Austin MD Nov/Dec 2015

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 MUSICIAN DATING OVER

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AUSTIN’S NEWEST

japanese hotspot

SERVES UP A SAVORY AND HEALTHY SKEWERED RECIPE

THERE’S NO STOPPING

MACK BROWN! In an exclusive interview this local philanthropist and college football analyst shares how he keeps a healthy and active outlook well after retirement years

CHARLIE MARS

shares his secrets on how to stay healthy both on and off the road

THE SENIOR HEALTH ISSUE 60 AND OVER HAS NEVER LOOKED BETTER HEARING LOSS AND HOW THIS SILENT IMPAIRMENT IS EFFECTING OUR SENIOR POPULATION GET GLOWING THIS HOLIDAY SEASONS WITH THESE SIMPLE

TWEAKS AND TIPS

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AUSTIN M DM AGAZINE NOV EM B ER / D ECEMBER 2015

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PUBLISHER

Angela Strickland EDITOR

Nicole Carbon ART DIRECTOR

Elisa Giordano

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Davina Bruno

WEB DESIGNER

Brandon Tipton

PHOTOGRAPHER

Steve Dement

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Jake Harding Malena Manning Samantha Schak

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

22 COVER STORY

Learn how Mack Brown continues his career with college football and about his upcoming fundraising event with other Austin-based celebrities

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16 MUSIC

Charlie Mars rocks back into Austin with a new album and his secrets to staying healthy

26 SENIOR HEALTH

Learn how to live a full and purposeful life after retirement

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06 10 14 21 36 38 40 44 50 56 60 62

EVENTS LOCAL LIFESTYLE MUSIC SENIOR HEALTH SENIOR HEALTH SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY HEALTH PROFILES MOBILE MEDICINE MENTAL HEALTH HEALTH & BEAUTY DINING

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Darin Back Photography Steve Dement Winston Lackey Robert Jacob Lerma Krystal Malloy Justin Minsker Jennie Trower Photography Cover photo: Getty Images

www.AustinMDmagazine.com

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

Copyright © by Green Iceberg Publications LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dating after 60 doesn’t have to be daunting with these simple tips by a matchmaking expert

DEPARTMENTS

Jon Black Dr. Phyllis Books John Branham Davina Bruno Nicole Carbon Omar Dyess Soriya M. Estes Sam Jackson Kyle Jerome Tony Lauretta Dr. Shirat Ling Julia McCurley Bob Pena Monica Saavedra Katherine Voss

Raising the Standard of Spine Care in Austin Austin NeuroSpine is at the forefront of minimally invasive, innovative techniques used to correct and repair spinal disorders.

To learn more about Dr. Vasudevan who brings a combination of surgical skills and a top academic background to every patient he sees visit,

www.austinneurospine.com

5300 BEE CAVE ROAD | BUILDING 1, SUITE 220 | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Where fitness and nutrition come together.

The Shops at Riverplace 10601 Ranch Road 2222, Suite P Austin, TX 78730 Phone: 512.906-2263 www.urfitwellnesscenter.com

THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST HERE AND WE AT AUSTIN MD ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING 2015 HAS BROUGHT US, AND ARE EXCITED ABOUT EVERYTHING ON THE HORIZON FOR 2016.

With this issue, we wanted to focus on Austin’s active seniors; this group is redefining our old ideas of what it means to be over 60 by staying in the workplace longer, staying physically active, and expanding horizons for what you can do, and be, after retirement.

We were proud to interview Mack Brown, one of Austin’s most beloved over-60 citizens. He let us know why giving back is important and shared the most valuable piece of advice he’s ever received. With this issue we learned some things too, one is what a big issue isolation still is in the senior population, even in an active city like Austin; some people still lack those social connections that are vital to good mental health. With this in mind, Austin MD will be making a big announcement soon with a Senior Health Fair aimed at bringing Austin’s active seniors together and letting them know of all the groups, services, etc., that are available to them.

We’ve enjoyed putting this issue together and hope that you stay well through the holidays, thanks Austin!

PUBLISHER /CEO

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EVENTS

Austin Child Guidance Center

On Saturday, September 26, 2015, the Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) hosted the 4th Annual Austin Originals Benefit Concert and Live Taping presented by H-E-B Tournament of Champions with performances by Tameca Jones and NuJazzSwing. Emcee, Robert Hadlock of KXAN News, welcomed over 500 attendees at the Austin Music Hall and the benefit featured a successful live auction by Victoria Pineda. The agency awarded Mary Wilbur and Robin Rosell the 4th Annual Phyllis Richards Austin Icon for Children Award for their amazing work in our community. Honorary Co-Chairs, BA Snyder and Danae Falvo, did an extraordinary job in growing the event with a substantial increase in sponsorships and donations. The evening raised $332,631, which will be directed toward the agency’s mental health services for low-income families.

PHOTOS BY JENNIE TROWER PHOTOGRAPHY

Mexic-Arte

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, the Mexic-Arte Museum presented Gala del Museo, with the debut of Catrina Ball, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Gala del Museo is a spirited fundraising event that reminisces the past and recognizes our present accomplishments in visual art and culture. The event benefits Mexic-Arte Museum’s exhibition and education programs. This year marked the debut, in grand fashion, of the Catrina Ball, a blacktie masquerade event in celebration of Mexico’s beloved La Catrina.

PHOTOS BY KRYSTAL MALLOY

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Adam Loewy Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorney Car Crashes Bicycle Crashes Drunk Driving Crashes Child Injuries

512.280.0800 www.LoewyLawFirm.com

FREE CASE REVIEW

Boating Accidents Motorcyle Accidents Slip and Fall Injuries Other Serious Injuries A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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EVENTS

RALLYING AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

The Annual Harvest Classic Motorcycle Rally benefits Any Baby Can’s Candlelighters program BY: JOHN BRANHAM

during hospital and home-based treatments.

The Harvest Classic bolsters our ability to serve those families.”

During the rally’s festivities, memory quilts of Candlelighters’ clients who have passed away are proudly displayed to remind attendees why this cause needs heightened awareness and support. “We are proud to show off the memory quilts,” says Harvest Classic Committee Chair Tim Bailey. “They serve us as a reminder of what we’re gathering for, amidst all the fun and great bikes, and what we’re working toward – and that’s an end to all pediatric cancers.”

More than 50 individuals and local companies sponsor the two-day event, donating

For more information visit, www.anybabycan.org.

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silent auction items and providing live entertainment, food, and activities. The generosity of these sponsors allows all proceeds from the event to directly benefit Candlelighters.

“Thank you to the Harvest Classic

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANY BABY CAN

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he 13th Annual Harvest Classic European and Vintage Motorcycle Rally benefiting Any Baby Can’s Candlelighters Childhood Cancer program was held Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. Since its inception in 2003, the Harvest Classic has raised more than a half a million dollars directly benefiting childhood cancer patients and their families.

A group of friends, known as the Central Texas Motorcycle Charities, started the rally in 2003 in memory of Emma Duke. Emma’s parents, Russell and Kathy, received Candlelighters services when their four-year-old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. The Dukes, and all other Harvest Classic participants, are committed to raising funds and awareness of childhood cancer.

“You never forget losing a child,” says Russell Duke, “but we are able to honor Emma’s memory and all Candlelighters has done for us during the Harvest Classic. It’s our hope that through the rally, and events like it, we support the fight so eventually families don’t have to face childhood cancer at all.”

The rally, which features bike shows, trials, live auctions, raffles, and other motorcycle-themed activities, brings bike enthusiasts with a passion together to help fight pediatric cancer each October in Luckenbach, Texas. This year’s rally included a performance by the nationally-renowned Fort Worth band, The Toadies, and a raffle of three vintage 1970s bikes.

All proceeds benefit Any Baby Can’s Candlelighters Childhood Cancer program, which provides services to ensure no family walks through cancer alone. Candlelighters serves families of newborn children through age 20 with home or hospital-based services spanning from diagnosis throughout treatment during times of crisis; and can continue when the child is off-treatment. The program also offers family events that provide a place for families to meet, have fun, and support each other. Since 2000, Any Baby Can’s Candlelighters program has served 665 clients.

“We are tremendously grateful for the hard work the Harvest Classic accomplishes for our Candlelighters Childhood Cancer program,” says Any Baby Can President and CEO Andy Miller. “Families can never be prepared to face pediatric cancer, but we strive to match each family with the resources and support they need to make it through the journey. Our case managers and staff walk alongside families

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Committee and the event sponsors for making this great event possible,” says Miller. “We are thrilled to see the camaraderie and believe this work will help us serve more families better than ever before.”

For a full list of sponsors, visit www.anybabycan.org/oursupporters. The 2015 Harvest Classic Sponsors include: MEDIA SPONSORS Austin Chronicle Ride Texas Magazine PLATINUM SPONSORS Alamo Drafthouse Fred and Maggie Beck Ducati Austin Lone Star BMW/Triumph Mike & Victoria Pawlowski Opal Divine’s Wells Fargo Bank Randy Voet and Ron Watkins Rick and Becke Martin Triumph Motorcycles Luckenbach Texas Whittington & Co.

TITANIUM SPONSORS Austin Moto Classics Blue Moon Glassworks Central Texas Trials Association Central Texas Powersports David Omer Photography Central Texas Auction Services Gregg & Robi Holt Magnolia Cafe MotoReady Press Corps Printing Revival Cycles Sign Effects

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Licensed Insured Agent

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HealthMarkets Insurance Agency is the d/b/a, or assumed name, of Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. which is licensed as an insurance agency in all 50 states and the District of columbia. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products.

Service and product availability varies by state.

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Local Lifestyle

FHA REVERSE MORTGAGES FOR SENIORS Find out if this mortgage option is right for you

BY OMAR DYESS

THE HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGE IS FHA’S REVERSE MORTGAGE PROGRAM THAT ENABLES YOU TO WITHDRAW A PORTION OF YOUR HOME’S EQUITY.

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IF YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER age 62 or older, have paid off your mortgage or paid down a considerable amount, and are currently living in the home, you may participate in FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. The HECM is FHA’s reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home’s equity. You can also use a HECM to purchase a primary residence if you are able to use cash on hand to pay the difference between the HECM proceeds and the sale price plus closing costs for the property you are buying.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS There are many factors to consider before deciding whether a HECM is right for you. To aid in this process, you must meet with a HECM counselor to discuss program eligibility requirements, financial implications, and alternatives

to obtaining a HECM and repaying the loan.

Counselors will also discuss provisions for the mortgage becoming due and payable. Upon the completion of HECM counseling, you should be able to make an independent informed decision whether this product will meet your specific needs. You can search online for a HECN counselor or call (800) 569-4287 toll-free.

There are borrower and property eligibility requirements that must be met. You can use the listing below to see if you qualify. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can complete a reverse mortgage application by contacting an FHA-approved lender. You can search online for an FHA-approved lender or you can ask the HECM counselor to provide you with a listing.

The lender will discuss other requirements of the HECM program, such as first year payment limitations, available payment options, the loan approval process, and repayment terms.

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For more information, visit www.DyessResidential.com.

BORROWER REQUIREMENTS You must:  Be 62 years of age or older.  Own the property outright or paid down a considerable amount.  Occupy the property as your principal residence.  Not be delinquent on any federal debt.  Have financial resources to continue to make timely payment of ongoing property charges such as property taxes, insurance, and Homeowner Association fees, etc.  Participate in a consumer information session given by a HUD-approved HECM counselor.

PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS The following eligible property types must meet all FHA property standards and flood requirements:  Single family home or 2-4 unit home with one unit occupied by the borrower  HUD-approved condominium project  Manufactured home that meets FHA requirements

MORTGAGE AMOUNT BASED ON: The amount you may borrower will depend on Age of the youngest borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse. Current interest rate; and Lesser of appraised value or the HECM FHA mortgage limit of $625,500 or the sale price. If there is more than one borrower and no eligible non-borrowing spouse, the age of the youngest borrower is used to determine the amount you can borrow.

HECM COSTS You can pay for most of the costs of a HECM by financing them and having them paid from the proceeds of the loan. Financing the costs means that you do not have to pay for them out of your pocket. On the other hand, financing the costs reduces the net loan amount available to you. The HECM loan includes several fees and charges, which includes: 1) mortgage insurance premiums (initial and annual) 2) third party charges 3) origination fee 4) interest and 5) servicing fees. The lender will discuss which fees and charges are mandatory.

You will be charged an initial mortgage insurance premium (MIP) at closing. The initial MIP will be .5 percent or 2.5 percent, depending on your disbursements. Over the life of the loan, you will be charged an annual MIP that equals 1.25 percent of the outstanding mortgage balance.

1. Mortgage Insurance Premium You will incur a cost for FHA mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance guarantees that you will receive expected loan advances. You can finance the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) as part of your loan.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: Income, assets, monthly living expenses, and credit history will be verified. Timely payment of real estate taxes, hazard and flood insurance premiums will be verified.

For adjustable interest rate mortgages, you can select one of the following payment plans:

2. Third Party Charges Closing costs from third parties can include an appraisal, title search and insurance, surveys, inspections, recording fees, mortgage taxes, credit checks, and other fees.

 Tenure - equal monthly payments as long as at least one borrower lives and continues to occupy the property as a principal residence.

4. Servicing Fee

 Term - equal monthly payments for a fixed period of months selected.  Line of Credit - unscheduled payments or in installments, at times and in an amount of your choosing until the line of credit is exhausted.

3. Origination Fee You will pay an origination fee to compensate the lender for processing your HECM loan. A lender can charge the greater of $2,500 or 2 percent of the first $200,000 of your home’s value plus 1 percent of the amount over $200,000. HECM origination fees are capped at $6,000.

5. Lenders or their agents provide servicing throughout the life of the HECM Servicing includes sending you account statements, disbursing loan proceeds, and making certain that you keep up with loan requirements such as paying real estate taxes and hazard insurance premium. Lenders may charge a monthly servicing fee of no more than $30 if the loan has an annually adjusting interest rate or has a fixed interest rate. The lender may charge a monthly servicing fee of no more than $35 if the interest rate adjusts monthly. At loan closing, the lender sets aside the servicing fee and deducts the fee from your available funds. Each month the monthly servicing fee is added to your loan balance. Lenders may also choose to include the servicing fee in the mortgage interest rate. Information courtesy of HUD.

 Modified Tenure - combination of line of credit and scheduled monthly payments for as long as you remain in the home.  Modified Term - combination of line of credit plus monthly payments for a fixed period of months selected by the borrower.

For fixed interest rate mortgages, you will receive the Single Disbursement Lump Sum payment plan.

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Local Lifestyle

HOW A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM CAN ASSIST ELDERS

IN TIMES OF NEED Dyess Surveillance provides a watchful eye when family members can’t be around

discomfort, illness, or injury as they get older and unfortunately may experience increased physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments.

Sometimes older individuals may need some type of support, but are reluctant to ask, especially when the support requires assistance from their family members or dependence on a care provider, as the individual becomes more frail or weak. Most of us have seen commercials showing an older individual falling at home and not having anyone to help them up. The commercial then shows the individual activating an alarm that is sent to an offsite monitoring company with timely response capabilities.

Obviously, this can provide the individual, and family, with a certain peace of mind, in knowing that an alarm system can be activated within seconds, resulting in that timely response.

Did you know the installation of a security alarm and/or smoke-detection system can also provide comfort and security to not only the elderly, but other family members as well. If an elderly family member falls and is unable to get back up, an alarm system can be activated within seconds, notifying not only the security alarm company but also family members, WE’VE ALL READ or heard about the constant increasing number of senior citizens, those over 65 years of age. According to a recent U.S. News survey, there are now more Americans age 65 or over than at any other time in U.S. history. Obviously, their expectation, their hope, is to continue to have a productive and independent lifestyle, regardless of their age. As family, it’s our wish as well.

Occasionally, we read or hear that senior citizens become more vulnerable as they age. What exactly does that mean? Do they become more susceptible to injury, illness, and accidents? Do

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A SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM CAN BE AS BASIC OR ELABORATE AS THE RISK ASSESSMENT REQUIRES – THE HOMEOWNER ALWAYS HAS THE FINAL DECISION, BASED ON THEIR FAMILY’S NEEDS. they become more prone to forgetting and are they unable to get about physically? Depending on many variables, any one of any age can be vulnerable to any or all of those events. However, some individuals do, in fact, experience more

whether they are in another section of the home or away from the house. Family members will be able to see the individual via a camera that has been installed inside or outside the home.

Surveillance cameras can be mounted to

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BY BOB PENA

allow the elderly family member to see who is at the front or back door, garage area, etc., before they allow entry into the home.

Sensors can be installed around the home, windows, doors, and other entry points alerting the individual and security command center of an attempted break in. Outside motion detectors can be placed in specific locations inside and around the home, alerting the elderly family member to stay inside the house, alert neighbors, etc. A security system can also lock or unlock doors from remote locations in case someone forgets to lock a door, can’t find a key, etc.

A member of the Dyezz Surveillance staff performs a risk assessment of the home, both inside and out, in order to determine the best possible locations for motion detectors, alarm systems, surveillance cameras, etc. Dyezz staff member also provides instructions on how the security and surveillance systems operate and sit down with the homeowner to show them how the system works. A security and surveillance system can be as basic or elaborate as the risk assessment requires – the homeowner always has the final decision, based on their family’s needs.

The benefits from a Dyezz security and surveillance system include:

 Peace of mind – When an elderly individual falls and can’t get back up, the alarm system is activated within seconds.

 Cameras can be mounted outside, allowing the individual to see who is at the front, side, or back door, garage, etc., before opening the door.  Motion sensors and detectors

are installed around the home, windows, and other entry points to alert the security command center, family members, and the individual of a possible break-in.

 The system can turn lights on or off when the homeowner enters or leaves the home.

 An audible signal activates when a door or window was left open unintentionally.

 Enables a family member to remotely watch live video from mounted cameras so that they can see who’s outside their home or what is occurring around their home.

 If someone is attempting to gain entry into the home, the system sends an alert to the monitoring station, enabling a quick response.

 Smoke detectors are an early warning system, enabling someone to get out of the home quickly.

 Systems can provide enhanced lighting in hallways, closets, garage area, and front and/or backyards.

 Enables the homeowner to lock and unlock doors from a remote location in case a homebound family members is unable to find the keys.

For more information visit, www.dyezz.com.

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Call 512-331-0668 BOOKS FAMILY HEALTH CENTER www.DrPhyllisBooks.com www.Reversing Dyslexia.com A U S T I N MD M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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first heard of Charlie Mars with his song, “Listen to the Dark Side,” it’s a catchy song that could get anyone through a bad day (and still does). A Mississippi native, Mars, has graced the stages of many Austin venues including Cactus Cafe, Shady Grove, Austin City Limits, and each December he plays residency shows at the legendary Saxon Pub. Mars had just taken a little break to Mexico while he continues to tour for his new album, The Money. As gracious as he is entertaining, he lent a bit of his time to share with us his secrets of staying healthy both on and off the road.

NICOLE CARBON: Tell me about this time you are spending in Mexico.

CHARLIE MARS: I’m taking a little vacation in the Spanish colonial town of San Miguel De Allende. It’s so beautiful! I’ve been touring for about eight years, I needed a break.

NC: Sounds like a little slice of heaven. You are originally from Mississippi, is that where you call home?

CM: It is. I live in Oxford, Mississippi and grew up in Laurel, Mississippi, but have called Oxford home for about 15 years. It’s a beautiful small college town, slow pace. I don’t even play there really. I love it.

NC: Hmmm, you have us intrigued, sounds like a good spot. You might notice some sudden tourist traffic. What’s your Austin connection and is it considered a second home for you?

CM: It was one of the first places they played my music on the radio, it was on KGSR. It’s one of my favorite stations. The people at the station have been so incredibly supportive and it made my

life so much better. After that, I just fell in love with the town – the people, the food, the music, the geography. I just love it! It has been a second home for me. I’ve made three records in Texas.

Most of the guys I play with are from Texas. Bob Schneider is one of my best friends and I’d like to think I have a lot of homeys from Texas now and only a few enemies. I do a weekly Saxon Pub residency there every year around December. Somebody told me I should pick a hipper spot for some reason, but I know what its like to be not hip – to be the person nobody wants to come see – I’ll stick with that dark little slice of heaven. I’m down with the Lone Star State.

NC: I used to refer to Austin as Awesome Austin because it is and couldn’t agree more, it’s the people, the music, the food! I read a bit about the new album, The Money. Will you expand on its theme and meaning?

CM: Well, partly it’s just a bunch of songs about what I was feeling at the time. If it has a theme, I’d say it’s about the mistake of looking for external things – money, relationships, success, all that stuff – to satisfy, what is essentially, a spiritual craving.

NC: Sounds like you’re in touch with your spiritual side as though you’ve done a little work to get there. Do you practice any form of alternative medicine?

CM: Not really.

NC: What about yoga and meditation?

I KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TO BE NOT HIP – TO BE THE PERSON NOBODY WANTS TO COME SEE – I’LL STICK WITH THAT DARK LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN.

CM: I did yoga for a few years and I run more now.

For some reason it sorta took the place of yoga.

Yoga is hard as hell, I don’t know how people do it all the time for a long stretch. It takes commitment. I would say running is a sort of meditation.

I don’t practice any formal meditation though.

I’ve tried. I get too anxious and always end up ‣

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NC: Are you involved with any health-related nonprofits?

 moving around and saying to heck with it. I’m a failed meditator.

NC: Agree, running is a sort of meditation. Trust me, Charlie, try the meditation again, it’s magical! I practice a form of guided meditations I learned at the Art of Living Institute led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. You can find them on YouTube. Spike Gillespie, an awesome Austinite, wrote the book Sit. Stay. Heal. You should pick it up and say hi to Spike the next time you’re in Austin, she’s a cool chick. Even though I’m a dedicated yoga practicer, I’ll let that one slide.

Let’s talk about your diet, what’s it like?

CM: Because I run a lot, I crave more steak, chicken, and fish than I used to. I eat lots of green stuff.

I like simple foods from the earth without a lot of fluff. It keeps me sane.

NC: Do you take any vitamins or supplements?

CM: No. NC: Sounds like food is your medicine. Let’s talk about your daily health and wellness both on and off the road.

CM: I try to do some exercise every day. I’ve done weights and cardio in gyms forever. I started running and hiking outside again about two years ago. I made a record in Tornillo, Texas outside of El Paso and there was no gym in sight. Getting moving outside was the solution.

I really love being in nature. It’s a double whammy for the soul when I can exercise outside. I like the simplicity of running. Exercise has been essential in my ability to last, in what is at heart, a pretty tough profession.

CM: Not really. Am I a bad person? Probably.

NC: You are not a bad person, Charlie. There’s a cool organization in Austin called HAAM, it stands for Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Their mission is to provide healthcare for Austin’s low income musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Since some consider love a part of wellness, what’s your perspective on marriage and children?

NC: Do you have any past addictions you care to share or touch upon?

CM: Oh gosh, I could go on for days. I don’t drink anymore. It’s been about 15 years. I’ve checked too many boxes in that department.

Those things aren’t effecting my life like they once did. Exercise and diet have sure helped with that.

NC: You’ve revealed that you’re 41. Do you have any secrets for maintaining youth?

CM: I think routine is important. I like rituals. I mostly eat healthy. I try to be somewhat honest.

I try to get good sleep. If I screw up, I get back on the horse. I used to have different priorities, but life has shown me that it’s short and all of this is temporary. I’m not chasing the silly stuff so much anymore. I’m into the real friends I have, making music that is true, being less selfish – all of this has helped me feel lighter. Youth seems pretty light.

CM: I’m down with marriage and I love children. I think I’m maybe, hopefully, kinda, just becoming mature enough for that kind of responsibility. Music life is hard on marriages and kids and personal growth for that matter. I’m a slow grower, I hope I get there. Guys who have marriages and kids are real men. We singer types are just a bunch of boys riding around on interstates. I hope I grow up. Bring it.

NC: What’s next for you?

CM: I’ve been writing a ton of songs. I’ve been writing songs in Nashville with other people for the first time, I like it. I’m trying to get other artists to cut my songs. I haven’t had much success at it yet, but I sure enjoy it. I’ll probably make a record in the New Year. It’s gonna sound pretty country, I think, something different. I love to play live, so more of that. Maybe some more band stuff in the future and less solo shows. My future is definitely unwritten.

Charlie Mars is back on tour and his tour dates may be found on the website. Don’t miss his residency this December in Austin when he plays at the Saxon Pub on December 3, 10, and 17.

I REALLY LOVE BEING IN NATURE. IT’S A DOUBLE WHAMMY FOR THE SOUL WHEN I CAN EXERCISE OUTSIDE. For more information visit, www.charliemars.com.

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MUSIC

CREATIVITY, MUSIC, AND

DYSLEXIA Find out what they have in common

BY DR. PHYLLIS BOOKS

H

What if we could turn on all of our brain and not rely just on the parts we’re especially good at? Who knows what else we might do or become?

Albert Einstein, once considered “slow” and maybe mentally retarded during his primary grades, turned out to be a genius.

How did overcome this slow brain processing? How did the latent parts of his brain become engaged and activated? He played the violin! At age 13, Einstein fell in love with playing the violin and with the music of Mozart. As an adult, when he got stuck with a physics problem or he temporarily went on overload, he simply picked up his violin and started playing it. After he died, his brain was dissected and it turns out playing the violin helped him immensely. The corpus collosum which connects the left, logical part of

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LACK OF PROPER SYNCHRONIZATION AND TIMING ISSUES IN THE BRAIN CAN CREATE BIG CHASMS IN HEALTH, RELATIONSHIPS, ACHIEVING GOALS, AND JUST PLAIN BEING HAPPY.

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ow many creative people do you know who don’t have a clue about spelling? How many musicians do you know who would choose reading a book over playing their instrument when they have free time? Hmm, what’s that about anyway?

It has been said that we use less than 10 percent of our brains. For creative people, including musicians, certain parts of the brain do most of the work, while other parts of the brain are coasting and are not fully engaged.

It’s frightfully common for highly-creative people, including musicians, to also be dyslexic. Dyslexia deals with reading, getting thoughts and words confused and twisted, and can creep into many facets of everyday living. The left brain is not as turned on in most dyslexics and most creative people. The right side of the brain deals with creativity, problem solving, seeing things in different ways, and it is very active in creative, out-ofthe-box thinkers.

space and our ordinary reality. However, living in the twenty-first century requires a certain amount of reading, spelling, learning, and a basis of communicating with others. So It’s good to have access to both sides of our brain.

Until 20 years ago, the central dogma in the world of reading and education, espoused as fact that once the brain was developed, it was fixed, which means if you were dyslexic and reading didn’t come easily to you, that’s what you were stuck with. Now, with new brain science and new ways of measuring the brain, we know that’s simply not true.

our brain and the right, creative part of our brain, was especially well developed and well myelinated. This allowed for speedy transmission of information from one area of his brain to another. It turns out, his brain wasn’t actually any bigger than anyone else’s, but the way his brain “connected the dots” was enhanced by the fluid exchange of information from one area to another.

What the different parts of the brain can offer us Music can offer soothe the soul and give relief to an overly active mind. Can reading offer any satisfaction to a die-hard musician?

What reading can offer a musician, or any creative person, is an access to other realities and possibilities. Reading opens us up to a world beyond ourselves, to life beyond our noses and everyday lives. “Music is for the grand emotions,” my choral conductor often said.

Like any art, the feelings transcend time and

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Our brains can change Dyslexia can become a temporary inconvenience. You can retrain your brain so that you have access to your whole brain. The piano saved my life as a child, I often tell people.

What I do now is tend to people whose lives are out of harmony. Lack of proper synchronization and timing issues in the brain can create big chasms in health, relationships, achieving goals, and just plain being happy.

I am fortunate enough to apply principles of music, brain science, and brain health to help people live “in synch” and tune up the various parts of their brain so their lives are pain free and healthy.

Who wouldn’t choose a whole brain?

Imagine being able to read the written words on a page, create poetry or lyrics to music, as well as balance a check book, and figure out how to spell a word without relying on spellcheck. I’ll take a brain that is creative, musical, and also enjoys reading a book just for pleasure. Knowing there is real help for dyslexia is a big relief. The people who come into my office are surprised to learn that by releasing their obstacles around dyslexia, they also become even more creative. You don’t have to choose one or the other. You can have the best of all worlds. The best is yet to come. And the beat goes on.

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About the Author

Dr. Books is an author, educator, doctor, and new thought leader. She is the founder of Books Neural Therapy™, a well-documented, systematic approach to dissolving dyslexia, ADHD, head traumas, and many chronic health issues. She is the author of Reversing Dyslexia: Improving Learning and Behavior Without Drugs. Also in 2013, Dr. Books released the world’s first online treatment class for parents,The Dyslexia Reversal System. She then added online and live classes of BNT ™ for professionals.

Her formal education includes an undergraduate degree in education and English from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in interpersonal communications from the University of North Texas, and a doctor of chiropractic from Parker University. She has taught and lectured in the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Her alma mater granted her the Outstanding International Alumni Award for her many contributions.

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For more information visit, www.drphyllisbooks.com.

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

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

FACTS ABOUT SENIORS

BY THE NUMBERS 65 and over 40 In 2010,

million people

AGE 65 AND OVER lived in the United States, accounting for

13% OF THE TOTAL POPULATION

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the population

THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG PEOPLE AGE was heart disease, followed by cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

AGE 65 AND OVER

could grow from

5.5 19

Americans are living longer than ever before

by 2050

rated their health as good, very good, or excellent

LIFE EXPECTANCIES AT BOTH AGE

million 65 and age 85 in 2010 to

HAVE INCREASED

46% 31% OF OLDER MEN and

OF OLDER WOMEN

76% of people million AGE 65 AND OVER

reported trouble hearing, while vision trouble affected 14% of the older population

About 11%

38% of people

reported participating in leisure-time aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities

are considered obese

OF PEOPLE AGE 65 AND OVER

AGE 65 AND OVER

All statistics from AgingStats.gov a federal interagency forum on aging.

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COVER STORY

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BUSIER THAN EVER

MACK BROWN STAYS FOCUSED ON FOOTBALL AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Retirement isn’t in the vocabulary of this former coach of the Texas Longhorns

BY NICOLE CARBON PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MINSKER

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R

etirement is one word you will not hear Mack Brown utter. The former head football coach of the Longhorns football team at the University of Texas, Brown has been busier than ever. Learn more about what’s been occupying his time, how he’s more involved in this community than ever, and some key advice he shares that has been most helpful to him.

Mack Brown will most likely always be referred to as “Coach.”

He may not be coaching football, but he certainly has not retired.

Rather, he has repurposed. “I will let you know when I retire, right now ESPN and my role with the University of Texas keep me very busy. I enjoy contributing to these two great organizations and really love working,” says Brown.

Currently, he serves as a studio analyst for college football games joining ESPN’s college football coverage team. He can be seen on Saturday’s College Football Countdown and on Saturday Night Football hosting the halftime show. He is also the Special Assistant to the Men's Athletics Director and UT President at the University of Texas.

Along with his involvement in college football, Brown and his wife Sally, have been longtime philanthropists giving back to the Austin community since before moving to Texas. Brown shares how they were first associated with, what is now called, the Sally and Mack Brown Rise School of Austin, “Our involvement with the Rise Schools began when I was coaching at North Carolina, we played a bowl game against Alabama and were dear friends with Gene and Ruth Ann Stallings, who founded the school in Tuscaloosa. That led us to look at getting a school started in Austin. We have met so many amazing people through our involvement with the school. It has always been such a joy seeing the impact it has on getting the students a strong start in their education.”

Another charitable organization near and dear to the Browns’ hearts is aptly named HeartGift benefitting children, from around the world, with Congenial Heart Disease (CHD) where specialized medical treatment is scarce. “HeartGift is one an incredible charity because it provides the gift of life to children and you see the results quickly. These are children that require lifesaving heart surgery. HeartGift brings children from across the world to Austin, where they have their heart repaired. It’s an incredible thing to see the gift of life be given to families across the world.”

Mack may be a model for how those who have been successful in their careers can now repurpose to give back. Brown saw an opportunity to help parents, Tim and Laura Revell, whose son was afflicted with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a muscle-wasting disease that impacts one in every 3,500 boys. He and Sally support the nonprofit, CureDuchenne, that raises awareness and funds research for a cure. “When Tim and Laura came to us with their story of their sons, we immediately got involved because right now, there’s no cure that exists for them and there's a very tough end to their life before it ever really gets started. Boys

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that are diagnosed with Duchenne do not live into their 20s. They never become adults and it is 100 percent fatal, but there is a lot of promising research going on right now, and it gives me a huge amount of hope for these boys. There’s a very short window of time for us to get the research done to find a cure. CureDuchenne’s mission is to just find a cure,” says Brown.

Tying all of these philanthropic efforts together is a joint fundraising effort called Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M). It is led by trio Mack Brown, musician Jack Ingram, and Academy-Award winning actor Matthew McConaughey with the goal to empower kids across the country. Beginning in 2013, this twoday event raises funds to support the charities dedicated to children’s education, health and wellness, and in particular CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Hospital, HeartGift, just

keep livin Foundation, and the Sally and Mack Brown Rise School of Austin. Each of these charities sings to these fine gents.

“When we held the first MJ&M in 2013, we thought this would be a great way for our friends who want to support our efforts in the community to give one gift, one time per year, and make it a really special event for everyone.

I really think it is a win-win for everyone involved and Sally and I are so proud to work with these great organizations who are changing kids’ lives,” says Brown. The event includes a gala and concert at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, a golf tournament at Spanish Oaks Golf Club, and a fashion show at the JW Marriott. To date, this organization has raised over $3.5 million for local Austin charities.

“It’s been a wonderful experience to see the impact of these organizations over the years

and hear the testimony of so many parents about their children. Through this event, attendees are helping family members deal with things in their lives that are very difficult. We are able to raise funds to support their missions but also public awareness and support,” Brown shares.

Before we let Mack go we wanted to know one last tidbit from this role model and leading community figure. The one piece of advice he received over the years that was the most helpful to him, “Always do what you know is the right thing to do!” We’re etching that in stone!

Save the date for next year’s MJ&M event taking place April 14-15, 2016.

For more information visit, www.mackjackmcconaughey.org.

I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN I RETIRE, RIGHT NOW ESPN AND MY ROLE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS KEEP ME VERY BUSY. I ENJOY CONTRIBUTING TO THESE TWO GREAT ORGANIZATIONS AND REALLY LOVE WORKING.

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SENIOR HEALTH

5 WAYS

TO STAVE OFF BOREDOM AFTER RETIREMENT Rediscover, repurpose, and revive past passions

BY DAVINA BRUNO

R

etirement is often positioned as the epitome of life; over time, it has become synonymous with peace, relaxation, and a beautiful excess of time. However, this goal that we all work so hard to reach is as bitter, as it is sweet. For many, retirement became a time of boredom and a loss of one’s sense of purpose, but in truth, retirement, like every other life stage, is as fulfilling as the amount of thought and effort that goes into it.

First, a hidden part of this life stage involves our sense of purpose. It only becomes obvious how much of our identities are wrapped up in our jobs when those careers disappear, as well as the community that we formed while in them. A huge part of embracing a fruitful retirement season is rediscovering our identities and life purposes; this may mean pursuing our careers in an informal way if our identities are wrapped up in that, or reminding ourselves who were truly are apart from our professions. Also, a few things to remember are that work never ends, and certainly not when you retire; work can be anything, as long as it is a useful use of your resources and produces a positive outcome. Retirement is not a time of decline; ambitions do not disappear as we age, and we shouldn’t treat them like they are only for society’s youth. So let’s get those myths out of our heads, and push forward through retirement with a renewed sense of person and purpose.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT CAN TAKE THE ‘MUNDANE’ OUT OF OUR GOLDEN YEARS:

Teach and Learn: Whatever age you retired, you’re sure to have amassed a wealth of wisdom and a grouping of skills that made you who you are today. Those experiences don’t ever go away, rather they mature with you like fine spirits. But, what’s a party without a few people to drink with you? Share that masterfully-aged wine with younger folks. Many people use those skills to teach informal classes at a nearby community college, which is more accessible than you would think. Try the American Association of Community Colleges’ Plus 50 Program for information on how you can lecture at a school near you. Also, take this time to learn something you’ve always been curious about. Be it the inner workings of a car, how to sew, or how to paint those happy little trees; embark on an educational journey that would leave you more enlightened at the end of each day.

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2 Tell Your Story: You probably have a few amazing stories to tell: stories of rebirth, fun or disaster at work; controversies with family members; and what it was like living through several

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1

striking eras in this country. Don’t be modest and assume that no one wants to read your story. Your story may sound boring because you had to carry the emotional baggage of living it all first hand and you’re tired of it, but for many out there, what you have to say matters. Read memoirs and biographies, and write your own.

It’s not narcissism to publish your own life story; start off online at first, and move to print once you’ve gained some more confidence in your work. It is surprisingly cathartic.

3 Create: The number of things you can create during retirement is staggering. Do not hinder your creativity by claiming to have no creative skills. Cooking is an act of creation, under your hand, a dish comes to life; building an automobile is creating; as is painting; gardening; and carpentry. Incorporate your mind and body into something more than just a hobby, but something you will be proud to display in your surroundings or equally as proud to give as a gift. Extra time has a funny way

of awakening our hidden talents and interests; take full advantage of that.

4 Volunteer: Mentorship is a way to immerse yourself in current events in your city, while impacting the future generation with values that helped shape your own character. It may be difficult at first to speak with Millennials and Generation Xers without striking nostalgia for your own past, but your academic, professional, and emotional encouragements will do wonders for a notoriously wandering group of youths. If you do not fancy mentorship, find a nearby shelter or animal rescue, or even better, read or keep company to seniors who are without family members or outside support.

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and socially influential, traveling can be much more useful if it involves something familiar and personal. Between trips to Europe and the Caribbean, pinpoint places you’ve been in your life and reflect on why they hold value to you. Then go out there and spend some time in these historic places. Do day trips to different parts of Texas or some of the States’ hidden gems and locales to gain a greater appreciation for your existence in this time and place. Go to Louisiana, drive to California, or take yourself up on your college spring break plans that never pulled through. Just get up, grab your keys, and leave with an open mind, a few snacks, and a trusted companion to share those experiences with.

Retirement shouldn’t be pinned in our minds’ eye as the ‘golden years.’ Every year leading up to that point should be lived with purpose and intentionality, so that every year after our careers end, we have no choice but to live with purpose, just out of habit.

Travel: Now when we say travel, it does not necessarily imply any sort of an aircraft or ship. As much as Austin seniors are affluent

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SENIOR HEALTH

HOW TO FINE TUNE YOUR HEARING AND

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR WORLD

O

ur hearing is our connection to the world around us. From morning conversations with family, to the meetings attended throughout the day or cocktail hours we laugh at in the evenings, communication encompasses our lives. Safeguarding and protecting your hearing should be a key part of any holistic health solution.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians1, at least 28 million U.S. adults have hearing loss. After hypertension and arthritis, it is the most common chronic health problem in the senior population. The impact of hearing loss on society will increase as baby boomers age. However, there is no evidence that supports a threshold age for the onset of hearing loss.

Furthermore, the increase of noise-induced hearing loss, which is entirely preventable, is on the rise. Our world is loud, much louder than we think. If hearing is the connection to our family and community, measures should consistently be taken to protect the hearing that is still there and not risk losing the things that one is passionate about.

Since the mid 90s, medical studies have shown a high correlation between mental health and hearing loss in our active adult populations. A recent study conducted by the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders2, (online, JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, March, 2014), shows new findings that the greater the hearing loss, the higher the incidence of depression in patients younger than 70 years of age with a slightly higher incidence in women versus men.

“We found a significant association between hearing impairment and moderate to severe depression,” said study author Dr. Chuan-Ming Li, a researcher at the U.S. National Institute on

Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “The cause-and-effect relationship is unknown,” Li said, citing a need for further studies.

It is no surprise to many in the field of Audiology that people with untreated hearing loss find it increasingly difficult to interact with coworkers, family members, and in social engagements. The majority, greater than 90 percent, of all hearing losses in the U.S. is gradual in nature, which will mean a slow regression of communication difficulties, frustration with spouses and family, and eventually social isolation. The younger or more active one is when a hearing loss is detected, the greater the risk of frustration and social detriment.

National statistics show that on average it takes an individual 5-7 years from the onset

of hearing loss before one seeks treatment for the loss. One stark realization, other than the mental health aspect of hearing loss, is the fact that the inner-ear hearing nerves, or hair cells, work on a “use it or lose it” philosophy, like most nerves in the body. Lack of stimulation of those small hair cells results in memory failure on how to fire the proper sound or signals to the brain. Over time, the brain can forget how to use certain sound information if deprived for too many years causing this auditory deprivation, which can result in significant negative impact on ones understanding abilities.

With millions of Americans diagnosed with treatable hearing loss, it is no surprise that people are beginning to include hearing healthcare in their overall wellness exams along with dental and vision check ups. Major health insurance plans are also recognizing the need for benefits toward diagnostic testing and treatment options. Having a baseline hearing test with a qualified audiologist and becoming more aware of the importance of good hearing in day-today communication enhances social engagements and mental status for active adults. Furthermore, advanced digital hearing solutions are making hearing aids no longer a burden but a great enhancement to active lifestyles. With options such as Bluetooth wireless capability and extended-wear devices that are 100 percent invisible, there are even more reasons to stay active with communication and avoid frustration with home and work relationships.

THE INCREASE OF NOISEINDUCED HEARING LOSS, WHICH IS ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE, IS ON THE RISE.

Sources: 1. Walling, A & Dickenson G., M.D., University of Kansas School of Medicine; Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jun 15; 85(12): 1150-1156, online 2. Chuan-Ming Li, M.D., Ph.D., researcher, U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; March 6, 2014, JAMA Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery, online

For more information visit,

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SENIOR HEALTH

ARE

SHINGLES CHICKENPOX FOR SENIORS? Learn who’s at risk, prevention, and treatment for this painful virus

WHAT IS SHINGLES? “Shingles is caused by a virus — identical to chickenpox but resurfacing later in life – called varicella zoster. It’s a latent infection that resides in your nerves if you had the chickenpox virus when you were younger,” says Dr. Marks. “Shingles is not considered serious or life threatening, but it’s very painful. It can be brought on by stress, or through decline of protective immune function with normal aging,” says Dr. Marks. Shingles affects around one million people in the United States each year.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Anyone who’s had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 99 percent of Americans age 40 and older had chickenpox as children, even if they don’t remember it. Shingles is most common in people ages 60 to 69, though it can affect any age. The older you are when you get shingles, the greater the likelihood you’ll have severe effects. Dr. Marks says, “People with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing shingles.” They include people who have: • Cancer or are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy • Leukemia or lymphoma • HIV or AIDS Generally people have only one shingles flare-up in their lifetimes, but on occasion it is possible to have shingles more than once.

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WHAT CAUSES SHINGLES? Once you get the chickenpox infection, the virus stays inactive in your body for the rest of your life. People older than 60, who are eligible for the shingles vaccine, occasionally tell me they don’t need it because they never had chickenpox. However, often chickenpox infections had no symptoms, so they didn’t know they had it. “This same stealthy virus that was hidden on the initial infection can come back with a vengeance, causing significant pain and suffering,” explains Dr. Marks. When you are under a lot of stress or if your immune system is suppressed, the virus can manifest itself in the form of shingles, in most cases a much more painful condition than the original chickenpox.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES? • Localized painful itching or tingling several days before the shingles develop • Rash that turns into painful, fluid-filled blisters that scab over a week later - Rash occurs in a bold band, called a dermatone, on either your right or left side - Rash may occur on your face (and can cause hearing and/or vision loss – a medical emergency) Other symptoms include: • Fever • Headache • Chills • Pain (which can be severe and come on before during or after the rash. This can last days, months, weeks, or years)

IS SHINGLES CONTAGIOUS? Yes and no. It is rare for a person with shingles to transmit the virus. People can get chickenpox from your rash if the fluid that seeps from shingles blisters is touched, presuming they did not have protective immunity from a previous infection or vaccine. Shingles is contagious when blisters are present; when the blisters have crusted over, you’re no longer contagious. However, if you have a rarer condition called disseminated shingles (shingles that is located in more than one place on the body), it is contagious via the respiratory route (in the air)

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ixty-two-year-old, Walter, had piles of work on his desk, his boss had left several messages to call him back, his wife was in the hospital undergoing medical treatment – he had a lot of stress in his life. And now he has a burning rash on his right side above his waist. It tingles and hurts, surprisingly badly. So, what’s the diagnosis? Shingles. Lianne Marks, MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Physician at Baylor Scott & White – Round Rock, describes shingles and offers some advice on its treatment.

BY KATHERINE VOSS

SHINGLES AFFECTS AROUND ONE MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR. and can be particularly dangerous if pregnant women are exposed.

HOW LONG DOES SHINGLES LAST? In most cases, shingles lasts about two to four weeks. It generally leaves no scarring or ill effects. However, some people develop a complication of shingles called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is severe and sometimes debilitating pain in the areas where they had shingles.

“Post-herpetic neuralgia occurs after the shingles and the rash are gone. This neuropathic pain can last for weeks, months, or longer,” Dr. Marks says. Ibuprofen and topical creams containing capsaicin may be helpful in controlling the pain associated with PHN. Dr. Marks says, “Greater than 20 percent of patients over 60-years-old can develop PHN.”

HOW IS SHINGLES PREVENTED?

Dr. Marks says shingles can be prevented with the shingles vaccine.

The vaccine has an efficacy rate around 70 percent. The shingles vaccine is available at most clinics and at some pharmacies and grocery stores.

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HOW IS SHINGLES TREATED? Because shingles is caused by a virus, “It’s treated symptomatically with medications for the pain and inflammation and with antiviral medication,” explains Dr. Marks. “Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be helpful for the pain and swelling. We prescribe antivirals in particular, but you have to start it in the first three days or they really don’t help shorten the duration of the illness.”

About Dr. Lianne Marks, MD, PhD, FACP Dr. Lianne Marks is the Regional Chair for Internal Medicine at Scott & White and Assistant Dean for Educational Development at Texas A&M College of Medicine in Round Rock. She focuses her practice on patients with diabetes mellitus. Dr. Marks is board-certified and received her BS cum laude in Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Florida in Gainesville and went on to receive her MD and PhD, Immunology, at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Her specialty training includes Bridges to Excellence®-Recognized Diabetes Care Provider. She is a member of the American Medical Association and Texas Medical Association. She serves on the Board of Directors, Texas chapter, of the American College of Physicians Williamson County Medical Society, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Montessori School in Georgetown. Dr. Marks enjoys scuba diving, windsurfing, snowboarding, cycling, sailing, racquetball, tennis, and gardening.

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SENIOR HEALTH

A PROFESSIONAL’S ADVICE TO

DATING OVER 60 Top five tips to get you back in the game

BY JULIA MCCURLEY

great qualities and remind yourself that someone would be lucky to get to know you!

2/ Treat your body like a temple

Here are my top five pointers to help you along in your journey for love.

1/ Give yourself a pep talk

When you have been out of the dating game for a while, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried about the whole dating process. But remember, one of the advantages of being an “over 60” is the knowledge, self confidence, and wisdom that age and life experience has given you.

Think about those experiences and how they have strengthened you as a person. Embrace your

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3/ Leave the house and go outside

It doesn’t have to be scary, although it might feel strange at first. If it feels unsettling being out at social events without your old partner, enlist a friend to go out with you. Get out that trusty pen and paper again and start off by making a list of the things you used to enjoy doing before you had a spouse. Did you enjoy horseback riding or dog walking? How about visiting museums or art galleries? Get started doing some of these activities and make a pact with yourself to talk to one person of the opposite sex who looks friendly on each venture. You may soon find some new friendships developing.

4/ Meet and Greet

Finding an appropriate place to meet a potential partner may not seem as simple as it was when

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A

s a professional matchmaker, I work with people of all ages including singles over the age of 60. I have learned that many of them are feeling that they are out of practice. The thought of getting back out there is very daunting, especially in today’s “digital” world. They often wonder, “Is there anyone really out there?” for them. Jumping back into the dating pool after you’ve turned 60 may not be as nerve-wracking as you think. Even if the last time that you went on a date was before the Internet even existed; or it was when guys asked girls out in person and not through a text or call from a cellphone – you can still connect with a potential partner. I have had a number of clients in this age group successfully navigate the new world of dating to find that special someone.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression as they say. If you are serious about finding your forever love, it’s the perfect time to take care of those extra pounds, improve your strength and stamina, and focus on a healthy diet. Hire a personal trainer and/or a nutritionist, if you need some extra motivation. Many of them will come to your home, making that physical tune up very convenient. By increasing your physical activity level, you create the possibilities for a low-stress outdoor date like a walk along Lady Bird Lake or a picnic in Zilker Park. And yes, people still have dates like that, even in the world of Twitter and Facebook!

REMEMBER, ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING AN “OVER 60” IS THE KNOWLEDGE, SELF CONFIDENCE, AND WISDOM THAT AGE AND LIFE EXPERIENCE HAS GIVEN YOU. you were younger. While at 22 you could go to the local bar and meet someone, at 60, the same social scene may not have any appeal. Places such as churches (I know it may sound like a cliché, but a recent Wall Street Journal article showed that over 40 percent of married couples surveyed met each other in church) and community centers provide social situations that may have a potential dating pool that meets your needs or matches your interests. Another option is to ask friends or family members to fix you up with someone who they think would suit you. If you’re more adventurous, go on a group tour, trip or cruise to find someone who enjoys the same things that you do.

5/ Relax and take time to be you before leaping back into the world of dating Taking time out to honestly evaluate yourself and your life will pay great rewards when you finally do meet the man or woman of your

dreams. Just remember to stay positive, remember that you have so much to give, and let your best qualities shine through. There are many other people out there who would love someone to be with. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and enjoy yourself. And remember, you’re only age 60 once.

Important Safety Tips Now for a little twenty-first century reality. I know I said it didn’t have to be scary to get out in the dating world, but here are a few personal safety tips that I think are critical for people at any age who are actively dating:

1/ Never give out personal information to prospective partners until you know them well.

This includes phone number, home address, and email addresses. If your new date wants to walk you home, thank them graciously, but tell them you’ll be taking a cab home until you’ve had

enough dates to trust them. Never lend money or give your “helpful” date your credit card or ID for any reason whatsoever, even if they offer to help you pay at a gas station or cafe. Be safe!

2/ On first dates, meet in a public place like a cafe or restaurant. Never meet late at night in an outdoor place you are unfamiliar with. Stay around people at all times.

3/ Remember that rejection is an inevitable part of dating. Don’t be discouraged if your first few dates don’t end with a relationship. You probably had more than a few dates before you settled on your previous partner, so be gentle with yourself and give yourself time.

Okay. Now you have some tips and advice, so get out there and have fun! It is a big, wonderful world of opportunity out there and the person you are looking for may be just around the corner, regardless of your age. Best wishes and happy dating!

For more information visit, www.trysomethingmore.com.

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

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SENIOR HEALTH

4 THINGS

THE TOP

YOU NEED TO DO WHEN YOU TURN 50

BY DR. SHIRAT LING

I

t’s that time to get the 50,000-mile overhaul, a.k.a. your 50-year-old checkup. As lifespans are increasing, it’s becoming more important to do things to increase the health span. Ideally, we will all live a long, prosperous life, get sick for a couple of weeks, and pass peacefully. In one study, you have a 54 percent probability of survival to live until age 90 if you don’t smoke, have diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and sedentary lifestyle. In contrast, if you have all five factors present, you have than a five percent probability of reaching 90 years of age.

1 HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

YOU HAVE A 54 PERCENT PROBABILITY OF SURVIVAL TO LIVE UNTIL AGE 90 IF YOU DON’T SMOKE, HAVE DIABETES, OBESITY, HYPERTENSION, AND SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE.

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The routine annual checkup should include personal history, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), physical exam, preventive screening, and counseling. Family history is also something to keep track of if your parent or sibling was diagnosed with certain diseases, you may be at risk for them, and screening criteria for you may change.

The general physical exam should include examination of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, chest, breast, abdomen, rectum, nerve and muscles, and extremities.

• Blood Pressure: At every medical encounter perform blood pressure screening for hypertension — once every two years for blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg, and every year for systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg. • Body Mass Index: Normal is considered less than 25.

Approximately 20 percent of adults age 65 and older are obese and the prevalence is likely to increase. Obesity is associated with urinary incontinence in women and significant psychosocial morbidity including isolation, loneliness, and depression. The combination of weight loss and exercise has been reported to be more effective at improving physical function than either intervention alone. In older adults with normal body mass index, a variety of exercise regimens have demonstrated overall improvement in physical function, falls reduction, and overall quality of life. At a minimum, they advise that

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

older adults should spend five hours (300 minutes) each week engaged in moderate intensity activity. In addition, muscle strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) are recommended. I often instruct my patients how to do a proper lunge while they are numbing before a cosmetic procedure. Just remember, you’re not on a tightrope.

• Waist Circumference: Women with a waist that measures more than 35 inches and men whose waist measures more than 40 inches are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heard disease, and cancer of breast and uterus. Metabolic syndrome consists of the increased waist circumference, triglycerides more than 150, HDL (good cholesterol) less than 40 in men, less than 50 in women; blood pressure 130/85 or greater; elevated fasting blood glucose (sugar).

• EKG: A baseline EKG should be performed by age 50.

If you are at an increased risk for heart disease, your physician may order a special CT scan, stress test, or other tests to obtain more accurate details of your heart function. Keep a photo copy of your baseline EKG on your smart phone.

2 BLOOD TESTS • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Includes a number of tests that check electrolyte levels, liver function, kidney function, and dehydration. It screens for diabetes, inflammation, some cancers, kidney or liver disease, and gout.

• Complete Blood Count: Determines the number, size, and shape of the various blood cells.

• Lipid Panel: Checks the levels of the various types of cholesterol, triglycerides.

• Thyroid Function Tests: Checks the hormones that regulate metabolism. The thyroid often becomes under active after age 50.

MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES/BIGSTOCK.COM

Dr. Ling shares the top things you need to have checked

3 SCREENING TESTS • Colon cancer: Colonoscopy at age 50 and then every 10 years, or annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) plus sigmoidoscopy every five years, or sigmoidoscopy every five years. This is performed earlier if colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or other cancers, such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, or prostate run in your family.

• Skin cancer: Annual total skin exam at discretion of clinician.

• Breast cancer: Mammography every two years age 50–74, before age 50 or after age 75, discuss risks, benefits and harms with your physician. Be sure to do monthly self-breast exams for all the months between the mammograms. Schedule mammograms and perform your self-breast exams a week after your period, as you will be less tender and swollen.

• Testicular or prostate cancer: Clinical testicular exam at each health maintenance visit. Discuss PSA Screening starting at age 45-50 depending on risk.

• Eye exam: Every 1-2 years; check for vision, cataracts, and glaucoma. You should see an ophthalmologist annually if you have metabolic syndrome or diabetes, which can affect your retina.

• Hearing exam: Only if symptomatic.

• Bone Density Test: A.k.a. DXA scan. Be sure to get full results with the score appropriate for your age. The ultrasound heel test is not accurate, but tells if you are at risk and need further evaluation with a DXA.

4 IMMUNIZATIONS • Tetanus, Diphtheria: One dose: Tdap; TD booster every 10 years.

• MMR: One to two doses if unvaccinated and born after 1957.

• Meninogococcal (meningitis): One or more doses if not previously immunized, depending on risk factors and other indicators.

• Varicella (chickenpox): Two doses 4-8 weeks apart without evidence of immunity.

• Herpez Zoster (shingles): One dose at 60 years of age. Postherpetic neuralgia is a serious complication of Zoster and can be especially debilitating in older adults.

• Hepatitis A: Two doses if not previously immunized if requested or at risk.

• Hepatitis B: Two doses if not previously immunized.

• Influenza: One dose annually during flu season.

• Haemophilus Influenza Type B: One or three doses if not previously immunized for patients with asplenia (had your spleen removed), sickle cell anemia, or stem cell transplant, and other risk factors.

Depending on your physician’s medical record system, you may have online access to the results. Keep these results, along with an abbreviated medical history, allergies, and your EKG on your smart phone, in case of emergency. Keep up your routine maintenance, and you will improve your health span and enjoy the second half of your life until your 100,000-mile overhaul.

• Cervical cancer: Cytology (pap smear) every years years age 21–65, or Cytology with HPV every five years for women age 30-65. A positive HPV test could mean you are a chronic carrier of the virus that can cause cervical cancer. All it takes is one bad cell. Continue to get them regularly, even if you had a hysterectomy.

• Pneumococcal: PCV13 1 dose; PPSV23 1-2 doses. Once after age 65, even if previously vaccinated.

The ACIP and the CDC recommend a one-time revaccination if the initial vaccinations were given before age 65 and five years have elapsed.

About the Author Dr. Shirat Ling personally performs all the medical cosmetic procedures at her South First Street office. She has performed over 9,500 ablative laser procedures and has been in medical practice for 15 years, 10 of which she has spent performing and instructing in medical cosmetic procedures.

For more information visit, www.innatebeauty.com.

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SENIOR HEALTH/SPORTS

For more information visit, www.golfdynamics.com.

WHY GOLF IS A GREAT WAY FOR SENIORS TO

STAY FIT This low-impact sport is the perfect prescription to keep fit and active

BY KYLE JEROME

O

ld age limits what some people can do physically. Going for a two mile run or participating in a physical fitness class at the gym is not an option for many people. However, it’s important to stay moving especially as we age. Golf is a sport that is well-suited for seniors and it not only helps to improve physical fitness, but it’s a great way to get outdoors, stay engaged, and enjoy time with friends and family.

This great game has many advantages over other sports. You don’t have to

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Though golf may lack the physicality of football, for example, it is a physical game in another sense. Simply swinging a golf club requires the use of, and strengthens, many different muscles in your body. Many people prefer to walk when they play which increases the heart rate, strengthens leg muscles, and is a great way to burn calories. Even if you prefer to ride in a golf cart, the physical activity of playing golf is a great way to improve your overall health simply because you’re being active.

One of the most important things anyone can do to improve their golf game is to be flexible. Flexibility plays a major role in seeing improvement in your game. If you get into the habit of stretching your muscles before and after your round, it will not only help you play better golf, but also make everyday tasks become easier.

BEING OUTDOORS Being outdoors is one of the most beneficial aspects of playing golf. Let me put it this way, would you rather spend time in a gym on a treadmill or enjoy a beautiful day on a golf course?

The answer to that is easy for most people. One of the biggest advantages of being outdoors in the sun is the benefits of Vitamin D. The best-known benefit of Vitamin D is its role in helping calcium build strong bones.

GOLF IS A SPORT THAT IS WELL-SUITED FOR SENIORS AND IT NOT ONLY HELPS TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL FITNESS, BUT IT’S A GREAT WAY TO GET OUTDOORS, STAY ENGAGED, AND ENJOY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. It helps regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system. Vitamin D also plays major roles in the lifecycle of human cells.

There are other advantages to the game of golf along with its physical benefits. Golf is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Whether you choose to spend a few hours with friends, your spouse, or your kids, what better way to spend it than on the golf course?

It’s also a sport people can play by themselves, alone with their thoughts. Either way, a round of golf can be very therapeutic and a great way to relieve stress.

Remember, when you’re talking about the health benefits of golf, you can’t ignore your mental health. Even if you prefer to just stay on the driving range and hit practice balls, you can walk away feeling better not only physically, but mentally as well.

The next time you find yourself looking for a way to improve your physical and mental health, consider golf. Remember, it doesn’t matter where you are in life in terms of age, golf doesn’t discriminate.

JURE/BIGSTOCK.COM

jump like an NBA player or run like an NFL player to enjoy golf.

Though some of the most competitive athletes in the world are golfers, it’s a recreational sport by nature. People of all ages can play golf. How can golf be beneficial to your health? Let’s look at some ways it can help not only your physical and mental health, but your overall wellbeing.

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37

PHYSICAL THERAPY

KEEP

MOVING!

Why mobility is so important as we age

W

hen I say mobility, I’m willing to bet many of you think about the newest trends in mobile devices such as cell phones, kindles, and iPads. However, the mobility that takes place in my world is making just as many headlines, it’s the mobility of movement. Mobility lets us do what we need to do to perform our daily activities. Simple things, like walking to the bathroom and getting out of bed, to more rigorous tasks like exercising at the gym or running a race. These all deal with mobility.

What happens if your movement becomes significantly decreased or even worse, you become immobile? A loss of mobility, which becomes more common with age, has a natural social, psychological and physical consequence. “If you’re unable to get out then you can’t go shopping, you can’t go out with your friends to eat dinner or go to the movies, and you become dependent on other people to get you places. So you become a recluse, you stay home, you get depressed. With immobilization comes incontinence, because you can’t get to the bathroom, you can develop urinary infections, skin infections. The list goes on,” says geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an instructor at Harvard Medical School.

“There are so many other things that doctors have to pay attention to, such as heart problems and lung problems, that screening for mobility gets pushed to the background. However, it’s one of the most important because it makes the difference between living at home or living in a facility,” she explains. She also points out that loss of mobility puts you at greater risk for falling, which often results in a hip fracture. “That’s the worst, because within a year 20 percent of people with hip fractures die from complications. So we try to avoid that at all costs,” says Dr. Salamon.

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Researchers from the University of Alabama suggest asking these two questions:  For health or physical reasons, do you have difficulty climbing up 10 steps or walking one quarter of a mile?  Because of underlying health or physical reasons, have you modified the way you climb 10 steps or walk a quarter of a mile?

If you are having difficulty in navigating stairs and walking a quarter mile, the result is a sign of immobility. At this point, you should consult your doctor. However, your physician can help you address what’s causing the difficulty before it progresses to a loss of mobility.

Heidi Godman, the Executive Editor for Harvard Health Letter, writes, “A variety of solutions are available. They can include physical therapy to improve balance

and strength training. Occupational therapy can help improve a person’s ability to perform daily living activities and the living environment with tools such as elevated bathroom fixtures and grab bars. Social support can help eliminate mobility barriers such as lack of transportation. Referrals to sub specialists may be needed to treat medical conditions that can lead to immobility. Finally, the use of devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters can open the door to greater mobility.”

If you have any doubts about your mobility or would like to learn more information about how to prevent immobility, call on any one of your great health care providers.

For more information visit, www.TexPTS.com.

GSTOCKSTUDIO/BIGSTOCK.COM

BY TONY LAURETTA, DPT

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OF THE MANY great aspects of Austin that residents have to be proud of is that its philanthropic spirit is among the most prized. For decades, even before so many big businesses were drawn here, individuals, groups, and mom-and-pop shops, have been giving back to their communities out of caring and a sense of unity among them. One by one, businesses and individuals from other cities come here and immediately sense this homegrown, authentic atmosphere of oneness. This thriving spirit moves people to volunteer with nonprofits that give back to the community, allowing the philanthropic trend in the city to increase. In keeping with this trend, Dentists With A Heart is a worthy nonprofit program with which dental professionals from Rose Dental Group have been volunteering and serving Austin’s dental needs for years.

Locally owned Rose Dental Group, established in 1995, has four locations including ones in Round Rock and Southwest Austin. Dr. Sergio Escobar, one of the founders of Rose Dental, was part of a Doctors With A Heart program decades ago in Colorado, whereby volunteer health care providers provided free care to patients.

From this idea, Dr. Escobar introduced the concept to what became Dentists with a Heart, an independent, nonprofit organization formed to facilitate a program to give back to the Austin community. Since 2009, Dentists with a Heart has been providing free dentistry and preventive dental education to people with dental needs who have financial hardship, lack dental insurance, and face challenges in obtaining dental care. Once a year, the nonprofit provides free dental treatment and education to people who apply and qualify for the services. Currently, Dentists with a Heart provides free dental services during an annual one-day event. In the future, the program will be expanding its services to more frequent events to increase its outreach.

DENTISTS WITH A

HEART

Filling a need, one tooth at a time

BY DAVINA BRUNO PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

ONCE A YEAR, THE NONPROFIT PROVIDES FREE DENTAL TREATMENT AND EDUCATION TO PEOPLE WHO APPLY AND QUALIFY FOR THE SERVICES.

Word of Mouth

BY ROSE DENTAL

For more information about Rose Dental, visit www.rosedental.net.

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The group works closely with other local nonprofits and churches, which encourage people who are unable to afford dental care to attend a Dentists with a Heart event.

This year, the Dentists with a Heart event took place on Saturday, October 24. Rose Dental Group provided the facilities, and all the volunteers for the event were Rose Dental professionals and staff. The services provided included: cleanings; preventive education; palliative care; extractions; and x-rays, all performed by an impressive team of seven dentists, six hygienists, and 30 volunteers. Over 80 patients were treated. Of those receiving care was a woman who had to take multiple buses and traveled for several hours to reach the clinic. Unfortunately, she had suffered years of physical abuse and once lived at SafePlace. At the Dentists with a Heart event, it was discovered she had not received dental care in over 20 years. After receiving fillings and a cleaning, this grateful patient said she finally felt good about smiling again. “The dental services and the simple kindness we provide really seem to make a difference in the patients’ lives,” said Charlotte Pieczynski, Rose Dental’s community relations coordinator and volunteer with Dentists with a Heart.

Dentists with a Heart is a program of caring and compassion – exactly as its name implies. From the hearts of volunteer dental providers to the patients’ smiles, the program provides free dental services to people in need.

Many thanks to Dentists with a Heart for their kindness and dedication to the people of Austin. And thanks to Rose Dental Group for providing the facilities and team of volunteers to this invaluable program.

Please “like” this giving program on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/ dentistswithaheart Consider donating to this great nonprofit: www.dentistswithaheart. net.

MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSE DENTAL

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41

HEALTH

FALLING IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF INJURIES FOR SENIORS

Ways to make your home less prone to fall-related accidents

BY MONICA SAAVEDRA, MPH, MCHES

Falls Lead to Fractures, Trauma Each year, more than 1.6 million older U.S. adults go to emergency departments for fall-related injuries.

Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence, and injury deaths.

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Many falls can be prevented by making simple changes in your living areas, as well as making personal and lifestyle changes.

TAKE STEPS TO "FALL PROOF" YOUR HOME, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTDOORS. TO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER, YOU CAN:    

Remove safety hazards.

Improve lighting.

Install handrails and grab bars.

Move items to make them easier to reach.

TIPS TO "FALL PROOF" YOUR HOME  An important step toward preventing falls at home is to remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or phone cords, or other things can cause you to fall. Slipping on rugs or slippery floors can also cause falls.  Move furniture around to give you plenty of room to walk freely. Remove items from stairs, hallways, and pathways. 

Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and stairs. Remove throw

EACH YEAR, MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION OLDER U.S. ADULTS GO TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS FOR FALL-RELATED INJURIES.

If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These healthcare providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making changes to prevent falls. Adapted from National Institutes of Health, www.nihseniorhealth.gov/health.

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MCININCH/BIGSTOCK.COM, DOROSHINOLEG/BIGSTOCK.COM

MANY PEOPLE have a friend or relative who has fallen. The person may have slipped while walking or felt dizzy when standing up from a chair and fell down.

Maybe you’ve fallen yourself. If these circumstances have happened to you or an older person you know, you’re not alone. More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling, and fall-related problems, rises with age.

rugs, use non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.  Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower, as well. You can buy these items at a home center or hardware store.  At home and elsewhere, try to avoid wet floors and clean up spills right away.  Be careful when walking outdoors and avoid going out alone on ice or snow. A simple slip on a slick sidewalk, a curb, or icy stairs could result in a serious injury.

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 Poor lighting – inside and outdoors – can increase your risk of falls. Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, at entrances, and on outdoor walkways. Use light bulbs that have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.  Good lighting on stairways is especially important. Light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs can help.  Place a lamp within easy reach of your bed. Put night lights in the bathroom, hallways, bedroom, and kitchen. Also keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.

512.524.2618 www.texhealthct.org

Certain Conditions Apply

 Have handrails installed on both sides of stairs and walkways. If you must carry something while walking up or down stairs, hold the item in one hand and use the handrail with the other. When you're carrying something, be sure you can see where your feet are stepping.

 Properly placed grab bars in your tub and shower, and next to the toilet, can help you avoid falls, too. Have grab bars installed, and use them every time you get in and out of the tub or shower. Be sure the grab bars are securely attached to the wall.

For more information visit, www.communitycaretx.org.

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PROFILE

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

DR. RAM VASUDEVAN BRINGS A MUCH NEEDED HEALTHCARE PRACTICE TO THE CAPITOL CITY Austin NeuroSpine provides high-quality healthcare for a healthy back and spine

BY JON BLACK PHOTOS BY STEVE DEMENT

“THERE ARE NO MINIMALLY INVASIVE, FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED NEUROSURGEONS OR SPINE SURGEONS IN AUSTIN,” SAYS DR. RAM VASUDEVAN. RATHER, THERE WEREN’T UNTIL DR. VASUDEVAN OPENED AUSTIN NEUROSPINE EARLIER THIS YEAR. Austin, he explains, was a natural location for his new practice.

“With the population growth, the demand for exceptional healthcare has also grown and is not being met. I saw a great opportunity in an amazing city.”

Austin NeuroSpine offers minimally invasive and conservative treatment options for patients suffering from spinal disorders.

“Our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare efficiently to Central Texans suffering from spinal disorders,” Dr. Vasudevan says.

He wants patients to know that, when he says “minimally invasive,” he means it. “Many spine surgeons say they are minimally invasive, but don’t use those techniques and aren’t trained in the latest procedures. I know the current techniques and can put them to practice in the operating room,” Dr. Vasudevan explains. “Though I enjoy operating, I am a conservative surgeon. Where appropriate, I offer non-operative therapies to avoid surgery.” In diagnosing and identifying the most conservative treatments likely to be effective for a patient, he draws upon his neuroscience as well as spinal background. If surgery is required, Dr. Vasudevan prefers the most minimally invasive procedure possible.

Before opening Austin NeuroSpine, Dr. Vasudevan was part of a large medical group. While there, he saw things that could be done more effectively. “Patients were not getting the service they wanted, whether it was timeliness of callbacks, ability to schedule appointments, or the feedback and service they expected from their doctor’s office,” he says.

Those observations provided the impetus and blueprint for Austin NeuroSpine. “I saw a better way to deliver healthcare,” Dr. Vasudevan explains. Making full use of technology allows his practice to send and receive referrals, communicate with patients

and other healthcare professionals, and disseminate information.

“We are committed to patient service and want to make the patient experience as pleasant and as stress free as possible,” says Dr. Vasudevan. He designed the practice to ensure that every aspect of Austin NeuroSpine keeps care focused on the patient. That, he stresses, is exactly where the emphasis of quality care belongs. “I want my patients to experience complete satisfaction, including courteous staff, prompt callbacks, and an unhurried experience with a surgeon who takes time to listen and arrive at a treatment strategy with the patient playing an integral role.” He feels that, too often, patients see a surgeon for only as long as it takes the surgeon to rush in, dictate the treatment strategy, and rush out again.

Seniors, says Dr. Vasudevan, should be on the lookout for spinal and cervical stenosis. Symptoms of the former include weakness, numbing, and cramping of the legs which make standing and walking difficult. In the latter, pressure on the spinal cord leads to unsteady gait, frequent falls, weakness, and loss of coordination. It can be devastating if an auto accident or serious fall occurs. Unfortunately, stenosis does not respond well to conservative treatment, “the nerves are being physically compressed and only surgical intervention can relieve the pressure.”

The road to medicine for Dr. Vasudevan is rooted in family tradition. His father was a cardiologist. Growing up in the town of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, he was able to witness, firsthand, the impact physicians had in the community. The path he took to neurosurgery, however, is distinctly his. He always had an affinity for challenging manual tasks. In medical school he was introduced to neuroscience by a mentor. “I witnessed a craniotomy for a brain tumor and was hooked.”

Dr. Vasudevan received his MD from Temple University in Philadelphia. He completed his internship at the University of Missouri as well as residencies at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles and the University of Arkansas. Dr. Vasudevan was a fellow and clinical instructor in minimally invasive spine surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. In that position, he investigated new procedures for treating spinal disorders and published outcomes



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 on minimally invasive techniques. He is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the North American Spine Society. His work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and medical textbooks. Dr. Vasudevan is active in educating future neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons.

While opening his own practice sometimes presented challenges, Dr. Vasudevan says he has never looked back. “Starting your own practice is starting your own business. It has been a great learning and rewarding experience,” he explains. “The pain and weakness of neurologic disorders can be debilitating. The ability to provide immediate relief is rewarding and patients are so happy.”

For more information visit, www.austinneurospine.com.

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47

PROFILE

ACHES AND PAINS AREN’T JUST A SYMPTOM OF GROWING OLD

Dr. Malone at Advanced Pain Care offers seniors relief from common pain complaints

BY JON BLACK PHOTOS BY WINSTON LACKEY

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“PAIN IS INEVITABLE, BUT SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL.” WITH THAT WISDOM, DR. MARK MALONE HELPS PATIENTS UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE THE CHOICE, AND THE POWER, TO RECLAIM THEIR LIVES. A BOARD-CERTIFIED PAIN SPECIALIST, DR. MALONE IS THE FOUNDER OF ADVANCED PAIN CARE (APC), A PAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE WITH EIGHT LOCATIONS, INCLUDING FIVE IN THE AUSTIN AREA. Patient-centered, conservative medical care is at the heart of APC’s approach. “First and foremost, we listen to our patients,” Dr. Malone explains. From that dialogue with patients, Malone’s practice uses advanced technology and techniques, as well as minimally invasive options, to help patients manage pain. “Because we are specialists in pain management, many patients experience relief after only one visit.”

APC works with pain afflicting all regions of the body, including common areas such as the back, neck, and hips, as well as musculoskeletal pain. It also treats a full range of specific chronic pain issues, including cancer pain, post-surgical pain, post-trauma pain, fibromyalgia, neuralgia and neuropathy, spinal stenosis, pain from degenerative disc and joint disease, sacroiliac joint pain, migraines and headaches, as well as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The practice also offers “Functional Restoration,” an innovative, intensive 20-day physical therapy and counseling program developed for worker’s compensation patients experiencing issues with pain.

To help patients with pain resulting from these conditions, APC has a variety of treatment options at its disposal, such as prescription-drug relief; targeted nerve injections; and the use of a non-narcotic neurostimulator, an implantable device which overrides signals from pain-generating nerves. “The focus of every treatment we offer is on innovation, accuracy, and minimal recovery time,” Dr. Malone says.

Seniors, he notes, are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than younger individuals. However, because of a common perception that “not feeling good” is just part of getting old, they are also less likely to seek treatment for pain issues. This does not necessarily have to be the case and APC encourages seniors experiencing pain issues, or their families, to speak with a doctor.

Chronic, debilitating pain can take over a patient’s life. For that reason, the practice places enormous value on seeing patients and beginning treatment as soon as possible. APC prides itself on often being able to see patients the same or next day. “When a patient is in that kind of pain, he or she shouldn’t have to wait until next week or next month to receive treatment,” Malone explains.

APC is also attuned to the psychological dimensions of chronic pain. “Those who suffer from chronic pain often don’t sleep well and may not be able to work or maintain a social life. Depression and chronic pain can go hand in hand,” Dr. Malone says. The practice helps patients address these issues as an essential part of their treatment plan and makes licensed counselors available.

Dr. Malone’s staff, from telephone operators scheduling appointments to the operations coordinator ensuring patients have comfortable seating while they wait, all understand that their number-one job is giving patients the best experience possible. “By paying attention to

details,” Dr. Malone explains, “Advanced Pain Care hopes to go a long way in improving our patients’ experience in the doctor’s office and, ultimately, their quality of life.”

In his opinion, medicine should always be hands-on and doctors should be actively involved with every aspect of their practice. If Dr. Malone isn’t in the examination room with a patient, he’s in the hallway with staff. Availability, both to patients and staff, is fundamental to his view of medicine. For that reason, Dr. Malone does not keep an office.

Dr. Malone volunteers in projects for The Komen Foundation, American Cancer Society, and St. Andrews School in Austin. He is especially passionate about treating veterans and active-duty military personnel who experience chronic pain. “I am humbled to be able to serve those who put their lives on the line, and on hold, to serve the United States of America,” says Dr. Malone.

Dr. Malone is a board-certified pain specialist. He received his MD from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He attended Baylor College of Medicine for his residency and training in anesthesiology. Dr. Malone completed a pain management fellowship at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Malone’s passion for helping others manage pain isn’t just professional, it’s personal as well. “I have experienced chronic pain from a back injury,” he acknowledges and wants his patients to understand he “relates first-hand to what patients are going through physically, mentally, and emotionally.” Inviting patients to APC, he says “The pain stops here.”

For more information visit, www.austinpaindoctor.com.

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

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MOBILE MEDICINE

HOW TOTAL CARE CONNECT IS CARING FOR OUR AGING POPULATION IN AUSTIN Learn how one local’s passion is improving the lives of seniors

BY DAVINA BRUNO / PHOTO BY STEVE DEMENT

A

ustin is known nationwide for its bustling, active millennial population; pictures of hipsters swell in magazines and Austin musicians claim stages on continents worldwide. At the same time, the city’s senior community is just as large and equally as impacting in numbers, spending powerful, and social influence. However, as the hipsters lay claim to fame, seniors in need are often forgotten and left to care for their own needs as they climb in years. The need for individual care for seniors of all backgrounds and need levels is very real in the Greater Austin area; one entrepreneur is using her passion for this demographic to provide a unique type of care in the hopes of inspiring others to join her.

Total Care Connect, a home health agency, located on South Congress Avenue, was started by Musu Turay, who began caring for the elderly at the age of 11. The idea of Total Care Connect was born out of her many encounters with seniors who lived without proper medical support, families, nor the ability to work. Turay witnessed first-hand how difficult it is to find care that is reliable as well as affordable. Because of these seniors’ needs, Turay based the organization on the vision of keeping clients’ health, quality of life, and wellbeing central in the design and delivery of care.

An enormous part of achieving this goal comes with scrupulous staffing, which Total Care Connect takes pride in. Each employee is vetted thoroughly to ensure a trustworthy, compassionate, and highly qualified staff, and, per Turay’s request, a staff that is willing to go above and beyond for each client. Working at locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, are over 130 nurses, administrators, caregivers, and volunteers.

In addition to home healthcare, the organization provides a wide variety of services, listed as follows: Standard Services: child care , memory care, placement services, technology solutions as well as health care education.

Rehab and Therapy: speech therapy, physical therapy,

occupational therapy, as well as medical social services.

Weekly Retreats: once a week, seniors, children, and people who are ill meet for a respite program that allows them to enjoy physical exercises, restorative yoga, music, dancing, and group lunches.

Philanthropy: Total Care Connect is home to The Total Care Foundation, through which Turay arranges a variety of volunteer projects. These include satisfying transportation needs for various local communities and for clients who would like to attend special events; yearly fundraising and food drives; social services including social reassurance and friendly visiting; provision of an emergency hotline; and errand/shopping assistance. In recognition of the 22 percent of high school kids that drop out of school because of ill family members, Turay also ensures support for caregiving youths, children, and people who are disabled, in order to ease the burden on family members.

Turay is often on the front lines shopping for clients and visiting seniors and recruits volunteers

For more information visit, www.totalcareconnect.com.

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each year to help provide these free services to elders in need. This complete offering of services provides a superior level of care by responding to the practical, mental and emotional, social, and physical needs of clients, with many of the more personal services such as holiday-time decorating.

As the baby boomers mature, Turay is planning to expand to other cities in the United States and is studying Information Technology at The University of Texas at Austin to ensure that the website can support even larger audiences in the future.

The site, which allows clients to book their healthcare services from any location, will aid in the expansion process, as healthcare systems across the country are being electronically streamlined.

As we launch our Senior Health Issue, we’re proud to feature Total Care Connect as it continues to expand its network and care for seniors, children, and people who are ill in Austin and elsewhere. Let’s all end 2015, and begin the New Year, committed to matching our level of commitment to our elders.

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Dr. Jenny Crow, DDS Dr. Jenny Crow, DDS, was born and raised in Austin, TX. She attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate, where she majored in Biomedical Science and graduated with a Bachelor of Science. While pursuing her degree, she also followed her passion of helping people with intellectual disabilities through oncampus charity organizations and individual mentoring with A&M’s chapter of Best Buddies, where she served as Buddy Director. She attended Dental School at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at the UT Health Science Center in Houston, TX. She became a dentist to fulfill her passion to help people and to be able to give them a smile that creates confidence while improving their health. She enjoys the one-on-one interaction with her patients and the chance to get to know them, and is honored to become a trusted partner in achieving goals for their health. In her spare time, she enjoys art projects, including refinishing furniture and painting, playing soccer, trail riding, cooking, exploring Austin, and playing with her niece and nephew. Dr. Crow practices at Rose Dental’s Northwest Austin (Angus Road) location.

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MOBILE MEDICINE

A TRULY PATIENT-DRIVEN PRACTICE WHERE

THE PATIENT MAKES THE CALLS

Yvonne Schilling with Counselors on Demand brings the practice to the patient

“WE ARE FOCUSED on nontraditional counseling that is based on the person and not the practice,” says Yvonne Schilling, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Austin-based Counselors on Demand (COD). This practice has turned the traditional counseling format on its head by bringing the practice to the patient, rather than the other way around.

Instead of the typical office-based counseling session, complete with a couch and box of tissues, COD counselors meet their patients at a time and location of the patient’s choosing, whether it’s a favorite coffeehouse, restaurant, or someplace else. Patients also choose the duration of the session as well as select the specific counselor with whom they work.

“Counselors on Demand is founded on the principle of self care and our mission is to promote self care around the world, one person at a time,” Schilling explains. The intent of COD’s approach is not only to make counseling more convenient and comfortable, but to make it more therapeutic as well. By giving patients the power to define the counseling session’s parameters, the COD model maximizes self care and reminds patients they are active participants in their own care and treatment.

Schilling says that this evolution of the therapeutic environment didn’t come about all at once, but was the result of a gradual process. “The traditional counseling model wasn’t very convenient for people. We realized there was a serious lack of options when it came to counseling.” Responding to those challenges, Counselors on Demand decided to reverse the tradition counseling equation. “We want to work with people’s busy schedules, not add to them.”

The response has been overwhelming. “We’re realizing just how much people are craving authenticity,” Schilling says. She elaborates, “Because of this realization, we offer a wide range of scheduling options and locations so that people can be more authentic with themselves and their environment.” While COD

counselors have met patients in a variety of locations, coffee houses have proven especially popular. “Our counselors remain well caffeinated,” Schilling jokes.

To people who may be hesitant regarding counseling sessions in a public setting, Schilling wants to reassure them that such environments are actually more empowering and liberating for clients, not less. “Our main goal is to go where you feel comfortable. That may be a coffee shop, a walk, an activity, or your own home. Whatever feels right and safe for you, we’ll be there.” For clients who are interested in more traditional “couch sessions,” COD counselors are happy to meet in a client’s home or similar location.

Just as much as their innovative model, the counselors themselves are fundamental to the success of COD. Its counselors have various specializations within mental healthcare, including couples, families, children, alcohol, substance abuse, grief, and so much more. The practice carefully selects its counselors based on specialties and certifications. Credentials are reviewed and verified and a background check performed on each prospective counselor. “You can have confidence in your choice of counselor,” Schilling says.

For people who may be considering counseling for the first time, COD understands it isn’t always an easy decision and wants to make it as simple and stress free as possible. “The hardest part is making the appointment. We want people to know that, whatever it may be, you don’t have to do this alone. We are here and want to help,” Schilling says. On a practical level, before beginning counseling with anyone, she recommends patients consider a counselors experience, specializations, certifications, and background. To assist with that choice, COD makes all this information regarding its counselors available in a single location on their website.

“Just taking the first step and scheduling an appointment makes you a success story,” Schilling explains. “It’s not easy to let your guard down and open up, nor is it easy to realize you may need to talk to someone. We just want to help guide you along after that.”

There is no “typical” COD patient, nor is there a specific type of person to which the practice gears its services. “One of the things that is so great about COD is there isn’t really specific demographic,” she says. “We have options for people in all walks of life.

No matter your background, age or gender, we have a counselor that is a perfect fit for you on your journey to self care.”

Schilling is very pleased with the impact COD has had for its patients and is thrilled by how the new model is working out. “We’re providing counseling for patients in a way that makes everyone feel most comfortable to meet their personal needs. It’s quite an experience for both the counselor and the patient – nothing beats the feeling of witnessing that unique process.”

For more information visit, www.counselorsondemand.net.

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BY JON BLACK

MOBILE MEDICINE

CAN YOU NO LONGER DRIVE? IF YOU’RE AN AUSTINITE, YOU’VE GOT OPTIONS For seniors that are trying to navigate Austin and are unable to drive there are many free ride services available, here are some resources to help:

DRIVE A SENIOR

Drive a Senior puts seniors together with volunteers to take them to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, and more. www.volunteerdriving.com 512-310-1060

FAITH IN ACTION CAREGIVER TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

People age 60 and over without transportation can qualify for free rides to medical and dental appointments, the grocery store, the beauty shop, and errands. www.capcog.org/documents/Aging/Info_Referral_ Assistance/TransportationProviders200901Jan.pdf 512-453-2273 (Multiple locations)

CAPITAL METRO STS

Cap Metro specially serves people with disabilities, the same area as Cap Metro fixed route bus service.

To apply call 512-389-7501 or for reservations call 512-478-9647 CARTS

CAPITAL AREA RURAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Serves nine counties outside of Austin 512-478-7433 or 800-456-7433

ROAD TO RECOVERY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Transportation to cancer treatments 512-919-1911 or 800-227-2345

MEALS ON WHEELS MEDI WHEELS GROCERIES TO GO

This service can bring you groceries if you are in need 512-476-6325

ASK AUSTIN AREA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION

If you want to participate in some of the senior activity centers they can get you there 512-974-1464

GET UP AND OUT

There are many free senior services to help you avoid boredom and isolation.

AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION

The Parks Department offers social, recreation, and educational activities specifically for seniors at their three senior activity centers listed below. Additionally, the Recreation Centers and the Dougherty Arts Center offer many programs that are for all ages of adults, including seniors.

CONLEY-GUERRERO SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

808 Nile Street Austin, TX 78702 www.austintexas.gov/department/ seniors-programs-and-services 512-978-2660

SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER – LAMAR 2874 Shoal Crest Ave. Austin, TX 78705 www.austintexas.gov/department/ seniors-programs-and-services 512-474-5921

SOUTH AUSTIN SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER 3911 Manchaca Road Austin, TX 78704 www.austintexas.gov/department/ seniors-programs-and-services 512-448-0787

MEDICAID TRANSPORTATION

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Medicaid clients only 877-633-8747

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

53

MOBILE MEDICINE

A NONPROFIT DRIVING CHANGE FOR

SENIORS IN THE CITY Drive A Senior offers a safe option to get the aging population where they need to go

Y

ears ago when I first saw the episode of The Golden Girls where Sophia drove by herself despite her failing eye sight, the question of mobility and aging came to life in my mind. For a long time, I wondered what independence looked like with aging; what was being done to ensure mobility for our seniors; and how daunting it might be to live decades unhampered by thoughts of self-sufficiency, only to have that gradually decrease over time. The ability to go to the doctor, fitness class, or social gathering and get back home is of enormous importance, as emotional, physical, and social health takes on a whole new meaning after age 60. Thankfully, a nonprofit

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in Austin has identified this need, and for the last 30 years has been actively recruiting volunteers to get our seniors where they need to go.

Drive A Senior has been serving Austin and surrounding areas for a few decades now, and they've noticed a few things: only four percent of seniors use public transportation; many people hate to ask for help, even if it means going without food for a while; and most seniors without transportation consider themselves a burden to others. In light of these facts, Drive A Senior offers free rides to individuals over the age of 60 who have no access, or limited access, to transportation. They give rides to grocery stores, beauty

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BY DAVINA BRUNO

MOST SENIORS WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION CONSIDER THEMSELVES A BURDEN TO OTHERS. shops and barbers, health and medical offices, banks, activity centers, support groups, and many more locations.

With the understanding that seniors have other needs as well, Drive A Senior also provides light services including home maintenance, such as seasonal yard work and changing firealarm batteries; friendly visits; and care calls where volunteers call and check up on seniors, many of whom live alone. The level of care provided is notable, as volunteer drivers and service providers are carefully chosen to ensure that clients feel appreciated and comfortable. For each ride given, volunteers take great care to treat clients like family, and for many, this is exactly what is needed for the older population who can experience intense isolation in their old age.

Cindy, whose mother uses the service, commented that, "Without your organization, mom wouldn’t be able to enjoy going to her church during the weekdays. Thank you and God bless!" Shirley, who also uses the driving service was particularly grateful to have a ride to and from her various appointments.

Often, their rides with the nonprofit are the only times these seniors leave their homes and apartments, and the camaraderie that develops between the drivers and riders become precious experiences over time.

Registering as a driver or a rider is simple and can be done by visiting their website. As the holidays approach, we encourage you to refer a senior you may know to the service or offer your time and resources as a volunteer. Mobility challenges plague most seniors, and whether it is a trip to the supermarket or a visit to a friend, overcoming this challenge can also mean overcoming isolation and general restlessness. Drive A Senior continues to grow and expand its services to seniors on a broader scale in the coming years. If you or someone you know is unable to drive and needs help visit Drive A Senior’s website.

For more information visit, www.volunteerdriving.com.

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55

MENTAL HEALTH

A LOOK INSIDE

SUBSTANCE AND ALCOHOL ABUSE Two recovered Austin experts weigh in on these deadly addictions

BY SAM JACKSON

D

rug and alcohol addiction have wreaked havoc across the world for many years. It’s hitting our wallets as hard as our families, costing more than $700 billion in healthcare bills, lost work hours, and criminal expenses.

We know these things to a degree, but statistics can’t truly convey what addiction does to a person’s mind, or describe how it impacts your relationships, body, and soul. Fortunately, two people agreed to share their experiences with substance abuse to shine a light on this issue.

Wes Hurt is one of Austin’s foremost entrepreneurs, known chiefly for the popular food trailer, Hey Cupcake!, that became a premier destination even in the food trailer choked downtown area. Christopher Titus is a premier standup comedian and owner of the production company Combustion Films.

He’s also voyaged into TV, formerly starring in the Emmy-nominated sitcom Titus and now hosts the game show Pawnography on the History Channel.

There’s 14 years of age between these two men, and they are worlds apart as people.

What links them is that for a time, their lives were defined by substance abuse and both defeated it in separate paths. Addiction can be summed up quote from Titus’ pal, and E Street Band guitarist, Nils Lofgren, “One is too many, and a thousand’s not enough.”

As he wrote on his Clean Cause Water website, Hurt “did every substance put in front of him” from his teens on. When pressed for specifics, he mentions pot, booze, crack, and Vicodin, the last two being done simultaneously at the climax of his problems. Surprisingly though, it didn’t seem to affect his business

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savvy, not at first, since he started Hey Cupcake! and built it up while in the throes of his habits. Then the addition became the "most fortunate blessing" in Hurt's life.

“The board [of Hey Cupcake!] was my sister and brother-in-law," he recounts. "They fired me because they wanted to cut [my] access to money which was feeding my addiction.

Seven years before, we had put them in that position for that very reason, if I kind of went nuts, they would be able to pull that." Hurt never expected that plan to get invoked until he found himself out of his gig. The bad news didn't stop there, shortly after his wife tossed him out of his home. "Then my family said, 'Do

would often get him wasted “just to see what he was going to change into.” He tells stories of accepting drunken dares to dive off hotel roofs into pools and jumping off cliffs in Santa Cruz, California. The reasons why were psychological, Titus shares, “I hung out with top notch dudes, and I always felt I never fit in with these guys. So I’d just get hammered.”

He also remembers both of his parents drinking to the point of outrageousness. “My dad had all these old home movies from the 1960s and we’d sit around the projector and watch them. There was this one movie where my mom is drinking at a party and her arm was in a cast with wires coming out of the end

ADDICTS SHOULD TRY TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THE MOST REMOTE CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THEIR ADDICTION, WHICH TENDS TO MEAN FRIENDS THEY SPENT TIME WITH OR PLACES THEY VISITED FREQUENTLY IN THE PAST. not contact us until you're ready to get better, because we're not going to participate in you dying anymore. And anything we do that's not helping you recover is hurting you.’" Hurt says this saved his life and credits families in having the most important role to stop addictions by not enabling them. After briefly living in an office, he finally agreed with them and went into a recovery program last year.

Titus’ drug of choice was booze, he began abusing it in his high school years. His buddies

that connected around her hand. And I ask, ‘What happened to Mom there, Dad?,’ he answers, ‘about three weeks earlier she was at another party, got blackout drunk and fell down the stairs.’ He laughs incredulously, and the video was of her at another party!”

Almost fittingly, Christopher Titus’ rock bottom moment was less emotional and more slapstick. When he was 17-years-old, he drunkenly stumbled into a bonfire at a high school beach bash and was severely burned, which he

ONE IS TOO MANY, AND A THOUSAND’S NOT ENOUGH.

WES HURT

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CHRISTOPHER TITUS Addicts have already been forced to change their entire personalities and habits to suit their drug of choice, but the tough part of any recovery is doing it again, this time to escape it. A common bit of advice for addicts is that they should try to separate themselves from the most remote connections related to their addiction, which tends to mean friends they spent time with or places they visited frequently in the past. As one could imagine, that can be tough for some people and a possible reason why relapse rates run from 40-60 percent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Like they say, routine is pretty comfortable.

“I don’t hang out in places where I used to,” Hurt admits. “[Recovery programs] have a saying, ‘People, places, and things.’

Generically speaking, you need to change all of those, and it’s some pretty good practical advice.” Titus, however, has no issues returning to the occasional glass of wine or two without losing control.

Another suggestion for recovery is to channel the energy spent on the addiction into something new, productive, and healthy. Less ambitious avenues might be mastering new skills, or exercising, for instance. For his part, Hurt sold a majority of his stake in Hey Cupcake! and jumped straight into his new business, Clean Cause Water. As an example of the lessons he learned, and to help people he met in recovery, he staffs the company with recovering addicts and donates half of the profits to rehabilitation facilities and charities for addiction. Hurt also knew

that criminal records and trust issues make it hard for addicts to find work, and though he agrees with that as a businessman, he still feels willing to give them a chance.

“I think [employing former addicts] is huge. That transitional time is one of the most vulnerable times for an addict, and so I think it’s one of the biggest things we can do to help assist some addicts. It helps them build self esteem quickly, it makes them more self sustainable, and it lets guys immediately begin to give back to other people in a very explicit way where they know ‘Hey, I’m going to be helping fellow people struggling with the same stuff,’ and make them feel good about that.

It just feels good to put in a good day's work.”

“Identifying your purpose,” Hurt emphasizes, “is really, really helpful in maintaining your sobriety. I just found that when people are more dialed in and able to articulate that a little bit, it gives you a North Star.”

He’s also expanding Clean Water into the energy drink market. “[The drink’s] organic, it’s got only 20 calories, it’s got organic green coffee extract as the caffeine source. There are no B vitamins or taurine, and it’s in three different flavors. And it actually tastes good, that’s the shocker. We’re gonna go after Red Bull and Monster and we’re gonna give people some caffeine because it’s a practically necessity in this day and age, but we don’t want to get people cracked out, pun intended. The tagline I’ve come up for this is ‘energizing recovery in America.”

Titus, meanwhile, got his nascent stand up career rolling. “I was in a night club every night. I got out of high school and I was hanging out [in clubs] even when I wasn’t old enough. I saw some comics getting really sloppy [because of alcohol], and that’s my place of work, so I chose not to do that.” Years of touring and honing his show, built around his life experiences, eventually attracted the attention of Fox, who signed him on to do Titus, and the rest is history. He also found a bit of spirituality as well, “I read the Bible every night, read it all the way through, twice. I realized the Bible breaks down to ‘Don’t be a dick’ and once I got that I was okay.” Biblical study, Hurt says, helped him as well, along with “nurturing my own belief system.”

After getting clean, the question remains, does the urge remain, or can an addict feel free from the impulses that haunted them? Titus thinks so. Since quitting 32 years ago, he’s had only one serious incident “where I drank really hard, then woke up the next day and went, ‘You know what? I’m not doing that again.’ Not that I’m never going to drink again, but I’m never drinking that much again. You just have to know your limitations.”

Hurt agrees, though he knows he can't drink or do drugs recreationally, and adds a version of the classic recovery program saying, “a day at a time”. “It’s more of a fantasy in the future, but it's less pressure and more manageable when all I have to do is get through today. The whole idea’s that I’m not sitting here scared of my life. I couldn’t live like that, having to avoid drinking all the time and not being able to go places just because they serve beer.”

“So many people walk through life walking backwards and looking at the past,” Titus remarks. “You got to turn around and just head towards the future, that’s all.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER TITUS

recounted years later in his first stand up special, Norman Rockwell is Bleeding. It’s a great story that got huge laughs, but even then Titus was made aware of how serious his drinking was getting. “I just realized, wow, I’m gonna die if I keep doing this,” he said. Describing the experience as a “onestep program,” Titus kicked alcohol cold turkey soon after. Because of this rather unconventional method, Titus has a very black and white view of getting clean.

“What I don’t like about addicts is that we’re all in control of our own lives,” he says. “And I have a problem with calling it a disease – that has always stuck in my craw my whole life. Because I believe it’s not a disease, I believe it’s a choice. I can choose to drink or I can choose not to drink. To me [calling it a disease] gives people an excuse for bad behavior. If it was a disease, you couldn’t have stopped.

You have to take responsibility, and I think when we start taking personal responsibility across the board a lot of the problems in our society will be cured.”

Part of his issues with this stem from personal experience. “I had a friend who worked for a magazine I used to write for and he said he was an alcoholic, he had a disease. So we went to AA, and he started telling people ‘Hey, I just got out of LA, I stopped drinking, I’m sober,’ and everyone was like ‘Great, dude, high five!’ and he got all this amazing attention for it. Which is good, it’s good to be positive with people.”

“After three months the attention went away and we were like ‘Yeah, yeah, we know dude. Great, good for you.’ Well, three months after that he fell off the wagon and started drinking again. Then he got all this attention for falling off the wagon. So he went back to AA again and got the whole ‘Aw, dude you did it again, great!’ He [repeated] this for four or five years. And I, being the cynical comic that I am, I thought, ‘Wow dude, you’re doing this because it’s a story you get to tell every few months.” Titus has no hate for recovery programs or their mission.

“I’m totally on their side. AA’s phenomenal; they walk you through these steps of taking personal responsibility for everything you do. If they keep you from making the decision to drink and get out of control, good for you.”

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Health & Beauty

TIPS AND TWEAKS TO GET YOU

GLOWING this holiday season Dr. Ling shares tips you can do at home and in-office t’s holiday time and you don’t have a lot of time between office parties and family gatherings for recovery from major cosmetic procedures. What can be done to optimize your appearance this time of year? Well, there are a few habits to help yourself out from the inside.

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BY DR. SHIRAT LING

 Hydration: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day if you are inactive (50 oz if you weigh 100 pounds); add more if you exercise, or if you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages (add two 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 and look better than raisins.  Sleep: This is something you need to determine for yourself; women tend to need

YASTREMSKA/BIGSTOCK.COM

procedures with minimal downtime

more than men to function optimally. Avoid late-night food or drink and retire to a cave-like environment. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent grabbing and folding of the face.

 Exercise: Helps maintain optimal weight, relieves stress (releases the feel-good endorphins), and builds 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 only 15 minutes a day. Get an exercise partner to keep you accountable. Instead of taking a smoking break, take a health break, 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.

 Nutrition: You are what you eat. Eat a wide variety of food types and with varied colors, good fats, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, 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 to avoid poor choices at the workplace. Women should also consume more protein. Remember to take a good multivitamin, fish oil (look for EPA 1000 mg or more daily, it helps with inflammation on a cellular level, which affects heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc), and 500 – 1500 mg of calcium citrate for women.

 Sun Protection: Wear SPF of at least 30, and reapply every 80 minutes when outdoors, or 30 minutes prior to re-exposure to sun (before lunch or leaving work). Makeup typically provides an SPF of 10 or 15, which is not enough.

I recommend Colorscience which provides a physical barrier (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that you can apply over your makeup.

This will help 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…

Procedures with minimal downtime for optimal holiday glow:  Microdermabrasion. Get an instant glow with microdermabrasion, which is a gentle sandblasting to remove the top layer of dead cells. Chemical peels get similar results, but can have some down time of mild peeling for

a few days. Enzyme masks can be used alone or after a microdermabrasion for extra exfoliation of dull cells, with no peeling.

 Dermaplaning. A scalpel is used to remove the fine fuzzy hairs and the upper layers of dull skin.

 Microneedling. Using fine needles, tiny wells are created that improve collagen production in the upper layers of skin, reducing wrinkles, acne scars, and improving tone.

This can be combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), which contains eight growth factors to enhance the effects of collagen production and improvement in tone and texture.

 Neuromodulators. Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin, or Dysport is an almost instant gratification procedure that relaxes expression muscles that cause wrinkles. These kick in a few days after injection and last three to four months. When applied properly, you don’t look frozen or shocked. It shouldn’t be obvious that you had any cosmetic procedure done.

 Dermal fillers. Juvederm, Voluma, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and Sculptra are used to plump up laugh lines, deflated lips, fallen cheeks, dark circles, and sunken temples. The correction is instantaneous and should last six months to two years, depending on the product used. Bruising may occur, so avoid alcohol, Advil, and aspirin for at least three days prior to any injection. With dermal fillers, it is all about placement, not necessarily volume, so beware of places that push large numbers of syringes, they may be incentivizing their staff by how much they sell, not by how good their clients look afterwards.

 Intense Pulsed Light Treatments. Skin Tightening on our IPL provides instantaneous lift and collagen production two weeks later.

It’s a great way to look like you’ve lost a few pounds for an event that evening. Spider Vein

Reduction targets blood cells and unwanted blood vessels; the body absorbs these within a week or so. Photofacials target brown spots and some blood vessels and it takes about a week for your body to reject and slough the fried spots. Hair Removal targets the actively growing hair follicles, which occur at different rates in the various parts of the body.

Acne Treatments target overactive oil glands and the P. acnes bacteria responsible for acne.

If flares are related to your periods, plan your treatments the week before, or whenever it is most active. As with all IPL treatments, multiple treatments may be necessary.  Contour Light. Special LED lights help promote collagen production and fat cell size reduction. This is great for loose, saggy skin (I have a runner who has what I call Impact Face Sag Syndrome whose husband noticed a difference in her wrinkles). These treatments are performed two to three times a week for a series of 10.  TruSculpt. This noninvasive radiofrequency and massage technology feels like a hot stone massage and triggers fat cells to die off improving the appearance of cellulite. These monthly treatments reduce the appearance of fat anywhere the machine can be applied, even the stubborn double chin, and does not have the nerve pain, demarcated areas of treatment, and other limitations of the CoolSculpting machine. Since most of us gain a couple of pounds over the holidays, but don’t lose them, the TruSculpt is a great way to keep the fat cells down while you enjoy your holidays.  Professional Teeth Whitening. White teeth give you instant youth. This 30-minute procedure brightens your smith by five shades with no sensitivity afterwards.

Schedule your noninvasive, minimal downtime procedures to look and feel your best this holiday season!

DR. SHIRAT LING personally performs all the medical cosmetic procedures at her South First Street office. She has performed over 9,500 ablative laser procedures and has been in medical practice for 15 years, 10 of which she has spent performing and instructing in medical cosmetic procedures.

For more information visit, www.innatebeauty.com.

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dining

NEW AUSTIN HOTSPOT IS OFFERING A HEALTHY JAPANESE FAVORITE

FUKUMOTO specializes in Yakitori, a skewered sensation like none other

BY NICOLE CARBON / PHOTOS BY ROBERT JACOB LERMA

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nter the spacious dining room of Fukumoto with floor-to-ceiling views of the action on East Fifth Street. This new Austin hotspot is offering traditional Japanese fare. The sushi-bar seating is prime for front row views of the talented team turning out delectable sushi, but the star of the show is the yakitori. Chef and owner Kazu Fukumoto is serving this Japanese staple in true authentic style – fish and meat skewered, seasoned to perfection, and cooked over charcoal. Fukumoto took a hiatus creating sushi at long standing and highly acclaimed Musashino in North Austin to hone his skills in Japan learning how to make yakitori. He returned to open his beautiful namesake restaurant with exquisite design details like the custom wooden walls his father crafted. If you choose to stay in you can try making this healthy treat yourself. Chef Fukumoto shares his recipe for a savory version of yakitoro. Enjoy!

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MISO YOGURT MARINATED CHICKEN YAKITORI Ingredients: 24 oz chicken thighs (can use breast or tender meat) 12-18 skewers For the marinade: 4 ounces white miso paste 4 ounces plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons sake Optional: Asparagus (cut to same size as chicken cubes) Cut the chicken into one inch cubes and set aside.

Whisk together marinade ingredients into a large mixing bowl, then combine with the chicken cubes. Once complete, transfer everything into a resealable bag and seal tight. Make sure all air is removed from bag. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Remove contents from the bag and transfer into a colander. Using a paper towel, wipe off excess marinade from the chicken cubes and set aside.

Skewer chicken cubes, with optional asparagus pieces in between. Skewers can be grilled or pan fried until meat is cooked thoroughly.

THE SUSHI-BAR SEATING IS PRIME FOR FRONT ROW VIEWS OF THE TALENTED TEAM TURNING OUT DELECTABLE SUSHI, BUT THE STAR OF THE SHOW IS THE YAKITORI. For more information visit, www.fukumotoaustin.com.

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