PEARLAND
CELEBRATING & DISCOVERING LIFE’S FINEST
London Travel Guide Local Happenings Teach Kids to Golf UltraMagTexas.com
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DYNAMIC POOLS SPAS & PATIOS and Dynamic Builders Inc. are proud supporters of Operation Finally Home since its inception in 2008, and were involved in building the first veteran’s home in Pearland. Now, with the communities working together, we have accomplished, by the Grace of God, giving over 125 homes to America's veterans and their families. It is an honor to unite all who respect and value the sacrifice of America’s veterans and show our appreciation from breaking ground, notes of love and finally the home dedication. Please visit OperationFinallyHome.org to learn how you can get involved. Come out and watch a deserving family receive the ultimate blessing of a new home! Dynamic Pools Spas and Patios are proud to announce we are installing a new pool in our next OFH project. We could not do it with out great clients like you.
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PUBLISHER Juliet Hubbell
EDITOR Tamara Abel
ASSISTANT EDITOR Nancy Moreland May 2017
ART DIRECTOR Adra Stafford
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ann Greer
CONTRIBUTORS Byron Barclay Karen Bunch Newt Harlan Stephanie Brown Howaniec Ahmad Khan Bobby McCallitt Anice Shelton Susan Scott Watts Reader correspondence, editorial submissions and advertising inquiries are welcome.
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@UltraMagTexas.com
Let Us Hear From You! editor@UltraMagTexas.com
CONTENTS CALENDAR
PETS
PEOPLE
SPORTS
Local Happenings
6
Protect Fido with a Doghouse
8
Fun Things to do in the Month of May
Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
Scene in Pearland
10
The First Tee of Greater Houston
12
Tips to Control Prescription Costs
14
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts
16
London’s Trendy East Side Top Spots
19
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
21
Out and About in the Neighborhood
The Perfect Place and Way to Teach Kids the Game of Golf
BABY BOOMERS Three Ways Seniors can Control Prescription Costs
HUMOR
TRAVEL
LEGAL
4
Newt Harlan Remembers a Time Before Fast-Food Lunches
Stephanie Howaniec Writes a Local’s Guide to the East Side
Understanding the HIPAA Legal Ramifications
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ULTRA Magazine is published monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. The magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented. Advertisers and their agencies assume all liability for advertising content. We encourage our readers to support our advertisers. Have an event that you would like to let ULTRA readers know about? To be considered for publication, the information must be received two months prior to the issue date. Please email the 100-word write up to editor@UltraMagTexas.com. Be sure to include the event name, date, time, venue, cost and website information. Please send high-resolution jpeg photos in a separate email.
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Knee pain is something you could live without. Beat knee pain and live life on your own terms with our advanced procedure.
Dr. Burke Orthopedics uses Navio®, a robotics-assisted partial knee replacement system that delivers accurate and precise results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. Patients who undergo partial knee replacement have been shown to experience less pain1, lower risk of complications2 and quicker rehabilitation2,3 than those who have a total knee replacement.
Ready to address your knee pain? See how this high-precision technology makes these results possible. Call 713-436-3488 or visit DrBurkeOrtho.com to learn more.
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Repicci, JA, et al., “Minimally invasive surgical technique for unicondylar knee arthroplasty,” J South Orthopedic Association, 1999 Spring; 8(1): 20 -7. Brown, NM, et al., “Total Knee Arthroplasty Has Higher Postoperative Morbidity Than Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Analysis,” The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2012. Hall et al., “Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (Alias Uni-Knee): An Overview With Nursing Implications,” Orthopaedic Nursing, 2004; 23(3): 163 -171.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure including Navio-enabled partial knee replacement. Navio is not for everyone. Children, pregnant women, patients who have mental or neuromuscular disorders that do not allow control of the knee joint, and morbidly obese patients should not undergo a Navio procedure. Consult your physician for details and to help determine if Navio surgery is right for you.
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5
H
ULTRA CALENDAR
appenings
By Nancy Moreland
10TH ANNUAL TONY BOOTH DAYS May 5th and 6th Billy’s Hall 4070 Wells Drive, Pearland 77584 713-252-9773 or 713-806-5791
JJ WATT CHARITY CLASSIC
May 13th Minute Maid Park www.astros.com/jjwatt
courtesy of Illumine Photographic Services
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Once a year, country music artist Tony Booth and a collection of musicians gather to perform a night of ‘real country music’ at Billy’s Hall in Pearland, dubbed Tony Booth Day. This year, the celebration expands to two days with a commemorative Friday night Alvin Opry Reunion dance to set the mood from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and the party continues on Saturday starting at 8 p.m.
The fifth-annual charitable event features a home run derby at 6:00 PM followed at 7:00 PM by a softball game between the offensive and defensive players from the Houston Texans.
Entertainers at the Friday, May 5th Alvin Opry Reunion dance at Billy’s Hall, 4070 Wells Drive include Tony Booth, Brian Collins, Lauretta Turner, John Mark Davis, Miranda Diede, Kim Lanier, Missy Brown, Rhonda Walters, Sylvia Riggs, Shalane, Shawn Johnson, Jim Beaumont, Mary Dooley, Arnold Parker, Royce Melton, Tommy Reed and The Texas Express Band with emcee Tracy Pitcox.
In addition to enjoying the softball game, Charity Classic attendees can also purchase raffle tickets, JJ Watt Foundation merchandise or bid on various silent auction items.
The line-up for Saturday, May 6 at Billy’s Hall, includes Tony Booth, Johnny Bush, Brian Collins, Dallas Wayne, Randy Cornor, Larry Booth, Justin Trevino, Dottie Jack, Doug Boggs, Robin Booth, Lauretta Turner, Jerry Locke, Tommy Reed, Buddy Hrabel, Matt Reed & Harris Kubos, and Emcee Tracy Pitcox.
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR AND SPECIAL EVENTS
All proceeds from the event benefit the JJ Watt Foundation. The JJ Watt Charity Classic has raised over $2,965,000 since the inaugural event in 2013.
All children age three and over require a ticket for admission. Children age two and under may enter without purchasing a ticket and sit on the lap of an adult.
May 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th Galveston www.GalvestonHistory.org
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned
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homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. Tours will be held on May 6, 7, 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s tour features 10 homes and two weekends of amazing special events such as a tiny home tour, happyhour tour and a brunch in the 1838 Menard House. Tickets are needed for each event. The mission of the Galveston Historic Homes Tour is the same today as it was in 1975 – to bring awareness to the wealth of architectural and historical resources on Galveston Island; to showcase the diversity of the architectural styles and lifestyles of each historic home and its inhabitants; to encourage the purchase and revitalization of historic homes; and to benefit the programs and projects of Galveston Historical Foundation.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities Ends May 21st Sam Houston Race Park www.CirqueDuSoleil.com
What if you could alter reality at will? Delve into Kurios, a world where seeing is disbelieving! Reality is all relative and a world of curiosities is about to unravel. This show presents a mysterious and fascinating realm that disorients your senses and challenges your perceptions. Step into the curio cabinet of an ambitious inventor who defies the laws of time, space and dimension in order to perspectives are transformed, and the world is literally turned upside down.
educational “Bat Chats” at the Waugh Street Bridge Observation Deck the first and third Fridays of every month.
radiocarbon dating, all of which allows us to know who these mummified individuals were, where they came from and where they lived. Among the mummies on display are the Vac Mummies, an entire mummified family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis; the Burns Collection, a group of medical mummies used to teach anatomy in the early 19th century; an Egyptian priest named Nes-Hor who suffered from arthritis and a broken left hip; Egyptian animal mummies including a falcon, fish, dog and baby crocodile, many of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals for eternity; and MUMAB, the first replication of Egyptian mummification done on a body in 2,800 years.
Recognized over the world, Cirque de Soleil has constantly sought to evoke imagination, invoke senses and provoke emotions. Discover the highly creative and artistic shows under the Big Top that has been erected in the Sam Houston Race Park parking lot. Tickets starting at $35.
EXOTIC AUTO EXPO
June 4th 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM NRG Center, Hall B www.HoustonExoticAutoFestival.com
The Waugh Bridge Bat Colony lives in Houston year round. Every evening at sunset, 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from underneath the bridge as a group to feed on area insects creating an impressive sight. The cloud of bats is so immense that when they emerge, the Waugh Drive Bat Colony can often be seen on weather radar. Located in Buffalo Bayou Park, the bat colony can be seen by crowds from a variety of good vantage points. The bats prefer to emerge from the east side of the bridge, often in a whirling vortex to gain height, speed, and as a group to deter predators. The bats tend to emerge after sunset but as a natural event, it isn’t always predictable. Temperatures below 50° or rain sometimes delay or prevent the emergence.
LIVE MUSIC IN PEARLAND
Wondering where you can go to catch some live music in Pearland? Here are three good options:
KING’S BIERGARTEN at 1329
Broadway offers authentic German/Austrian cuisine in a casual, inviting setting. The relaxed atmosphere is family friendly and includes live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
Ends May 29th Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Dive www.hmns.org The 2017 Houston Exotic Auto Festival & Luxury Lifestyle Expo will include McLaren, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Ferrari, Tesla, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Bentley and more. Competition categories include Exotic Sedan, Luxury Sedan, Performance, Eccentric and Classic. Dave Halston and Suzanne Goulet will provide a musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli. The event benefits Virtuosi of Houston and Houston Knights Rescue Foundation.
WAUGH DRIVE BAT COLONY
May 5th and 19th Waugh Drive Bridge between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway www.Houstontx.gov/parks/batpage The Houston Area Bat Team offers free,
FLOYD’S CAJUN SEAFOOD at 1300 Broadway is a local favorite that offers a great selection of Cajun inspired dishes with a touch of Texas. A variety of genres are featured with live bands performing weekly on the patio every Friday and Saturday night. BIG HORN BBQ at 2300 Smith Ranch
Road is a locally owned Pearland restaurant with a fun western vibe, smoked-to-perfection meats and a variety of genres playing live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition presents a collection of mummies from Europe, South America and ancient Egypt-some 4,500 years old. Go behind-the-scenes and learn about mummies and mummification through state-of-the-art multimedia, interactive stations and 3D animation, highlighting advances in the scientific methods used to study mummies, including computed tomography (CT), ancient DNA analysis and UltraMagTexas.com
HOSTING AN EVENT IN JULY?
Let our readers know about it! To be considered for publication, the information must be received two months prior to the issue date. Please email a 100-word-maximium synopsis to editor@UltraMagTexas.com. Be sure to include the event name, date, time, venue, cost and website. Please send highresolution jpeg photos in a separate email. 7
Protect Fido With a Dog House College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
I
f you recently adopted or purchased a new furry family member, it is important to provide a doghouse for your pet. Whether your new dog will stay primarily outside or regularly cuddle with you on the couch, a doghouse is essential for your pet’s protection outdoors. Dr. Sarah Griffin, lecturer at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said providing a safe outdoor place for your dog is important, especially if they live outside or are going to spend long periods of time outdoors. Portability, durability, and size are all factors
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ULTRA PETS to consider when purchasing or building an outdoor shelter for Fido, she added. An effective doghouse should protect your dog from extreme temperatures, wind, rain, snow, and even potential predators. “On a typical hot summer day in Pearland, dogs can only dissipate heat effectively by panting,” Griffin said. “However, a shelter, such as a doghouse, can help dogs stay cool in extreme temperatures.” How might an owner choose the most ideal doghouse for their pet? The easiest way is to know your dog, Griffin said. For instance, breeds with thicker coats and shorter snouts
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are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. A doghouse that will provide enough shade and air flow will work best for these breeds. Griffin said to also consider the adult size of your dog’s breed and provide just enough room for your dog to make a complete turn on the inside. For owners who prefer a portable shelter for their pet, a plastic doghouse is a great option that is also easy to clean. Owners can also purchase portable tents and pop-up play pens for dogs that only spend limited time outside. Choosing the material and location of the doghouse is another important factor to
consider, Griffin said. If your dog is more susceptible to heat exhaustion, a dog house that is made of wood rather than plastic or metal will keep your dog cooler in the summer heat. Owners should move the doghouse to the driest and shadiest part of the yard to avoid an uncomfortable living environment. Keeping the doghouse shaded from the sun and bad weather will also preserve the materials. If you plan on building your own doghouse, consider lifting the floor of the house off the ground to prevent the shelter from sitting in mud, rain, or snow. This will also promote more airflow, keeping your dog cooler in the summer and drier in the winter, Griffin said.
PEARLAND’S
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Lastly, a slanted and hinged roof is ideal for an easy cleanup. Griffin added that metal or fiberglass shingles could protect your pet and preserve your dog’s house through any bad weather storm. While many of us prefer to leave a safety light on in our house during the night, this is not necessary for dogs. In fact, Griffin said it is estimated that dogs can see in light that is five times dimmer than what the human eye can see. Griffin did not recommend providing a steady light for dogs at night. Instead, a motion sensor light placed away from the doghouse may be a better option for owners who still desire some outdoor lighting at night. Whether your dog is a bed hog or an outdoor explorer, providing a doghouse for when your dog spends time outside is important. Remember to consider your dog’s needs when building or purchasing a doghouse. If your dog lives or spends long periods of time outside, shelter is essential for their health and protection.
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9
S
cene in Pearland ULTRA PEOPLE
By Tamara Abel
LOCAL ART WINNERS The Art Colony Association held a reception at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park to announce the winners of the Direct Energy Middle School Art Competition, an education initiative for students in grades 5th - 8th from Houston area schools. In 1st place was "Best Friends" by Elizabeth Martins from Anthony Middle School, 2nd place "End of the Road" by Latricia Trad from Nolan Ryan Jr. High and 3rd place "Brave Bully" by Sara Huener from Riverwood Middle School. In the Emerging Artist High School Sculpture Contest, 1st place went to "Arching Over Us" by Ely German from Emery Wiener, 2nd place "Mind Over Matter" by Claire Lacy from Pearland High School and 3rd place "Ivory Exchange" by Rachel Thornton. The festival's featured artist shared an inspiring message with the students about exploring their creativity through art. Students won prizes for themselves and their school's art program.
Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital First Birthday.
GOLFING FOR A CAUSE The Pearland Golf Club Woman’s Association hosted a tournament benefiting the Women’s Center of Brazoria County. The Women’s Center of Brazoria County aids and shelters abused women and children.
Susan Langston and Barb Foster prepare the entry forms. Direct Energy Middle School Art Competition winner Latricia Trad from Nolan Ryan Jr. High.
HAPPY 1
ST
Dee Reiher, Susan Langston and Nancy Hall display the raffle prizes.
CINDERELLA BALL FUNDRAISER
BIRTHDAY
Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital celebrated its first anniversary on March 29th, 2017. The hospital and adjoining medical office buildings make up a 40-acre, comprehensive medical campus located at 16100 South Freeway on the southbound side of Highway 288 near FM 518. With 64 beds, Memorial Hermann Pearland offers a number of highquality services and specialties, including neurology, general surgery, heart and vascular, labor and delivery, gastroenterology and urology.
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Joy Goodale and Gayle Boitman make sure all the hole sponsor signs are ready.
Friends of Down Syndrome held its annual Cinderella Ball with 450 guests from all over the Houston area and the country celebrating World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) just a few days early. Tim Heller, chief meteorologist for KTRK Channel 13, served as master of ceremonies. Organizers and student candidates for Cinderella and Prince Charming surpassed their goal of $125,000 for the fundraiser. At press time, they were just shy of bringing in $130,000 for Friends of Down Syndrome, which serves adults with Down syndrome in the Houston area with programs including a daily school, the Down Syndrome Academy.
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Donations are still being accepted online at www.cinderellaball.org or by calling 281-989-0345. Thank you to everyone who supported this annual event. Mark your calendars for Cinderella Ball 2018, set for March 24th!
Hhomes istoriC tour G A LV E S T O N
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M AY 6 , 7 , 1 3 & 1 4 , 2 0 1 7
Tim Heller, chief meteorologist for Channel 13 Houston and MC of Cinderella Ball 2017, poses with Down Syndrome Academy student Michael Fernandez. Photo courtesy Tim Heller
COVENANT HOUSE TEXAS The Covenant House Texas gala was a big success raising awareness and funds for homeless youth. The event was coordinated by the CHT Guild and chaired by Amanda Lundquist and Ashley Tisius and honoring Julie & Jay Rogers and IBC Bank. CHT has been helping youth under the age of 21 with shelter, services and programs for over 33 years. As the number one fundraising event for CHT, the annual gala helps make it possible for CHT to continue providing homeless and runaway youth with the services and programs they need to be successful.
AG E D TO PERFECTION T I C K E T S N O W O N S A L E AT G A L V E S T O N H I S T O RY. O R G .
JIM ROSENFELD
From the left: Cason Reeder, Derek Timm, Callan Reeder, Sarah Damron, Sophia Leppard, Jeff Leppard, June Reeder Leppard, Cloe Leppard, Casey Caldwell. Photo Credits: David Shutts OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
Send event photos to Editor@UltraMagTexas.com and it may appear in the next issue of ULTRA! 
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11
C'MON KIDS – LET'S PLAY SOME GOLF by Bobby McCallitt
ULTRA SPORTS
G
olf is a great sport – it is fun and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Our location provides weather that allows for playing almost year round, and what better time to learn the game than when you are young?
skills – things like sportsmanship, integrity, honesty, perseverance, and responsibility. It allows kids to use their own judgment, and gain confidence – things that are helpful in everyday life.
The First Tee of Greater Houston provides just such an opportunity. Although there are 3 locations around town, The First Tee of Greater Houston at FM Law Park is closer than you think. Located just off the South Loop 610 at 8400 Mykawa, it’s easy to get to and a real hidden gem. From most anywhere in Pearland, it is no more than a 20-minute drive. In addition to a 9-hole golf course, The First Tee of Greater Houston at FM Law Park boasts a driving range and putting green, as well as a nice practice area to allow kids to work on their chipping and sand game.
After reaching a certain skill level, students are granted free access to all city-managed courses in Houston – Monday thru Thursday. These courses include Memorial, Sharpstown, Gus Wortham, and Brock. This makes for a great opportunity to get kids outdoors all summer. Parents of participants interested in joining The First Tee must attend a New Member Orientation prior to signing up for classes. This one-hour session will provide those new to The First Tee with an overview of the Life Skills Curriculum as well as a brief history on the Greater Houston Chapter. Registration is available at the conclusion of each New Member Orientation. Visit their website www.thefirstteegreaterhouston.org for more information or call 281.459.8717.
Programming is available to any child 7-18 years of age and classes are offered year round – with spring, summer, fall, & winter sessions available. Executive Director Doug Earle encourages any young person interested to sign up. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn the wonderful game of golf.” Summer classes begin in early June and classes are offered weekdays, evenings or on Saturdays. They offer 5-week and 8-week sessions and coaches Patrick and Gayle do a wonderful job with the kids. The First Tee provides clubs, balls, tees, and any other equipment students might need. However, participants may bring their own golf clubs if they prefer. Annual membership is only $30 per child and the facilities are designated for use by The First Tee members only. Students are taught the fundamentals of how to play, as well as golf etiquette and rules. In addition, The First Tee program teaches life 12
In addition, there are opportunities for adults as well. The First Tee of Greater Houston is always looking for volunteers. Many opportunities are available from coordinator, to mentor, to coach. As The First Tee says: “golf knowledge or ability is not required to volunteer – simply a passion for kids.” Another great option in our area is Clear Creek Golf Club, located in Tom Bass Park at Hwy 288 and Beltway 8, as they offer very affordable rates for kids. Just $12 for anyone 15 years old and younger or better yet, after 1:00pm, kids play free with a paying adult. In addition to a beautiful golf course, Clear Creek Golf Club has a nice driving range and offers a great chipping area and putting green. So besides being
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a fun place to play, it provides the perfect place to practice. Call them at 713.738.8000 or visit www.clearcreekgolfclub.com. Youth programming makes the community a better place. Houston is blessed with this wonderful program that is not only affordable and educational, but it teaches young people to make better choices concerning their health and well-being. Don’t wait until summer is almost over to try and figure out what your son or daughter can do to avoid the inevitable boredom that sets in – introduce them to the game of golf and get them out on the golf course! They might just discover a passion that lasts a lifetime.
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The 6,758-yard, Scottish Links course, designed by Finger, Dye and Spann, offers water on 5 of its 18 holes shaded by beautiful old trees in Tom Bass Park. It is often mentioned as “the Best Conditioned Golf Course in South Houston.” Clear Creek provides a pleasant, yet challenging, round for golfers of any ability.
713.738.8000 ClearCreekGolfClub.com UltraMagTexas.com
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3 WAYS Seniors Can Control
There’s no better time RETIREMENT LIVING REDEFINED
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For the 55 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, getting a handle on Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is important to your health as well as your pocketbook.
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"A survey by Walgreens showed that in order to manage prescription drug costs, some people have delayed filling a current prescription or occasionally skipped prescribed doses to stretch medication," said John Lee, senior director of Medicare at Walgreens. "This is a real concern as it can pose significant health risks, so it's vital to evaluate your medical situation, have a plan that best fits your needs and then understand how to get the most value from your plan and pharmacy." The survey shows that even though prescription drug costs are among the top concerns for Medicare beneficiaries, approximately one out of every five beneficiaries lacks a good understanding of their insurance plan. Roughly the same percentage falsely believes that all pharmacies charge the same copay and one-third of respondents didn't know they may switch pharmacies at any time, including outside of the annual enrollment period. The survey reinforced the need to educate beneficiaries about how plans and coverage can and do change from year to year. To make the most of your benefits and find potential cost savings for your prescription medications under your Part D coverage, here are three easy steps to get started:
USE A LESS EXPENSIVE BRAND OR GENERIC.
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info@UltraMagTexas.com 14
The brand-name drug your doctor prescribed can do wonders for your symptoms but be worrisome for your budget. Many brand-name drugs have generic or other brand substitutes. First, make sure your doctor considers generic options. If those options aren't available, there may be lower-cost brand-name drugs used to treat the same condition. Ask your pharmacist if you have that option then talk with your doctor to see if switching brands makes sense in your situation. Finally, whatever your prescription may be, a 90-day supply from your pharmacy can be less expensive out of pocket than refilling every 30 days.
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VERIFY WHETHER YOUR PLAN HAS A PREFERRED PHARMACY NETWORK.
Many prescription drug plans have a preferred pharmacy (preferred cost share) network where you can pay a lower out-of-pocket copay for the exact same drug. Walgreens is in the preferred pharmacy network for many of the largest Medicare sponsors and, effective January 2017, offers copays as low as $0 on generic medications for select plans. Filling a generic medication at a nonpreferred pharmacy could cost you $3, $5 or even $10 for the same drug.
SEEK MEDICARE'S EXTRA HELP PROGRAM AND OTHER WAYS TO SAVE.
Medicare offers an Extra Help program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Make sure you're taking full advantage of your insurance coverage, which may cover non-prescription items, like vaccinations and certain over-the-counter medications. Medicare beneficiaries seeking help navigating prescription drug costs can find additional resources and a list of Medicare plan sponsors at walgreens.com/ medicare. (Family Features) 
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15
ULTRA HUMORIST
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ll Be R
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By Newt Harlan
One of the things that I’ve retained from my East Texas upbringing is an occasional craving for what we called a “belly waddin’ lunch.” I’m sure there are quite a few of you who have no idea what I’m talking about. Well, "belly waddin’" was what cowboys and oilfield hands called something that wasn’t an actual substantive meal, but only something to ward off hunger pangs until you could eat some “real” food. Back in the days before there was a fast food joint on every other corner, almost everyone who worked away from home carried his or her lunch. This usually consisted of either leftovers from the previous evening’s meal or a couple of baloney sandwiches, a bag of chips and a package of cupcakes. However, there were occasions when you couldn’t bring your lunch from home. Either there were no leftovers, you forgot to buy lunch meat when you visited the store, you overslept or you were feeling just flat out too hung over to bother fixing a lunch…that would be the day you’d eat a belly waddin’ lunch. To make a belly waddin’ lunch you’d need to stop by the store on your way to work and buy a box of saltine crackers, a small onion and a couple or three of the following: 16
'
in
BE LA
Honest Lies and Other Misguided Thoughts
A can of Vienna Sausage (pronounced VY-ee-nee) A can of Potted Meat A can of Deviled Ham A can of Spam A tin of Sardines A small casing of Summer Sausage A chunk of rat trap cheese A dill pickle or two A small can of Pork and Beans A couple of Jalapeño peppers A package of Twinkies or Ding Dongs for dessert When lunchtime rolled around, all you’d have to do is open your cans, slice your onion and chow down. Let me tell you, after a morning of building board roads, laying pipe, working a bunch of river bottom cows or whatever hard job you did that morning, a belly waddin’ lunch was a feast. Every now and then, several hands would pool their belly waddin’ and have a genuine banquet. As I said earlier, I get an occasional urge for a belly waddin’ lunch. I usually have two or three of the staple ingredients listed above in the console of my truck or my “necessary bag” that I keep with me. You never know when you might want something to eat. The other day, I got the craving so I looked in my truck and found a can of potted meat and a tin of sardines. We had crackers in the pantry and an onion in the bin, so I was set. I even found a jar in the refrigerator with a couple of small dill pickles my granddaughters
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forgot about, that went perfect with the onion. I really pigged out, ate both the can of potted meat and the sardines, almost a whole sleeve of crackers, both pickles and nearly the whole onion! After I finished, I slid back in my chair and sighed a contented sigh; feeling like I imagined a rich man feels after a feast. That’s when I made a big mistake. I picked up the can from the potted meat I’d just finished eating and read the list of ingredients. Y’all can’t imagine what’s in that stuff I’d just eaten. Ingredients: Mechanically Separated Chicken, Partially Defatted Cooked Pork Fatty Tissue, Beef Tripe, Partially Defatted Cooked Beef Fatty Tissue, Beef Lips, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Sugar, Flavorings, Sodium Erythorbate, and Sodium Nitrite. Does anybody know just what the heck mechanically separated chicken is? Or what’s left when you partially de-fat some fatty tissue or for that matter, what fatty tissue is? I know what tripe is…that’s the stuff we throw away when we field dress a deer or other animal that we’ve
killed while hunting. We call it guts. And to think I’ve been eating this potted meat stuff all my life. Fortunately, I don’t have a sensitive stomach and I’m sure I’ve eaten worse things. Things like ants, roaches and monkey meat in survival training, some things that I have no idea of their origin while a bit inebriated over in Japan, and several efforts at cooking by long-ago girlfriends. All those things were pretty much bad, but the ingredients in that potted meat ranked right up there with possum and buzzard on the list of things I’d rather not munch on. Can you believe this is coming from someone who actually likes armadillo and alligator and loves frog legs? I’m not gonna say that I’ll never eat another belly waddin’ lunch, because it’s just as much a part of me as my love of nanner puddin’, but the next time I get the craving, I’ll choose Spam or something like that and no matter what, you can bet your bottom dollar…I won’t read the label!
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ULTRA TRAVEL
LONDON for LONDONERS by Stephanie Brown Howaniec Where are you from? When meeting new people, this is often the first thing asked. I find the answer very challenging. A great TedTalk suggested ridding our language of ‘where are you from’ and asking instead, ‘where are you local?’ Well I was born in Dallas, grew up in Atlanta, and I am local in London. With my American accent still intact, I've lived in London for nearly two years. People always ask, "how much do you love it?" The wording of this question speaks volumes about the public opinion on London. What isn’t to love with such a huge international city of English speakers with posh accents, West End theatre, and quaint streets full of white columns? The city’s skyline boasts the glorious Big Ben alongside the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard jutting into the clouds. The capital of Britain offers something for everyone whether its royal family intrigue or English literature bookworms, history is here waiting to be discovered. The British Museum allows you to get up close and personal with Cleopatra. Beefeaters will tour you around the Tower of London, regaling tales of torture before you admire the Crown Jewels. The British Library displays original manuscripts of Shakespeare alongside a Guttenberg Bible and scribbled Beatles lyrics.
You could visit these big tourist destinations and only see the tourist highlights. But London has so much more to offer. When Americans talk to me about London, I quickly realize that they have never seen my London, and they have never experienced it like a local. I live in East London. I love the bright graffiti (read street art) and the liveliness of the neighborhood. I love that new shops are popping up everyday and that my community is constantly changing. It's a seamless mix of cultures, religions and ideas. Without walking more than five minutes, in one weekend I can eat authentic food from all different parts of the world. This area is known for being very hipster, full of vintage shops and bright-colored hair. But don't worry, even if you're not in skinny jeans or a vintage vest, this neighborhood will embrace you. On a perfect Sunday in East London, I wake up to the sun shining. I head over to Cereal Killer Café. This tiny place with about 10 seats offers over 120 cereals (mostly American brands) with toppings, different kinds of milk and combinations your childhood-self dreamed of creating for £5 ($7) per bowl. In the afternoon, I take a stroll around the neighborhood and admire the latest street art additions. These streets are covered in what some may call ‘graffiti’ but what most would clearly deem art. It feels like every inch of the streets has something. You must appreciate it while it lasts because it may be something new tomorrow! continued on page 20
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LONDON FOR LONDONERS continued from page 19 You can stroll around Brick Lane and discover the hidden alleys full of canvases on your own, or join a tour. Some tours are free, asking you to chip in some cash at the conclusion of the two-hour stroll. This outdoor museum will open your eyes to pay close attention to the art you may spot in other cities around the world. Sundays are the best days. North of my street there is a large flea market selling ‘bits and bobs’ as the Brits would say. South of my street, there are anywhere from 10 to 100 food stalls. Similar to the food truck concept, these small operations offer a select number of menu items focused on one type of food. To get your taste buds watering, here are few of my favorites: German sausages, Spanish paella, Argentinian empanadas, vegan Jamaican pancakes, French crepes, Belgian waffles, gourmet-styled macaroni & cheese, duck confit burger, BBQ, pizza, Japanese ramen, Italian pasta and fried balls of rice, Mexican burritos, specialties from Ethiopia and Singapore, and China... I could fill pages attempting to describe it all. You could be waddling home after only spending $5-15. The food stalls continue from Brick Lane to fill indoor venues for Sunday only. Not in London on a Sunday? Similar food stalls are daily in Spitafields Market and Borough Market.
in my home year-round for such an affordable price. The flower market also has food stalls, and the streets are full of friends sipping on a cold drink like Pimm’s in the summer or a hot mulled wine in the winter. Musicians flock to these streets and provide ample entertainment as a backdrop. To end a perfect day, I go to my favorite pub for a pint. On the special occasion that the sun is shining, the parks are full of people laying around soaking in vitamin D. On Sundays the pubs do a special roast where you can get a huge roast beef, chicken or lamb with seasonal vegetables and the delicious bready roll unseemly called Yorkshire pudding. I hope on your next visit to London, you’ll come over to the East side. There are many treasures to be discovered!
Places to Eat: Beigal Bake (delicious freshly made bagels, order with salted beef for the most authentic experience); Poppies (authentic Fish &Chips) Andina Peruvian Kitchen; Dishoom (Indian), Kinkao (Thai), Bleeker St (Hamburgers), Super Tuscan (Italian) To Shop: Old Spitafields Market – an open air market full of daily stalls, find souvenirs, knick-knacks, antiques, clothing, art; BoxPark – a collection of shipping containers creating the world’s first popup mall full of food and shops; extremely trendy and high fashion Redchurch street
Following a full lunch of whatever street food I happen to be fancying that day, I hit the Columbia Road flower market. Although slammed with people, this market is alive and gorgeous every Sunday of the year. In December they were selling Christmas wreaths of winter flowers for $7. Last week toward the closing hours of the market with the vendors feeling desperate to sell their stock, I snagged 50 tulips for $7. The vendors are always joking with one another yelling back and forth which provides additional entertainment as your eyes swim with the beautifully popping colors. I am spoiled rotten with fresh flowers 20
Pub Crawl: The Carpenters Arms (famous home of The Cray Brothers)*, Ten Bells, Commercial Tavern, The Owl & The Pussycat*, The Well and the Bucket (cocktail bar downstairs)* *These pubs also have great food. For a Cocktail: Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes or Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. For the Adventurous: Jack the Ripper tour, Truman Brewery or play putt-putt underground at the Junkyard Golf Club Pub.
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BYRON K. BARCLAY BKBarclay@lawyer.com www.BarclayLawFirm.com 713.224.2334
BIOGRAPHY & DISCLAIMER Byron K. Barclay is a Houston, Texas attorney and Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. In addition, Mr. Barclay handles estate planning matters and is regularly appointed to serve various courts in Harris County as an Attorney Ad Litem for the estates of persons who have died without a will. Mr. Barclay also handles commercial litigation, divorces, family law and child custody issues.
MEDICAL AUTHORIZATIONS
ARE YOU HIP (AA)? ULTRA LEGAL Courtesy of Byron K. Barclay The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was passed in 1996, and is a surprisingly important piece of legislation for anyone who might ever get sick or want to share their health information with another person. Among other things, HIPAA requires healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists and hospitals to keep health information private, and imposes fines on individuals, firms and organizations which fail to do so. While there were few fines imposed for many years, in 2012 a hospital was fined $50,000 for the loss of a laptop computer, which had health records on 441 patients. As a consequence, the healthcare industry and others who deal with healthcare records are very sensitive to protecting this information. Why is this important to you? The HIPAA authorization, signed by you, is now almost universally required by healthcare organizations when you consent to any medical treatment. You may authorize the sharing of your private information, and MUST authorize the sharing of this information if you want any other person, including your spouse, your child or your parent to have access to your health information. As a consequence, smart estate planning lawyers who suggest a medical power of attorney (see October issue of Ultra Magazine Houston), or a Directive to Physician will also suggest a general HIPAA authorization for you to sign allowing access to your private health information to anyone that you have designated in your Medical Power of Attorney or Directive to Physician.
The foregoing article is offered only as a public service to this community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site and column should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author. Nothing in this column or on any website where it may be published is intended to create an attorney-client relationship and nothing posted by Mr. Barclay constitutes legal advice. Should you have questions, you may forward them via email to Mr. Barclay at BKBarclay@lawyer.com. Questions may be edited for length or clarity. Mr. Barclay will choose questions submitted for brief answers and possible publication. Mr. Barclay reserves the right to choose which questions to answer, and submission of a question does not guarantee that he will provide an answer.
Those of us with college-aged “children,” (over 18) will similarly benefit from a HIPAA authorization from our children to allow you to access their healthcare information. This is particularly important for college students who attend college in another city (or state) than where you live. Having an emergency situation to deal with is stressful enough without having to weed through administrative red tape to get access to healthcare information on a loved one, particularly a child who has been hospitalized due to an accident or illness. Similarly, if you are in a trusted relationship with another person, but not married, a HIPAA authorization will be extremely important to facilitate communication with a doctor or nurse who is treating your loved one, and if the injured person is unable to communicate, you may go hours (or days) before you can be apprised of the healthcare status of your injured friend. Obviously, if a patient is conscious they can authorize the doctors or nurses to communicate with you. Without such authorization however, and with the increasing likelihood of prosecution and fines imposed over the unauthorized sharing of private healthcare information by not only doctors, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, but any other person who may have access to private healthcare information, the privacy of your healthcare information will not only be zealously protected, but you may also have significant difficulties in gaining access to the same information about your loved one. Better to be HIP(AA), and know what it means, than to be shut out.
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