Collin County Living Well Magazine July-August 2020

Lasting Swagger

Tom Selleck

Dr. Kwame Ennin

Dr. Karim Elsharkawy

Dr. Richard Reitman

Dr. Roger Emerson

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DEALING WITH ALLERGIES?

Spring in North Texas can be especially difficult for those suffering with allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Dallas ranks 19th in 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 aggravating, they can be quite painful.

Allergies effect on 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 release histamine which causes watery, itchy, red eyes.

Many people also 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 is the most common allergic eye condition, and it’s 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 affects adolescent 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 seasonal allergies

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

• Apply a cold compress to swollen eyes.

• Stay inside and keep your windows closed on high pollen count days.

•  Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses to block pollen from your eyes.

• Practice proper contact lens care.

• Wash your hands and hair frequently.

• Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes.

• Change your bedding frequently.

Some eye conditions such as dry eyes or pinkeye to name a few, are not caused by allergies. Many people confuse these symptoms with allergies. If you’re 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. Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center

Is your mask fogging up your glasses?

When the air you exhale gets up past the mask, you get fogging. Here are a few tips on preventing your glasses from fogging when wearing medical face masks:

• Don’t wear your mask too high up on your face because that makes it difficult to get a proper air seal.

• Many of the surgical type of masks have a little metal band in the nose area. You want to place that metal band over your nose and crimp it pretty tight on your nose to create a good seal.

• Also try taking a piece of 1” tape and tape the top of the mask to the top of your nose, under your glasses. This will create a perfect seal and stop the fogging issue.

Naturally, the best way to prevent foggy glasses is to rid your need for glasses. Schedule an eye exam today to see if you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery or other vision correction.

From left to right are: Leslie Pfeiffer, M.D.; Anita Jacob, O.D.; Kimberly Warren, M.D.; Sadaf Razi ElHaffar, O.D.,; Faisal Haq, M.D.

MASK UP!

Our world has changed. Humanity is facing extraordinarily challenges in the fight against COVID-19. The virus has impacted every aspect of our lives and changed our community fundamentally.

Local businesses are trying to adapt, reinvent and find their way, while conflicting information swirls as how best to proceed during these uncertain times. One thing appears to be clear, if we are to move forward, we all need to do a part in slowing the spread of the virus.

With that in mind, LIVING WELL is joining the cacophony of voices in the community urging everyone to wear a mask in public spaces to safeguard yourself and others from potential exposure to COVID-19. By doing so, you’re helping slow the spread of the virus to hopefully protect others, while helping the efforts of local businesses to continue serving the area.

On the subject of serving the area, the local businesses featured on our pages are working to serve you during these challenging times. As always, we thank them for providing valuable content. For instance, in this issue, you’ll find informative articles on how to avoid accidental poisoning and dealing with ADD, along with a slew of other timely tidbits on a host of other noteworthy topics.

Now, more than ever, we implore you to support local, including the area businesses you see inside. The pandemic has brought our local economy––and many of the advertisers who support this magazine––to a near standstill. The people behind these businesses are not only leaders in their respective fields, they live in this community and care about it. Please consider utilizing their valuable services.

Sincerely,

Sam and Spring Houston

PRESIDENT & CEO

Sam Houston

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

Spring Houston

FEATURE WRITER, COPY EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Sondra Barr

ART DIRECTOR, LAYOUT, PRODUCTION & WEBSITE DESIGN

Lewis Schucart

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT

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BUILT TO LAST

By Sondra Barr

Tom Selleck still commands an audience.

Tom Selleck is no one-hit wonder. His enduring and much beloved leading man presence on television screens has spanned over four decades.

Larger-than-life, the 6 foot 4 star strikes a commanding, no-nonsense presence. Mix that with a rancher’s work ethic, more than a dash of old school charm, and a rugged visage that only gets better with age, and you have the key to Selleck’s lasting appeal.

It’s this reliable everyman persona that permeates his two most enduring starring roles, most recently as Frank Reagan, the New York police commissioner in the long-running Blue Bloods, which wrapped up its 10th season in May, and in the 80s smash hit Magnum, P.I.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that both roles encompass a strong code of ethics, something that Selleck, 75, embraces in his private life. Rather than take his prolonged success for granted, he’s nurtured it at arm’s length, while prioritizing his family, their 65-acre California ranch, and the causes nearest his heart.

“I’m a fairly private person,” he told People Magazine’s Aili Nahas this year. “And I’ve always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It’s always about them.”

When Magnum, P.I. went on-air on Dec. 11, 1980, Selleck was a relative unknown. He had gotten into acting while a student

and basketball player at the University of Southern California. After appearing in some commercials and on The Dating Game twice (surprisingly, he didn’t get the girl), 20th Century Fox tapped him for a $35-a-week paycheck in their selective “New Talent” program, according to Parade

A short while later, the military called Selleck up for his Vietnam commitment. He didn’t balk and signed on for a six-year commitment. “I am a veteran, I am proud of it. I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era,” he’s said. “We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense.”

When Selleck’s service came to an end, he returned to California ready to start where he left off. According to impactingourfuture.com, after six months of active duty, there was a uniform that Selleck kept in his car so he’d be ready to serve at a moment’s notice. “It wasn’t the best thing for acting, especially when you had to

The luckiest thing that happened was that I didn’t get a real job until I was 35.

get a military haircut, and no one was wearing their hair that way. You looked a little geeky for most parts,” he recalled. Yet, parts he earned, in soaps, forgettable movies, and pilots that didn’t sell.

At 35, he found himself in Hawaii to take on yet another TV pilot, but this show was different. The day after Magnum, P.I. premiered, Selleck was a star. The private-eye series depicted Selleck as Thomas Magnum, a Vietnam vet working as a private investigator in Honolulu, who operated out of the sprawling estate of a famous author who was never home. Viewers couldn’t get enough of Selleck, the hot cars, stunning women, and luxe Hawaiian setting.

“The key to Magnum was that he woke up one day at 33 and realized

Continued, page 10

Continued, from page 9

he had never been 23,” said Selleck to writer Mary McNamara for the Los Angeles Times in 2011.

What appeared to many like overnight success for Selleck was a long time in the making. “The luckiest thing that happened was that I didn’t get a real job until I was 35,” said Selleck to AARP in 2015. During the years of ho hum roles, he sought out acting classes to hone his craft.

“When I was 25, I looked 35 but sounded 15. There are a lot of very good actors who make it as younger leading men but don’t graduate––because the audience won’t accept them as grown up.”

Accept Selleck as a grown up, the public did. At the peak of his Magnum popularity, Selleck was earning well over $1 million annually, an astronomical sum in the 80s. Meanwhile, he made Oahu the destination du jour of that decade.

According to a 1985 Chicago Tribune article by Ron Miller, “One can’t land on Oahu without knowing that this is Tom Selleck’s island. He grins from posters everywhere––in the airport souvenir shops, in the booths at fast-food joints, on the sides of hot-dog stands. The tourist brochures given away in boxes along Waikiki Beach rank him up there with King Kamehameha.”

At the height of the show’s popularity and his fame, Selleck abruptly stepped away from the spotlight and retreated to his ranch in Hidden Valley, California, with his wife and daughter. He wanted a quieter life away from the prying eyes of the media and obsessive fans.

“I knew intellectually what it would mean in terms of being a public person, but until you’ve lived it, there’s no way to understand it. I had a feeling of, ‘I don’t think I’m cut out for this,’” he said.

ABOVE: Selleck is best known as portraying Hawaiibased private investigator Thomas Magnum on the 1980’s television show Magnum, P.I.

According to the People interview, Selleck’s self-imposed hiatus from Hollywood was extended by the disappointing scripts that would come his way. “I put up with the articles that said, ‘he’s disappeared, he’s done.’ And you do get done, I’m well aware of that. It was a big lull, but it put a lot of things in perspective.”

Tom Selleck Quick Takes

• He auditioned with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for the lead in Indiana Jones

• He had a hip replacement in 2013. To recover, he built a bridge on his ranch as an unconventional form of physical therapy

• He sometimes gets saluted by real NYPD officers when walking down the street

• He’s a veteran of the California Army National Guard

• One of his earliest roles was on The Young and the Restless

• He earned an Emmy nomination for his role on Friends

He spent the ensuing time tending to his ranch and horses, while he and his wife raised their daughter, Hannah.

His wife, actress Jillie Mack, whom he’d met in 1984 after spying her backstage after her performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, initially wasn’t keen on moving the family to a ranch. But, according the 2015 AARP article, she views it differently in hindsight. “It’s the best place to raise a child,” she said. “It was such the wisdom of Tom. He knew he needed to buy back his anonymity, to replenish the soul.”

The wide open spaces also helped to strengthen the pair’s happy union, which is 33 years strong. “There’s a lot of yin and yang in us. I’m kind of quiet. She’s got this joie de vivre. I don’t know what our secret is, but I’m happy,” he said. After recharging his star wattage, Selleck was back for more success. He starred in the 1987 movie 3 Men and a Baby and its sequel, 3 Men and a

Little Lady. He also had a recurring role as Courteney Cox’s older love interest on Friends and he’s also starred in the popular Jesse Stone series television movies.

Yet, it’s his character in Blue Bloods that has provided Selleck another act to his lengthly career. The role of Police Commissioner Frank Reagan is tailor made for Selleck’s unique brand of no nonsense reliability. Reagan is a man who commands respect at both City Hall and the Sunday night dinner table, where he anchors a three-generation NYPD family, according to Parade. The show premiered in 2010 and has consistently drawn in over 11 million viewers per episode. It was recently announced the show will be back for the 2020/2021 season.

“The show has lasted because the characters have been allowed to grow and change. The potential is limitless in my opinion,” he told TV Insider. “Everybody’s very much aware that this is maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity––a show that’s found its way and is welcomed by an audience. I’m ready to go back when it’s okay to start again.”

While we can’t wait for Selleck to be back, he’s been quarantining with his wife on their ranch. A place that he’s said works magic on his body and mind. “This ranch is a great counterpoint to the acting business, which is an abstraction,” he told AARP. “You do something, it’s up on a piece of film, and everybody argues whether it is good or bad. You dig a hole and plant an oak tree––and I’ve probably planted a thousand of them––it’s real. It’s there and you can watch it grow. It’s a lot different than being famous, and it keeps me sane.”

Bloods just wrapped up its tenth season but the popular show shows no signs of slowing down.

In Quigley Down Under (1990), Selleck portrays a sharpshooter hired by an Australian rancher at a very high price but when Quigley arrives Down Under, all is not as it seems.

Blue

Selleck and wife Jillie Mack at the Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special.

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WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Courtesy Allen Dental Center

Believe it or not, some folks don’t understand what dental implants are, how they work and why they are so helpful. A dental implant acts just like a real tooth root, maintaining complete stability of the attached tooth or teeth and stimulating the surrounding bone so that the bone maintains its volume. Dental implants are often the most conservative tooth replacement option and can be a better option than complex dental work to try and save a tooth where the tooth is already highly compromised. The actual implant is a small titanium screw that replaces

the root of the missing tooth or provides an anchor for a full arch case. After the implant is integrated into the bone, we can place a tooth on top of it and allow you to begin feeling confident again and chewing normally.

Why would anyone want to get dental implants? Something that can help aid you in your decision between a Dental Implant and any other dental procedure is that you will most likely want a solution composed of 5 things: natural looking, comfortable, easy to maintain, healthy for your mouth and a great value. Imagine a smile that is pure, clean and allows you to beam with confidence. Imagine a smile that allows you to brush and floss normally. Imagine a smile that will not require return visits to the dentist to maintain and replace expensive appliances. Dental implants are a great option for each of these ideal solutions.

Gone are the days of teeth flopping around in your mouth! Dental implants can secure most dentures, and that’s life changing. Most of us like being social and the most common thing we do is eat together. That’s reason enough to

make sure your teeth are secure, not to mention being able to eat the food we enjoy. Additionally, a single tooth implant might be used to preserve the surrounding teeth by avoiding a cemented bridge. When we do bridges, we have to treat the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. In trying to restore missing teeth, we would love to keep the others healthy too.

What worries the average person about getting implants? You can be sure almost everyone can benefit from implants. It’s a rare case that we can’t help someone. Maybe it might be between $3,000 for a single tooth and $50,000 for an entire mouth reconstruction. There are affordable ways, including special financing, that could bring the cost down to $56 a month for a single tooth and $390 for one full arch. This is all subject to credit approval and a down payment, but it gives a proper perspective to those who are considering this.

Another possible misconception is that Dental Implants could be painful. Most of the time getting implants is not nearly as uncomfortable as people imagine. There is a lot of planning put into the surgery ahead of time so that the actual procedure is quite simple.

The Allen Dental Center has been performing many dental services for decades, but implants are at the top of the list. We even have the Dallas Implant Institute conducting continuing education classes out of this facility with our doctors as the instructors. In other words, our dentists are getting to teach other dentists how to be successful at placing implants.

Implants can and often last a lifetime. It is important to find a dentist who knows how to help you get the successful results you deserve. Allen Dental Center is offering a free consultation with necessary x rays and are currently looking for certain cases that we can use for teaching classes.

Are Dental Implants right for you? Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you missing one or more teeth and would love to have a complete smile once again?

• Do you currently have any other kinds of tooth replacements such as: dentures, bridges, flippers, etc. that aren’t providing the comfort or convenience you desire?

• Have you or are you experiencing any mouth injuries, decay, gum disease?

• Are you embarrassed about your teeth and your smile?

• Would you love to finally have a healthy, beautiful smile?

If you said yes to one or more of these questions, then you are likely a good candidate for dental implants.

DO I REALLY NEED AN ATTORNEY?

By Leu & Peirce, PLLC

Creating a Will and a solid estate plan is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. However, according to a recent survey, only four in ten American adults have a Will and less than that have powers of attorney in place. One of the things we hear most often when providing education about Wills and other legal documents is: “Why do I need an attorney? Can’t I just do this myself?” While we understand the desire to save money, we know that the do-ityourself approach can end up costing your loved ones more time and money in the long run, even in a “simple” estate.

Medical Power of Attorney are critical parts of long-term care planning, because they designate the person or persons who will be acting for you in the event you are unable to handle your own financial

The biggest obstacle to overcome when preparing a good estate plan, is ensuring that all of the necessary documents are included. In addition to a Will, everyone over the age of 18 needs the following legal documents in place to ensure maximum control and protection over their assets and their future:

• Will

• Durable Power of Attorney

• Medical Power of Attorney

• Authorization to Release Medical Information

• Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will)

• Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Later Incapacity

These documents are vital to a well-rounded estate plan. This is particularly true for the documents designed to protect you during your lifetime. Although often overlooked, a Durable Power of Attorney and a

and health care decisions. Without these documents, no one, not even your parents, spouse, or adult children, is legally authorized to handle your finances or make medical decisions for you.

An experienced attorney who practices in this area of the law understands each of these documents thoroughly and how they should be developed to fit your particular circumstances, wishes, and family dynamics. As with any legal document, these documents should only be executed after great contemplation, discussion, and reflection. Each person and situation is unique and you should not rely on a generic form to guide these important decisions. Additionally, as your life situation changes, so should your estate planning documents. It is generally a good idea to have your documents reviewed by an attorney upon life-changing events, or every five years to ensure your estate plan still reflects your wishes and is consistent with your goals.

“But I don’t have any assets,” or “My creditors will take my estate,” or “I’m not old enough” are other reasons we hear when counseling the public on the importance of estate planning. The bottom line is everyone has an estate to plan for and protect. Everyone has at least one asset – a bank account, a car, maybe a house – even if its encumbered by debt. It doesn’t matter if you have one or one million assets, the necessity to have a well thought out, complete estate plan with all of the documents, is the same. Despite our better judgment, an 18-year old is the same kind of adult as an 80-year old, and although the estate plan maybe different, the importance of having legal documents in place is equal.

Advice on these documents, as well as other legal issues, such as eligibility for long-term care Medicaid benefits, should be provided by an attorney who works in this area on a daily basis. There is a reason that professionals like attorneys and doctors are licensed and specialized – they are providing important services, governed by certain standards, and they are required to obtain continual education in their areas of expertise. Such licensing is intended to provide protection to the public. That protection is lost, though, when unlicensed, and unauthorized, persons provide advice on the same matters.

Seek qualified professional advice and take the time to build relationships with people you trust to help you plan for your future. You are doing your family an invaluable service when you prepare and complete a plan before you need it.

Lori Leu, Erin Peirce, and Lauren Olson are Elder Law attorneys with Leu & Peirce, PLLC and can be reached at 972-996-2540

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL

By Rick Allen

Nothing makes a parent more proud than to hear someone else brag on your kid. Typically, a parent’s response is something like, “Are you sure we are talking about the right kid?” As we all know behavior is often different at home than it is when they are out on their own, and thank goodness, most of them mind their p’s and q’s and wind up making us proud.

As I grow older and watch our children and their friends grow up and mature, I have to wonder is there something we could be learning from them. Because my days are filled with exposure to events surrounding death, grieving families and funeral tributes, I have the opportunity to observe people who are often experiencing the worst thing that may happen to them in their entire life. I have always felt that adversity brings out the very best or unfortunately the very worst in people and while I sometimes have to shake my head at the worst, I equally stand in amazement at some of the wonderful people who are poised, full of grace, loving and caring with one another even in difficult times.

rience, is very obviously present and the denial that a death has occurred could easily overcome someone who is not yet a mature adult.

It has been a common practice for many years to suggest allowing those who are grieving an opportunity to see

Something that has been most striking to me about common behaviors I am witnessing recently is how the younger generations are responding when one of their peers has died. Unfortunately, most of the time when a younger person has died, it is due to accident or an incident that has been acute in it’s’ onset. Shock, which is a common part of the grieving expe-

their friend one last time at an open casket event such as a visitation at the funeral home or at least having the casket open prior to funeral services for viewing. However, over the course of the past 15 years or so, a trend has been emerging and people are often foregoing the viewing altogether. My

personal opinion is that in an attempt to deal with grief, those who want to have the least exposure to it are actually only prolonging their grief. It appears as if the logic is that “if we ignore it, it will go away”. What I am actually witnessing is quite an opposite response to death and grief by the younger generation. When a peer has died, the surviving friends actually want to see that person to say good-bye. They do not seem to be fearful or turned off by viewing the body of a friend who has died, but rather appear to find comfort and closure, just as the experience is designed to offer. What is really interesting about this attitude toward the viewing experience is that it is a full circle back to what the grandparents of this generation found to be commonplace regarding funeral tributes. It is as if the viewing custom skipped a generation for one reason or another.

Having witnessed this desire for a viewing opportunity in the younger generation, I have to ask myself how this has occurred. Obviously, they have not been taught it by parents who have trended to the complete opposite attitude and most will not remember the customs of their grandparents. So, I have to assume that it is something thought through and decided as being relevant by this younger generation. If that is indeed the case, do we, as older adults need to look to the younger ones for advice on how to deal with grief and loss in a more healthy way? Quite possibly so, I always encourage people to listen to their inner self. Follow your instinct and do not be afraid to go against what you have been taught as being normal.

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.

After 8 Weeks, “Scarless”

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.

Save 25% OFF Mini Face Lift

Book your Mini Face Lift with Dr. Roberts before August 30, 2020, and save 25 percent. (Have your procedure anytime in 2020.) 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

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.”

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.”

60% OFF

by August 30, 2020

Actual Roberts Patient

Actual Roberts Patients

Sta ed by 2 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

30 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 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

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 happens 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

UNDERSTANDING HEARING LOSS

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

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.

J. R ichard Evanson, D.O. OR

THOPEDIC SURGEON

Dr. J. Richard Evanson is a board- cer tified, fellowship trained or thopedic surgeon specializing in hip preser vation as well as reconstruc tion of the hip and k nee. He is cer tified in total k nee and total hip replacements with the MAKO™ Robot, and focuses on a variety of surgical techniques including: hip and k nee ar thoscopy, minimally invasive techniques, spor t injuries, and joint replacement of the hip and k nee. He has a clinical interest and background work ing with spor ts related injuries, femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis (AVN), and ar thritis of the hip and k nee. Dr. Evanson is a former Army surgeon and team physician for the Army Airborne R angers. Dr. Evanson offers minimally invasive hip joint replacement using the direc t anterior approach with the MAKO™ Robot, helping his patients recover faster while minimizing pain. He also specializes in hip ar throscopy, pelvic osteotomies and other hip joint preser vation surgeries to help his patients maintain their normal joints and ac tive lifestyles. Dr. Evanson is cer tified in total k nee and total hip replacements with the MAKO™ Robot.

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

WOMEN AND ADD: THE HIDDEN DISABILITY

By Kimberly Blaker

According to Sari Solden, in her book Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, “Almost all women find that life today is complex, upsetting or frustrating, but they are still able to meet most of [life’s] demands reasonably well…. For women with untreated Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), however, the demands of daily life can be crippling. It cripples their self-esteem, their families, their lives, their work and their relationships.”

ADD, also known as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), affects between three and five percent of the population. However, adult ADD, especially as it appears in women, often goes unrecognized.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ADD IN WOMEN

The symptoms of ADD are many. Some are more commonly seen in women and opposite the more recognized symptoms seen in men. This makes detection unlikely and diagnosis difficult. Each person’s experience with ADD is unique. While there is a multitude of characteristics, most women with the disorder don’t have every symptom. Instead, each woman has a mixture severe enough to impair some areas of life.

Mental vs. physical disorganization

Disorganization is typical and often a severe problem for women struggling with ADD. They may be unable to organize their homes, offices, or lives. To outsiders, the disorganization isn’t always visible. That’s because women who lead professional lives may have assistants, secretaries, and cleaning services to assist them. Some ADD women have a partner who compensates for their organizational dysfunction, as well.

Other women with ADD find clutter and disorganization an incredible distraction. These distractions, coupled with

the responsibilities of everyday life, lead to mental disorganization. The disorganized brain struggles to store, weed out, and organize logically. For these women, being tidy and organized equals survival.

Hyperactivity vs. hypoactivity

Women with ADD can be at either end of the spectrum, either hyperactive or hypoactive (underactive). Hyperactive women may go at full speed until they crash from the overload. Family life can also suffer from a hyperactive mother. She may be unable to sit and play games or read to her children unless she finds the activities stimulating. Many women with ADD are at the other extreme. They’re hypoactive, unable to muster the energy to do much of anything. These women are often unable to keep up with life’s many demands. Maintaining a home, participating in family activities, staying in touch with friends, even holding down a job can be a significant challenge.

Inattention vs. hyperfocusing

The problem is women with ADD struggle with the inability to regulate attention. So it doesn’t mean they can never maintain attention. Instead, their ability to focus is based on interest and whether the activity is stimulating. Many women daydreamed through school when they were younger. Yet the subjects or activities they found fun, interesting, or exciting didn’t pose such a problem. Adult life with ADD is often the same.

Hyperfocusing, which is the opposite of inattention, also poses problems and can coexist with symptoms of inattention. While it may be challenging to focus on some things, a woman may hyperfocus on that which interests her and be unable to shift her attention. Hyperfocusing can last for hours, days, and longer and makes it difficult to break for important matters. Meals may be forgotten, and family

members can carry on conversations without being heard. So hyperfocusing puts a strain on the family. If a hyperfocused woman does manage to break away from what she’s engrossed in, she may wander aimlessly and forget what she’s doing.

Impatience and impulsivity

Standing in lines, sitting in waiting rooms, and being placed on hold for lengthy waits drives some women with ADD to the brink. So they may avoid these situations altogether. Women with ADD may be impatient either visibly or internally or act impulsively. Minor nuisances can cause significant agitation. Other women with this disorder can maintain their composure yet still feel anxious and annoyed.

Women with ADD may also be impatient about life and events. A woman may plan her whole education or entire life in one day and need for it to happen immediately. She goes into things full swing rather than stepby-step. As a result, women with ADD may have a change of heart after much investment of time or money or feeling spread too thin, with too many goals to achieve.

Impulsiveness is seen when women with this disorder act or speak without thinking. This often leads to trouble by spending impulsively or jumping into relationships and even marriage. Some struggle socially and interrupt conversations or blurt things out they later regret.

Mood

Mood swings, being overemotional, or easily frustrated is another problem. For some women, having ADD is like being on an emotional roller coaster. Extreme mood shifts sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, though the two can coexist.

Women with ADD are frustrated by the slightest aggravations. A simple mistake seems a major ordeal and may result in anger, storming off, and dropping a task altogether. If interrupted in the midst of something, a woman may become irritable and annoyed. Depression, although not a symptom of ADD, often coexists or is a result of the debilitating

disorder. Depression in the ADD woman may stem from a lack of self-worth because she’s unable to hold down a job or adequately care for her family. It can also result from not achieving up to potential because of attention problems or the inability to stick with things. It also sometimes comes from feeling overwhelmed. This feeling can dominate the life of a woman with this disorder.

Continued, page 26

Continued from, page 25

THE CAUSE OF ADD

Research indicates ADD is a neurobiological disorder with a strong genetic link. According to the nonprofit organization Children and Adults with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, exposure to nicotine or alcohol during fetal development, or several other environmental factors may also play a role in the development of ADD.

MISDIAGNOSIS

Studies show the incidence of ADD in men and women is nearly identical, says Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., co-author of Understanding Women with AD/HD. There are several common reasons women with ADD often go undiagnosed.

Doctors often diagnose the depression that accompanies ADD, but miss the ADD itself. Women, more often than men, have coexisting anxiety and depression, which must be treated as well.

Also, women who are more hyperactive, hyper talkative, and impulsive are sometimes misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Many doctors still look for signs of ADD more typical of boys. Many doctors fail to understand that ADD symptoms in females often don’t appear until puberty or later because of hormonal fluctuations. When girls enter adolescence, during PMS, and as estrogen levels drop in perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms of ADD often worsen.

Also, girls tend to try harder in school, so their ADD patterns are often masked or overlooked by teachers.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Several treatments are available for ADD. The most effective is a prescription medication. There’s a multitude of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs available for treatment.

Behavioral therapy is also beneficial for both coming to terms with the lifelong disorder and to relieve negative coping behaviors. Coaching is also useful for learning new skills and strategies for structuring life. Because ADD is neurobiological, therapy and coaching work best in conjunction with medication.

Several ineffective treatments are on the market, as well. Suspect therapies, according to CHADD, include dietary plans such as the Feingold Diet and vitamin and mineral supplements. Other treatments that lack evidence include anti-motion-sickness medication, Candida yeast, EEG Biofeedback, Applied Kinesiology, also known as Neural Organization Technique, and Optometric Vision Training, to

name a few. Often, excessive claims are made about these treatments, citing a few favorable responses or studies that don’t hold up to scrutiny.

WHERE TO FIND HELP

An accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential. Finding a qualified provider isn’t always easy because adult ADD, particularly as it affects women, isn’t always recognized. Before seeking a diagnosis, read some

Symptoms of ADD

Some of the symptoms commonly seen in women, partially taken from Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults by Dr. Lynn Weiss, are as follows:

• Difficulty completing tasks or following through on plans

• Difficulty shifting attention

• Excessively shifting from one activity to another

• Trouble concentrating on reading

• Impatience

• Frequent preoccupation in thoughts and not hearing when spoken to

• Difficulty sitting still or excessive fidgeting

• Sudden and unexpected mood swings

• Interrupting in conversations, speaking without considering consequences

• Hot-tempered

• Need for high stimulus

• Forgetfulness

• Low tolerance for frustration

• A tendency toward substance abuse

recommended books for a better understanding of the disorder and the diagnosis and treatment process. Also, compile a list of questions to ask your provider to ensure he has a clear understanding of the disorder and appropriate treatments. If you don’t feel comfortable with a physician’s responses, seek help elsewhere.

Dear Olivia,

I am nervous having anyone come into our home during the current health environment and I suspect it may be this way for a while. How do we know when it is safe to use in-home care of any kind right now, especially hospice?

~How Can We Ensure Safety

Dear How Can We Ensure Safety,

All patients and families should require anyone coming into their home is screened properly to ensure you are provided the safest care possible in such a tumultuous time. The CDC has issued clear guidance on how to screen both health care personnel and patients prior to providing any care. Patients and families/caregivers should be asked screening questions prior to visits so health care workers wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the situation. This may include a mask, gloves, gown, shoe covers and face shield or goggles and is worn to ensure the safety of your loved one and the health care worker.

Screening questions:

1. Has anyone engaged in international travel within the last 14 days to countries with sustained community transmission?

2. Are there any signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a fever, cough, and sore throat?

OLIVIA ROGERS

Olivia is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas.

3. In the last 14 days, has patient had contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID19, or are they ill with respiratory illness?

4. Does the patient reside in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring?

It is also essential to ensure the health care workers are cleared before making a visit to your home. The CDC approved survey process for these workers is as follows:

1. Health care providers and volunteers who have symptoms of a respiratory infection should not report to work.

2. Anyone who develops symptoms of a respiratory infection while on the job should immediately stop work, put on a face mask, and self-isolate at home.

3. Health care workers should take their temperature twice a day and stay home with any abnormal temperature.

4. It is always appropriate to ask the health care worker to put on a mask prior to entering your home.

Strictly following these procedures will ensure that the community is preventing the spread of COVID-19 and necessary at-home care can be provided.

~Olivia

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.

Meals on Wheels Hospice & Palliative Care

vnatexas.org

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) 535-2615 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

REHABILITATION CENTER

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

24-hour Skilled and Rehabilitative services

Stonemere o ers 24-hour Skilled and Rehabilitative services for medically complex patients to include those needing high level acuity skilled nursing care.

• Skilled care physicians and sta

• Certi ed high level wound care

• Tracheostomy care

• IV therapies (antibiotics, Lasix) PICC line placement

Luxury Amenities such as private rooms, WiFi, and full private baths.

Comfortable living rooms.

5 Star Dining, specialized menu tailored for patient’s nutritional needs by a licensed nutritionist. Therapy

• Physical therapy

• Occupation therapy

• Speech therapy

• erapist is LOUD certi ed

Stonemere has individually tailored therapy programs for strokes, orthopedics, elective procedures, generalized weakness and debility.

Total

Total

Partial

Dr. Ralston is Board Certified in Dermatology. He is an award-winning dermatologist with numerous accolades. Most recently he was honored in 2019 as Best Dermatologist, Best Place for Botox, and Best Laser Hair Removal by McKinney / Allen Living Magazine. In 2018 he won Best Physician - Dermatologist for the eighth year in a row by McKinney Magazine/Online's Best of McKinney.

Dr. Ralston practices cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology and provides the latest treatment options for a wide range of pediatric, adolescent and adult dermatological concerns such as skin cancer, eczema, acne and acne scars, wrinkles, age spots, rashes and psoriasis. He utilizes treatments, such as PDT, which combines laser or other light with topical medicine to treat skin cancer, acne, aging, and other conditions. He provides the latest in body contouring and other cosmetic treatments and techniques. Additionally, he is a national key opinion leader for multiple lasers. His professional interests include utilizing technology to enhance the art and science of medicine for optimal skin health through preventative and quality care.

Dr. Ralston received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and completed his dermatology residency at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, New York where he was Chief Resident. He also fulfilled a fellowship in cutaneous oncology and photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the prestigious Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. There he explored leading edge technology to develop less invasive methods to treat skin cancer and pre-cancers in order to refine his skills as a surgeon further, Dr. Ralston participated as a fellow in Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Ralston has contributed textbook chapters and articles to the medical literature and was awarded Best Clinical Science Report from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Dr. Ralston was raised in The Woodlands, Texas, and now lives in McKinney with his wife and three children. He enjoys snow skiing, computers, music, reading, theatre, and spending time with his family.

Reza Mobarak, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA

Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery and in Wound Care

Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Fellow, American Professional Wound Care Association

PLANO CLINIC: 5804 Coit Rd., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

972.805.9985

LEWISVILLE CLINIC: 502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 75067

972.318.2738

IRVING CLINIC: 6161 N. State Hwy. 161 Ste. 320 Irving, TX 75038 972.318.2655

The foot is a crucial part of the human body and comes with numerous complications that often need to be treated by qualified professionals. Our staff is filled with responsible specialists experienced in treating a variety of conditions.

SPECIALIZES IN:

Foot and Ankle • Wound Care • *Neuropathy OFFERING:

Laser Therapy for • Pain

• Swelling

• Arthritis

• Wounds

*Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning, pain)

Medical & Surgical Treatments

• Foot and Ankle Surgery

• Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

• Bunions and Hammer Toe Procedure

• Ingrown Toenails

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Diabetic Foot Care

• Flat Feet

• Trauma

• Drop Foot

• Custom Orthotics & Braces

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

Stephen Neece, MD (972) 334-0300

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

Richardson, TX

Akilan Arumugham, MD (972) 599-9328

Jorge Roman, MD (972) 599-9328

Crys Sory, MD (972) 566-7866

Michael Oh, MD (972) 283-4966

Bartley Mitchell, MD (214) 948-2076

Excuse Me While I Burp

By Kimberly Blaker

One of the most common causes of excessive burping is taking too much air into your digestive system. The excess air must then be expelled. There are several possible causes of swallowing more air than your stomach can handle such as loose dentures, hiccups, eating or drinking too quickly, using a straw, smoking, chewing gum, and talking while eating.

Remedy: Pay attention to what you were doing before the burping started. Take notes to look for a pattern and see if decreasing the behavior resolves it. Also, consider going for a short walk after meals to help move the gas through your system.

Belching, or burping, is a bodily process that helps expel a build-up of gas from the digestive system. Some people view it as rude or embarrassing, while others find it amusing. Some even consider it a show of appreciation for good food or drink. Regardless of your personal take on burping, it’s a normal, healthy function, all of us do an average of three to six times after each meal. Still, if you find yourself burping excessively, it may cause you concern. A variety of causes of gas buildup can lead to the need to belch.

rises back toward the esophagus and causes heartburn. This leads to an increase in swallowing and the potential for air to be taken in. Over the counter medications are available to treat it, though some also cause burping.

cers may heal on their own with lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, controlling stress, eating a healthy diet, avoiding milk, and reducing the use of pain relievers. Some medications can treat ulcers or reduce stomach acid irritation.

Some foods cause a buildup of gas in your digestive system because of their high levels of starch, sugar, or fiber. Some common gas-inducing foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, lentils, onions, dairy, peas, bananas, raisons and whole wheat bread. Carbonated drinks release carbon dioxide bubbles into your system and can increase belching. A side effect of some medications is burping as well.

Remedy: Keep a food diary to track everything you eat, along with the frequency and timing of your burps. You can see any patterns between foods then reduce or eliminate your consumption of gas-producing foods and drinks.

Because burping is the release of gas out of your mouth from your digestive system, digestive issues are often the cause. Some of the most common are: Acid Reflux or GERD: Stomach acid

Hiatal hernia: This type of hernia involves part of the upper stomach pushing through an opening in the diaphragm. Hiatal hernias are relatively common after the age of 50, most often causing no symptoms. Hence, people are unaware of the hernia. When the hernia causes burping, lifestyle changes, and medication usually resolve the symptom. Only rarely is surgery required for a hiatal hernia.

Lactose intolerance: This is an inability for the body to digest lactose in milk that results in bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which lead to burping. Avoidance of dairy products is the easiest way to prevent symptoms.

Peptic ulcers: These are sores on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and intestines caused by H. pylori bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) or irritation from pain relievers. The increase in acid that eats away at the lining can cause excess gas and belching. Ul -

Irritable bowel syndrome: Also known as IBS, this is a disorder affecting the large intestine resulting in digestive issues including gas and bloating that can lead to burping. IBS is a chronic condition and requires long term management of diet, lifestyle, stress, and possibly the use of medication.

Fructose malabsorption: This is when the body is unable to process foods or drinks containing fructose, leading to increased gas production or bloating. To resolve it, read labels and eliminate anything containing fructose from your diet.

Remedy: In these cases, burping is a symptom of a more significant problem. By addressing the underlying cause with medication or altering your diet under the guidance of a medical professional, you should experience a reduction in gas production.

When dealing with excessive belching, remember that generally, it’s temporary, harmless, and can quickly be dealt with by making minor changes in your lifestyle. But if an increase in belching continues for more than a couple weeks, is accompanied by other symptoms like severe abdominal pain, or affects your quality of life, contact your doctor. It’s best to make sure nothing more serious is going on with your body that’s causing your burping.

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.

Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD

M. Akram Khan, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI Cardiologist

Dr. Muhammad Akram Khan has practiced cardiovascular medicine in McKinney, Texas since 1997. He completed his cardiac fellowship and Interventional Fellowship at Baylor Medical Center of Dallas.

As Medical Director of Cardiac Center of Texas, Dr. Khan is committed to the application of new technology and progressive techniques to enhance the care he provides to his patients. Cardiac Center of Texas is a testament to his commitment to advanced preventive care and treatment. “Our goal is to help people identify their health risks and pre-symptomatic disease conditions prior to the onset of symptoms. In this proactive manner, we can potentially identify conditions before they go on to become acute and chronic conditions and when medical interventions may be most effective.”

Dr. Khan has served on the Medical Executive Committee for various hospitals and is on staff at Medical Center of McKinney, where he has been Chief of Cardiology, the Medical Center of Plano where he serves as Medical Director for Preventive Medicine, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, McKinney, and Centennial, and at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano and Baylor. Dr. Khan also is dedicated to research and education. He is Director of North Dallas Research Associates.

He is a member of the following organizations:

● American Academy of Peripheral Vascular Disease

● American Association of Physician Leadership

● Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research/aka ACRP

● American Board of Int Med- Interventional Cardiology

● American Board of Int Med - Cardiovascular Disease

● American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine

● American College of Cardiology

● American College of Phlebology

● American Society of Cardiovascular Phlebologists

● Horizons International Peripheral Group

● SoCRA Society of Clinical Research Associates

CARDIAC CENTER OF TEXAS 4201 Medical Center Drive, Suite 380 McKinney, Texas 75069 972.529.6939 cardiaccenteroftexas.com

● SCAI-Society for Cardio Angio & Interventions

● SCCT-Society of Cardiovascular CT

● APPNA

● Texas Medical Association

● Collin-Fannin Medical Society

● International Society of Endovascular Specialists

● American Heart/American Stroke Association

● Society for Women’s Health Research

● American Medical Association

● Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society

● CLI Global Society

By Kimberly Blaker

SERIOUS ACCIDENTAL POISONING IS on the Rise

Poisoning is the number one cause of injury-related deaths in the U.S., according to a 2019 report by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). More than 2 million cases of human poison exposure in the U.S. were reported in 2017 alone. While less severe poison exposures have decreased in recent years, more serious exposures have been on the rise, according to the AAPCC annual report. Since 2000, serious cases have grown by 4.44% per year ranging from moderate severity to death. As would be expected, children under the age of 6 disproportionately account for 45% of all poisonings. Yet more serious cases of poisoning are often among teens and adults.

TOP 5 POISON EXPOSURES

The following result in the most poisonings each year, according to the AAPCC.

Analgesics. Painkillers and fever reducers are found in nearly every home, and most people use them from timeto-time. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, among others. As a result, they’re among the top causes of poisonings.

When administering analgesics to a child, pay close attention to the recommended dosage. Also, make sure everyone in the home knows the exact time your grandchild took the last dose to avoid the risk of an overdose. The best method to prevent such errors is to keep a written log of the time and dose given. Also, keep containers without child safety caps locked up.

Of particular note, children shouldn’t take aspirin because it increases the risk for Reye Syndrome.

Analgesics can also be poisonous to pets, particularly smaller animals. So don’t give your pet analgesics without talking to your veterinarian first.

Adults can also accidentally overdose on analgesics. The risk is particularly high when combining them with cough and cold medicines because these sometimes contain ibuprofen.

Household cleaning substances.  These toxins result in poisoning through ingestion, inhalation, or coming in contact with the skin or eyes. The National Safety Council recommends paying close attention to the labels of all household products and following all safety precautions to protect both yourself and family members from accidental exposure.

If pets or children are in your home, keep these products stored out of reach or locked up. Use particular caution with paint, markers, glue, cleaners, and furniture and floor polish.

A danger young children are particularly vulnerable to is laundry and dishwasher packets. Infants and toddlers are attracted to these colorful little packets because they resemble teething products, candy, and toys.

Cosmetics & personal care products.  Most people think of these items as relatively harmless since we use them on our bodies daily. Unfortunately, children tend to use them for purposes for which they aren’t intended. Ingestion of cosmetics and personal care products can cause mild to severe reactions, including severe burns in the esophagus or mouth. Children also sometimes get these products in their eyes. This can cause severe pain or even damage.

These products can also be unsafe for adults. For example, the FDA has warned of high mercury levels found in some cosmetics manufactured overseas that are illegally sold in the U.S. So check labels for ‘mercurous chloride,’ ‘calomel,’ ‘mercury,’ ‘mercuric,’ or ‘mercurio.’ The FDA recommends immediately discontinuing the use of a product if one of these appears on the label.

Sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics. Sedative and hypnotic poisonings are most often associated with suicide attempts, according to “Sedative-Hypnotic Toxicity” on Medscape. Still, ample accidental poisonings from these medications occur each year — poisonings from these result from accidental overdosing to adverse reactions that can occur even when taken as directed.

These drugs are particularly toxic to children and pets and can result in death. So store them someplace inaccessible to kids and pets.

Antidepressants.

Teens and adults are the most common victims of antidepressant poisonings. These drugs are also often the choice for suicide attempts.

But antidepressants can also result in accidental poisoning. This occurs by accidentally or even knowingly taking a dose higher than prescribed. Certain classes of antidepressants, tricyclics, in particular, can be deadly if overdose occurs.

Antidepressant poisoning can also result from interaction when combined with certain medications. As with all drugs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining these drugs.

Although antidepressants aren’t among the top 10 poisonings for children under 13, these drugs, like any other, can be toxic to children if not prescribed for them or if they take too high a dose.

MORE MEDICATIONS THAT COMMONLY RESULT IN POISONING

The following are among the top 10 most frequent exposures to poisoning within various age groups. If children or pets are in your home, make sure these hazards have child protective caps and/or are locked up and kept out of reach. For adult safety, always read labels carefully and only use as directed.

• Antihistamines

• Anticonvulsants

• Hormones & hormone antagonists

• Cardiovascular drugs

• Cough & cold medications

OTHER COMMON POISON EXPOSURES

The following are also among the top 10 poison exposures for various age groups.

• Pesticides

• Alcohols

• Stimulants and street drugs

• Vitamins and supplements

• Foreign bodies - toys, etc.

• Plants

This alarming trend reveals the importance of greater awareness of the full range of substances that pose a risk to children and adults alike. So, take extra precautions and be aware of these top toxins. Then take precautions to protect your pets, grandchildren when they visit, and yourself from these substances that are commonly found in the home.

Rahul Banerjee, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care with expertise in:

• Fracture Repair

• Joint Replacement

• Anterior Total Hip Replacement

• Fracture Nonunions/Malunions

• Limb Lengthening

• Periprosthetic Fractures

• Pelvic Fractures

• Upper Extremity Injuries

Dr. Rahul Banerjee is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in comprehensive fracture management, joint replacement (including direct anterior hip replacement), and management of complex orthopaedic problems.

Dr. Banerjee graduated with honors from Brown University and completed medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honors society.

Dr. Banerjee served in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Major. Dr. Banerjee was assigned to treating injured patients and training orthopaedic residents at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX. During his service, he was deployed to the War in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and treated many injured soldiers and civilians.

Dr. Banerjee is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Howard Rosen Teaching Award from AO North America. He is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Dr. Banerjee has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and numerous textbook chapters on the treatment of orthopaedic problems.

Dr. Banerjee serves as the Director of Orthopaedic Trauma at Medical City Plano. In 2019, Dr. Banerjee joined Texas Bone and Joint and continues to practice in Plano.

RAWLINS LAW FIRM, LLC

Honest Candid Legal Representation

Rawlins Law Firm, LLC represents individuals across the state of Texas. Our firm specializes in providing representation to individuals and companies helping recover Diminished Value on their automobiles.

When your personal or company vehicle is involved in an accident and subsequently repaired, it will have an inherent lost value due to the loss history on the vehicle. When another person’s negligence causes the accident, you have the right to recover the lost value directly from that person’s insurance company.

Get in touch with us to set up a consultation to inquire whether our services are right for you. We at Rawlins Law Firm know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

Richardson

Guide Your Way To Comfort...

DENNIS BIRENBAUM, MD EUGENE J. WYSZYNSKI, DO

Dr. Birenbaum founded the Arlington Cancer Treatment Center in 1981 He founded the Texas Hematology Center, PA in 1997. He is the founder, Medical Director, and CEO of Patients Comprehensive Cancer Center (2001) & McKinney Regional Cancer Center (2007). Dr. Birenbaum trained at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute for 5 years, 3 years as a Hematology/Oncology fellow and 2 years as facility professor. His private practice in Hematology/ Oncology has been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1979.

AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST:

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Melanoma, Sarcoma

•Breast Cancer

•Lymphoma

CREDENTIALED AT SEVERAL LOCAL HOSPITALS:

• Centennial Medical Center

• Medical Center of McKinney

• Methodist Richardson Medical Center

The foot is a crucial part of the human body and comes with numerous complications that often need to be treated by qualified professionals. Our staff is filled with responsible specialists experienced in treating a variety of conditions. SPECIALIZES

Laser Therapy for

Dr. Wyszynski joins the Texas Hematology and Oncology Centers after many years of successful private medical practice in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Dr. Wyszynski completed his internship and residency at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stanford, New Jersey. He followed these with a number of Fellowships including one in Hematology/Oncology at the prestigious M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, and two years at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Wysznski is well known for his quality of care and the personal interest he takes in his patients. He is very active in many professional societies and investigative trials.

Pain

Swelling

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

Arthritis

Wounds *Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning, pain) PLANO CLINIC: 5804 Coit Rd., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023 972.805.9985

• Dallas Medical Center

• Specialty Hospital

•Kindred Hospital

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

•Born and raised in Dallas, TX

• Attended SMU (Southern Methodist University)

•Father of 2 sons

• Owns six dogs

• Loves traveling and golf

• Avid collector of arts and antiques

Dennis Birenbaum, MD and Dr. Wyszynski, MD, DO are M.D. Anderson trained hematologists/oncologists. Dr. Wyszynski, MD, DO also trained at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA.

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine: Hematology/ Oncology-Certified: 8/24/2007

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES:

• American Osteopathic Association

• ASCO

•Texas Medical Association

•Dallas County Medical Association

CLINICAL CANCER INVESTIGATIVE TRIALS:

•Central Pennsylvania Oncology Group Protocal

•Eastern Cooperative Group

• Southwest Oncology Group

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

•Married and father of 2 children

• Enjoys traveling and spending time with family

• Active in many hobbies

Flat Feet

Trauma

Se H ab l a Españo l Medical & Surgical Treatments Offered:

• Foot and Ankle Surgery • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) • Bunions and Hammer Toe Procedure • Ingrown Toenails • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome • Diabetic Foot Care

Drop Foot • Custom Orthotics & Braces