The Leader • Saturday, May 9, 2020 • Page 1B
Getting fit can be fun for families By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
Oak Forest Elementary physical education teacher Margy Locke has worked to engage her school community on ways it can have fun and get exercise in this time of social distancing. “With schools closed, sports seasons canceled and playgrounds closed, we must get creative to find ways to keep active and stay connected,” Locke said. “Exercise is important not just for physical health, but mental health as well.” Below is a list of activities she shared that will get you moving and promote positive interactions with the family. Fitness deck Grab a deck of cards. Assign a different activity to each suit such as: hearts=jumping jacks; spades=sit-ups; diamonds=push-ups; and clubs=squats. Shuffle the deck of cards and take turns with your child picking up the top card. The number on the card represents the number of times you need to complete an activity. Before starting, decide the value of Aces, Jacks, Queens and Kings. Hit the bike trails A family bike ride is a great way to stay active and connect with the family. Beginning riders may enjoy riding around the neighborhood, while older intermediate riders may like exploring
Photo by Betsy Denson Margy Locke, left, and her son, Pace, are enjoying a range of activities since being homebound.
the hike and bike trails. “This is also a great opportunity to teach young people bike safety and etiquette such as signaling turns, riding on the right-hand side while passing on the left, watching for cars and always wearing a helmet,” Locke said. “Finally, young riders may need an extra reminder to be mindful of social distancing practices when approaching and passing other riders and pedestrians.” One-minute challenges Everyone loves a chal-
lenge. A one-minute challenge is a fast, simple way to get everyone moving. Choose any exercise and see how many each person can do in one minute. Ideas for exercises include sit-ups, push-ups, squats, burpees and star jumps. This same concept can be used for various sports skills as well. How many baskets can be made in a minute? How many times can a ball be caught without letting it hit the floor? “The best part about a minute challenge is trying to
improve your own score by doing a little better than you did the time before,” Locke said. Dance night Dancing with your family is a great way to get your heart pumping and create feel-good memories. There are lots of dance options ranging from learning the latest TikTok dance to revisiting old classics like “The Cupid Shuffle” or “The Cotton Eyed Joe.” “Thanks to the internet, any dance tutorial is just a YouTube search away,”
Locke said. “If learning choreography is not your thing, no problem, just turn up your favorite song and free style.” In-home fitness circuit Circuit training is a style of workout where you cycle through several exercises usually five to 10 - targeting different muscle groups with minimal rest in between. Each exercise is done for either a specific time or number of repetitions. “The result is a workout that taxes your muscular strength, endurance and your cardio-respiratory systems,” Locke said. A kid-friendly exercise circuit would look something like this: Jog in place for 30 seconds; 10 push-ups; 30 jumping jacks; 20 sit-ups; 10 star jumps; hold plank for 30 seconds; and 10 burpees. Completion of all the exercises in the set represent one exercise “circuit.” Begin the next circuit after a short rest and repeat 2-4 times. Classic games and activities “Our time in quarantine has really allowed us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life,” Locke said. “This is a great time to revisit the timeless games we grew up with as kids and enjoy them with our own children.” Jump Rope, Hula Hoop, Hopscotch, Simon Says, Monkey in the Middle, Relay Races, Hide and Seek and Wall Ball are some examples.
With the city slowly starting to reopen, you may be wondering what to do if you need to see a doctor, as well as what to do about your previously scheduled doctor appointments. Fortunately, we live in the digital age, and Houston Methodist has secure and confidential telemedicine offerings for new and existing patients who are seeking care. From online messaging to video visits, so you can get the care you need, when you need it, the way that’s most convenient for you — without ever leaving your home. MyChart video visit A telemedicine visit through Houston Methodist MyChart is a virtual video visit that’s similar to a regular in-person appointment with your primary care physician or specialist. While a MyChart video visit is often used for sick visits and primary care, it can also be used for other types of consultations you’d have with a specialty physician, such as your cardiologist. MyChart video visit provides access to a specific doctor, so this service requires scheduling an appointment ahead of time. These visits are typically billed through your insurance like a normal in-office appointment. If you’re an existing Houston Methodist primary care patient, you’ll video visit with your regular primary care physician. If you’re a new patient, you will choose a primary care physician who is accepting
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new patients, and this doctor will see you in-person for primary care visits in the future. How to use MyChart video visit You’ll need to schedule an appointment ahead of time to use MyChart video visit to meet with a doctor. If you’re an existing patient, you can call your doctor’s office or use the “Schedule an Appointment” button in MyChart. If you’re a new patient, you can choose a primary care physician in The Heights by visiting houstonmethodist.org/pcg/heights or calling 713.363.9830. When it’s time for your visit, log into the MyChart app on your phone or tablet and begin your video visit with your provider. Be sure to download the free
MyChart app in the App Store or on Google Play before your visit. E-Visit Houston Methodist EVisits are same-day sick visits conducted through an online form and guided messages from our virtual care team. An E-Visit is for nonemergency, urgent needs at a flat, out-of-pocket rate of $20. Keep in mind: Your EVisit will be answered by our virtual care team, not your specific doctor. This service offers symptom-specific medical care via online messaging, rather than a video visit. How to use E-Visit You don’t need to be an existing Houston Methodist patient to use E-Visit, but
you do need to have a Houston Methodist MyChart account. Once you’re logged into MyChart, click on “Ask a Question” if you’re using the web platform, or select “E-Visit” if you’re using the MyChart app. Next, you’ll be guided through an online questionnaire asking the reason for your visit and about any preexisting health issues, as well as any medications you’re currently taking and allergies you may have. The clinical team will then review your information and respond via MyChart message, providing a treatment plan and prescription if needed. If your E-Visit form is received between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, you will receive a
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Page 2B • Saturday, May 9, 2020 • The Leader
Certain foods support healthy lungs County commissioner Ellis By Shana Tatum RD, LD
conditions. Consider trying the recipe below to keep inflammation at bay and reap the benefit of good healthy fats and antioxidants.
statum@wellness-collaborative.com
I am hopeful all of The Leader’s readers are remaining healthy and beginning to consider the slow steps to reenter some form of community life. It has been an unusual experience for certain. With the CDC guidelines putting attention on prevention, my hope is that this redirects the conversation to the modifiable lifestyle factors that serve as a foundation to good health. Sleep, stress, movement and diet have been part of the discussions recently seen on social media. As a health professional that sings this mantra, keep engaging in these healthy behaviors. Since the beginning of the year, these monthly nutrition features have focused on a specific part of the body and how key nutrients enhance function. There was an exception with last month’s article on immunity for COVID-19. Today’s report concerns the lungs. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, are two of the most common respiratory diseases. It has been shown that dietary modification positively affects the management of these conditions. Some of this evidence highlights the Mediterranean diet, one high in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and seeds as a way to improve symptoms. In addition to these foods, part of the diet’s benefit may be in the monounsaturated fat in olives and olive oil, a key feature of the diet. These studies show that while moderate in fat intake, the Mediterranean diet provides a protective effect on wheezing and asthma symptoms. Contrast this to the typical westernized, standard American diet (SAD), which contributes to inflammation. This way of eating is high in refined grains and sugar and processed meat. It also is high in industrial seed oils used for foods like French fries as well as high-fat dairy. A diet high in these foods have been associated with higher rates of asthma in children and adults and COPD in adults. Overnutrition has also been correlated with negative effects in respiratory disease. Fruits and vegetables specifically provide antioxidants that are lacking in the westernized diet. A few examples
Tatum
include: Vitamin C – provides antiinflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects as well as restoring damaged lung tissue in emphysema patients. Sources include broccoli, oranges, tomatoes, kiwi and red, orange and yellow bell peppers. Vitamin E – the term Vitamin E refers to eight fatsoluble molecules called tocopherols. It is likely involved in strengthening parts of the cell-mediated immunity. It can be found in sunflower seeds, almonds, turnip greens, tomato paste and peanut butter. Flavonoids and carotenoids – types of antioxidants and are found in red, blue and purple berries, white and green tea, chocolate, black beans and many herbs like parsley and thyme. In addition to these nutrients, Omega 3 fatty acids from marine sources have been shown to reduce inflammation. One of the dangers reported with COVID-19 shows that once the immune system has reacted, that inflammation can be hard to reduce. It has been referred to as a cytokine storm. These long chain fatty acids help to reduce cytokines, a protein the body uses as a regulator and signaling system of immune coordination. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies can provide this protection. In addition, some plant foods provide sources of Omega 3, however the conversion to a useable form is not as efficient. Chia, hemp and flax seeds as well as walnuts are plant sources that can be consumed to support Omega 3 intake. Nutrient-dense dietary intake has been correlated with improvement of respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma. Following nutrition guidelines with a Mediterranean diet can bring great benefit not only for respiratory health, but overall wellness. Making steps to reduce reliance on processed and refined foods and sugar support improvement in many chronic
Quinoa Salad with Cucumbers, Tomato and Mint Ingredients • 2 cups water • 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed • 2 large cucumbers, peeled and cut into cubes • 1 small red onion, diced • 1 large tomato, diced • 1 bunch parsley leaves, chopped • 2 bunches mint leaves, chopped • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 avocado diced, for garnish Preparation • Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the quinoa, stir once, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Strain and rinse well with cold water, shaking well to remove any water. • When dry, transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, onion, tomato, parsley, mint, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper and toss well. Garnish with diced avocado. Serve as a side dish or add chopped cooked chicken to serve as main dish.
funds bike-sharing expansion By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Nearly $850,000 in funding from the office of Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis will help Houston’s bike-sharing program construct 30 new stations, at least half of which will be located in lowincome, underserved parts of the city. Houston BCycle, a nonprofit created by the city in 2012, announced the contribution after it was approved last week by the Harris County Commissioners Court. The organization said the funding from Ellis, an avid cyclist, also will provide 320 additional bicycles and 100 electric bikes while helping Houston BCycle grow to a total of 160 stations by 2021. A tentative location for one of the new stations is the intersection of North Main Street and Cavalcade Street in the Heights. Stations also are planned for areas such as Downtown Houston, Northside, Kashmere Gardens, Third Ward and Fifth Ward. “Precinct 1 and Houston BCycle share a goal of ensuring that everyone in every community has access to safe, healthy transportation that they can afford,� Ellis said in a news release from Houston BCycle. “Through our partnership we have already expanded access to BCycle to thousands of students, families and workers in our area and BCycle’s continued growth shows that there is a
strong demand for this service. Precinct 1’s additional investment, approved by Commissioners Court, expands BCycle’s stations to some of our most vulnerable communities, so that access to affordable transportation can be a pathway to success for more people.� Houston BCycle has 10 existing locations in the Heights and Washington Avenue areas. Along with the proposed North Main and Cavalcade stations, there also are tentative plans to add two stations near West 20th Street in the Heights and two in Sawyer Yards. A total of 12 bike-sharing stations, including the ones at Stude Park in the Heights and Moody Park just east of the Heights, are temporarily closed to curb overcrowding during the
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Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia.
Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com
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HHA to hold blood drive next week From Staff Reports The Houston Heights Association (HHA) asks community members to participate in an upcoming blood drive. The blood drive, held in a partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 at the
historic Houston Heights Fire Station at 107 W. 12th St. Appointments are required. Donation times for May 12 have been filled, but reservations for May 13 can be made online at https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/312094. For more info, contact Emily Guyre at 832-723-0560.
COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the closures, Houston BCycle said its ridership figures for January and February were its highest monthly totals yet. More than 260,000 trips were recorded in 2019, according to the nonprofit. “Even after shuttering a dozen of our highest-performing kiosks, ridership has remained strong,� said Doogie Roux, Houston BCycle’s director of operations. “We’re still seeing people make increased efforts to travel in a socially-distant, environmentally-responsible and fun way. Our team has been working especially hard to keep the system running lately, and we’re thankful for Commissioner Ellis’ support at a time where keeping our momentum is more important than ever.�
Dr. Khan focuses on the prevention of heart disease through early diagnosis and provides the latest interventional techniques to treat coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. She is one of the few female interventional cardiologists in Houston available to perform emergency angioplasties and stents for patients who are experiencing a heart attack. 1631 North Loop West, Ste. 220 • Houston TX 77008 713-365-0786 www.nwcardiology.net
Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com
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To board or not to board? Dear Tabby, We’re hoping to be able to travel this summer and are trying to decide what to do with our dogs while we’re gone. What should we be looking for when researching boarding facilities? Ready to Travel in Timbergrove Dear Ready to Travel, Summer is the most popular time of the year for people to travel, and if all goes well this spring, there might be many more people ready to get away from home. With these fun travel plans comes the age-old question: “What do we do with Fido while we’re away?” Luckily, in our pet-loving society, you have some good options for keeping Fido safe and happy in your absence. What is a boarding kennel? According to Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, boarding kennels — or facilities that house a large number of kennels for dogs and cats — should be considered a possibility when you decide your furry friend cannot make the trip with you. Boarding kennels are comprised of various-sized kennels. There are typically several kennels in a room, and some may have outdoor access. Some kennels are part of a veterinary hospital, while others are simple boarding facilities. Many kennels are built to reduce the noise and visibility of other pets. What to look for If you decide to board your pet, what should you look for in a boarding facility? “Recommendations from friends and family are impor-
tant and may be a good starting point in looking for a boarding kennel,” Eckman said. “In general, kennels should be clean and should require basic vaccines for their clients. Even if a pet is adequately vaccinated, the likelihood of spreading disease is higher when several pets are housed together. No vaccine is 100 percent effective.” In addition, it is important to tour the boarding kennel to ensure you feel safe keeping your pet there while you are out of town. Questions you should ask yourself include, “Is the facility clean? How often are the pets fed? Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring? Are veterinary services available? Will my pet be comfortable in the kennels provided? Will my pet get adequate exercise?” “You should be able to tour the facility before you decide to use their services,” Eckman said. “Some facilities offer outdoor play and exercise time, while some offer individual ‘suites’ for pets that offer more room.” Deciding what environment will be most comfortable will play a major part in deciding the best boarding kennel for your pet. Although boarding kennels can make a great option for when you have to leave your pet behind, there are some potential drawbacks. Your pet
may experience stress due to the environment and other pets may expose your pet to health problems. Additionally, if your pet gets sick from car travel and the facility is a long drive from your home, the drive to the boarding center can be a challenge. Pet sitters are great alternative If you feel as though boarding isn’t a good option for your dog or if you have a cat who needs care while you’re away, a pet sitter is a wonderful alternative. Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations for a professional pet sitter and be sure that he or she is bonded and insured for both the safety of your pet and for your home. Once you have an established plan of care for your pet, you’ll find it less stressful to travel -- for both you and Fido. Need Help? Are you having trouble affording food or medical care for your pet during this time? Contact Friends For Life Animal Shelter to see if they can help. Friends For Life is working hard to keep pets out of shelters during this time and is offering assistance with pet food and vaccinations. Visit www.friends4life.org to learn more. Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.
Pet of the Week Meet Lisa Lisa is a 3-year-old beauty who is a huge people lover. Lisa showed up hungry to a feral colony and was clearly not feral. A kind caretaker of the colony took her in and promised to find her the perfect home. Lisa would love to be the queen of her new castle and have people to play with, and preferably be the only cat in the home. So if you’re looking for the perfect bundle of love, go to www. saveacatrescue.org.
The Leader • Saturday, May 9, 2020 • Page 3B
Neighbors: Birthday celebrations commence even during quarantine By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com
Celebrating the big 1-0 last week was James Komarek of Garden Oaks. An excellent student at Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet who never, ever expected to have a birthday while in quarantine, James thoroughly enjoyed a parade of friends who drove past his house and showed him some birthday love. Among those driving by with balloons, signs, shouts and honks were the Gerosa, Odinet, Cruise, McCosh, Russell, Vincent, Winston, Torchia, Perry, Beare and Whelan families (to name a few!). Now one decade old, James decided on Domino’s Pizza as his takeout dinner of choice followed by birthday cake with his parents Mary Sharon and Chris Komarek and big brother Charles. Happy birthday, James! Congratulations to Mitchell Bonte of Lazybrook who received his Aggie ring on April 28. In lieu of A&M Ring Day, a highly anticipated academic milestone (representing 90 hours of hard work!) and beloved Texas A&M tradition, Mitchell’s ring was delivered to his home here in Houston and his mother, Vonda Bonte, presented him with his ring. Dad Sean, brother Kenneth and sisterin-law Alicia are thrilled for Mitchell. Gig ‘em! Happy birthday wishes to a few of our fabulous community neighbors: Radu Badalac of Oak Forest (April 11), Susan Porterfield of Ella Lee Forest (April 14), Veronica Flores-Paniagua of Oak Forest (April 22), Johnny Rojas of Oak Forest (April 25), Terry Carroll of Mangum Manor (April 27), Emily Roberts of Garden Oaks (April 28), Thais Diefenbaker of Oak Forest (April 28), Tyler Sowers (April 28), Cheryl McCosh of Garden Oaks (May 1), Zeph Capo of Shepherd Forest (May 1) and
Contributed photo Proud mother Vonda Bonte presents her son, Mitchell Bonte, with his Texas A&M Aggie ring.
Adam Chaney of Oak Forest (May 2). How fun to see Dr. Andrea Hauser along with her daughters Luciana and Emilia of Ella Lee Forest, riding bikes with their dear friends Silvia Arce and Jeffrey Carrette and their children, Andres and Camila, of Oak Forest. The group surprised me in my driveway the night of April 27 as they were enjoying the gorgeous evening together. My, how time flies! Their children are so tall, so beautiful – and growing up quickly! St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church hosted a “Drive Thru Food Drive” last Sunday, May 3. There are many in need of food and assistance on a regular basis in Houston, but many more need help now in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. St. Rose of Lima’s St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry is open and serving our neighbors in zip codes 77008 and 77018. While adhering to CDC guidelines, the group of dedicated volunteers who operate
the food pantry are providing food, toiletries and in some cases, financial assistance to those friends, neighbors and parishioners in need. Because the pantry’s shelves have borne the weight of feeding more than 120 households with a whopping 4,800 pounds of food during a recent week, leaving empty shelves which needed restocking to continue to serve, St. Rose hosted the food drive. Donations can still be dropped off in the parish office lobby at 3600 Brinkman St. between 10 a.m.-noon or 3-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or at the pantry, located at 3737 Brinkman St., on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Some of the items needed are canned meats, ramen, cereal, canned pastas, canned soups, boxes of cornbread, pancake mix, canned beans and bath soap. Any non-perishable food items and toiletries are welcome donations. For more information, call 832-320-4181.
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HCAD accepting appraisal protests through May 15 From Staff Reports Most property owners in Harris County have until May 15 to protest the values assigned by the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD), which is encouraging online protests during the COVID-19 pandemic. HCAD said in a Monday news release that some property owners have not yet received value notices and will have 30 days to file protests once their value notice is received. There also could be later protest deadlines for owners of business personal property and some real property, which are reflected in value notices sent by HCAD. “HCAD must operate under the guidelines and deadlines set out in the state Tax Code, so we do not have the flexibility to change the protest deadline despite the closures and social distancing caused by the pandemic,” chief appraiser Roland Altinger said. Notice of Protest forms are included in value notices from HCAD and can be downloaded at www.hcad. org. Protests may be brought
to HCAD’s office at 13013 Northwest Fwy. or mailed to P.O. Box 922004, Houston, TX 77292-2004. Mailed protests must be postmarked by May 15. Property owners also can protest their appraised values electronically by using HCAD’s iFile and iSettle programs. Unique iFile numbers needed to file a protest can be found near the property account number in the upper-right corner of the value notice or retrieved from HCAD’s mobile app by scanning the property owner’s Texas driver’s license, assuming the name and address on the ID match the information in HCAD’s system. Within five days of filing a protest through iFile, those
Police investigating fatal crash in Independence Heights By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Houston police are looking into a Sunday night vehiclemotorcycle collision near Independence Heights that left the motorcyclist dead. The Houston Police Department said the victim, a 53-year-old male, was traveling northbound in the 4600 block of Yale Street just before 9 p.m. Sunday when the driver of a black Ford F-150
pickup going westbound on Norview Drive ran a stop sign and struck the motorcyclist, who was pronounced dead Monday at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The victim’s identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. HPD said an investigation into the crash is ongoing. No charges have filed in relation to the incident.
who choose to use iSettle can upload supporting documents such as deeds, photos, closing statements, repair estimates or comparable sales information. If a settlement through the online system isn’t possible once HCAD makes an offer, the property owner will be scheduled for a hearing with the Appraisal Review Board. A video explaining how to file an online protest and use the residential iSettle system is available at www.hcad. org under the “help” heading. Questions about iSettle can be submitted to isettle@ hcad.org. “Using iFile to submit your protest and then selecting iSettle is the quickest and easiest way to file and resolve your protest without having to appear at HCAD’s offices, especially this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Altinger said. “With iSettle, you can submit electronic documentation to support your opinion of value, and an appraiser will review it. If the appraiser responds with a new value and you accept, your protest is done for the year.”
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Memorial Day is May 25 “Our Veterans”, is a book about the local stories of those who served in our Armed Forces. Copies available for $35. Visit: TheLeaderNews.com to order online and have this handsome, hardcover, book of over 120 pages shipped right to your home.
713-686-8494
By phone: Visit The Leader office: 2020 North Loop West, Suite 220