Dallas County Living Well Magazine May-June 2022

SENIOR DRIVING SAFETY: WHEN IS IT TIME TO PUT DOWN THE KEYS?

SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE PLANNING

THE LADY OF A MILLION DIFFERENT FACES

DALLAS COUNTY

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

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

Orthopedic surgeons and the medical staff at Eminent Medical Center are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Knee System, which helps surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

GAGA FOR LADY GAGA

In this issue, we’re going gaga for Lady Gaga. After watching her in House of Gucci, we knew we had to feature her in the magazine. Her total transformation into, as she describes “…some edgy, sexy, chancy, risky b*tch…some punky Italian gold digger” was masterful and should have earned her a leading lady Oscar.

If her track record is any success, there’s no doubt it’ll happen eventually. Indeed, after reading this issue’s cover story, it’s obvious that Lady Gaga was born to be a superstar— on the stage and screen. Yet, while it may seem everything’s gone according to plan for Lady Gaga, as you’ll fid reading her story on page 8, she’s hit some potholes on the way to superstardom.

Switching drastic gears, much like Lady Gaga’s penchant for transformation, we do a total 180 to delve into the topic of senior driving safety. While aging is a natural part of life, it does not make the conversation any easier when we need to tell the ones we care about that it might be time to put away the keys. Knowing the signs that your aging loved one might need to stop driving for the sake of their safety and others and understanding how to start the conversation can go a long way. Turn to page 47 to get practical advice on the subject.

Another prickly topic we tackle in this issue—social security and Medicare planning. Thankfully, the legal minds at Leu & Peirce Elder Law Attorneys address the subject with a wealth of knowledge in the article on page 33. They delve into the history of social security and the fiancial impact it can have on funding long-term care needs. If you’re approaching your Golden Years, it’s a must read!

Of course, there’s more. Get reading!

Be well!

Living Well

MAY/JUNE 2022

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

ADVERTISING & SALES

TEXAS: Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County

TEXAS & OKLAHOMA: Texoma Area

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

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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.

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 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

SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

SAM AND SPRING HOUSTON

Kwame Ennin, M.D.

Karim Elsharkawy, M.D. Richard Reitman, M.D.

Emerson, M.D.

Roger

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

The voting results for your favorite TOP DOCS & OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS will be announced in our upcoming July 2022 issue.

BY SONDRA BARR

ultitalented Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is one of the most celebrated artists on the planet whose full name you’ve probably never heard. Yet, unless you’ve been living offthe grid for the last 15 years, it’s guaranteed you’ll instantly recognize her iconic face.

Better known as Lady Gaga, a moniker inspired by the 1984 song “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen, Germanotta’s explosive ascent to superstardom was fast and furious, with a longevity that shows no signs of waning.

Using “David Bowie’s amphibious glam, Madonna’s blond ambition, Michael Jackson’s dual love of sparkles and precision” as her creative muses, Gaga’s forged her own amorphous persona that consistently connects with enamored fans and leaves them wanting more.

Each iteration of Gaga is arguably better than the last. Her recent turn portraying Patrizia Reggiani, an Italian socialite who was convicted of hiring a hitman to kill her former husband, Maurizio Gucci, an example. The film House of Gucci is Gaga’s latest high-profile coup—just one in a long list of accomplishments that have garnered numerous awards and accolades.

It was as a singer songwriter that Gaga fist entranced audiences in 2008 with her debut studio album, Th Fame. With the ubiquitous hits “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” it was an album that defied the year, if not the decade. She followed it up with the Born This Way album. The title song was number one in over 25 countries, with the single selling more than 10.49 million copies, making it among the best-selling songs of all time.

OVER GAGA GAGA The lady of a million different faces.

“It’s like open heart surgery to do a record. You have to dig deeper and deeper. It’s painful, and then when it’s over you’re healed again,” Gaga told Home Business of developing an album from start to finsh.

Yet dig deeper the 36 year old does, each of her succeeding albums a distinct departure from the last. From dance beats to electronic rock to jazz, she craftsall her albums with a defthand and impressive lyrical range, each encompassing a different sound and feel.

“She learned to play piano by ear at home when she was really young,” Gaga’s mother Cynthia Germanotta told In Style. “One day I said, ‘Do you want to take some lessons?’ She was a little bit confused by that because she said that she heard the music in her head. She didn’t understand why she had to take a lesson. That was a definig moment because I knew there was something different about her at that point. I didn’t know what it would lead to, but I realized that there was something more there.”

While her parents supported the raw talent they recognized in their daughter, her antics on stage initially gave them pause.

“When Gaga started emerging, when she was performing, I think it was at Joe’s Pub downtown, and she was in her bikini performing with Lady Starlight, and decided that night to do heavy metal and to actually light hairspray on fie,” Cynthia told Oprah. “Some people leftwhen that happened, a lot of people stayed and thought it was cool. Her father and I were like—honestly, he said, ‘I think she has a screw loose.”

Perhaps then it was no surprise after extraordinary musical success that Gaga would turn her sights to acting, something she had wanted to do since childhood.

Indulging their talented daughter with method-acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute at NYU’s Tisch School of Arts when she was 12 signaled the things to come. “I loved it so

much,” said Gaga to Vogue’s Jonathan Van Meter. “But I was terrible at auditioning—I would get too nervous and just couldn’t be myself.”

Fast forward to 2015, when she took on a leading role in the miniseries American Horror Story: Hotel. Her portrayal of a vampiric, selfstyled Countess, a bloodsucking fashionista, earned Gaga a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She followed it up with another winning turn in the 2018 critically acclaimed film A Star is Born, playing Ally, a young singer who’s discovered by an alcoholic musician.

Although Gaga came close to winning an Oscar for the performance, she didn’t leave empty handed. She took home an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow,” making her the fist woman in history to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Grammy Award, and BAFTA Award in a single year.

Taking on the role of Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, struck Gaga as the ideal next step. “What if I didn’t play some edgy, sexy, chancy, risky b*tch?” she recalled during the interview with Van Meter. “Some punky Italian gold digger?”

“I mean, I’m Italian-American, I come from a long lineage of Italians. And Italians are passionate, vibrant people. To Americans, who might go to Rome and hear women yelling in the piazza at each other, they would hear them as yelling when they’re simply just speaking to each other.”

To prepare for the role, Gaga spent a year and a half living as Reggiani in Italy, speaking with an accent for nine months—on and off camera. “Off amera, I never broke. I stayed with her.”

While she didn’t want to glorify somebody who would commit murder, Gaga approached the role from a unique perspective. “I hope women will watch this and remind themselves to think twice about the fact that hurt people hurt people. And it’s dangerous. What happens to somebody when they’re pushed over the edge?”

GAGA STARRING IN A STAR IS BORN

PHOTO BY WARNER BROS.

GAGA WON HER FIRST ACTING AWARD FOR HOUSE OF GUCCI.

PHOTO BY METRO GOLDWYN MAYER

STARRING WITH KATHY BATES IN AMERICAN HORROR STORY.

PHOTO BY FX NETWORKS

Gaga knows a thing or two about being pushed to the edge. Before she became a household name, she was raped at 19 by a music producer. She didn’t tell anyone for years until she revealed in a 2016 Today interview that she suffers from PTSD stemming from the assault.

“For me, with my mental-health issues, half of the battle in the beginning was, I felt like I was lying to the world because I was feeling so much pain but nobody knew. So that’s why I came out and said that I have PTSD, because I don’t want to hide away more than I already have to,” she explained to Vogue

To further confront the issue, she co-founded the Born Ths Way Foundation, with her mother to support the mental health of young people. According to the foundation’s website, through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the organization aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.

Starting the foundation and singing at Joe Biden’s inauguration are among

It’s like open heart surgery to do a record. You have to dig deeper and deeper. It’s painful, and then when

ACTING IN BRADLEY COOPER’S REMAKE OF A STAR IS BORN

PHOTO BY ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

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 | MITCH WILLIAMS, DPM

Feel like Youagain.

Rahul Banerjee, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement, comprehensive management of fractures, and treatment of complex orthopaedic problems. Dr. Banerjee graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Brown University.

After training, Dr. Banerjee served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Army treating the injured and training residents in El Paso, TX. He was deployed to the War in Iraq and treated many soldiers and civilians.

After his military service, Dr. Banerjee joined the faculty at University of Texas Southwestern as Assistant Clinical Professor. In 2021, Dr. Banerjee joined North Texas and Orthopaedic Spine. Dr. Banerjee is available to see patients at office locations in Plano, Carrollton and Dallas.

• Total Hip Replacement

• Direct Anterior Hip Replacement

• Knee Replacement

• Treatment of Fractures

• Bone Deformity

• Nonunion of Fractures

• Limb Lengthening

• Elbow Injuries / Elbow Replacement

• Foot and Ankle Injuries

• Infections

• Total Hip Revision

• Total Knee Revision

“From the moment I met Dr. Banerjee, he listened to what I had to say and how I felt, that means a lot to me. After many years of knee pain and not being able to live the lifestyle I wanted, he agreed to do a total knee replacement. It was the best decision I ever made. He did an amazing job! Less than two months out and I am walking and biking like I haven’t been able to in years! It really changed my life!!!”

–David P.

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

Attorney Deandra M. Grant is the Managing Partner of Deandra Grant Law’s five 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.

GRANT DEANDRA

Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual

“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

JD, GC, MS

Dear Olivia,

There are many emotions that come along with deciding to put a family member on hospice, and then even more at a loved one’s passing. We have had a few family members who were on hospice in their final days, and we are not sure what resources are available to families such as ours. We would like information about resources that are available to cope with these difficult times.

-Living with Loss

Dear Living with Loss,

The grief and loss experience is unique for each individual impacted by someone’s passing away, but no one should go through the grief process alone. At the Visiting Nurse Association, we have licensed social workers, chaplains, and counselors available to help families navigate the grief and loss process. We have a quarterly bereavement

newsletter called Sharing the Journey, as well as other resource information on our website (see QR code). Our bereavement coordinators help families process the changes that come with loss, and they can offer additional community support resources as well, which are also listed on the VNA website, vnatexas.org. Please reach out and let us know if we can help during these challenging times.

~Olivia

Coping with change and loss

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.

To schedule your free in-home informational visit please call (214) 535-2615 or email gethelp@vnatexas.org For volunteer opportunities please call (214) 689-2271 or email volunteer@vnatexas.org

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

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.

WHY YOU NEED A Family Physician

Healthcare is fragmented, but you are not. Every part of you is affected by another part of you. Your toe is connected to your brain, your liver is connected to your heart. Hormones can alter your mood. Your mood can impact your immunity. Every cell, every organ, whether they are touching or not, is influenced by the sum of you.

You are more than the collection of your parts and you need a physician that understands the whole of you. You need a family physician.

You are time in motion, affected by both your history and your future. You are a product of the generations before you, yet who you can become is amazingly under your control. Choices of diet, exercise, activity, and study all combine to affect you. Even your thoughts have an impact on your being, influencing your hormones, blood flow, and immunity. All of which barely scratches the surface of the interactivity that defines you.

Your medical record can never adequately describe you. No software can fully assess you, and no computer can really understand you. You are unique, so you need a physician uniquely trained to see all of you.

When you consult a medical specialist, you gain insight into that part of you. Your heart, your knee, or your colon may need that special attention. We are thankful for those physicians who have focused their wisdom and training to understand each area in fine detail.

A family physician takes a different view. Your family physician gazes at the sum of who you are, and sees you best by stepping back, instead of leaning in.

You have a limp, you are breathing fast, you look away, you cry easily. There is a rash on your cheek, a swollen wrist, and a skip in your pulse. You have two children, you are tired, and you’ve lost your faith.

Every part of you is affected by another part. No one else can see you with the depth and breadth of a family physician. No other specialist, pharmacist, nurse, or counselor can see as much of who you are as your family physician.

As you change over time, there is strength in a relationship that changes with you. An understanding that can only develop over time, a peace and trust that forms from mutual experience, with a familiar touch that brings comfort and healing. This is why you need a family physician.

GUY L. CULPEPPER, MD

Dr. Culpepper has led Bent Tree Family Physicians for 34 years, growing from a solo practice into a successful group of 7 MD’s and 13 mid-level providers, in North Dallas and Frisco. Bent Tree Family Physicians is a nationally recognized primary care practice that blends the traditions of personalized healthcare with the latest medical science and technology.

Dr. Culpepper co-founded Jefferson Physician Group (JPG), where he has served as CEO for 26 years. JPG is a group of over 500 practitioners dedicated to improving North Texas healthcare and to protecting the innovation of independent medical practices.

Dr. Culpepper has demonstrated leadership at every level of his career, from serving as Chief Resident during his training at U.T. Southwestern Medical School, to becoming the Chief of Staff and Founding Chair of the Family Medicine Department for THR Presbyterian Hospital.

He has served on the Board of Trustees for Medical City Hospital Plano and Frisco, in addition to the Foundation Board of the Dallas County Community College District.

His unique passion for healthcare has been rewarded with multiple honors, including 29 consecutive years as “Best Doctor” in D Magazine , and 18 consecutive years as “Top Doctor” in Texas Monthly

Dr. Culpepper believes that the strength of America’s healthcare comes from independent physicians, and he has dedicated his life to protecting the physician’s role as the leaders of patient advocacy.

Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine

TARIQ KHAN, MD

Tariq Khan, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with additional board certification in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Khan graduated from Windsor University and completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Khan is dedicated to providing comprehensive primary and preventative care for patients of all ages. He values getting to know his patients and establishing long-term relationships with them.

Dr. Khan’s clinical interests include:

• Weight Management

• Men’s health

• Type II Diabetes

• HTN

• Heart Disease

• Asthma

• COPD

• Geriatrics

• Pediatrics

• Urgent Care

3550 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. 600 Frisco, TX 75034 (972) 377-8800

DALLAS 17110 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 100 Dallas, TX 75248 (972) 380-7000

Jefferson Physician Group (JPG) is a network of over 200 independent physicians, working cooperatively to preserve the private practice of medicine and to provide the greatest value in healthcare.

Founded in 1995, JPG believes that independent physicians deliver the highest level of personalized care and offer the greatest opportunity for healthcare innovation.

Enjoy your life

We get you gardening again!

When orthopedic pain slows you down and makes everyday movement a challenge, call the experts at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas. Our surgeons provide a comprehensive array of solutions designed to resolve your pain.

Our approach is simple

Our patients are our top priority. We carefully review your options, explain your treatment, and the prospects for a return to full mobility. You will be fully informed at every step of your treatment.

Our experts are available 24/7

During diagnosis, treatment and recovery, any questions or concerns you have will be answered. We speak in terms you can understand, and discuss every step of your care to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with the recommended treatment plan.

Our promise to you

Using advanced, proven medical techniques, the surgeons at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas will return you to the freedom of mobility you enjoyed before.

Don’t spend one more day in pain. Call 972-591-6468 today and get gardening again.

Florian F. Dibra, MD

Education:

Medical School:

Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

Residency:

University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL

Fellowship:

Adult Reconstruction, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL

Memberships:

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

• American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Dr. Dibra is one of

Hip and Knee Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Dibra possesses an extensive knowledge of hip and knee orthopedics. He treats operative and nonoperative hip and knee arthritis. Dr. Dibra is nationally renowned for his muscle-sparing robotically-assisted knee replacement with a nationwide clientele. In addition, he specializes in minimally-invasive anterior hip replacement, partial knee replacement, and complex revision hip and knee replacement. Dr. Dibra has an extensive research background and numerous publications, book chapters, and national presentations. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions in research.

Dr. Dibra’s family consists of his wife and two children. In addition to English, he is fluent in Albanian and Italian, and proficient in Spanish. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, traveling, and cooking. Dr. Dibra is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most insurance plans.

Is There a Link Between Dementia and Cataracts?

Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER

As we get older, the risk of developing dementia increases. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 6 adults over the age of 65 will develop dementia, and this number rises to one in three people over the age of 85. Despite these sobering statistics, there is some evidence that cataract treatment may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Keep reading to learn how our team at Key-Whitman Eye Center can help treat your cataracts, protect your vision, and perhaps even reduce your risks of dementia and other diseases.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a common condition that affect millions of Americans. They occur when the eye's lens becomes clouded, and, making it diffiult to see clearly. Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, and they can eventually lead to blindness if left utreated.

While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, they can also be caused by other factors such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, and diabetes. Trauma to the eye is another cause of cataracts.

New Research and Statistics

Dementia affects nearly fiy million people worldwide, and there are currently no effective treatments for the condition. However, recent research has shown that there may be a link between untreated cataracts and dementia. A recent study supported by the National Institute on Aging and published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people with cataracts were more likely to develop dementia than those without cataracts. In another study also published this year in JAMA found that people who had surgery to remove their cataracts were less likely to develop dementia than those who did not have surgery.

While the exact relationship between cataracts and dementia is not yet known, it is possible that treating cataracts may help reduce the risk of dementia. If you are 65 or over and have cataracts, you should talk to your eye doctor about treatment options.

Treatment Options For Cataracts

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries with over 4 million procedures performed in the United States every year and

over 28 million all over the world. They are treated by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant. Surgery to remove cataracts is a safe and straightforward procedure which is usually performed in an out-patient surgery facility.

Other than the traditional monofocal intraocular lens with one focal point usually to correct distance, there are many elective options available including high technology lenses used to replace the cataract and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective glasses or contact lenses afterwards. These include the new Light Adjustable Lens by RxSight which allows the patient to choose their fial outcome by changing the power in the lens after surgery and the patient’s choice of power is fialized in the “lock-in” adjustment. Additionally, there are lenses with multi-focal focus points, trifocal lenses and extended depth of focus lenses which each come in an option to treat astigmatism as well. Depending on several factors including dilated pupil size, your surgeon may also opt to use the femtosecond laser to perform some of the most delicate portions of the surgery even further improving the safety and accuracy of the surgery.

Cataract Treatments in Dallas/Ft. Worth

If you are noticing changes in your vision, talk to your doctor about all the treatment options available to you. Keep in mind, cataract surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision, and as the studies indicate, it may also help reduce your risk of dementia.

Contact Key-Whitman Eye Center today to schedule your eye exam and learn more about your cataract treatment options at one of our 9 office cations throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex.

About Dr. Whitman

Key-Whitman Eye Center has been serving the North Texas area for over 60 years, and Dr. Jeffery Whitman is honored to be listed among D Magazine’s Best Doctors in Dallas in the category of ophthalmology and LASIK for the 20th year in a row. Under the direction of Dr. Whitman, the Key-Whitman team of highly experi enced doctors performs a full range of progressive ophthalmic services in eight convenient locations. Each surgeon is board certifid by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and each doctor performing LASIK and cataract surgery is additionally board certifid by the American Board of Eye Surgeons. Dr. Whitman is a recipient of the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition.

He is one of the most experienced cataract and refractive surgeons in North Texas. His team is among the few in the area specializing in laser-assisted cataract surgery and the use of high-tech lens replacements. These intraocular implants are designed to give a wider range of vision, including far, intermediate, or close-up vision.

From left to right are: Larry A. Fish, M.D.; Leslie Pfei er, M.D.; Je rey Whitman, M.D.; Amanda Hoelscher, O.D.; Todd J. Agnew, O.D.

OGUNRO, DO Hand Surgeon

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

At North Texas Orthopaedic & Spine (NTOS), patients of all ages are given the focused, individualized care they need in order to live fully and comfortably. The team at NTOS has a high level of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the spine, joints, and bones.

Patients appreciate the practice’s ability to educate them thoroughly about their conditions and give them the tools that they need to take control of their well-being. Whether the patient is an athlete with an injury or someone who has a long-term condition that affects their daily life, the NTOS team works alongside them to get them back to a full, active life. NTOS offers treatment for shoulder pain, tennis elbow, torn ACLs, sciatica, carpal tunnel, herniated disc, scoliosis and more. These and other conditions can get in the way of your work, hobbies, and general enjoyment of life.

VUDHI SLABISAK, MD

OLABISI

BRUCE MARKMAN, MD

RAHUL BANERJEE, MD

4090 Mapleshade Ln., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75093

4833 Medical Center Dr., 6E McKinney, TX 75069

874 West Hwy., 243, Suite 110 Kaufman, TX 75142

Lakewood Medical Center 6243 Retail Rd., Ste. 500 Dallas, TX 75231

3670 West Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75237

7589 Preston Rd., Ste. 500 Frisco, TX 75034

8080 Independence Pkwy., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75025

600 East Taylor St., Ste. 304 Sherman, TX 75090

3110 Parks Center Drive Tyler, TX 75701

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.

Correction

Invasive Surgery Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

Cell Therapy

Neuropathy Ingrown Toenails

Custom Orthotics & Braces

Laser Therapy for Pain, Swelling, Arthritis, and Wounds

DENNIS BIRENBAUM, MD EUGENE J. WYSZYNSKI, DO

Dr. Birenbaum founded the Arlington Cancer Treatment Center in 1981. He founded the Texas Hematology/Oncology Center, PA in 1997. He is the founder, Medical Director, and CEO. Dr. Birenbaum trained at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute for 5 years, 3 years as a Hematology/Oncology fellow and 2 years as a facility professor. His private practice in Hematology/Oncology has been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1979. Dr. Birenbaum is available by cell phone 24/7 and participates in many support groups and radio programs.

AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST:

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Melanoma, Sarcoma

• Breast Cancer

• Lymphoma

• Kidney Cancer

EDUCATION AND TRAINING CREDENTIALS:

• Southern Methodist University

• Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara/University of Michigan

• Straight Medical Internship - Henry Ford Hospital/University of Michigan

• Straight Medicine Residency - Tulane University Medical Center/Ochsner Clinic

• Fellowship Hematology/Oncology - University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute

• Private Practice 1979 to Present

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

• Born and raised in Dallas, TX

• Father of 2 sons

• Owns six dogs

• Loves traveling and golf

• Avid collector of arts and antiques

Dennis Birenbaum, MD and Dr. Wyszynski, MD, DO are M.D. Anderson trained hematologists/oncologists.

Dr. Wyszynski, MD, DO also trained at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA.

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

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine: Hematology/

• Oncology-Certified: 8/24/2007

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES:

• American Osteopathic Association

• ASCO

• Texas Medical Association

• Dallas County Medical Association

CLINICAL CANCER INVESTIGATIVE TRIALS:

• Central Pennsylvania Oncology Group Protocal

• Eastern Cooperative Group

• Southwest Oncology Group

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

• Married and father of 2 children

• Enjoys traveling and spending time with family

• Active in many hobbies

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.

ELDER

LAW FOR SENIOR ADULTS & THEIR FAMILIES

True Compassion

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.

VETERANS BENEFITS ESTATE ADMINISTRATION GUARDIANSHIPS

PROBATE LITIGATION ESTATE PLANNING WILLS & TRUSTS

Lauren Olson Attorney

Lori Leu Certified Elder Law Attorney

Erin Peirce Attorney

Social Security and Medicare

Planning Beyond Their Limits

By LEU & PEIRCE ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

On August 14, 1935, on the heels of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating a “social insurance” program to pay workers 65 and older a continuing income after retirement. After almost a century, Social Security remains an integral part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.

Social Security retirement benefits are individualized: the amount you receive depends on the amount you paid while working and the age you begin receiving benefits. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits toward Social Security benefits. Individuals need 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

The amount of the retirement benefit depends on the amount you earned and paid in Social Security taxes while working and is subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment. In 2022, retirement benefits increased 5.9%, which was the largest increase in nearly four decades. Full retirement age was 65 for many years, but began increasing monthly in 2000, and for anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age will be 67. Individuals who elect to receive their retirement benefits before full retirement age receive reduced monthly benefits.

If you have not worked and earned sufficit Social Security credits to qualify for your own retirement benefits, but are married or were married for at least 10 years to a worker who contributed, you may still qualify for spousal benefits. To qualify for spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old (60 if widowed) or caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record (younger than 16 or disabled). Your full spousal benefit could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at full retirement age. Additionally, even if you have enough credits to qualify for retirement benefits on your own work history, you may still apply for spousal benefits if your amount is lower than half of your spouse’s benefit.

The Social Security Administration provides a helpful online tool called the Retirement Estimator (www.ssa.gov/estimator), which provides personalized retirement benefit estimates and calculations of various scenarios to compare your options.

One aspect of retirement that has changed dramatically over the years is the fiancial impact of funding long-term care needs as life expectancy has increased. Currently, 70% of individuals turning 65 will need some form of long-term care in their remaining years. Long-term care costs range from $3,000–$16,000/month in the DFW area. Social Security was simply not designed to provide sufficit income to support such extensive costs.

Medicare was also not designed to pay for long-term care. Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare was another type of “social insurance” designed as a basic health insurance program for all individuals 65 or older who had paid into the system. Traditional Medicare consists of two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A is funded by Medicare taxes and provides coverage for in-patient hospital care, care prescribed by a physician, and hospice. Part B requires a monthly premium and covers medically necessary services and supplies. In 2022, standard Part B premiums increased from $148.50 to $170.10 each month. The $22 increase in the Medicaid Part B premium is one of the largest increases in Medicare history, approximately half of which is to create a contingency fund for Aduhelm, a new Alzheimer’s drug whose benefits have been widely debated.

Contrary to popular belief, no Medicare program covers long-term custodial care. For example, Medicare does not pay for the cost of assisted living or memory care, and only pays for a portion of skilled nursing care following a hospital stay of at least three days. Even then, the maximum paid by Medicare for skilled nursing is a portion of 100 days of care (Medicaid Advantage plans may pay less).

As you contemplate retirement, it is important to understand fully the benefits you can expect to receive under Social Security and Medicare. It is even more important to understand the limitations of these two programs, so you can prepare adequately. Unless and until the U.S. takes the next step in providing “social insurance,” all individuals approaching retirement age should have a plan in place for funding their own longterm care needs, beyond Social Security and Medicare. For a better understanding of available planning options for funding retirement and long-term care, and to fid an Elder Law attorney in your area, go to www.naela.org. Lori A. Leu, Erin W. Peirce, and Lauren E. Olson are Elder Law attorneys with Leu & Peirce, PLLC in Plano, Texas. For more information, call 972-996-2540 or visit www.leulawfim.com.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Retirement Income Planning

Courtesy ALAN EBRIGHT

Those of you inching closer to retirement are probably wondering how your golden years will work from a fiancial standpoint. Ths is a natural curiosity, as you will one day need to replicate your income from your savings and other sources. While this might sound like a daunting task, it’s actually pretty simple to illustrate. I think that the advisory and planning industry provides too much detail around the topic and it might be explained in a way

that is confusing or downright scary. I’ll attempt to alleviate those feelings as we walk through a simple example. Most of you probably have a good handle on your income sources and expenses. The goal now is to figue out your known sources of income. Typical sources:

• Social Security

• Employer Pension

• Rental Property

These are all hypothetical numbers for illustrative purposes

Social Security (spouses combined): $4,000 mo................................$48,000 yr

Pension: $5,000 mo................................$60,000 yr

Rental Property (net of expenses): $1,500 mo................................$18,000 yr

Sub-Total: $10,500 mo............................$126,000 yr

Now, let’s add-in the effects of $1,000,000 in investible money from all accounts. Let’s assume the income producing stocks and bonds in the portfolio throws off 2.5% er year.

Then we need to figue out variable income from all your investment accounts; IRAs, Individual Accounts, Joint Accounts, 401ks, etc. These accounts will be invested and will be throwing offincome from the investments you own, plus appreciation (over time). Ths income can be added to all of your known sources, and voila, you have your retirement income plan. To give you more peace of mind, let’s plug in some numbers:

$1,000,000 @ 2.5%.............................................................$25,000

Total…………………………………..………………$151,000*

Continued on page 36

“Ths is all well and good, but I need more income.” I get this request pretty often, so there’s more that one can harvest from their investment accounts to get that extra income. Let’s use the same example as the couple with the $1 million in investible accounts. Let’s say they need $50,000 per year (5%) from the aggregate of all their accounts. Well, as shown above, half of it (2.5%) is already coming in from dividends and bond coupons, so where does the other 2.5% come from. The answer is the appreciation of the portfolio. That’s right, at the end of the day you are indifferent from getting $50,000 a year in dividends vs. selling $50,000 worth of your investments.** It’s all just money! Ths is a concept called total return. It’s your investment income + the appreciation over time.

You might be saying to yourself, “Well, that seems like I’m digging into principal, and I am not comfortable with that.” I get this question by virtually every client, and here’s my simple answer. As long as your total return, over time, is in excess of your withdrawals, your principal will continue to grow over time.

The next natural question (and I’ll spare you from having to ask) is how does this work in a recession and a bear market? It’s a fair question and one that deserves an answer. Given that the duration of market cycles can vary, and trying to predict the next big downturn is a fool’s errand, it’s always good to have a cash cushion that makes a person comfortable. Perhaps one to two years’ worth of cash needs should be kept in a money market? When the market takes that big dip, you can now draw from your cushion without having to sell anything during the down period. Once the market comes back, you replenish the cash you have taken out by selectively selling when things have rebounded. The specificsof how your portfolio should be allocated is an exercise that all clients should have with their advisor.

A quick note on financial planning:

The essence of a plan is showing a person how to get income by pulling various levers at various times. There really isn’t much more to it than that. Where the artistry comes into play is helping a client figue out when it’s best to pull each lever. For example, should I take social security as early as I can or should I defer? Should I start taking distributions from my IRA now, or wait until age 72 when the Required Minimum Distribution kicks in?

All of these variables can be worked out when talking to a client and running scenarios. Sure, there could always be some one-offsalong the way. Perhaps you want to sell a rental property, or you might be getting an inheritance. All of these can be accounted for and baked into your income plan when they occur. Again, putting together the plan is not the hard part, but it’s the execution of the plan by your advisor that is the hardest part. You might need your portfolio to deliver income over a 20- to 30-year horizon, and in those multiple decades there will be some crazy times in the market where a seasoned investment manager can truly add value. It might behoove a person to look for the most qualifid manager fist, then figue out the income plan, not the reverse. Why? Some advisors lead with the fiancial planning angle as the most important part, build you the plan, and then try to sell you products for the plan or outsource the management to a third party. They might be great with numbers and spreadsheets, but can they manage money in an ever-changing market? Ths is one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself while you’re evaluating an advisor.

“EverybodyHasaPlanUntilThey Get Punched in the Mouth”

MIKE TYSON

*This is a pre-tax amount

**There could be different tax treatments for IRA withdrawals, dividend payments, and capital gains.

Hodges Capital Management, Inc. is a Federally Registered Investment Advisory Firm registered with the SEC. The above discussion is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investing in smaller companies involves additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. No current or prospective client should assume that information referenced in this communication is a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. No client or prospective client should assume that any information provided is a substitute for personalized individual advice from the adviser or any other investment professional. This document was created for informational purposes only and the opinions expressed are solely those of Hodges Capital Management, Inc.

All data and information reference herein are from sources believed to be reliable. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, or other information contained in this research is provided as general market commentary, it does not constitute investment advice. Hodges Capital Management shall not in any way be liable for claims and make no expressed or implied representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the data and other information, or for statements or errors contained in or omissions from the obtained data and information referenced herein. The data and information are provided as of the date referenced. Such data and information are subject to change without notice.

Addressing Neck Pain

By MATTHEW BONANDER PT, DPT

The neck is an essential part of the human body for function and sustaining life. In addition to holding the head upright, it serves as a major passage for blood vessels and nerves as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory organs that help provide equilibrium between the various systems of the body. The neck moves by pivoting, bending (forward, laterally), and extending. Because the vertebral struc tures are smaller and have increased range of motion, they are at increased vulnerability to injury, especially if not cared for properly.

Many muscles and ligaments cross the neck to optimize stability. The vertebrae of the neck, seven in all, are cushioned by intervertebral discs which further enhance the structural integrity of the neck. The discs act to absorb forces placed on the spine and help prevent injury. The spinal column runs vertically and houses the spinal cord. The nerves of the spinal cord branch out at each vertebral level to provide sensory and motor input. These systems foster muscle contraction as well as feedback from our external environment back to the brain. The neck is truly an amazing part of the body!

Disorders of the neck can hinder function and quality of life. In fact, muscle tension is often carried in the muscles that cross the neck and upper back. Stress is a contributing factor to conditions such as headache and painful trigger points. Trigger points are discrete, hyperirritable, and focal points in skeletal muscle that typically lead to pain.

Postural abnormalities occur often when excessive forward momentum is placed through the cervical vertebrae and related structures. Specifially, with forward head posturing, the upper portion of the neck is positioned in such a way as to limit normal rotation of the fist cervical vertebra on the second. Ths, in turn places increased demands on the mid- to lower level of the neck and can lead to spinal instability, degenerative changes, and elevated neck discomfort.

Other symptomatic neck conditions include osteoarthritis, disc protrusion, and disc degermation. As part of emphasizing good care of the neck, appropriate posture and body mechanics are essential. Maintaining alignment of the neck and back helps minimize strain on the muscles, ligaments, joints, and nerves. For example, an individual who works at a computer for prolonged periods of time, needs intentional and scheduled breaks. The setup of the workstation should also be considered. For instance, are the hips and knees aligned at 90 degrees when seated in the chair? Are the elbows also at 90 degrees? Is appropriate eyewear being utilized (if needed)? Is there appropriate lighting? These are all important questions to consider in limit-

ing the risk of strain or injury of the neck. The neck can be exercised by addressing strength as well as flexbility. Typically, the neck can be strengthened by actively moving the neck through the normal planes of movement (up/down, rotation, ear to shoulder) and with some form of resistance applied. Stretches are important for maintaining or enhancing range of motion and limiting the likelihood of muscle tension and headaches. Equally as important are maintaining appropriate durations of rest as well as dietary and hydration intake

Whether addressing new onset of pain or chronic symptoms of the neck, an exercise program is important for helping to reduce symptoms and enhance quality of life. Author Matt Bonander is the author of Author of  Exercise, Health and Vitality A Concise, Science-Based Guide for Adults and Older Adults which can be found on Amazon.

Author Matt Bonander is the author of Exercise, Health and Vitality A Concise, Science-Based Guide for Adults and Older Adults which can be found on Amazon.

It’s essential to take care of your feet !

Premier Foot & Ankle specializes in the treatment of all foot and ankle issues patients of all ages may experience. Our dedicated providers are committed to providing patients with quality care and pain relief using cuttingedge technology such as Pulse Activation Treatment to cure heel pain/plantar fasciitis as well as Padnet vascular and Smart Scan nerve testing for diabetics. By for the entire family, we at Premier Foot & Ankle focus on treating both the injured athlete and anyone with foot or ankle injuries.

Premier Foot & Ankle is the leading practice of foot and ankle specialists in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area as evidenced by multiple awards such as the Best of Dallas 2011-2012 and 2015-2020 and the Reader’s Choice Best of Living 2017. As a trusted and dedicated

provider, Premier Foot & Ankle is here to help patients alleviate their foot and ankle pain resulting from various foot disorders and injuries such as sports and diabetic foot care.

To move toward your pain-free lifestyle with an individualized comprehensive treatment plan, visit us today at www.premierfoot.com to schedule your appointment!

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Gain Better Return from Planning

Courtesy CAROL MARAK

Along-range planner has an infinte number of options for the future. What gets in the way is the stress of choosing the best one. And many times, people use uncertainty as an excuse to postpone altogether. As a whole, our society is reactive, especially when dealing with life events and emergencies. No one wakes up thinking, “Today I’m going to put a plan together just in case I need it.” People do need one, they just don’t know where to start. The following steps will help people to plan for a favorable tomorrow. Ths process mentally prepared me to live well today and into the future.

1. Mitigate Stress and Worry

Planning is a thought process that requires mental effort free of stress.  Ths is important because stress affects the ability to concentrate and to focus on the matters at hand. A few tips to mitigate stress that postpones action: Identify the signs of stress such as fideting or tense muscles. Know the situations that impact stress like fiancial or personal problems, and fially, Practice well-being activities, for example, exercise, eat healthy foods, and learn new skills. A therapist reminded me, “ The simple step of acknowledging a problem or issue positions the person for solving it.”

2. Shift Mindset from Problems to Possibilities

People are trained to focus on the problems when making decisions. But ultimately planners need to see possibilities—that’s where magic lives and where trends are born. Embracing a possibility mindset adds value to almost everything; life purpose, the community, family and friends, a supportive environment—restoring hope, in what we can do and who we are as people

Components of a Problem Focused Attitude

There’s a feeling of disempowerment in problems, a feeling that all doors are shut. When planners fixte on worries, they’re preoccupied with reducing and resolving threats, emotional distress, fears and worries, and barriers.

Components of a Possibility Mindset

Even the smallest shiftcan create exciting possibilities. Start by asking, “What’s the possibility that I see in this situation?” Ultimately, spend time on the options and positive interrelationships, insights and choices, replacing expectations with plans, collecting information, and fially, focus on what you can control.

3. Evaluate Strengths and Weaknesses

A simple but powerful framework for leveraging strengths and rectifying weaknesses is to concentrate on what feels right. Become more self-aware and pay attention to what behaviors make you feel good

about yourself. Reflct on and pay attention to choices that expand improvement such as, What do I do well? What’s unique about me? Where do I excel?

Examples: Resourceful, adaptable, manage money well, self-directed, and resilient.

Similar to strengths, identify the weaknesses by answering: What areas in life are underperforming and why? What could improve? What resources are needed?

Examples: Low quality of life, unsatisfying friendships, poor budgeter, and unfulfilling relationships.

4. Research Available Options

Quality research is doable, replicable, and based on logical rationale. It must generate new questions, and address problems. Start with provoking questions and searching for answers on the Internet and within the local community such as:  What would it take to create a change in my overspending? How to get a budget under control? How to stop spending more than I earn?

Questions inform the planner. It’s the secret sauce for creating something better.

Grab a pen and pad. Pick one thing to improve—say it’s saving money.

Answer: What does it look like right now? Am I putting money away in an emergency fund and if not, why not? What do I predict will happen to my money if I don’t make any changes?

What are the variables that influence my fiances the most? Is it saving more, overspending, or not following a budget?

Describe your fiances in one, three, and five years. List the actions you’ll take. The outcome depends on the amount of control you have. Have fun with this and don’t hold back. Fifteen years ago, that’s what I did. Started small. Broadened expectations overtime. Do that and you’ll have more money!

Author Carol Marak is a native Texan who lives in Dallas. She’s the author of “Solo and Smart - The oadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future” which is based on Carol’s plan as a single adult. “Solo and Smart” can be purchased at www. Amazon.com. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, PBS, NPR, AARP, USNews, local newspapers and radio shows. www.CarolMarak.com.

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Treating Hearing Loss

WHO YOU SHOULD SEE AND WHAT STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE

Courtesy HEARING SERVICES OF McKINNEY

Hearing is one of the body’s most remarkable senses. It integrates with our brain to help us connect with the world around us. Made up of a complex system of delicate and synchronous parts, it’s easy to take this vital sense for granted. If any of these components aren’t working properly, the result could be hearing loss. For 48 million Americans—or nearly one in five, ages 12 and older—this is precisely the case.

If you think you or someone you know has hearing loss, you’re probably wondering what the next step should be. That’s easy; see a hearing professional. It’s important to see someone who specializes in hearing issues such as a Doctor of Audiology. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation to begin treatment and rehabilitation as soon as possible.

Don’t do it alone

While hearing loss typically can’t be reversed, most cases can be managed with the help of an Audiologist and hearing aids.

See a professional

Just as every person is unique, every hearing loss and need is unique too. To ensure you get a solution that’s custom fit to your precise needs and lifestyle, it’s always recommended that you consult with an audiologist. These trained experts have the experience, education and technology needed to diagnose and measure your degree of hearing loss, then recommend and administer a solution personalized for you, including ongoing support and care.

Get the right solution

Today the best solution for sensorineural hearing loss is hearing aids. Like all high-tech devices, hearing aids have improved significantly over the past several years in terms of performance and appearance. From “invisible” solutions that fit deep inside your ear and are virtually undetectable but still deliver exceptional sound quality, to wireless options that stream audio from your phone and TV, today’s hearing aids sound better, fit more comfortably and perform more reliably than ever before.

How a hearing aid works (the basics)

A microphone picks up sound and converts it into an electrical/ digital signal. An amplifierthen increases the strength of the signal, which in our more sophisticated devices is manipulated by advanced signal processing. Ths allows the signal to be “shaped” to someone’s hearing loss. The receiver or speaker converts it back into sound and sends it into the ear canal, to eventually reach the inner ear. That signal goes up the auditory pathway to the brain which “hears” and understands the sound as speech.

There is a difference between basic amplifiation products and hearing aids. Hearing aids and personal sound amplifierproducts (PSAPs) both improve the ability to hear sound. PSAPs are typically stripped of sound enhancement features. In many ways, these devices are a throwback to the old analog hearing aids that basically just made all sounds louder. However, hearing aids are designed to improve your hearing in more difficult listening situations with advanced technology features like feedback elimination, noise reduction technology and often better ability to hear on the phone.

Two are better than one

Nearly 95% of people with sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids. But wearing two hearing aids delivers these additional benefits:

• Better understanding of speech

• Better understanding in background noise

• Better and smoother sound quality

• Better sound identifiation and localization

• Better tinnitus masking

Treatment makes a difference

Research by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) concluded that hearing loss treatment is shown to improve: physical health, communication in relationships, warmth in family relationships, ease in communication, emotional stability, sense of control over life events, and earning power.

The right fit

Today’s best hearing aids are precision instruments, utilizing advanced technology that can and should be customized to fit your specifichearing loss and unique lifestyle needs. Determining which hearing aids are right for you depends on a variety of important and unique factors including: the nature and severity of your hearing loss, your eyesight and dexterity, the size and shape of your outer ear, the types of activities you enjoy (listening needs assessment) and cosmetic concerns. That’s why getting fit with the advice and consultation of an experienced Audiologist can’t be overemphasized.

Get the most out of your investment

The Better Hearing Institute reiterates this in their report: “ The hearing aid fitting process requires complete in-person hearing assessment in a sound booth; the training and skills of a credentialed hearing professional in order to prescriptively fit the hearing aids using sophisticated computer programs; and appropriate in-person follow-up and counseling. Ths is not possible when consumers purchase one-size fits-all hearing aids over the internet or elsewhere.”

Senior driving safety

When is it time to put down the keys?

Courtesy BANKRATE

While aging is a natural part of life, it does not make the conversation any easier when we need to tell the ones we care about that it might be time to put away the keys. Having this conversation is tough, but it is in the best interest of the individual’s safety. Drivers who are 65 and older are  16% more likely  to cause an accident compared to adults aged 25 to 64. There is no designated time frame for when you should tell someone they should stop driving for the sake of their safety and others, which means recognizing the right time is often leftto the caregivers or loved ones. Knowing the signs and understanding how to start the conversation can go a long way.

Seniors may face health issues that impact their ability to drive safely. Although not an exhaustive list, the health problems an older person might encounter could include bad vision, brain damage from a stroke, Dementia, or arthritis. In addition, older people tend to use more prescription drugs, which can have side effects like drowsiness, blurred vision and confusion and have negative impacts on driving.

Driving stats for seniors

• Over 700 older adult drivers are injured in car accidents each day and more than 20 are killed in car accidents.

• There are more than 30 million licensed drivers on the road who are 70 or older..

• Drivers aged 65-69 have the lowest number of auto insurance property damage claims, but the number of claims begins to increase at age 70.

• Drivers aged 75 and older have higher death rates from accidents versus middle-aged drivers, according to the CDC.

• Across all ages, including the senior population, male drivers are more likely to die in a car accident than female drivers.

• Failure to yield the right-of-way is one of the most common causes for fatal accidents among senior drivers.

What to watch for: signs of an unsafe driver

The ability to exhibit safe driving behavior does not usually come to an immediate halt, but is typically rather a gradual process that can eventually lead to putting lives in danger. Look for the following signs if you are concerned about an older person’s ability to drive:

• Driving extremely slowly

• Not using turn signals

• Trouble making turns or properly changing lanes

• Parking outside of the lines of a space

• Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs

• Running into things and getting scrapes or dents on the car

Physical and Cognitive Capabilities

• Not being able to see or hear what is going on outside the vehicle

• Difficulty backing up

• Delayed responses to events around them

• Needs someone else to tell them how to drive

• Frequently getting lost or forgetting their destination

• Getting confused frequently about how to handle different situations

How to talk to a family member or friend about no longer driving

Relaying your concerns to an aging friend or family member and letting them know you believe they can no longer drive safely is a difficult conversation to have, but keep these tips in mind when you do:

• Start talking about it early so there are no surprises. The sooner you bring up the topic, the smoother the outcome is likely to be for everyone. Not only does this help keep surprises to a minimum, but it develops more open communication around the topic.

• Choose who needs to initiate the conversation. You can talk with other family members and friends to fid out who would be the best person to do the talking. Bear in mind that it should be someone the older driver trusts. Another option is to ask their physician, ophthalmologist or optometrist to address the situation.

• Find a good time to talk and plan ahead. Pick a time that works for both you and the driver so you are comfortable and not rushed. Mark a date on the calendar and stick to it so you do not feel the urge to reschedule or put it off

• Provide the facts leading to the decision. Present the facts behind the decision and explain why you’ve come to it. Ths could be because of the medications they are on, their health or because of recent incidents causing alarm. Have the supporting materials ready and be familiar with them since they will provide the factual basis for getting an older driver to retire their keys.

• Be encouraging and supportive. Losing the ability to drive often feels like loss of independence. Reassure your friend or family member that this decision is for their safety, but there are also other options for them to get around.

• Offer alternative transportation suggestions, such as rideshare or public transportation. The good news is that there are numerous alternatives available for transportation, several of which can be used to preserve independence. Have your list of suggestions ready to share so you can discuss the options while you are together.

• Suggest a driving test or class for elderly drivers. There are a number of online and in-person safety courses specifially designed for older drivers. Ths alternative could be offered when safety concern observations are fist made. Not only could this help an older individual become a better driver, but it could qualify them for an auto insurance discount.

Options for if you can’t drive

• Family members: If family members are located close by, consider asking if they are willing to pitch in and drive the loved one to needed appointments, errands or other events. Caregivers & home care aides: There are services available to hire caregivers and home care aides to assist older people with driving to and from appointments. However, there is a cost to be considered when hiring caregivers.

• Public transportation: Depending on where you live, there may be public transportation available to pick up and drop off lder drivers to grocery stores, banks or other places of business.

• Volunteer transportation programs: There are religious and civic clubs that provide transportation options for seniors. Since it is a volunteer organization, it is a relatively low-cost option. Transportation would be limited to the availability of the volunteers.

• Paratransit services: If the county you live in has public transportation services, such as buses and trains, it likely has paratransit services too. These services are typically either free or low cost and take people with disabilities to and from medical appointments, the grocery store or other places within a designated area. To determine if your loved one is eligible, contact the local paratransit authorities to fid out what criteria is needed.

• Carpooling: Carpooling services not only offer a low-cost option for getting around town, but it adds a social aspect too. Safety should be a priority, so the best course of action would be for you and the older driver to research carpooling options together and choose a carpool with people you know.

• Taxis & rideshare services: Uber and Lyft re two rideshare options to get seniors to and from their appointments. Since the app must be downloaded to use these services, the senior would need to be comfortable using a smartphone.

• Senior call a ride programs: There are numerous senior call a ride programs, many of which are low-cost alternatives to driving. You may be able to fid these programs through your loved one’s insurance company or local companies in the area.

• Senior housing transportation: Today’s options for senior housing include a wide range of benefits. One benefit offered might be transportation services for residents. Double check with the facility to see if this is an option and what your loved one needs to do to book the service.

As with many aspects of protecting the people we love and care for, deciding to talk to someone about giving up their driving privileges involves several emotions. It is not a black and white issue with a one-size-fits-all solution. By working together to keep ongoing communication about safe driving and highlighting the numerous alternatives available, you can help create solutions that work best for everyone.

Deandra M. Grant

Leaders in DWI Defense NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DWI LAW FIRM

Have you been arrested? Whether you have been charged with DWI in Texas or another criminal offense, we advise you to secure the immediate representation of our experienced DWI lawyers. Your charges can have life-altering consequences. It is of the utmost importance that following an arrest, you hire our Dallas criminal defense lawyer. We will stop at nothing in order to protect your rights, freedom, and future. At Deandra Grant Law, you will receive the individualized support and tenacious advocacy that you require in order to combat your criminal charges.

Because we care deeply about helping as many people as we can, our Texas DWI & criminal attorneys also represent clients in Collin County and throughout northern Texas.

Deandra Grant Law’s five offices are led by Managing Partner Deandra M. 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.