Collin County Living Well Magazine September-October 2023

COLLIN

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain Management • Sports Medicine • General Surgery • Spine Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Total Joint Surgery • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Expert Orthopedic Surgeons Close

Left to right

Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD

Brian Nwannunu, MD

Florian F. Dibra, MD

Charles E. Toulson, MD

Cyrus Abbaschian, MD

Donald W. Hohman, MD

J. Stephen Appleton, MD

Alexander S. Greenstein, MD

Kwame A. Ennin, MD

Samuel K. Stephenson, MD

EMPOWERING LIVES, ONE ARTICLE AT A TIME

Welcome to another enriching edition of LIVING WELL Magazine! Our mission, as always, is to offer content that empowers, inspires, and guides you on a journey towards better health, wellness, and a life filled with purpose and motivation.

In this issue, we bring you an insightful feature on the Texas Joint Institute, with locations in McKinney, Frisco, Dallas, and Plano. This premier destination for top-tier orthopedic surgeons in Sherman boasts a team of highly skilled and accomplished orthopedic specialists, dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. From minor fractures to complex reconstructive procedures, the Texas Joint Institute is committed to providing comprehensive and individualized care, enabling patients to lead lives free from pain and with unrestricted mobility.

Also in this edition, we shine a spotlight on actor Matt Damon, an Oscar-winning screenwriter and actor whose journey to the top is a masterclass in grit, determination, and a no-nonsense dedication to his craft. From his humble beginnings in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to becoming one of Hollywood’s most valued players, Damon’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference—both on and off the screen.

Additionally, we delve into the world of online dating, a phenomenon that continues to grow in popularity across all age groups. With the rise of online relationships comes a host of challenges, from navigating the digital landscape to uncovering deceptions on dating profiles. We explore the dynamics of this modern-day matchmaking, offering insights and advice for those seeking meaningful connections in the digital age.

At LIVING WELL Magazine, we believe that knowledge is power, and we are committed to providing you with the information and inspiration you need to lead a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey towards living well.

Happy reading!

PRESIDENT & CEO SAM HOUSTON

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO SPRING HOUSTON

EDITOR, FEATURE WRITER & SOCIAL MEDIA SONDRA BARR

ART DIRECTOR VANESSA FRYER

ACCOUNTS MANAGER JENNIFER BEAVERS

WEBSITE LYDIA ROGERS

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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.

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SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

SAM AND SPRING HOUSTON

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He care for patients at Texas Joint Institute in McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Nwannunu, a native of Dallas, graduated Valedictorian from the High School for Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center in DISD. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was part of the Morehouse College Honors Program. Upon graduation, he completed his master’s degree in Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Nwannunu then graduated with his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Nwannunu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing additional training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys mission work abroad, providing medical care and health education to populations in need.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

When not working, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys basketball, weight training, outdoor activities, attending art and music festivals, traveling, world news, and reading.

Southwest Foot & Ankle Center is a respected group of board certified foot and ankle surgeons. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. The team at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center strive to make each patient’s experience personable. Our outcomes are of perfection and meticulous in surgery. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Bunion and Hammer Toe Correction MIS—Minimally Invasive Surgery

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Stem Cell Therapy

Neuropathy

Ingrown Toenails Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Foot Care

Feet Trauma Wound Care

Custom Orthotics & Braces

Laser Therapy for Pain, Swelling, Arthritis, and Wounds PLANO CLINIC

Coit Rd., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

LEWISVILLE CLINIC 502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 750067

TEXAS JOINT INSTITUTE

Expert Orthopedic Surgeons Close to Home

Texas Joint Institute is a leading orthopedic practice located in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Sherman specializing in joint replacement and complex joint reconstruction surgeries. Our practice comprises a team of highly skilled and experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients in the North Texas region.

At Texas Joint Institute, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal joint health and mobility. Our team of orthopedic surgeons offer a comprehensive range of services, including diagnosing and treating joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, prolonged joint pain, and joint trauma. We specialize in joint replacement surgeries, including total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and muscle-sparing joint replacements, using the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

SOME OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE INCLUDE:

JOINT REPLACEMENT

• Anterior hip replacement

• Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement

• Total hip and knee replacement

• Total hip and knee revision replacement

• Shoulder and elbow replacement

• Shoulder and elbow revision replacement

CARE

• All trauma injuries and fracture care

• Unknown bone tumor benign and malignant

• Unknown soft tissue tumors benign and malignant

• Rotational flaps for soft tissue coverage

MANAGEMENT

• Management of recurrent hip dislocation

• Management of periprosthetic fractures of hip and knee

• Management of periprosthetic fractures of shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee

• Management of painful joint replacements

• Metastatic bone tumor management

• Osteomyelitis and infection management

*This is not an exhaustive list of the services we provide.

TEXAS JOINT INSTITUTE

MEET OUR HIP AND KNEE PAIN SPECIALISTS:

Cyrus Abbaschian, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon Board Certified Dallas office

Donald W. Hohman, Jr., MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon Board Certified Dallas & Frisco offices

Stephen Appleton, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon Board Certified Dallas & Frisco offices

Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon Board Certified McKinney & Sherman offices

Florian Dibra, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon Frisco & McKinney offices

Brian Nwannunu, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon McKinney & Sherman offices

At Orthopedic Institute of North Texas, your medical issues and concerns are our top priority. We demonstrate this by answering all questions, providing availability 24/7 during diagnosis, treatment and recovery, speaking in terms you can understand and discussing every step of your medical care to ensure you feel comfortable and confident that we will deliver the best surgical expertise with the best outcome. Now, two locations to better serve you.

Justin M. Kane, MD, FAAOS ~ Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon

• Minimally invasive bunion and foot/ ankle surgeries

• 4-D DynaBunion and Lapiplasty bunion correction

• Total ankle replacement (TAR)

• Hammer toes

• Arthritis and deformity correction

• Lateral ankle instability

• PARS Achilles repair

• Foot and ankle cartilage injuries

• Limb salvage surgery

Vikas V. Patel, MD ~ Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon

• All fractures

• Shoulder arthroscopy

• Rotator cuff repair

• Sports related injuries

• Carpel tunnel syndrome

• Trigger finger

• Wrist and hand surgery

• Shoulder and elbow replacement

• Complex revision procedures of the upper extremity

Leroy Butler, DO, FAAOS ~ Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgeon

• Minimally invasive bunion and foot/ankle surgeries

• 4-D DynaBunion and Lapiplasty bunion correction

• Total ankle replacement (TAR)

• Arthritis and deformity correction

• Lateral ankle instability

• PARS Achilles repair

• Foot and ankle cartilage injuries

• Trauma

Christopher Kowalski, MD ~ Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

• Minimally invasive spine surgery

• Complex revision spine surgery

• Spinal deformity correction surgery

• Cervical disc replacement

• Anterior/posterior cervical fusion

• Posterior cervical foraminotomies

• Lumbar microdiscectomy

• Lumbar laminectomy

• Lumbar fusion

• Anterior lumbar fusion

• Lateral lumbar fusion

Stephen P. Courtney, MD

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Over 26 Years of Experience

Dr. Courtney is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon located in Plano, Texas. A Louisiana native, he attended Louisiana State University for medical school, and completed residency at Texas A&M followed by a fellowship at the Florida Neck and Back Institute.

SPECIALTIES:

• Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Spine Pain

• Disc Replacement

• Microdiscectomy

• Spinal Fusion

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Steroid Injections

• Physical Therapy

“I believe in treating each of my patients with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands. Throughout my career, I have remained laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients I treat on a daily basis. I look forward to getting to know you!”

FLORIAN DIBRA, MD

Florian Dibra, MD is an Orthopaedic Surgeon who provides extensive knowledge in hip and knee orthopedics. He treats operative and non-operative hip and knee arthritis. He specializes in minimally invasive muscle-sparing total hip and knee replacement, anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic joint replacement, and complex revision hip and knee replacement.

Dr. Dibra graduated with honors from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Soon after, he received his medical degree, with cum laude honors from the esteemed Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed his orthopedic surgery training at the University of Florida. He continued at the University of Florida Health Hospital to complete his fellowship in Adult Arthroplasty with an emphasis in hip and knee reconstruction. During Dr. Dibra’s surgical training, he accomplished several publications, book chapters, and poster presentations.

Dr. Dibra’s family consists of his wife and two children. In addition to English, he is fluent in Albanian, Italian, and proficient in Spanish.

VUDHI SLABISAK, MD OrthopaedicSpineSurgeon

BRUCE MARKMAN, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon&Sports MedicineSpecialist

JAMES STANLEY, MD OrthopaedicSpineSurgeon

STEVE HONG, MD Interventional Pain ManagementSpecialist

RAHUL BANERJEE, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon

GEOFFREY G. GLADDEN, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon

AMIR MALIK, MD Neurosurgeon

KHAWAJA IKRAM, DO OrthopaedicSurgeon

CHARLES MARDER, DPM Podiatrist,Foot&AnkleSurgeon

KELLVAN CHENG, DPM Podiatrist,Foot&AnkleSurgeon

RAMI BASATNEH, DPM Podiatrist,Foot& AnkleSurgeon

BRIANA HODGSON, PA-C OrthopaedicSurgery PhysicianAssistant

Breast Cancer RISKS,

SYMPTOMS, AND NEW REVELATIONS ON EARLY DETECTION

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Twelve percent of women today will develop invasive breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from it this year alone, reports BreastCancer.org. That’s why a refresher course on early detection and staying up-to-date on the latest studies is essential and the reason for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

RISK FACTORS

There are several risk factors for breast cancer, as identified by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Some of these are unchangeable but should be taken into account in developing a screening plan. Other risk factors are lifestyle-related. Therefore women, especially those already at higher risk, should consider those factors she can control.

Still, the simple presence of risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll go on to develop breast cancer. Likewise, a lack of risk factors doesn’t mean you won’t develop the disease. For this reason, all women should be aware of the risks and symptoms and what screening does and doesn’t do.

Some factors that are unchangeable and increase risk are female gender, aging, genetics, and race and ethnicity (white women are at slightly higher risk) according to the ACS. A greater number of menstrual cycles, previous chest radiation, and exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) also puts women at a slightly higher risk.

Other risk factors can often be controlled. Pregnancy and childbirth are some of these factors. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), having more than one child provides increased protection with each successive birth.

Continued on page 22

Women who breastfeed also reduce their risk of breast cancer, the NCI explains. The longer the total length of time spent breastfeeding during the child-rearing years, the greater the protection.

Oral contraceptives, according to the ACS, slightly increase risk. Though once a woman is off contraceptives for 10 years, that risk is no longer present.

Hormone therapy for menopausal women can also increase risk. The ACS says estrogen alone is not a concern. For certain women, it can even slightly reduce the risk. But estrogen combined with progestin can increase risk.

Another risk factor is alcohol. Having one daily drink increases the risk only slightly, while the greater the consumption, the higher the risk. More than 5 drinks daily increase the risk for other cancers as well.

After menopause, being overweight or obese increases risk, says the ACS. But as the organization explains, the risk of breast cancer related to weight is complex. Those who were overweight as a child may not be affected. The distribution of excess body fat may also play a role. Waist area fat, in particular, might be more significant in increasing risk than fat in other parts of the body such as hips and thighs.

Exercise, however, has been shown to decrease risk, according to a study by the Women’s Health Initiative. It found just 1.25 to 2.5 hours of brisk walking each week can reduce risk by 18%.

Several factors that previously have been claimed to increase risk factors are now disproven or deemed highly improbable, according to ACS and Memorial Sloan Kettering. These include antiperspirants, bras, abortion or miscarriage, dense breasts, fibrocystic disease, and breast implants.

Factors that remain unclear because studies have produced conflicting results include diet and vitamins, environmental chemicals, tobacco smoke, and night work. These factors require further research to determine if there’s any relationship.

SYMPTOMS

There are several signs to watch for that might be indicative of breast cancer. Though most of these symptoms could be caused by something else such as caffeine, menstrual periods, infection, or other illness or factors. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your health care provider to rule out breast cancer. Symptoms to watch for, say ACS and other breast cancer organizations, include:

• A new lump or breast change that feels different from the rest of your breast

• A new lump or breast change that feels different from your other breast

• You feel something different that you haven’t felt previously

• Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple

• Nipple discharge that occurs in only one breast

• Bloody or clear discharge, rather than milky

• Thickening, a lump or hard knot inside the breast or in the underarm area

• Breast swelling, warmth, or redness

• Change in breast shape or size

• Breast skin dimpling or puckering

• A sore or rash on the nipple, particularly scaly or itchy

• Your nipple or other parts of your breast pulling inward

• Sudden nipple discharge

• Pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

“ ”

THERE CAN BE LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER. THE PREREQUISITE IS EARLY DETECTION.

—ANN JILLIAN

EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENINGS

Screenings are an essential means for detecting breast cancer, hopefully in its early stages.

Until more recently, women were encouraged to do a monthly self-examination. But a major study reported in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2002, concluded self-examination has played no role in improving cancer detection. It also found the extensive teaching of self-examination leads to an increased rate of benign breast biopsies.

Clinical breast exams, however, are still recommended. For women with average risk factors, these should be done every one to three years starting at age 20. Then at age 40, clinical exams should be done annually. Women with higher risk factors should have exams more often and consult with their doctor for the recommended frequency.

Mammography, believed to be one of the most crucial tools in early detection for decades, first started in the 1960s. Early trials found mammography reduced breast cancer death rates by 25%. But Peggy Orenstein points out in her 2013 New York Times article, “The FeelGood War on Breast Cancer,” such statistics have overstated mammography’s role in the reduction of breast cancer death rates. This is because the increased use of mammograms occurred along with much-improved treatments. Medica experts now believe treatments likely played a more significant role in reducing deaths.

For this reason, mammograms have come under fire in recent years as more studies have revealed the debatable usefulness of this screening technique, at least for younger women. That’s because breast cancer and detection are more complex than once understood to be.

It’s now known there are at least four types and subtypes of breast cancer. Mammography often doesn’t detect the more lethal types until they’re in the later stages. Add to this, mammograms result in significant overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatment. This comes with its own risks.

Doctor Deanna Attai, president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, explains, “Ductal carcinoma in-situ [DCIS] is also referred to as noninvasive, or Stage 0 breast cancer. It is primarily diagnosed by screening mammograms, as it often does not form a palpable lump. DCIS accounts for approximately 20% of mammographically detected breast cancers. As screening mammography has become more prevalent, the rate of DCIS detection has increased.”

Some medical experts say DCIS is really not a form of cancer at all. Referring to it as such results in overly aggressive treatment. The likelihood of low-grade DCIS developing into invasive breast cancer

is only 16%, says Dr. Attai. While high-grade DCIS has a 60% chance over 10 years. The problem is there’s currently no way to determine which cases of DCIS will ultimately develop into breast cancer. This creates a significant dilemma.

Still, what is known is among women in the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Various studies indeed reveal mammography screening seems to have very limited usefulness among women under 40. Still, it’s moderately effective for detection in women ages 40-49 and is most useful for those in the 5069 age group.

The results of recent studies have, therefore, revealed several needs. First, more research is needed to better answer questions about the approach to both detection and treatment. Additionally, better screening techniques should be developed for detecting the more deadly forms of breast cancer.

Currently, there’s much debate among medical and cancer organizations regarding the recommended frequency of mammography, particularly among women ages 40 and up. These various organizations point to different studies coming to different conclusions about mammography’s safety and effectiveness.

The latest cancer screening guideline by the ACS (2015) recommends women with average risk should begin regular mammography screenings at age 45. Then they should be annually screened until they reach 54. After that, they should transition to every two years, as long as they’re in good health with a life expectancy of at least 10 years.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has done a rigorous analysis of numerous studies and the guidelines of several organizations. The ACP says the methodology used by several organizations in determining guidelines isn’t sound. The organizations that scored highest for the use of sound methods include the ACS, World Health Organization, The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Based on the ACP’s findings, it recommends, “In average-risk women aged 40 to 49 years, clinicians should discuss whether to screen for breast cancer with mammography before age 50 years.” Physicians should discuss with women the potential harms and benefitsn. The potential harms, argues the ACP, outweigh the benefits for most women in the 40 to 49 year age range.

Finally, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that works best. So, mammography screening for breast cancer should be based on informed decisions and individualized plans. It should take into account a woman’s age, risk factors, and both the advantages and disadvantages of mammography for each woman’s unique circumstances.

MATT DAMON

A JOURNEY OF PASSION, CHALLENGES, AND COMMITMENT

BY SONDRA BARR

Matt Damon isn’t just an Oscar-winning screenwriter and actor with a career that’s been killing it for over 30 years—his ride to the top is a masterclass in grit, fire, and a no-nonsense dedication to what he does. From his start in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to becoming one of Hollywood’s MVPs, Damon’s journey is all about hanging tough and giving it everything he’s got.

He’s hit bumps in the road, fully leaned into his love for acting, and along the way, turned into a champion for global water access, a rock-solid family guy, and a fan-favorite actor who’s brought to life some of the most unforgettable characters in the biggest films of our time.

The Journey Begins

Growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Matt Damon’s passion for acting was evident from a young age. According to an interview with Elizabeth Day from the Guardian, his mother, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a university professor specializing in early education, always knew he was going to be an actor because of his love of costume and role-playing, and his ability to entertain himself for long stretches of time. He would play dress-up with his older brother, Kyle, and even broke his ankle at the age of 3 trying to mimic a superhero.

“When I was 3, I climbed to the top of the jungle gym in my Shazam cape, and I shouted ‘Shazam!’ And I tried to fly, and I fell,” he told Day of how he broke his ankle.

Chris Heath, in an article for GQ, recounts the emotional beginning of Damon’s career when he and Affleck watched Robin Williams and Stellan Skarsgård perform their script on the first day of filming Good Will Hunting. Damon reflected on that moment with a mixture of joy, disbelief, relief, and gratitude. It marked the start of everything for the duo, who had spent years honing the script and even turned down huge amounts of money to ensure they could star in the film.

A Career of Notable Performances

Damon’s choice of roles has always been guided by the quality of the director. As he mentioned in the same Guardian interview, “That’s all that matters in film. The rest of it is utter bullshit. A mediocre director will ruin a great piece of material.” He has worked with some of the best in the business, including Anthony Minghella in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Robert De Niro in The Good Shepherd, Martin Scorsese in The Departed, and Steven Soderbergh in Behind the Candelabra. Matt Damon has spent a good chunk of his Hollywood life playing the kind of guys you’d want to grab a beer with. These are solid, downto-earth, scrappy characters that he makes look easy-peasy and real in a bunch of hit movies. From the tough-as-nails rugby captain in Invictus to the cool-as-a-cucumber dad in Contagion, and the no-nonsense car guy in Ford v Ferrari. Even in the glitzy Ocean’s movies, Damon’s Linus is just a guy trying to get a thumbs-up from Clooney and Pitt’s cool cats, making him way more relatable than them.

His parents divorced, and he and his brother lived with their mother. However, the defining moment of his early career was his collaboration with childhood friend, Ben Affleck. The two met when they were 8 and attended the same high school. Despite attending different colleges, they worked together on the script for Good Will Hunting, which drew on their experiences growing up in Cambridge. The film became a critical and commercial success, and Damon and Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film also earned Damon his first Oscar nomination for acting.

A mediocre director will ruin a great piece of material. “

Oppenheimer Universal Pictures

True Grit Paramount Pictures

Good Will Hunting Miramax Films

Jason Bourne Universal Pictures

The Martian Twentieth Century Fox

Behind the Candelabra HBO Films

Recently, he chatted with Patrick Ryan from USA Today about his part in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, where he plays General Leslie Groves, the Army bigwig who ran the show on the atomic bomb in WWII.

Despite planning a break from acting, Damon’s always got time for Nolan and excellent scripts. He shared that his prep involved a lot of reading, but added, “I wouldn’t have had to do any research if I didn’t want to because the script was so good,” he told the outlet Digital Spy. “When reading American Prometheus [the book Oppenheimer is based on], I read the script and I was like, ‘This is amazing’, and then I read the book and went, ‘Wow, I have a whole other level of appreciation for this adaptation’.”

Family Life and Health

Despite his fame and busy schedule, Damon remains a devoted family man. He met his wife, Luciana, in 2003 while filming in Miami, and the couple has four daughters: Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella. Damon is a self-confessed family man and has a rule that they will never be apart for more than two weeks while he’s filming. His approachability on-screen combined with his sense of nuance and depth in performances has made him an everyman hero and box-office attraction.

Staying healthy as he ages is important to Damon, not just for his roles but for his family. Although he doesn’t have a publicly shared fitness routine, his various film roles over the years have required him to be in top physical condition. For example, his role as Jason Bourne in the Bourne series required intense physical training.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Damon is not just an Academy Award-winning actor; he is also deeply committed to philanthropy. One of his most notable efforts is co-founding water.org, an organization dedicated to improving global access to water.

His journey into this cause started somewhat unexpectedly through a friendship with U2 frontman and philanthropist, Bono. Despite initial reservations due to his wife’s pregnancy, Bono convinced Damon to visit Africa and engage with his charity work.

This trip was not Damon’s first exposure to global poverty. Before his acting career took off, he traveled with his mother to developing countries, witnessing firsthand the struggles of communities living in the global water crisis. While filming in Sub-Saharan Africa, he spent time with families in a Zambian village who lacked access to water and sanitation. This experience ignited a commitment to help solve the global water crisis, leading him to establish the H20 Africa Foundation in 2006.

However, Damon soon realized that addressing the world’s water and sanitation crisis required more expertise. Fortunately, a chance meeting with Gary White, a water and sanitation expert from Kansas City, at the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York, led to a powerful collaboration. Recognizing the potential global impact of their combined efforts, Damon and White merged their organizations to create water.org in 2009.

Staying Grounded

Despite his fame, Damon has remained grounded and avoids social media. “I just never saw the point,” he said in the GQ interview. “And I feel better and better about that decision as time goes on.” He values his friendship with Affleck deeply, noting that it transcends the cartoonish ‘best-Hollywood-buddy’ depiction often portrayed in the media.

Matt Damon’s journey is nothing short of a real-life masterclass in hustling, staying grounded, and making a difference. Breaking into Hollywood? A struggle. Handling the chaos of sudden fame? A whirlwind. But despite all that, Damon’s choices—from the roles he takes on, to his hands-on humanitarian work, and rock-solid commitment to his family—show a guy who’s stayed true to himself and is hellbent on doing some good in the world.

Damon with Gary White, the co-founder of water.org

Compassion

ELDER LAW FOR SENIOR ADULTS & THEIR FAMILIES

Elder Law is first and foremost about empowering seniors. Elder Law services help you address issues of living arrangements, financial well-being, healthcare options, and the ultimate disposition of assets, enabling you to make your own choices and decisions about managing life as you age.

AREAS OF LAW: LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY

VETERANS BENEFITS

ESTATE ADMINISTRATION GUARDIANSHIPS

PROBATE LITIGATION

ESTATE PLANNING WILLS & TRUSTS

WALKING TOGETHER TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Courtesy LEU & PEIRCE, PLLC

Leu & Peirce has many reasons to support efforts to end Alzheimer’s disease. As Elder Law attorneys, we witness daily the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia on our clients and their families. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, fatal disease that destroys a person’s memory and brain functioning over time. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, which kills more people each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In 2022, Alzheimer’s disease will cost the United States $345 billion, with this number projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

Thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, individuals living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and loved ones are not fighting this disease alone. Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Through fundraising, the Alzheimer’s Association provides care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias on a national and local level, funds critical research for treatment and prevention, and serves as the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy. None of that would be possible without large-scale fundraising and community support. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s has evolved into the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, research, and support. Held in over 600 communities nationwide, this one-day event calls upon walkers of all ages to come out and support those touched by Alzheimer’s.

Leu & Peirce works closely with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter and encourages the community to join us at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 21 at the Stage at Grandscape in The Colony (outside Nebraska Furniture Mart). In fact, the entire Leu & Peirce team, and their families, the “Wonder Walkers,” will be there showing their support for the more than 400,000 people in Texas living with Alzheimer’s. There will also be a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Dallas on November 4 at Dallas City Hall

Plaza. Participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is simple. Sign up individually or as a team at www.alz.org/greaterdallas.

Leu & Peirce believes wholeheartedly in the mission to end Alzheimer’s through research, care, and support for those affected by the disease. As Elder Law attorneys, we strive to alleviate the anxiety of our clients by providing a comprehensive roadmap for planning for a future with dementia. After a diagnosis of dementia, you may ask: “Who will take care of me when I need help? How will I pay for the care I need? Who can I trust to protect me?” Attorneys who devote their practice to Elder Law can help you understand your options and guide you through these important decisions. With special sensitivity to the legal issues surrounding the healthcare of older adults, Elder Law attorneys empower seniors through the long-term care planning process by ensuring proper estate planning documents are in place and assisting with planning for the cost of long-term care.

It is estimated that every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. Although Elder Law attorneys strive to protect the future of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, these legal safety nets are only temporary solutions until a cure can be found. It takes action and resources to make a difference, and everyone can help lead the way. Educate your family, friends, and colleagues that all of us are at risk of being touched by Alzheimer’s and encourage them to join the fight to find a cure.

Currently, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. A permanent solution can only come from a cure, and a cure can only come with your help. Bring your family and friends with you to support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the Stage at Grandscape in The Colony on October 21 or in Dallas on November 4, and join a community of others walking together to end Alzheimer’s.

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

TopDocsList.com

Adult In-Home Care Agency

Spectrum Health Solutions

Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

Alzheimer’s Care/Memory Care

Hidden Springs of McKinney

Prestonwood Court

The Iris Memory Care

Audiologist

Teresa Harris

North Dallas Ear, Nose and Throat

Cassandra Wilson

Hearing Services of McKinney

Bariatric Surgeon

John Alexander

Alexander Center for Obesity Surgery

Brian Long

Nicholson Clinic

Nick Nicholson

Nicholson Clinic

Thomas Roshek

Nicholson Clinic

Cardiac Surgeon

Brian Lima

Advanced Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Baxter Montgomery

Montgomery Heart and Wellness

Cardiologist

Irfan Hameed

Excel Cardiac Care

Tim Isaac

Premier Cardiovascular Care

Marc Shalek

Legacy Heart

Chiropractor

Cyrus Laali

Epic Chiropractic

Nicole Jackson

Grounded Wellness

Eric Peay

Corehealth Wellness

Cosmetic and Facial Plastic Surgeons

Jeff Angobaldo

Renaissance Plastic Surgery and Med Spa

Richard Ha

Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute

Gregory Roberts

Robert’s Cosmetic surgery

Dentist

David Bohannan

Bohannan Dentistry

Daniel Kou

Core Dentistry

Jason Roe

ProDental Dallas

Jenny Tai

Murphy Dental & Implant Center

Dermatologist

Carla Gustovich

Magnolia Dermatology

Rachel Quinby-Graves

Magnolia Dermatology

James Ralston

Dermatology Center of McKinney

Jerald Sklar

Dallas Associated Dermatologists

Daniel Smith

Dallas Diagnostics

Hospital for Surgeries

Baylor Heart Plano

Eminent Medical Center

Medical City McKinney

Medical City Plano

Presbyterian Hospital Plano

Endodontist

Hank Garrett

Hank Garrett, DDS

ENT – Ears, Nose, & Throat Specialist

Kenny Carter

Collin County Ear, Nose and Throat

Morris Gottlieb

North Dallas Earn Nose and Throat

Timothy Ragsdale

Texas ENT Specialists

Andrew Senchak

Texas Ear and Vestibular Institute

Family Physician

Guy Culpepper

Bent Tree Family Physicians

William Dodge

Questcare Medical Clinic

Martin Mcelya

Neighborhood Medical Center

Todd Wien

Village Health Partners

Lauren Woolbert

Village Health Partners

Fertility/Reproductive Doctor

Victor Beshay

DFW Center for Fertility

James Douglas IVF Plano

Dara Havermann

Dallas IVF

Gastroenterologist

Vijay Bapat

Baylor Scott & White

Steve Gadol

Methodist Health System

Rema Lamba

Texas Digestive Disease Consultants

Marley Lites

Digestive Health Associates of Texas

Sony Mathews

Texas Digestive Disease Consultants

General Surgeon

Robert Hagood

North Central Surgical Center

Brian Long

Nicholson Clinic

Sandra Moore

Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery

Nick Nicholson

Nicholson Clinic

Thomas Roshek

Nicholson Clinic

Hematologist/Oncologist –Cancer Care Specialist

Chad Amosson

Genesis Care

Alison Barron

Texas Oncology

Sharon Gregorcyk

Texas Oncology

Margarita Johnston

Texas Oncology

Mitchell Moskowitz

Texas Oncology

Gerardo Trillo

Texas Oncology

Internal Medicine Doctor

Bijas Benjamin

Inspire Health

V. John Gonino

Gonino Center for Healing

Julie Kennedy

Baylor Scott and White

Susan McKinney

HealthCore Physicians Group

Gary Tigges

Plano Internal Medicine

Interventional Radiologist

Matthew Anderson

MTVIR

Dev Batra

Dallas Vein Institute

David Kim

Texas Radiology Associates

Adrian Moger

Texas Radiology Associates

Hospice Care Providers

Cantex–Hollymead

Cantex–San Remo

Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

Lasik Surgeon

Dain Brooks

Brooks Eye Care

Harvey Carter

Carter Eye Center

Wallace Ryne

Clear View Lasik Center

Jeffrey Whitman

Key-Whitman Eye Center

Mohs Surgeon

Pooyan Rohani

McGuiness Dermatology

Neurologist

Ahmed Ata

Neurocare of TX

Charise Barta

Texas Neurology Consultants

Rajat Gupta

Headache and Pain Center

Jennifer Takesaka

Neurology Consultants of Dallas

Neurosurgeon

Fransico Batlle

WellSpine

Joseph Beshay

Dallas Brain, Spine, and Skull

Base Surgery

Caetano Coimbra

Dallas Brain, Spine, and Skull

Base Surgery

Peter Derman

Texas Back Institute

Rob Dickerman

North Texas Brain and Spine Institute

Thomas Kosztowski

Texas Back Institute

Jefferson Miley

Jefferson T. Miley, MD

Blake Staub

Texas Back Institute

OB/GYN

Jennifer Allen

Frisco OB/GYN

Tracy Elliot

Health Central Women’s Care

Blake Frieden

Dr. Frieden Obstetrics and Gynecology

Michelle Heintges

Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Mary Whitaker

Axmann Whitaker Gyn. Assoc.

Opthalmologist

Norman Slusher

Slusher Eye Center

Kim Warren

Key-Whitman Eye Center

Jeffrey Whitman

Key-Whitman Eye Center

Optometrist

Carey Brooks Eye Source

Amanda Hoelscher

Key-Whitman Eye Center

Jeffrey Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth Family Eye

Clint Meyer

Dallas Eyeworks

Oral Surgeon

James Bates

Texas Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery

Pedro Franco

DFWOMS

John Wallace

Dallas Oral Surgery

Orthodontist

George Dula

Dula Orthodontics

Jeffrey Johnson

Woodhill Dental Specialties

Mark Ozier

Ozier Orthodontics

Ericka Sample

Ericka Sample Orthodontics

Orthopedic Surgeon

Rahul Banerjee

North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine

Theodore Belanger

Texas Back Institute

Leroy Butler OINT

Andrew Chambers

Texas Bone & Joint

Stephen Courtney

Advanced Spine Centers

Uche Davidson

Texas Back Institute

Florian Dibra

Texas Joint Institute

Richard Evanson

Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center

Justin Kane

Orthopedic Institute of North Texas

Isador Lieberman

Texas Back Institute

Diane Litke

L&W Orthopaedic Associates

Bilal Mahmood

Baylor Scott & Whtite

Brian Nwannunu

Texas Joint Institute

Vikas Patel

Orthopedic Institute of North Texas

Alexander Satin

Texas Back Institute

James Stanley

North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine

Charles Toulson

Texas Joint Institute

Pain Management

Brent Belvin

American Pain & Wellness

Sheena Bhuva

Texas Back Institute

Don Enty

American Pain & Wellness

Chun Lin

Texas Back Institute

Gregory Powell

American Pain & Wellness

Steven Remer

American Pain & Wellness

Kamlesh Sisodya

American Pain & Wellness

Periodontist

Jonathan Pajouh

Neighborhood Medical Center

Amit Patel ROOT Periodontal & Implant Center

Pediatric Dentist

Paul Rubin

Frisco Kids Dentistry

Aleco Tujios

Woodhill Dental Specialties

Pediatrician

Halley Hogan

Cook Childrens

Julio Len

McArthur Pediatrics

George Nail

Centennial Pediatrics

Christopher Straughn

Forest Lane Pediatrics

Jason Terk

Cook Childrens

Podiatrists

Justin Kane

Orthopedic Institute of North Texas

Reza Mobarak

SouthWest Foot and Ankle Center

Jonathan Pajouh

Neighborhood Foot and Ankle

Binoy Sheth

Premiere Foot & Ankle

Physical Therapist

Michelle Pietrowski

Edge Physical Therapy

Hayden Taylor

Greater Physical Therapy

Laura Yeatts

Results Physiotherapy

Psychiatrist

Mark Cartwright

Carewright Clinical Services

Stephen Vobach

Vobach and Brennan Medical Group

Pulmonologist

Steven Davidoff

Southwest Pulmonary Assoc.

Taylor Long

Southwest Pulmonary Assoc.

Anthony Nebor

FiveStar Pulmonary Associates

Rheumatologist

Margarita Fallena

Rheumatology Associates

Jyuin Fan

Dallas Rheumatology

Swathi Gonnalagadda

Texas Rheumatology

Megha Patel-Banker

Arthritis & Rheumatology Institute

Spine Surgeon

Francisco Batlle

WellSpine

Ted Belanger

Texas Back Institute

Sheena Bhuva

Texas Back Institute

Stephen Courtney

Advanced Spine Centers

Peter Derman

Texas Back Institute

Rob Dickerman

North Texas Brain and Spine

Michael Duffy

Texas Back Institute

Richard Guyer

Texas Back Institute

Isador Lieberman

Texas Back Institute

Blake Staub

Texas Back Institute

Vudhi Slabisak

North Texas Orthopaedic and Spine

Jack Zigler

Texas Back Institute

Urologist

Zeeshan Danawala

Dr. Zeeshan Danawala

Michael Gross

Urology Clinics of NT

Vascular Surgeon

Dev Batra

Dallas Vein Institute

Tony Das

Connected Cardiovascular Care

Wound Care Specialist

David Godat

Godat Plastic Surgery

Tram Hill

Hill Wound Care

Reza Mobarak

DFW Wound Care

Matthew Pompeo

Promise Wound Care Clinic

DFW Wound Care Center is a group of wound care specialists in all of the DFW area. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. When it comes to wound care and limb salvage, DFW Wound Care Center has the knowledge and experience to successfully treat your condition. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Whether caused by diabetes, infection or disease, any wound that will not heal can be very serious. If you are experiencing a wound or ulcer that will not properly heal, our wound care center can provide a range of expert treatment options best in each case. We offer non-surgical and surgical treatments for:

Diabetic Wounds & Ulcers

Arterial Ulcers

Infected Wounds

Open Wounds

Pressure Ulcers

Vascular Wounds

Acute Wounds

Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic Wounds

Surgical Wounds

Traumatic Wounds

PLANO CLINIC

5804 Coit Road, Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

LEWISVILLE CLINIC

502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 75067

IRVING CLINIC

6161 N. State Hwy. 161, Ste. 320 Irving, TX 75038

DESOTO CLINIC

714 N. Hampton Rd. De Soto, TX 75115

JOSHUA WORLEY, DPM | REZA MOBARAK, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, FAPWHC | MARK MASHNI, DPM, AACFAS | MITCH WILLIAMS, DPM

» Staffed by 2 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology

» Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs

» Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings

» Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids

» Hearing Evaluations For All Ages

» Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions

» Battery Purchase Programs

» Custom Ear Protection

» Assistive Devices

Noise Exposure: A Word of Caution

Courtesy CASSANDRA WILSON, AU.D., CCC-A, FAAA

The most common type of permanent hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) which happens when there is damage to your inner ear. Your ear is made up of three parts— the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. With SNHL, it can become difficult to hear soft sounds. Even louder noises may be distorted or muffled. Most of the time, medicine or surgery cannot fix SNHL. However, hearing aids may help you hear. An audiologist can help if you have this type of hearing loss.

I frequently tell my patients that the three most common causes of SNHL are noise exposure, the aging process, and family history. I usually follow that comment up with, “You can’t control family history or aging, but you can control noise exposure.”

Loud noises can cause physical damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear. Sound signals are communicated to the brain by these hair cells. Loud noises can cause them to overstimulate and finally die, which results in irreversible hearing loss.

Loud noises and long-term exposure to sound pressure levels above 85 decibels can lead to irreversible damage to your hearing. A lawnmower, power tools, firearms, or noisy truck traffic are two examples of this intensity of noise. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard your ears and preserve your auditory health. Try following these strategies:

Hold Yourself Accountable: You are in the best position to make sure that you and your family engage in habits that support healthy hearing. Practicing safe listening habits is crucial. This includes lowering the volume on personal audio device and taking breaks during noisy activities.

Evaluate Your Surroundings: If you are three feet away from someone and cannot hear what they are saying, the noise level in your environment may be harmful to your hearing.

Avoiding the Noise: This is the simplest strategy to prevent hearing loss brought on by noise. Reduce the volume on your stereo or ear buds, and whenever you can, move away from loud noise sources to lessen the overall intensity of the noise.

Remember Protection: Protect yourself by muzzling excessive noise if you can’t avoid it. There are various kinds of earplugs that can lessen the volume of sound that reaches your eardrum (many of them are custom-made, which increases their comfort and ensures optimal placement and use). When working close to power tools, firearms, large machinery, concerts, etc., protection should always be used.

So, how loud and how long? A single, brief exposure to loud noises, such a firecracker or a single gunshot close to your ear, can cause irreversible hearing loss. But with enough exposure over time, hearing impairment can also develop gradually at much lower noise levels. You should keep your exposure to these moderately loud noise levels to a minimum in order to safeguard your hearing.

At 91 decibels, your ears can tolerate up to two hours of exposure (loud movies in theater). At 100 decibels, damage can occur with 15 minutes of exposure (tractor, cement mixer, and snowmobile). At 112 decibels, damage can occur with only one minute of exposure (chainsaw, jackhammer, loud rock concert. At 140 decibels, immediate nerve damage can occur. Firearms, firecrackers and jet engines taking off are all louder than 140 decibels.

So, be smart now and protect your ears from loud noise. Educate yourself and others about the dangers of exposure to loud noise. Encourage your relatives and friends to safeguard their hearing as well! Preventing hearing loss from loud noises is a proactive effort that requires awareness and action. Your auditory health can be maintained for many years to come if you have a fundamental awareness of the factors that contribute to hearing loss.

Regular hearing checkups can detect any early signs of hearing loss, allowing for timely intervention. It’s advisable to get your hearing tested by a qualified audiologist, especially if you have a history of noise exposure. Keep in mind that your ears are priceless, and because of this, you should take the precautions that are required to keep them safe so you can enjoy a lifetime of sound that is full of depth and vibrance.

OLIVIA ROGERS , RN, BSN, CHPN, CHPO, MBA, is a leading voice in health care and senior services and the Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of VNA Texas.

Dear Olivia,

We are considering starting our mother on hospice services sometime soon, as her physician thinks that it might be time to keep her at home and prevent any further hospitalizations. She has been frail for some time now and he feels she may need this extra layer of support and care. How do we know when the time is right? Also, are there any supports our family can receive if we need to go out of town to see our grown children while she is on hospice service?

-Difficult decisions

Dear Difficult decisions,

It is often a difficult decision to put a loved one on hospice service, even when we know that may be the best way to provide the appropriate level of care. Skilled hospice care can provide comprehensive, holistic care to both the patient and family when someone is facing a terminal illness or condition. Starting hospice at the right time is important to ensure that the care team has a chance to get

to know the patient and family and establish the best plan of care possible. The “right time” to transition someone to hospice is different for every family, but two important considerations are whether further aggressive treatment is desired, and if the patient would want to return to the hospital. If the answer to both questions is no, then this is often the right time to choose hospice care. In terms of travel, one of the best benefits of hospice for families is a service called respite care. This is one of the levels of care we can provide. This allows a patient to stay in an inpatient setting, such as a nursing facility, for up to five consecutive days for caregiver relief. This means that the family can travel, see other loved ones, or even just have a muchneeded respite from caregiving, knowing that their loved one is safe and being checked on daily by hospice staff. Hospice really can help families take care of loved ones as they navigate the challenges of end-of-life care.

~Olivia

VNA Hospice & Supportive Palliative Care

Focuses on quality of life for the patient and family at a time when comfort, compassion and clinical expertise matter most.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 689-0000 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

AMERICAN PAIN & WELLNESS

4461 Coit Road

Medical Building II, Ste. 411 Frisco, TX 75035

Dr. Powell: (469) 242–9400

5400 Hwy. 121, Ste. 100 Colleyville, TX 76034

Dr. Enty: (817) 354–8697

Dr. Sisodya: (817) 479–1500

Some people may think pain management is all about medicating pain. This is far from our goal at American Pain and Wellness. Dr. Steven Remer and his team of expert physicians provide innovative treatments that target the underlying causes of back, neck, muscle, joint, and nerve pain. We appreciate and partner with individuals wanting to actively participate in their treatment process while minimizing usage of opiate medications. Our objective is to get you back to a better quality of life.

American Pain and Wellness offers comprehensive approach to pain management which is customized to each patient. The approach ensures the delivery of covered services which are clinically and therapeutically directed and medically necessary. Receiving treatment in our in–suite procedure rooms, patients can save 50–70% because the physicians can perform services at a fraction of hospital costs. Treatment plans may also include physical rehabilitation, and massage therapy, which are offered onsite for our patients’ convenience.

Our goal at American Pain and Wellness is to provide you with the tools necessary to get you back on track to optimal health, function, and a better quality of life. “Life is better when you’re at your best.”

1101 Raintree Cir., Ste. 240 Allen, TX 75013

Dr. Remer: (469) 326–5100

Dr. Belvin: (469) 326–5100

7920 Preston Rd., Ste. 400 Plano, TX 75093

Dr. Remer: (469) 326–5100

Gregory D. Powell, MD

Kamlesh J. Sisodya, MD

Don A. Enty, MD

Brent B. Belvin, MD

Steven L. Remer, MD

How A Breakthrough Light Adjustable Lens Can Improve Your PostCataract Vision

Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER

The Light Adjustable Lens by RXSight has a unique ability to allow post-operative cataract patients to test-drive and customize their vision to their individual lifestyles. You can find this revolutionary new option at the offices and surgery center of Key-Whitman Eye Center.

“I’m excited about the Light Adjustable Lens because it gives our cataract patients the power to choose their own final vision,” says Key-Whitman’s Chief Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Whitman. That’s why he recommended it to his wife, Bonnie, when her cataracts were becoming an issue.

Bonnie knew it was time to take care of her cataracts when she started having trouble seeing to drive at night. Previously, she had enjoyed many years of great vision without glasses or contacts after she had Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery in the 1990s. The RK treated her distance vision, but like LASIK, does not prevent the need for reading glasses later in life. Nor can it overcome the problem of cataracts. Bonnie missed having great vision without the need for glasses, so she chose the new Light Adjustable Lens for her cataract surgery.

What Should Cataract Patients Know About the Light Adjustable Lens Experience?

Patients will not notice any difference in the procedure. As in any cataract surgery, once the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). In Bonnie’s case, Dr. Whitman inserted the Light Adjustable Lens during her cataract procedure.

Dr. Whitman likes to refer to the Light Adjustable Lens as the “Magic Lens” because the focusing power of the lens can be modified using a painless beam of specialized ultraviolet (UV) light. That’s where the post-cataract surgery experience is different for Light Adjustable Lens patients. Like Bonnie, these patients need to wear UV protection when outside until final adjustments are made. When Bonnie’s vision was completely stable and she was fully healed after surgery, Key-Whitman was able to fine-tune changes to her lenses. Once she was happy with her vision, her final adjustment was performed with the UV light—no need for more surgery. As a result, she can see without correction for all distances.

How Do You Know It Is Time For Cataract Surgery?

When you are young, the focusing lens inside the eye is flexible and

clear. It could automatically adjust to see things at every distance, much like the lens on a camera. In your mid-40s, you begin to lose your ability to focus up-close and, eventually, it progresses until it becomes a cataract. That clear and flexible lens is now dense and cloudy. As it advances, the cataract gets thicker and turns from clear to yellow, then all the way to brown. That’s why people with cataracts can no longer see true colors. Also, bright lights can cause blinding glare when you have cataracts, which makes it hard for people to see well enough to drive, especially at night.

While most cataracts develop gradually and over time, certain medications, diabetes, or trauma to the eye can cause earlier onset of cataracts. If you notice that even with glasses that you can no longer see well enough to do the things you love to do, it’s time to see your eye doctor.

How To Choose Your Cataract Surgeon?

When selecting a surgeon to perform your cataract surgery, it is important to choose a board-certified eye surgeon, who is both highly experienced and can offer you a full range of lens options to enhance your vision.

The doctors at Key-Whitman offer you the best of both. They use only the most advanced equipment and techniques approved by the FDA, so you can feel confident about your procedure, no matter which option you choose. This is one reason Key-Whitman can offer advanced options like Light Adjustable Lenses, as well as other high-tech lenses to decrease your dependency on glasses or contacts. In fact, Key-Whitman is one of the few centers in Texas to offer this exciting technology.

In addition, Key-Whitman participates in many research clinical studies with the FDA. Leading providers of new technologies specifically request Key-Whitman because of their expertise and experience. This allows the practice to offer the latest options to patients.

Join the thousands of patients, who have chosen Key-Whitman to improve their vision. Patient surveys show that the doctors and staff at Key-Whitman are caring and responsive to questions. If you are noticing changes in your vision, don’t let cataracts stop you from enjoying your daily activities.

Call Key-Whitman to treat your cataracts and take care of all your eye health needs.

BonnieandDr.Whitman

From left to right are: Leslie Pfei er, M.D.; Anita Jacob, O.D.; Kimberly Warren, M.D.; Sadaf Razi ElHa ar, O.D.,; Faisal Haq, M.D.

Deandra M. Grant

Attorney Deandra M. Grant leads Hamilton Grant’s North, East and Central Texas offices. She is an international speaker on DWI law, science and trial skills. As the author of the annually updated Texas DWI Manual, she is viewed by her peers as being a leader in her field. Deandra understands the science behind alcohol absorption and elimination rates and can use this knowledge to competently defend you.

Deandra formerly was an assistant district attorney. Her tenure as a prosecutor focused on DWI prosecutions which has given her firsthand knowledge on how to counter the prosecutor’s evidence and strategy. Deandra has spent hundreds of hours in training courses and programs related to DWI defense and has completed the certification course to administer standard field sobriety testing (SFST), the same training course taught to police officers nationwide on how to identify drunk drivers during traffic stops. As a certified SFST Instructor, Deandra has taught the course to other attorneys. She’s also completed the coursework on DWI forensic blood and urine testing.

Co-Author

“I have a masters degree in pharmaceutical science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology. I am able to take apart evidence in ways a lot of other attorneys are not able to do. The most important part of my job is being the barrier between the government and my client. Standing between them. Making sure their rights are protected.”

–DEANDRA GRANT

of the Texas DWI Manual

JD, GC, MS

BAD KNEES? GREAT DOCTOR.

Jay S. Bender, M.D.

When it comes to caring for your joints, our board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist can diagnose your pain and develop a care plan that’s right for you. Whether you require joint replacement or non-surgical care such as oral medication, injections or physical therapy, our goal is to get you back to doing what you love.

FOLLOW YOUR instinct

By RICK ALLEN

Awoman called me just the other day and I recognized her by name but was not able to immediately recall the details of our previous meeting. After a few seconds of conversation, I remembered everything we had previously discussed and the entire scenario became clear to me. The person on the other end of the line had come by our office a couple of weeks before and was asking about pricing and other general information related to pre-need planning for her parents. She told me at the time she was going to visit with a few other funeral homes just to get an idea of the differences in cost and things of that sort. What she conveyed to me in our telephone conversation prompted me to choose the subject for this article.

I was not surprised to hear the details of what she had learned, but knew it would be important for her to find the things out that she wanted to know herself. She began telling me what a wide range of cost there was between various funeral homes for the same type services. She also told me of situations where she saw a price advertised in the newspaper and because it appeared to be such a value she followed up on it only to learn that the price advertised wasn’t really the true cost after all the added extras. There was even one funeral home that told her she would have to pay a considerable amount more if she wanted to create a pre-need contract and pre-pay for services in advance of need. Having been in this industry for over 35 years, none of what she told me was shocking or much of a surprise to me—I deal with these issues on a daily basis. However, to the average person, who only deals with funeral planning maybe once or twice in a lifetime, she was appalled— as well she should have been. While it is true that funeral planning is a very detail oriented process and there are many choices to be made and items to be addressed, the consumer should not feel overwhelmed

or confused and certainly should not feel taken advantage of. As we talked further, I tried to gently explain to her that if you look at the range of costs she was quoted, there are two clear reasons why you have the low end and the high end of the spectrum. If you have ever heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for,” that describes the lowcost advertisers of cheap services. You can bet there is a short-cut in service, professionalism, genuine care or concern in the way the process is handled. On the other end of the spectrum, the reason for the most costly providers for the same services can be attributed to nothing more than greed. Some funeral homes actually take pride in saying they are the most expensive. Sadly, those who are the most expensive typically exhibit the least care and professionalism.

So, that brings us to the topic and title of this article: “Follow Your Instinct.” The caller told me that of all the people she talked with, she felt the most comfortable with us. She told me how much she appreciated the time she was given and how we answered all of her questions in a fashion she understood and that made sense to her. She also told me we were not the cheapest, but we were far from the most expensive. She even said that she felt we would be her ultimate choice, but she felt obligated to shop around. I encourage people to call more than one funeral home, but with something as important as planning a final tribute to someone who was so very important to you, choosing a provider solely on who is the cheapest is like treading on thin ice.

Whether you are in need of immediate care when a death has occurred or are wisely planning in advance, I encourage you to talk with more than one provider and ultimately go with who makes you feel the most comfortable. Cost obviously needs to be considered, but it absolutely should not be the only consideration.

Pooyan Rohani, M.D., M.Engr.

MOHS MICROGRAPHIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates for skin cancer.

Dr. Pooyan Rohani is a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgeon and board-certified dermatologist specializing in the surgical and non-surgical management of skin cancers in addition to other dermatologic conditions.

As a Mohs surgeon and former engineer, Dr. Rohani relies on his extensive medical training in addition to a unique background in engineering to deliver outstanding results. These skills are particularly important when he performs complex removal and reconstruction surgery on cancerous growth affecting cosmetically sensitive areas on the head and neck where precise planning and meticulous operation are critical to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.

“I am deeply familiar with the angst that a new diagnosis of skin cancer may cause. If I have the privilege of taking care of your medical needs, I will draw upon years of training and experience to compassionately provide high-quality, individualized care to achieve the best outcome possible for you.”

~Dr. Pooyan Rohani

CONSIDER ALL THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN COMMON WITH THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT TO IMPROVE YOUR ABILITY TO EMPATHIZE WITH THEM.

EMPATHY IS hardwired, BUT FEW maximize IT

7 Ways to Develop Empathy to Its Full Potential

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another’s shoes. It’s similar to sympathy but with an important difference. To sympathize is to care about and understand the suffering experienced by another. When you sympathize with someone, you feel sorry for them. Sympathy gives you the ability to say the right thing to comfort another.

But empathy goes a step further. It’s the ability to actually experience or relive the feelings of another. When you empathize, rather than focusing on your own feelings about the other person’s situation, you’re able to focus on the emotions of that person. When you empathize, the other person can tell you’re really listening to them. Furthermore, empathy increases your ability and likelihood to help the person with whom you empathize.

According to neuroscientists, the vast majority of us are born with the brain wiring necessary to empathize. Psychopaths make up about 1% of the population and are the exception, according to a 2013 study by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago and the University of New Mexico. Still, among the 99% of us who are born with this capacity, most don’t fully develop or use it to its potential.

BENEFITS OF EMPATHY

Empathy is beneficial in several ways, according to Katherin Sears, Ph.D., in “Why Empathy Benefits Everyone.” It provides us the ability to act kindly toward others, forgive family and friends, and bond with others over their ups and downs. Without the ability to empathize, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to form and maintain friendships. In fact, we’d have difficulty getting along with others at school or work and in society.

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, in an interview with CBS Good Morning, revealed another vital benefit of empathy. Without it, she says, “there is no way we could innovate.” This makes a lot of sense. Although some people would still have the desire to innovate for personal gain, innovation would be far more limited. People would lack the motivation to innovate to help others unless it offered a reward for themselves. The field of medicine is a perfect example. Many strides have been made in medicine over the decades, much of which has resulted from human empathy.

HOW TO IMPROVE EMPATHY

Experts believe, based on a large body of evidence, that empathy can be shaped. Not only can kids learn to empathize better, but so can adults. By practicing the following, you can foster your ability to empathize.

Active listening.

This is a crucial component of empathy. Practice really listening to each other and trying to understand the other’s perspective. Active listening includes paying close attention to body language and facial expressions, so you can better understand the other person. It also requires refraining from interrupting.

Give back.

Think about the experiences, feelings, and needs of those who are less fortunate. Consider various forms of adversity, such as kids with a terminal illness, the homeless, poor families, and those in nursing homes. Then make a plan to help out in some way.

Commonalities.

Despite the ability to empathize, studies have found people are often less empathetic toward those of other races or who are stereotyped in some way. Consider all the things you have in common with those who are different to improve your ability to empathize with them.

Lose yourself in fiction.

It’s a great way to experience and understand another, even though the characters are fictitious. This will improve your ability to empathize in real-life situations.

Practice reading faces.

People often don’t share what they’re feeling or experiencing. Yet, it’s often written all over their faces. Pay attention to people’s expressions, and try to understand what they’re feeling.

Look for opportunities to care.

Every day there are people all around us in need. So, practice empathy regularly. If you know someone who’s ill, quickly put yourself in their shoes. Then offer to help by bringing them a prepared meal or running to the store to pick up a few things they need.

Share in excitement and joy.

Empathy isn’t only about understanding people’s downs. It’s also the ability to share in their happiness. Regardless of how busy you are, when someone is excited about something, take a moment to really share in their enthusiasm.

Dr. Jason Tinley, MD is a minimally invasive, board certified, orthopedic spine surgeon. He specializes in spine surgery, including spinal stenosis, cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, minimally invasive cervical and lumbar spine surgery, cervical artificial disc replacement, and microdiscectomy.

Dr. Jason C. Tinley is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality spine care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, he strives to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans with the goal of alleviating possible future difficulties.

Dr. Tinley has become a leader in instruction and research in disc replacement and has a passion for optimizing spine surgery outcomes through development and utilization of new techniques, research and materials.

“Dr Tinley is a leader in the field of spinal surgery. His technique is excellent, but he does not rush to pursue surgery. Very good at explaining your condition and allowing you to decide a course of treatment.”

—RANDALL W.

“My experience with DFW Center for Spinal Disorders was excellent. Dr. Tinley and his staff are attentive and compassionate. My surgery went better than I could have ever expected, and I am now pain free!”

—BARBARA K.

Jason C. Tinley

Andrew Chambers, M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Chambers is an orthopaedic surgeon at Texas Bone & JointArlington who specializes in joint replacement surgery. He received extensive training in joint replacement surgery during his fellowship at Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital, which was voted as the top hospital in the United States. Dr. Chambers has implemented the techniques learned at Harvard Medical School into his own practice and offers minimally invasive total hip / knee replacement, partial knee replacement, revision surgery for malfunctioning, loose, and infected joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery of the hip and knee, and revision of failed and recalled metal-on-metal total hip replacement implants. Dr. Chambers focuses special attention on surgical techniques for rapid recovery after total joint replacement which allow his patients a more predictable and earlier return to home and an active lifestyle.

Dr. Chambers is pleased to offer the MAKOplasty Robotic-Arm Assisted partial/total knee and hip replacement. The MAKOplasty procedure is changing the way joint replacement surgeries are performed by providing each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and unique anatomy using a CT-based 3D modeling. The robotic arm technology allows for extremely precise placement of hip/knee components with potentially less soft tissue injury than traditional joint replacement.

Dr. Chambers is a Texas native and grew up in Houston, Texas. He attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and completed residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He then completed a fellowship in joint replacement surgery at Harvard Medical School. In his free time, Dr. Chambers enjoys traveling with his wife, Christine, and spending time with friends and family. He is an avid sailor and enjoys participating in sailing races on the local lakes in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

TEXAS BONE & JOINT – ARLINGTON

3201 Matlock Road, Suite 260 Arlington, Texas 76015

877-314-8990

tbjortho.com

David Shau, MD/MBA

Texas Hip and Knee Center Fellowship Co-Director and Faculty at the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University

Dr. David Shau is a native Texan, born in Fort Worth, TX. He graduated high school in Flower Mound, TX, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied biomedical engineering. Dr. Shau then ventured out-of-state to work at leading academic orthopedic surgery centers, including Vanderbilt University, Emory University, and University of California, San Francisco, before being recruited to return home to practice at the premier DFW joint replacement group, the Texas Hip and Knee Center (THK).

Dr. Shau has quickly built his practice through connecting with his community, committing to quality service, and delivering excellent patient care. He utilizes a variety of techniques and approaches for hip and knee care, including direct anterior hip replacements, and offers technology-assisted surgeries, such as Mako Technology for partial and total joint replacements. He also specializes in revision joint surgeries and enjoys complex, challenging cases. As a result of dedicating himself to his craft, his partners at THK promoted him to Fellowship Co-Director early in his practice. Dr. Shau also serves as a Physician Development Coach and is an Assistant Professor at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, where he enjoys his roles as a teacher, mentor, and coach.

In his free time, he enjoys food, sports, music, and spending time with his wife and daughter. For more information on Dr. Shau’s care philosophy and the techniques/approaches offered for hip and knee care, please visit DavidShauMD.com.

Wellness Challenge

Block your phone and computer and go for a 20 minute walk

Believe in yourself, nothing is impossible

Eat a meal without a screen

Check on your friends and family

Write in a journal for 10 minutes

Get some rest

Stretch for 15 minutes

Read a new book

Watch a movie

Try a new recipe

Work on your hobby or test out a new one

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 certi ed by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and is a Fellow of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Associaion of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Litke is the medical director of the Orthopedic Department for Methodist Health System and is a liated 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 cycling.

Please call 972.498.4791 to schedule an appointment.

Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Richardson, TX

www.LWOrthopaedics.com

Dr. Diane S. Litke, MD

Is it Really Love? Or Are You Being Catfished?

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

The number of couples who meet online, in all age groups, continues to grow. A whopping 39% of heterosexual couples and 65% of same-sex couples who met in 2017 met online. This was reported in a new study, “Disintermediating your friends,” by Michael Rosenfeld, Department of Sociology at Stanford University.

According to the Pew Research Center, eighty-five percent of those who’ve tried online dating are under the age of 55. Two age categories, however, have seen the most growth. The 18-24-year-old group tripled to 27% in 2015 over two years. Also, the 55-64-year-old group that’s tried online dating doubled to 12%. Men make up more than half of those in online dating sites and apps.

Online dating has led to numerous committed relationships and marriages. But as too many can attest, it’s not all fun—and there are plenty of games. In fact, according to studies, more than half of users lie on their online dating profiles. It’s often somewhat innocent

(though frustrating to those who uncover the deceptions) in regards to their age, weight, or height.

But catfishers (scammers who lure people into a sham relationship) are a whole different breed. They lie about nearly everything, including posting stolen photos to beguile and seduce victims. In 2016 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 15,000 complaints under the category of romance scams and confidence fraud. Most, however, likely don’t get reported.

We’ve all heard a well-publicized story of someone losing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to an online catfisher. But the truth is, it’s far more common than most people realize.

Financial gain, however, is just one of the motives of catfishers. While many are out to scam people of their hard-earned cash, others have different sinister intentions. Some are seeking sexually explicit videos or photos for either personal use or posting online. Some

catfishers find it an effective method for identity theft. Tragically, pedophiles also catfish to groom and lure children. Even adults are sometimes catfished to cause physical harm. Some do it for revenge, to catch an untrustworthy spouse, or to live an alternate reality. In the end, regardless of the catfishers’ motives, victims often experience emotional trauma, as well.

Here are some particularly eye-opening facts:

• Women make up 64% of catfishers.

• Fifty-one percent of online daters are married (though most lie and say they’re not).

• At least 10% of dating profiles are catfishers.

How do catfishers choose their targets?

One thing about catfishers is they’re pretty slick when it comes to choosing their victims. Senior citizens are frequent targets. But catfishers scam people of all ages. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission found that of all fraud victims surveyed in 2016, 21% fall between the ages of 30-39. Those in their 40s and 50s are a close runner-up.

Catfishers also look for those who are desperate for love, gullible, or sympathetic. It’s easy to woo, guilt, or manipulate such people in a variety of ways and feed right into the catfisher’s hand.

How to protect yourself from the get-go

Catfishing has been around since long before the internet. But the worldwide web provides catfishers an endless supply of prey while making it easier to conceal their identity. So, whether you’re in an online dating site or app and even on social media, keep your fisheye peeled and follow these precautions.

First, know the red flags to look for before you begin communicating with someone you don’t know. Some catfishers provide detailed, elaborate (but deceptive) profiles. Often, though, their profiles are incomplete and vague. By providing such limited detail (other than, perhaps, a very attractive photograph), they can capture the interest of more potential victims. It also gives them the advantage to make things up as they go that best fits their victim’s wants, needs, and desires.

Photos are another big clue. If they have no picture, this can be a red flag. Also, does their only photo look extremely dated? You know, the ones with that orangish hue that date back to the ‘70s. Or does the picture look like it came straight from GQ or Glamour? Of course, many are smarter than that. Even when the photos look kosher, they might be stolen from someone else’s social media profile. So always do a reverse image search. Just right-click on the picture and select ‘save image as.’ Then go to Google images. Drag and drop the photo into the search bar. If Google shows identical results for the picture, do some investigative work.

Also, watch for broken English in their messages. If you notice odd language such as ‘I will like to get to know you,’ be wary. It might indicate they’re from a foreign country commonly known for catfishers. On the same token, some scammers use broken English intentionally. They do this to weed out those who are intelligent enough to quickly catch on to them. Catfishers want to invest their time in those who seem to be gullible. Another reason they may intentionally use broken English is to create the illusion they lack sophistication. This gives

them the advantage that you won’t suspect they’re crafty enough to be a catfisher.

On the other hand, beware that many, and perhaps most catfishers, don’t show broken English. Plenty of catfishers are American, or English is their native language. Good English doesn’t necessarily deem them legitimate.

When you begin communicating with someone online, ask for their full name, and beware if they won’t tell you. Then do an online search for their social media profiles, job information, places they’ve lived, and anything else you can learn. If you can’t find the person online or something doesn’t seem right, cut your ties.

If someone you haven’t met starts getting romantic quickly or comes out with the “L” word before you’ve ever met, be suspicious. It’s true, some legitimate relationships have started out this way, but it isn’t the norm. It’s relatively common, though, with catfishers who quickly lure you into a phony whirlwind romance. They often move quickly and begin talking about a relationship, being in love, or a future together before you’ve met.

Most important, regardless of how perfect or real someone seems, don’t allow yourself to get emotionally involved before you’ve met in person. In fact, once you’ve done the investigative work above, try to meet for coffee as soon as possible. That way, you don’t waste time or risk becoming emotionally entangled with a fraud. Some people have found themselves reeled into years-long sham relationships without ever having met their predator. They only learn after wasting years of their life and sometimes all of their savings.

More ways to recognize a catfisher

Be wary if:

• they’re often difficult or impossible to catch on the phone.

• they’re unwilling to video chat.

• they always have an excuse for why they can’t meet you in person. They may claim to be out-of-state or the country. Also, they often claim, repeatedly, to be dealing with a major crisis or setback. This is to gain your sympathy, so you’ll accept it without question.

• they won’t provide their exact address, especially even after professing their love, an extended courtship, or asking to borrow money. (It should be noted for women’s safety, however, never give your address to someone you haven’t met and gotten to know well in person.)

• they try to manipulate you by shaming you, playing on your sympathy, or being overly charming, complimentary, or empathetic.

What

to do if you’ve been catfished or suspect it

If you suspect you’re communicating with a catfisher but are uncertain, gather everything you know about the person, print their profile, communications, and photos. Then share it with trusted family and friends for objective opinions.

Also, report catfishers to the dating or social media website where you met. Then file a report with the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.

COMMUNICATION That Works

By GEORGIA SMITH-LYLE, MA, LPC-S

Have you stopped to consider how important the gift of communication is in our world? Think about it! The idea, that without it, we would live in constant chaos. Think of all the reasons we need to communicate. Think of all the instruments of technology that run smoothly because of the ability to connect through communication. Think of all the people we correspond with and how important it is to express ourselves clearly.

Counseling many couples, I have found one of the most common problems in many relationships is ineffective communication.

Communicating your thoughts clearly and concisely is a skill that is learned. Some people are a natural with this skill, while others require more practice and good examples to demonstrate how to communicate clearly and concisely. This is why it is important for parents to demonstrate good communication with each other and with their children in the home. Great communication involves the important skill of “listening.” If you are not being heard or if you do not listen and perceive what the other person is conveying, then partial communication and misunderstanding is likely to occur.

One of the most frustrating factors in any relationship is the feeling of “never being heard or understood.” Listening takes effort and practice, but it is one of the most wonderful ways to convey to someone “you care,” “you are trying to understand,” and “they are important.” Have you ever asked yourself why it is easier to talk and convey your thoughts to an almost perfect stranger than someone you know well? Interesting thought! This is because there is no close emotional history or bond where pre-conceived ideas, past experiences, blame and/or defensiveness has had a chance to develop. So, how do we effectively communicate?

To Effectively Communicate:

1. Make eye contact while listening. Keep your thoughts on what is being said, guarding against thinking about something else, or being too quick to respond. Meaning, instead of thinking about what you are going to say next, listen to what the other person is saying while they are talking.

2. Do not interrupt. Let the person finish what they are trying to say.

3. Guard against defensiveness, blame, and justification attitudes.

4. Remember we are all individuals and have a right to our perspectives. Not everyone is going to believe or think exactly the way we do and we must give others the freedom to think and believe what they want.

5. State as clearly as possible the topic or issue you want to convey.

6. The person listening should restate what has been said to them, making certain they perceived correctly what was being said. This is where many mis-perceptions take place. Sometimes we do not understand exactly what the person is stating so restating helps clear any mis-perceptions.

7. After what you have conveyed has been restated by the person you are communicating with, clarify anything needing clarification.

8. Continue the stating, restating, and clarifying until the issue has been fully discussed.

The Never-Ever Rules:

1. Do not talk about important issues or ones where a decision must be made when:

a. you are angry

b. are extremely tired

c. when either party is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The Always Rules:

1. Give each other a “time-out” if you see the communication is getting to a heightened emotional level of anger or yelling.

2. This “time-out” may be for a few hours or a day or two, but always come back to the issue so that a resolution can be made. Do not avoid and withdraw completely from what obviously needs to be discussed.

Sometimes communication can be very uncomfortable, but it is vital for any and all relationships. We are not mind readers, and expressing ourselves is a gift that only enhances deeper relationships!

Please pass this along to friends and loved ones you think might enjoy and benefit from this reading. My hope is that you will enhance every relationship around you including the workplace, at home, with your children, and friends as you become great listeners and communicators. I am in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and marriage and family. You can visit me at my website visit www.counselingbygeorgia.com. Or I can be contacted at (469) 8550256 or via email at gpsmith7@aol.com.

Georgia Smith-Lyle is a Mental Health Counselor in Dallas and surrounding areas. Her main office is in McKinney, and her ranch office is in Petty, Texas, where she utilizes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with her horses. She is also an author and is passionate about writing. She and her husband, Jeff, have begun a retreat venue which will host all different occasions (whiteroseranch.com). To reach Georgia, email her at gpsmith7@aol.com, or call 469-855-0256.

GEORGIA SMITH-LYLE

The Future of Surgery is Here

Nicholas E. Martin, MD, MBA is an orthopedic surgeon with the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute (OSMI). Dr. Martin joined OSMI after being a staff orthopedic surgeon in the Department of Orthopedics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Ohio where he completed his Fellowship in Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction. Dr. Martin grew up locally in Arlington, TX, completed his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University, and then graduated with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.

Dr. Martin specializes in hip and knee joint replacement surgery with an emphasis on the minimally invasive anterior hip approach and Mako robotic assisted joint replacement surgery.

Mako Robotic-Assisted vs. Conventional Joint

Replacement Surgery

• Less pain

• Faster recovery time

• Smaller incision

• Shorter hospital stay

OSMI Mansfield 305 Regency Parkway, Suite 405, Mansfield, TX 76063 (817) 529-1900 • www.osmifw.com

Deandra M. Grant

Leaders in DWI Defense NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DWI LAW FIRM

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Hamilton Grant’s North, East and South Texas offices are led by Attorney Deandra Grant*, JD, GC, MS, one of the most awarded and respected DWI authorities in the country. She is co-author of The Texas DWI Manual, certified in the science and testing of DWI enforcement, and respected by her peers as being a leader in her field.