Collin County Living Well Magazine May-June 2019

World Renowned

• The largest Transplant Hepa tolog y group in the countr y

• Care for liver pa tients throughout Texas with 9 Liver Clinic loca tions

• Worldwide reputation for pioneering research in liver disease providing patients access to clinical trials for advanced treatments.

• Luminaries in Hepa titis B and C research

The world-famous physicians who are conducting leading edge research in liver diseases that will be used globally are here at your doorstep. In 2015, they published an extraordinary 50 scientific papers and performed 30 lectures around the globe. The physicians practice at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, which U.S. News & World Report ranked the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth and #2 hospital in Texas, and Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth. It must be comforting to know that these world-renowned leaders in research and treatment are not only on top of their field, they’re practically next door.

Back row L to R: Saleh Elwir, MD; Ranjeeta Bahirwani, MD; Rita Lepe, MD; Sumeet Asrani, MD; Mohammed Ashfaq, MD

Front row L to R: Linsheng Guo, MD; Robert Rahimi, MD; James Trotter, MD; Stevan A. Gonzalez, MD, MS; Manjushree Guatam, MD; Apurva A. Modi, MD

Gabriel Rodriguez, M.D.

Anesthesiologist

Interventional Pain Relief Physician

Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez is a board-certi ed anesthesiologist and fellowship-trained interventional pain physician at The Pain Relief Center and is dedicated to the eradication of pain. The Pain Relief Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing custom pain relief treatments and same-day procedures to give each patient the ultimate experience.

Dr. Rodriguez received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Following this, he completed his anesthesia residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL (ranked among the very best pain management programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report) and continued his training in the pain relief fellowship. He is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine, as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Rodriguez approaches pain management from an individualized perspective and diligently prepares a comprehensive pain treatment plan tailored to each patient’s speci c needs. Dr. Rodriguez understands that not all pain is the same and o ers a complete assessment of your pain as well as frequent reassessments to ensure your pain is well controlled. Most procedures are minimally invasive and provide considerable relief. Dr. Rodriguez believes that no one should live with pain and be limited from having the life they once knew.

The Pain Relief Center

7709 San Jacinto Place Bldg. 3, Ste. 101

Plano, Texas 75024

214.709.1904

painendshere.com

Healthy Changes Start at Flower Mound

Weight Loss Center at Texas Health Flower Mound

Texas Health Flower Mound Weight Loss Center o ers comprehensive weight loss programs complete with diagnostic, surgical and non-surgical options designed to promote a full and healthy life.

Our bariatric team consists of board certified bariatric surgeons, experienced bariatric practitioners, nurses, dietitians and coordinators.

A dedicated weight loss specialist will be with you each step of your experience - from your initial appointment, through diagnosis, treatment, after care and follow-up maintenance appointments.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 469-322-7073 or visit the Center’s website at TexasHealthFlowerMound.com/weight-loss-center

WREPAIR WORK

hen it rains, it pours. And while we rejoice in some much needed moisture, the hail this precipitation’s been “gifting” the area is not particularly welcome. Our part of Texas has been pummeled with hail and the ensuing damage is going to take many months to repair.

In this issue we’re featuring a dynamic doctor who repairs damaged spines and necks with superior operative techniques using a wide array of the most state-of-the-art tools and techniques––from conservative physical therapy and injection therapy—to advanced pain management, as well as surgical intervention.

What’s unique about Dr. Stephen Courtney is that this decorated surgeon began his career from the ground up. While a teen, he spent summers working as a hospital orderly to learn the ropes of the hospital environment. Now he’s not only treating patients and developing spinal products, he’s a hospital owner. Dr. Courtney recently added another accomplishment to the lengthy list when he opened Eminent Medical Center. An in-network specialty hospital focusing on patient care, Eminent focuses on utilizing minimally invasive techniques and offers the latest in spine robotics. Learn more about this innovative hospital and how Dr. Courtney is bringing relief to patients in pain in the physician feature inside.

We’re featuring another master of his craft. In the case of actor Leonardo DiCaprio, he’s made his mark in diverse films highlighting his deft skills in front of the camera. It’s hard to believe DiCaprio is now 44 years old. Equal parts fabled Dorian Gray and Jay Gatsby, the perennial bachelor was named after Leonardo Da Vinci. DiCaprio has done his namesake proud––both on and off screen.

In recent years, DiCaprio has turned his sights on bringing attention to the health of our planet. It’s an issue dear to DiCaprio’s heart. Not only has he given his time and resources to environmental causes, he also devoted his Oscar winning speech to the topic. Read how he’s making a difference and get an inside look at his latest role starring opposite Brad Pitt in this summer’s most anticipated movie, Upon a Time in Hollywood.

If our recent oddball weather is any indication, the most comfortable place this summer might be safely ensconced in a movie theater. See you there.

Sincerely,

Sam & Spring Houston

PRESIDENT & CEO

Sam Houston

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

Spring Houston

FEATURE WRITER, COPY EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Sondra Barr

ART DIRECTOR, LAYOUT, PRODUCTION & WEBSITE DESIGN

Lewis Schucart

ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT

Jennifer Beavers

ADVERTISING/SALES

Texas | Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County Texas & Oklahoma | Texoma

WRITE TO US. Tell us who you would like to see featured on the cover, or what subjects you would like covered in upcoming editions of LIVING WELL Magazine at spring@livingwellmag.com

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Houstons of Dallas Publishing, Inc. 102 E. Broadway, #901 Prosper, TX 75078

www.LivingWellmag.com

Phone: 214-507-1000 Fax: 855-248-2132

LIVING WELL Magazine is a source for quality educational articles on living a healthy, vibrant life. Our focus is on connecting our readers with the latest information on a host of topics relevant to their evolving life. From cutting edge medical news and procedures to top-tier financial, legal and lifestyle information. Connecting readers to leading medical and business professionals in their community in Texas and Oklahoma.

All advertisements in this Magazine are placed by third parties. We do not control or endorse either the advertisements or their content. Further, we do not manufacture, sell, distribute or provide any of the goods or services advertised herein. We hereby expressly disclaim any liability with respect to the information or goods and services contained herein. We further disclaim any and all warranties or representations, express or implied, with respect to such information, goods or services, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose (it being understood that we do not acknowledge that any such warranty exists). We are not liable or responsible for any loss, injury, damage, or harm that you may suffer as a result of the information contained in any advertisement or goods or services contained herein. “We” refers to the name of this Magazine, and all versions of Living Well Magazine, Senior Magazine, as well as Houstons of Dallas Publishing, Inc.

Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center

Spring in North Texas can be especially brutal for allergy sufferers. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Dallas ranks 19thin the nation for the most challenging places to live with spring allergies, although this year’s ranking is an improvement from last year’s no. 7 rank.

Spring allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion, as well as dry, red, itchy, burning or even swollen eyes. These symptoms are more than irritating; they can be downright painful.

How allergies affect your eyes

When the conjunctiva (mucous membrane covering the whites of the eyes and lining the eyelids) comes into contact with allergens such as pollen from grasses, trees and weeds, the immune system senses a threat and antibodies are developed that release histamine, causing watery, itchy, red eyes.

In addition to seasonal allergies, many people suffer from perennial allergies, which may be caused by dust, mold, pet dander, air pollution, cosmetics, perfume, medication or smoke. If you aren’t certain of the cause of your eye allergies, ask your doctor for an allergy test to determine the source of your discomfort.

Common types of allergic eye conditions

Allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: This is the most common allergic eye condition, and it is typically associated with seasonal allergies or hay fever. The release of histamine can cause common eye allergy symptoms, including itchy, red, burning, watery or swollen eyes. Topical antihistamine drops, decongestants and mast-cell stabilizers are common treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis: Primarily affecting adolescent

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH SPRING ALLERGIES

boys, this condition involves inflammation in the conjunctiva and the cornea. Symptoms include itchy, red patches on the eyelids, scaly or crusty skin on the eyelids, heavy discharge or sensitivity to light. If not properly managed, this condition could lead to permanent scarring of the cornea from rubbing and scratching.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: Though less common, this spring eye allergy condition causes the eyes to become itchy, sensitive to light and can even cause eyelids to feel heavy or droopy. Improper treatment may lead to impaired vision. A short-term, low-dose prescription of topical steroids has shown to be the most effective treatment for this condition.

Eye care tips for dealing with seasonal allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, follow these eye care tips for relief from your symptoms:

• Apply a cold compress. If your eyes are puffy or swollen from allergies, a cold compress can provide temporary relief.

• Stay inside and keep your windows closed on high pollen count days. Local weather services provide daily pollen counts. When pollen is high, avoid being outside as much as possible. Typically, pollen counts tend to be higher mid-morning and early evening.

• Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to block pollen from your eyes. When you do go outside, eyeglasses or sunglasses can provide an extra shield to protect your eyes from allergens that may be in the air.

• Practice proper contact lens care. Contact lens wearers may experience more allergy symptoms due to allergens becoming trapped behind the contact lens. Lenses should be cleaned thoroughly and changed regularly. Do not share contact lenses or cases with others.

• Wash your hands and hair frequently. In the same way your hands can spread germs, they can also spread allergens, and if you spend much time outside during the spring, pollen and other allergens may become trapped in your hair.

• Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes. Consistently rubbing or scratching your eyes may lead to more serious eye problems or a damaged cornea. Purchase over-the-counter eye drops, or ask your doctor for prescription eye drops to help relieve dry or itchy eyes.

• Change your bedding frequently. Allergens can stick to your bedding, further irritating your eyes.

• Remember that some eye conditions—dry eyes or pinkeye, to name a few—are not caused by allergies, but may be confused with allergies.

• If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of eye allergies, only your doctor will be able to tell you if your symptoms are in fact caused by an allergic reaction. Schedule an eye exam today to ensure your symptoms are not caused by an infection or more serious problem.

From left to right are: Kimberly S. Warren, M.D.; Falsal, M.D.; and Sadof Razi ElHaffar, O.D.

THE EVOLUTION OF DR. STEPHEN P. COURTNEY

From hospital orderly to hospital owner.

For board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic spine surgeon

Dr. Stephen P. Courtney, patients come first. It’s an ethos that developed early on in his life and one that has helped guide him in his journey to earn a distinguished reputation among his professional colleagues, medical peers and, most importantly, his patients.

Dr. Courtney began his medicine career from the ground up. While a teenager, he spent summers working in a rural north Louisiana hospital. As an orderly, he was an integral part of the hospital environment. While not a glorified job, cleaning bed pans, changing bed sheets, cleaning patient rooms, helping medical practitioners, and assisting patients, offered him an invaluable glimpse into the hard work and dedication necessary to succeed in the medical field. The job also served as the catalyst for his decision to pursue medical school.

Inspired by the patients he’d cared for there, Dr. Courtney made education a priority. He was salutatorian of his high school class and went on to graduate summa cum laude from Northeast Louisiana University. While at Louisiana State University Medical School, he utilized his summer to perform spine biomechanical tests on human spine cadavers utilizing pedicle screws. Considered cutting edge biomechanics and technology at that time, most spine surgeons didn’t even know they existed yet. However, Dr. Courtney performed one of the first biomechanical tests on those implants. It was a feat that earned him the Howmedica Biomechanic Award and the Louisiana Orthopedic Association Award. He also placed fourth in the World Congress for Student Research Competition.

Dr. Courtney’s residency at Texas A&M University Medical Center and further specialty training through a fellowship at Florida Neck & Back Institute in Gainesville, Florida, additionally cemented his strong medical foundation. From there, he continued to gain more knowledge and insight on how to help his patients with useful spine implants, while recognizing there was room for much improvement in the tools at hand.

This realization inspired Dr. Courtney to design, develop, biomechanically test, complete FDA testing and oversee quality control and validation on a host of spine tools he created. To date, Dr. Courtney has developed nine spinal product lines and obtained nine patents and 14 trademarks on spine related products.

When he’s not traveling the country training other physicians on how to utilize his products, Dr. Courtney dedicates himself to the patients of his own medical practice, Advanced Spine Center. Dedicated to developing superior operative techniques to treat neck and back disorders, Dr. Courtney leads a skilled team to care for patients with neck and back pain using a wide array of the most state-of-the-art

Continued, next page

From previous page

tools and techniques––from conservative physical therapy and injection therapy––to advanced pain management, as well as surgical intervention.

“We employ the latest in minimally-invasive spine surgeries, in addition to cutting-edge replacement technology, incorporating both high tech and high touch,” says Dr. Courtney.

Dr. Courtney recently added another accomplishment to the lengthy list when he opened Eminent Medical Center. An in-network specialty hospital focusing on patient care, the center’s state-of-the-art technology focuses on utilizing minimally invasive techniques including the “Rosa” total joint robot. The only one in Texas, it’s the latest technology medicine has to offer and delivers spine care excellence utilizing dual digital c-arms and spine robotics during surgery.

The medical field is not the only arena in which Dr. Courtney excels. He approaches fitness with the same dedication and vigor he applies to medicine. In 2005, Dr. Courtney was in the top 10 of his age group in mountain biking in Texas. He also completed one of the largest cycling events in the country multiple times: the “Hotter’N Hell” race. Always up for a new challenge, from there, he began training to compete in triathlons.

“Swimming added a whole new challenge for me and really pushed me,” says Dr.

Dr. Courtney enjoys training for his next triathlons. He enjoys living a healthy life as it keeps his stress down and keeps him focused.

Courtney of training for triathlons, where participants are required to swim, bike, run. “I like to set goals, as it gives me more incentive to stay focused and helps me determine what I want to accomplish and work toward. Accomplishing my goal and finishing something I didn’t think I could do helps me push through.”

Dr. Courtney trains for triathlons with the same focus he uses as a surgeon. Waking up at 4 a.m. six days per week to work out in his home gym, he never waivers from the goal at hand––exceeding his personal best. After successfully completing multiple triathlons, Dr. Courtney shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to train and looks forward to competing in many more triathlons.

“I think if you can survive a triathlon you are absolutely living well,” he says.

Paying attention to fitness is something he encourages his patients to consider, too. “People don’t have to be a

Dr. Courtney is known for his straight-forward, honest approach which puts his patients at ease, trusting him to perform highly technical operations that will help them restore their quality of life.

tri-athlete to be healthy. I like to tell people you need to start small. Do something to be active. It can even be yard work––that’s a great workout too. As you get older especially, you need to be in tune with your body, monitor your calorie intake and be active. I encourage people to change slowly, start small,

It’s a sentiment that his patients echo. “You don’t want to trust (your back) to just somebody that has his name on a door. You have to go to people that you trust. I talked to people and everybody trusted Dr. Stephen Courtney and I do too and I’d highly recommend him,” says Judy Jones, a lumbar fusion patient of Dr. Courtney’s.

“Above all, I believe in treating each and every patient I have with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands,” says Dr. Courtney, who always brings his A-game.

and find out what you like to do,” he says. Sharing his wellness journey is part of the straight-forward, honest approach that puts his patients at ease and creates a trusting bond, an important element for the highly technical operations Dr. Courtney performs to help restore patients’ quality of life. As he learned early on, the single most important person in the treatment process is the patient and well-informed patients are more successful in following through on their rehabilitation and have better outcomes.

For appointment contact clinic at 972.499.5457.

Stephen P. Courtney, M.D.

Area of Practice Orthopedic Spinal Surgery

Specialties

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Spine pain

• Disc Replacement

• Microdiscectomy

• Spinal Fusion

Certifications & Degrees

• Neck Surgery

• Back Surgery

• Spine Surgery

• EMG

• Steroid Injections

• Physical Therapy

• Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery

• Northeast Louisiana University

• Louisiana State University Medical School

• Residency at Texas A&M Medical Center

• Fellowship at Florida Neck & Back Institute

ADVANCED SPINE CENTER 1705 Ohio Drive, Suite 300 Plano, TX 75093

www.courtneymd.com

www.advancedspinecenters.com

Brian J. Snow, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Brian J. Snow, M.D. is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school he completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center, the busiest trauma center in the country. He then went on to complete a fellowship in advanced arthroscopy and sports medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. During his training he treated a wide variety of injuries to athletes at all levels and contributed articles to medical literature about the long term effects of ACL reconstruction. He has served as the team physician for various high schools and cared for the University of Utah Utes and the USC Trojans.

• Hip Conditions

• Elbow

• Wrist/Hand

• Knee

• Foot/Ankle

• Shoulder

• Pediatrics

• Sports Medicine

• General Orthopedics

Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

McKINNEY MAIN OFFICE:

6850 TPC Drive, Suite 116

McKinney, Texas 75070

972.838.1635

Dallas Office:

12400 Coit Road, Suite 505

Dallas, Texas 75251

972.385.8032

Prosper Office:

170 N. Preston Road, Suite 40

Prosper, Texas 75078

972.838.1635

Too often we gaze into others’ lives with rose-colored glasses. We peruse the picture perfect Facebook and Instagram images believing the stories they tell. But there is always more to the story…

Stephen Lambdin (born in Rockwall, TX) competed with Team USA in taekwondo at the 2016 Olympics. His mother, Naomi Lambdin (we know her as “Noni”) is a long-time family friend. While HBO and other primetime networks have featured Stephen and shared his story, I’m telling a different story—one of a woman who came from less than nothing and produced an Olympian.

Noni was born in October of 1956 to parents who were hardened criminals. Dregs of society, they committed incest, polygamy, forgeries, thefts, and drug related crimes. They abused alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and their children. They seemed to lack even basic human decency; in fact, animals take better care of their young than her parents did of her and her siblings. The children suffered immeasurable abuse, going days without meals, and frequently being sold to pedophiles for money.

Noni’s childhood was heinous and horrifying, cruel and unimaginable even in today’s iniquitous culture. She was beaten, had a swastika carved into her young skin, and locked in a burning room to die, among other wicked acts. Often, her parents would leave her at a church or with a group of people promising they’d send money to take care of her. They never did and eventually Noni would be sent to the

BEHIND THE OLYMPIAN

By Lisa Jenkins-Moore

streets. She’d re-unite with her parents only to endure the cruelty again.

Noni believes God gave her an incredible imagination, one she used to escape the reality of the pain being inflicted upon her. She explained, “I was blessed with a vivid imagination, and I would simply spend my day walking around the city with my mind off in some fantasy. I would imagine that I lived in a big fancy house and I was swimming in my own pool, or traveling around Europe. To this day I believe that imagination was a gift from God, a coping mechanism that was necessary for my survival.”

As Noni entered her teens, her parents began running scams on churches. They’d enter as a needy family, stay long enough to get financial assistance, and then move on to the next church. Then they came to a church in Dallas— here, Noni found a real family, a church family. Though her parents threatened to kick her out of the house, she continued to attend because she had never known kindness and friendship like she experienced within the walls of the Dallas church. Two of the women who impacted her life were my now departed grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara Jenkins, and her mother Clara. They embraced her and were genuinely interested in her life. Noni shared, “I had never experienced anyone asking how I was, and this was truly amazing to me. I would spend my day in school looking forward to seeing these people again. I can honestly say that this was the first time in my life I had experienced friends and felt loved.”

Noni also met Maurice Hart, who in a sense fathered her. She described, “He became “Uncle Reese” to me, and he would spend hours talking to me about what I could do with my life, and how to get an education, a job, a car. He taught me how to save money to buy a car, what a work ethic is, and the importance of that. He taught me that the most important thing beyond our relationship with God is people and treating them with respect and honor. He taught me that an attitude of service is more valuable than any possession. Dr. Hart stayed in contact for the remainder of his life, providing me with counsel, help applying to school and first jobs, and most of all, his absolute love and acceptance. Before his influence, it had never occurred to me that I would one day have a college education, own a home, or even own a piece of furniture, but God put these extraordinary people in my life to give me a dream. From that dream God has allowed me to build a life.”

Noni acquired her first job at 15 and climbed the corporate ladder, becoming a successful business woman. Until recently, she was a high-ranking executive at a huge corporation. She travelled extensively, staying in the finest hotels, dining in the nicest restaurants, and enjoying the scenery of some of the most beautiful places in the world. She married a successful architect; they’ve been married for over thirty years and have shared an incredible life together. Noni and Wayne parented two sons together—one an Olympian, and the other a success in his own field.

Noni attributes her amazing life to the grace and goodness of God. She states, “I see the incredible kindness of God that I have been blessed to do just about everything I had daydreamed of during those [childhood] years. Joel 2:25 says, ‘And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.’ I live this scripture every day.”

the Olympics, and he holds to that promise without wavering. One news anchor in a recent interview with Stephen said, “I’ve never seen such integrity and faith.”

I have. I’ve seen it in the life of his mother, Naomi Lambdin. A woman from a horrific childhood, statistically predicted to fail, has lived a prosperous life as a wife, mother, and business woman, and is an inspiration to so many. While she is currently fighting the battle of a lifetime struggling to win the war against stage 3 carcinoid cancer, she maintains her faith in God, knowing He is good, in spite of her circumstances.

As you witness the pictures and videos of her son, Stephen the Olympian, don’t just imagine the glory of such prestige; think of her, what she’s overcome, and where she still needs a victory. Thank God for sparing her life and turning ashes

Though her son, Stephen Lambdin did not win the Olympics in 2016, he plans to return in 2020 to bring home the gold. A strong Christian, Stephen knew as a child he’d win

to beauty, and celebrate her healing and future testimony. And please remember, things aren’t always as they seem. You never know the impact your smile, your kindness, your genuine concern will have on someone you encounter. She might just be the mother of a future Olympian.

To connect with Lisa or follow her blog, visit LisaJenkinsMoore.com or Facebook.com/ljenkinsmoore/ or Instagram @ljmooreauthor

Sta ed by 3 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology

Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs

Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions

• Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings

Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids

Hearing Evaluations For All Ages

Battery Purchase Programs

Custom Ear Protection

Assistive Devices

29 Years of Experience

“Hearing Services of Mckinney is my #1 place to go for my hearing loss needs. Caring and dedicated professionals with many years of experience working daily to meet your needs” .

– Terry G. Box, Retired Collin County Sheri

by

UNDERSTANDING HEARING LOSS

By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.

Hearing Facts

Let’s start with some facts (NIDCD, 2013): one in five Americans 12 and older experiences hearing loss severe enough to hinder communication. Nearly 50% of adults ages 75 and older have hearing impairments. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis. About 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises at work or in leisure activities. Tinnitus (“ringing in the ears”) affects up to 50 million Americans. Tinnitus is currently the number one service-connected disability for veterans from all service. If you have hearing loss, you’re not alone. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 360 million people worldwide have “disabling hearing loss.”

How Hearing Works

pens when any part of our delicate hearing system stops working properly, whether it’s due to damage or deterioration. The most susceptible and common parts to break down are the microscopic stereocilia, the thousands of tiny hair cells that detect and send sound impulses to the brain. When these tiny hair cells become injured, diseased or die naturally, the result is sensory hearing loss. This is by far the most common type of hearing loss. When the microscopic stereocilia (hair cells) in your cochlear (inner ear) are damaged, they will not send complete signals to your brain, causing you to be unable to understand the consonants (more typical than vowels) within words. For example, the word “TOOTHBRUSH” may sound like “OOBRU.” Healthy hair cells stand erect and are able to accurately detect sound waves and send impulses to the brain to correctly identify the word spoken. Damaged hair cells are limp and will no longer stand erect. They are therefore unable to properly detect sounds waves or send the correct information to the brain to identify.

How Hearing Loss Can Impact Your Life

When we become aware of a sound in our environment, it is the result of a sequence of events. The outer ear-sound travels through the pinna, what we see on the side of our head, which collects and funnels sound into and down the ear canal, striking the eardrum and causing it to vibrate. The middle ear-vibrations from the eardrum cause the ossicles (the three smallest bones in the body) to vibrate which, in turn, send the information onto the inner ear. In the inner ear, the movement of the hair cells sends electrical impulses through the auditory nerve to the hearing center of the brain, which translates them to sounds the brain can recognize.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Something can go wrong along that whole auditory pathway, therefore many things can cause our hearing system to stop functioning properly. The main causes are the aging process, noise exposure, infections, a variety of diseases such as Meningitis, injuries to the head or ear, birth defects, genetics, and ototoxic reaction to drugs or cancer treatment (i.e. certain antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc.).

How Hearing Loss Occurs

To understand why hearing loss is pervasive, it’s important to understand how hearing loss happens. Hearing loss hap-

If you think you hearing loss is inconsequential, you should know that studies have linked untreated hearing loss to significant issues such as: diminished psychological and overall health, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety, avoidance or withdrawal from social situations, social rejection and loneliness, fatigue, tension, stress and depression, irritability, negativism and anger, reduced job performance and earning power (from Better Hearing Institute, 2013).

What Hearing Loss is Like

You can’t recreate a hearing loss simply by plugging your ears. A person with normal hearing can hear quiet, medium and loud sounds that vary from low pitch (bass) to high pitch (treble). But when you have hearing loss, you often lose the ability to hear higher pitched sounds first, such as certain consonants like T, K, S, F, SH and TH. Even though you still may be able to hear the stronger, lower pitch vowel sounds, this is why “I hear, but cannot understand” is a common complaint.

Help is Available

If you think you or someone you know has hearing loss, the next step is an easy one––confirm it by seeing an Audiologist. Just as every person is unique, every hearing loss and hearing need is unique too. Consult an Audiologist who is trained to inspect your ear canal, accurately measure your hearing loss, assess your unique needs and make a recommendation that takes all this personal information into account.

Elizabeth Brassine is a Doctor of audiology and owner of Hearing Services of McKinney.

DO YOU REALLY NEED A TRUST?

By Leu & Peirce, PLLC

As Elder Law attorneys, one question we hear often from our clients is: Do I need a trust? And, ordinarily, the answer is: It depends. In its most basic form, a trust is a document setting forth an intent that assets be held and managed for the benefit of certain persons. The person making the trust is the Grantor (also Settlor or Trustor). The Trustee is the person administering the trust. Sometimes the Grantor and Trustee are the same person. The Beneficiary is the individual who will receive the benefit of the trust assets. The Trustee has a fiduciary duty to manage the assets in the trust for the benefit of the Beneficiary. Trusts can be revocable, such as a Revocable Living Trust, or irrevocable, such as an Asset Protection Trust or Testamentary Trust.

Revocable Living Trust

from the policy are not included in the grantor’s taxable estate upon their death. The insured individual is the grantor of the trust. The grantor cannot retain any economic interest or control in the policy, or it remains subject to estate taxation.

Also known as Inter Vivos Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts are trusts that you set up during your lifetime to hold assets. If you have a Revocable Living Trust in place upon your death, it is possible that your loved ones may avoid the probate of your estate. During your lifetime, although your assets are titled in the name of the Revocable Living Trust, you always have the right to revoke the trust or amend its provisions. Therefore, ownership of the assets will be attributed to you for income tax, bankruptcy, creditor, and public benefits purposes. Revocable Living Trusts can be helpful for people who own property in states other than Texas, or where a grantor is expecting disputes amongst family members after his or her death. However, Revocable Living Trusts are not a one-size fits all solution. For example, a Revocable Living Trust is not an appropriate planning tool for someone who may need public benefits in the future.

Irrevocable Trust

By contrast, an Irrevocable Trust cannot be revoked or amended after it is signed, and the transfer of assets into an Irrevocable Trust is considered a completed gift.

Common types of Irrevocable Trusts include the following:

Irrevocable

Life Insurance Trust

Also known as an ILIT, this type of trust is created to assume ownership of a life insurance policy, so that the proceeds

Asset Protection Trust

This type of trust is sometimes used as a long-term planning tool to prepare for qualification for future public benefits, such as Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits. Because a transfer into an Asset Protection Trust is considered a transfer of assets for public benefits purposes, a transfer penalty will apply if done within five years of applying for Medicaid and three years of applying for Veteran’s Benefits.

Supplemental Needs Trust

A Supplemental Needs Trust (“SNT”) is used to hold funds for a person who is receiving needsbased public benefits. The Trustee of the SNT makes distributions to the beneficiary for the purpose of enhancing the beneficiary’s quality of life, not for basic support, such as food or shelter. Particular care should be taken in the creation and maintenance of SNTs. Specific rules apply to SNTs based on whether the SNT is created by the beneficiary or a third party. And, distributions from SNTs must be handled carefully to avoid disqualifying the beneficiary from eligibility for public benefits.

Testamentary Trust

A Testamentary Trust is a trust created through the terms of a Will. Testamentary Trusts can be a helpful for protecting incapacitated or minor beneficiaries, or to allow the testator some control over the future use of assets.

Despite all the buzz about avoiding probate, probate in Texas is relatively quick and inexpensive. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into purchasing a complicated trust plan under the logic that the probate process is something to be feared and avoided. Further, even if you have a Revocable Living Trust in place, you still need current ancillary documents, including a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Release and Authorization, and a Living Will (Advanced Directive), among other documents. Visit an Elder Law attorney to discuss the estate planning options that are available and advisable for you.

Lori Leu, Erin Peirce, Lauren Olson, Laura Chavero, and Zachary Stubblefield are Elder Law attorneys with Leu & Peirce, located in Plano, Texas. They can be reached at 972-996-2540.

Gregory D. Roberts, M.D.

The“Scarless”Face Lift

By Pamela Hammonds

Eating right and exercising are great ways to stave off the inevitable signs of aging. But even if you’re devoted to wellness, over time your skin loses elasticity, bone and tissue deteriorate and hereditary factors become more pronounced.

North Texas residents can count themselves fortunate that nationally-known facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory D. Roberts is a short drive away. He’s refined a face lift technique, known as the “scarless” face lift, which allows patients to recover from surgery with virtually no visible scarring. The “scarless” face lift involves a series of surgical methods and meticulous precision that can help restore more natural, youthful facial features with virtually imperceptible signs of surgical intervention.

“My one guiding principle is that your cosmetic surgery looks natural,” said Dr. Roberts. “You should look refreshed and well-rested, never pulled.” Dr. Roberts takes the time necessary to meticulously place and

close incisions, ensuring that his patients’ incisions are virtually invisible, as well as helping to minimize bruising and quicken the healing process. Dr. Roberts and his staff are thorough and attentive before and after surgery, making sure each patient understands the procedure and recovery time.

Many of Dr. Roberts’ patients also find pleasing results with a non-surgical face lift alternative known as a Liquid Face Lift. Revolumizing the face with a Liquid Face Lift can be done alone or in conjunction with a face lift to restore natural, youthful volume and contours. Dr. Roberts appreciates that each patient is a unique individual with specific needs and expectations. “I like to spend time with each patient discussing options and determining what will produce the best and most consistent results to fit the patient’s goals and desires,” he said.

If your goal is smoother, clearer skin tone and texture, skin resurfacing with advanced lasers such as D.O.T. or Fraxel® can be a tremendous help, as well. For patients seeking more com-

prehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Roberts might recommend an R-Lift, which integrates a “scarless” face lift (or other cosmetic surgery), as well as a liquid face lift and fractional laser resurfacing. “An R-Lift essentially blends the three R’s of facial rejuvenation,” said Dr. Roberts, “Repositioning (drooping skin), Revolumizing (flattened facial features) and Repairing (sun damaged skin).”

“There’s a tremendous amount of satisfaction that comes along with my work,” he said. “Seeing patients get positive results from their procedure, as well as seeing their renewed confidence, and then hearing the reaction of others in their lives is very fulfilling.”

Dr. Roberts’ procedures are performed at an AAAASF certified facility near George Bush Tollway and Preston in Plano, Texas. Read more here about what his patients say about him. View more before-and-after photos and review additional information at RobertsCosmeticSurgery.com.

To schedule a free consultation, call 972-608-0000.

Meet Gregory D. Roberts, M.D.

At Roberts Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Roberts specializes in facial cosmetic medical procedures, including the “scarless” face lift, endoscopic brow lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, chin and lip implants. For over 14 years, Dr. Roberts has focused his surgical specialty on the face, but he also performs laser liposuction procedures with the dual wavelength Slimlipo®, as well as other minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedures, such as BOTOX® and dermal filler procedures. Dr. Roberts is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology | Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Roberts personally performs all surgical procedures, liposuction procedures, BOTOX® and filler procedures. Laser and resurfacing procedures at Roberts Cosmetic Surgery are performed by a certified and licensed anesthetician, while his support staff endeavors to provide optimal patient care.

Dr. Roberts’ patients love their results! KM didn’t fully embrace the aging process and sought help to improve her appearance. During her consultation Dr. Roberts recommended upper and lower blepharoplasty (eye lifts) as well as a mini face lift. “I inherited drooping eyes from my dad, sagging jowls from my mother. But Dr. Roberts has completely changed that for me. Now I get comments even from strangers about how good my skin looks. Only my close friends know what I’ve had done, but I feel dramatically different. It’s helped my confidence and I’m definitely more comfortable when I’m face-to-face with people.”

Book your Mini Face Lift with Dr. Roberts before May 31, 2019, and save 25 percent. (Have your procedure anytime in 2019.) Natural results, hidden incisions and limited downtime— why not call 972-608-0000 to book your free consultation today?

* Incl. Free O.R. ($1,600 value); Excl. Anesthesia

At 51, JT worked to stay in shape but couldn’t stop the natural signs of aging. The sagging in her neck and jowl area started to bother her so much she no longer wore her hair off her face. “I feel young and wanted to look more youthful,” she said. After a mini face lift, she’s thrilled with the results. “Not one person has said, ‘Did you have a face lift?’” she said. “But people do tell me how pretty my skin is. I didn’t want to overdo it or become obsessed with vanity, and what Dr. Roberts did is perfect. Everyone in his office was attentive, helpful and supportive. I’d definitely do it again.”

JR, 52, had a face lift, endoscopic brow lift and lower blepharoplasty performed in one procedure. “Before the surgery I looked tired and my jowl area and the skin around my mouth sagged,” she said. “Dr. Roberts spent a lot of time explaining everything and answering my questions. During my consultation, I saw a woman who’d had a face lift the day before, and you couldn’t see the incisions since they were in her hairline. After surgery, I was wearing a ponytail two weeks later and attended a work conference a week after that. No one could tell I’d just had surgery! To me, it’s so natural. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Roberts and his staff.”

by May 31, 2019

After 8 Weeks, “Scarless”

Actual Roberts Patient

Actual Roberts Patients

Stonemere Rehabilitation Center’s Accelerated Recovery program specializes in providing the latest in technology, equipment, and techniques for those requiring short-term rehabilitation after recent hospitalization.

Stonemere offers 24-hour Skilled and Rehabilitation services for medically complex patients including those needing high level acuity skilled nursing care.

Luxury amenities including private rooms with full baths and 5 Star dining!

STONEMERE REHABILITATION CENTER

Stephen P. Courtney, M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Stephen Courtney is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and the founder of the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX. Dr. Courtney has been practicing medicine and providing exceptional patient care in Plano since 1995 and has worked tirelessly to develop superior operative techniques to treat neck and back disorders.

Dr. Courtney is a respected orthopedic spine surgeon who focuses on disorders of the neck and back. His work ethic, outstanding outcomes, and personable approach to patient care have earned him a reputation as one of the best spine surgeons in Texas. He has expanded his reach and has improved the quality of life for patients across the country. Dr. Courtney has developed 9 product lines, and has obtained 9 patents and 14 trademarks on its spine related products. He has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions.

Dr. Courtney is dedicated to educating not just himself and his colleagues but his patients as well. He is known for his straight-forward, honest approach which puts his patients at ease, trusting him to perform highly technical operations that will help them restore their quality of life. He knows the single most important person in the treatment process is the patient.

When Dr. Courtney is not with his patients you can find him enjoying time with his wife and five children, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, or perfecting his Cajun cooking.

THE ENIGMA

Leonardo DiCaprio lives by his own set of rules.

By Sondra Barr

It’s hard to believe Leonardo DiCaprio is 44 years old. The Hollywood native, who grew up in a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles bullied and belittled only to become one of its brightest denizens, is equal parts fabled Dorian Gray and Jay Gatsby. Ironically, the latter character being a role the dashing actor seamlessly slipped into for the much anticipated 2013 film The Great Gatsby .

Ageless, yet conveying a wisdom beyond his years, the perennial bachelor who was named Leonardo because his German mother, Irmelin, first felt him kick while gazing upon a Da Vinci painting in Florence, has done his namesake proud.

“He’s like a silent-film actor,” says director Martin Scorsese. “He can flash half a dozen emotions in a matter of seconds, simply by using his eyes.”

DiCaprio first worked with the notable director on Gangs of New York and they’ve since partnered on four further films, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Next up, the duo is partnering with Hulu to adapt Erik Larson’s book The Devil in the White City for their sixth collaboration.

“Marty is the great director of our time, who has taught me two crucial things. One, it takes a long time and a lot of patience to make a good movie; and two, film is as valid an art form as painting or sculpture. Ultimately, like any artist, I want to make lasting pieces of art; movies that people will look at and appreciate in 50 years’ time,” DiCaprio told Chloe Fox of The Telegraph.

Acting is a craft that DiCaprio was drawn to in his formative years. “Very early on, I was always impersonating different characters, imitating people who came by. I loved doing that and getting the amazing experience of seeing people’s reactions. You see your parents laughing. It’s a communal family experience, and you share that love, you know?” he said an interview with Parade

ACTING ALWAYS REPRESENTED A WAY OUT FOR ME. I SAW MANY THINGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE I GREW UP THAT WERE PRETTY TERRIFYING.

Acting provided a ready escape to young DiCaprio while growing up in an area rife with prostitutes, addicts, and drug dealers. “Acting always represented a way out for me. I saw many things in the neighborhoods where I grew up that were pretty terrifying. Acting takes you away from reality. Being able to escape was important. Movies do that for me. Two hours inside of a theater can transport you into a completely other universe. To me, that’s the beauty of movies.”

In front of an audience is where DiCaprio flourishes, something that didn’t go unnoticed by his parents. Although his mother and father amicably divorced soon after Leo was born, they supported their son unconditionally. “They listened to their kid saying, ‘This is what I want to do,” described DiCaprio to The Telegraph. “They made me feel that all my dreams were within reach.”

Continued, next page

From previous page

“Leo is an enigma,” said his Revenant co-star Tom Hardy during press for the film that would earn DiCaprio his first Academy Award after four previous unsuccessful nominations. “There’s something kind of magic about him.”

That special something was readily apparent in 1994 when DiCaprio portrayed Arnie Grape, a child with learning difficulties in the film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, which earned him his first Oscar nomination (best supporting actor).

He’s since gone on to give groundbreaking performances that have one thing in common, they’re all unequivocally different: charming Jack Dawson (Titanic), prevaricator Frank Abagnale Jr. (Catch Me If You Can), eccentric Howard Hughes (The Aviator), fraudster Jordan Belfort (The Wolf of Wall Street)––just to name a few.

His riveting role as Hugh Glass, a man dominating nature, in Revenant may have scored DiCaprio his first

Oscar, but it also provided him an opportunity to talk about his other passion: environmentalism. It’s an issue dear to DiCaprio’s heart. Not only has he given his time and resources to environmental causes, he also devoted his Oscar winning speech to the topic.

He founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) in 1998 to bring attention to the plight of our planet. According to the foundation’s website, “LDF has been on a mission to protect the Earth’s last wild places, implementing solutions that restore balance to threatened ecosystems, and ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants.” Since its inception, the foundation has donated more than $15 million to the protection of species including tigers in Asia, elephants in Africa, and sharks in California.

“Historically, we always look back at cultures that have been self-destructive and we talk about the ignorant way they treated the natural world, and we pass judgment on them,” explained DiCaprio to writer Dotson Rader. “But the truth is that what we’re now doing to the natural world is thousand times more destructive than it’s ever been before. We’re literally going through an extinction right now. We’re changing our climates irreparably, and climate change lasts tens of thousands, if not millions, of years. We don’t seem to be learning lessons from the past.”

DiCaprio is so passionate about the subject that he also produced a documentary, Before the Flood, presented by National Geographic, where he served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand.

Leonardo as Jordan Belford in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) who takes some rather bland people and turns them into one of the biggest scams that the FBI ever saw.

Paramount Pictures

Leonardo and Kate Winslet as a pair back in 1997, in Titanic. Now, 20 years later, their friendship is still one of the strongest in Hollywood.

“You realize how lucky we are, and how destructive we’ve been, and what little regard we have for the natural world,” DiCaprio said to Parade.

“I play fictitious characters often solving fictitious problems. I believe mankind has looked at climate change in the same way, as if it were a fiction. But I think we know better than that.”

While DiCaprio enjoys being immersed in nature and wild places, he’s faced the danger that comes with outdoor adventures. In an interview with Wired, DiCaprio detailed the time he was nearly killed in a shark incident. “A great white jumped into my cage when I was diving in South Africa. Half its body was in the cage, and it was snapping at me,” detailed DiCaprio. “I sort of fell down to the bottom and tried to lie flat. The great white took about five or six snaps an arm’s length away from my head. The guys there said that has never happened in the 30 years they’d been doing it.”

Then there was the time when he was tandem skydiving and both the primary and secondary chutes knotted up. As they were plummeting toward the earth, the instructor DiCaprio was tethered to was finally able to unravel the secondary shoot in midair, ensuring the survival of Hollywood’s most bankable star.

Living on the edge is apparently not unusual for the Oscar winner. “My friends have named me the person they least want to do extreme adventures with, because I always seem to be very close to being part of a disaster.”

One thing that is guaranteed not to be a disaster is DiCaprio’s upcoming movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, slated for a July release. In director Quentin Tarantino’s ninth feature film, DiCaprio plays TV actor Rick Dalton and neighbor to Sharon Tate. Brad Pitt plays his friend and stunt double Cliff Booth and centers on the duo as they navigate Hollywood. No doubt, DiCaprio will be drawing from firsthand experience.

Filming The Great Gatsby (2013) with Carey Mulligan.

© Warner Bros.

Staring alongside Brad Pitt in this year’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Dear Katherine,

My mother is 85 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s. She lives in an assisted living facility. Her doctor says it may be time to start considering hospice. How do we know when it’s time? She doesn’t seem to be “near the end” to me.

~When is it time?

KATHERINE KRAUSE

Katherine is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the President and CEO of VNA Texas.

Dear Katherine,

Several of my friends and I are interested in volunteering our time. How can we get involved?

~Wants to Volunteer

Dear When is it time,

Alzheimer’s disease has such a slow, sometimes unpredictable decline, making it hard to determine how far in the disease process one is. It also makes the disease so difficult to cope with; some call it “the long goodbye”. It can be very taxing on families and difficult to grieve at the same time. Hospice and palliative physicians are experts in determining disease trajectory to see if the patient is nearing the last six months of life. There are many factors to consider in decline including weight loss, frequent infections, recent ER or hospital admissions, decline in level of independence (walking, dressing oneself, bathing, etc.) and speaking few words. These indicators signal someone is ready for hospice. If your mother’s physician indicates it may be time, or if you believe it might be time for hospice, you can request a consultation with the hospice team for evaluation.

~Katherine

Dear Wants to Volunteer,

At VNA there are many opportunities to give the invaluable gift of time and we are always looking for volunteers! We are always grateful for volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in Dallas County whether you deliver once or regularly. You can brighten the day of a senior neighbor on your lunch break—sign up at www.volunteer.vnatexas.org. Another great way to get involved is to help patients and caregivers in our hospice program. Volunteers may provide companionship and sit with patients giving family caregivers time to go to the store or an appointment. Volunteers also facilitate group activities in one location, such as a memory care unit. Depending on the need, the time frames for volunteering with hospice may vary and the help is always needed—especially for office assistance! Lastly, hospice offers many unique needs, so special skills are also welcome such as pet therapy, hair cutting—whatever your gift, we can use it at VNA!

~Katherine

VNA Hospice Care

VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff.

VNA Care Choices

Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, patients and their loved ones have many questions about the best course of action. VNA Care Choices provides supportive care services in the home while continuing treatment with your current physician.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 689-0000 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-3222 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

J. Richard Evanson, D.O.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Dr. J. Richard Evanson is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation as well as reconstruction of the hip and knee. He is certified in total knee and total hip replacements with the MAKO™ Robot, and focuses on a variety of surgical techniques including: hip and knee arthoscopy, minimally invasive techniques, sport injuries, and joint replacement of the hip and knee. He has a clinical interest and background working with sports related injuries, femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis (AVN), and arthritis of the hip and knee. Dr. Evanson is a former Army surgeon and team physician for the Army Airborne Rangers. Dr. Evanson offers minimally invasive hip joint replacement using the direct anterior approach with the MAKO™ Robot, helping his patients recover faster while minimizing pain. He also specializes in hip arthroscopy, pelvic osteotomies and other hip joint preservation surgeries to help his patients maintain their normal joints and active lifestyles. Dr. Evanson is certified in total knee and total hip replacements with the MAKO™ Robot.

Specializing in hip preservation as well as reconstruction of the hip and knee.

TREATING PAIN FOR BETTER DAYS

Introducing the OsteoCool™ RF Ablation System for the treatment of pain caused by metastatic malignant bone tumors. If cancer has metastasized to bones such as your spine, hip, femur, or pelvis, talk with your oncologist about treatment options, such as OsteoCool™ RF Ablation to treat your pain.

To the right is a list of Physicians actively offering the OsteoCool™ RF Ablation System in your local area.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Remember to always talk to your doctor about the benefits, potential complications, and risks for any procedure. Damage to surrounding tissue may occur from this procedure. Additionally, if you have a tumor in the cervical spine (neck) or have a heart pacemaker or other electronic implant, this procedure may not be right for you.

For more information, please visit Medtronic.com.

Allen, TX

Leonard Kibuule, MD (817) 442-9300

Adrian Moger, MD (972) 599-9328

Frisco, TX

Paul Salinas, MD (972) 377-9200

McKinney, TX

Irfan Ali, MD (817) 488-0410

Eric Benson, MD (972) 599-9328

Edward Pong, MD (972) 599-9328

Plano, TX

Theodore Belanger, MD (972) 608-5020

Scott Kutz, MD (972) 608-5020

Nupe Singhal, MD (972) 519-1524

Richardson, TX

Randall Graham, MD (972) 283-4966

Jorge Roman, MD (972) 599-9328

Crys Sory, MD (972) 566-7866

WHOSE JOB IS IT, ANYWAY?

By Rick Allen

Iam becoming more and more supportive of the concept of cutting out the middle man. Often this can make a product or service more affordable. It also seems like we are getting less and less service from service providers these days, so you wonder just what are we paying for when a third party is involved?

Here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, there is a television commercial for an insurance agent who takes great pride in being a “middle-man”. He claims that in his case, as a middle man, he can save you time, money and get you the best value for your money spent. I have used this agent in the past and I will attest that as a middle man, he does a great job delivering what he promises.

Funeral homes, however, have done a pretty poor job in the recent times identifying their value to consumers and a trend has begun that cuts them out of funeral services because some of the public view them as unnecessary middle men. The Texas Funeral Service Commission has published a brochure in which the subject of do-ityourself funerals is discussed. While it is not recommended, it is actually possible for a family to bury their own, completely on their own.

Self-sufficiency is not a bad idea, but where funerals are concerned, a growing number of people are confusing self-sufficiency with getting something for nothing. The bad part about this is, the entity being asked to provide something for nothing is not the funeral home, but rather the place where people go to church.

Several people have told me that when they die they want to just be buried or cremated, and then if their family wants a service, they can work it out with their church. I have yet to hear of a church refusing to do this directly with a family, but when you get right down to what is right and what isn’t, is it really the responsibility of the church to act as funeral directors?

In my opinion, taking this article is actually a denial of reality. One reason people claim to have a lack of interest in their own service is the concept that “I’m not going to be there or know anything about it anyway.” I, too, believe this is true, but what about your spouse, your children, siblings, friends, or maybe even your parent or parents? How are they going to find an appropriate way in which to accept the fact that a death has occurred, and how will they be able to say good-bye?

The Frank Capra Film “It’s a Wonderful Life” beautifully illustrates how one man failed to recognize the manner in which his life impacted so many others. Little did the character of George Bailey realize how his actions, no matter how small or insignificant to him, endeared him to so many others in very powerful ways. It’s far easier to assume that no one cares or that you yourself don’t care than to face the fact that you

will be missed and people will want to honor you when your time here is done.

Putting this responsibility on the doorstep of your church is an easy way around a tough subject, but a far cry from the appropriate thing to do. Our funeral home has been asked on many occasions to come in and put together the loose ends. At other times we simply hear the tales from church volunteers of how unstructured things seemed when the funeral home was not involved in a service. Things get overlooked in the planning stage and unfortunately are discovered absent when it’s too late. Other things that could have made a huge impact on the service as a whole are left out completely because no one knew they could be done. Simply put, a good funeral director and a thorough funeral home staff are worth every penny you may pay to them. They plan memorial tributes every day, and those that are really worth something are constantly searching for ways to innovate and contemporize the way people say good-bye.

Does value exist at all funeral homes? No. That is why I encourage you to discuss your plans with more than one funeral home. See the difference for yourself and then make a decision on which one you think will do the best job at helping you and your family create something that is meaningful, appropriate and affordable.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON HOSPITAL AND TUMOR INSTITUTE TRAINED

PHYSICIANS

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We do all types of infusion and accept ALL INSURANCE as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Secure Horizon, Molina and Superior Texas Hematology Oncology Centers

NOW ACCEPTING ALL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

Dr. Dennis Birenbaum | Dr. Eugene Wyszynski

COMPLETE INFUSION CENTER

DALLAS 10 Medical Parkway

Plaza III, Ste. 106 Dallas, TX 75234

Diane S. Litke, MD

Diplomate American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Dr. Litke is a passionate artist, both in her spare time and as an orthopaedic surgeon. At L&W Orthopaedics, she approaches every orthopaedic problem with an eye toward restoration of function and mobility. With a deep knowledge of the inner workings of the body’s most active and important joints, Dr. Litke is able to repair most hip, knee, and shoulder problems, giving her patients the freedom to move again. Assisting her skilled hands, she uses the latest state-of-the-art robotic equipment for accuracy and precision, delivering a powerful combination of experience and technology to all of her patients.

Dr. Litke earned her medical degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She went on to complete her orthopaedic residency at the University of South Carolina in Columbia South Carolina. She is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Litke is affiliated with the Methodist Richardson Medical Center, where she is the director of the joint program. When she’s not working, Dr. Litke enjoys photography and ceramics.

Please call 972.498.4791 to schedule an appointment.

Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Richardson, TX

www.LWOrthopaedics.com

Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD

COOKING CLASSY IN A CINCH....

Harold and Miriam Moore

Miriam and Harold Moore, from Rockwall, Texas, have been married for 30 years, and have four children and four grandchildren. Harold, a plumber by trade, enjoys making fabulous dinners for Miriam, playing guitar, wearing kilts, fly fishing and craft beer. Miriam enjoys singing with Harold and quilt making. After Miriam was diagnosed with diabetes in 2011, she and Harold have strived to avoid eating processed foods, and have discovered a real love for fresh vegetables, natural and whole foods.

Lobster Tail Cilantro Lime Salad

• One lobster tail per person

• Asparagus

• Radishes

• Tomatoes

• Green onion tops

• Avocado

• Salad greens

Vinaigrette

• 1/4 avocado

• Juice of one large lemon

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/8 cup red wine vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 clove garlic

• White portion of green onion

• Handful cilantro

Process ingredients of vinaigrette in food processor until smooth. Set aside.

Set oven to broil on high. Cut a V-shaped wedge from the center of the lobster tail. Add small amount of butter to exposed lobster meat after you remove the “V” shaped wedge. Broil for 7 minutes.

Plate salad greens, steamed asparagus, avocado slices, tomatoes radishes, cilantro and green onion to taste. Using tongs place the lobster on top and serve with vinaigrette.

Salmon Salad

• 2 cups flaked wild caught sockeye salmon grilled

• 2 hard boiled eggs

• 1/2 cup diced celery

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Dressing

• 1/2 olive oil mayo

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 1 clove minced garlic Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all and serve with bread, crackers or on salad greens.

CTL Medical is a forward thinking medical device design, development and manufacturing company that creates exemplary surgical products and services specifially for spinal disorders. CTL Medical’s in-house Research and Development team works closely with surgeons to imagine and construct multifaceted implants and instruments that become works of art. Join us as we share our story and products like our

10 TIPS TO AVOID INJURIES FROM CROSSFIT TRAINING

By Dr. Peter Derman Texas Back Institute

CrossFit participants are intense in their pursuit of this training regimen and sometimes this can lead to back injuries. Judging by the number of participants, CrossFit is possibly the largest fitness trend in the world, with more than 13,000 affiliated gyms, over half of which are in the United States. Because of its rigorous exercises, CrossFit can also be dangerous to the spine health of participants. However, it doesn’t have to be.

One of the newer members of the Texas Back Institute team of spine surgeons is Dr. Peter Derman and in his undergraduate days at Stanford University he was on another team. He was the captain of the Stanford gymnastics team and a world-class athlete. With his athletic background and medical training in spine surgery, he is an excellent source of information on how CrossFit athletes can build strength and stamina without incurring injuries to their spine.

“Despite its popularity, there has been increasing recognition of the potential risks of CrossFit participation,” Dr. Derman said. “Adrenaline, competitiveness, and exhaustion sometimes combine to produce injuries – most commonly of the lumbar spine.”

By adhering to these 10 tips, CrossFitters can maximize their fun and fitness while reducing the chance of spinal injury.

Find the right “box”.

“Finding the right CrossFit gym or ‘box’ which is challenging without being potentially dangerous is a critical first step,” Dr. Derman said. “I suggest that participants spend some time researching – with personal visits and interviews – a box with a philosophy of fitness and wellness. Coaches and fellow gym goers should be focused on progressive skill and strength acquisition rather than simply a no pain, no gain mentality, which can result in burnout and injury.

Check your ego at the door.

“One of the great aspects of CrossFit training is its communal environment that motivates athletes to push their limits,” Dr. Derman said. “This can produce remarkable results when harnessed appropriately. However, don’t get so carried away that you put your health at risk. Remember the reason you started CrossFit in the first place – to get fit and have fun doing

it. Work gradually toward your goals because taking shortcuts and sustaining injuries will only set you back.”

The core is key.

“A strong core is essential for stabilizing the spine and pelvis,” he said. “Strengthening these muscles can offload the spine itself and reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and disc herniations. However, a ‘6-pack’ is only part of the equation. The paraspinal and other trunk muscles are just as important and should not be neglected.”

Having the proper form is critical.

“In a CrossFit workout program, more injuries are caused by improper form than any other factor,” Dr. Derman said. “This cannot be overstated. Poor form places the spine in a compromised position and radically increases the forces imparted across it. Having a well-trained instructor, who is observant and involved with every participant, can dramatically help here.

“Deadlifts and other Olympic lifts can be particularly hard on the spine. Never compromise form, even as you fatigue and reach the point of exhaustion. This requires focus and is why CrossFit is as much a mental as a physical sport.”

The effect of cold and hot weather on CrossFit injuries.

“It is important to adequately warm up before workouts to prevent muscle, tendon and ligament injuries,” he said. “This is especially relevant in the winter months when cold temperatures cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict. Doing some light aerobic activity before jumping into the intense workout helps increase circulation and helps reduce the chance of injury to your back and elsewhere.

“On the flip side, warm weather can take a toll as well. Heat stroke, a dangerous elevation in body temperature, is most common in the summer months. Symptoms include confusion, nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, headache, and rapid breathing. If someone at the gym exhibits these warning signs, immediately get them to a cool, shaded environment and call 911. Even if it doesn’t produce heat stroke, overheating in the setting of dehydration and physical exertion can lead to severe muscle breakdown and possible damage to kidneys. Adequate hydration, appropriate attire and attention to your body’s cues can help prevent these scenarios.”

The importance of pre-workout and post-workout stretching.

“The scientific literature on stretching is somewhat limited,” he said. “There is some evidence to suggest that stretching before a workout can reduce the risk of muscle strains but has no impact on the development of overuse injuries. Aggressively stretching muscles while still ‘cold’ may actually cause muscle strains. It is therefore advisable to structure your workout session as follows (1) warm up (2) stretch (3) WOD (workout of the day) (4) stretch.

“The post-workout stretch is a great way to boost overall flexibility while your muscles are warm and pliable. Prone extensions, cat-camels, bridges, and seated twists can help keep your spine mobile and nimble. Attention to hamstring flexibility is also key to maintaining a healthy back as tightness in these muscles may transfer more stress to the lumbar spine during bending and lifting activities.”

Take time for recovery.

“Most CrossFit athletes are highly competitive,” Dr. Derman said. “And this overtraining can sometimes lead to decreased performance and elevated risk of injury. Your muscles sustain minor damage during routine workouts and respond by rebuilding in stronger configurations and increased size. However, this process takes time.

“The exact amount of rest needed between workouts depends on many factors, including baseline fitness level, age, workout duration, and exercise intensity. Ice, heat, massage, and appropriate nutrition may help speed recovery. Again, this is where a trained instructor can help. If an injury is sustained, don’t make matters worse by ‘training through it.’ Rest and seek a medical opinion if your symptoms are severe or persistent.”

The difference between injury and muscle fatigue.

“Muscle fatigue during a tough workout builds with increasing reps and can resemble a burning sensation,” Dr. Derman said. “Once you stop exerting that muscle group, the burn should resolve within minutes. However, sudden and sharp pain while exercising is cause for concern, and you should rest until symptoms resolve. Ice, heat and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

medications can be helpful for persistent aches and pains. However, consult with a doctor before taking medications if you have any underlying health issues. If symptoms are severe or if they don’t steadily improve with time, it is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional.

“Debilitating back pain with sciatica may represent a disc herniation and is something that should prompt more rapid medical attention, especially if you are experiencing weakness in your legs. If you develop numbness about your genitals, inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control in the setting of back and/or leg symptoms, this could represent critical nerve compression and necessitates an immediate trip to the emergency room to reduce the chance of permanent nerve damage.”

CrossFit and kids.

“Some parents worry about the weight-training aspect of CrossFit,” Dr. Derman said. “Research suggests that it is safe for children to participate in light weightlifting after age eight. Rather than stack on the plates and aim for full muscle fatigue, kids should use relatively light weights with high reps – they should be able to perform 8-15 at a given weight without significant struggle. Parents and trainers should reinforce the importance of form above all else.”

Don’t forget about foods and beverages for quicker recovery.

“Post-exercise nutrition is key to speeding recovery and maximizing the benefits of your workout,” Dr. Derman said. Because powering through ‘Fran’ or ‘Murph’ can result in depletion of your body’s glycogen stores and even break down muscle proteins, eating the right nutrients afterward can help your body recover more rapidly.

“I recommend that the CrossFit athlete consume 0.14 – 0.23 grams of protein and 0.5 – 0.7 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight (1:3 ratio) within 45 minutes of completing your workout. This allows you to take advantage of your body’s enhanced ability to rebuild glycogen and protein immediately after exertion. Plus, don’t forget to hydrate. Water is sufficient after a typical workout, but a sodium-containing beverage is advisable to maintain proper electrolyte balance when exercising indoors for more than two hours or in the heat for over an hour.”

Dr. Peter Derman

NOW BOARDING.

Step aboard DART, and start your summer travel on the right foot. We offer fast and convenient service to DFW International Airport and Love Field, every day of the week.

Plan your trip at DART.org/airports

Flying from DFW Airport? ORANGE LINE to DFW Airport Station Love Field and DFW are

Flying from Love Field?

LOVE LINK from Inwood/Love Field Station

DARTABLE FUN’S A-BREWIN’

North Texas has a great and growing brew scene for you to explore on DART. Here are some of your DARTable options for grabbing a cold one – from brewpubs to British-style ale houses.

Four Corners Brewing makes an array of popular brews, and it has cool digs on nearly two acres just a block from Cedars Station. A 1925 warehouse is now home to 16,000 square feet of brewing space – and, of course, there’s a taproom, inside a separate building that used to serve as stables for the Ambassador Hotel across the street. The brewer also hosts regular Saturday tours.

For great shared plates and craft beer made on-premises, head to Bankhead Brewing Co., a charming spot near Downtown Rowlett Station. The food is cooked in wood-burning ovens, and the premium, house-crafted beers come in a wide variety. Traditional German and English recipes get a lot of play here. The inviting space features plentiful outdoor seating.

The hip Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery is located within walking distance of Downtown Garland Station in the heart of the town square. Not only does Intrinsic offer a seasonal selection of its own handcrafted beers, but also keeps a rotation of guest beers and its very own homemade sodas on tap as well.

You’ve seen the beers on supermarket shelves and at bars and pubs – but did you know that Deep Ellum Brewing Company has a taproom? The cool industrial space is open seven days a week and gives tours from 12-3 p.m. every Saturday. Just up the street, don’t miss Braindead Brewing, another spot with a huge and rotating roster of both in-house

and craft beers, and a patio perfect for people-watching. They’re both near Deep Ellum Station.

A couple of the newer arrivals on the brewpub scene are especially DARTable. Oak Cliff Brewing is located in historic Tyler Station, a circa-1925 structure that was once the home of the Dixie Wax Paper Company. Today, the structure stands right next to Tyler/Vernon Station on the Red Line, and it’s been reimagined as a 33-barrel brew house with a taproom open seven days a week.

3 Nations Brewing similarly took a dilapidated grain warehouse and created a shrine to the brew master’s art. Known especially for their Mango Smash IPA and GPA (German Pale Ale), this brewpub has become a community gathering spot about a 6- or 7-minute walk north from Farmers Branch Station on the Green Line.

And you won’t run dry near Downtown Plano Station, either. The Fillmore Pub serves it up British-style, with a plenty of beer options and great fish and chips.

That’s just a start. You want more? Try the terrific drafts at the Irish-to-the-core Trinity Hall (Mockingbird Station), or the almost encyclopedic selection at The Ginger Man (M-Line Trolley).

DART is making major improvements. To create a smoother ride through downtown Dallas and reduce service interruptions, track improvements and rail replacement began March 30 and will last for roughly six months. During that time, DART Rail in downtown Dallas will be discontinued each weekend between Pearl/Arts District Station and West End Station. Separate shuttle routes will be in operation. Thanks for bearing with us as we build a better future for North Texas. DART.org/plus

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

By Julie Alvira, MD MBA

Caregiving is a labor of love but can pose some extreme challenges, both physically and emotionally. It does not matter if you’re an individual working as a professional caregiver for an agency or by yourself. Caregiving can create family pressures, impact financial well being, and contribute to social isolation.

Stress can take a toll and result in burnout. Professional burnout, which often is the result of stress manifested in the form of emotional and physical exhaustion, has become a national health crisis among healthcare professionals. It can result in poor sleep, mounting pressure, skipping exercise, bowing out of social events, poor eating, feeling not good enough, depression, an inability to accomplish obligations out of the healthcare setting, not having quality time with loved ones, and a decrease in the sense of personal accomplishments.

This doctor was having symptoms of anxiety. With the help of a therapist, he learned how to recognized these symptoms and take control. Also, he learned to listen with more patience and practice compassion with his own patients. As one can see, a caregiver gives their love and time with compassion and em-

orities. Yes, you feel compassion for your loved one, client or patient, but in order to help that person you have to help yourself first. This is not selfish or self-centered, it’s part of caring for your well being and having a balanced lifestyle to prevent the manifestations of stress.

According to Chopra Wellness Center, there are six areas of self-care that we should work on including:

• Physical: adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical movement to raise your energy levels.

• Emotional: “feel your feelings” and talk about them. Get in touch with your thoughts.

• Mental: instead of getting caught in stagnation, try a new challenge or project.

A physician and caregiver for his wife with breast cancer (Finkelstein, 2013) points out, “I compartmentalized my fears about what might happen, and I pushed forward––exactly as I would do with my patients at work, as I was trained to do. But while this strategy works effectively with the strangers that I care for in the operating room, it proved to be less successful at home. I started to have trouble sleeping, and I noticed many odd new physical symptoms––muscle fatigue and weakness, numbness and tingling in my fingers and arms, and palpitations.”

pathy but needs to learn how to connect to self. The idea of “feeling your feelings” by becoming aware of them is important. Take control, have emotional support, and know when to ask for help. One great thing that I have learned as a caregiver to my mom, who’s a widow and recently had a hip replacement, is to practice self-care.

Remember, you might not be able to do anything about the person’s disability, but you can do something about the way your life is impacted. Whether you are in the healthcare industry or are a professional caregiver or caring for a loved one, if you let stress and emotions lead to exhaustion, you might become vulnerable to many problems.

Self-Care

Self compassion and self care are pri-

• Spiritual: connect with the self by practicing yoga, tai chi, meditation, relaxation techniques or trying solitude. Remember that solitude is not isolation. It is a time to connect with yourself and recharge. Sometimes it is called “me time.” Some people walk in nature while others read a book. Your type of solitude time is special and it is your own. If the feeling of loneliness kicks in, be aware of where it’s coming from and come back to the present moment. Mindfulness helps when our fears and emotional wounds from the past show up and try to take over.

• Social: cultivate connection with people.

• Practical: pay attention to other areas of your life that are part of your chores and routines such as financial, projects, etc.

It’s important to know that you are not alone. It’s not easy, but in order to become a compassionate caregiver, love with a whole heart.

Julie Alvira, MD, MBA. www.coachdrjulie.com. Dr. Julie is a Certified Life Coach for men and women but has a passion for Women Recovering from Addictions. Creator of Your Recovery Gal program for women, she is a Nationally Certified Addictions Professional. julie@coachdrjulie.com. Bilingual virtual or in-office sessions.