Austin MD Jan/Feb 2015 by Austin MD Magazine

J A N UA RY / F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 5

DR. ERICA MILLER’S STORY OF INSPIRATION OUR FAVORITE FACELIFTS HOW TO MAKE 2015 YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL YEAR YET

TAKING CARE OF YOU

MEET THE NEW AUSTIN

CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS 2015 YOUR GUIDE FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR

The Doctor Visits You Should Schedule Now

A NEW YEAR, A NEW AUSTIN

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CONTENTS JA N UA RY /F E BRUA RY 2 015

AUSTIN M DM AGAZINE JA N UA RY/ F EB RUA RY 2015

PUBLISHER

Angela Strickland SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Katie Lesnick EDITOR

Erin O’Brien ART DIRECTOR

Elisa Giordano

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sheldon Jackson

WEB DESIGNER

Brandon Tipton

PHOTOGRAPHER

Steve Dement

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Jake Harding, Malena Manning, Samantha Schak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

10 A NEW YEAR, A NEW AUSTIN

Electra Avellan Jon Black Nicole Carbon Elizabeth Davis Dr. Soriya Estes Dr. Shelley Gillis Sam Jackson Kyle Jerome Brad Kennington Dr. Shirat Ling Renée Hanson Malone Dr. Michael Moossy Robert Pena Dr. Avinash Ramchandani Debbie Richardson Monica Saavedra Dr. Alina Sholar Dr. David L. Sneed Amanda Sprague Leah Thompson Carol Zernial

Austin’s new mayor talks plans for a healthier city

14 MEET YOUR NEW CITY COUNCIL

Austin MD talks with the new council on their plans for change

44 BEAUTY 2015

Looking and feeling your best in the New Year

58 YOUR HEALTH CARE CHECKLIST FOR 2015 Which check-ups are a priority this year

DEPARTMENTS 20 24 28 34 36 46 52 58 62 66 68 76

EVENTS BUSINESS LOCAL LIFESTYLE SPORTS HEALTH & BEAUTY PROFILE MENTAL HEALTH NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS MEDICAL PHYSICAL THERAPY HEALTH DINING

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Steve Dement, Brittany Golden, Alice Rabbit, Alex Torres

www.AustinMDmagazine.com

For adver tising and/or editorial information, please call Angela Strickland at 512-506-1248 or email angela@AustinMDmagazine com.

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e’ve finally closed the books on 2014, and now we can begin again with a fresh slate. It isn’t a new year just for us, but for the city of Austin, with the implementation of the new 10-1 city council district system and the recent elections both locally and in the state. Because of this, the January/February Austin MD is geared toward addressing these changes for our readers by showcasing an interview with the newly elected mayor, Steve Adler, as well as a set of brief profiles for each of the 10 city council members. Every year changes us in some way, and not all of them are as positive as we’d like them to be. I lost my mother this year and fell victim to appendicitis, necessitating surgery and a brief hospital stay. I also became the sole owner of Austin MD, which means I’ve had to do a lot more than ever before. But I had an incredible amount of help from our excellent staff and contributors, who eased the burden quite a lot, for which I can’t be more grateful. I’m thankful to the mayor and the council members who generously donated their time for these stories. And I can’t forget to thank all of you, whether you’re long-time readers or just picking up the magazine for the first time. We’re creating more opportunities for readers to pitch in, as well, like our Home Remedy section inside, so take a look to find out how you could be featured in these pages! Happy New Year, and a prosperous 2015 to you.

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✩ cover story

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G N I K A M S G N I H T N E P P HA

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Mayor Steve Adler shares how he and city council plan to make Austin a healthier and happier place to live. BY SAM JACKSON PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

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t’s ironic that so many people are complaining about an influx of new residents to Austin, and yet Steve Adler, the man they elected to represent them as mayor, is a transplant hailing from Washington, D.C., himself. But his college career dragged him away from Princeton to the UT Law School, and things got really different. “Within 45 minutes of first arriving in Austin, I was swimming in Barton Springs,” he says on his site. “I knew I had found my home.” Three-and-a-half decades later, Adler’s pretty much embedded himself in Austin culture. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find him involved in something, even when you don’t realize he’s there: He is the chairman of Ballet Austin, the former board of directors’ chairman of the Texas Tribune, the local chairman of the Anti-Defamation League … the list just goes on and it boggles. Somehow more amazingly, he did all of this on the side. His main gig was law practice. Recently, though, Adler decided he was tired of arguing about laws and wanted to start making them so other people could argue over them instead. So despite low name recognition (in the single digits by his own admission), he went after the mayor position that Lee Leffingwell left vacant, and ended up winning by a huge majority over Mike Martinez. Adler’s coming into some new territory since he has to work with the new 10-1 system and the council it elected, but he’s completely jazzed about the whole thing. He calls all of them “excellent,” and District 5’s representative, Ann Kitchen, is an old colleague of Adler’s from an education initiative they worked on together. They’ll also be sending some goodwill his way since Adler promised that the “infamous 3 a.m. meetings” previous councils had would be coming to an end. But what issues are they going to be starting on? Perhaps the A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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constant traffic issues that have been as helpful as a blocked toilet and stink just as much? Adler has talked about rail being a good idea. “I can’t imagine Austin as a region of four million people without rail,” he says about the plans that have been flying about the city. “And I believe that Austinites will support a system when they are able to see it as a viable part of an entire transportation network that is clearly understood and easy to use.” Unfortunately, as evidenced by the failure of Proposition 1 (the urban rail bill that went to the ballot box during the midterm elections), they haven’t quite seen it yet. As Adler said in a recent interview with the Daily Texan, it’d have to be more understandable than “a line on a piece of paper.” For all the hype around rail, though, it’s not an end all, be all solution for Adler, so instead, he’s looking for an “all of the above solution”: “We can’t just build or buy our way out of this traffic congestion,” he says. “This is a land-planning issue as its core, and there are other things we can do to reduce congestion. We must greatly improve our bus system, immediately push for more staggered work hours and telecommuting from our region’s largest employers and make it easier to walk and bike around home.” What about people being forced out by rising property prices, some of whom who were longtime residents who have started swarming outlying cities like Kyle, Buda, San Marcos and Bastrop? The council’s throwing around a homestead exemption that would be specially applied to older residents, and Adler says his number, like some of the council’s number, is 20 percent. “Along with reforming our property tax system, we need to curb utility rates, including the drainage fee, reform the permitting process to allow more economical building and revamping our economic development policy to better support workforce training for the middle class,” he notes. Health care? “Ensuring that every Austinite has access to health coverage they can afford should be a priority of our entire community. The city needs to work more closely with nonprofits, business leaders and the health care community to

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ensure that people understand that coverage is available and that being insured helps all of us.” What about the health care problem’s evil little brother, mental health, which has caused shortages of medicine and professionals and left patients out in the street or in jail? “We need to support Integral Care’s efforts to integrate health and behavioral health care and Central

Health’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver project to expand mental health services. At the same time, we need to better address the intersection of mental health and criminal justice issues through the Mental Health Planning Grant that’s currently underway. The city can also make a major difference by increasing efforts to build and preserve affordable housing for those most in need.” Alder swears that, “Austin will become what we make it. Many cities face challenges similar to ours, but with our world-leading economy and our advantages, there is no city better positioned to show the way how to maintain and share a vibrant economy while addressing gentrification, disparity in wealth, sustainable utility models and the providing real opportunity for the people of our community. Yes, we’re growing, but I have hope that we can retain that special spirit and soul of our city.” “Wouldn’t it be great if Austin became known as the ‘civic innovation’ capital of the world?” he asks. Yes, mayor. Yes it would. Now go make it happen.

“I can’t imagine Austin as a region of four million people without rail.”

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Austin will become what we make it.â&#x20AC;?

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hanks to the newly created 10-1 laws, Austin has a lot more voices in city council than ever. But the owners of the voices came even later than the 10-1 ordinance, and now we’re proud to present their owners to you.

Ola Houston’s discovered an interesting side effect of her new job: impromptu public town hall meetings with constituents. “People stop me in the grocery store and say, ‘You know, I’ve got a problem,’ or ‘I’ll be

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calling you soon about something,’” she says sitting in the middle of a bustling City Hall. But that isn’t a negative for her. “They’ve not had that kind of access to their city council person. I won’t be some amorphous kind of person that nobody ever sees, except on TV.” Sounds like good news for Houston’s represented, since they’ll certainly be burning up her lines. District 1, as Houston tells it, is rife with unemployment and poverty, and it has missed out on the money-laden windfalls that have been sweeping through Austin. Adding insult to injury is the rising costs of property, which Houston believes can be remedied through, among other things, a homestead exemption for homeowners of advanced age. Houston is especially fired up about health care paraphrasing a classic saying in order

BRANDON SEIDEL/BIGSTOCK.COM

A NEW YEAR, A NEW AUSTIN

BY SAM JACKSON

to describe it. “Everything’s worse in Texas, regardless of what the media says.” District 1 residents have to travel into town to get treatment while things like diabetes, HIV/ AIDS and heart attacks rampage through everything east of Highway 183. But she’s also knowledgeable about the mental health scourge plaguing Texas, since she spent 27 years on the frontlines of that fight with the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, working on client rights, school admissions and in-home support for families. It’s a rough, stinky mountain of crap to climb, but the gentle and affable Houston is at least willing to discuss the ascent with anyone who wants to. “Regardless of what size the issues are, they have one person that they can come to,” she says. “I have to engage them; it’s

on me to engage the public, not on them to engage me.”

This round of elections seems to have been a season of firsts. First Greg Casar, the youngest council member, gets elected to represent District 4, and then there’s Delia Garza, the first Latina to break into the council room’s doors in the city’s history. “I’m excited. This is a long time coming,” Garza said to NBC News upon her victory. “We’ve broken one of maybe the last glass ceilings and barriers there was to break in

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Austin.” Plus, it’s good for the “little Latinas growing up,” as well. So now that that’s out of the way, where does Garza want to go from here? Her chief selling points during the campaign were making Austin much more affordable (a pretty common theme among the candidates, and one you’ll see reoccurring through this article) and improving transportation and the state of traffic, which can charitably be described as “clogged.” Everyone else really wants to fix that,

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Some people might find family gatherings awkward, but none will be more so from now on than the Renterias. Even before Sabino “Pio” Renteria’s victory in the run-off elections, the media got called down on his campaign thanks to a plot twist straight out of “Game of Thrones”: His opponent was his own sister, Susana Almanza, who’d been running for about four months prior to his announcement. Sabino claimed during the campaign that he was much more in touch with the East Austin community and had “a better plan and better goals” than his sister, and it seems the voters believed him. But what is that plan, and what are those goals? Well, to hear Renteria tell it on, say, the issue of property prices and increasing lack of affordability, he has a “holistic” approach. Basically, he has no issues with developers building new properties, as long as they include affordable houses for the poor and middle class of East Austin. “People that are struggling, we should let them know that ‘Hey, if nothing else, you can subdivide and sell vacant lots and use that money to pay off your taxes and put into a savings account,’” Renteria suggested to the Austin American Statesman. His other main concerns, according to his website, are keeping neighborhoods safer and supporting local businesses and workforce. In terms of political stances, that’s Playing It Safe 101, and he’s not elaborated on his goals much. Now that he has the seat, though, maybe Austin will get to hear more out of Pio.

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too, so if any arguing ensues, it’s probably going to be over the tiny details. Garza also talks about “collaborating with AISD to provide quality education and opportunities for Austin children” and “protecting the community with exceptional public safety services” in terms of local goals that the council can achieve. Might seem vague at first, but now that she’s won, the details could just come spilling forth.

Greg Casar made history with his victory in the run-off elections, becoming the youngest council member in the city’s history at the age of 25. Fortunately, his opponent, Laura Pressley, made achieving that feat really easy by first publicly accusing him of being an atheist, then nailing herself in a very roomy coffin with past comments she made saying that the 9/11 attacks were the result of a controlled demolition. But that’s a story for another day. Much like our current president, Casar comes from a community organizing background, and as such, his dream policies are targeted toward enriching, you guessed it, the communities. He’s got ideas aimed at enriching education, starting green initiatives like weatherization programs that modify existing building for better protection and energy efficiency and universal pre-kindergarten. The most novel idea that Casar is bringing to the table, though, is the concept of municipal ID. These are cards that have multiple uses as IDs, debit cards and more, and they have taken off in cities like New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Municipal cards might also serve as an alternative to a regular photo ID, which would be a huge bit of phlegm shot straight into the eye of the controversial voter ID laws enacted by the stage legislature. Currently, Austin officials are looking into issuing them to undocumented residents, and the council’s hearing recommendations at press time, where they’ll be getting at least one rousing and enthusiastic endorsement for certain. And if Casar can sell the council on that, he might just revitalize his district’s communities in ways he never thought possible.

Ex-State Rep./Assistant Attorney General Ann Kitchen clearly knew to do her homework before running for District 5’s council seat. Looking at Kitchen’s potential schemes on her website, there’s a level of detail and research that the other candidates haven’t shown in theirs. Heck, there’s even a bibliography of sorts – a list of resources with links at the end of each of her issues for those who want to delve further. Besides the obvious transportation and property tax problems, water is at the forefront of Kitchen’s mind, and it’s something she’s been studying for years. Kitchen helped found the Save Our Springs Coalition Steering Committee, and was part of the Sierra Club Executive Committee and the Clean Water Action Board. All of which means she knows her stuff, and after the flooding disaster of last year, it’ll help to have someone with that kind of knowledge in the council’s back pocket, primed and ready for another uprising. Kitchen likes the idea of a rail system, as well, just not the rail system that the defeated Proposition 1 brought to the table. Instead, she would rather have had some of the money go to “critical transportation needs in South Austin, as well as across the city, from redesigning congestion chokepoints to building more complete streets by building sidewalks and bike lanes.”

Out of this whole mix of candidates, Don Zimmerman’s an anomaly as the (seemingly) lone Tea Party candidate who won a close race to get his seat. Some people might scratch their heads wondering how this happened in the middle of Austin, but he’s here regardless. With a background in manufacturing and computer systems engineering, Zimmerman has managed to get himself into some big political entanglements over the years, including a victorious illegal taxation suit against the state, and a 2009 affair that started with an attempt to move a local polling station and ended in the Supreme Court trying to get exemption from a clause in the Voting Rights Act. (The court didn’t let it happen.) So he’s definitely got credit as far as the Tea Party maxim of combative small government legislating goes. But what does he actually want to get done, so he doesn’t get painted as another obstructionist, like the ones Congress seems to have coming out of the woodwork? Well, he does have a go-to plan for property taxes posted proudly on his campaign website, and the centerpiece is a 20 percent homestead exemption that’ll let longtime residents cut down on their bills. Problem is, it’s unapologetically ripped from District 4’s onetime candidate Laura Pressley, and considering what caused her to lose (see District 4), it’s not a good sign. Zimmerman’s not a fan of urban rail, either, instead proposing an east to west freeway, and he plans to attack corporate subsidies given out by the city to the likes of the Domain, Apple and Formula 1, claiming they “are contributing to unaffordable rents and home mortgage in Austin,” and are “favoring large corporations at the expense of these smaller businesses.” It might seem from those descriptions that he’s playing things close to the vest, and maybe he’s got more to show the council than he’s letting on to us. But let’s see what he’s got before we rush to judge.

Austin may be a changing city, but it figures that one of the newly elected people trying to preserve some of it has been here long enough to see it as it once was and what it’s becoming. And now Leslie Pool plans to put those 34 years to work representing District 7. “You may have some ideas that you’d like to float on how to tackle these issues,” she offers to vocal citizens looking for an olive branch. “I think we’re all open and willing to listen to a lot of different ideas.” Obviously, part of keeping the community vibrant and in order is keeping them healthy, and Pool is an advocate for accessible preventative health care (i.e. dental, vision, hearing, etc.), not to mention strident in her defense of women’s right to choose and specialized health care in that regard. Another of Pool’s visions for the city is food gardens for miles. Facing the issue of food “deserts,” areas around town where no healthy food or produce is nearby, the city’s found it hard to fight back. However, after some success growing produce in her yard, she hopes to get others to do it, as well, whether in their yards, their schools or whatever open plots of land happen to be available. “As far as nutrition and good health, especially for children where we’re dealing with the obesity epidemic, food gardens are a really good idea. They help sustain our food and provide additional options for people who may not have anything other than maybe a corner store,” she notes. “North of 183 in District 7 is a really great opportunity for adding food gardens on school campuses, at libraries, maybe an area of a park and even help people put them in their yards.” And nothing says “successful community” like fresh veggies in the yards.

In what was hailed as the most partisan part of the supposedly non-partisan council elections, District 8 has its new face in the self-proclaimed “taxpayer advocate” Ellen Troxclair, who, in a Hollywood-worthy clutch moment, got her seat by little more than half a percentage point. When it comes to issues, Troxclair has a major ax to grind with portions of the city codes, specifically those relating to businesses, which she refers to as “confusing, complicated and often contradictory, making it incredibly difficult to do business”; she wants to replace them with codes that are much more “clear, concise and fair.” Considering she manages realtor’s office of her own, it’s safe to say she might know these headaches firsthand. She also claims to have direct testimony from owners of local flagships like Amy’s Ice Cream who are saying they’d never have opened up in Austin if the codes were the way they are now. Tied into those is the ever-looming question of affordability (which got her into the race in the first place), but Troxclair has a unique method of attack for this problem, and she plans to take it through all the energy bills of Austin. Since there’s no outside competition, she wants the city council to go through Austin Energy’s many, many issues, including billing problems, bad transparency and horrifically terrible transparency, and run some city council magic on the company so our utility bills and services can get more ship shape.

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If her opponent hadn’t suddenly thrown in the towel at the last minute, Kathie Tovo might have been headed for a grueling run-off. Instead, she became one of two council members to be able to sit securely in the comfort of her well-worn council seat (she’s the only incumbent) with some popcorn and watch the run-off spectacle unfold. But now that her break’s over, it’s time to start thinking about what policies and work to kick off the New Year with. Perhaps light rail could be one, since she sees it as crucial to unclogging Austin’s traffic congestion. “High-capacity transit offers potential for us as a city. Especially for university students, I think it could be really positive because it runs so close to campus. And I believe it’ll be a real asset for games, events and other things that draw a

lot of traffic,” she said in an interview with the Daily Texan. Her eye might also be on energy costs, since she managed to stop Austin Energy from jacking up their prices by 12 percent, or on women’s health care, something that’s constantly in a fragile state. “With the advent of the medical school, I think people are worried about Seton’s role with the school,” she told the Texan. “There is concern about the future of women’s health. And we need to make sure we can still provide adequate women’s health care.” And how’s she going to work this out with the council? With the classic Tovo style of “courage, creativity and compassion.”

A proponent of small government, a fiscal conservative and a realtor for three decades, Sheri Gallo’s been embedded in the newly formed District 10 for about 50 years, and she thinks it’s time the focus shifted onto “the needs of our neighborhoods, not the needs of downtown or tourists.” In that regard, cutting spending is a

10 y earS r eal e State e xPerienCe re/max 100% C lub 2012, 2013

big mantra with her, and the more wasteful and seemingly useless it is, the better. That and apparently thinking downtown doesn’t need any more attention. For property taxes, she is another supporter of the 20 percent homestead exemption, and she would take it further by handing it out to every property taxpayer, which would include schools, hospitals, colleges and the like, and simultaneously telling big developers to stick it. Instead of using a light rail system to solve the transportation problem, Gallo favors giving the bus system an overhaul and an upgrade, plus “adding roads and improving our existing roads and intersections, synchronizing traffic lights and encouraging staggered work schedules.” But if she has no desire to go for big projects (or ones downtown), what would Gallo unquestionably spend on, you ask? “Police, fire, EMS, replacing aging infrastructure, wildfire protection and maintaining neglected neighborhood parks and libraries,” it proudly says on her website, which also advertises an “aggressive and organized improvement of our aging infrastructure.”

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EVENTS

Art for the Holidays PHOTOS BY BRITTANY GOLDEN

Austin Child Guidance Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Art Show Party had a wonderful turnout at Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery in December.Â Guests enjoyed art, color, good people and amazing bites from Piranha Killer Sushi. The organization also unveiled the launch of their new website, created by Intel!

Wine, Swag and Spa Services PHOTOS BY ALEX TORRES

Sage & Sweetgrass Wellness Spa celebrated its grand opening with a well-attended event on Nov. 20. In addition to lots of wine sipping and spa pampering, they showcased many of their services, including aesthetic surgery, skincare and laser treatments, massage, acupuncture and yoga. Attendees received bountiful swag bags, and all had a wonderful time!

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EVENTS

PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

Social Latino hosted the Ultimate Professional Mixer at the Belmont on Dec. 16. Some great professional groups joined forces for this end-of-year holiday event: ► Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ► Austin Latino Real Estate Community ► Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce ► Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce ► Hispanic Austin Leadership Alumni ► Austin Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ► Social Latino ► Austin Intercultural Network

The event included a jazz group, as well as food, drinks and great networking opportunities.

Ebola: Are We Prepared?

The LBJ Future Forum Public Policy Cluster poses the question to Travis County with a panel discussion and forum. PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

On Dec. 9, at the LBJ Library, the LBJ Future Forum Public Policy Cluster hosted a panel discussion and forum that posed the question: Is Travis County ready if an infectious disease outbreak were to occur like the one in Dallas? Moderated by Rico Reyes, there was a distinguished panel, which included: ◆ Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins ◆ Travis County Judge-Elect Sarah Eckhardt ◆ Dr. Philip Huang, medical director and health authority for the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department ◆ Lynda Watkins, MPH, BSN, R.N., CIC, Seton’s top infection preventionist ◆ Tony Marquardt, president of the Austin/Travis County EMS Association

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BUSINESS

SECURITY 2015 Protect yourself in the New Year by investing in a security/surveillance system for your home or business. BY ROBERT PENA

To learn more about Dyezz Surveillance Inc., please call 512-331-2788 or visit www.dyezz.com.

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ur home/business security automation sysa customer’s home and property is completely covered. tems enable our customers to look at their The system not only provides surveillance capabilities, home or business from a remote location it also can open and close a garage door (in case you forwhile at work, on vacation, out running got!), activate the air conditioning or heating units, brew errands, etc. Given recent episodes of the coffee, turn lights on and off, etc., all people taking packages from homeby simply using a smart phone, tablet or YARD SIGNS AND owners’ personal property, it is sensible laptop. DOOR AND WINDOW to invest in a home security/surveilA typical home/business security STICKERS HAVE lance system. Dyezz Surveillance and PROVEN TO DETER automation system includes a control Security Inc. can custom-make and panel, door/window sensors, internal/ MANY POTENTIAL install a security/surveillance system in HOME AND BUSINESS external motion sensors, wired/wirea relatively short period of time at very less security cameras, a siren/alarm and BREAK-INS. low prices. very importantly, yard signs and door These automation systems also enable customers to not and window stickers. This little feature has proven to deter just view their home or business, but also remotely lock many potential home and business break-ins, as upon seetheir home or business using their iPhone, tablet or other ing the signs, the majority of burglars bypass that home or device. When coupled with monitored smoke detectors, business and find a location that doesn’t have them.

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BUSINESS

TAKING THE LEAP

A look at the tools available to women entrepreneurs in the state of Texas SPECIAL TO AUSTIN MD

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STATE OF TEXAS STATISTICS As of 2013, the report estimates that businesses majority owned (51 percent or more) by women in the state of Texas: ► Total 737,300 ► Employ 616,600 people ► Generate $115 billion in annual revenues

of opening or expanding a business free of charge. Networking is another important component of being successful as a small business owner. According to Debbie Barnard, Austin program manager for Women’s Business Council – Southwest, there is a lot of support in Austin for women entrepreneurs. “We all like to do business with people we know, and networking is a way to make those

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omen are starting their own businesses more and more, becoming an integral part of the entrepreneurial community and their local economies. According to a 2013 report by the Center for Women in Business, women-owned businesses lead job growth in privately held companies. According to the report, the vast majority of women-owned businesses are solo entrepreneurial endeavors that don’t employ anyone other than the business owner. These businesses are often started by women who held positions in the industry in which they started their business, but struck out on their own to create their own space. Angela Strickland, publisher of Austin MD Magazine, realized her dream of having her own magazine after working in the publishing industry for years. She said she has wanted to own a magazine every since she was a child in East Texas, but she did not see it as a viable possibility until more recently. “I worked for a publication that was struggling, and the owner asked if I wanted to take it over in an informal-type franchise,” Strickland said. “Nine out of 10 people would have said no after looking at the numbers, but I saw it as my big break!” Once women decide to take the leap and start their own business, there are many resources available to help them along the way. In Austin, the City’s Small Business Program offers classes such as BizAid, which helps with understanding the opportunities and challenges faced by small business owners, and business skills classes on a wide range of topics in conjunction with the University of Texas Professional Development Program. They also staff the Business Solutions Center, where entrepreneurs can use computers, software and other resources in the process

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connections, start a business relationship and support each other in the process of growing a business,” Barnard said. “I’m always impressed at the number of networking events and business support programs that there are in Austin for all stages of business and in all aspects of business. The support is there; women just need to take advantage of it.” Barnard added that thanks to programs like the Small Business Program, BigAUSTIN, the Texas State Small Business Center and the various certification and networking programs available, women have a wide variety of tools available to them. In fact, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) has chosen Austin for its national conference on June 23 to 25, 2015, which Barnard said speaks volumes for Austin’s reputation as supportive of women entrepreneurs. Even with the support system available and networking, Strickland said the most important ingredient to a woman’s success in entrepreneurship is the passion and knowhow she brings to the table herself. According to her, “I think a deep knowledge of the industry, plus the willingness to take risks are two of the most important things in starting a new business.”

WOMENOWNED BUSINESSES CURRENTLY LEAD JOB GROWTH IN PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES.

For more information on the tools and resources available through the Small Business Program, visit www.austinsmallbiz.com.

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Local Lifestyle

A TRUE AMERICAN DREAM The Dos Lunas Cheese community and what it means to be an American BY ELECTRA AVELLAN

PURE VENEZUELAN PASSION

kissed the ground the first time my feet touched the United States. Actually, I kissed the dirty floor of JFK International Airport (I don’t recommend it). I was 11 years old, and my twin sister and I were en route from Venezuela to visit our father and younger sister in Los Angeles, Calif. My father explained that kissing the ground was a beautiful way to thank the land for sharing its wealth with us. When it comes to my father’s words, I have always taken them to heart. He is the most passionate man I know , and he truly embodies the passion of Venezuela. I am thankful for the strength and spirit my Venezuelan culture has given me – it will always be there. I think many of us never lose that foundation – the culture in which we are rooted. I am grateful for the sacrifice my mother made sending us to the United States; she knew that we burned with a desire to accomplish goals that our born country couldn’t provide at that moment. It seemed unfathomable to leave my mother and brother behind, but perhaps we were too young to burden that thought. We eventually would reunite in America, and the journey leading up until that moment was the source of great strength. We knew that in order to achieve great success, we needed to live in a land of wide-open opportunity – a land of safety and community. As a child, I thought North America was a place where dreams came easily. I arrived only dreaming for my own health, wealth and happiness. I was quickly distracted by all of the shiny things

the United States has to offer. It took years for me to realize that such a self-centered mindset would never make me feel successful. But hey: no mud, no lotus. Over many years, I witnessed how hard my father worked to provide for our young dreams. I realized, as a young woman, that my dream was to work with my father, and somehow I had to make that happen. After decades of working in the entertainment industry, my father decided to become an entrepreneur – an unexpected calling that made him happy and brought the rich spirit of our Venezuelan culture to America. He started making artisan cheeses based on my grandfather’s original recipe – one that was rooted in the foothills of the Venezuelan Andes. His cheeses quickly became a hit at the farmers’ markets in our new hometown of Austin, Texas. As the company began to grow, I also left the entertainment industry and began working with him. Although many of my American friends thought I was crazy for leaving an “ego-fueled” acting/producing career, I was excited to be more hands-on with my founding culture. I realized that working with him made me feel stronger, it brought out innate strengths of mine (similar to his) and I was able to create genuinely. Our Dos Lunas Cheese business started booming, and we were running around like gallinas sin cabezas (hens without heads)! All of this labor didn’t feel like hard work, though. For the first time, I began to feel

I invite you to be part of our American Dream: our Dos Lunas Cheese community. Please visit us at www.doslunascheese.com. Cheers to being American!

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how much community is part of feeling successful. My stepmom told me not long ago that, just after a farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market had closed, my father got a call from a Vietnamese family he had never met. They had missed the market, but were desperate to get some of his cheeses for a pizza cookout that night. They rode their bikes to meet him on the side of the road, sincerely thanked him and told him it was their favorite cheese ever. When my father got home, he choked up as he told my stepmom this story. He felt like he was truly contributing and connected to his American community for the first time. He was a Venezuelan man, giving his creation to a Vietnamese family to make Italian food. This is an American Dream, and I am grateful to be living it. This is why I am happy to be a citizen. To be part of something bigger than myself. To be part of a nation that sticks together and shares the cultures that are rooted within each one of us. To be part of a nation where we all help each other become bigger than we ever thought we could be.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, I BEGAN TO FEEL HOW MUCH COMMUNITY IS PART OF FEELING SUCCESSFUL.

MY SISTERS AND ME, FRESH ON AMERICAN SOIL. WE HAVENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T CHANGED MUCH.

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Local Lifestyle

LATHER YOURSELF WITH LOVE

Dry and itchy skin? Here’s some moisturizing cream you can whip up on your stove. 

BY ELIZABETH DAVIS | PHOTOS BY ALICE RABBIT

HOME REMEDY

very issue, we feature a DIY remedy submitted by Austinites. This recipe for moisturizing cream was sent to us by yoga instructor and sex coach Elizabeth Davis. If you would like to submit a recipe, contact us at info@austinmd.com.



Our skin has a tendency to dry out during the colder months, and since it is highly absorbent, it’s much better for your health to use as many natural products as possible. While I was living in Hawaii, I learned the secret to achieving soft, moisturized skin with all-natural, chemical-free ingredients, and I call it Love Butter. What’s so great about this is that it’s similar to the natural oil your skin produces, so it stays moisturized all day. You can use it for your body or as a natural lubricant, and your skin will love you for it! Makes 8 ounces. Approximately 15 minutes to make. ◆ 1 1/2 cups coconut oil ◆ 6 to 8 tablespoons cacao butter ◆ 4 tablespoons beeswax ◆ 1 teaspoon honey ◆ Essential oil for added benefit of skin healing and calming (lavender oil is best) ◆ Saucepan ◆ Metal or glass bowl ◆ Two 4-ounce mason jars with lids

LOVE BUTTER IS SIMILAR TO THE NATURAL OIL YOUR SKIN PRODUCES, SO IT STAYS MOISTURIZED ALL DAY.

1/ Fill a saucepot halfway with water and bring to a simmer. In a separate metal bowl add all ingredients except for essential oil. Then place that bowl on top of the water in the saucepan. 2/ Keep stirring until all of the ingredients melt together. Be mindful to not boil the water or ingredients. 3/ Once everything has melted together and liquefied, pour the mixture into your glass mason jars. Add 5 to10 drops of lavender oil or any other favorite essential oils. 4/ Allow the butter to cool and either use immediately or store at room temperature. You can also refrigerate briefly to expedite the cooling.

To learn more about Elizabeth Davis, visit www.lizcdavis.com.

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Local Lifestyle

hat if someone said to you that you can get dressed for the day, and in that day, you workout, join friends for brunch and run some errands? Say hello to Outdoor Voices, a new fitness-inspired clothing line designed by Tyler Haney. Haney is not only changing the way you get dressed for the day, she’s changing the way you think about fitness. Growing up in Boulder, Colo., Haney was used to incorporating fitness into a daily lifestyle – and now, she has brought an active-living clothing line to Austin to go with it. She created Outdoor Voices as a way to blend an active lifestyle into every day. The brand started just two years ago in New York, and Austin has become home to the first retail location. It’s situated on the edge of downtown, tucked away in the Clarksville neighborhood. Haney chose Austin as its first retail location because the city’s fitness-oriented

HIDDEN

GEM

vibe fit perfectly with the brand, as well as the close-knit community feel. Outdoor Voices holds approximately four fitness events a month, including a jogging club and yoga and Pilates classes. They partner with nearby Wanderlust Yoga and Castle Hill Fitness for these events. Forget shopping in big-box stores with florescent lights; Outdoor Voices is in an inviting space. “It’s an artistic bungalow – a hidden gem,” says Marketing Director Amanda McArthur. It’s a place you’ll want to visit, browse around and stay a while. The name originates from the playful mentality of when you were a child and able to use your loud, outside voice. It symbolizes a carefree time of youth when

Go outside and play with Outdoor Voices, the new line that’s changing the way you dress for fitness. BY NICOLE CARBON

you could go outside, play, have fun, be social and use your “outdoor voice.” Made in the USA, the aesthetics and materials are what set Outdoor Voices apart. The line is created for both men and women. It purposefully uses muted tones, a look to take you from the trail, to errands or to whatever the day brings, all while being appropriately dressed and looking chic for each activity. It’s clothing that you’ll feel comfortable wearing outside of the gym. You won’t find wild prints and neon colors here. “It’s a non-intimidating approach to

being fit and active,” McArthur says. Outdoor Voices’ philosophy about incorporating activity into every day is a perfect fit for a new start to a healthier lifestyle. You’ll notice the soft luxuriousness of the materials in the line’s bestselling Sweat collection, which includes the Cuffed Lounge Pant, the Running Woman Sweats and the Running Man Sweats. They are made of mossed jersey. McArthur explains that “mossing” is a technique that polishes the yarn making it really soft. These pieces are perfect for travel, leisure and light to moderate workouts like walking and jogging. Other bestsellers include the women’s Warmup Leggings made from Supplex, a material that has the soft feel of cotton, yet is quick drying and breathable and holds its shape and color. This material holds up to more intense workouts. The Outdoor Voices line is available at their retail location in Austin or online at http://outdoorvoices.com. Now, get dressed, get outside, have some fun and use your outdoor voice!

Outdoor Voices is located at 606 Blanco in Austin,Texas. For more information, call 512-356-9136 or visit http://outdoorvoices.com.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OUTDOOR VOICES

“OUTDOOR VOICES TAKES A NONINTIMIDATING APPROACH TO BEING FIT AND ACTIVE.”

THE LAW OFFICE OF MARIO FLORES, PLLC 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd, Ste. 208 Austin, TX 78752

(512) 582-2728

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SPORTS

THE

GIFT OF

Far from just a great game, golf also serves as a great gift that never gets lost or goes out of style. BY KYLE JEROME

GOLF, IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS, TEACHES US HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. I spent many days at the golf course trying to “figure out” this crazy game. A golf scholarship to the University of Texas followed, as well as a career as an instructor teaching this great game to others. But looking back, all of that is secondary to the lessons I’ve learned on the golf course. As a father, a business owner and a person, the experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned through the game of golf are aspects of my life money can’t buy. The game of golf has taught me patience, how to deal with adversity, how to read people and to have a love for the outdoors. It has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and cultures. It has taught me how to set goals and work to reach them. It has taught me the value of hard work and how to get up when you get knocked down. It has taught me how to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. It has taught me that often, it’s better to just listen and learn from others. It has allowed me to just go out and enjoy a few hours with family and friends. The game of golf has taught me many things. But perhaps the best thing it has taught me is that passing it along to someone else is far more rewarding than playing it myself. So next time you’re looking for that perfect gift, give the gift of golf. It will never get lost or go out of style.

The Academy of Golf Dynamics has been named one of the top 25 golf schools in the United States by GOLF Magazine. For more information, call 800-879-2008, send a fax to 512-261-8168 or visit www.golfdynamics.com.

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“IT’S BETTER to give than to receive.” Ever heard that before? As far as clichés go, it’s one of the most popular. But there may not be another saying that better represents the spirit of the holidays … or birthdays … or life, for that matter. Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you see that special someone open a gift from you that inspires an ear-to-ear smile? For those of us with children, there may not be a better sight. The feeling of giving almost always tops the feeling of receiving. Think of some of the gifts you’ve given those special people in your life over the years that produced so much joy and excitement. Many of those gifts have probably gotten lost in the shuffle over the years. But if you want to give a child – or anyone, for that matter – a gift that will never get lost, never get thrown away and never go out of style, give them a gift that will last a lifetime and you can enjoy together. Give them the gift of golf. Giving someone a gift that brings joy over the course of years, or even a lifetime, is invaluable. Golf is just such a gift. Golf is not only a great game, but a great teacher. It can teach us many things, not only about sports, but about life. Dealing with life’s everyday problems can become overwhelming at times. Having the skills to deal with these problems can make navigating our way through rough waters much easier. It has been said that life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you deal with it. In golf, there are no teammates to bail you out. You’re on your own to figure out the solutions to the problems the game will inevitably throw at you. Golf, in no uncertain terms, teaches us how to solve problems. Those of you who play golf know what I’m talking about. During a round of golf, we eventually put ourselves in a situation where we have to navigate our way back to safety. Nobody hits every shot like they want, so when we get off track, we have to find a way to get the ball in the hole. During this process, we learn our strengths and weaknesses, what we can and can’t do and, ideally, learn from our mistakes. Does that sound like something that would help us in everyday life? Now imagine giving that gift to someone else. I grew up playing golf. My father is a golf professional who taught me to play the game as soon as I could walk. He encouraged me, along with my mother, to play other sports, too, and I did. My parents were always very supportive of me and my love for the game of the golf. Growing up,

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Health & Beauty

NEXT-LEVEL SKIN REJUVENATION Stimulate your collagen production in office with microneedling.

n the world of medical-aesthetic treatments, very rarely do you come across a procedure that contains all three of the golden qualities:

before

SPECIAL TO AUSTIN MD

after

1/ It’s a minimally invasive, quick procedure. 2/ It treats virtually all skin concerns for the entire body (fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and various skin texture issues). 3/ It involves little to no downtime.

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SkinPen is good for all skin types with little to no downtime. before

after

PHOTOS COURTESY SERENITY CREEK

Fortunately, these qualities are all encompassed in one treatment: SkinPen. SkinPen is an advanced form of vertical microneedling. SkinPen is designed to stimulate your skin’s natural ability to repair itself. By creating a series of hundreds of vertical microscopic channels into the dermis (the top layer of your skin), SkinPen stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein that helps make up the skin’s connective tissue. Collagen is responsible for the skin’s firmness, suppleness and protection against environmental damage. Elastin is a protein in the skin that controls the skin’s ability to return to its normal shape after being stretched or pulled; it is what keeps the skin tight and firm. With age, cell structures are weakened and collagen and elastin production begin to slow. This results in wrinkles, fine lines and sagging or loose skin. SkinPen combats these undesirable consequences of aging through the safest and most effective microneedling treatment on the anti-aging market. Results from SkinPen can be seen as soon as three days after the procedure; however, results continue to improve for several months after treatment as your skin produces more collagen and elastin while renewing itself.

Collagen induction therapy ► Collagen induction therapy (CIT), or microneedling, is the procedure by which the body’s natural response to healing is used to increase the amount of extracellular matrix such as collagen or elastin in the skin. SkinPen creates micro-channels that allow for leakage of blood, serum and lymph in a controlled and temporary manner. These “injuries” are enough to initiate the wound-healing cascade. There are three basic phases to illustrate how microneedling works:

before

◆ Phase One: Inflammation: Activated by piercing the dermal tissue, platelets release cytokines and growth factors that act as signals for the body’s immune system. Neutrophils and macrophages cells are sent in to disinfect the wounds, clear the debris, increase the blood supply (a process called angiogenesis) and begin the creation of fresh, new cellular and extracellular materials (the granulation process).

after ◆ Phase Two: Proliferation: In this stage, the fibroblasts (cells that make up much of the dermis and create the extracellular matrix), keratinocytes and epidermal cells continue to divide to populate the areas of damage and secrete growth factors and extracellular matrix such as elastin and collagen.

◆ Phase Three: Remodeling: At this stage, the wound has been replaced with new dermal tissues and the newly formed vasculature is now matured. The collagen in the newly formed tissue is now replaced with the stronger collagen, and the tissue contracts to cause a “shrink-wrap” effect of the skin.

The versatile design of SkinPen The depth of the SkinPen needles can be adjusted from .25 millimeters up to 2.5 millimeters in length. This variability allows the SkinPen provider to adjust treatments based on the patient’s anatomy (skin thickness), as well as the patient’s need (e.g., more penetration required for acne scarring).

SKINPEN STIMULATES THE NATURAL PRODUCTION OF COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN.

For more information, visit www.serenitycreek.com or call 512-419-0303.

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Health & Beauty

A look at a non-surgical combination approach to treating the aging face

my favorite FACELIFTS

BY DR. ALINA SHOLAR

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

► Keeping hydrated ► Beginning to use a high-quality skincare

regimen that treats your skin type and skin issues ► Wearing sunscreen every day ► Considering preventive injectables: By softening certain repetitive facial muscle movements that cause lines now, Botox or Xeomin can eliminate existing wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. I’m going to address the changes your face undergoes during and after your 30s and 40s, and what we can do with a combination of treatments available. The signs of aging are inevitable, no matter how well you take care of yourself. They are, however, treatable. I call this graphic “The Trilogy of Facial Aging” because those are the three main

components of how the face ages: the underlying structure, volume loss and skin changes. Optimal anti-aging benefit is found when portions of all three components of treatment are performed when necessary. 1. Skin changes: As previously stated, your

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s a board-certified plastic surgeon, my area of expertise is the face and its underlying structures, and treating facial aging is a large part of my practice. In this article, I will show you how the face ages and break it down into simple categories to, I hope, take some confusion out of all the products, treatments and procedures we have available to treat facial aging, as well as non-surgical options. First, I absolutely can tell you that what you do in your 20s has a direct correlation to what I will see when you are in your later years. If you take the proper steps now, invasive procedures can be pushed back by years or even decades. Starting today, in your 20s, you can begin to treat the first signs of aging by…

skin will start aging in your 20s, especially when damaged by UV rays. However, the majority of aging is due to collagen and elastin loss beginning in the 30s as estrogen levels start to decline. The loss of collagen and elastin in the face means less elastic, compliant and plump skin, which causes wrinkles, lines and skin that loses is tautness. When collagen is depleted, crow’s feet, drooping brows, laugh lines, jowls and thin lips are the result. The treatments for skin changes begin with appropriate physician-directed, medical-grade skincare products and facial treatments, and eventually, will require collagen-boosting procedures like the Ultherapy to lift and tighten, or the Pearl Fractional Laser to resurface wrinkles and remove pigmentation problems. 2. Fat loss: Losing facial fat really accelerates in your late 30s and 40s, worsens through the decades and makes your face begin to appear concave and deflated. You will eventually show under-eye hollows because of the loss of the fat pads under the eyes. In addition, this fat loss causes the dark orbicularis muscle and veins to show through the very thin and translucent under-eye skin, creating dark shadows often mistaken for the dark circles attributed to lack of sleep or allergies. Loss of facial fat also leads to sunken cheeks and temples, which can also accentuate any under-eye “bags” if they are present. Constant dieting contributes to the amount of fat in your face; weight loss at this age will show up in the face as skin droop. The more you “yo-yo,” the more it will show in your face. Volume loss is corrected with dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Radiesse, subdermal fillers such as Sculptra and Voluma and more permanent fat grafting. 3. Structural changes: These changes just start to occur typically in the late 40s and continue in the decades afterward. Excess facial fat in the jowl and under the chin accumulates from weight gain, as well as descent of the fat pads downward and out of their normal anatomic positions. The platysma muscle also becomes lax, and these two processes create a jowly jawline, a double chin and what is often referred to as “turkey neck.” The brow also droops, creating relative or real skin excess of the upper lid, with the eyebrow falling low on the brow-bone and hooding of the upper lids.

These structural changes are more often corrected with surgical procedures, such as browlift, eyelid lifts and the surgical facelift. However, we do have other viable non-surgical options that we will discuss.

About the Author Alina D. Sholar, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Austin, Texas. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and she is highly trained in all aspects of plastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including breast surgery, burn surgery and facial cosmetic surgery, as well all other aspects of aesthetic cosmetic surgery. She received her B.S. in biomedical science with magna cum laude honors from Texas A&M University, and she went on to earn her M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch on a full-tuition merit scholarship. There, she was awarded the prestigious Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Award and Achievement Citation for Women in Medicine. Sholar then completed a full five-year residency in general surgery at the University of Louisville, where she was awarded the John W. Price Award for Excellence in Medical Student Instruction. She then continued her study of surgery by completing an additional residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Tennessee. Today, she is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and she is a medical illustrator and an accomplished artist whose medical artwork has been published in prestigious medical journals and textbooks including the Annals of Plastic Surgery and the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal. A Texas native who is proud to be a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Sholar loves her rescued dachshunds, and she and her husband are passionate about supporting local animal rescue organizations.

Obviously, not everyone requires all three components, depending on how much their facial aging has advanced. But if any of these three are present, something from each appropriate category should be done in order to most naturally correct the aged component. If each is not treated in kind, you will not get the soft, natural, anti-aging result you had hoped for. For example, problems (and really, a lot of weird-looking results) occur when one tries to camouflage structural changes by filling in with too much volume in folds and creases. This is why we, as plastic surgeons, definitely are in the advantage. We at Sage & Sweetgrass Wellness Spa have the ability to correct all three components properly for a balanced and natural result. What is a non-surgical facelift option? Non-surgical facelifts are designed to address the classic aging process – the trilogy of facial aging – and its associated issues in just one or two sittings, and they are customizable for each individual’s needs. Combining modalities and treating each area of aging appropriately keeps us from that “overdone and overstuffed” look of too many celebrities. The idea is to use just the right amount of volume replacement, along with the Ultherapy, to gain suspension and lifting of the tissues (instead of the standard surgical facelift); then you get the wrinkle and sun-damage resurfacing with the Pearl Fractional Laser and tightening with Ultherapy to ultimately get that “wow” factor with little to no downtime. The icing on the cake is the proper use of Botox or Xeomin to keep muscle-induced wrinkles at bay. We try to give our patients as many options as possible when it comes to their treatments, and we consult with them so they understand why and where these treatment modalities need to be used. For more information on Sage & Sweetgrass Wellness Spa, visit www.sageandsweetgrassspa.com or call 512-436-8018.

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Y T 2 U 01 A E

Health & Beauty

How to look – and feel – your best in the New Year

I 44

t has happened again: Someone has tagged you on Facebook, and you have an unflattering expression on your face, your eyes are half-closed or you have an extra chin. What recourse do you have? You can’t modify those photos; you can only un-tag yourself and hope no one saw them or didn’t recognize you. Or you can empower yourself to do your own real-life PhotoShopping so you can look your best in both live and digital memories.

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BEAUTY 2015: BIGSTOCK.COM

BY DR. SHIRAT LING

BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN, WHICH IS WHERE WE WILL START.

► Hydration: Drink half your body weight in ounces per day if you are inactive (50 ounces if you weigh 100 pounds); add more if you exercise, or if you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages (plus 2 cups of water for every cup of alcohol or coffee). It can be a difficult goal to achieve, so slowly add a little more each day until your body gets used to it. Plump, juicy cells work better than raisins.

environment. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent grabbing and folding of the face.

► Exercise: This helps maintain optimal weight, relieve stress (it releases the feel-good endorphins) and build muscle and bone mass. Do something you actually enjoy, and you will stick with it. Consistency is the most important aspect of exercise; just do it, even if it is 15 minutes a day. And get an exercise partner to keep you accountable. Instead of a smoking break, take a health break, and walk, get some fresh air, throw in a few lunges and clear your mind and de-stress. You are your most important client, so treat yourself as such.

remember to take a good multivitamin, fish oil (look for EPA 1,000 milligrams or more daily; this helps with inflammation on a cellular level, which affects heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.) and 500 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium citrate for women.

► Sun protection: Wear an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every 80 minutes when outdoors, or 30 minutes prior to re-exposure to the sun (before lunch or leaving work). Makeup typically provides an SPF of 10 or 15, which is not enough. I recommend Colorescience, which provides a physical barrier (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that you can apply over your makeup. This helps prevent brown spots, wrinkles, skin laxity and loss of collagen. This step is critical to protect your investment in cosmetic procedures, like lasers, chemical peels or microdermabrasions. An ounce of prevention …

been advances in dermal fillers, as well as in the placement technique and location of the product (there is hope for bony hands, shriveled earlobes and sunken temples). Even skincare products have evolved to provide more benefits. The trendy procedures from 2014 such as fat stem cells, the vampire facelift, cheek implants and Ultherapy have proven unsuccessful or even harmful, so new is not necessarily better. Lastly, no matter how tempting Groupon may be, resist the urge to go cheap on your face. Undertrained staff can cause complications that may be permanent. Trust your face with a physician who actually performs these procedures on a daily basis and researches procedures before providing them. At a legitimate medical spa, you should be seen by a physician before receiving any injectable procedure, as ruled by the Texas Medical Board in November 2013. Protect and nourish your inner and outer self, and you will stay youthful longer. Start the New Year right, and be present for yourself, and you will be a better asset to yourself and others for years to come.

EXTERNAL BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS ► Nutrition: You are what you

► Sleep: This is something you need to determine for yourself; women tend to need more sleep than men to function optimally. Avoid late-night food and drinks, and retire to a cave-like

eat. Have a wide variety of food types and colors; go for good fats, lean protein and complex carbohydrates, and avoid the white stuff. If you tend to eat poorly at work, take a little time the evening before to create healthy snacks for yourself so you can avoid poor choices at the workplace. Women should also consume more protein. And

People are staying in the workforce longer and beginning new relationships, and they want to stay more youthful. Procedures like Botox, dermal fillers and lasers will give you proven results, if properly performed by a skilled professional. A Botox gel will begin clinical trials in the United States in late 2015, so there may be hope for the needle-phobics. There have

Dr. Shirat Ling personally

performs all the medical cosmetic procedures at her South First Street office. She has performed more than 8,500 ablative laser procedures, and she has been in medical practice for 14 years, 10 of which she has spent performing medical cosmetic procedures. For more information, visit www.innatebeauty.com.

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PROFILE

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

ON THE

MONEY

MASSMUTUAL SOUTHWEST PREPARES AUSTINITES FOR THE FUTURE. BY JON BLACK PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

hether you’re a doctor, a medical MassMutual has built a reputation as an industry leader professional or just someone reading in both insurance and financial services. “I have been this magazine, chances are that you associated with MassMutual Financial Group for over have questions about your financial 20 years,” Holt says. “They are an incredible company needs. Recent years have seen a growing awareness that with a vast array of financial products and services.” financial stability and growth don’t just occur automatAs with health care providers, there are important ically and that financial choices made today will have a benefits to having an ongoing relationship with a fitangible impact on the future. Fortunately, Todd Holt is nancial professional. While building such a rapport here to help. doesn’t occur overnight, as a fi“Finding a financial profesnancial professional develops a HOLT IS sional that can help you navigate deeper understanding of a client, COMMITTED TO your financial journey is importit increases his or her ability to ant because it provides someone give insightful and productive THE IDEA THAT who can help you think through feedback based upon the client’s EVERY FAMILY and process difficult financial circumstances and goals. IS UNIQUE AND decisions,” explains Holt, CEO With people living longer than DESERVES A and general agent of MassMutual ever before and expecting more CUSTOMIZED Southwest. “It can be a very reout of their golden years, Holt FINANCIAL PLAN warding and insightful process.” says two of the most common REFLECTING THAT Holt and his team provide fiquestions clients ask him are, “Do UNIQUENESS. nancial services for the greater I have enough money to retire?” Austin area through their ofand “How do I make sure that I fice on Capital of Texas Highway. “Austin is a very don’t outlive my money?” Holt helps individuals and vibrant community and is growing quickly,” Holt exfamilies achieve long-term goals and maximize finanplains. “This type of growth always provides great percial comfort while also protecting them against unexsonal and business financial planning opportunities.” pected challenges, as well as family and life changes. MassMutual Financial Group is the financial services He and his team are committed to the idea that every arm of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. family is unique and deserves a customized financial Established in 1851, in more than 150 years of history, plan reflecting that uniqueness.



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Among the most popular services for individuals and families are tax-smart 529 college savings plans, annuities, individual retirement accounts, mutual funds and trust services, as well as disability income and life and long-term care insurance.

In serving the business community, MassMutual Southwest believes every business owner should be able to answer, “yes,” to four questions:

1 “Do I have a plan for my business when I retire?”

2 “Can my business continue in the event of my or my partner’s death or disability?”

3 “Is my family adequately protected if something happens to me?”



4 “Have I done everything I can to attract, retain and reward employees critical to my business?”

Working with a financial professional can ensure that those questions are satisfactory answered – strengthening an enterprise, keeping an already sound business on solid footing or helping it plan for expansion to the next level. As with families and individuals, every business is unique. Working with a financial professional who understands a particular business allows for optimized feedback regarding the enterprise’s financial needs. MassMutual Southwest helps businesses develop a customized plan through services that address financial management, attracting and retaining key employees and employee benefits and protecting a business, as well as succession and retirement planning. Holt’s interest in finance began at a young age. “I’ve always enjoyed working with financial concepts and ideas,” he explains. Building on that base, Holt has an M.S. in personal financial planning from Texas Tech University. He is a certified financial planner, a chartered life

underwriter, a chartered financial consultant and a chartered special needs consultant, and he is certified in long-term care. He also received his B.S. from Texas Tech. Holt has been with MassMutual since 1991. He takes his role in educating people to make sound and responsible financial decisions very seriously. That commitment doesn’t end when he leaves the office. Holt is active in educating both students and adults on financial matters. In this capacity, he has even served as a guest lecturer at Texas Tech University, where he taught a risk management class. For Holt, financial services isn’t just a career; it’s a way to make a difference. “The greatest joy in my career is helping people,” he says. “It is so rewarding to work with clients and get to know their hopes and dreams. To walk that journey with them, it is truly incredibly rewarding.”

Note: Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC (Supervisory Office: 6010 82nd St., Ste.100, Lubbock,Texas, 79424; 806-795-9393). Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. *Agency officers are not officers of MassMutual.

For additional information about MassMutual Southwest, go to www.southwest.massmutual.com, call 512-527-0671 or visit the office at 7600B N. Capital of Texas Highway, Ste. 340.

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A Locally Owned P harmacy Serving the Austin Area! We are your one-stop full service pharmacy specializing in: Traditional and hard to find medications Traditional Compounding: Pain Management Support, BHRT & more State of the art compounding facility Medication & Disease Management Consulting Accepting most insurances Free delivery on all compounds and traditional medications in the local area

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For more information or to transfer your prescription, call us at 512.693.4222 or visit us at www.stonegaterx.com

Stonegate Pharmacy at the Village Located in the Southwest Medical Village 5625 Eiger Rd, #150 Austin, TX 78735 M-F 8:30a - 6:30p Saturday and Sunday closed

Austin Child Guidance Center Presents

2015 Cross-Discipline Trauma Conference of Central Texas

March 30 & 31, 2015, Westin Austin at The Domain

Featuring Dr. Bruce D. Perry, The ChildTrauma Academy Dr. Vincent Felitti, Adverse Childhood Experience Study Dr. Ginny Sprang, Co-Chair NCTSN Secondary Traumatic Stress Committee Dr. Erica Miller, Psychologist, Author & Holocaust Survivor Register at traumaconference.ticketbud.com RODDY-HOLDEN FOUNDATION

MENTAL HEALTH

BODY TALK SEXUALITY AND BODY IMAGE BY BRAD KENNINGTON

SEX. It can make or break relationships. Author Fredrick Buechner likens sex to nitroglycerin: “It can be used to heal hearts or blow up bridges.” How we use it impacts our partner – and ourselves.

A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE GOES HAND-IN-HAND WITH A HEALTHY SEX LIFE. The quality of our sexual experiences has many variables. Our relationship and sexual history, the level of trust and safety we have with our partner and the willingness to talk openly and honestly

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

about our sexual desires can all influence the erotic encounter. But I believe one of the more powerful variables in the erotic equation is our body image, or the subjective view of our physical appearance based on our own observations and the reactions of others, including our sexual partner – especially our sexual partner. It is easy to hold ourselves (and our partners) to unrealistic standards. The advertising industry demands that we look a certain way before we can be considered desirable. Females must be thin. Males must be toned and muscular. If we buy into these ubiquitous messages hook, line and sinker, then we may sink our self-esteem and be well on our way to developing a negative body image, something that can definitely get in the way of a healthy sex life.

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For more information or to contact Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC, visit www. BradKennington.com.

How often do you look in the mirror and berate your body because you think you have too much here or not enough there? Those extra few pounds you (and everyone else) gained during the holidays or Mother Nature’s normal aging process can certainly impact the way we view our bodies. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look your best and be fit. I believe that mental health encompasses both physical and psychological fitness. But when this desire becomes an obsession and when we continue to constantly compare ourselves to those perfectly airbrushed images we see, we run the risk of losing balance, pulling back and not letting our sexual selves be fully alive and present with our partner. So what are some warning signs that you could be developing a negative body image? Consider the following: ►

Do you constantly think about your weight and/or body shape?

►

Do you weigh yourself multiple times a day?

►

Do you worry about what your last meal is doing to your body?

►

Do you fast or skip meals hoping to maintain a certain weight or body shape?

►

Do you exercise when you are ill or injured?

►

Do you exercise more than an hour every day simply to burn calories?

►

Do you find yourself excessively body checking (looking in mirrors or window reflections)?

►

Do you feel guilty or angry when you eat so-called “bad” foods?

The goal is not to strive for the so-called perfect body so that you can have perfect sex. Instead, relax and notice things about yourself and your imperfect partner – both physically and personality wise – that you already like, desire and find sexy. Talk to him or her about what you want sexually. Keep it creative and fun. A healthy body image goes hand-in-hand with a healthy sex life. And the first step? Learn to be comfortable in your own skin when that’s all you’re in. About the Author Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC, is a therapist in private practice in West Austin. He provides therapy to individuals, couples and families, and he specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety and sexual orientation issues. He is also an associate faculty and clinical supervisor at the Austin Family Institute. Because of his work, Kennington has been quoted by Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, and he has been interviewed on Huff Post Live and on satellite radio. A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

MENTAL HEALTH

A Person of

INSPIRATION

Meet Dr. Erica Miller, an author, a Holocaust survivor and a leader in mental health. BY RENÉE HANSON MALONE Two years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Erica Miller when she spoke at a Downtown Rotary Club of Austin meeting. Her talk captivated the entire audience, as this five-foot woman with 80-plus years had more energy than the average 12-year-old. What was her secret? She energized the crowd, as she had everyone laughing and some of us crying, carrying our emotions from one extreme to the other. From age 7 to 11, Miller and her family survived the trauma of being ripped from their home and detained in a Nazi holding camp in what is now the Ukraine. Fortunately, all of her family made it out alive, but the images of death, oppression and atrocities will never be erased from her mind. Miller’s resilience and fierce determination always shined through, especially after her family resettled in Israel. She was committed to graduating high school even though she lost many years of schooling during her formative years. She went on to serve in the Israeli Air Force and work for the Israeli Government Tourist Office. Miller made her place in the world during a time when historic gender disparities created significant obstacles for women. Her independent nature and fearlessness have made her a true survivor and innovator, which have contributed to her success. In 1959, Miller immigrated to Los Angeles, Calif., where she met and married her husband, Jerry Miller. Although she had two young children during a time when women traditionally stayed at home, Miller committed herself to higher learning and earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Later, she and her husband established multiple mental health clinics throughout Southern California, as well as a real estate management company in Austin, Texas. Miller then went on to write her autobiography entitled “Thanks for My Journey,” and began a successful career in motivational speaking. Her zest for life and her passion for living each moment to the fullest are contagious, and they inspire others to achieve greatness. I remember the first day I had the opportunity to meet privately with Miller in her Austin home. My intention was to ask her to be a keynote speaker at Austin

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MILLER MADE HER PLACE IN THE WORLD DURING A TIME WHEN HISTORIC GENDER DISPARITIES CREATED SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES FOR WOMEN.

Child Guidance Center’s 2015 Cross-Discipline Trauma Conference of Central Texas. We were hopeful that she might share her story of overcoming trauma from both a personal and clinical perspective. We were absolutely thrilled that she agreed. Since our first meeting, my relationship with Miller has grown tremendously. I read her book, and almost every time she is in Austin, we try to get together. I can honestly say she will probably never know how deeply her story has touched my life and has helped me come to terms with my own personal past trauma. She reminds everyone she meets how precious life is, and that it is truly a gift to live it! I recently received a call from Miller while she was in Los Angeles. She said, “Renée, darling, there are those people that come along in life that you have an immediate connection to. I can’t tell you why, but you and I share a special bond, and I want to acknowledge you in my next book that is soon to be released in 2015. It’s called ‘Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Do It. Living Audaciously in the Here and Now.’” Tears welled in my eyes. I had not realized that I meant as much to her as she does to me. Moreover, the title of her book is so befitting to her as an individual. She will succeed at anything she chooses, despite barriers, oppressors or age. She likes to say, “I plan on sticking around until the ripe old age of 104 or 124!” Don’t tell her she can’t do it! Miller reminds us of our history and our connection to humanity. It is truly an experience to hear her speak. On March 30 and 31, 2015, Dr. Erica Miller will be presenting at Austin Child Guidance Center’s 2015 Cross-Discipline Trauma Conference of Central Texas at the Westin Austin at the Domain. Drs. Bruce D. Perry, Vincent Felitti and Ginny Sprang, as well as many other recognized leaders within the field of trauma, will also be speaking. CEUs will be provided across multiple disciplines. For more information and tickets to Austin Child Guidance Center’s 2015 Cross-Discipline Trauma Conference of Central Texas, please visit www.traumaconference. ticketbud.com.

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

MENTAL HEALTH

SUCCESS OR DISAPPOINTMENT? Making New Year’s resolutions realistic and achievable

“LOSE 10 POUNDS IN 10 DAYS!” “Pay off your debt in just one month!” “Get in the best shape of your life with only 15 minutes per day!” Unfounded promises abound this time of year, targeting the desires of consumers to improve their lives in numerous ways and to provide the “miracle” we’ve all been waiting for. You simply just buy the product, right? Resolutions are easy to make, but more difficult to keep. The promises of weight loss lead the pack of advertisements enticing consumers to place their hopes in a particular product or method for a price. Many believe that with weight loss, the happiness they are looking for will finally be theirs. Taking a supplement, trying fad diets, rubbing cream on various body parts and sprinkling something on

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what you eat are highly suspect ways of achieving goals, and they are not supported by science. It was estimated in 2014 that consumers would spend approximately $66 billion on products and memberships aimed at weight loss, according to Marketdata Enterprises. Ninety-five percent of all dieters regain lost weight, and often, more weight within one to five years. The detrimental effects on metabolism from what can become “yo-yo” dieting leads to an individual’s body being unable to continue to lose weight as desired, and it results in stabilizing at even higher weights with each attempt at loss. Often, these types of efforts to control weight and obtain that “happiness” can lead to unhealthy behaviors, resulting in life-threatening eating disorders.

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BY DEBBIE RICHARDSON

Debbie Richardson, M.A., R.D., CEDRD, is a lead dietitian for the Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program.

Instead of seeing the New Year as a time to make sweeping character and body Note: References available upon request. changes, take the time to identify behaviors in the past year that you might want to focus on. From there, set small, attainable goals that span the whole year versus one or two major, overwhelming goals on Jan. 1. We often believe that change has to be big in order for it to matter. The reality is that for change to be effective and lasting, we need to work toward a goal one step at a time and see it as attainable and manageable. Resolutions and change are a process – not just a onetime effort. While weight-loss goals are the most popular resolution, here are some ways to improve the likelihood of success with any type of goal: ► Decide

if you are committed and willing to making a change. List the ways making this change will help you. ► Focus

on changing one behavior at a time, and be specific. Start small and simple. Undesirable behaviors didn’t occur overnight, so remind yourself that creating positive changes will require time. If you are successful at changing one behavior and maintaining that change, you are more likely to be able to incorporate additional positive changes ongoing. For example, eat one additional fruit and vegetable each day, or attend a debt management class. ► Write

down your plan, and list the specific actions needed in a certain period of time to achieve the goal (one to three months). ► Talk

about it, and involve trusted friends/family. This incorporates an accountability component, as well as a support system like joining a walking group or a smoking cessation group. ► If

you get off track, forgive yourself. Perfection is not possible. Mistakes are normal. Be careful not to get into the “all or nothing” thinking. Review your plan, make adjustments if needed and get back on track. ► Congratulate

yourself when goals are met.

Remember, as Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wisely said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Good luck!

About the Author Deborah Richardson has been counseling clients with eating disorders for 11 years, and she has been a lead dietitian at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders for five years. Besides eating disorders, Richardson’s experience includes designing and facilitating nutrition education programs that support behavioral and lifestyle modifications for optimal health, nutrition assessment and consultation in long-term care. She also has experience in the pharmaceutical research industry, assessing the effects of medications on weight loss and diabetes. In addition, Richardson is an instructor for a community college who has presented at conferences/organizations on a variety of nutrition topics. A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

he New Year is here, and this is the perfect time to start thinking about your health. Many of us want to lose weight or start an exercise program, but before we do, there are a few things we should keep in mind to make sure we stay healthy. Here’s a handy annual health care checklist to get you started.

Every year:

Get a checkup, even if you consider yourself a healthy adult. Important screening tests for diabetes, thyroid disease, lipid disorders, hepatitis, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency and anemia may be included in your standard blood work. Your doctor will select tests depending on factors like your age, whether or not you smoke, your weight or body mass index (BMI) and family history. If you don’t have a regular doctor, consider finding one who specializes in well health/preventive medicine. Routine visits help you establish a relationship with your doctor and can prevent illness. You’ll be screened for medical problems, become more aware of your disease risk and learn about healthy lifestyle choices. A checkup is also a great time to get your health

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

questions answered and to discuss concerns. Update your immunizations. Many healthy adults don’t realize the importance of preventing serious illnesses through vaccination. For example, even if you had a tetanus shot as a child, the vaccine must be updated every 10 years. Many adults also are not immunized against chicken pox, whooping cough, hepatitis, pneumococcus and meningococcus (the last two are causes of infections like meningitis and pneumonia). Check out the webpage for the Centers for Disease Control to see what you might be missing. Then follow up with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the right vaccines for you. Visit your gynecologist or general practitioner. Women, get your annual exam. All women should begin PAP screening at age 21 (not before), regardless of sexual activity. Sexually transmitted disease testing, including for HIV, is recommended for sexually active men and women of all ages. It is recommended that men get a digital rectal exam (DRE); this will help screen for prostate cancer, and it will also assist the doctor in identifying any other abnormalities such as hemorrhoids, etc. Make an appointment for a mammogram if you’re a woman age 50 or older – earlier if breast cancer screening has been recommended due to your family or health history.

GET A CHECKUP EVERY YEAR, EVEN IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A HEALTHY ADULT. Book an appointment for a colonoscopy if you’re a man or woman age 50 or older, or earlier if colorectal cancer screening has been recommended due to your family or health history. Once you have a normal colonoscopy, future screenings may only be necessary every five to 10 years. Alternatives to colonoscopy include barium enema, virtual colonoscopy and a stool DNA test. Discuss options with your doctor. If you’ve already completed these checkups, congratulate yourself on a healthy year, but keep on top of them for the next 12 months. If you’ve let these important visits slide, why not make yourself a priority and start this year with a clean bill of health? Monica Saavedra, MPH, MCHES, is the director of marketing and community relations for CommUnityCare.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION GUIDE/BIGSTOCK.COM

N E W Y E A R’ S R E S O LU T I O N GUIDE

BY MONICA SAAVEDRA

SPECIAL TO AUSTIN MD

For more information, call 512509-0200 or visit www.roundrock.sw.org.

Get enough sleep

If you’re trying to lose weight with diet and exercise, be sure to get a good night’s rest regularly. Individual needs vary, but most people require seven to eight hours of sleep each night to maintain maximum energy and allow muscles to recover from intense workouts. Research shows individuals who get fewer than four hours of sleep per night are 50 percent more likely to become overweight or obese than those who achieve adequate rest. People who rest and sleep adequately have better health, lower divorce rates, higher job satisfaction and fewer doctor visits, and they generally feel better.

Drink plenty of water “Water is one of the most essential nutrients in our bodies, and many people don’t know how much is enough,” Shelley says. Many misconceptions exist about how much water to consume each day. Aim for at least half of your body weight in ounces of water and other non-caffeinated fluids daily. Many people forget to replace the water from perspiration during exercise.

N E W Y E A R’ S R E S O LU T I O N GUIDE

f you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a promise to yourself that, now that the holidays are over, it’s time for a fresh start. For about 100 million Americans, that fresh start includes losing weight. For those wishing to drop a few pounds in 2015, the best way to start and stick with that journey is by establishing a healthy lifestyle. “Establishing a lifestyle including exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep can help you reach your fitness goals,” says Raynelle Shelley, registered dietitian at Scott & White Clinic – Round Rock. Shelley suggests eating a balanced diet of fresh, natural, whole foods. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contain vitamins and minerals, as well as other compounds such as antioxidants. “For those who don’t get enough vitamins and minerals through whole foods, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat, taking a vitamin and mineral supplement or eating fortified foods may be useful in reaching your daily requirement,” Shelley says. “But always talk to your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.”

Get a hearty breakfast

Start your day full of energy by taking a few minutes to eat a hearty breakfast. Whole-grain cereals (oatmeal or high-fiber cold cereal such as shredded wheat) or toast, fresh fruit, 1 percent milk or low-fat yogurt and a protein source (eggs, protein powder, cottage cheese or tofu) makes a balanced breakfast. This will help keep your energy steady throughout the day and decrease the potential for overeating later at night.

“WATER IS ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS IN OUR BODIES.” A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

ANTONIOGUILLEM/BIGSTOCK.COM

BY JON BLACK

A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

N E W Y E A R’ S R E S O LU T I O N GUIDE

MOBILE DEVICE APPS have given us more knowledge and control over own lives, all at our fingertips, than ever before. No aspect of life has been more transformed by apps than health, exercise and wellness. Here are eight apps we’re excited about for 2015.

The Austin360 App http://app.austin360.com

For the health and fitness conscious, Austin is a mixed blessing – there are many exciting things to do and many yummy things to eat. The Austin360 app lets you tilt the balance in favor of the former by ensuring you’ll always know what’s going on, from concerts and walks to sporting events.

Moves https://www.moves-app.com

This simple and elegant app combines a pedometer and a calorie counter. Simply by tracking the movement of your mobile device, the app will summarize your daily movement by foot or bike and convert that into a calculation of calories burned – all displayed on a convenient timeline.

CARROT Fit http://www.meetcarrot.com/fit

Cody https://www.codyapp.com

Cody is a multidimensional fitness app allowing users to use their mobile devices to access workout plans (from yoga to cardiovascular fitness to strength training) by top fitness coaches. Cody also includes a social media component, allowing users to share triumphs, ask questions and find like-minded workout buddies.

HealthyOut https://mobile.healthyout.com

Few things are a bigger headache than eating healthy when eating out. The HealthyOut app cuts through some of the confusion. It provides nutritional information and helps users find healthy options at restaurants. The app even identifies appropriate dishes for those on specific diets or with dietary restrictions.

Offered by iHealth, the MyVitals app empowers users to track key vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, weight, blood-glucose, blood-oxygenation and sleep-tracking in a single location. Users input vitals via iHealth devices while displayed results allow them to monitor progress in attaining goals.

Yummly http://www.yummly.com

N E W Y E A R’ S R E S O LU T I O N GUIDE

Let’s face it: When it comes to losing weight, some of us respond best to negative reinforcement. With the tagline, “Your Judgmental Fitness Overlord,” you know CARROT Fit is here to help. CARROT Fit combines weight-tracking and workout tips with harsh, critical observations to motivate users. Not an app for the delicate, but exactly what some of us need.

MyVitals http://www.ihealthlabs.com/mobile-apps

Yummly helps plan and prepare meals that are both healthy and high-quality. It allows people to search for healthy recipes and ingredients using multiple criteria. App users can save favorite recipes to a digital recipe box, create shopping lists and even get recipe suggestions based on user-inputted ingredients.

Zombie, Run! 3 https://www.zombiesrungame.com

If you have trouble finding the motivation to stick with your daily running routine, a pack of zombies at your heels may be just what you need. Combining real-life exercise with a videogame, this app uses real-time data collected from your workout to determine whether you’ve avoided the undead or become their latest meal. The app also includes features such as “zombie interval training” and allows users to use their own music in the game.

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MEDICAL

ASK THE

HYGIENIST

Top-notch hygienist Michelle Nicotre talks modern-day dental hygiene and its importance to overall health. BY: DR. MICHAEL MOOSSY DR. MICHAEL MOOSSY

AS A DENTAL HYGIENIST for 31 years, I have seen many changes in dentistry. Advancements in technology such as digital X-rays, the use of micro ultrasonic scalers, lasers and sonic toothbrushes are a few examples. We now use a variety of products such as fluoride varnish, calcium toothpastes, oral probiotics and site-specific antibiotics for preventing and treating decay and gum disease. For me, one of the biggest changes has been in how we educate our patients so they have not only good oral health, but optimal overall health. Over the past two decades, studies and research have shown a direct link between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, preterm and low birth weight babies, autoimmune diseases and many other systemic conditions. Take into consideration approximately 50 percent of adults in the United States are affected by periodontal infection (gum disease), thus leaving many vulnerable to other health issues. Medical professionals are also treating patients with their dental health in consideration. On a regular basis, we get referrals from cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, OB/GYNs and other specialists requesting their patients be screened and in good oral health before surgeries and during pregnancies. So when you make an appointment for your next dental cleaning, it will be about more than just your teeth. You should expect to have a thorough review of your medical history, including all medications and supplements, your blood pressure checked, an oral cancer exam, a screening for gum disease, appropriate radiographs and a dental exam.

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In addition, it is common to have laser bacterial reduction therapy performed prior to cleaning your teeth. This process greatly reduces the bacteria that may flood the bloodstream during the normal cleaning process, prevents cross contamination of infections in one area of your mouth to another and kills periodontal disease bacteria. The combination of these records and therapies helps us customize the recommendations and education we provide for getting you to good health. Although we specialize in dental health, our goal is to help you be in your best overall health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Moossy, please call 512459 5437 or go to www.drmoossy.com.

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I was having a meeting with my hygienist, Michelle Nicotre, the other day, and we were discussing modern-day hygiene and periodontal therapy. I was so impressed with what she was saying and the passion she has for her profession that I wanted to pass my submission to her this month to give you an insight from her perspective. I’ve had several hygienists among the years, and just like dentists, they are not equal. Nicotre is a notch above the rest – so much so that several doctors in the community send their spouses and family members to her.

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MEDICAL

EXTREMITY CARE

EHI offers several treatments and procedures that can help you improve your quality of life this year and in the years to come. BY: LEAH THOMPSON

IT IS A NEW YEAR, and EHI has some suggestions to improve the quality of your life this year and in the years to come. Nobody likes putting up with a nagging pain that interferes with daily activities, and at least for pain in the extremities, we may be able to help. In the upper extremities, we can help with: ◆ Carpal tunnel syndrome: We offer endoscopic carpal tunnel decompression. ◆ Trigger finger: We offer endoscopic correction. ◆ Wrist arthritis: We offer endoscopic procedures to lessen the amount of tissue interruption. In the lower extremity, we can help with: ◆ Bunions and corns: We offer help many times using minimal incision techniques. ◆ Ankle pain: We offer arthroscopic procedures. ◆ Diabetic nerve pain: We offer the latest techniques.

EHI HAS A STATE-OF-THEART SURGERY CENTER WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT. 64

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EHI has a state-of-the-art surgery center with the most up-to-date equipment and a professional staff that offers a unique outpatient surgical experience that we believe is unequaled.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

The WHOLE Picture LIMB LOSS can be a tragic and devastating experience for the lives of those affected by lower limb amputation. A whirlwind of events floods the individual, testing the physical and emotional limits of a lifetime. Of all these considerations, the concept of “moving forward” or beyond this change can be a dismaying and overwhelming challenge. Pre-prosthetic care Of all the processes associated with amputee rehab, pre-prosthetic care provided by a physical therapist can initiate a stable foundation for future progress and optimal prosthetic fit. Regardless of this elemental status, pre-prosthetic care is too often disregarded. An optimal pre-prosthetic plan revolves around instilling surgical wound healing and decreasing the sensitivity or phantom pain of your residual

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BY: DR. SHELLEY GILLIS

limb, along with shaping the remaining limb to ensure ideal prosthetic fit. Additionally, the time before receiving

OUR BODIES ARE INCREDIBLY GOOD AT COMPENSATING AND TEND TO “TAKE THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE” WHENEVER POSSIBLE. your prosthesis is an excellent opportunity to improve strength and cardiovascular health to promote the necessary endurance for gait

training with your future prosthesis. Depending on additional elements concerning your individual case, your therapist may also need to improve your range of motion in the remaining joints (hip, knee and/or ankle) or even on your sound (intact) limb. Determinants of prosthetic design Receiving your prosthesis is an exciting time that reveals multiple choices for optimal prosthetic foot and knee selections. When determining the best selection, a collaboration between your physical therapist and your prosthetist will include a balance between your current and aspired abilities with your prosthesis. To determine the best option, both professions will consider your balance, strength and personal motivation, and they may refer to a K-level, or activity level.

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Moving forward after limb loss

This label may determine which prosthetic components match your desired goals for therapy and future proficiency with a prosthesis. However, with the assistance of physical therapy, this K-level has the potential to change or improve, allowing for additional prosthetic design options. Once the most beneficial components are selected, your physical therapist will alter the focus of your treatments to consider a return to walking with progression to level and unlevel surfaces (stairs, ramps and curbs, along with outdoor elements). Associated orthopedic conditions As your rehab continues to progress, you may begin to notice changes occurring in the remaining joints of your residual limb, your intact limb or even your low back. With time, these changes can even lead to pain, making it difficult to wear your prosthesis. These conditions can typically be treated through various means, beginning with the prosthetist to ensure optimal fit (whether you have experienced weight change or if the prosthesis has “worn out” over several years of wear). After

confirming desirable fit, patients may need to consider returning to their physical therapist to assist in managing their pain with mobility. Our bodies are incredibly good at compensating and tend to “take the path of least resistance” whenever possible. Following an extended period of time with these “undesirable habits,” unwarranted stress may occur to various joints of the body. Your physical therapist is trained to notice these common compensations and is capable of evaluating areas of weakness, along with noting potential “stiffened” areas that may have been avoided during your time as an amputee. Manual therapy, or “hands-on therapy,” can isolate these specific restrictions and help improve gait patterns and reduce low back, sound limb or residual limb pain. Looking at the whole picture, amputee rehab consists of a large spectrum of treatment from physical to emotional well-being that spans across multiple health care disciplines. Great care will provide favorable and functional outcomes that blend cohesive treatments to ultimately bridge the gap that currently exists in limb loss rehabilitation.

Shelley Gillis, P.T., DPT, is a doctor of physical therapy and an amputee rehabilitation specialist. For more information, visit Texas Physical Therapy Specialists at 1212 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. E, in Austin, Texas, or call the practice at 512-670-3238.

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HEALTH

ANGELS AMONG US ACCEPTING HELP FROM OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS

“A BOOK OF ANGELS,” by Sophie Burnham, came out in 1990, and it was wildly popular. It started a trend on angel stories, angel pins, angel decorations, angel everything for a few years. The book features a variety of stories from both adults and children who tell about guardian angels and angels who unexpectedly help out in a time of need. Here is my angel story. In college, I received a scholarship to study abroad for year. Not having traveled much at the time, I stayed up late into the night trying to figure out how to pack for an entire year. I was supposed to leave in the afternoon the next day, but an airline traffic controller strike changed those plans drastically. At 9 a.m., standing in a towel with wet hair, I had just 30 minutes to finish getting dressed and packed before the only flight of the day that would get me from Texas to New York to meet up with the other students in my group was leaving.

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And it took 20 minutes to get to the airport. dismay. How was I going to carry all of my The last thing I grabbed on my way out the overstuffed bags, get them onto a bus and find door was a piece of sheet music I was play- my way to the other terminal? ing at the time – the Toccata in E flat minor That’s when a woman walked up to me, by Aram Khachaturian – just in case I had looked down at my bags and said,” Is that the the opportunity to play Khachaturian Toccata?” a piano in the long year “Um, yes,” I muttered SOMETIMES, ahead. I had played piabewilderedly, wonderno forever and couldn’t ing how she knew the WE ARE THE imagine a year without name of the sheet music DROWNING making music. I stuffed peeking out of my carPERSON. HELP it in the outside pockry-on bag. IS OFFERED TO et of my carry-on and “That’s my favorite US AGAIN AND rushed off. piece,” she said happiAGAIN, AND WE I had never been to ly. “Can I help you? Do DON’T TAKE IT. New York’s John F. Kenyou need to get on a bus? nedy Airport. Much to Here – let me show you my dismay, I arrived at one large terminal, where you need to go.” picked up all of my bags and discovered I This stranger picked up one of my heavy had to be at a different terminal to check in bags, took my arm and walked me outside to for an international flight. I looked around in the bus. She told me where to get off, and told

IMAGESBAVARIA/BIGSTOCK.COM

BY CAROL ZERNIAL

the driver to let me know when we had reached my stop. Then she disappeared. I was so grateful, but I didn’t really think about it much until I read “A Book of Angels.” That woman must have been my guardian angel. I just knew it. As caregivers, there are so many times when we have to rush to take care of a crisis. We’re plunging into a place or a situation where we haven’t been before, and in which we don’t really know where we’re going or what we’re doing. We have too much to carry. We feel overwhelmed. How are we going to do this? We have so far to go. There’s a joke about a man who is caught in a terrible flood, hanging onto the roof of his home. A man in a rowboat comes by and tells him to get in. The man says, “No, God will save me.” The water rises, and now the man is standing on top of his roof. Another man in a motorboat comes by and tells him to get in. The man shakes his head and says, “No, God will save me.” The water rises more, and the man is now grasping the top of his chimney. A helicopter buzzes overhead, and he hears a voice yell down to grab hold of the ladder. The man shakes his head. “No, God will save me.” The floodwaters sweep the man away, and he drowns. He arrives in heaven, where he meets God, and says, “Why did you let me drown?” God simply says, “I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat and a helicopter. What else did you expect me to do?” Sometimes, we are the drowning person. Help is offered to us again and again, and we don’t take it. We’re looking for a sign. We’re looking for some other type of help. Perhaps we’re looking for our guardian angel to come down in a blaze of light. But maybe that’s not the way it works. It may be just a cheerful voice from someone we’ve never met before, offering to help. Now, I don’t know if the woman at the airport was a real angel, was encouraged to help me by divine intervention or was just a helpful person who saw someone in need. It doesn’t matter. I was so glad that she came my way, and so glad I let her help.

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Carol Zernial is the vice president of community relations for WellMed Medical Management and the executive director of the nonprofit WellMed Charitable Foundation. A noted gerontologist, Zernial also serves as chair of the National Council on Aging Board of Directors.

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HEALTH

RESOLUTION:

How to make measurable resolutions for improved health and wellness in the New Year

t’s that time of year. The party’s over, the guests have gone home, the decorations put away for another year and there you sit, thinking, contemplating, working on all those intended changes you will make in the coming year. Maybe your list is full of scribbled ideas and plans, maybe it’s still a blank canvas waiting for you to pull the trigger and make some change in your life. Consider with me the very real possibility that you could achieve remarkably improved health and wellness this year, right now in 2015. Write this down: I will improve my health and wellness this year. I will develop a plan of action and measure the results of my efforts. That’s it; you’ve got the health resolution nailed for this year. Now comes the somewhat harder part: Just what does that mean? Let’s work through a few simple steps to start you on your way to improved health and wellness in 2015. There are some basics about any resolution you may come up with. The more specific the better and if you can measure the before and after results of your efforts you can see your progress toward your goal and actually know when you have achieved the completion of your resolution. A classic would be “I’m going to lose 10 pounds by Valentine’s Day.” Or

“I’m going to run and complete the Austin Capitol 10K.” These are great goals that are measurable and definable, but not necessarily comprehensive enough to meet our resolution of improved health and wellness. In your quest for improved health and wellness, you need to focus on several big categories. These are where the rewards lie; focus your attention here, and you will meet your goals. Health and wellness first lies in improved heart function and reduction of cardiovascular risk: better circulation, better blood pressure control and reduction of risk factors for heart attack and stroke. This first goal is for those of all ages. Next, if you are over 40, you need to consider the proper balance of your hormones. And lastly, for those of any age, you need to optimize your nutritional status. Where to begin? Remember that to be really effective, your resolution must be measurable so you need to start with a comprehensive medical survey. This could involve a physical exam if you have not had one in the last year and it could involve certain cancer screening tests like a mammogram or colonoscopy. While those tests are important, they are also screening for diseases that have already happened and we’re talking about preventing illness and improving your current health.

HORMONES AFFECT MULTIPLE ORGAN SYSTEMS AND THE OVERALL VIGOR OF OUR MUSCLES, METABOLISM AND SEXUALITY.

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BY DR. DAVID L. SNEED

So our focus will be on the remarkable testing opportunities that are now readily available to evaluate our level of risk for certain health issues. By understanding where our health is currently, we can make plans and take the needed steps to really change this year. Advanced biomarker blood testing is available through a number of laboratories (Health Diagnostic Laboratories, Boston Heart Diagnostics) and, in most cases, covered by health insurance. This testing can offer an insight into your health like never before. Statistics show that as many as 40 percent of high-risk cardiovascular markers go undetected without the use of these powerful laboratory methods. Looking deeper at blood cholesterol measures and additional genetic markers may give you a heads-up as to increased risk of blood clots and heart disease are just some of the tests that provide a more complete and personal view of an individuals real health status. With this added information, you can then make the needed changes to prevent serious illness, even altering your genetic potential through epigenetics, which prevents the expression of certain harmful genetic traits. Hormone levels can be directly tested and balanced through proper treatments and restored to younger, more vigorous levels. The benefits of proper hormone balance are substantial for men and women, and failure to address these important elements of good health are often a cause of failing health and

vitality. Hormones affect multiple organ systems, including the heart and brain, as well as the overall vigor of our muscles, metabolism and sexuality. Measure hormone levels, then you can manage the symptoms and optimize the functioning of the body. Nutritional status is so much more than just being at an ideal body weight. Over-nutrition from a caloric standpoint is all too common, but under-nutrition is, as well. The modern diet and lifestyle of pre-prepared, processed foods coupled with modern agricultural practices which have introduced less nutrient dense foods and a large number of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has resulted in an epidemic of under-nourished food choices that are typically very high in sugar and carbohydrates. This is fueling our national problem of obesity, and its consequence of increasing numbers of diabetics at younger and younger ages. Fortunately, you can now measure the precise levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants in your body, eliminating the guesswork of trying to supplement without testing.

Depending on your age, individual risk factors and personal symptoms, you may need additional cardiovascular testing. Fortunately, there are many non-invasive testing methods now available that precisely evaluate cardiac health and aerobic capacity and provide a reasonable starting point to begin a safe and effective exercise program to strengthen and protect your heart. Testing can actually quantify the age of your blood vessels, and other office tests can measure the health and function of your blood vessels, as well as the level of nitric oxide, which can support excellent vascular health. As a country, America cannot afford the tidal wave of poor health brought on by a population that is almost 70 percent overweight/obese, and we will drown in health care expenditure when we have more than 100 million diabetics by the year 2050. But today, in the early days of 2015, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really all about you and your own personal resolution for improved health and wellness.

REMEMBER THAT GOOD HEALTH IS NOT AN ALL-OR-NONE PROPOSITION.

Happy New Year, and best wishes on your quest for a healthier and prosperous 2015.

Resolution action steps 1/ Measure your current health status with advanced biomarker testing, genetic testing, hormone levels if needed and detailed specifics on the nutritional status of your body right now. 2/ Begin a therapeutic plan with your physician to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, determine your current heart status, balance your hormones and optimize your individual nutrition needs. 3/ Retest to ensure progress and further refine your efforts to improve your overall health and wellness this year. 4/ Start now, and remember that good health is not an all-or-none proposition. Small incremental steps headed in the right direction can achieve huge benefits both now and in the future.

David L. Sneed, D.O., FAAFP, practices medicine in Austin,Texas, with an emphasis on preventive health and anti-aging medicine. He is a recognized expert in this field by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Visit www.ausfp.com for more information. A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

HEALTH

USE IT OR LOSE IT The importance of paying attention to your hearing in day-to-day communication

he rustling of wind through the trees, the fullness of the Austin Symphony as the piccolos and flutes chase the violins, the punch line of a joke during cocktail hour and the dramatic declaration during the cliffhanger of “Downtown Abbey”: All of these sounds we take for granted until they are not there or have been gradually taken away due to hearing loss. Because the onset of hearing loss is typically a slow, gradual decline in sensitivity, active individuals may not realize more and more listening situations may be harder to understand as each year passes. Often in counseling sessions with an audiologist, the patient with hearing loss realizes that people aren’t actually mumbling, but rather, the inability to hear certain frequencies or pitches of people’s voices makes the clarity of words diminish. Frustration with hearing loss can build and lead to resentment or even regression from family members or coworkers, especially when there is background noise or poor acoustics during communication. National statistics show that on average, it takes an individual five to seven years from the onset of hearing loss before one seeks treatment for the loss. One stark realization is the fact that our inner ear hearing nerves, or hair cells, work on a “use it or lose it” philosophy, like most nerves in our body. If you are not stimulating those small hair cells, they forget how to fire the proper sound or signal up to the brain, and the brain can forget how to use certain sound information if deprived for too many years.

With more than 32 million Americans diagnosed with hearing loss, it is no surprise that people are getting baseline screenings and becoming more aware of the importance of good hearing in their day-to-day communication. Furthermore, advanced hearing Dr. Soriya Estes is a well-known Central Texas solutions are making hearing aids audiologist and a guest no longer a burden, but a great professor at the University enhancement to active lifestyles. of Texas-Austin, where she With options such as Bluetooth also serves on the UTwireless capability and extended Austin Moody College of Communication Advisory wear devices that are 100 percent Counsel. Estes Audiology invisible, there are even more reacurrently has offices sons to stay active with communiin the communities of cation and avoid frustration with Austin, New Braunfels and social and work situations. Boerne. Offering only the latest technology solutions, Many private health insurances assessing communication are beginning to have coverage not needs of each patient’s only for the diagnostic assessment lifestyle and employing of hearing function, but also the highly trained, servicerecommended digital hearing aid oriented professionals, Estes Audiology is becoming the solutions. hearing health care provider As we kick off a new year of of choice in Central Texas. changes, improvements in quality of life and just overall ease of dayto-day living, it makes sense to investigate the solutions that are best for gaining back the sounds that life has to offer.

For more information, please visit www.hearlifeagain.com.

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BY DR. SORIYA ESTES

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Mr. M, multiple sclerosis and a sweet story to start the New Year BY: DR. AVINASH RAMCHANDANI

I NORMALLY FILL THIS COLUMN with nutrition advice, ways you can help your pain or ways I can help your pain. This column, however, is a story about a patient who has experienced a complete turnaround in his life due to a small intervention. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that can affect many different types of people. It can have almost no effect on a person’s life, but more often, it has devastating effects on one’s life and lifestyle. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, causing patients to have difficulty with their body communicating with their brain and vise-versa. It actually can cause patients to have severe spasticity, where their bodies are in such spasms that they cannot control those parts. From difficulty thinking to severe pain to significant mobility issues, MS can destroy one’s ability to live a normal life. I have seen patients in all stages of the disease, from fully functional to unable to move around (even with a wheelchair). Although I have helped many MS patients, one of these patients is extremely special to me, as the difference I made in his life changed his and his family’s life unbelievably. I first saw Mr. M in July of last year. Multiple other physicians had seen him, and although he had been diagnosed with MS, his condition continued to deteriorate. Mr. M was

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initially walking without help, then he was walking with a cane and eventually, he was in a wheelchair. He had severe spasms of his face and body and could not speak as a normal person would. He sounded, unfortunately, very disabled almost to the point that he had a mental disorder. He was sad and in pain. The way people may have seen him and the way he felt about it must have made his situation even worse. Mr. M was diagnosed with MS in 2008 when he was 42, and he had recurring episodes in 2011 and 2012, which left him in his then-current shape. Not able to work, he was barely able to function and he was extremely depressed. I saw him, and, as a pain physician, I treated his pain. I realized that the MS had caused such severe spasticity and spasms that he was in pain due to the spasms rather than any mechanical issue. I was wondering why no other physician realized that Mr. M had severe spasticity. He wasn’t even on any medication for spasms. I was shocked. I then referred Mr. M to Dr. Joe Urquidez, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation including the treatment of MS, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (spasticity is a large part of each). Urquidez treated Mr. M’s spasticity with a baclofen pump trial. Mr. M was encouraged, as his legs moved better with the trial.

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HEALTH

SEEING A PATIENT TRANSFORM FROM COMPLETE DEPENDENCE TO WALKING AROUND WITHOUT ASSISTANCE HAPPENS ONLY A FEW TIMES IN A PHYSICIAN’S LIFE. Soon after, he was referred to Dr. Anant Patel (neurosurgery) for the baclofen pump implant. As he recovered from the implant and more baclofen was injected into his body, Mr. M suddenly discovered walking again – without a cane. Now Mr. M is able to walk into the grocery store and do his daily chores with much more ease. Although MS still affects his life, as he still has some difficulty walking long distances and he still has some pain, he is able to do most daily activities without using any assistance from devices or other people. What is remarkable about this story is the fact that Mr. M had seen about 10 physicians before he saw me. Seeing a patient transform from complete dependence to walking around

without assistance is something that happens only a few times in a physician’s life. I was happy to witness this, and happy to help this young man. When I saw him walking, tears filled my eyes and I gave him a hug. We were all smiles. Mr. M still has MS and many disabilities, and his condition may continue to deteriorate, but I’m just happy I could be part of his life and make his life a little bit better for however long it lasts. I will leave you all with a quote from Mr. M’s blog: “I have been using a wheelchair for almost two years and could walk just over a dozen feet. I cannot remember the last time I considered jumping, running or even dancing with my beautiful wife. My daily pain level

was a six or seven even while on heavy pain medications. My speech was affected, and even communicating for an hour would often tire me out for several more hours. A simple email could take one to four hours to create, and my typing speed had been reduced by over 90 percent. “Two weeks ago, this very post may have taken me two full weeks to complete with many more errors. Showering was enough to fatigue me for several hours. I even regularly missed church strictly because of fatigue. My persona had been diminished by disease symptoms: extreme spasticity, medication side effects and chronic, debilitating pain. Each day, my world got smaller and smaller. “There is just something about miracles that causes others to take notice (in disbelief) and the recipient to tell the story … my world is expanding moment by moment and my loving sister is joyful!” For more information, email CareTeam@PainCareTX. com, call 512-326-5440 or visit Pain Care Physicians online at www.paincarephysicians.com.

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dining

BY AMANDA SPRAGUE

LABOR OF

LOVE

Executive Chef Iliana de la Vega brings us a delightful departure from the Tex-Mex cuisine we all know and love at El Naranjo restaurant and bar.

l Naranjo restaurant and bar, located on Rainey Street, serves traditional Mexican food that’s a true labor of love for Executive Chef and Owner Iliana de la Vega. All of the food is scratch made from the masa and the tortillas to the bread, the salsa and the moles, and it incorporates many rich traditions of Mexican cooking that closely resemble what de la Vega did at her first internationally acclaimed restaurant located in Oaxaca. Though a departure from the Tex-Mex cuisine we all know and love, the flavors of the traditional “family house” cooking are delightful. There are also many options for vegetarian and vegan diners. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner and Sunday brunch.

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“Oaxaca is known as the land of moles, and mole amarillo is a unique and rare concoction. Locally, we use rare chiles native to the area, but it can be wonderful, too, if using guajillo chiles instead. For many people, a mole is a spicy and chocolaty sauce, which is serious misconception for the moles that contain a trace of chocolate, but mole amarillo contains no chocolate. It is savory and delicious. Our moles are always vegetable based, and we give options for proteins such as chicken or duck breast, shrimp, pork chop or vegetables. Mole amarillo is very good with any seafood or fish.” – Chef Iliana de la Vega cook the green beans al dente. Remove and immerse in an ice bath. Season the shrimp with salt; heat the olive oil in a sauté pan, and sauté the shrimp until done. Garnish the mole amarillo with rajas de chile con limón, and serve with white rice and warm corn tortillas.

(4 portions) Ingredients: 2 green tomatoes, large 10 tomatillos 1/2 white onion 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled 2 chiles anchos, wiped clean, with seeds and veins removed 4 chiles chilcostles,* wiped clean, with seeds and veins removed 4 chiles chilhuacles amarillos,* wiped clean, with seeds and veins removed 4 chiles costeños amarillos,* wiped clean, with seeds and veins removed 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 8 black peppercorns 4 cloves, whole 1/2 cup masa harina flour 1/2 bushel cilantro, fresh, tied in a bundle 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 chayote 1/4 pound green beans Salt to taste 24 shrimp, 13/15 peeled and deveined 1 tablespoon olive oil Garnish 1 Rajas de Chile con Limón recipe Instructions: Gently dry roast the chiles on a comal or skillet, and set over medium heat for a few seconds until aromatic. Soak the chiles in hot water for 15 minutes, drain and set aside. Dry roast the green tomatoes, tomatillos and onion on a comal or skillet over medium heat. Keep turning until soft and blistered (about 15 minutes). Dry roast the garlic separately over low heat. When brown spots appear on the papery skin, remove the garlic and discard the skin.

*Note: These rare Oaxacan chiles can be substituted with guajillo chiles.

In a small skillet, dry roast the black pepper, cloves and cumin until fragrant. Puree the chiles in the blender, adding water as needed, to form a smooth puree. Pass the chile puree through a fine mesh strainer, and set aside. In same blender, puree the dry roasted vegetables and spices with water, as needed, to form a smooth puree. Pass through a small mesh sieve and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low, and add and fry the chile puree until most of the liquid evaporates and you can see the bottom of the pan when scraped, and the oil rises to the top. Add the pureed mixtures, and stir occasionally until reduced over medium heat. Once the mole covers the back of a spoon and you can see the bottom of the pan when scraped, add 2 cups of water. In a small bowl, mix half a cup of the masa with 1 cup of water. The mixture should be very smooth – no lumps. Add the masa mixture to the mole in a steady stream, stirring constantly while pouring. Cook the mole for 5 minutes, add the cilantro and season with salt. In a medium saucepan, bring 2-and-a-half quarts of water to a boil. Add salt to taste, and cook the chayotes until they turn bright green (about 5 minutes). Remove and immerse the chayotes in an ice bath. Remove the core, and slice lengthwise. In the same boiling water,

Ingredients: 3 Anaheim chiles* 1 jalapeño chile 12 pearl onions, white, quartered 3/4 cup fresh lime juice fresh 1 teaspoon dried marjoram dried 1 teaspoon dried oregano dried Salt to taste Instructions: Roast the chiles over the flame, peel the chiles, remove and discard the seeds and stems and slice them lengthwise. Transfer the chiles to a non-reactive bowl, add the remaining ingredients, season with salt and marinate for at least two hours prior to serving. *Note: The rajas will keep in the refrigerator for two days. *Note: We traditionally use chile de agua, which is not available in the United States.

For more information, visit www.elnaranjo-restaurant.com/site.

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