Collin County Living Well Magazine July-August 2019

THE PAIN RELIEF CENTER

World Renowned

• The largest Transplant Hepa tolog y group in the country

• Care for liver patients 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 Hepatitis 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

Preserving the Backbone of Life

Comprehensive Back, Neck & Spine Program

Back and neck pain happen for a number of reasons. Muscular weakness, herniated discs, damaged vertebrae or more severe spinal conditions can all make pain severe and debilitating.

At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound, our dedicated team of spinal physicians, therapists and practitioners are skilled at treating back and neck pain and spinal disorders.

Advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques are used to e ciently and e ectively treat conditions, address pain and get you back to doing what you love.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 469-929-9497 or visit the Program’s website at https://www.texashealthflowermound.com/back-neck-and-spine-center/

LPAIN FREE

IVING WELL Magazine welcomes summer with the goal of pain free living. This is why we’re so excited to introduce you to The Pain Relief Center. Located in Plano, Texas, their facility is designed with one objective in mind: to give each patient the ultimate experience in sameday procedures with an unrivaled quality of care.

The team at The Pain Relief Center is dedicated to offering cutting-edge treatments and moving beyond traditional pain management regimens that fail to free you from your pain. Their targeted, precise, noninvasive, and holistic procedures and treatments treat a number of conditions including back pain, lower back pain, leg & arm pain, muscle pain, joint pain, spinal pain, arthritis, degenerative disc/joint disease, migraines, and more. So, if you’re in discomfort during what’s supposed to be a carefree season, look no further than The Pain Relief Center.

Our featured celebrity is no stranger to pain, albeit one of an entirely different sort. Brad Pitt might be the all-American success story, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t personally experienced suffering. In Pitt’s case, it comes in the form of an unrelenting tabloid media that hounds the actor and chronicles his every misstep. “And of course it’s not done with any kind of delicacy or insight––it’s done to sell. And so you know the most sensational sells, and that’s what they’ll (Pitt’s children) be subjected to, and that pains me,” says the actor. Read more about how the 55-yearold Hollywood legend is grappling with life post Angelina Jolie and find out what drives him to continue making movies inside this issue.

With that in mind, turn the pages to find a wealth of information to live a better life and eliminate not only pain but also a myriad of other health and financial issues that plague many adults.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER INQUIRIES

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.

US' @LIVINGWELLMAGS

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.

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center

If cataract surgery has been recommended for your eyes, you are not alone. Truth is, we will all develop cataracts, reducing our quality of vision, as we age. Gratefully, cataract surgery procedures have become more advanced and is safe, painless and effective.

If you are thinking about having cataract surgery, you most likely have a lot of questions regarding when you should have it done, what you can expect, and how to prepare for surgery. Read on to see some helpful tips from Dr. Faber at Key-Whitman.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Cataracts?

The complaint we hear most from cataract patients is difficulties with their night vision. They begin to experience a lot of glare, halos and starburst symptoms, especially when driving. We also hear complaints of a haze or fog obstructing their vision and they’ll notice their vision gets blurrier over time.

How Do I Prepare For Cataract Surgery?

Before your procedure, our patients undergo a preoperative exam to ensure they’re physically healthy enough to have cataract surgery. During this exam, we’ll also determine the level of correction needed and review the types of intraocular lens options available to you such as monovision, accommodative, multifocal, astigmatic correction, etc.

Key-Whitman also has counselors who will walk our patients through the process, review insurance coverage and make sure the lens option the patient selects best meets their goals. If there is an eye drop protocol associate with their surgery, the counselor will also go through the drop

sequence involved antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories well in advance of the procedure.

Be sure to have a friend or family member to accompany you to surgery, as you won’t be allowed to drive yourself home due to the twilight sedation.

How Do I Know It’s Time To Get Cataract Surgery?

When your cataracts have worsened to the point where they prevent you from performing day-to-day tasks and interfere with your quality of life, it is time to consider cataract surgery.

Cataracts worsen gradually, and we start to make a lot of accommodations for our vision as we get older. Essentially, we assume how well we see is normal. But if it gets to the point where you’re afraid to drive at night, can’t see well enough to safely take your medication or do household chores, and feel a loss of independence due to failing vision, cataract surgery can allow you to enjoy life again.

What Misconceptions

Do People Have About Cataract Surgery?

In the past, cataract surgery was quite invasive, there were fewer lens options, and healing took much longer. This isn’t the case today. The biggest misconceptions people have is that the procedure is painful and complicated. That couldn’t be farther from the truth today.

What Can I Expect Following Cataract Surgery?

Following your surgery, your surgeon will review the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have at that time. Typically, patients leave with a protective eye

patch, which will be removed at their follow-up visit the next day. Subsequent follow-up examinations will be scheduled approximately every two weeks until the eye is healed.

Healing post-surgery is also easier for most cataract patients today. “Key-Whitman uses the most advanced technology available in the market, so healing occurs more quickly and with fewer complications. Even better, once the eyes have healed and adjusted, most patients are surprised by the improvement in their vision. They can see clearly again and notice how colors are much more vibrant than what they could see with cataracts. Depending on the type of intraocular lenses patients choose, many become less dependent on glasses,” Dr. Faber says.

You should also be aware that the surgeon won’t operate on both eyes during the same visit. Surgeries are typically scheduled one to six weeks apart, with three weeks being the average time. This allows plenty of time for the first eye to heal and the patient to realize the full extent of correction in that eyes.

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

Acute & Chronic Pain Relief and Pain Management

RETURN TO YOUR WAY OF LIVING PAIN-FREE

BOARD-CERTIFIED ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

ACUTE & CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

You are in pain; you need answers and you want them now. The Pain Relief Center’s state-of-theart facility in Plano, TX provides custom pain relief treatments and same-day procedures to give each patient the ultimate experience. We know not all chronic pain is the same. We are all individuals with our own medical histories, experiences and life stories.

Our pain relief doctors, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Chen, along with our highly qualified staff, can provide the individualized treatment and pain management you seek for conditions that affect your quality of life. We are devoted to offering cutting-edge treatments and moving beyond traditional pain management regimens that fail to free you from your pain. All procedures are minimally invasive and most patients are able to return to work the next day.

The Pain Relief Center’s advanced diagnostic technologies have the capabilities you need to regain control of your pain by using various treatments, therapies & out-patient procedures for a number of conditions. We accomplish this by having five specialized institutes designed to meet any and all of a patient’s needs. It’s through these five specialized institutes, Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Chen provide targeted, precise, noninvasive & holistic treatments for a number of conditions such as back pain, lower back pain, leg & arm pain, muscle pain, joint pain, spinal pain, arthritis, degenerative disc/joint disease, neurological disorders, migraines and more.

Dr. Rodriguez, Dallas pain relief and pain management doctor, works to diagnose your condition and provide an answer to the question “when will I be free of my pain?” with custom-tailored pain relief treatment plans that fit your exact needs. Our patients’ feedback comes first–not automatic assumptions–and pain procedures are customized for your specific experiences of pain. If your body does not respond effectively to the initial pain relief treatment, Dr.

Rodriguez and Dr. Chen seek additional ways to help you move beyond chronic back pain, neck pain, joint pain, neuropathy and/or migraines. The compassionate and experienced team behind The Dallas Pain Relief Center will conduct scheduled pain management reassessments after your treatment to ensure your pain is kept under control. We offer a flexible schedule to accommodate your lifestyle; not only during business hours but also through an after-hours service should you need urgent attention from the pain relief doctor.

If you suffer from back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, spinal pain, arthritis, or any other painful conditions, view our treatment options to see how we can help!

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Targeted, Precise, Noninvasive & Holistic same-day procedures and treatments for back pain, lower back pain, neck, muscle, joint, & spinal pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, migraines.

Therapy & Wellness

Stem Cell Therapy, Vitamin Infusion Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, PRP Therapy, Regenerative Therapy, HRT, hGH, Botox Therapy, Weight Loss/Fitness Regimens.

Migraine Treatment

Comprehensive & highly individualized diagnosis/treatment plans for debilitating headaches and migraines. Natural Treatments, Combination Analgesics, Therapy.

Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Adjustments, Biofeedback

Allergy Testing

On-site Allergy Diagnosis & Treatment. Testing is safe for all patients as we do not test for anything that could cause anaphylactic shocks like shellfish or peanuts.

Continued next page

Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez

Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez is a board-certified anesthesiologist and fellowship-trained interventional pain physician in the Dallas and Plano area who is dedicated to the eradication of pain and the founder of The Pain Relief Center in Plano, TX.

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 Diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine, as well as a Diplomat 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 specific needs.

Dr. Flavio Calderon

Dr. Flavio Calderon graduated as a general surgeon in La Paz, Bolivia. Throughout the years that followed, Dr. Calderon received intensive experience in different medical areas, such as prenatal care, postpartum and as an administrator of an orthopedic oncology practice. He then furthered his career by graduating last year with an Executive MBA in Health Care Management and was inducted in the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. He is currently the Director of Business of Operations at the Pain Relief Center.

Debby Thomas PA-C

Debby Thomas PA-C is certified through the Texas Medical Board and is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant specializing in Interventional Pain Management. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She began her medical career in New York and moved to Dallas, TX 9 years ago where she began working in Spine Surgery and Interventional Pain Management. She also has extensive experience in Orthopedic Surgery, Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine, and Women’s Health. Debby has built long-term relationships with her patients and facilitates to improve their pain with interventional treatments. Debby is compassionate, detail oriented, and provides individualized care to her patients. Her goal is to assist patients in achieving and maintaining pain control in an attempt to increase their quality of life.

Michelle Ulanowski, CRNA

Michelle Ulanowski, CRNA is Director of Anesthesia for The Pain Relief Center. Michelle is a board-certified anesthesia provider with years of experience in her field. Her continued interest in furthering patient care has led to her implementation of specialized protocols that ensure optimal patient comfort.

Dr. Robert Chen

Dr. Robert Chen is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician who joins us from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He has been in practice for over 19 years and focuses on the treatment of acute and chronic pain through interventional methods. Dr. Chen attended the Penn State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in anesthesiology and critical care in Baltimore. He then completed a pain medicine fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He has worked with some of the most prominent leaders in the field of pain medicine.

Dr. Chen realizes that there are many competing entities such as government regulations, medical regulations, pharmacy limitations, insurance limitations as well as economic factors which may affect which treatment options are available to each patient. He hopes to be able to evaluate the options available to each individual patient and optimize their treatments. Dr. Chen believes in achieving a balance between the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s health. By combining his experience with advanced pain management techniques and realistic treatment options, Dr. Chen hopes to achieve the best possible outcomes and significantly improve his patients’ quality of life. Dr. Chen loves to spend time with his family, travel, and photography.

Cool Down, Noodles Up

IT’S TIME TO GET BACK IN THE POOL

Put on your bathing suit, grab a pool noodle, and get ready to dance it out! Aquatic therapy has many proven health benefits for seniors. Best of all, you can have fun while getting your exercise in. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or you’re looking to maintain your fitness level, there’s a water workout that can help you meet your goals.

Discover the benefits

As we age, staying active can be difficult for many reasons. We all know that regular exercise can help us stay healthy, but sometimes underlying medical conditions can make typical cardio and strength workouts very difficult. That’s why aquatic therapy is so important for seniors–– especially those with arthritis. Being in the water not only creates a natural resistance to help improve balance and strength, the natural buoyancy you’ll have in the water significantly reduces the amount of stress on your body.

If you’re looking for a great rehabilitation program, seeking treatment for an injury, or simply looking to get in a good workout, talk to your doctor to see if aquatic therapy is right for you and learn more about the benefits below.

Take care of your joints

Courtesy Preston Place

Improve your physical and mental health

While most forms of exercise are good for your health, working out in the water is beneficial. It’s known to get your heart rate up and help with fat burn, as you’re fighting against the current of the water. To top it off, aquatic therapy is most often done in a social setting with friends. Not only are you getting endorphins through exercise, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of socialization and laughter, which can improve mental health and fight depression and anxiety.

It’s called pounding the pavement for a reason. When you’re outside taking a walk, as relaxing as it might be, your joints are undergoing a lot of stress. However, when you’re in the pool, the water provides a low-impact, lower weight-bearing form of exercise thanks to the natural buoyancy the water provides. For those with arthritis, aquatic therapy allows you to stay active and provides relief from pain.

Increase your strength

Building strength and balance is especially important for seniors as it lowers the risk of falls. Participating in regular forms of exercise, like water aerobics, works to build up the necessary strength to maintain good posture and balance. Unlike a land workout, water makes the muscles work harder by providing a natural resistance. Since falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, building up your strength to improve your balance can greatly lower your risk.

Pain management

For those with chronic pain, being in the pool can significantly help. Again, thanks to the natural resistance of the water and the buoyancy your body has when submerged, you’ll be able to move around more freely to stretch and strengthen the areas you feel pain. While aquatic therapy is different for everyone, being in the water helps many manage their symptoms and provides temporary relief.

Have fun!

Through different forms of aquatic therapy, working out doesn’t have to feel like a chore! Most classes are tailored to the interests and abilities of the participants so you can feel safe and comfortable getting in the water and giving it your all.

*Always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.

If you’re interested in trying out a water aerobics class, Preston Place Retirement offers classes to seniors every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Call 972-931-1123 to see how you and a friend can join us!

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

Other times available by appointment

EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS ON A PATIENT’S LIFE AND HOW TO BETTER COMMUNICATE!

By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.

We think of the obvious effect of hearing loss with regard to communication difficulties. However, your hearing health contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life. Statistically, hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis. Aging also brings cognitive processing deficits that interfere with communication and can create distractions that lead to memory loss, falls and other accidents. Let’s examine these effects.

Memory and Hearing Loss:

Adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than adults with normal hearing. Also, adults with hearing loss develop a significant impairment in their cognitive abilities 3.2 years sooner than those with normal hearing. It’s believed that untreated, degraded hearing may force the brain to devote too much of its energy/resources to processing sound.

Dementia and Hearing Loss:

Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing or treat their hearing loss. It appears that this effect increases as the amount of hearing loss increases.

Falling and Hearing Loss: People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling. Each additional increase of hearing loss by 10 decibels increases the chance of falling by 1.4 times the original risk.

Mental Health and Hearing Loss:

Hearing loss results in social isolation. Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from engaging with fam-

ily and friends. They are also likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration. The degree of depression or other emotional or mental health issues also increases with the severity of the hearing loss.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss:

Tinnitus or “ringing in the ear” affects up to 50 million Americans. Ninety percent of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. The most common causes of tinnitus are: noise exposure, aging, head injury and medication side effects.

Income and Hearing Loss:

Statistics show that people with untreated hearing loss lose up to $30,000 annually. Adults with hearing loss, who wear hearing aids, have a lower unemployment rate than those who don’t.

So, hearing loss can affect your life in many ways. You may miss out on talks with friends and family. Sometimes hearing problems can make you feel embarrassed, upset and lonely. It’s easy to withdraw when you can’t follow a conversation. It’s also easy for friends and family to think you are confused, uncaring or difficult when the problem may be that you just can’t hear well.

We often get asked in our office by friends and family, especially when fitting a new patient with hearing aids, how to best communicate with them. So, we thought we’d share some tips on how to communicate with a hearing impaired person:

1. Face the person and talk clearly (not while walking away from the person or while looking in cabinets, refrigerators, etc.).

2. Speak at a reasonable speed, often slowing down how you speak is more beneficial than raising your voice.

3. Do not hide your mouth (so much speech information comes from non-verbal cues and facial expressions) or talk while eating or chewing gum.

4. Stand in good lighting.

5. Reduce background noises.

6. Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful cues.

7. Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.

8. Include the hearing-impaired person when talking. Talk with the person, not about the person when you are with others. This helps keep the person with hearing loss from feeling alone and excluded.

9. Be patient; stay positive and relaxed.

10. Ask how you can help!

Also important, here are some tips of what the hearing impaired person can do to improve their communication with hearing aids:

1. Let people know that you have difficulty hearing.

2. Ask people to face you and to speak slowly and clearly. Ask them to speak without shouting, which can just distort the speech signal.

3. Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.

4. Let the person talking know if you do not understand.

5. Ask people to reword a sentence and try again.

6. Turn off any unnecessary, extraneous noises (such as the radio while in a car, a TV at home, etc.).

7. Wear your hearing aids consistently!

To hear better, is to live better! Start a better health and wellness conversation today! Better hearing health is possible! Call your audiologist today!

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

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

A PRIMER ON. . .

By Leu & Peirce, PLLC

Losing a loved one is never easy. Many people describe the weeks and months following such loss as “a blur.” After notifying family members, and planning and carrying out the memorial service, comes the question of how to handle the loved one’s estate. Many times, the answer is probate. While the probate process has a reputation for being time-consuming and costly, in Texas, it is relatively quick and inexpensive.

Probate provides for an orderly transition of property ownership following a death. Probate is necessary when an individual who has died owned property that does not pass directly to another individual through beneficiary designations. Accounts with rights of survivorship or payableon-death beneficiaries, including life insurance policies, are examples of property that passes directly to a designated individual without the need for probate. Importantly, and despite common belief, title to real property listed in more than one name does not automatically pass to the survivor. Therefore, probate is often necessary to transfer title to the surviving spouse.

Any “interested person” may initiate the probate process. This includes anyone having a property right in, or claim against, the estate being administered. Texas has two types of formal probate procedures. Most probates are handled as independent administrations, meaning the executor or administrator does not have to post a bond or ask the court’s permission before settling the estate. By contrast, a dependent administration is a courtsupervised administration. If there is no Will, or if the Will does not provide for an independent administration, then the administration will be “dependent,”

unless the beneficiaries agree otherwise. Dependent administrations tend to be more expensive, since the administrator must seek court approval for every major decision. However, this added burden and expense may be preferable to protect the administrator if the estate has multiple creditors or feuding beneficiaries.

An “executor” is a personal representative who was named in a Will that has been admitted to probate, and who serves in the capacity stated in the Will. An “administrator” is anyone else who is appointed to handle the estate. The individual named in the Will has first priority to serve as executor. However, the judge may refuse to appoint an individual named in the Will if the judge finds that person to be unsuitable.

Once the judge is satisfied that the Will is valid and the person asking to be appointed executor is a suitable person to serve, the executor will be issued Letters Testamentary, which evidences the executor’s authority to gather assets and act on behalf of the estate. The executor must issue notice to creditors, notify beneficiaries, and gather the assets, which the executor must safeguard until the time comes to distribute to the beneficiaries. Collecting and protecting estate assets is the primary job of the executor, who should care for the property of the estate as a prudent man would care for his own property. Once the business of the estate has been concluded, assets

have been collected, and debts have been paid, the executor may distribute the property to the beneficiaries.

In addition to independent and dependent administrations, Texas law allows for another simple probate procedure known as a muniment of title. A muniment of title may be used when an individual died with a valid Will, there are no unpaid debts, except those secured by real property, and the individual was not receiving Medicaid benefits prior to death. This proceeding allows for the probate of a Will without the requirement of appointing an executor or administrator, notifying creditors, or filing an inventory, thus making the process easier and less expensive. A muniment of title is not a feasible option if the individual owned property outside the state of Texas or held non-probate assets, such as insurance or retirement accounts, that were payable to the estate, rather than an individual.

There are many factors and variables to consider when determining whether and what type of probate proceeding is appropriate for an estate. A Will remains a valid legal document for four years after death. After that time, if administration of an estate is necessary, it will be handled as if there was no Will. Therefore, if a loved one has died, it is important to contact an attorney who handles probate to discuss which of the various options is best suited to meet your circumstances.

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

Kenneth Estrera, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon Joint Replacement

Kenneth Estrera, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with the Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine & Orthopedics (TMI). He serves as the Medical Director of the Hip and Knee Replacement service in Frisco and Plano. Prior to joining TMI, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at UT Southwestern where he served as the Medical Director for the Joint Reconstruction Service. He specializes in hip and knee replacement, minimally invasive joint replacement, and complex/revision joint reconstruction.

Dr. Estrera provides a comprehensive approach to hip and knee conditions that always begins with non-operative management. He has developed a joint replacement care pathway that allows patients to have a safe and rapid recovery. Dr. Estrera places an emphasis on patient education and communication to ensure patients have the best possible outcome. He is the only joint surgeon in the metroplex with TPI Golf Certification and offers a specialized golf rehab program for his patients that enjoy golf. The ultimate goal for all his patients is to return to a pain-free active lifestyle.

Dr. Estrera was born and raised in Dallas where he graduated from Lake Highlands High School. He was recruited to play football at Yale University where he earned All-Ivy League honors at inside linebacker. He received his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston where he was awarded a NIH research grant and the C. Frank Webber prize for his research on diabetes and college athletes. He completed his orthopedic residency at UT Southwestern and received the Vert Mooney Award for Academic Achievement. He then completed his joint reconstruction fellowship with world-renowned surgeons at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Estrera returned to Dallas to join the UT Southwestern faculty before joining TMI at their new clinic location in Frisco.

Mohammed “Adeel” Khaleel, M.D. Spine Surgeon

Dr. Mohammed "Adeel" Khaleel is a minimally-invasive and complex spinal surgeon with Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery (TMI). He completed his Combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Fellowship in Spinal Surgery at Harvard Medical School. He serves as the Medical Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery in Frisco. Prior to joining TMI, he served as Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern where he was Director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery and Spinal Trauma at Parkland Health and Hospital System, one of the world’s largest trauma centers.

He specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery, complex/revision spinal problems, myelopathy, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, artificial disc replacement, sports spine injuries, and spinal trauma.

After graduating valedictorian at Allen High School, Dr. Khaleel attended the Leadership in Medicine Program at Union College/Albany Medical College. He graduated summa cum laude with a double degree in Biology and Economics while concurrently earning his Masters in Health Administration. He completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed a traveling fellowship in Spine Surgery, Trauma, and Orthopedics at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the UK. He completed his combined orthopedic and neurosurgical fellowship in spinal surgery at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Known for staying at the leading edge of technology and treatment options, Dr. Khaleel has been involved in a number of journal articles, book chapters, instructional videos, and presentations. A major focus of this work has been minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques. He employs the latest technologies such as spinal navigation, robotics, and microinvasive endoscopic techniques. He travels nationally and abroad for medical missions and to teach surgeons all over the world. He is focused on providing comprehensive and compassionate care to obtain the best outcomes for his patients.

5680 Frisco Square Blvd., Ste. 1200

Frisco, Texas 75034

972-623-2629

tmisportsmed.com

COMING OF AGE

Brad Pitt is older, wiser, and better

than ever.

By Sondra Barr

Brad Pitt always knew he was going somewhere. Growing up, it wasn’t clear where he was headed from his hometown of Springfield, Missouri, but he knew it was beyond. Beyond what, a youthful Pitt knew not what, but it was an “itch” he felt then that the celebrated actor and director says still guides him today at age 55.

His is a Hollywood success story few get to experience. Less than two credits shy of a journalism degree, Pitt up and left the University of Missouri in his final semester and headed west in his Datsun for sunny California. According to a 2017 Esquire article, Pitt had never been as far west as Colorado. He shouted as he crossed the Colorado state line and then at every state line thereafter, until he ended up in Los Angeles—“me and my big old mullet.”

“I just knew there were a lot more points of view out there. I wanted to see them. I wanted to hear them. I always liked film as a teaching tool—a way of getting exposed to ideas that had never been presented to me. It just wasn’t on the list of career options where I grew up. Then it occurred to me, literally two weeks before graduation; if the opportunity isn’t here, I’ll go to it. So simple. But it had never occurred to me. I’ll just go to it,” Pitt explained in a 2013 interview.

For a few months after arriving in Los Angeles, Pitt supported himself by “driving strippers in limos, moving refrigerators, and dressing as a giant chicken while working for a fast food chain.” But, unlike the masses that flock to that city and toil away for years in the hopes of fame, fortune found Pitt easily. While accompanying a friend to an audition with an agent, in a made for television twist, the agent signed Pitt on the spot. In less than 12 months after arriving in Hollywood, Pitt was appearing in episodes of Dallas and Growing Pains.

“When I left Missouri, I wasn’t ready to call it quits as far as getting out into the world,” Pitt told Parade about his life. “It wasn’t leaving something behind, it was heading for something that was nascent and ill-defined. I did not know what it would be when I got to L.A., and to me not knowing that has always been the most exciting thing about making a trip.”

What a trip it’s been. According to Biography, it was a well-timed bit part in a controversial film that propelled Pitt to instant stardom. Despite only a few minutes of screen time, Pitt’s turn as a sugar-tongued hitchhiker in the 1991 film Thelma and Louise perfectly showcased his unique brand of charisma, good looks, and soulful sensuality. The role as a charming criminal instantly made Pitt a sex symbol and paved the way for meatier, more multi-dimensional roles.

Continued, page 26

Continued from page 24

Pitt went on to star in a steady stream of well-received films including A River Runs Through It, Interview with the Vampire, Legends of the Fall, Seven, and Twelve Monkeys, Fight Club, Snatch, and Ocean’s Eleven, which he followed up with the big-budget period drama Troy

However, it was the stylish spy-versus-spy flick that changed Pitt’s trajectory and indelibly altered his image as Hollywood’s golden boy. While in a high profile marriage to Friends star Jennifer Aniston, sparks flew between Pitt and co-star Angelina Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). After five years of marriage, he unceremoniously left Aniston for Jolie in a move that has fueled tabloid stories to this day.

Perhaps a testament to his charming nature, Aniston revealed the following during an interview with Vanity Fair about the amicable split: “I still feel so lucky to have experienced it. I wouldn’t know what I know now if I hadn’t been married to Brad. I love Brad; I really love him. I will love him for the rest of my life. He’s a fantastic man. I don’t regret any of it, and I’m not going to beat myself up about it…we helped each other through a lot, and I really value that. It was a beautiful, complicated relationship.”

The heated romance between Pitt and Jolie smoldered for 12 years, though the pair were only married for two. The press mercilessly chronicled the fiery union; paparazzi followed the duo and their brood of six children from continent to continent in hopes of uncovering marital discord.

According to multiple media sources, the tipping point in the marriage occurred after a highly documented incident on a private plane. TMZ reported that Pitt allegedly argued with Jolie and their son, Maddox, got in the middle. Rumors swirled that the argument was fueled by an inebriated Pitt and although he was later cleared of any wrongdoing or abuse allegations in a Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services investigation, the incident still dogs Pitt.

“As far as out there, I hope my intentions and work will speak for themselves. But, yes, at the same time, it is a drag to have certain things drug out in public and misconstrued,” explained Pitt to GQ correspondent Michael Paterniti. “I worry about it more for

This Fall, Pitts stars in Ad Astra as an astronaut who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unraveling a mystery that threatens the planet.

Twentieth Century Fox

LEFT: Pitt and Leonardo

my kids, being subjected to it, and their friends getting ideas from it. And of course it’s not done with any kind of delicacy or insight—it’s done to sell. And so you know the most sensational sells, and that’s what they’ll be subjected to, and that pains me.”

Chronicled ad nauseam, the demise of the Pitt/Jolie marriage has dominated the covers of magazines since 2016 and overshadowed Pitt’s fine work in films and beyond. According to Esquire, while he hesitates to identify himself as an actor, “because he considers himself primarily an artist, a doer, a maker, a craftsman, a man who felt the first thrill of artifice not onstage but in high school shop class, drawing up plans,” he’s drawn to stories with a different point of view.

“Films were a portal into different worlds for me, cultures I had never seen before and was absolutely taken with. I was also taken with the power of films to define things for me that I’d not been able to define for myself, So I became an actor,” he told Parade

Evident in the projects he takes on, Pitt isn’t afraid to take on challenges post Jolie. Indeed, his next film is one tailor fit to Pitt’s aesthetic. Slated for a July 26 release, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, is being hailed as Pitt’s finest in years. From the mind of Quentin Tarantino, the film follows a group of Hollywood types living in Los Angeles in 1969, the year the Manson family went on a murder

spree. Pitt plays Cliff Booth, a stuntman whose glory days are numbered, while Leonardo DiCaprio plays his pal Rick Dalton, a struggling television actor who happens to live next to murder victims Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski.

“Quentin Tarantino is the last purveyor of cool. If you land in one of his films, you know you’re in great hands,” said Pitt, who previously worked with Tarantino on the movie Inglourious Basterds. The highly anticipated movie is the first time Brad Pitt has shared the screen with DiCaprio. “And doing this with Leo was really cool and a rare opportunity.”

As Pitt is wont to do, he switches gear this fall with the sci-fi drama Ad Astra, where he plays astronaut Roy McBride, who’s compelled to explore the unknown edges of space. It’s a compulsion to explore that drives Pitt in his everyday life; it’s the same “itch” that made him pack up and leave Missouri.

“Seeing the world is the best education you can get. You see sorrow, and you also see great spirit and will to survive. But you have to go off the beaten path of St. Bart’s Island, Rome, Paris, wander off the path and go beyond that,” according to Pitt. “It is where you meet people and hear personal stories. It is a huge eye-opener.”

ABOVE: A behind the scenes photo with Robert Redford on the set of A River Runs Through It.

AT

DiCaprio travel back to 1969 in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. Scheduled to release later this month.

Sony Pictures

Columbia Pictures

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?

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

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?

Dear Wants to Volunteer,

~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

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.

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.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground pork, turkey, beef or chicken

• 2 carrots sliced and cut like match sticks

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 green bell pepper

• 2 mushrooms sliced

• 1 green onion sliced

• 2 C shredded cabbage or slaw mix

• 2 cloves garlic sliced thin

• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 C Ginger dressing or satay sauce

• 1/8 C Rice wine vinegar

1.Brown meat until no pink remains and set aside in bowl after seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2.Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to same hot skillet and sauté carrots and bell pepper. Add mushrooms, garlic, ginger and cabbage along with meat and mix thoroughly. Cook while stirring a couple of minutes.

3.Add ginger dressing (or satay sauce) and rice wine vinegar. Continue stirring until all combined.

4.Serve topped with crunchy Chinese noodles, red pepper flakes, and/or sesame seeds. Can add soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.

Grilled Asian Wings

Ingredients

• 16 small wings

• 1/4 cup sesame oil

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 inch ginger peeled & grated

• 3 garlic cloves minced

• 2 tbsp Sriracha (optional for heat)

• 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Place wings in a large ziplock bag. For your marinade, whisk all the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.

Pour marinade over wings and close making sure to release excess air. Give the wings a good shake making sure they are covered in marinade. Let marinade over night or up to 24 hours.

Preheat grill on low for 5-10 mins. Grill wings for 6-8 mins per side.

Once grilled on both sides kick the heat up to high for 4 mins for slightly charred areas. If skipping the last 4 mins, additional time may be needed on low heat.

Charles Toulson, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon Premier Surgeon for Hip and Knee Replacement

Dr. Charles Toulson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in adult reconstruction. Dr. Toulson earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has extensive experience that began with his training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the highest ranked hospital in the United States. He then completed his sub-specialty training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, which has the top orthopedic program in the country. Dr. Toulson has been voted among D Magazine’s Best Doctors, Living Magazine’s Best of McKinney/Allen, and he was featured on CBS 11 News!

Dr. Toulson is a pioneer in direct anterior hip replacement surgery. Using only a three-to-four-inch incision, anterior hip replacement surgery allows for a faster recovery, less pain, and alleviates the need for postoperative hip range of motion restrictions. As a result of its muscle-sparing approach, it is most attractive to patients. This minimally invasive technique is so effective that patients are often walking the same or next day without a walker, cane, or crutches.

Dr. Toulson is considered a leader in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Robotic-Assisted hip and knee replacement and has performed more robotic joint replacements than any other surgeon in the area. He was the first surgeon in the area to perform a direct anterior hip replacement with robotic assistance. Most recently, Dr. Toulson completed the first ever, total knee replacement for both of a patient’s knees bilaterally (simultaneously) using the MAKO™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology.

Dr. Toulson’s education and training are only outmatched by his warm smile and kind-hearted nature.

972.992.1072

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

THOC P.A. DBA

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.

www.LWOrthopaedics.com

Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD

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

Rahul Banerjee, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

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, and 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.

Dr. Jeff Angobaldo, M.D.

Dr. Je Angobaldo is a board-certi ed plastic surgeon licensed in the State of Texas and has been practicing here for 11 years. His o ce is near the Shops at Legacy in Plano. Dr. Angobaldo is very well regarded by his patients and colleagues and is known for going out of his way to ensure patient satisfaction. Dr. Je Angobaldo or, as his patients call him, “Dr. Plano” specializes in mommy makeovers and all surgeries of the breast including reduction, lift, and augmentation.

Creating the best version of each patient is the goal for Dr. Angobaldo and his sta . To help the patient achieve his/her goal. Surgery is an option for many moms and for those that have had massive weight loss. There are other aesthetic procedures that Dr. Angobaldo o ers that can be employed to help retain a youthful appearance such as Botox and other injectables, lasers, microneedling, PRP and more. Dr. Angobaldo and his sta are great about suggesting what patients need and helps each one through the process to achieve individualized and personal goals. For one person it may be a body transformation and for another, it may just be Botox. Each patient gets the same attention and compassion as Dr. Angobaldo’s ambition is to help every patient he can, from reconstructive to cosmetic needs, as every patient is important.

If you have any questions about Dr. Angobaldo, his sta or facility, he invites you to call and make an appointment. You can also review his before and afters on the website and on various social media outlets such as Instagram and follow the sta ’s day to day on SnapChat. You can easily communicate with the sta via social media. When you are ready go in for a consult and see what everyone has been talking about. . . Dr. Plano is a great Plastic Surgeon and his sta will treat you like family.

Dr. Angobaldo graduated from the University of Michigan in 1996. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan Medical School in 2002 and completed a residency in Plastic Surgery in 2008 at Wake Forest University. Willing to lend his expertise, Dr. Angobaldo was featured on Good Morning Texas and is a national spokesman for the SlimLipo / SmartLipo laser liposuction technology. Additionally, he is a Top Contributor for Realself.com, and answers readers’ more popular questions about cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation.

Plastic Surgery 5880 Ashmill Dr., Ste. 200 Plano, TX 75024

972.378.3870 www.drplano.com

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.

Staying home this Summer but still want to have big fun?

DART has you covered. Check out our DARTable Staycations for adventures the whole family will enjoy. From entertainment to dining, these local hidden gems have a little something for everyone to enjoy.

And the best part? It’s all DARTable!

SUMMER STAYCATION FOR ALL AGES

Summer Staycations aren’t just for kids – they’re for the young at heart too! This summer make plans for a DARTable staycation and let DART be your guide to fun with friends and family.

For those of you with kids or grandkids in tow, some places reduce admission prices for youth. If you are 65 or older, you’ll find that popular arts and culture venues also offer senior citizen discounts. Check out these DARTable Staycation ideas.

Who doesn’t love wildlife? The Dallas Zoo is a great destination all year round. There are more than 100 acres and thousands of animals to see, including lions, tigers, penguins, giraffes and more! Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest of its kind in Texas. The zoo offers reduced admission for senior citizens and youth ages 3-11. Receive a bigger discount when you go on Senior Safari Wednesdays – admission is $5 for those 65 years of age and older. Ride the Red Line to the Dallas Zoo Station.

glistening gems, robots, sports and more when you visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Senior citizens and youth 12 years of age and younger receive a discount on admission. The museum is about a half mile walk from Akard Station in downtown Dallas.

Inside historic Fair Park in Dallas lies a nearly 8-acre, organic urban oasis just waiting for you to explore. The Texas Discovery Gardens features beautiful native and exotic plants, as well as hosts gardening workshops and guided tours. See native snakes of Texas and other wonders of the natural world – including approximately 500 butterflies! Discounts are available for senior citizens and children 11 years old and younger. Ride DART’s Green Line to Fair Park Station. Nearby you will also find the Children’s Aquarium and the African American Museum.

The Eisemann Center for Performing Arts brings new meaning to the word eclectic. The venue’s modern architecture acts as the perfect backdrop for a host of musicals, comedies, dramas, stand-up performances and monologs Call the ticket office at 972-744-4650 to learn which shows are available on a senior citizen discount. To get there, take the Red Line to Galatyn Park Station.

Aviation buffs can get up close and personal with aircraft at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, located on the corner of Dallas Love Field Airport. The 100,000-square foot facility houses over 30 aircraft and space vehicles, including early biplanes, WWII aircraft, the iconic 1939 Flying Pancake and the Apollo 7 command module. The museum offers admission discounts to senior citizens and youth under the age of 17. Take the Green or Orange Line to Inwood/Love Field Station, then Bus Route 529 to the Lemmon @ University bus stop.

Explore your world through 11 mind-blowing exhibit halls bursting with scenes from another time and place. Witness prehistoric creatures, the wonders of space, wild weather,

These are just a sampling of what North Texas has to offer. If you want to venture out a little further, hop on the Trinity Railway Express and head to Fort Worth. There are lots of things to see and do. Places like the Kimbell Art Museum, National Cowgirl Museum, The Modern art museum, to name a few, also offer senior citizen discounts.

Reduced DART fares are available for senior citizens 65 or older with a DART photo ID. Visit DART.org/fares to learn more.

Need more places to visit this summer? Discover more DARTable Staycation ideas at DART.org/DARTable.

Building a Better Experience for You!

DART is making major improvements. To create a smoother ride through downtown Dallas and reduce service interruptions, track improvements 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 and West End stations. Bus bridges will be in operation. DART.org/plus

SPEAK YOUR MIND

By Rick Allen

My dad was, in one sense, a man of few words. His words were well chosen and spoken with a tone of confidence that literally dared you to challenge him. While everyone might not agree with him completely on a particular subject, it was hard to say that he was totally wrong because he whole-heartedly believed in his position.

When my dad died in 1995, as a family, we had no doubt what the appropriate things to do were in planning his funeral and burial. His professional demeanor and desire to be well-dressed led us to select his best dark colored suit, white shirt, and a bold tie. His love of God and care and concern for his friends and colleagues made it right and fitting to hold his funeral at his church. His planning in advance and selecting the exact spot near a beautiful, large magnolia tree in the local cemetery where he and my mother would ultimately be laid side by side eliminated the need for discussion regarding this final disposition.

lowed up the colorful balloons we all released with our personal notes of “Good-Bye” attached. In spite of how difficult and sad the that occasion was for me and my family, looking back, I now feel so happy and proud that because we knew our dad so well and understood his attitudes, creating a meaningful and appropriate tribute

always, be sure family members know where you stand on important issues.

As I sat in the pew, deep in my own grief, I could not have been more proud of my dad. The words spoken by the pastor, a man who knew my dad so well, recalled experiences they had shared and words of encouragement and guidance that my dad had offered during difficult times. The song sung by the vocalist reflected a life lived by serving others. Finally, after the prayer at the cemetery, the bright, blue, crisp December sky swal-

to his life came naturally. While writing this article, I have stopped on two occasions to take phone calls from people who are currently dealing with family members who are terminally ill and near death. Both families are just now beginning their search for information about funeral options and cost. Neither caller had discussed the subject with their family member who was ill, and unfortunately, “last minute” talks along that line can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable. So, as

As I close this issue’s article, I would like to offer a word of exceeding thanks to all of our military men and women who are courageously serving our country around the world. Additionally, I want to thank all of those who have previously served as well. Our funeral home is a proud member of the Veterans and Family Memorial Care Network. We are still privately owned and family operated, but as a member of this network we have agreed to offer certain benefits to qualifying veterans.

To learn more about the Veterans and Family Memorial Care, you can log on to www.VeteransFuneralHomes.com or call our funeral home and we can send you a brochure.

Rick Allen has been the owner of Allen Family Funeral Options for over 35 years and may be reached at 972-596-8200, or you may visit their website at www.AFFOplano.com.

Top 3 Summer 2019 Wellness Trends for Women

By Julie Alvira, MD, MBA

Summer is filled with bright colors, nice temperatures and, if you’re lucky, exotic locations with beautiful waters! Whether you travel or stay home, keep taking care of yourself and practicing wellness.

Self-care is on the rise and is here to stay. Meditation is the fastest growing wellness trend in America. There are meditation apps and studios worldwide. Now, it’s not about one meditation technique but many different types. I’ve practiced meditation since 13 years of age and was taking yoga classes before it was popular and there weren’t studios on every corner.

wellness trends, let’s start with some of the ones that are popular for women this summer.

Oat milk: A nut free alternative that is dairy free, gluten free and vegan. It

colors, taste, and ingredients. Be attentive to the process of cooking, serving, and eating, if you’re involved in those tasks. At a restaurant or with others at the table, eat slowly until you’re full and wait five minutes after eating and then have a conversation so you’re not tempted to eat more.

Over the years, I’ve learned the meditation of Qigong, commonly known as chi Kung as part of Tai Chi classes, and in most recent years mindfulness. As a woman, I think it’s good to have a wellness toolbox of resources that one can go to when needed.

Ok, so circling back to the subject of

has a creamy texture and is very easy to prepare at home. Look for a brand that has a simple ingredient list and check the sugar content. If you’re at Starbucks, don’t forget your latte with oat milk (Note: Availability of oat milk at Starbucks varies from location to location).

Mindful eating: Develop awareness and see if you’ve emotional or physical hunger. Be attentive to the food you’re eating. It’s better to practice with healthy foods and notice the effects of the food on your feelings. Be aware of

Meditation: With a rise in stress, anxiety, and depression, women are looking for solutions as part of their mental toolbox. There are many types and varieties. A recent trend is sophrology. Founded in the early 1960s by Colombia professor of psychiatry and neurology Alfonso Caycedo, it’s a type of stress management technique very popular in Europe. It combines concepts of relaxation techniques, mindfulness, meditation, and breathing. More and more research is being conducted on how meditation activates more than one brain mechanism and its benefits. The idea is for women to have a personal toolbox that helps them to find calm inside.

Be alive. Be Present.

Dr. Julie Alvira, MD, MBA, is a certified life coach for men and women and has a passion for women recovering from addictions. Creator of the Your Recovery Gal program for women, she is a nationally certified addictions professional. Reach her at www.coachdrjulie.com or julie@coachdrjulie.com. Bilingual virtual or in-office sessions available.