Care Texarkana

CARE CHAMPIONS SMALL TOWN, BIG HEARTS

Snot

COLOR MATTERS

Immunity

KEY TO A HEALTHY LIFE

Headache

OR SOMETHING MORE?

Skin Spots WHEN TO WORRY

2018 Pool Season

Summer Fun Party by the Pool Membership (Pool Only Membership)

Single Pool Membership Paid In Full: $105 ($35/mo) 3 Mo. Agreement: $40/mo Month to Month: $55/mo Couple Pool Membership Paid In Full: $155 ($41/mo) 3 Mo. Agreement: $60/mo Month to Month: $85/mo Family Pool Membership* Paid In Full: $235 ($78/mo) 3 Mo. Agreement: $90/mo Month to Month: $115/mo *Family Membership includes 5 memberships. Each additional membership will incur an additional $10 charge.

5610 Richmond Rd.

Our birthday party packages are designed for up to 10 kids and include 2 hours of swimming, tiki hut reservation, personal party attendant, (3) large pizzas, (3) 2-liter drinks, paper products, (utensils, cups, napkins etc.), sand box access, bean bag toss, balloons, and face painting.

Member Pricing $175 - party of 10 guests $10 for additional guest Non-Member Pricing $225 - party of 10 guests $20 per additional guest To book, a non-refundable $50 deposit reserves your date and time. In the case of bad weather we will happily reschedule your event OR move your party to our indoor cafe and each child will receive a pool pass to be used at a later date.

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903-838-4697

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Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons provide important life skills that could save a life and will benefit you or your child for a lifetime. All Sportsplex swim instructors are certified and trained in CPR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. Classes will begin in June and fill quickly.

Each session is 1 week long and includes 4 lessons. Member and non-member pricing available.

Private lessons are also available upon request.

Call and reserve your space today!

HCEsportsplex.com

Tim Reynolds, MD Owner & Founder

Dr. Reynolds is the owner and founder of Living Every Minute and managing partner at HealthCARE Express, owner of The Sportsplex

by HealthCARE Express. He is also the owner of TL Reynolds Properties, and managing partner of JJET Developments Ltd. He is the author of two books, The Green Beret Doctor’s Health Plan for Life, and Living Every Minute, a personal development activity book. He has visited 57 countries on six continents, embarking on countless adventures throughout each of them.

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ARE YOU THE MASTER OF YOURSELF? ometimes, I’m an ass, but not as much as I used to be. I hurt people’s feelings. I’m impatient. I’m not a good listener. I don’t try as hard as I should. These are all true. At the same time, I’m so much better than I was ten years ago, and that’s the point: the continuous process of learning and getting better. It’s the process of self-mastery and inner peace.

As I get older, I realize more and more that inner peace comes from self-mastery. This is, of course, the mastering of one’s self. When I was young, I was not the master of my emotions. My emotions mastered me. I got angry and couldn’t control it. I did not control my time or my thoughts.

That still happens, but not as much as it did then.

Through daily practice, I’m learning to get better and better. As the mantra goes, “Every day in every way I am getting better and better.”

The shame is when you see people who do not get better. They live every day the same, and at age 50 they are still making the same mistakes they made at age 20.

Instead of living 50 years, they’ve lived the same year 50 times. You know someone like this. So do I. The way to self-mastery, or the mastering of one’s self, is through constant and never-ending improvement. You must become a self-improvement guru. You must work on yourself constantly. As my mentor, Jim Rohn, said, “If you work hard at your job, you will make a living. If you work hard on yourself, you will make a fortune.” What he did not

say is that a fortune may well be financial, but it will also come in so many other ways. Specifically, you will become a master of yourself and that is rare in an individual.

“Know thyself,” in the Pronaos in Delphi of ancient Greece was written so many years ago, and yet, so few of us spend the time to do just that. Based on what I see daily on Facebook, we are so busy being critical of others and just wasting time that we take no time for self-reflection or self-actualization.

It causes us to live shallow lives, or in the words of Henry D. Thoreau, “Lives of quiet desperation.”

So yes, I still make lots of mistakes. I’m still working on perfecting mastery of myself.

But make no mistake, I’m working on it and on me. I’m not yet the man I want to be, but I’m a hell of a lot better than I once was. It is working on yourself that provides the greatest peace. Make yourself better. Make it a daily quest. It will be one you will never regret.

Living Every Minute, Tim Reynolds M.D.

LIVINGEVERYMINUTE.COM

Have you experienced ...

• • • • •

Fatigue and a lack of energy during the day?

Difficulty sleeping at night?

Moody, anxious, or depressed emotions?

Weightgainand/orincreasedfataroundmid-section?

An inability to lose weight while following a healthy diet and/or exercise regimen?

• Decreased muscle strength?

• Decreased sexual desire and performance?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, we might be able to help!

HealthCARE® Express

Dermatology & Age Management

CALL TODAY! 903-223-9911 4401 Corporate Dr. hceDERM.com

STAFF 2

Immunotherapy for Allergies

3

Sinuses or Migraines?

7

Color-coded Snot

12

Care Champions

14

Kindergarten Readiness

15

Skin Cancer Signs

17

Kitchen Safety

19

What is Your Why?

21

Immunity Boosters

OWNER Tim Reynolds, MD Publisher Angela Evans Editor Amber Harris Contributing Photographers Lauren Butler Amber Harris Staff Writers & Copy Editors Amber Harris Carli Hemperley Fact Checker Angela Evans Amber Harris Carli Hemperley Graphics & Layout Lauren Butler Amber Harris Research Lauren Butler Angela Evans Amber Harris Carli Hemperley

FATIGUE IN THE WORKPLACE = 30% MORE THAN

43%

PRODUCTIVITY COSTS EACH YEAR

$136B

WORKPLACE INJURIES

13%

ATTRIBUTED TO SLEEP PROBLEMS

ARE SLEEP-DEPRIVED

What is Fatigue Costing Your Company?

F​ atigue is a hidden danger for employees and workplaces, and it has the potential to cost businesses millions of dollars a year. Employees who miss out on crucial sleep are less focused at work and at higher risk for injury. Proactive employers can reduce the impact of fatigue on their workplace and help keep their workers safe.

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OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE CALL TODAY TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERT ON THE SAFETY OF YOUR EMPLOYEES!

903-791-9355, EXT, 1030 goHCE.com | 5610 Richmond Rd.

Information and statistics provided by the National Safety Council, nsc.org

HealthCARE Express offers immunotherapy all year round, so you can come get your treatments at any time of year to get prepared for allergy season. Anyone ages two and up can receive treatment (depending on medical history and doctor’s orders, of course). They offer both blood testing and skin prick testing for allergies, as well.

The skin prick testing is more accurate than the blood test and is easily performed.

The skin on the arm or back is simply scraped with a small comb hosting different allergens. After about 15 minutes areas on the skin will begin to raise into a little bump, much like a mosquito bite, in reaction to whatever allergen you are allergic to. Allergy medications, steroids (oral and injected), H2 blockers (Pepcid, antacids, etc.), and tricyclic antidepressants can hinder an allergy test, so let a HealthCARE Express provider know if you are taking any of these before you get an allergy test done. Luckily, allergy testing and immunotherapy won’t affect your daily life or routine. There are safety guidelines, however, that you should follow during injection days to minimize possible reactions, but those are discussed during consultation.

Immunotherapy can help you gradually build up an immunity to some allergens, but you will never be completely immune. Immunotherapy treatments can help you not react so severely in future interactions with allergens. As your body is building up the immunity, you will still have some common allergy symptoms. Treatments are quite effective, as 85% of patients who go through immunotherapy find symptom relief from their environmental allergies. The key word here is environmental. Immunotherapy will not treat allergies to food, venoms, medications, heavy metals, or latex. If you suffer from allergies to pollen, certain trees and grasses, dust, mold, pet fur, or pet dander then there’s an excellent chance you will find some relief from these treatments.

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What is the best way to describe your nasal discharge?

Clear or Normal

Persistent and Yellow or Green

Are you experiencing light sensitivity?

YES

Are you nauseated or have you vomited?

NO

YES

NO

Do you have a fever or swollen lymph nodes?

NO YOU MAY HAVE A

MIGRAINE Page 3

YES YOU MAY HAVE A

SINUS HEADACHE

What a Pain!

When a headache might be something more

H

eadaches come in all different horrible shapes and sizes, but it can be hard to tell them apart and determine their cause.

Is it stress triggered? Is it too loud or too bright? Is it caused by sinus pressure? It’s easy to confuse one type of headache for another, one of the most common mix ups being between sinus headaches and migraines. The symptoms between the two are similar, though their causes are quite different.

Sinus headaches usually only occur in people dealing with a sinus infection or an illness that causes mucus to build up in the sinuses. Normal migraines have various causes, but they usually aren’t related to what is going on in the sinus cavity.

While it isn’t uncommon for someone suffering from a migraine to have their nose run, the mucus in those instances is usually clear. In contrast, mucus from a sinus headache is generally yellow or green, revealing the underlying infection. To go along with the infection, sinus headaches are accompanied by coughing and other cold-like symptoms.

Sinus headaches are often easily relieved by loosening and expelling the blocked mucus from the sinuses. This can be accomplished by taking a hot shower, using a saline wash, or breathing in hot steam from a humidifier. Normal migraines, sadly, often aren’t that easily relieved.

Like a normal migraine, pain from sinus headaches can intensify when the person suffering from one bends over or leans forward. This happens in sinus headaches because the mucus built up in the sinuses shifts and moves the pressure to another area. Sinus headaches, though, are not worsened by noise or light like other headaches. These headaches are also not associated with causing nausea like migraines often do.

Sinus headaches also cause pain and tenderness in the face and sinuses (eyes, cheeks, and forehead). Many people who suffer from migraines experience pain in similar places, though with migraines the pain is usually localized to one side of the head. With a sinus headache the pain will be felt on both sides. Another feature unique to sinus headaches is sinus tooth pain.

The pressure caused by a sinus headache could cause a person's teeth (particularly the upper molars) to ache. Try to examine the symptoms of the headache as these can determine exactly what type it is. Being treated for a sinus headache when suffering from a migraine won’t help to relieve it, or vice versa.

If you’re suffering from a sinus headache, you may have a sinus infection.

If you think you have a sinus infection, visit HealthCARE Express so they can help relieve you of your pain.

While it isn’t uncommon for someone suffering from a migraine to have their nose run, the mucus in those instances is usually clear. In contrast, mucus from a sinus headache is generally yellow or green, revealing the underlying infection.

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TABBETHADUENAS 1.903.203.4735 3601RICHMONDRD.

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reynoldsmanagementservices.com

HealthCARE®

LOCAL RADIOLOGISTS

Express

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CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION! Phone: 903.791.9356 Fax: 903.832.0088 3515 Richmond Rd., Texarkana, TX OPEN M-F 8A-6P & Saturday 8A-12P healthcareexpress.us/imaging Page 6

COLOR-CODED

O

Snot

ne of the most underappreciated functions of the body is mucus production.

Mucus helps keep your sensitive nasal cavities flushed out of foreign— and possibly harmful— materials. It also keeps the nose from drying out while breathing.

Mucus is mostly composed of water, but it contains helpful things like proteins and antibodies. These antibodies are part of the front line of the body’s defense against disease. While a runny nose is often a symptom of being sick, it’s the body trying to help fight off the bacteria or virus and not the virus causing it. Though some viruses can cause the lining of the sinuses, which produce mucus, to become inflamed which causes an overproduction of mucus and leads to pressure building up in the head and sinus pain. Another of mucus’ benefits is how it can help determine how the body is feeling based off what color it is.

A lot of people have this notion of mucus normally being yellow or green since they grew up seeing

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it portrayed in movies or cartoons that way. Natural, healthy mucus isn’t green or yellow at all— it’s clear. Yellow or green mucus are signs the body is trying to fight off infection.

The normally clear mucus turns a yellowish color when the body is in the beginning stages of fighting an infection.

Many white blood cells die trying to fight off viruses and bacteria that invade the body. Depending on how many dead white blood cells are in the mucus, it may take on a different color. When an infection first starts, the mucus will turn a yellowish color. It starts to become a little more worrisome when the yellow turns to green. Green means the infection is progressing and the white blood cells are having a hard time fighting it.

If you have allergies, your mucus will often change colors if it encounters an allergen. The body reacts to allergens much the same way as it does to bacteria and viruses. The immune system views allergens as harmful substances, so it does all it can to get them out.

If you think you may be sick, head on over to HealthCARE Express, and we will see to it you start feeling better.

It’s S NOT What You Thin k!

Natural, healthy mucus isn’t green or yellow at all.

It’s clear.

GO TO HCE Green means your infection is progressing and the white blood cells are having a harder time fighting it.

A lot of us have this notion of mucus normally being yellow or green since we grew up seeing it portrayed in movies or cartoons that way. But that’s not how it works.

INFECTION

HEALTHY

The normally clear mucus turns a yellowish color when your body is in the beginning stages of fighting an infection.

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Pelvic Therapy MYTH: A person’s habits (eating, drinking, etc) are not related to pain or urinary dysfunction.

Often, habits such as drinking coffee, eating fried food, exercising too vigorously, or sitting at a computer for prolonged periods of time can strongly influence a person’s symptoms. It is important for your physical therapist to evaluate all your habits to help you understand the steps you can take to improve your health.

MYTH: A physical therapist doing vaginal or rectal exams is weird and NOT conventional.

Physical therapists specialize in working with the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems of the body. Pelvic physical therapists are trained in both internal and external evaluation and treatment techniques, and current medical research supports these techniques in the treatment of this patient population.

MYTH: If you have a family history of pelvic problems (constipation, urinary incontinence, etc.) then it must be genetic and can’t be helped.

Not true! There is always something that can be done to help! It is important to work with a team of healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and nutritionists to ensure a person gets comprehensive and holistic care to achieve optimal health.

MYTH: If a person is leaking urine, they need Kegel exercises (pelvic floor strengthening).

Urinary incontinence is a failed system, not just a failed muscle. People need strong, but flexible, muscles that tighten when they need to and relax when they need to. If a person has a shortened, irritated pelvic floor, they may have just as much difficulty holding back urine as the person with a weak pelvic floor.

MYTH: If a person has tried “Kegel exercises” and they did not work, Pelvic PT won’t be able to help them.

Rehabilitation for the pelvis is much more involved than simply strengthening a muscle group. It involves restoring function—improving muscular support around the pelvis, improving behavioral/ dietary habits, and re-training body movements to allow for optimal organ and structural function.

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YOURSELF Do you have any unexplained back pain?

Have you experienced accidental leakage while exercising, giggling, or coughing?

Do you have frequent pain in the pelvic area?

Are you having issues making it to the bathroom in time?

Are you suffering from reoccurring Urinary Tract Infections?

Do you find it difficult to empty your bladder?

ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO REFER YOU TO Physical Therapy Page 10

Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce Full of Talent, Ambition, and Grace

W

e couldn’t contain our CARE Champion to just one person this time! These wonderful people do so much to help the Atlanta community to thrive. Meet these three awesome people from the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce: Aaron Whitehead, Shelley Orr Cloninger, and Miranda Johnson.

1. What is it you do for your community?

Aaron: I am the Communications Manager for the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce located in Atlanta Texas!

Shelley: We are a substation of the Cass County Tax Office so I handle automobile registration renewals, and I keep up with all of the financial records, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and handle the payroll. I try to answer questions and assist the community however I can. This job has become a part of me and the Atlanta community is very important to me. I want to see this community and our local businesses thrive and be successful.

Miranda: I actually have a dual role. I am the Atlanta City Development Director and the Atlanta area Chamber of Commerce president. So, with City Development, we put back into the community, especially in downtown through beautification projects and encouraging downtown commerce. As Chamber President, I am a hands-off supervisor, but I have a really great staff! I get involved with events, planning, and strategizing, but as for the everyday tasks, I leave that up to my staff.

2. How did you get involved in this? / What inspires you in this position?

Aaron: In the past, prior to working for the Chamber of Commerce, I participated in many of the events that they hosted including Cruise Night and the Glow Run 5k. Working with them as the DJ at these events gave me a small glimpse into the world of the chamber including the daily challenges that they faced and the fun they had overcoming those challenges. When the opportunity to work with this group of talented individuals to build up our community was available, I didn’t hesitate to leap at the chance!

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I am inspired by so many people and businesses daily. I am inspired by my boss, Miranda, and coworker, Shelley, who juggle their time with their husbands, showering their children with love, and volunteering with their churches and other organizations, with the huge commitment that the Chamber of Commerce demands. I am inspired by the member business that, even though they may be having a slow month, will donate time and money to a cause in the community - never asking for recognition. If you’re looking for inspiration, visit Atlanta Texas.

Shelley: The Chamber of Commerce has just been an interest of mine. I love working with local businesses and the people here in the community. I am a lifelong resident of Cass County, and our town means a lot to me on a personal level. I want people to think good things when they hear the town Atlanta, Texas mentioned.

Miranda: My husband is an Atlanta boy. I was working in Texarkana for a local magazine.

I worked there for years and years, and I loved my job. I loved working with businesses and helping them create ad campaigns, but when I heard there was an opportunity at the Atlanta Chamber I thought it would be an opportunity to use a lot of what I had learned and had been doing to help out the businesses here. I felt really disconnected from the community since I commuted to Texarkana for work every day and I didn’t really have a chance to get to know many of the people here. My son was five months old when I took the job at the Chamber, and it was just a really exciting time in my life to start being a part of and working in the community I was living in.

3. What is your personal philosophy on life?

Aaron: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” are strong words to live by!

Shelley: I am huge on loyalty and devotion to my family. I am the mother of 7 beautiful children, and I want to do I all I can to make the world a better place for them. Sometimes, it feels like a lost cause with all the bad in the world these days, but all we can do is wake up each morning and do our best to be kind to one another and try to put a smile on someone’s face.

You never know what a kind word may mean to someone.

Miranda: I’m gonna go with: “Be the change you want to see.” I just think that rather than complaining or giving up on things, if you want to see a positive change then you should be the one to start it. Be the cheerleader for what you want to succeed. Be the role model.

If there’s a change you want to see then start it yourself.

4. What can people do to get involved in Atlanta and the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce?

Aaron: People lead very busy lives that often do not afford them the time to volunteer or get involved as much as they would like. Priorities such as God, spouse, kids, and job should always come first before committing to anything else, but luckily, small things can lead to huge impacts! The first thing you can do is to shop local whenever possible and give the businesses and organizations in the Atlanta Area the chance to wow you! Attend our local events and share information to others via word of mouth, social media, or email. When you talk with others about Atlanta and the surrounding communities - stay positive and build up our community whenever you can. Lastly, and probably most important, pray for our beautiful area of East Texas and also for its leaders. If you find yourself with the time to volunteer, contact the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce and let us help you with that!

Shelley: We have several events throughout the year that we put on and we are always looking for volunteers. Just call us or stop by and visit with us. We would love to help you get

involved in the community in a way that fits you.

Miranda: We actually have a lot of people asking us pretty regularly about how they can volunteer or make a difference. Even just a Facebook share of events that are going on, or if you attended something you can go, “Hey, I went to this really neat thing today,” or “Hey! Great job” to whatever organization put on the event. Then other people see what is going on in your community. It takes no effort from you, but it makes a difference and it tells other people about your town. As far as for people who want to get involved civically, you can take small steps before you take big steps. You can join local civic groups like the Atlanta Lion’s Club and the rotary club. You can be a chamber volunteer. We always need volunteers to help out at our events. Any time people want to volunteer we can always get them involved, even if it’s just a small step or on a bigger level.

5. Tell me a fun fact about yourself? / Tell me about yourself?

Aaron: I was raised a few hours from here in Center, Texas and have lived and traveled all over. I was a paramedic and safety advisor working in the oil and gas industry offshore and overseas for many years prior to finding my home at the Chamber of Commerce.

Those that know me know that I love my German Shepherd, Valor, and that I take him everywhere! My church family can be found at Christian Fellowship Church, and I have too many hobbies and interests to list.

Shelley: I love sports and I love to volunteer my time coaching my kids’ teams.

I am a criminal justice major at Texarkana College, so I attend classes full time as well as working full time at the AACOC, so anything I can do in my spare time to hang out with my husband and kids is a plus.

Miranda: I’m probably the clumsiest person that you know. I am the office foodie.

My favorites have got to be pizza or tacos.

Either Luigi’s Pizza specifically, or street tacos from the Come and Take It Cafe. I am a total photography nerd. I used to do full time professional photography, but now I really just do hobby photography. I will be the one who will be seen randomly around town, crouched down with my phone sticking out trying to get a neat picture of a retail store or somebody’s sign, or if a tree is looking a certain way…

You know. I am always looking for a personal challenge. I like to learn new skills and expand my network and meet new people. I love to overcome new challenges and take on new things and new projects. It can sometimes be my downfall because I have a very full plate, but it keeps things fun.

6. Favorite thing about Atlanta, TX. Aaron: You can’t mention the Atlanta Area without talking about the wonderful people you find here and the relationships that you build. Also, what town equally sized to Atlanta can boast about having the amazing choices that we have when it comes to food and restaurants?! None, only Atlanta is this blessed!

Shelley: The people. Atlanta Texas is a very tight knit community that is almost like one big family.

Miranda: The first thing that I noticed about Atlanta is that there is such a strong sense of hometown pride here among the locals. They’re just really proud to be from Atlanta. They’re proud to be Atlanta Rabbits.

They’re proud of where they grew up. I would say it’s an above average kind of town spirit.

It’s just a different feel here. People love this town. So many people have love for this community, and it made me want it for myself.

Care The Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce members exemplify the three core qualities of CARE CHAMPIONS.

THEY... lead from the heart have a WOWZA attitude and make a HUGE difference

THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR CARE CHAMPIONS!

Email Your Nominations To MARKETING@HEALTHCAREEXPRESS.US

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Spaces available for Juniors (5-7 years) & Seniors (8-12 years) 5-year-olds must have completed kindergarten 903-650-9869 | klondikeacademy.com | 5614 Richmond Rd. Page 13

KINDERGARTEN READINESS A checklist to help parents prepare

O

ne minute, they’re tiny and depend on you for everything, and the next your kiddos are doing things by themselves and are ready for kindergarten. But how do you know if they’re ready for kindergarten? Like, really know. We may think they’re ready, but what if they actually aren’t?

If they’re in pre-school, ask their teacher if they think your child is ready to move on to kindergarten.

You can also ask your child’s pediatrician as they can tell where they are in development. It is beneficial for your child in the long run if you screen for potential learning disabilities before they start kindergarten.

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t seem as far ahead as others, everyone develops at a different rate.

Kindergarten readiness doesn’t just depend on the intelligence level of your child, it also depends on how self-reliant they are and how capable they are of listening to and following instructions. With that in mind, there are still certain skills your kiddo needs to master before they’re ready to take on kindergarten.

Before starting kindergarten, children need to be able to: • listen to instructions and follow directions without interrupting • recognize authority figures outside of their parents and family members • sit in one place for extended periods of time • go to the bathroom on their own, as well as the ability to express their needs (politely, of course) • dress themselves, i.e. put on shoes or coats and can use buttons and zippers • recognize letters in the alphabet (They don’t have to know how to read quite yet, but showing an interest in reading is a plus) • use scissors, color, hold a pencil, use glue, etc.

• get along with other kids and to work in groups and share

• handle emotions, i.e. can take turns and handle disappointment • think logically and speak clearly (They need to be able to make logical connections between things they learn) • make choices on their own, i.e. know that their actions have consequences • clean up after themselves • talk in complete and understandable sentences • count to at least 10 • group things together and categorize things (by shape, color, etc) • play with other children That list may look a bit intimidating, but if you think about it your child is probably doing all of these things already. If not, they aren’t too hard of skills to pick up on. Your child may have all the skills they need to take on kindergarten, but you can still help them get prepared. Help them to be excited about learning.

The more excited about school, the easier it will be for both of you. Trust me. Read to them, make up rhymes and logic games for them to learn or solve. Encourage critical thinking so that they’re ready for it when they need to do it in school. Take them to places where there are other children so they can learn socialization skills and teamwork. Allow them to be creative. Let your child play pretend and join in if they want to play with you. Let them create things. This is great for their development especially in skills like creativity and critical thinking. Expose them to things that will help them learn. Start early. Read them books. Let them watch educational programming or listen to learning songs.

Anything. Keep it fun and fresh so your child doesn’t get bored of learning.

One of the most important things you can do, though, is to develop routines with them so they’re ready for school routines. If they’re used to the structure of a day and following a plan, then starting school won’t be so much of a shock for them. They’re already used to things happening at certain times.

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SPOTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO Page 15

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA Rough scabbed red patches that bleed Growthsorlumpswithadipinthecenter Open oozing sores with crusted areas that won’t heal Wart-like growths

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA Tissue may appear similar to a scar Itchy, raised red patches Small pink or red bumps with darker areas that have a pearly shine to them Strange pink growth with jagged or raised edges Openandoozingsoresthatjustwon’tseemtoheal

MELANOMA: THE ABCDE RULE is for Asymmetry

Onehalfofamoleorbirthmarkdoes not match the other.

is for Border

Theedgesareirregular,ragged,notched, or blurred.

is for Color

Thecolorisnotthesamealloverandmayincludeshades ofbrownorblack,orsometimeswithpatchesofpink,red, white, or blue.

is for Diameter

Thespotislargerthan6millimetersacross(about¼inch orthesizeofapencileraser),althoughmelanomascan sometimes be smaller than this.

is for Evolving Themoleischanginginsize,shape,orcolor.

SPOTTING THE PROBLEM Possibly cancerous skin conditions to take seriously

W

e don’t often think of our skin as an organ, but it is just as much one as your stomach or brain.

The skin is tough and has many different layers of defense to keep off harmful invaders that can harm the rest of the body. But with that in mind, it’s important to know that the skin isn’t infallible. It’s just as susceptible to illnesses and diseases as your other organs. Sadly, one of those diseases is cancer.

There are three types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell, and melanoma. These types of cancers are found most often in areas that are exposed to the most sun, like the head, neck, and arms. This doesn’t mean the other areas of your body aren’t just as susceptible, though. But how will you know if you have skin cancer? Is that mole just a mole, or is it something much worse? See the graphic to the left to help you determine when to worry.

Remeber, if you have any doubts, contact HealthCARE Express Dermatology and Age Management immediately.

If basal and squamous cell weren’t scary enough, both types of cancer can develop and look just like normal skin.

Skin conditions such as actinic keratosis and moles that appeared later in life should all be evaluated by a practitioner to ensure they are not skin cancer. If you have a mole that has changed in shape, size, or color, then cancer could be developing. If you have a spot like this, get it evaluated by a practitioner as it could be melanoma.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) you can follow the “ABCDE Rule” * to check for signs of melanoma: • A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

• B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

• C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

• D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

• E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Some melanomas and skin cancers don’t match the descriptions mentioned above. It’s important to know your body so that you can notice if something has changed. *“Skin Cancer.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 May 2016, www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm.

Page 16

SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Wear finger guards, cutting gloves, etc. when using a knife.

Use the right kind of knife for the job.

(Don’t use a steak knife to peel a vegetable!)

Use the right tools to do the job.

(Can openers for cans, not knives!)

Put knives away in the dishwasher.

(Pointed side down.)

Cut away from your body.

Bloody Brilliant SAFETY TIPS

S

ome of the most mundane tasks can be surprisingly dangerous. We hear a lot about people injuring themselves while cooking, gardening, or fishing because of some slip up with a sharp object. These deep cuts or scratches are called lacerations. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones needing medical attention are often long, deep, and have jagged edges. Lacerations are extremely prone to infection due to contaminants and bacteria often being on the object which caused the cut. Safety around knives and sharp objects, whether in the kitchen or in the great outdoors, is key to preventing lacerations.

Here are some steps to take in these common situations where lacerations occur to avoid getting one:

HOW TO PREVENT KITCHEN INJURIES • • • • • • • • • •

Wear finger guards, cutting gloves, etc. when using a knife.

Use the right kind of knife for the job. (Don’t use a steak knife to peel a vegetable!)

Use the right tools to do the job. (can openers for cans, not knives!)

Use a cutting board on a stable surface to prevent slipping.

Don’t try to catch a falling knife.

Don’t put your hand in a blender even if it isn’t on.

Put knives away in the dishwasher—pointed side down.

Don’t leave knives in the sink.

Keep covers on sharp utensils (steak knives, cutting knives, potato peelers, etc.).

Cut away from your body.

HOW TO PREVENT YARD AND GARDEN INJURIES •

Wear gloves (to protect fingers from sharp objects and to keep potentially tetanus-infected dirt from getting in wounds).

• • • • • •

Be careful and take proper safety measures when sharpening tools (wear gloves, use guards, etc.).

Use the proper tools for the job.

Stay up to date on booster and tetanus shots for sure!

Use tools when digging. Sharp objects that may be buried in the soil can cut you.

Wear closed-toe shoes, especially when working with a lawnmower.

Wear gloves when using equipment such as, lawnmowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, etc. to protect your eyes from flying debris.

HOW TO PREVENT HUNTING AND FISHING INJURIES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Don’t try to clean wounds in streams, lakes, ponds, etc.

Bacteria can enter the wound and cause infection.

Store hooks and knives properly.

Don’t stand in the cast zone.

Pay attention to where others are standing around you.

Don’t pull or jerk hard on a rod if it is caught on something.

Don’t leave your rod on the ground while dealing with a hook that is attached.

Like with kitchen knives, cut away from your body.

Keep knife folded or sheathed when it is not actively being used.

Make sure the knife you are using has a guard.

Hand a knife to someone handle first.

Never run with a knife.

Keep your knife sharp and sharpen it properly.

Keep folding knives well-oiled so they can move properly.

The best thing to do when dealing with a laceration is to immediately wash it gently with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Keep pressure applied to try to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop within fifteen minutes of the injury, make a trip to HealthCARE Express to get it stitched up. For lighter injuries though, just keep it clean and keep it covered for a couple days to protect it as the healing process begins. After a few days, remove the bandage so the wound can heal faster. If you receive a laceration in an outdoor environment and haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 to 10 years, go to HealthCARE Express as soon as possible.

Page 18

WITH META SAVAGE

W

e sat down with The Plex’s Meta Savage to discuss the question: What is your why? We wanted to know what inspired this powerhouse instructor and how she got started on her fitness journey. Here is her story:

My family is a mix of Eastern European and German roots, and that culture just revolves around food. Whenever I was happy or sad, my mom would feed me.

Whatever I was feeling, it was always rewarded with food. It was all done out of love, but that kind of thing starts to add up. My father, at his biggest, was 525 pounds. His whole side of the family was large, so I always knew that genetically I could be big.

I was just your average sized kid in kindergarten, but in first grade I started to get chubby. I never thought much about my weight until I got older, into about fifth grade. That’s when all the teasing started.

The bullying really picked up, though, when I moved to Germany my seventh through ninth grade years. The bullying was terrible, but I never told anyone about it because I was ashamed of the whole situation.

As an adult, I never really lost the weight that I wanted. I slimmed up a bit and I wasn’t that chubby kid anymore, but I was a chubby adult. I would go on these diets and not work out. They were always these fad diets— LA Weight Loss, Nutrisystem, Slim Fast, stuff like that. It would work until I stopped doing it and started eating normally again. As soon as I stopped drinking the shakes or taking the pills, the weight would just come back. I would get depressed because I gained all that weight back, and then I would gain more because I would eat more out of depression and frustration. It was a huge, vicious cycle.

One day, back in 2002 or 2003, I was picking out an outfit to wear for my baptism. I remember doing what I always did in the dressing room. I started crying and being upset as I looked at myself, and I just got so angry and frustrated. It was at that moment that I realized

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I had to fix this. I found my “why” at that moment. I was tired. I was tired of being bullied. I was tired of feeling this way about myself. So, I had to fix it.

I had been a member of other gyms in the area, and I would go to them and be ready to go, but they didn’t care. They didn’t care that I was there, and that kind of made me not care, too. Their attitude affected my attitude. It made me wonder why I was even bothering.

I took a few spin classes at one of the gyms, and I absolutely hated them. I said I would never get back on another spin bike ever. It was horrible. It wasn’t inspiring. It was the worst thing I’d ever done.

It took me trying a few gyms before I finally found my way to The Plex—though it was called Minton’s back then. I was terrified. With as big as it was, and the area that it was in, I was afraid I was going to get there and be the only person like me. I was afraid it was going to be a bunch of skinny little girls running around in their sports bras with their perfect bodies and these big muscled handsome guys following them around. I thought that I would walk in and be the fat girl, and they’d all laugh about me. That’s what I thought, but as soon as I walked in those doors I knew I was wrong. It was nowhere near as great as it is today, but I could already tell the difference. I felt welcome, like I was part of a family.

I started with a trainer. I trained with her for 90 days. I did a program from October through December, and at the end of my training I looked at her and asked, “Well, now what do I do? What do I do after Christmas?”

She asked me, “What do you mean?”

And I told her I had no idea what to do. I didn’t know how to put together these kinds of workouts she had done with me. I didn’t know what to do without her. That’s when she told me to go to BODYPUMP. I couldn’t believe it.

I said, “I can’t go to BODYPUMP! Fat girls can’t go to a class like that because everyone will look at them and make fun of them trying to do the work out.” She told me I was crazy. So, I thought about it.

I thought about it all through Christmas break, and then I decided I might as well try it. I’d already lost some weight and I was on a good path. The worst that could happen was that I didn’t like the class, and if that was the case I could just leave.

In January 2011, I walked into that first class and I could tell immediately it was nothing like I was expecting. Everyone was introducing themselves. There were so many people like me there. These people weren’t already in top physical condition. They were just starting out, like me. I never looked back after that class. I felt great after taking it. I’d never felt that way. I wanted more.

In 2012, Rob, the instructor (who is still here at The Plex) looked at me and told me I would be teaching this class someday.

I didn’t believe him.

If I was going to teach, I wanted to

be someone that others could look at and be inspired by, and at the time I wasn’t even inspired by myself. But Rob would keep asking me, over and over again if I was ready to teach. In March of 2012, I was talked into taking a spin class after I had said I would never do a spin class again. Then, just a few months later, I got certified to teach spin.

In August of 2013 I finally bit the bullet and got certified to teach Body Pump. It was a huge deal for me. When 2014 rolled around, I was certified to teach P90X Live, group fitness classes, and personal training.

I know now that I have to keep up with these good choices. I have to make good choices at the grocery store and keep going to the gym. I can’t rely on taking those magic pills or drinking those magic shakes because that just wasn’t a sustainable lifestyle. It took me two years to get me to the body I wanted, and it has been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever been on. I didn’t take the easy route. I worked really, really hard. I wanted things to happen quickly, but I realized that just wasn’t how things were going to be if I wanted to maintain this. I have to keep working on it. I have to change the way my body operates to guarantee myself success in the long term. I’m not done.

There is no before and after. I’m still on this journey.

Everyone needs a reason that makes them think when they wake up in the morning, “I get to go to the gym today!” and not, “Oh man, I have to go to the gym today…” That change makes all the difference. You have to find your reason.

You have to find your why.

I know now that I have to keep up with these good choices. I have to make good choices at the grocery store and keep going to the gym.

I can’t rely on taking those magic pills or drinking those magic shakes because that just wasn’t a sustainable lifestyle. It took me two years to get me to the body I wanted, and it has been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever been on. I didn’t take the easy route.

Page 20

It’s a sad fact of life: Everyone gets sick. Although, the frequency and severity of the sickness depends on the strength (or weakness) of your immune system.

The immune system is more specifically known as the lymphatic system, the system made up of the organs such as your lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, and others. The system’s main purpose in the body is to store and distribute white blood cells, which are the cells in your body responsible for fighting off infection. While this system is what transmits the white blood cells, it doesn’t create them. This job belongs to a source you may not believe: the bones.

The marrow inside the bones is responsible for creating the white blood cells that protect the body from foreign antigen invaders (viruses, bacteria, etc.). These tiny blood cells are the body’s protectors. Alone, they are efficient, but there are several things to do that can help them out and make the immune system even stronger.

EXERCISE

The most important component of having a strong immune system is to live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise often and stay active.

Having an active lifestyle can be difficult for some in this fast paced and hectic world. Many people spend their entire day behind a desk then go home and sit on the couch. This isn’t only bad for the whole body in general, but it also weakens the immune system along with it. The stronger and healthier the rest of the body is, the better the immune system.

DIET

Eat a healthy and balanced diet (especially one containing lots of fruits and vegetables). A good rule of thumb is to have a colorful diet, which doesn’t mean artificial dyes or candies! For at least one meal a day, but preferably more than one, have a wide array of colorful vegetables on the plate. These vegetables are packed full of vitamins and nutrients which will not only provide great fuel for the body, but will strengthen it and keep it healthy.

VITAMINS

Don’t go crazy with the vitamins. Vitamins are meant to fill in the gaps not covered by a normal, healthy diet, so don’t depend too heavily on them. Find a great multivitamin that makes up for what

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the body is lacking. Important vitamins to focus on, though, are vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. These vitamins support biochemical reactions in the immune system and help fight off infection.

PROBIOTICS

In the same vein, it is wise to take probiotics as they are not only just beneficial to the immune system, but are beneficial to the whole body. Probiotics are good for boosting the immune system’s response rate, which makes it easier for the body to fight off potential invaders.

The marrow inside the bones is responsible for creating the white blood cells that protect the body from foreign antigen invaders (viruses, bacteria, etc.).

SLEEP

Not many people would think it, but sleep plays a huge factor in your immune health (and health in general). Everyone requires different hours of sleep. Some get by just fine on 5 to 6, while others can’t function properly without a full eight hours. Sleeping the proper amount of time keeps the mind and body sharp. The healthier and more rested the brain is, the better it is at regulating the rest of the body, including the immune system.

The key to a stronger immune system is to just lead a healthy life.

Don’t push yourself past your limits and keep a healthy diet. The healthier you are in general, the better you’ll feel. With the proper energy and nutrients your body will be able to keep the immune system working at its peak, fighting off infections and illnesses like it was meant to.

Don’t know where to get a good probiotic or multivitamin?

Check out the selection we carry at your neighborhood HealthCARE Express!

For at least one meal a day, eat a portion of colorful vegetables.Thesevegetablesarepackedfullofvitamins andnutrientswhichwillnotonlyprovidegreatfuelfor your body, but will strengthen it and keep it healthy.

It is wise to take probiotics as they are not only beneficial to your immune system, but to the whole body. Probiotics are good for boosting the immune system’s response rate, which makes it easier for your body to fight off potential invaders.

Exerciseandstayactive.Manypeoplespendtheirentire dayatadeskthengohometositonthecouch.Thisisn’t onlybadforyourbodyingeneral,butalsoweakensthe immunesystem.Thestrongerandhealthieryouare,the better your immune system.

Everyonerequiresdifferenthoursofsleep.Sleepingthe properamountoftimekeepsyourmindandbodysharp.

The healthier and more rested your brain is, the better it is at regulating the rest of your body, including your immune system.

Find a great multivitamin that makes up for what you are lacking in your diet. Important vitamins to focus on are vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. These vitamins support biochemical reactions in the immunesystemandhelpyourbodyfightoffinfection.

Available at HealthCARE Express Dermatology & Age Management

Page 22

7

1.

2.

3.

4.

THE PRIZES

HOW DO I Sign UP?

Yes, I can!

Work comes before play Listen before you speak Together is better

5. Help to inspire others 6. Commitment 7. Leaders are readers

Our top two students with qualifying points will both recieve a Disney Cruise vacation with one parent.

Other prizes include parties and awards for points!

This program is COMPLETELY FREE. To sign up, visit klabyhce.com and create an account. The 2018-2019 year will begin June 15 and will run through April 30.

So, don’t wait! We have some great summer activities—listed to the right—for the kids to participate in as well.

For more information, email Suki O’Neal at suki@healthcareexpress.us.

We believe children learn leadership best when they begin at a young age. Klondike Leadership Academy is a program designed to do just that. In this program we have 7 core values (listed below) which make up our skill sets.

Each of the skill sets has a series of tasks the students can complete for points toward end-of-year prizes!

SUMMER 2018

All Sport performance training

speed · Agility · strength · conditioning

june 4th - august 9th For More Information:

Call John Clack at 903.908.7105 or Dave Welch at 903.733.5435 5610 Richmond Rd | XcelerateAthletix.com

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 5TH - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!

Page 23

YOU WERE IN A FENDER BENDER... ... AND YOU’RE FEELING QUEASY. IS IT JUST STRESS OR A CONCUSSION?

BRAIN INJURY CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. AND IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO DETECT. INTRODUCING

OPEN 24 HOURS

BRAINSCOPE ONE HEAD INJURY ASSESSMENT

3515 RICHMOND RD TEXARKANA, TX 75503 903-791-9355

Now Available At

OPEN 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M.

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125 ARKANSAS BLVD. TEXARKANA, AR 71854 870-772-9355

4701 WEST 7TH STREET WAKE VILLAGE, TX 75501 903-831-4065

106 S. LOOP HWY 59 ATLANTA, TX 75551 903-796-9355

Page 24

CHRONIC PAIN 1 IN 3 Suffer from chronic pain PEOPLE A HUNDRED Americans are partially MILLION or totally disabled by pain

+

$2K

Average Cost of chronic pain for each U.S. citizen.

NOT TO MENTION...

Strained Increased Financial Relationships Burden Loss of Productivity Depression and Withdrawal Inability to Work

Interventional Pain Management

Page 25

3515 Richmond Rd Texarkana, TX 75503 903-831-5454 Open 7:30 am-5 pm

Let us help your chronic pain patients and improve their quality of life

The HealthCARE Express on Richmond Rd. is open 24/7!

OPEN 24 HOURS 3515 RICHMOND RD TEXARKANA, TX 75503 903-791-9355 106 S. LOOP HWY 59 ATLANTA, TX 75551 903-796-9355

OPEN 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. 125 ARKANSAS BLVD. TEXARKANA, AR 71854 870-772-9355

4701 WEST 7TH STREET WAKE VILLAGE, TX 75501 903-831-4065 Page 26