY / MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE
Registered Nurse and Referral Intake available 24/7
OTHER SERVICES:
LAB WORK / COLOSTOMY CARE / CATHETER CARE / WOUND CARE / INJECTIONS / PORTABLE X-RAYS INTRAVENOUS THERAPY / WOUND VAC THERAPY
1801 East Main St., Ste. A Alice, Texas 78332 Office: 361.664.7001 | 1.877.279.7710 | Fax: 361.664.7727 COUNTIES SERVED: Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Bee, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Live Oak, Starr, Webb, Zapata, Cameron, Willacy, Aransas and San Patricio.
You have a choice We understand that YOU HAVE A CHOICE when it comes to your rehabilitative care. At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital (CCRH) we value teamwork and are connected at our core by the treatment needs of our patients. We are proud to be a freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital serving Corpus Christi, providing attentive and compassionate patient care to the community in which we serve.
CCRH is now part of the Ernest Health network of facilities. Eight of Ernest’s rehabilitation hospitals have consistently ranked in the 10% of Inpatient Rehab Facilities in the United States by UDSMR®. Ernest Health strives for all their hospitals to receive this recognition.
Brain Injury • Amputations • Stroke • Neuro • Orthopedic
To learn at N S I more D E C Oabout A S T A LCCRH B E N D and / D E our C E Mservices, B E R 2 0 1 3 - visit J A N U our A R Y website 2014 36
CCRH.ernesthealth.com
Formerly Esplanade Rehab Hospital 5726 Esplanade Drive • Corpus Christi, TX 78414
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