Denton County Living Well Magazine November-December 2020

FROM THE PUBLISHER

GOOD VIBRATIONS

Mark Wahlberg busted into our collective consciousness as rapper Marky Mark sometime in the early ’90s. The voice behind the catchy “Good Vibrations” tune, he was all youthful bluster and machismo, destined to be written offas just another one-hit wonder and soon to be forgotten.

Except, that’s not what happened, not even close. Wahlberg parlayed the role of smalltime rapper into a multi-faceted entertainment career that’s spanned over 30 years and landed him in the admirable position as the third highest-paid actor of 2020—not too bad for a teen who once spent 45 days in jail for assault.

We touch base with the successful actor/producer/entrepreneur/business owner/philanthropist/husband/dad in this issue to fid out how he effectively manages it all (especially during a pandemic), while maintaining a bodybuilder’s physique. Psst, it has a lot to do with hard work and an aversion to cutting corners.

Next, we switch gears and direct you to the informative article “When to Breakup with Your Physician.” The doctor patient relationship is one of the most important ones for your wellbeing and health. What happens if your physician is no longer meeting your needs? Choosing to leave your doctor is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Inside, we offer reasons you may need to leave your doctor and how to fid a qualifid replacement for your healthcare needs.

Another relationship worth taking note of is the one with your partner. If good vibrations in your relationship are hard to come by, we direct you to the article “Experiencing Communication Problems with Your Partner? Learn Ths Technique for a Thiving Relationship.” What’s the technique? Much like Mark Wahlberg’s approach to success, it has a lot to do with hard work and less to do with a quick fix

On that note, there are no quick fies, especially for Covid. As we head into the winter months, we’re sending out good vibrations to all our readers and content partners and hope you stay healthy. A vaccine may be a long way off, but you can still take charge by wearing a mask, frequently washing your hands, and avoiding large gatherings.

Be Well!

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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SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

FIT better than FIT

Mark Wahlberg takes his life and health to the next level.

By SONDRA BARR

Let’s just say Wahlberg hasn’t been slacking this year. And, while you might feel a tinge of envy hearing that he’s been quarantining with his wife and four kids in a Beverly Hills mansion complete with pool, golf course, basketball court, and gigantic home gym, don’t forget, he’s earned it, the only way he knows how, with hard work. And, yes, from what we’ve read he’s still waking up at 2:30 a.m. while in quarantine.

“ The only way to do this is the right way. You can’t cut corners in life. You might get away with it here or there but ultimately if you want anything with real substance, with a real solid foundation…you gotta work,” he said in an interview with The Tuff uice with Caron Butler podcast.

The Philanthropist

As he approaches the back nine of his life, Wahlberg is mindful that he has the power to do good and perhaps right (or at least assuage) the wrongs of his youthful transgressions. “All the success and all the things that I achieved, guess what? You can’t take it with you,” he told Men’s Health in 2020.

Which is why in 2001, Mark and one of his brothers, Jim, established The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. According to the foundation’s website, it was established “For the purpose of raising and distributing funds to youth service and enrichment programs.” Over the years, MWYF has raised more than $10,000,000 for organizations across the country; it’s also built basketball courts in the Boston area for Boys and Girls clubs. Meanwhile, MWYF holds annual events like summer camp, which provides kids from the Boston inner city area the opportunity to experience Maine for a week of classic camp activities and an annual Christmas party with Santa that gives thousands of giftsto youth every year.

“ There’s no luggage racks on a hearse, right? What do you do with it? How do you make the most change and move the needle in the most ways? I didn’t have to look any further than out my window where I grew up,” he said. “I didn’t have to say, ‘Is there a crisis in the world that I can get involved with—you know, rain forests, animals, and all this stuff.’”

“I know that God didn’t bless me with all this to say, ‘Forget about where you come from and just go offand do you and have a great life.’”

“The gym was the exact opposite direction of trouble.”

Mark Wahlberg takes his workouts to the next level. You can too!

After going to a F45 class, Wahlberg was hooked. “I’m a fitness fantic and I fell in love with F45 after I walked into a gym and saw people from all walks of life, all levels of fitness working out together.”

The F stands for functional training, a mix of circuit and HIIT-style workouts leaned towards everyday movement; 45 is the total amount of time for sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun, according to the company’s website.

To try free F45 workouts, head to YouTube and search F45.

Foot & Ankle Needs

feet and ankles

Damien Dauphinée*†

DPM, FACFAS, FAENS, FACCWS, CWS-P

American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and in Wound Management by the American Board of Wound Management, Dr. Dauphinée is esteemed as a trusted expert within the medical community. He lectures nationally and internationally, trains surgeons to treat a variety of peripheral nerve pathologies, and serves as faculty for multiple surgical workshops.

He has been the recipient of numerous fellowships and awards, which have gained him respect from his peers and have provided unique opportunities to further study and successfully perform innovative procedures. He is the author of Saving Limbs Saving Lives: Advanced Treatments to Prevent Amputations in Diabetic Populations.

Raafae Hussain DPM

Dr Hussain ascribes to the simple philosophy that each patient is unique and deserving of individualized, attentive, and personable care.

Dr. Hussain received his formal education and training from some of the nation’s most distinguished podiatric surgeons, and is a contributing author to clinical research and medical textbook publications Highly knowledgeable and skilled in advanced treatment options, he demonstrates exemplary expertise both in podiatric medicine and in his exceptional and compassionate care for patients.

* Certified - Board Foot Surgery, Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery † Board - Wound Management

Nearly one-third of adults in the United States take five or more medications. Each year, Adverse Drug Events (ADE’s) account for nearly 700,000 emergency department visits and 100,000 hospitalizations according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. PatchRx’s goal is to prevent medication errors and reduce the number of ER visits in order to lessen the burden on hospitals during the pandemic and beyond.

PatchRx is an adherence-centered software company that has developed a device that attaches to a patient’s medication bottle and pairs with a smartphone app to help patients remember to take the right medication at the right time. As PatchRx founder Andrew Aertker put it, “It’s hard to remember to take medications. We’re making it hard to forget.”

Allen Pharmacy and PatchRx have partnered to offer a free pilot program to the patients of Allen Pharmacy. The goal of this pilot study is help demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology.

“Our goal is to help people take the right medications at the right time, leading to better outcomes for our patients and fewer hospital visits,” says Brandon Allen, owner of Allen Pharmacy.

Allen continues, “PatchRx is a simple, easy to use technology. It will save the health system time and money, while greatly improving patients’ lives.”

The Allen Pharmacy team is encouraging not only patients to join the program, but also family members, as the technology can help family members care for loved ones.

Allen concludes, “It is only through the continued pursuit of inno-

The Right Medication at the Right Time

Courtesy ALLEN PHARMACY

vation that we will solve the public health crisis in the United States. The PatchRx technology and this pilot program are a step in the right direction.”

Allen Pharmacy and PatchRx will run the pilot program through the remainder of 2020. Those who are interested in joining the pilot program are encouraged to visit allenpharmacy.net/patchrx or call Allen Pharmacy at 940-484-0100 or more information.

Allen Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy in Denton, has partnered with Texas Adherence Technology Company named PatchRx to help patients remember to take their medications.

BY

Cognitive

By GEORGIA SMITH-LYLE, LPC-S

The holidays are upon us! Looking at 2020, most of us would say something like, “Wow, we made it!” Assessing how well you came through this storm (Covid-19, loss of jobs, loss of loved ones, school schedules completely turned upside down, etc.) is probably not something many of us want to look at. We are just glad this year is almost behind us. I’m right there with you wanting to move forward to better times and not look back. However, the truth is assessing what you have come through and the impact upon your life is very important.

We have a tendency to not look at the diffiult times we have gone through, but looking back and assessing what good came from all the chaos can be so benefical for your future decisions. I like to put it like this… most of us fleed some emotional and intellectual muscles we didn’t even realize we had and we survived. What many of us did is called “cognitive reframing.”

The defintion for cognitive reframing is a process of identifying and changing the way many of our thought processes, situations, emotions, and ideas were imbedded from a negative perspective to a more positive framework, without discounting loss or grief in any situation. For example, many of you may have

Reframing

lost a job. The situation has certainly caused concern, anxiety, and fear, which needs to fist be acknowledged. But to reframe your situation might look like the following: I did lose my job, but this has given me an opportunity to take into account all my talents/achievements and assess a new direction and opportunity that I may have never looked for if I had not had this challenge.

Assessing your potential and all your qualities and even a possible career change that you have been wanting to focus on is reframing your situation. You begin to see the positive and move forward instead of getting stuck in the present situation. It does not completely alleviate fear, uncertainty or anxiety but it does cause your thoughts to be more positive and therefore more productive. The above job situation is just one example.

For all situations that have caused you uncertainty, I encourage you to write down each situation. Acknowledge the negative impact. But, reframe the situation to reflct the positive movement forward this situation has brought you to and the steps you have taken or will take to achieve your goal. In other words, count the positive impact as best you can and move forward. Staying stuck in the situation and the negative emo-

tional impact it has upon your life and possibly your loved one’s lives is stagnation. Ths is not an easy task with certain situations and losses. Seek guidance and wise counsel if you need help. If we ever needed each other, it is now. Our lives have been turned upside down by a virus and our nation is experiencing the effects. Let’s be there for one another and help each with encouragement and a listening ear. Lastly, remember all you have already come through and reframing to your benefit how you assess 2020 will propel you into your future more positively.

Georgia Smith is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and marriage and family. She is also an author of two books and a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email gpsmith7@aol.com. www.counselingbygeorgia.com

PHOTO

GERD ALTMANN

Rahul Banerjee, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon

Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care with expertise in:

• Fracture Repair

• Joint Replacement

• Anterior Total Hip Replacement

• Fracture Nonunions/Malunions

• Limb Lengthening

• Periprosthetic Fractures

• Pelvic Fractures

• Upper Extremity Injuries

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

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

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

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

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

times this effectively gets the point across while preventing hurt feelings or a negative response. But it also leads to misunderstandings and the opportunity for the receiver to avoid or ignore the message.

Assertive communicators, according to Adler and Rodman, are the most effective because they are direct and clear about their feelings. They don’t try to control or hurt the other person. Assertive partners may not look forward to some discussions. But they’re able to handle these in a manner that ends positively and leaves couples feeling good about each other.

If you see yourself or your partner in any of the fist four styles, you’ve probably experienced many of the problems these styles often create. Quarreling, escaping, and resentment often result. If these problems become too frequent, they can ultimately destroy your relationship.

A BETTER APPROACH

Changing old patterns isn’t easy and requires work. But learning to communicate with your partner effectively can be achieved. One method of communication therapists teach clients can make arguing, yelling, and avoidance a thing of the past. Not only do couples learn to communicate more effectively, but they may also develop deeper bonds and intimacy. Ths can have a lasting effect on your relationship. Ths technique, sometimes referred to as Intentional Dialogue, is used in Imago Relationship Therapy. Though this technique, couples learn how to talk to their partner, share feelings, and really hear and understand each other. Also referred to as Couple’s Dialogue, it uses a speaker-listener approach and consists of four steps. Imago Therapist Eleanor Payson A.C.S.W. shares this process in her handout,  Making the IMAGO Conscious But before getting started, there are essential “ground rules” couples must follow.

First, explains Payson, the person who needs to have a discussion must initiate it by making a request for a specifictime. Couples often jump into important discussions without making sure it’s convenient for their partner. If the time requested isn’t convenient, your partner should schedule a time better suited to both of you. The discussion should be held within 24 hours.

Not only do couples learn to communicate more effectively, but they may also develop deeper bonds and intimacy.

Also, when making your request for a dialogue, don’t disclose the details. Tell your partner only the topic to avoid undue worry. When the scheduled time arrives, the person making the request is responsible for reminding the other. During your dialogue, stick to the topic, and if other issues arise, save them for later.

Finally, your dialog should consist of four steps: mirroring, summarizing, validating, and empathizing. After you complete these steps, switch roles so that each of you has the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings.

GETTING STARTED

To begin your dialogue, sit close and facing each other. The fist speaker is the person who requested the dialog. During the four-step process, as explained by Payson, the receiver should not interrupt, except to check his understanding of his partner. Furthermore, he should not discuss his feelings, perspective, or anything else until the roles are switched.

The fist step is to mirror. After the sender describes her concern, the receiver will mirror what his partner said and then ask if he understood correctly. If he has, he then asks if there’s more. Ths exchange continues until the speaker has finshed.

Next, the receiver summarizes his partner’s discussion and what he believes she’s trying to say. He should then ask if he got it all. If not, the mirroring process continues until he has received all of the important details.

Now the receiver needs to validate his partner by explaining that he understands her feelings and why. If the receiving partner does not yet understand his spouse’s feelings, the mirroring process continues.

Once the mirroring spouse understands his partner’s feelings, it is time to empathize. Ths means to be able to experience the thoughts and feelings of his partner. Empathy is vital to any relationship as it “allows both partners to transcend, perhaps for a moment, their separateness and to experience a genuine ‘meeting,’” says Payson. “Such an experience has remarkable healing power.”

Therefore, during this step, your partner should indicate he empathizes with your specificfeelings. Finally, switch roles and begin the process again.

TAKING CARE NOW

If communication problems are impairing your relationship, don’t wait for irreparable damage. Other effective speaker-listener techniques are available, as well. In Fighting for Your Marriage, Markman, Stanley, and Susan L. Blumberg teach similar communication skills through the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) approach. Look for other good books as well.

Keep in mind that for some couples, therapy may be required.

In her recent book, The Wizard of Oz and other Narcissists, Payson describes the narcissistic personality. Individuals with this disorder may not be capable of empathy, a vital element of these recommended forms of communication. If this may be a problem in your relationship, or for other reasons you and your partner can’t work through this process on your own, look for an Imago or similar type therapist.

Finally, remember, as Markman, Stanley, and Blumberg point out, “Good marriages take work. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not how much you love each other that can best predict the future of your relationship, but how conflits and disagreements are handled.” So learn these techniques early in your relationship, or before misunderstandings escalate—and you’ll dramatically increase your chance for a successful, long-lasting relationship.

Social Isolation and Hearing Loss in the Midst of Covid

By ELIZABETH BRASSINE, AU.D.

Social isolation and hearing loss often go hand in hand. Conversation takes effort, so sometimes we avoid it. Communication best practices are often overlooked. Accessibility options in public spaces are often limited. The good news is that there are many simple ways to help combat this issue.

Hearing Loss is More Common than You Might Expect

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 460 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and that number is expected to almost double by 2050.  Hearing Loss Association of America estimates nearly 50 million Americans currently suffer from hearing loss, with 65% of them younger than 65.

Hearing loss is an invisible disability so it is often overlooked, particularly as hearing aids have become more discreet. Also, it can be related to many serious medical conditions including higher incidence rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and falling.

When leftuntreated, hearing loss is also associated with a higher likelihood of  dementia. Part of that link is thought to be due to the social isolation that often accompanies hearing loss. The WHO explains it well: “Exclusion from communication can have a significant impact on everyday life, causing feelings of loneliness, isolation, and frustration.”

What Is It Like to Communicate When You Have Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is hard to understand if you have not experienced it. A good analogy is to think about Wheel of Fortune. Some of the letters are filled in, while others are blank. People with hearing loss must take these assorted and incomplete sounds and turn them into words or phrases that make sense in the context of the conversation.

How You Can Help People with Hearing Loss

Feel

Less Isolated

The good news is that common sense fies like using best practice communication techniques make it much easier to include somebody with hearing loss in conversation.

Conversation Dos

1. PROVIDE CONTEXT

Context makes it easier to fill in the blank spaces in the words on the Wheel of Fortune game board. If all you hear is “___oot,” knowing if the conversation is about owls (hoot) or a robbery (loot) is a big help! If the subject changes abruptly, be sure to let them know.

2. GET THEIR ATTENTION BEFORE SPEAKING

Hearing takes concentration for people with hearing loss so make sure they are ready and attentive before talking. Make sure you are facing them and, when possible, that they can see your lips for lip-reading.

3. OPTIMIZE THE SURROUNDINGS

Keep background noise to a minimum and make sure the area is well lit so they can see your facial expressions. When meeting in public spaces, let them choose their seat fist so they can minimize background noise.

4. BE ATTUNED TO THE BODY LANGUAGE

If you notice your communication partner leaning forward to hear you or is looking confused, speak louder or repeat what you just said in different words. Being attentive to social cues can help prevent the person with hearing loss from always having to ask for assistance.

Conversation Don’ts

1. RAISE YOUR VOLUME, BUT DO NOT SHOUT

Volume is only part of the problem. Shouting can distort speech. Speak at a steady pace since rapid speech is difficult to process and slower than typical speech will also make lipreading difficult.

2. DON’T COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN SPEAKING

Most people with hearing loss are also lip-reading. Do not cover your mouth when you speak, and avoid talking while chewing. Although in the world of Covid and wearing masks, this may not be possible. There are clear masks available, which at least let the mouth be visible.

3. AVOID THE DREADED “NEVER MIND”

A person with hearing loss may not catch everything you say the fist time. Be willing to repeat or rephrase. If someone is having trouble hearing you, do not dismiss them with a “never mind.” Ths is insulting and will only reinforce their feelings of not belonging.

4. LIMIT COMPETITION

Have only one person speak at a time is helpful.

5. DON’T ASSUME THAT EVERYONE CAN HEAR

In large venues, use a microphone when available.

Simple Breakfasts to Fuel Your Family

During a period when many families are spending more time at home than normal, eating healthier is likely a popular goal. One of the many aspects to focusing on better nutrition starts with a better breakfast.

To help boost you and your family’s immunity, try focusing on protein- and fiber-packed morning meals that are low in sugar. That doesn’t have to mean hours of prep in the kitchen or stocking up on uncommon ingredients.

Instead, you can start with simple recipes that call for just a handful of inclusions. Additionally, when your menu is centered around less complicated dishes, it allows an opportunity to get kids involved in the kitchen with tasks like measuring yogurt for a parfait, pouring milk in a pudding recipe or simply pulling ingredients out of the pantry and refrigerator.

To help start your healthy breakfast plan on the right foot, consider these tips from Dr. Jonathan Clinthorne and the experts at SimplyProtein:

Factor in fiber. When it comes to supporting immunity with nutrition, one of the underappreciated nutrients is dietary fiber. Fiber feeds gut bacteria, which helps produce numerous compounds that accelerate the development of immune cells and boost their funcThe immune system performs better when people replace highly refied, low-fiber carbohydrates with fiber-rich carbohydrates.

Yogurt Parfait

1 cup Greek vanilla yogurt

1/2 cup assorted fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries and kiwi

1 tablespoon shaved almonds

1 SimplyProtein Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar, crumbled shaved coconut (optional)

In bowl, layer yogurt, fruit and shaved almonds. Top with crumbled cookie bar and shaved coconut, if desired.

Chia Seed Pudding

3 teaspoons chia seeds

1 cup almond milk

1 SimplyProtein Lemon Crispy Bar

In glass jar or bowl, stir chia seeds and almond milk. Let rest 5 minutes then stir again. Cover pudding in refrigerator; allow to set 1-2 hours or overnight. Crumble lemon crispy bar and mix into pudding or cut into sticks for dipping.

Pick ingredients packed with protein. It’s important to consume adequate protein when looking to boost immune function as protein energy malnutrition is linked to poor immune function and can impair the ability of the immune system to fiht viruses and bacteria. Add foods to your diet like SimplyProtein’s line of non-GMO, gluten-free bars and bites. The snacks include 11 or more grams of protein and just 0-3 grams of sugar without artifical sweeteners, artifical flavors or artifical preservatives for nutritious treats to help make busy lives simpler.

Build a balanced breakfast. People burn more energy through a process known as “diet-induced thermogenesis” when they consume high-calorie breakfasts rather than high-calorie dinners. Ths can ultimately help with weight loss and suggests that eating more food early in the day is better for you than eating a large amount before bedtime. For example, these recipes for Yogurt Parfait, Chia Seed Pudding and Avocado Toast provide protein and energy with simple at-home prep.

Skip the sugar. Avoid the post-lunch sleepy feeling by ditching sugar. Instead, focus on low-glycemic snacks that won’t spike blood sugar, helping to control your appetite.

Feel fuller longer. Eating immune supportive foods like vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds and protein-rich snack bars can help keep you full and satisfid while avoiding less nutritious alternatives. Find more protein-packed solutions at www.simplyprotein.com.

Avocado Toast

2 slices whole-wheat bread

1 avocado, halved and sliced

2 poached eggs salt, to taste pepper, to taste

1/2 cup crushed SimplyProtein Barbecue Crunchy Bites

Toast bread slices. Divide avocado slices among toast. Place one egg on each piece of toast then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Top toast with crushed crunchy bites.

Easy Additions for a Balanced Breakfast

Whether your morning meal is a lavish spread for the whole family or a simple snack before logging on for a workday, these simple add-ons can add flavor without sacrificing nutrition:

• Dairy, such as milk or yogurt

• Fruit, such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and more

• Quick solutions, such as SimplyProtein Cookie Bars, Crispy Bars or Crunchy Bites

• Eggs (for a time-saving solution, try using a muffin tin to create egg cups for ready-to-go breakfasts throughout the week)

• Seeds or nuts

Top Myths of Funeral Service 5

By RICK ALLEN

For many years, the funeral industry has been veiled in a cloak of mystery and even fear about the entire process. People have had fears about the funeral industry for a couple of primary reasons. First, the experience itself is something most people will only be responsible for dealing with once or possibly twice in their lifetime, so there is no familiarity of the process. All of us are a little leery about the unknown, so just not knowing what to expect causes anxiety. Second, the public perception about funerals is that they are extremely expensive. Ths can be true, depending on the choices a family makes regarding the type of funeral service, merchandise selected and whether or not cemetery property has been secured in the past or if that too is a required expense at the time. So, let’s explore the top five myths about funerals and see if we can clear up some of the confusion or misinformation that exists on the subject.

1

3 2 4 5

Embalming is required—Every state has their own rule regarding embalming. In Texas, as in most states, the requirement for embalming is left p to the funeral home. Typically, if a body is going to be viewed or present at a public service or visitation, embalming will be required by the funeral home. Ths is necessary for public health purposes and a body that has been properly embalmed and prepared for viewing presents a better memory picture for those seeking closure in dealing with their grief. If cremation is your choice, and no one will need to see the deceased once they have been brought into the care of the funeral home, embalming is not necessary.

Cremation is cheaper than burial—In a nutshell, yes. Ths is true because you eliminate the need for cemetery property in most cases. However, if you have a traditional funeral service followed by cremation the cost will be the same. The difference, or savings, lies in the fact that the need for cemetery property is eliminated. Most funeral homes offer a ceremonial (or rental) casket for those who desire a traditional funeral but also want cremation. The absolute cheapest way to dispose of a deceased individual’s body is by direct cremation. With this option, there is no viewing and no service at all. Additionally, only a minimal container (usually constructed of cardboard) is all that is required to hold the body.

Only one person can be buried in a single grave space

Most cemeteries are now offering what is referred to as a second rite of interment. For a fee, usually a percentage of the cost of the grave space, a second interment can be made. If a burial has been made in the past, the second interment may be limited to only cremains. If it is designated prior to the fist burial being made, up to two persons can be buried in a single space. Some cemeteries have special sections set out for this and the grave liner is already in place prior to either burial being made. These types of spaces are called lawn crypts.

You must have a vault if you choose to bury—Ths requirement may or may not exist. The cemetery can decide if they require any type of outer burial container. If the cemetery requires such, its primary function is to keep the grave level by providing a foundation for which the dirt replaced in the grave after burial rests on. Typically, these are simply a concrete box and do not provide a dry resting place for the casket. If that is important to you, a protective vault should be chosen and this will meet any minimum requirement of the cemetery.

Funerals must be paid for in full up front—Most funeral homes want to know how you plan to pay and yes, some will require you to pay in full prior to the funeral service. If you plan to use proceeds from a life insurance policy to pay for a funeral, most funeral homes will accept an assignment of proceeds as a form of payment. Most funeral homes also accept credit cards as well. Very seldom will you fid a funeral home that offers installment payment options, unless you are pre-planning in advance of an actual need.

Hopefully, this has helped to clear up some of the questions you may have had about funerals. In the event you would like more information about any of the above mentioned topics, or have additional questions, please feel free to call us.

When to Breakup with Your Physician

How to find one that’s right for you

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Your physician is one of the most essential people in your life when it comes to your health. Your doctor should be someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing any health-related matter and whose knowledge you trust. You need a doctor who cares about your well-being and is accessible when you need one. Yet, sometimes, we fail to remember that a physician’s main job is to service and treat patients to the best of the doctor’s ability. If you feel that isn’t happening, it’s both your right and responsibility to your health to fid a better fit. Still, choosing to leave your physician can be a big decision. So consider all of your options before making the big leap.

Reasons you may need to leave your doctor

• YOUR DOCTOR STOPPED TAKING YOUR INSURANCE: Sometimes, physicians make changes to the coverages they accept and discontinue accepting specific isurance plans. Patients may also be affected if the practice cuts down on Medicare or Medicaid patients or if their provider changes practices by either opening a new one or joining another.

• YOUR SITUATION HAS CHANGED: Many life changes may leave you needing to leave your current physician. Maybe your insurance plan has changed because you got married, divorced, or started a new job. Also, if you move, visiting your old doctor’s officeay be impractical or impossible.

• YOUR PHYSICIAN IS NOT MEETING YOUR NEEDS: There are many reasons why your doctor may not be the best match for you anymore. Perhaps you’ve developed a new medical condition that requires a more specialized background. You may also come to realize your doctor’s treatment philosophy differs from yours. For example, you may prefer a more holistic approach or want a more definte diagnosis requiring testing your doctor is not willing or able to do.

• IT’ S CHALLENGING TO GET APPOINTMENTS: If your physician is very busy making it difficult to schedule appointments when you need them, you may want to consider a new provider. Getting care when you need it is often vital.

• IT JUST DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT: It’s essential that patients trust their physicians, feel confidet in their doctors’ abilities and current knowledge, feel heard, can communicate openly without judgment, and feel safe in their provider’s care. If you don’t have this experience with your doctor or just have a gut feeling that it isn’t a good fit, listen to your instincts. When it comes to your health, you need to do what’s best for you.

How to find a new physician

Once you decide to leave your current healthcare provider, you should begin your search for a new one immediately, even if you don’t need to see one right away. It’s often several weeks to several months for new patients to be seen. After your new patient visit, future appointments are typically scheduled in a reasonable timeframe. When calling around, you might want to ask what is typical for scheduling appointments once you become an established patient.

Before you begin your search, jot down the reasons you’re leaving your current doctor. Ths can help you avoid those same problems in the future. Then make a list of what you want or expect from your new physician.

The fist crucial step in your search is to narrow it to providers who take your insurance. Otherwise, you won’t be covered or may have to pay more out of pocket for your visits. On the other hand, if you can change insurance if necessary, you might consider physicians outside your insurance network.

Your insurance provider can help you search for physicians and practices with whom they have an agreement. You can narrow your search to fit your criteria. Then contact doctors’ officedirectly to determine if they are a good match for you and accepting new patients.

Once you’ve found a good fit, check your state’s online licensing board website. Most providers can continue practicing despite problems in their history, including malpractice. If the doctor you’re considering comes from another state, check that state’s licensing board as well. You can also do an internet search for the doctor to see what information is available or read reviews. Online reviews are unreliable, however, for many reasons. So don’t put too much weight on them.

Also, there’s no harm in trying out a new physician, or a few, before making a fial decision. If the doctor doesn’t end up fitting your needs, you can always continue to your search. Just be careful not to overdo the trials. You want to have a physician who knows you and your history, especially if you have particular health concerns. Seeing the same doctor will help ensure consistency in your treatment. Not to mention changing doctors can be a bit of a process because you’ll need to transfer all of your health records and complete new patient paperwork.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO SEE A SPECIALIST?

Your primary care physician may not be able to meet all of your particular needs, therefore, requiring you to seek a specialist. The process of finding a specialist is similar to that of finding a new physician. However, you can also get recommendations or a referral from your primary care doctor. If you’re confident in your doctor, this may be the best way to find a specialist you can trust.

Some conditions or situations for which you might want to see a specialist include:

q more complex chronic conditions

q rare or unique diseases or conditions

q a life-changing diagnosis

q conditions that require specialized surgery or intervention

q certain health conditions, such as cancer

q symptoms that aren’t getting better or have returned repeatedly

In addition, if you are a senior with multiple chronic health conditions or have health concerns related to your age, you may be better served by seeing a specialist. In this case, you might want to see a geriatrician instead of, or in addition to, your primary care physician.

GREGORY D. ROBERTS, M.D.

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON

At Roberts Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Roberts specializes in facial cosmetic medical procedures, including the “scarless” face lift, endoscopic brow lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, chin and lip implants. For over 20 years, Dr. Roberts has focused his surgical specialty on the face, but he also performs minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedures, such as BOTOX® and dermal filler procedures. Dr. Roberts is dual Board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology | Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Roberts personally performs all surgical procedures, BOTOX® and filler procedures. Laser and resurfacing procedures at Roberts Cosmetic Surgery are performed by a certified and licensed aesthetician, while his support staff endeavors to provide optimal patient care.

“There’s a tremendous amount of satisfaction that comes along with my work,” Roberts says. “Seeing patients get positive results from their procedure, as well as seeing their renewed confidence, and then hearing the reaction of others in their lives is very fulfilling.” Dr. Roberts’ procedures are performed at an AAAASF certified facility near George Bush Tollway and Preston Rd in Dallas suburb, Plano, Texas. Read more here about what his patients say about him. View more before-and-after photos and review additional information at RobertsCosmeticSurgery.com.

To schedule a consultation, call (972) 608-0000.

5144 Village Creek Dr. Plano, Texas 75093 (972) 608-0000 robertscosmeticsurgery.com