Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Medical Sept/Oct 2018 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

HOPE AND HEALING CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITALSOUTH NICU

COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

113 YEARS OF SERVICE CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

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ST R RT OK IFI E E

Fall Prevention for Older Adults Tripping on a rug; slipping in the bathtub; stumbling down the stairs. Falls are the leading cause of injuries for people 65 and older. Once a person experiences a fall, it can limit mobility and independence, which can decrease the ability to perform everyday tasks. But getting older doesn’t mean a fall is inevitable. Here are some ways to prevent falls: • Talk with your family and care providers about your falling risks. • Keep rooms free from clutter. • Wear sensible, non-slip footwear. • Install handrails, raised toilet seats, grab bars and shower mats. • Avoid wearing loose clothing. • Light up dark areas of your home. • Remove or tape down any loose carpets or electrical wires. • Stay active to strengthen your balance and mobility. For more information on fall prevention from Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, call 361-906-3700.

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER 2018

14 COVER STORY DR. APRIL HALLQUIST A new addition to the CHRISTUS Physicians Group, this orthopedic surgeon, and shoulder and elbow surgery expert gets her patients back in the game.

22 PROFILE CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM The health system celebrates 113 years of providing high-quality, compassionate care for the Coastal Bend community.

26 PROFILE CHRISTUS SPOHN HOSPITAL-SOUTH NICU This compassionate department gives hope and healing to the region's most vulnerable patients and their families.

PATIENT 10 Fall Prevention

NONPROFIT 30 Take a Stand 32 Be Prepared COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER 36 Celebrating the areaï¿½s best community events

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

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MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER 2018

ADRIAN GARZA

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES adrian@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES Adrian Garza

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EDITOR Erin O’Brien

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CO-PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS holly@ inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Alford Vince Dionio Jane Haas Kathleen Naderer Erin Wilder

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PATIENT

FALL PREVENTION

Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital shares some ways older adults can avoid falls in the home. By: VINCE DIONIO

alls are the leading cause of injuries in people 65 and older. Once a person experiences a fall, it can limit mobility and independence, which can decrease the ability to perform everyday tasks. With falls being the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults, it’s important not only to understand the common reasons for falls, but also to know the typical

injuries resulting from falls and how rehabilitation services can help. Common causes of falls may include: A decline in physical fitness  Impaired vision  Medications  Chronic diseases  Surgical procedures  Environmental hazards (The majority of falls in the elderly population occur in or around the home, and are 

attributed to poor lighting, clutter, loose carpets, slick floors and lack of safety equipment.) Injuries such as joint sprains, dislocations of the shoulder and hip and fractured bones are typical injuries caused by falls. Back, spinal cord and head injuries can also be caused by falls. Even if a fall doesn’t result in an injury, it can still cause fear in an individual and hinder the individual’s

independence. Rehabilitation can be beneficial for someone who has experienced a fall. Rehabilitation services can help a person regain strength, alleviate pain and recover other abilities that are essential to overall well-being and independence. In addition, physical therapy plays a key role in helping prevent future falls by improving movement, balance and agility. At Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, LiteGait technology helps patients safely improve balance, gait and functional independence without the risk of falling. To help prevent falls at home, consider the following home modification tips:       

Keep rooms free from clutter Install handrails, raised toilet seats, grab bars and shower mats Light up dark areas of the home Remove or tape down any loose carpets or electrical wires Ensure telephones can be easily reached from the floor Replace chairs that are too low to the ground or difficult to get out of Install night lights throughout the home, especially in bathrooms and stairwells

FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURIES IN people 65 and older. VINCE DIONIO is a physical therapist at Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital. The hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries, illnesses or chronic medical conditions. For more information, visit www.ccrh.ernesthealth.com, call 361-906-3700 or visit the hospital at 5726 Esplanade Drive in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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In addition to home modifications, a change in wardrobe also can help prevent falls. Wear sensible, non-slip footwear, and avoid wearing loose clothing. Make sure to also talk with your family and care providers about your falling risks.

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COVER STORY

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‘getting you back game’ IN THE

DR. APRIL HALLQUIST brings a valuable resource to orthopedic patients in the Coastal Bend. By: KATHLEEN NADERER Photos by: TWINS MEDIA

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he CHRISTUS Physicians Group (CPG) has proudly welcomed April M. Hallquist, M.D., among their ranks of elite medical professionals. Hallquist, an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery, has already begun receiving high praise from her patients through the anonymous Press Ganey surveys sent out by the CHRISTUS network. “On a scale of 1 to 10, [Dr. Hallquist] gets an 11,” wrote one patient. “I wish every care provider could emulate the care received in your practice,” another wrote. “This was my first surgery ever, and it has gone like clockwork ... The pain relief has been phenomenal, and the shoulder feels normal again.” “Dr. Hallquist is a great doctor,” wrote someone else. “She’s truly concerned about her patients’ well-being. I would highly recommend her. Actually, I already have.” Many patients commented on Hallquist’s remarkable ability to balance her serious professionalism with her friendly and cheerful demeanor. They also complimented the way she demonstrates genuine care and concern for her patients by taking the time to answer their questions and explain any complicated procedures or terminology they do not understand in layman’s terms. One patient even shared a story about driving 300 miles to see her. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable in orthopedics, Hallquist provides a subspecialty expertise due to her fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery. While completing her fellowship in San Antonio, Hallquist recognized the need for a subspecialist of her caliber in Corpus Christi. “A large percentage of patients we saw in San Antonio were coming up from Corpus Christi,” she explained. “After looking into things, it became clear that there wasn’t anybody in Corpus fellowship trained in shoulder and elbow surgery who could provide the level of subspecialized care necessary. As a result, patients were having to travel to cities like San Antonio or Houston for orthopedic consultations, surgeries and follow-ups.” Once Hallquist was ready to establish her own practice, her thoughts immediately turned to the Coastal Bend. “I wanted to go where I could truly make a difference,” she said. “Local care not only decreases the time it takes patients to receive the treatment they need, it also makes the recovery process easier and more convenient.” While preparing for her move to Corpus Christi, Hallquist explored multiple opportunities and ultimately was drawn to collaborate with CHRISTUS because of their service-oriented mission. Now, Hallquist treats patients at CHRISTUS Elite Or-

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I came to the Coastal Bend because I wanted to go where I could truly make a difference.â&#x20AC;? I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

thopedics of Corpus Christi, located at the Wellspring building on the Spohn South campus. Although shoulder and elbow surgery is her speciality, Hallquist enjoys all areas of orthopedics. Some services provided at her practice include general orthopedic procedures; shoulder and elbow arthroscopy, including rotator cuff repairs; superior capsular reconstruction and instability; tendon repairs; AC joint reconstruction; elbow ligament reconstruction; shoulder and elbow arthroplasty; knee scopes, including treatment of meniscus tears and ACL tears; treatments for fractures, carpal tunnel and trigger finger; Tenex; viscosupplementation injections; PRP; and stem cell injections. Hallquist treats patients of all ages and backgrounds, from young children with fractures to college athletes with sports injuries to working adults and older adults needing shoulder and elbow replacements. She appreciates the unique set of experiences, rewards and challenges each of her patients presents. She credits her remarkable results to the exceptional amount of empathy she feels for her patients. “I’ve had my own multiple experiences as an orthopedic patient, which has given me the ability to care for patients with a level understanding for what they are going through that might not otherwise be possible,” Hallquist said. “I truly understand the importance of returning to athletics or work and of just being able to love life again.” This sentiment is captured in her slogan: “Getting you back in the game.” Whether that game is actual sports, school, work or family, her priority is helping patients return to the lifestyles they enjoy as soon as possible. Hallquist grew up in the country, where playing sports was a major part of her life. However, she sustained several injuries while doing so and, unfortunately, had some “not so great” experiences before finally

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receiving care from a phenomenal orthopedic surgeon who not only helped her heal, but also inspired her. “He had an amazing bedside manner, took great care of his patients, understood the importance of returning to athletics and life and had excellent results,” she recalled. Hallquist knew she wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon as soon as she decided to pursue a career in medicine. “I never second-guessed that choice or had a backup plan,” she said. Her dedication to her dream paid off. She had the privilege of training under and worked alongside world-renowned surgeons in their respective fields during her studies. Hallquist attended medical school at the University of Arkansas. She then completed her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she gained experience at their Level-I Trauma Center, as well as in their excellent pediatric program. Her two-month residency elective in sports at the Aspen Orthopaedic Associates gave her the opportunity to treat a high volume of ski season injuries before going on to earn her shoulder and elbow fellowship from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Now the resident expert of shoulder and elbow surgery in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas, Hallquist looks forward to helping her new community have better access to high level care and getting even more people “back in the game.” She is also excited about having Corpus Christi as her new home. “I’m proud of my accomplishments as an orthopedic surgeon and all the hard work, dedication and perseverance it has taken,” she said. “But I’m even more proud of my family. I hope to teach my little girl that she can be great at anything she chooses and also be a great mommy! It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.” Hallquist treasures the time she spends outside of work with her husband, David, their wonderful daughter, Kasyn, and their Shih Tzu, Elle. The family loves taking advantage of all the natural amenities the Coastal Bend has to offer by spending time outdoors at the beach, going fishing, running or biking along the trails and soaking in the Texas sun. Hallquist remains an avid sports fan, and her favorite team will always be the Arkansas Razorbacks (“Woo Pig Sooie!”).

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On a scale of 1 to 10, Dr. Hallquist gets an 11.”

Dr. April Hallquist is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery. To schedule an appointment with Hallquist at CHRISTUS Elite Orthopedics of Corpus Christi, or to receive more information about her practice, call 361-986-4660. Her office is located at 5802 Saratoga Blvd., Ste. 130.

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PROFILE

PAVING THE WAY CHRISTUS Spohn Health System celebrates 113 years of caring for South Texans.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

By: Steven Alford

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his summer, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System celebrates 113 years of providing high-quality and compassionate health care for the people of the Coastal Bend. Through those years, countless residents have given birth to their children in a Spohn hospital; taken their loved ones in for a surgery; and shared laughter and tears with benevolent nurses and doctors by their side. “CHRISTUS Spohn is honored to have been a part of the fabric of this community for more than a century, offering care, providing jobs and investing in the growth of South Texas,” said Justin Doss, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System president. The original vision of Dr. Arthur E. Spohn and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston has grown from humble beginnings on North Beach to encompassing six hospitals, five clinics and nearly 3,000 associates serving a 12-county region in the Coastal Bend. It all began on July 26, 1905, when the very first Spohn hospital opened on North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were there to greet and care for the first patient. The hospital was a partnership with Dr. Spohn, who had the vision to build a comprehensive medical facility, where he could care for the 7,000 residents who called the growing city of Corpus Christi home. Without the first three sisters who came to manage and serve in the new hospital, Dr. Spohn’s vision might have remained only a dream. But thankfully, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston answered God’s call and responded to Dr. Spohn by agreeing to operate the hospital. During those first years, the sisters did it all – caring for the sick and injured, cooking and cleaning and living in the hospital. They even gave their lives caring for the residents of Corpus Christi during a deadly yellow fever outbreak, and in the devastating hurricane of 1919.

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IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN, AND WILL ALWAYS BE, ABOUT VALIDATING THE DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO SERVE.”

“It has always been, and will always be, about validating the dignity of every human person we are privileged to serve,” shared Steve Kazanjian, vice president of mission integration. “Every patient who comes to us in need is a brother or sister made in the image and likeness of God. Regardless of who people are, or what they believe, we will serve them and work to heal them.” The sisters prevailed through many hardships to fulfill their mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and to care for the poor and underserved with the help and partnership of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. It’s a mission that has continued for the past 113 years, and the nurses, doctors and associates at CHRISTUS Spohn remain committed to it. “We are proud to have called Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend home for the past 113 years, as we continue to provide compassionate and expert care for our friends and neighbors,” Doss said. “It’s a mission that we are committed to providing for the next 100 years and beyond.” In 1985, Spohn Health System answered a call for assistance and acquired Kleberg County Hospital in Kingsville; two years later, it assumed operation of Memorial Medical Center in a lease agreement with the Nueces County Hospital District. In 1996, the system acquired the fledgling Bee County Hospital, bringing health care close to home for residents in Live Oak and Bee County. In 1999, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston combined their health ministries, renaming it CHRISTUS Health, making it the largest Catholic health care system in the nation. Spohn Health System became CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. A new hospital in Alice, Texas, was opened that same year under the new “CHRISTUS” banner. More recently, CHRISTUS Health welcomed the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth from Tyler, Texas, who combined to create CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. In that time, CHRISTUS Spohn has

proven over its 113-year history that it is a health care leader in the areas of many innovative solutions, including conducting the first open-heart surgery in the region, and developing the first nursing school, as well as a robust physician residency program. Now, CHRISTUS Spohn is paving the way for the next century of health care in South Texas with an unprecedented $335 million investment in the community in-

cluding the new Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center, and the new nine-story Shoreline Patient Care Tower. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center is a comprehensive medical facility, which honors the city’s famous civil rights champion, and currently fills more than 4,000 prescriptions a month and serves more than 2,000 patients. The Shoreline patient care tower is slated to open in spring 2019, and will be an ultramodern facility unlike anything ever built in the region, adding dozens of new ICU and emergency room beds to the community, and housing cutting-edge medical technology and treatments under one roof. CHRISTUS Spohn leaders say it is an exciting time for the health and wellness of the community, as the health system continues to grow as a medical care leader.

About CHRISTUS Spohn CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal bend, a cancer center and the new Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center. The health system is consistently ranked a health care leader in the area, and has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, 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.

For more information about services and locations, please visit www.christushealth. org/spohn.

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MAKING MIRACLES CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-South NICU gives hope and healing to South Texas families. By: Steven Alford

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The Moseley family traveled over an hour each day to hold their newborn baby, Matilda Grace, as she grew and gained strength in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South. Born 18 weeks early, baby Matilda spent several months in the NICU, inspiring those around her as a “miracle baby.” Her parents said her progress is thanks to their faith in God and the compassionate care from the nurses and doctors at CHRISTUS Spohn. “Stay positive. Have faith. Trust in God,” Matilda’s mother, Samantha, said, holding her for the first time. “I think she is right where she needs to be,” Matilda’s father, Jacob, added. “We are very thankful for the staff and doctors that have taken care of our baby. We continually pray for them and Matilda every day.” Their story is one of many that pass through the CHRISTUS Spohn-South NICU each day in a compassionate department dedicated to caring for the region’s most vulnerable patients. The state of Texas recently recognized the unit with a Level III NICU designation, a three-year certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services, highlighting adherence to the highest standards and best practices of a state-of-the-art NICU. State officials visited the hospital’s NICU for an extensive onsite survey, taking an indepth look at the program’s policies, procedures and quality-improvement programs before delivering the recognition, which CHRISTUS Spohn officials called an honor. “We are grateful to be recognized on a state level for the high-quality care we provide each day for local newborns and their families,” said Lisa Cox, chief nursing officer at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South. To qualify as a Level III facility, CHRISTUS Spohn-South’s NICU program must meet strict quality and safety guidelines from the Department of State Health Services, officials said. The designation recognizes the NICU is equipped to offer expert emergency care and stabilization for newborns and is designated a special care nursery. “Families never expect to experience the NICU; however, they can be assured their newborns are in good hands with a team who cares,” said Chris Mitchell, clinical director of the CHRSITUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-South NICU. The NICU team features a range of expe-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

PROFILE

About CHRISTUS Spohn

rienced clinicians, nurses and physicians all working together to care for the community’s tiniest patients – patients just like little Matilda Grace, who is growing stronger and will go home this fall. “We are thankful for the hard work and compassion of our NICU team,” said Mark Casanova, president of CHRISTUS Spohn Corpus Christi-South. “They inspire all of us, and bring hope and healing to the families they serve.”

WE ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR THE STAFF AND DOCTORS WHO HAVE TAKEN CARE OF OUR BABY.”

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is the region’s largest hospital system in South Texas, consisting of six hospital campuses throughout the Coastal bend, a cancer center and the new Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center. The health system is consistently ranked a health care leader in the area, and has received national recognition for several pioneering programs, including trauma, 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.

For more info about birthing services at CHRISTUS Spohn, please visit www. christushealth.org/ spohn/servicestreatments/ birthing-centers.

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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

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NONPROFIT

Move more and stay Healthy For Good by joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. By: ERIN WILDER

id you know that only about 22 percent of American adults meet the federal physical activity recommendations for aerobic and strengthening activity? The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. That’s only 30 minutes a day, five days a week. And three 10-minute brisk walking breaks count toward your goal.

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Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy. Not only could it help you feel better, look better and live better – it can also improve your overall quality of life.  The American Heart Association’s Healthy For Good movement comes to life each year in 300 American cities when it is celebrated at the Healthy For Good Heart Walk.  As the association’s signature fundraising event, Heart Walk combines an individual’s quest for health with

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Research that keeps hearts beating

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TAKE A STAND

their “why” for supporting the American Heart Association – whether it’s a loved one’s experience with cardiovascular disease or the promise of a better future for younger generations. More than a million people across the United States are joining American Heart Association Heart Walks to take a stand against heart disease and stroke, and help us all be Healthy For Good. On Saturday, Oct. 6, at Whataburger Field, more than 2,500 individuals from across the Coastal Bend will come together for the Coastal Bend Heart Walk, our annual free communitywide event. Each year, this walk celebrates all those touched by cardiovascular diseases and raises the critical funds that drive research and education. The moment you contribute to the Heart Walk, your dollars fund the kind of research that makes that ambition a reality. The walk brings together corporate sponsors, walk teams, individual walkers, survivors of heart disease and stroke and lifestyle change heroes who are all taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle while raising funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 5 leading killers, respectively, of American men and women. Our annual Heart Walk lets you see your dollars at work when you meet survivors of congenital heart disease, heart attack, stroke and heart disease. Did you know that by participating in this annual walk, you are making the difference that leads to big innovations and saving lives? Funds raised through Heart Walk go toward groundbreaking science – life-changing, breakthrough science that could cure heart disease and stroke.

your health and that of future generations, while honoring the legacies of loved ones touched by heart disease and stroke. Americans’ sedentary lifestyles are increasing their risk for cardiovascular diseases, but small steps – both the kind we take and the kind we make – lead to big gains. This is it. This is your year to make a commitment to moving more and participating in the Coastal Bend Heart Walk. Together, we can be Healthy For Good. We are looking forward to you lacing up and joining us for the 2018 Coastal Bend Heart Walk. The event opens at 7:30 a.m., and the 5k Walk begins at 8 a.m. Participation is free, and walkers who raise money are eligible for prizes.

The 2018 Coastal Bend Heart Walk top sponsors include: CHRISTUS Spohn Health System H-E-B Physicians PremiER AEP Texas Texas A&M University-Kingsville Additional sponsors include: CITGO Petroleum Corporation Corpus Christi IceRays Andrews Distributing Dignity Memorial Mike Shaw Automotive Navy Army Community Credit Union Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi AG/CM Inc. Judge Joe Benavides Braselton Homes Carlisle Insurance Agency Corpus Christi Medical Center Corpus Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Driscoll Children's Hospital Friends of the AHA Hicks Family of Dealerships Hose of South Texas Inc. Magnum Oil Tools NuStar Energy Post Acute Medical Radiology & Imaging of South Texas Dr. & Mrs. Salim Surani SSC Services for Education TLC Complete Care Turner l Ramirez Architects Vishal Raju Bhagat Foundation Klll-TV For healthy lifestyle tips, tools and hacks you can actually use to get Healthy For Good, visit www.heart.org/healthyforgood. Join the movement!

For more information, or to register for the walk, visit www.coastalbendheartwalk.org.

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NONPROFIT

BE PREPARED With its Guardian Plan, HALO-Flight is there for individuals and businesses when minutes matter most. By: JANE HAAS Photos by: DAVID OLDS

eing 2 years old means being inquisitive, and not necessarily understanding of what might be more harm than fun. Colt Thomas Chambers was 2 on the day he and his parents had a firsthand experience with HALO-Flight, and the rattlesnake that found Colt in the yard. The family was enjoying a pleasant South Texas December afternoon in the yard when tragedy struck. Colt had just turned 2 the month before, and when he screamed out, the family swept him up and sped him to the hospital. Following exhaustive treatment, HALO-Flight was called transport to the closest pediatric center in hopes of saving his young life. “A huge weight came off my shoulders when I saw the flight crew coming down the hall,” said Amanda Valverde Chambers, Colt’s mother. “I knew he was going to be in good hands, and I was able to relax.” The flight was fraught with skilled medical interventions, according to the flight nurse on board. Upon arrival at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, the flight crew, who had called ahead, was greeted by HALO-Flight board member, Dr. Jay Koska, DCH, anesthesiologist and critical care medicine physician. During his hospitalization, Colt made a remarkable recovery despite the cascade of events that made it such a challenging case, explained

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Ryan Kelley, one of the HALO-Flight medical crew who helped treat and transport Colt to the hospital. Kelley even visited him in the hospital a few days later. “When I walked in the door, he sat up in the bed,” Kelley said. “I just teared up.” Two days in ICU, followed by five more in the hospital, was how the Chambers family geared up for the holidays. But the Christmas Eve discharge was the gift the family wanted most. None of us knows when tragedy will strike. Being prepared for the unexpected is one way to help protect yourself and your family from the high cost of lifesaving care. Since 1987, HALO-Flight has been there when minutes – like those prayed for by the Chambers family – mattered most. And since 2003, HALO-Flight has given back to the organizations and individuals who have generously supported the mission of the nonprofit organization with a subscription membership plan known as the Guardian Plan, which helps reduce the financial burden of air ambulance service. An average air ambulance helicopter transport can exceed $20,000. Many insurance companies only provide a payment for service of 30 to 50 percent, leaving the patient with the remaining balance. Insured members enrolled in the Guardian Plan are charged no out-of-pocket for HA-

LO-Flight transports deemed medically necessary once terms of the patients insurances have been met. Uninsured members receive a 50 percent discount for HALO-Flight services. You can purchase the HALO-Flight Guardian Plan via our website at https://haloflight.org/guardian-plan. Individual members can safely and easily join online, and receive a renewal reminder via email 45 days in advance to remind them their renewal is coming up. It features a “renew now” click button to facilitate the transaction. Membership provides debit forgiveness assistance for flights anywhere in the 26-county service area of HALO-Flight, whether it is a 911-emer-

AN AVERAGE AIR AMBULANCE HELICOPTER TRANSPORT CAN EXCEED $20,000. gency launch or a physician-ordered transfer from one medical facility to another. This also includes flights deemed medically necessary between

listed on the application (includes dependent children and custodial and non-custodial children).

South Texas and trauma centers in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and the Valley. Membership also includes debit forgiveness assistance with our reciprocal partner, Dallas CareFlite. Membership coverage extends to all family members who live in the same household and are enrolled in the program, including dependent, custodial and non-custodial children. As a nonprofit organization, HALO-Flight seeks additional community support in several ways including our Guardian Subscription Plan. The plan features three types of membership:  Individual: $35 annually per household  Business: Rates are per employee/family per year based on the size of your business  Ranch: $35 per employee/family per year, plus $35 per guest per year The Membership Plan offers the following:  Insured enrolled members are charged no out-of-pocket expenses for HALO-Flight transports deemed medically necessary. Individuals flown with no insurance coverage are provided a 50 percent discount on services.  Service extends to anywhere in our 26-county service area, and, for patient transfers outside our service area, with our reciprocal partner, Dallas CareFlite.  Membership benefits are for all family members who live in the same household and are

The Ranch Plan is unique in that it is the only plan not requiring a launch initiated by a first responder. HALO-Flight staff works with the property owner or manager to establish a landing zone on the property provided the destination meets 911-dispatch protocols. Each Ranch Plan is tailored to meet the needs of the rancher or property owner, and covers the employee/family household both on and off the ranch. The Individual Plan covers members anywhere in HALO-Flight’s service area when requested by a first responder or by a health care provider; however, it does not include the tailored landing zone component mentioned above. Members are invited to join via our website at https://haloflight.org/ guardian-plan. Individual members can safely and easily join online, and receive a renewal reminder via email 45 days in advance to remind them their renewal is coming up. It features a “renew now” click button to facilitate the transaction. The Business Plan enables employers to reduce additional out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance if their employees are flown by HALO-Flight during an emergency, accident or illness. Rates are based on business size and are as follows:  Small business: 2 to 50 from $12 to $20  Medium business: 51 to 100 from $12 to $15  Large business: 100-plus either $12 or individually negotiated

JANE HAAS is the marketing director for HALO-Flight. For more information on ways to secure the HALO-Flight Guardian Plan for you, your family or your employees, contact HALO-Flight at 361-265-0509 or membership@haloflight.org. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Concierge Coaching Kate Douglass with

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IN HOME COACHING, OVER THE PHONE, OR ONLINE

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www.katesprogram.com | katesprogram@yahoo.com

PORT ARANSAS 1812 State Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX 78373 (361) 749-2266 ROCKPORT 615 Bus Hwy 35 @ Market St, Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-2266 NORTH PADRE ISLAND 14330 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-2266

CUSTOM DESIGNED FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES & INTERIOR DESIGN

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www.mycoast alhome t x. co m

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COASTAL BEND COMMUNITY CORNER

Padre Island Business Association Mixer

The Padre Island Business Association hosts a monthly mixer on the third Tuesday of each month to bring together Island and Corpus Christi professionals to network. The July mixer took place at The Slip Cocktail Lounge. Sponsors were The Slip and Meagan Furey, REALTOR (Coastline Properties). Photos by: Debbie Noble

Salute to the Military The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Salute to the Military Luncheon presented by Walmart, featuring keynote speaker, Florent “Flo” Groberg. This event provides the opportunity for the business community to gather and support our local military installations, as well as the activeduty military personnel, veterans and their families who call our community home. Photos by: Corpus Christi Army Depot

July 17, 2018

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The Nueces County Republican Party hosted the annual dinner with keynote speaker, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Guests included an array of elected officials, candidates, local dignitaries, community leaders and activists. The event is a signature fundraiser for the local Republican Party. Photos by: DM Productions

Aug. 14, 2018

July 26, 2018

Lincoln Reagan Dinner

A Night in Vegas Charlie’s Place Recovery Center celebrated 50 years serving the Coastal Bend. The guests enjoyed casino tables, shows, a silent auction and more on this fun-filled evening, presented by Citgo. This is the center’s largest annual fundraiser. Photos by: Native Flower Photography

Aug. 18, 2018

Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Monthly Mixer The magazine hosts a monthly networking mixer open to the Coastal Bend community each month, and has hosted 112 of these mixers consecutively. Two Men and A Truck was the presenting sponsor; Dr. Bryan Gulley and Phil Hurst from GullyHurst LLC were honored (and featured on the business cover); and the Ready or Not Foundation benefited. There were more than 140 guests in attendance. Photos by: TWINS Media

Aug. 23, 2018

For more information on CB Community Corner's promotional and branding opportunites, please call 479-935-0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CAROLINA PRADERIO M.D., P.L.L.C. Gynecology & Women’s Health

Interstate All Battery Center Corpus Christi Medical supply batteries...We got it!

Providing Personal and Comprehensive Care Woman to Woman • Board Certified OB/GYN • Specializing in Gynecology from teens to menopause • Bio-identical Hormone Pellet Therapy (BHRT) • Performing minimally invasive gynecological surgeries & procedures

4903 Ambassador Row, Corpus Christi Texas 361.854.5000 InterstateBatteriesCorpus.com

Corpus Christi Spohn South 5920 Saratoga Blvd., Suite 110

361-991-9356

www.DrPraderio.com Accepting New Patients

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Store Hours Mon-Fri 7:30am – 6pm Sat 8:30am – 2:30pm Sun Closed Facebook.com/interstatebatteriescorpus Instagram@interstatebatteries_cc

2033 S. Airline Rd., Ste. D-1 Corpus Christi, TX M-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 9am-Noon Find us on Facebook: Yolanda's Specialty Cakes

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RESTAURANT, LOUNGE , BANQUET ROOM

AUTHENTIC EUROPEAN CUISINE CULINARY DIVERSITY SPICES IMPORTED FROM ACROSS THE WORLD

• Relaxing atmosphere • Live piano player and singer every Friday and Saturday • Signature cocktails from all across the world

6917 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi | 361-334-2172 | www.araseurofusion.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M