Inspire Coastal Bend Medical Dec/Jan 2014-15

KEEPING CORPUS CHRISTI FIT THE SMOOTHIE KING FITNESS CHALLENGE

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

BATTLING OBESITY: THE iCONQUER PROGRAM

A NEW STANDARD

CHRISTUS SPOHN BIRTHING SERVICES

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A LEADER IN SOUTH TEXAS SURGERY

DR. SERGIO

TAVARES

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITAL-SHORELINE: A LEADER IN STROKE CARE

MAKING READING FUN THE GULF COAST HUMANE SOCIETY’S READ AND ROLL OVER PROGRAM

HOW TO GET FIT AT ANY AGE

DECEMBER.JANUARY 2014-15

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transport for critically ill or injured persons requiring medical or trauma facilities within our South Texas service area.

Emergency assistance is provided to all persons regardless of their ability to pay.

www.haloflight.org 361.265.0509 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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River City Hospice offers high quality, compassionate care to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals that include: physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, therapists, chaplains, nurse aides and volunteers.

ALICE

171 Medical Center Blvd., Building E Alice, TX 78332

361.664.4888

CORPUS CHRISTI

4646 Corona Dr., Suite 160 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361.882.5900

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Orthopaedic Associates of Corpus Christi

Announces the Formation of

bone & joint John M. Borkowski, M.D. / Frank A. Luckay, M.D. / Ryan B. Thomas, M.D. Charles W. Breckenridge, M.D. / Justin Klimisch, M.D. John P. Masciale, M.D. / Dawn M. Grosser, M.D. / Bernard M. Seger, M.D.

(361) 854-0811

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601 Texan Trail, Suite #300 www.southtexasboneandjoint.com

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Clarissa Esparza fa m i ly dentistry

Corpus Christi MRI Center

Blue Star Radiology Official Radiologists of the Dallas Cowboys

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

DECEMBER.JANUARY 2014-15

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

MARKETING DIRECTOR Holly Duvall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael B. Jones, M.D., DABR

Diagnostic Radiologist Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging

David T. Larsen, M.D., DABR

Diagnostic Radiologist Fellowship in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(361)

852-3600

Michael E. Patyrak, M.D., DABR Diagnostic Radiologist Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging

Steven Alford Kaitlin Calk Rebecca Esparza Alana Seal Sylvia Slezak Dr. Salim Surani Sarah Tindall

PHOTOGRAPHY Steven Alford Dustin Ashcraft Edgar de la Garza

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brittanie Robertson Jessica Salinas

“ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS” MEDICAID & MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED 1.5 GE Tesla Open Ended Magnet Same Day Appointments Report Turnaround Within 24 Hours 2-3 Hour Stat Interpretations

For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

10 Years Serving South Texas

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

se habla español

361-561-0635

2802 S. STAPLES www.clarissaesparzadds.com 6

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www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com

8am - 5pm Monday - Friday

3702 S. Alameda

www.corpuschristimricenter.com

7957 Wolverine Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 Phone: 361.548.1044 Copyright © Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

CONTENTS DECEMBER.JANUARY2014-15

FEATURE 12 Pure joy

PATIENT 14 Have you heard of Six

Month Smiles?

16 It’s the little things

COVER STORY

18 DR. SERGIO TAVARES

The director of cardiovascular surgery at Corpus Christi Medical Center continually lives up to his reputation as one of the leading cardiac and thoracic surgeons in South Texas.

PROFILES

22 CHRISTUS SPOHN

BIRTHING SERVICES

In a new partnership with OB Hospitalist Group, CHRISTUS Spohn brings a firstof-its-kind service to the region, as well as a new layer of care for patients.

24 CHRISTUS SPOHN

HOSPITAL-SHORELINE:

A LEADER IN STROKE CARE The hospital system’s consistent commitment to improving patient outcomes earns national recognition, most recently with the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke-Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award.

HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 Fit at any age

HEALTH MATTERS 28 Conquering obesity

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 30 Fit family

FITNESS & OUTDOORS

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32 Are you ready for a challenge?

NONPROFIT 34 Stories of inspiration 36 Making reading fun 38 A night to remember

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

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Weight loss surgery done right…Locally!

Surgical Weight Loss • Gastric Bypass • Gastric Sleeve • Gastric Band • Revisions Surgery in Corpus Christi!

Medical Weight Loss • Physician Guided • Metabolic Testing • VO2 Testing • Nutrition Counseling • Exercise Counseling • Medication Management

Several plans to fit your needs!

When it comes to weight loss surgery in Corpus Christi—Now There’s a Better Weigh

Restoring hope and health in the Coastal Bend Lloyd Stegemann, MD, FASMBS Director 8

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5826 Esplanade Dr. • Suite 102 Corpus Christi

361-500-2898 www.BetterWeighCenter.com

WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN

KEEPING YOUR SMILE BEAUTIFUL For 30 years, over 30,000 patients have placed their trust in the Vela Dental Centers. With three offices in the South Texas area, we make sure excellent dental care is convenient, accessible and affordable. Vela Dental Crosstown, near Spohn Memorial Hospital, serves our downtown, Callalen, Robstown, and Portland areas. Vela Dental Southside, located at Holly and Everhart, serves as our flagship office, providing complex implant and dental rehabilitation for all of South Texas. Vela Dental Kingsville, located at 14th and Henrietta, serves all of Kingsville and the surrounding community.

Our highly skilled team of dentists and staff take pride in keeping your smile beautiful or restoring your smile to the way you deserve.

WE HAVE THE ANSWER TO ALL OF YOUR DENTAL NEEDS • Fix damaged or painful teeth • Replace single or multiple missing teeth • Enhance your smile • Remove wisdom teeth & other bad teeth • Clean and prevent gum disease

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER - 6-unit bridge and fillings

AFTER - full arch rehabilitation with 11 porcelain crowns and 2 implants

AFTER - full mouth rehabilitation with 24 porcelain crowns

Benjamin Vela DDS & Associates • General Dentistry

SOUTHSIDE - 361.994.4900 CROSSTOWN - 361.884.2266 KINGSVILLE - 361.592.4373

veladental.com

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Welcome to the SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical care in many of the major hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our surgeons and staff provide individual and conservative treatment using the most effective and modern technologies available in the world.

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 3rd Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

361.883.4323

www.southtexasbrainandspine.net I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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FEATURE

Pure Joy Kathryn Childers – aka “Mother Snow” – preserves the memory of that glorious white Christmas of 10 years ago for generations to come in a children’s read-along and two coffee table books.

SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

WHEN YOU MENTION the miraculous snowfall on Christmas Eve 2004, even a decade later, the joy of that night hasn’t lost its luster. “To this day, people’s eyes still light up and sparkle when you ask them where they were and what they did that magical night and morning,” Kathryn Childers says. The long-time Corpus Christi resident remembers it all too well. In the 10 years since the snowy miracle, Childers has become somewhat of a snow historian.

Freezing temperatures from the North merged with precipitation sitting over much of the Gulf Coast of Texas. The result was conditions that hadn’t been seen in more than 100 years. The cities of Victoria and Lake Jackson received the heaviest blanket of snow, totaling 14 inches. Two inches of the white stuff fell on Houston, Galveston and the Rio Grande Valley, while Corpus Christi had accumulation of 10 to 12 inches.

“My fondest memory was driving by Cole Park on our way to church,” Childers says. “Suddenly, atop the quiet silence of the snowfall, the air was filled with giggles and laughter – like a playground on the last day of school. I believe it would be fair to call it the sound of joy.”

Once the snow melted, Childers went to work. Childers spearheaded an amateur photo contest with the help of H-E-B and collected more than 6,000 images. Her efforts ultimately culminated in two coffee table books, “Snow” and “More Snow,” and a children’s read-along, “More Snow for Kids.”

“Although some children may be too young to remember that white Christmas 10 years ago, thanks to the books, it will always be a special moment in their lives, as well,” says Childers, who has been dubbed “Mother Snow.” “The thing that has surprised me most, however, is when I go to homes and businesses and the snow books are out on the coffee tables year-round.”

“Mother Snow” has enjoyed “dashing through the snow” for a decade, and she will continue to do so. “I truly believe everyone has tucked our beautiful and unique white Christmas in their Christmas box of memories and will bring it out every year,” Childers says. “That Christmas of 2004 will always be the Christmas.” ►

“

THIS WAS THE ONE CHRISTMAS WHEN EVERY CHILD RECEIVED THE SAME GIFT.”

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10TH ANNIVERSARY “SNOW” EVENTS

DEC. 13

DEC. 5

Book Signing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at H-E-B Plus! on Saratoga in Corpus Christi Book Signing: Noon to 4 p.m. at H-E-B Plus! on Saratoga in Corpus Christi Book Signing: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at H-E-B Plus! on Saratoga in Corpus Christi

E C N E I SC ER OF SOCC E STYL WITH

DEC. 14

Corpus Christi Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” featuring “The Miracle” arrangement and performance featuring the 2004 snowfall in Rockport

DEC. 6

DEC. 7

Corpus Christi Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” featuring “The Miracle” arrangement and performance featuring the 2004 snowfall at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

DEC. 20

Book Signing: Noon to 4 p.m. at H-E-B Plus! on Saratoga in Corpus Christi

DO L A R I G BOL T Ú F ELITE

“This was the one Christmas when every child received the same gift.” – Trey Campbell “When we stepped out onto our balcony, we heard chimes from the bell tower in Goliad play ‘I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas.’ Is that awesome or what?”

– Suzy Smith Warzecha “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a perfect Christmas Eve in South Texas!”

– The Hon. Solomon P. Ortiz, U.S. Congress “I felt that even the Lord helped decorate His house for Christmas this year at Corpus Christi Cathedral.” – Fr. Michael Howell “It was our first Christmas without my mom, and we couldn’t help but think the snow on Christmas Day was a gift from her.” – Lonnie Glasscock “We could not sit on our patio furniture this Christmas Day, but who can complain? It was a perfect Christmas morning!” – Kent Kirkpatrick “The contrast of the green bushes and palms covered with pristine white snow was almost as overwhelming as the silence created by the thick layer of snow white-washing the landscape. It was a glorious morning.” – Caro T. Jackson “I listened to the kids playing in the snow all night long at Cole Park. It was wonderful. Then, wow!

When I walked out of my front door Christmas morning and saw Corpus Christi. It looked like a gleaming jewel.” – Charles Kaffie

»»»»

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1 6 3

ail bol@gm t u f e t li e giraldo ol.com Email: litefutb e o ld a ir Web: g

Elite, professional soccer training in Corpus Christi, Texas for ages ranging from 5-22 years. Player development is our #1 priority and dictates all our decisions.

“My husband said it has been over a century since Frosty has ridden the waves to the Coastal Bend.”

– Kim Afflerbach “My husband, Andy, rolled this ‘snowball’ up and down the hill at Cole Park. After all that hard work, he decided to take it home to become the base of his Texas snowman.” – Beth Sprinkle “You could literally feel the happiness in the air, see it on your neighbors’ faces and hear it in everyone’s voices. It’s that pure joy that I wish we could capture more often.” – Libby Averyt “We didn’t have gloves, so we put some men’s socks on our son’s hands and played in the snow.”

– Gloria McCormick

The books are available at H-E-B Plus! in Corpus Christi on Saratoga. You may also purchase the books online or find more information at www.texassnowbook.com.

facebook.com/giraldoelitefutbol I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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PATIENT

HAVE YOU HEARD OF SIX MONTH SMILES? The virtually invisible braces straighten teeth faster than traditional braces.

SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

C

THE PROCEDURE REQUIRES FEWER DENTIST VISITS AND IS TYPICALLY LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TRADITIONAL BRACES.

DR. BENJAMIN VELA

The Vela Dental Centers is currently made up of three offices, with Vela Dental Southside located at 4822 Holly Road. The practice is involved with the most modern and effective forms of cosmetic and implant dentistry. Owner Dr. Benjamin Vela, a general dentist who focuses on cosmetic and implant dentistry, has been practicing in Corpus Christi since 2006 after earning his degree from UT Health Science Center – San Antonio. Vela, along with his associates and team members, treats patients of all levels of complexity.

The Vela Dental Centers have been serving the Corpus Christi area since 1984. For more information, visit the practice online at www.veladental.com.

formed by a specialist) is the “gold standard,” many patients cringe at the thought of staying in braces for such extended periods of time.

Six Month Smiles is both patient- and smile-focused, allowing for quicker results and happy patients.

Numerous medical benefits come with proper dental care, which helps fight against tooth

wear and gum disease. Healthy teeth also encourage proper nutrition by enabling people to eat a variety of foods; they also help boost self-esteem and can reduce headaches and joint pain. Vela encourages people to schedule a consultation with Vela Dental Southside to see if Six Month Smiles is a good option for them.

If you are interested in learning more about Six Month Smiles, visit www.6monthsmiles.com, or contact Vela Dental Southside at 361-994-4900.

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B-D-S/BIGSTOCK.COM

orpus Christi-area adults looking to straighten their teeth can now get the smile they have always wanted – in just six months – through a cosmetic-braces system available at the Vela Dental Centers.

The Vela Dental Centers, owned by Dr. Benjamin Vela, is the Corpus Christi area’s first practice to offer the Six Month Smiles System, designed specifically for adults (over 18) who have crooked, crowded or spaced teeth – without major bite issues. The technique offers tremendous advantages over traditional metal braces.

Unlike the traditional braces people must often wear for two to four years, this procedure straightens teeth in an average of just six months and uses low forces to gently move teeth more comfortably.

The Six Month Smiles System utilizes specialized clear brackets and tooth-colored wires – making them virtually invisible.

The procedure requires fewer dentist visits and is typically less expensive than traditional braces.

In addition, the Six Month Smiles System can result in healthier gums, since straight teeth are easier to clean than crooked teeth.

“Now our patients can get the smile they’ve always dreamed of, without waiting for years,” Vela said. “Six Month Smiles braces are virtually invisible, and straighten teeth much more quickly and more comfortably than traditional braces.”

Although traditional orthodontics (per-

SIX POINTS PHYSICAL THERAPY PROMOTING HEALING AND WELLNESS

Our mission is to return the patient to a productive lifestyle by offering individualized therapy promoting healing and wellness

TREATMENT PROGRAMS Pain Management // Orthopedic Rehabilitation // Pre and Post Operative Rehabilitation Neurological Injuries // Respiratory Therapy // Fibromyalgia // Wellness Maintenance // Arthritis Tendon Repair // Sports Injuries // Carpal Tunnel // Sprains/Strains

Jaime Pato Moreno PT

Monica Lucido-Clay PT, DPT

701 Park Avenue Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 Phone: (361) 879-0006 // Fax: (361) 879-0702

Brad Walker MSPT

5017 Saratoga, Suite 139 Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Phone: (361) 993-0441 // Fax: (361) 993-0452 I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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PATIENT

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS

Exercise is medicine for Dr. Michael Montgomery, the head of the new Priority Care Clinic at South Texas Bone & Joint.

Sports and recreational injuries don’t happen on a specific timetable.

Unfortunately, they can happen anytime, and sometimes, waiting several weeks for an appointment just isn’t an option.

Thanks to the new Priority Care Clinic at South Texas Bone & Joint, Coastal Bend-area residents have another choice besides a traditional hospital emergency room visit.

Opened in September, the Priority Care Clinic sees those who need concussion evaluation and treatment, high school, collegiate and professional sports injuries, muscle tears, overuse injuries or sprains and fractures. Ap-

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pointments are not mandatory, and the clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Michael Montgomery, who is fellowship trained in primary care sports medicine, oversees the Priority Care Clinic and cautions against not seeking medical care for serious injuries. Even if the injury seems minor in nature, it may still require immediate attention.

“If you feel like something is off to the point where you can no longer enjoy certain activities, or the pain won’t allow you to do something you want to do, it might be time to see a doctor,” Montgomery says. “And taking overthe-counter pain relievers is not a longterm solution. Taking certain types of pain relievers for a long period of time can damage your kidneys or create stomach problems.”

Medicine is not always the first treat-

“

I LOVE WORKING WITH HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES. THEY ARE SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THEIR LOVE OF SPORTS.”

ment plan for a patient with a sports medicine injury. Physical therapy is often the key to healing, depending on the injury. “We also consider traction for back pain, massage therapy, electrical stimulation and most simply, rest,” Montgomery says. “Letting the body heal works in many cases. Also, we might recommend exercises that strengthen the part of the body that was injured.”

Montgomery says preventing injuries in the first place not only saves time and money, but aggravation and suffering, too. “There are so many benefits of regular exercise, including injury prevention,” he says. “I believe exercise is medicine. Even moderate physical activity like walking is better than nothing.”

Studies have proven those who exercise reduce their risk of heart disease

DENISNATA/BIGSTOCK.COM

By: REBECCA ESPARZA

PHOTO BY JENNIFER RECIO

and diabetes, Montgomery notes. Exercise can also help alleviate symptoms like anxiety and depression. Those who lead more physically active lifestyles are at decreased risk for developing certain types of cancer, including breast and colon.

“It doesn’t even have to be long amounts of exercise,” Montgomery says. “We now know getting at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week can make a tremendous difference in a person’s overall health.”

He adds that those 30 minutes don’t have to be consecutive, either. “Park further out, and enjoy the long walk to and from the car. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s the little things that add up and give you tremendous health benefits over time.”

Exercise can also help prevent certain types of sports injuries by improving range of motion and strengthening core muscles in the body.

Montgomery, born and raised in Longview, Texas, says he’s always been fascinated by medicine, even as a young child. “I can remember being fascinated with science class in sixth grade. When I started figuring out how the human body works, everything made sense to me. I knew this was where my passion was.”

After earning his degree in biology from Texas A&M-College Station, he earned his

master’s degree in business at LeTourneau University in Houston. After working several years in the business private sector, he realized he needed to continue his studies in medicine, so he went to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for his medical degree.

He finished his residency at the University of Texas in Houston and then completed a fellowship in sports medicine at the University of Texas in Tyler.

Now Montgomery says he feels lucky to do something he loves while helping people at the same time. Not only does he see patients every day at the clinic, but he also goes into the community, lending his medical expertise to young football athletes.

“I attend Miller and King High School football games to be available onsite for any injuries,” he says. “I love working with high school athletes … they are so enthusiastic about their love of sports. It’s a lot of excitement and adrenaline – a wonderful way to give back a little of myself to the community, which has welcomed me with open arms.” Montgomery says the best part of his job is seeing his happy and grateful patients.

“It’s the most rewarding feeling to see patients I’ve helped feel better and recover from their injuries. It makes all those long hours and nights of hard work worth it.”

For more information about the services at South Texas Bone & Joint, visit www. southtexasboneandjoint.com, or follow the group on Facebook and Twitter. And to make an appointment at Dr. Michael Montgomery’s new Priority Care Clinic, call 361-854-0811. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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COVER STORY

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IMPROVING

PATIENT CARE

Helping people is the driving force for Dr. Sergio Tavares, one of the leading cardiac and thoracic surgeons in the area who brings his talents to the Corpus Christi Medical Center.

By: Sarah Tindall Photos by: Dustin Ashcraft

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r. Sergio Tavares serves as one of the leading cardiac and thoracic surgeons in South Texas.

Tavares, who is the director of cardiovascular surgery at Corpus Christi Medical Center, has practiced in Corpus Christi since he moved here in July 1983, fresh out of his medical training, and he has enjoyed being part of an ever-evolving field in which patient care has improved so drastically.

Tavares was born in southern Brazil and spent his formative years there, attending medical school at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro before coming to the States to do an internship and residency at the University of Maryland. By June 1982, he was board certified in general surgery and looking around to see what his next move would be.

He met up with a surgeon from Corpus Christi at a medical conference who encouraged him to come visit. “It was the middle of December and 75 degrees,” Tavares says. “My wife and I decided it was perfect.” And the rest is history: The couple arrived in July and have been an integral part of the community ever since. Tavares received his board certification in thoracic cardiovascular surgery in 1984.

For Tavares, why he picked such a tough field has a straightforward explanation: “I enjoyed my studies, liked to do homework and extra reading and volunteer for different projects, and then worked hard in college to get good grades. I had an early interest in heart surgery. The level of difficulty and longer training time appealed to me, as well as the additional level of expertise required. The whole thing about the heart as the center of the circulatory system and the center of emotions played a role, but also, early on in medical school, I had exposure to mentors that were in that area and encouraged the pursuit of new and exciting routes and ideas and plans for future changes in the specialty.

“Those changes included the utilization of heart surgery without pumps, which caught my interest early on. I was one of the early applicants of that technique, and it turned out to be a very good process to facilitate patients’ recoveries.”

And those improvements in patient treatment and care have kept coming throughout his career and kept Tavares interested in the field. “The whole approach has to be patient safety and quality of care with a denominator of the cost that provides the concept of value for the patient,” Tavares says.

“It is our responsibility to ensure a high quality of care in a very safe environment, while at the same

time, keeping a close eye on cost to produce value for our patients. What we do changes lives for some patients and improves quality of life for others. The whole concept is to change the science, find new medicines and new technical approaches to patient care and determine procedures that can improve the quality of life for patients. This is an ongoing thing, as we continue to be better at what we do. It is never a fixed thing.”

Some of the newest innovations he is most excited about are the application of fibroblasts (early cells that learn to become heart/heart muscle cells). These cells can be injected in patients’ hearts to improve the heart’s functionality without the necessity of a transplant. This technology is on the horizon, and it is not ready yet, but Tavares believes it will help patients and save lives because so many patients die while waiting on the transplant list for a heart to become available.

Throughout his career, Tavares says he has enjoyed the immediate gratification that comes with helping his patients. Cardiac surgery is like that – unlike other forms of medicine.

“Sometimes you have to realize that you can’t save all patients; some patients’ conditions and the tissue quality of their hearts is beyond repair and you may lose the patients, but those situations are rare,” Tavares says. “Most of the time, you see grateful, happy faces looking back at you. That is what keeps me after it, working such long hours, spending my time worrying about my patients, wanting what is best for them, realizing that life and death lurk around every corner. You need to be prepared to tackle it in your complete self so that you can help as many people as possible.”

Helping people – the reason Tavares says led him and most of his fellow doctors into medicine in the first place – is still the driving force behind his practice today.

“WHAT WE DO CHANGES LIVES FOR SOME PATIENTS AND IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OTHERS.”

For more information about Dr. Sergio Tavares, go to 601 Texan Trail, Ste. 205, or call 361-884-7081.

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“IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE HIGH-QUALITY CARE IN A VERY SAFE ENVIRONMENT.”

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PROFILE

AN EXTRA LAYER

OF CARE

CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITAL-SOUTH WELCOMES OB HOSPITALIST GROUP, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE COASTAL BEND REGION. BY: STEVEN ALFORD

CHRISTUS Spohn leaders visit with OB Hospitalist team members during a meet-and-greet event at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South.

The partnership between the two groups provides an extra layer of care for South Texas mothers and their babies, a first of its kind in the region.

S

outh Texas mothers can now rest even easier knowing that when they decide to have their baby at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South, they’ve got a whole birthing team behind them. CHRISTUS Spohn is proud to now partner with OB Hospitalist Group, the nation’s leading provider of OB/GYN hospitalist services, providing an extra layer of care for mothers and their babies.

The program provides an experienced OB/GYN to reside in-house 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to manage

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anything from routine to emergent patient care needs, the first of its kind in the region.

“We’re excited to be the first to market and first in CHRISTUS Health to implement a new, elevated standard of obstetrical health care,” said South VP/COO Mark Casanova. “This partnership demonstrates CHRISTUS Spohn’s commitment to providing high-quality care and innovation to our patients.”

The new partnership brings an experienced team of board-certified obstetricians/gynecologists available on-

“THIS PARTNERSHIP DEMONSTRATES CHRISTUS SPOHN’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY CARE AND INNOVATION TO OUR PATIENTS.”

site 24/7 at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South to see patients there, including those who come through the emergency room doors of CHRISTUS facilities.

These dedicated OB/GYN physicians can deliver babies if a patient’s own physician cannot be present, if the mother does not already have an OB/GYN physician or if any emergencies arise before a patient’s physician arrives at the hospital. They now join the hospital’s qualified associates in providing an extra level of advanced care for CHRISTUS Spohn patients, according to officials.

“Our main goal is to be there to help out however we can,” said OB Hospitalist Team Leader Dr. Randall Davis. “We’re there to help the patients’ physician and pick up some of their load, and to be there for the patients for added support.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South leaders recently held a meet-and-greet event to welcome the new OB hospitalists to the team and introduce them to the CHRISTUS Spohn clinicians and community physicians they’ll be working with side-by-side. “We’re really excited to be joining the team here at CHRISTUS Spohn-South,” Davis added. “We’ve been very impressed by everyone we’ve met.”

Hospitalist medicine is a growing trend in modern health care. In fact, the Society of Hospital Medicine estimates that more than 20,000 hospitalists are practicing in the United States alone, and approximately half of America’s hospitals employ hospitalists.

ABOUT CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest health care system consisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology. For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its high-caliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves. For additional information, visit www.christusspohn.org.

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PROFILE

THE HIGHEST STANDARDS CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Shoreline receives the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke GoldPlus Quality Achievement Award, reflecting its consistent commitment to excellence.

By: Steven Alford Photos by: Steven Alford

C

HRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline has been recognized by the American Heart Association for adhering to the highest standards of quality in providing stroke care in the Coastal Bend.

The hospital was honored with the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific, quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Get With The Guidelines Stroke helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline earned this award by meeting rigorous quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients.

These measures include aggressive use of medications and risk-reduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability, while improving the lives of South Texas stroke patients.

Cherie Boxberger, director of quality and system improvement for the American Heart Association, traveled from Houston to present to CHRISTUS Spohn associates with the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award during a special ceremony

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at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Center.

“This award reflects CHRISTUS Spohn’s ongoing commitment to excellence to ensure our patients receive the highest-quality stroke care form our associates,” said Dr. Morgan Campbell III, CHRISTUS Spohn neurosciences program director. “We continually asses our performance outcomes to maintain excellent patient care and look for innovative ways to achieve even better outcomes.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline also received the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll for meeting stroke quality measures that reduce the time between hospital arrival and treatment with the clot-buster tPA – the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

People who suffer a stroke and receive the drug within three hours of the onset of symptoms may recover quicker and are less likely to suffer severe disability.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

According to Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, national

About CHRISTUS Spohn Health System CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest health care system consisting of six hospital campuses: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi (Shoreline, Memorial and South), CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). The health system is consistently ranked a leading health system in the area, and it has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including cardiac care, clinical excellence and oncology.

For more than 100 years, CHRISTUS Spohn has been distinguished by its highcaliber staff and affiliated physicians, its comprehensive and innovative services and its long history of responding to the needs of the community it serves.

About Get With The Guidelines Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than four million patients since 2001.

1/ The CHRISTUS Spohn stroke team, along with CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline COO/VP Xavier Villarreal, accepted the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for their hard work in adhering to the highest national standards of quality in providing stroke care in the Coastal Bend.

2/ CHRISTUS Spohn Stroke Coordinator Amber Blimline, R.N., (center) displays the American Heart Association’s Get With The GuidelinesStroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award with members of the CHRISTUS Spohn stroke team.

3/ CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline COO/VP Xavier Villarreal (left) accepts the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award from Cherie Boxberger, director of quality and system improvement for the American Heart Association during a special recognition ceremony on Nov. 19 at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Center.

1 2

3 chairman of the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke steering committee and executive director of interventional cardiovascular programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the association was pleased to honor CHRISTUS Spohn for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care. “Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow Get With The Guidelines quality improvement measures can reduce patients’ length of stays and 30-day readmission rates and reduce disparity gaps in care,” he said.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke also helps CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline associates implement prevention measures, which include educating stroke patients to manage their risk factors and to be better aware of warning signs for stroke, and ensuring they take their medications properly.

According to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline Stroke Coordinator, Nurse Amber Blimline, this recognition helps spread the word about stroke, its symptoms and how to receive timely care, which all adds up to better patient outcomes. “Community education is so important, and the recognition of stroke and its signs is key to having the best patient outcomes,” she said. “A special thanks to all of our associates who work so hard every day to provide the best care to our stroke patients.”

For more information about CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, visit www. christusspohn.org. And to learn more about Get With The Guidelines, visit www.heart.org/quality or www.heart.org/myhealthcare.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

FIT

AT ANY AGE Age is a matter of mental perception – not an excuse.

You can begin an active lifestyle at any age.

By: SYLVIA SLEZAK

WELCOME THE HOLIDAYS with healthy choices. Here are some helpful tips to get fit and be motivated throughout the New Year.

“My research finds that believing weight is changeable … can help you overcome the mental challenges of dieting, including helping you cope more successfully with those inevitable setbacks,” says Jeni L. Burnette, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. End that “once fat, always fat” mentality, and you’ll find it easier to make better food choices.

Much of the stress we may experience during the winter and holiday season can be attributed to our lack of sufficient sleep. Sleeping less than five hours a night can make weight gain more likely. Make it a priority to get six to nine hours of quality time with your pillow tonight – and every night.

Goals for healthful eating

›› Eat more fruits and vegetables. ›› Eat more whole-grain foods such as whole-wheat bread, rye bread, brown rice and whole-grain cereal. ›› Use healthful fats and liquid vegetable oils such as olive, grape seed, coconut or safflower oils, avocados and nuts. ›› Choose lean proteins such as skinless poultry, fish, yogurt, beans, nuts and grains. ›› Read food labels to help you choose healthful foods. ›› Keep portions smaller than your fist and in control at all times. ›› Resist emotional and nighttime eating. ›› Balance your meals, and keep track of what you eat. ›› Cut back on added sugars and caffeine. ›› Limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day. ›› Select restaurants that offer heart-healthy meals.

Ask for salads (sprinkle lemon juice and oil instead of fatty salad dressing) and steamed or broiled rather than deep-fried.

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Health benefits of physical activity ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Tackles anxiety, depression and anger Improves both mental and physical health Promotes enthusiasm and optimism Improves self-image and energy levels Enhances the immune system Improves circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease Helps maintain a healthy weight Improves muscle tone and muscle strength Helps prevent bone loss Can lower blood pressure Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly Helps in the battle to quit smoking

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Healthful eating is easier than you might think. When you make small changes and take them one at a time, they are more likely to stick with you throughout the New Year and beyond. As with any diet or exercise, it is advisable to consult your physician first.

Get movin’

Did you know that you lose balance, core strength and overall muscle strength every year if you don’t do something about it? If you haven’t exercised in years, it’s time to get going! Even if you’re 50, 60 or 70, you can start to reverse these changes with a few simple moves. Physical activity is all it takes to start turning back the clock!

Ways to be active

• Stretch to increase flexibility.

• Balance by standing on one leg at a time, shifting weight to one foot and holding.

• Lift light weights and squat.

• Train with resistance band exercises to tighten and tone all over.

• Do push-ups against a wall instead of on the floor.

• Walk outdoors, garden, golf, swim or dance.

Motivation Take a break

Pamper yourself – whatever makes you feel special.

Go to a spa and get a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. ► Change your hairstyle, or add to your wardrobe. ► Make yourself laugh – an excellent antidote to stress. ► Read a funny book, watch a comedy or call a friend who makes you laugh. ► Take a tour, a boat ride or a cruise, or go horseback riding on the beach. ► Try a new restaurant, or go to your all-time favorite one. ► Watch the sunset on the beach. ► Attend a concert, go to a movie, try new things and be adventurous. ►

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►

SLEEPING LESS THAN FIVE HOURS A NIGHT CAN MAKE WEIGHT GAIN MORE LIKELY.

Believe in yourself

The body achieves what the mind believes. To live well, you should enjoy life, get the most out of every situation and get excited. You’ll be energized and so will those around you.

Explore what your community has to offer, and discover its hidden treasures, attractions, events, arts and music, festivals, restaurants, date ideas, outdoor activities, tours, latest weather updates and local services at CityOf.com/CorpusChristi.

For more information, visit www.cityof.com or www.facebook.com/cityofcom, or call 888-785-0500.

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HEALTH MATTERS

CONQUERING OBESITY The youth-driven iConquer program combats the biggest health threat among our children.

By: DR. SALIM SURANI

P

assion, energy, dedication, devotion, discipline, cultivation, excitement and joy: This is how I would describe the program, iConquer, a youth-driven program whose mission is to combat obesity and diabetes, and to create a healthy and happy nation and healthy and happy communities.

With the New Year approaching, we all make ambitious goals and attempt to transform our own lives. Is it the time for us to teach our children by setting an example with our actions. Obesity has been labeled one of the biggest threats in South Texas. More than 33 percent of children and adolescents in this country are obese. Obesity has doubled among children and quadrupled among adolescents over past three decades. One in three Texas children is overweight or obese, and almost 50 percent of Hispanic children in Texas fall in this category. In Texas, Hispanic children have the highest rate of obesity.

Obesity has grave consequences for the person, the family and society. Its consequences are severe; it can decrease the life expectancy of our future generation, with increases in the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, joint problems and sleep disorders, to name a few. Children with asthma and obesity have a 29 percent higher rate of hospitalization. In addition, children who are obese have lower grades and a higher frequency of absence from school.

Studies have shown that the pre-kindergarten age is critical, as that is when habits are formed. Children who are obese at 3 to 5 years old are eight times more likely to be obese in adulthood compared to children who weigh within the normal range. It is imperative that education on combating childhood obesity and improving health habits is engrained at an early life, and parents and peers need to serve as role models. Most of the current programs are geared toward middle and high school, which is important, but early childhood education on this important issue is lacking.

The iConquer program is unique and youth-driven in its efforts to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy living at a very early age. This program has been designed and run by the youth of our community. They reach out to children from the early childhood development stage to first grade. They use a unique, four-week program encompassing four 45-minute sessions, as well as a high-tech audience response system to gauge their knowledge. During each session, they use an array of engaging, age-specific activities, such as animated movies (written and scripted by community youth), puppet shows, hip-hop sessions and exercise routines.

The emphasis is also on healthy food, as they promote kid-friendly portions and feature youth and professional chefs demonstrating the preparation of healthy snacks. The concept is unique; the youth serves as mentors and role models for children in addition to their parents and siblings.

Getting parents involved in these activities is the new goal for this club.

Developing healthy habits at an early age will help us have a healthy generation, and prevent numerous health-related costs and consequences later in the lives of our children. Since these children are the leaders of the next generation, let’s transform our lives for the healthier and conquer diabetes, obesity and chronic illness.

For further details about the iConquer program, to see the community youth in action or to download animated movies or fitness songs, please visit www.itsyourlifefoundation.org or www.iconquer.us.

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PHOTOEUPHORIA/BIGSTOCK.COM

CHILDREN WHO ARE OBESE HAVE LOWER GRADES AND A HIGHER FREQUENCY OF ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL.

WE WILL PUT YOU BACK IN THE GAME OF LIFE

TREATMENTS AND PROGRAMS FOR: Musculoskeletal Injuries Pregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care) Diabetes Fall Prevention Neuropathy Cardiovascular Therapy Osteoarthritis Vertigo (Dizziness) Osteoporosis Athletic Rehab (Sport Specific) Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome Orthotic Evaluation/Fabriation Pre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy

ALL 6 LOCATIONS OFFER CAREFULLY DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED EXERCISE PROGRAMS IN STATE OF THE ART GYMS AND LARGE INDOOR HEATED POOLS:

1

CORPUS CHRISTI

2

CALALLEN

3

ALICE

5026 Deepwood Cir. • 361.854.2278 4040 Five Points Rd. • 361.241.7399 1302 E. 5th St. • 361.664.9675

4

PORTLAND 114 Lang Rd. • 361.643.8243

5

ARANSAS PASS 2150 W. Wheeler Ave. • 361.758.5199

6

ROCKPORT 1811 Broadway (a.k.a. Fulton Beach Rd.) 361.729.8777

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

FIT FAMILY

Fitness is a family affair for champion bodybuilder and trainer Valerie Pequeno.

By: SARAH TINDALL // Photos by: EDGAR DE LA GARZA

V

alerie Pequeno is committed to fitness. The 29-year-old bodybuilder took first place in the Bikini Competition at last year’s Battle on the Bay, the bodybuilding championship now in its second year in the Coastal Bend. Pequeno, who has only been competing for a year-and-ahalf, says it’s a family affair for her, as her mother, Nellie Pequeno; her brother, Robert Pequeno; and her fiancé, Chris Zuyus, now also compete.

In fact, she started bodybuilding after her aunt and uncle in Austin, who compete themselves, encouraged her

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to start doing it. “My first show was last year’s Battle on the Bay,” she says.

“I didn’t want to do it, but once I got into the training, I really started to enjoy it. I placed first in Battle on the Bay, and then I was hooked.”

After that, things snowballed.

Pequeno has traveled around the country since, competing in national competitions and more often than not, placing in the top five. She is now sponsored

by Rock’s Discount Vitamins, which gives her the chance to participate in more competitions and to make her way up the ladder. Her end goal is to qualify for a pro card, which she says

“

I LIKE TO PROGRESS. MY BODY IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING, AND I’M SO INTERESTED IN THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT.”

will open up a world of opportunities in the fitness world for her and give her the opportunity to compete at the Mt. Olympia Competition in Vegas, which she calls the ultimate show in bodybuilding.

“I missed getting my pro card by one this year,” she says, “and my last chance this year is the last national show in Miami. If I place in the top two, then I get my International Federation of Bodybuilding pro card.”

What she loves about these competitions is the personal challenge – working every day at perfecting her body more and more so that it looks

better and better at every competition. “I like to progress,” she says. “My body is constantly changing, and I’m so interested in the science behind it. Your body can change so much in a week, depending on sodium intake, water intake. The process is addicting; you can go from no abs to abs in one week. It’s all about choices: ‘Do I want this burger, or do I want my abs?’”

She loves it so much, in fact, that she’s built her career on it, working as a personal trainer to prepare other girls for shows, as well, and she’s finishing college with this career in mind, majoring in biology at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. “This way I have the background to work on diet and nuitrition plans for my clients – to help them achieve their goals, whether it’s losing weight, getting into shape or actually training for a bodybuilding competition,” she says.

Her excitement about the sport was so infections, in fact, that she’s got her mom and brother in on the act. Her mom, Nellie Pequeno, is 48 and competes in the Master’s Division; she took home a fifth-place trophy at her latest competition in McAllen on Oct. 18. Her brother, Robert Pequeno, competes in the Men’s Physique category, placing in the top10 at the Battle on the Bay and fifth at a competition in Lackland in November. Her fiancé, Chris Zuyus, also competes in the Men’s Physique division.

“It’s addictive – you versus you, always trying to beat yourself every show, to look better than you did at your last show,” Pequeno says.

And she’s spreading that addiction to her clients, who need help not only with the bodybuilding aspect of the sport and preparing for the show with physical training, but also with the showmanship portion of their time onstage.

“The judges look at our overall muscle tone, as well as symmetry, making sure the shoulders match the bottom half. But also, in the bikini competitions, it’s important to look confident and charismatic onstage,” she says. “Also, our overall stage presence must be good, from the skin complexion to a complementary bathing suit color to jewelry and hair and makeup that work together and make you look your most attractive. It’s all part of preparing for a show.”

So, for her show prep clients, Pequeno recommends 12 to 14 weeks of preparation, usually building muscle for the majority of it and then, as the show gets closer, going into a calorie deficit and cardio training to get just the right look. “There’s a lot of timing that goes into it,” she admits. And diet, she says, is 80 percent of the whole prep for each show. “It’s

mainly composed of high, lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. We weigh our food for every meal and have all our food prepped even when we travel!”

She also offers eight- and 12-week programs for people who want to get in shape or improve the shape they’re already in. These programs offer weekly updated workouts that start slow and gradually increase the amount of reps and the weight range, as well as work on more cardio and create a customized meal plan and vitamin supplement plan for each customer based on their fitness goals.

For the future, Pequeno’s personal goals including getting a master’s degree in nutrition and opening her own studio so she can train her clients exclusively. She’d also like to write a book someday to show people that healthy living is possible for people living normal lives. Besides those goals, she’s got a 4-year-old son to keep her busy and a marriage to her sweetheart coming up next year, so Pequeno is looking at good things on her horizon.

To find out more about Valerie Pequeno, email her at getfitwithval@yahoo.com, or check her out on Facebook at Valerie Pequeno and on Instagram at vpequeno.

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FITNESS & OUTDOORS

Y D A E R U O Y ARE ALLENGE? H C A R FO

ie King e Smooth th g in in als by jo active. rsonal go e p r u o althy and y e h e v ti ie is r h c h a orpus C you to keeping C hallenges f c o i t y a is r w h r pus C 15 – ou TAL BEND King Cor llenge 20 a ie h h IRE COAS t C P S o s o s IN e on most im m O n T S ek Fit ECIAL e be judged P l S W il tw h e g ig E llenge. e challen

a , 2015. Th fter the ch articid Feb. 27 ing and a en n d in n vide all p a eg b ro 5 p . e l n th il Ja t w a i in st en eg k ri b h e ta Corpus C enge will nts will b ess Chall st. Photos of participa arded. Smoothie King llenge. n it F l a u a w ge lo e ch be a Ann 5!

The 3rd e and body fat percenta men and women will uring the duration of th t starts on Jan. 5, 201 en u d th q m o ll b se si y u r ro h fo p en ed nlimit proved s! Open ird prizes King for u me join u nd and th Smoothie enge? Co ll to a First, seco ch rd k ca t ee n eight-w h a discou only rvive this pants wit were not ou can su y k in th that they eal ed v m Do you lo k ic ediately that qu and imm who need ck le a p b : eo rs n p r o ea of y eLe ies fo d Daniel D duced to SK a couple clean/healthy smooth oothies an o e tr m o in es s a d their sm w a en t Iw e m u v b a m , h ts co I bout it!” ot only re supplemen ut it; be a petitor, I n o b s. m providing a si . co a lk o b e g ta u y e q physi : “Don’t on a dail ent on th PC) men’s ess motto out drink replacem self and my busin nd as a (N pre-work a r w o er ei ll mers (my in th o fo a t st tr se u u b cu d , r n As a le ei a te th k n ts ee ie who pu times a w ts to my cl anization least five supplemen great org a akfast at re ch b r su fo y ie red b of it! a smooth be sponso g because proud to be the kin s y a I’m very lw a l wil ) first and my clients a ez: Trey Lop r years ago, I needed n u io fo utrit About to poor n ange due oilfield e th in lifestyle ch g as workin w I yle of s. st it b fe al ha by the li ed m su h n co time wit and was nths at a o m r ew n fo k I working e for rest; and no tim ched out a re I long hours e. m oasn’t for ine, Don that life w nd of m ie fr of g n manager to a lifelo (current l n ea o rr et la p me g von Vil g), to hel f in o K ce n ie a th Smoo the guid nack. With so tr t er h p g y ri the staff, m thie King ance, I the Smoo y persever m d n a n o with ti a al dedic my body transform to ean/ cl le b d a was ents an f supplem l reo ea p m el h k ic the s for a qu ie th o o healthy sm o. t on the g national placemen er and a in a tr a w o n not only m I a I r (NPC). competito supe u q a si y s h ie nd p e smooth th are d en ey , but th recomm y clientele m ell. to w s ts a , plemen nutrition my daily red so in n o le p sp a a st d proud n a d le nd b a m ie King I’m a hu of Smooth er azin a m tr a athlete/ such an be part of to res ca ed ss y le am b genuinel ise that l. ch a n u a fr id iv ing g the ind nsformin about tra

Daniel DeLeon

“

I AM BLESSED TO BE PART OF SUCH AN AMAZING FRANCHISE THAT GENUINELY CARES ABOUT TRANSFORMING THE INDIVIDUAL.”

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Trey Lopez

Smoothie King Fitness Challenge 2015

3rd Annual

Contest will be judged by

most body fat % loss for an 8 week duration *Measurements by Hest Fitness

Free to Join

Contestants will receive a discount card valid for $2.00 off any size smoothie.

No limit on amount used in a day.

Male & female winners will receive smoothies for a year.

Additional prizes for runners up.

Prizes by: 110 P/T, Men’s Wearhouse, Drunkin Noodles, Fleet Feet, Smile Life, Sashay Boutique, Body’s by Adam, Flex Fit Measurement assessment: Jan 5 and Feb 27 Time: 6am - 8pm Contest Duration: Jan 5 - Feb 27 *Pictures will be taken at beginning and end

Inspiring People to Live a Healthy and Active Lifestyle 5017 Saratoga Blvd., Suite 101 Corpus Christi, TX 78413 • (361) 991-5464

NONPROFIT

STORIES OF INSPIRATION

Author Marc Clark and the Ready or Not Foundation announce the launch of “The Royal Fables: Stories from the Princes and Princesses of the Texas Children’s Hospital.”

By: ALANA SEAL

Author Marc Clark and the Ready or Not Foundation teamed up with Texas Children’s Cancer Center over the summer. Children submitted story ideas for a new book, “The Royal Fables: Stories from the Princes and Princesses of the Texas Children’s Hospital.” This is the second book for Clark, and all the proceeds will go to the Ready or Not Foundation to fund brain cancer research for the hospital. The Texas Children’s Hospital’s child contributors are: ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Brinley Pirtle Chaderick Adams Alejandro Araque Alekzy Rodriguez Brooke Hester

Clark has been on an incredible journey with his first self-published book this year. The book has been awarded a total of eight writing and illustrating awards in the past five months, including Best Children’s Book at the 2014 Beach Book Festival. For the past 22 consecutive weeks, at the time of print, the book has been in the top 100 Kindle Store for children’s e-books. The paperback edition has hit the No. 1 spot on Amazon’s Best Seller list eight times. Since its launch, “The Royal Fables” has hit No. 5 on Amazon’s Bestseller list and has remained on the Amazon Hot New Releases.

The Ready or Not Foundation was started in 2006 after the founder, Barbara Canales’s, daughter, Jackie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic astrocytoma, one of the most lethal of diseases for children.

Today, Jackie is in remission after going through many tough rounds of treatment.

In the past 30 years, brain cancer has remained an enigma, as research efforts have been poorly funded. The Ready or Not Foundation gives

100 percent of every dollar donated to pediatric brain cancer research. More importantly, through matching grants, they turn every dollar donated into two.

“The Royal Fables” is a collection of five inspirational stories full of adventure, fantasy and humor for children who want to create their own happy endings. Clark was inspired to write “The Royal Fables” after hearing about Jackie Black’s story. It’s always been a strong desire of his to find a way to contribute in an impactful and meaningful way.

Clark currently resides in Manhattan. He is an award-winning author and writer/producer of more than 2,000 commercials and television content, as well as the HBO Family Series, “30 x 30 Kid Flicks.”

THE READY OR NOT FOUNDATION GIVES 100 PERCENT OF EVERY DOLLAR DONATED TO PEDIATRIC BRAIN CANCER RESEARCH.

Marc Clark and Barbara Canales are available for interviews and appearances. For book presentations, media appearances, interviews and/or book signings, contact Alana Seal, publicist, at 361-815-9828 or princessfables@gmail.com. To learn more about “The Royal Fables,” visit www.facebook. com/theroyalfables. And for information regarding “The Princess Fables,” visit www.princessfables.com.

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NONPROFIT

MAKING READING FUN

“

THE DOGS AT GCHS ARE ALL AMAZING.”

Through the Gulf Coast Humane Society’s new Read and Roll Over program, homeless dogs help kids build confidence in reading. By: KAITLIN CALK

L

earning to read is no easy task, and when children are falling behind the rest of their class, it can be extremely discouraging for them. Reading may then become a negative, embarrassing experience. With the new Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) program, Read and Roll Over (RRO), reading becomes fun again! This program allows struggling students to practice reading with a dog from GCHS. This creates

a positive environment in which reluctant readers gain confidence and a love for reading.

The School of Science and Technology (SST) has been host to this program just a few times since its inception, and it is already wielding amazing results. Rosie Saenz is the technology applications teacher and robotics coach at SST, as well as a volunteer at GCHS. She wanted a way to combine her two loves: teaching and dogs. Out of this de-

sire, the RRO program began. She worked with Mia Guerra, the manager of outreach services at GCHS, to get things rolling, and roll they have.

“Just this past week, I had a fifthgrade student who had the opportunity to read to one of our dogs,” Saenz says. “She is a very shy young lady who is several grade levels below in reading skills. Yet during the hour of the RRO, she became more outgoing and started petting the dog. Next thing you know, she is

5th graders at the School of Science and Technology, Gage Howard and Brandon Rodriguez, practice reading to Pepper during their Read and Roll Over session.

reading very well to the dog in this nurturing environment. She saw me in the hall a few days after this exchange and asked, ‘When are the dogs coming back? I want to read to them!’ This is huge. We have a reluc-

tant reading student who wants to read and is asking to read!”

Murray Bergman, the reading specialist at SST, sees many benefits to this less traditional program. “Traditionally, children are partnered with older students who listen to them and give feedback or correct mistakes,” Bergman explains. “These types of programs are fine, and can help students.

However, if a student is reluctant to read by nature, then having an older peer hear their mistakes or correct them can also have a detrimental effect on their reading. They want to be ‘cool’ around the older kids. This is where our program helps. Dogs don’t judge, they don’t correct, they don’t make faces or tease you later about your mistakes. Dogs just watch and listen and occasionally lay down. The children want the dogs to be happy, so they focus their energies on reading well.”

GCHS houses hundreds of dogs that, until they are adopted, generally don’t see much of the outside world. RRO is geared toward building the confidence of the dogs of GCHS, as well as that of struggling young readers.

“The dogs at GCHS are all amazing,” Saenz says. “Many have been there for so long that they have no idea how to interact with people or families, especially children. Now the dogs not only get a car ride, but they get to socialize with several people at a time, as well as children. During this time, the dogs are allowed to be a ‘family dog,’ as the environment is very relaxed.

We are all lying on a rug getting comfortable and just reading. The dogs are petted, given ‘cookies,’ talked to, endless belly rubs and of course, kisses! So many do not get this important interaction, and after all, dogs are truly social creatures. Now they receive this necessary and essential social interaction to demonstrate that, no matter the circumstances they may have come from, there are many humans who are good. This is what is so crucial: showing the dogs that their demonstration of unconditional love is truly a gift.”

The RRO program began at SST, and it is ready to grow. GCHS is hoping to expand the program to different schools in Corpus Christi, and it already comes highly recommended.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to help your reluctant readers of any age, not just elementary level, to feel safe in a non-judgmental environment,” Saenz says. “The students are encouraged to read and feel very happy and secure reading as they pet the dog and watch the happiness in the dog’s eyes! The child is so excited, they want to keep reading. They are willing to stay and read for as long as you will let them instead of giving up.

This is vital in encouraging all students to read because without literacy, the opportunities for learning seriously diminish and become difficult for the student to be successful. This is the significance of the program: encouraging literacy to be lifelong readers no matter the current reading level of the child.”

For more information about the Read and Roll Over program, please call the Gulf Coast Humane Society at 361-225-0845 or email Mia Guerra at outreach.manager@gchscc.org.

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