Texoma Area Living Well Magazine January-February 2024

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain

Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Total Joint Surgery • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

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

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• Steroid Injections

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PIONEERING CHANGE

Welcome to the latest edition of LIVING WELL Magazine, where our pursuit of health extends beyond the physical, where we explore health not just in body, but in every part of everyday life.

SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

In this issue, we’re proud to unveil a story that is close to home yet far-reaching in its impact. We highlight the visionary strides of Austin College under the leadership of President Steven O’Day. As the college marks its 175th academic year, we celebrate its historic journey and its bold leap into the future with the announcement of the new Master of Medical Science Degree. Ths initiative is set to address the critical healthcare shortage in the Texoma region and beyond, embodying the college’s commitment to education, innovation, and community service.

Austin College’s progressive approach, from the restoration of its cherished chapels to the modernization of its academic offerings, illustrates a steadfast dedication to growth and excellence. Their new program, nestled in the rich heritage of the college, promises to usher in a new era of medical professionals trained in state-of-the-art facilities, ready to serve a growing population with skilled compassion.

Switching gears, we step into the world of cinema with our celebrity spotlight on Ryan Gosling. From his early days on the Mickey Mouse Club to his transformative role as Ken in the hit Barbie movie, Gosling’s career is a remarkable narrative of evolution and reinvention. We explore the depths of his multifaceted talent and how his personal journey of discovery has made him one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

We also share a poignant piece that touches the hearts of pet lovers. A Giftof Love for Your Pet delves into the benefits of spaying and neutering, not just for our beloved companions but also for the broader community. Ths article is a beautiful reminder of the responsibility and love we owe to our furry family members.

Lastly, in Unusual Symptoms of Anxiety, we shine a light on the often-overlooked signs of anxiety disorders. With expert insights and practical tips, this article encourages us to listen to our bodies and minds, seeking harmony and health.

We hope this edition inspires you to live well in every aspect of your life, reminding you that wellness is a comprehensive journey. Each story, each individual, each discovery is a step towards a fuller understanding of what it means to truly thrive.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Here’s to living well, in knowledge, in health, and in spirit.

Happy reading!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

PRESIDENT & CEO SAM HOUSTON

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO SPRING HOUSTON

EDITOR, FEATURE WRITER & SOCIAL MEDIA SONDRA BARR

ART DIRECTOR VANESSA FRYER

ACCOUNTS MANAGER JENNIFER BEAVERS

WEBSITE LYDIA ROGERS

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LIVING WELL MAGAZINE is a source for quality educational articles on living a healthy, vibrant life. Our focus is on connecting our readers with the latest information on a host of topics relevant to their evolving life. From cutting edge medical news and procedures to top-tier financial, legal and lifestyle information. Connecting readers to leading medical and business professionals in their community in Texas and Oklahoma.

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contained herein. “We” refers to the name of this Magazine, and all versions of Living Well Magazine as well as Houstons of Dallas Publishing, Inc.

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College with Historic Roots

BRANCHES OUT TO TRAIN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Courtesy Austin College

Steven O’Day tells a story about how in 2017, while considering the role of president of Austin College, he and his wife Cece slipped into town on an unscheduled, anonymous visit. They walked the tree-lined mall of Austin College, surveyed the athletic filds, and took in the campus that is rooted in the heart of Sherman.

He says that in those moments he was sure this could be their place, and he was sure this place, with all its history, could be more. In his inauguration speech the following spring, he asked, “What’s next?”

Many additions and improvements have come over the years, including the restoration of two chapels, new athletic programs, new apartment-style student housing, upgrades and renovations to virtually all the athletic facilities, restoration of the theatre and the creation of a new indoor learning commons, and the modernization of traditional residence halls. Most recently, the stunning renewal of the campus grounds with the addition of native plants, dry stream beds and park-like gathering places has created The Austin College Commons, a beautiful outdoor space for students to gather. There have been signifiant advances to the curriculum, too, with the addition of a Bachelor of Science degree, many new majors and minors that speak to the needs of today’s student, and now, a new post-graduate degree that could affect the entire Texoma region.

President O’Day and Austin College are proud to announce the launch of the Master of Medical SciencePhysician Assistant (PA) program. It is what’s next!

PAs practice medicine in every specialty and healthcare setting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12,200 job openings for PAs each year over the next decade. In the United States, there are only 306 accredited PA programs, 14 of which are in Texas—now including Austin College.

Dr. Diana Noller, founding director of the new program and Associate Professor of Medical Science, says, “ There is a healthcare shortage today, and with the growing population in the region, that shortage is expected to worsen in the coming years.”

The Texas Medical Association reports that Texas is well below the national average of 246 physicians per 100,000 people with only 204.6 patient care physicians per 100,000.

One solution is to graduate more homegrown doctors. Since 2016, six new medical schools launched in the state, and this year, The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine will make a total of 16. That’s good news for Texans, but it takes years of medical school to become a doctor.

Another solution is to train PAs, who, in just two years of post-graduate study, are licensed to diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients while working with a supervising physician.

“I believe adding this program at this time is an illustration of Austin College’s responsiveness to a very real and immediate need,” O’Day said. “We are going to rise to the moment in the community, the region, and the country. Healthcare needs to be addressed, and we as an institution have embraced that.”

Ths year, Austin College marks its 175th academic year. Dating back to 1849, the college has made many strategic adjustments—sometimes to innovate, occasionally to survive. As the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter, Austin College has endured pandemics and wars, and has expanded its student body with co-education in 1918 and desegregation in 1959. Doing “what’s next” has kept the campus and curriculum relevant and thriving.

The new Master of Medical Science degree is not the fist post-graduate degree offered by Austin College, but it is the fist in a long time. Since 1972, the college has educated hundreds of certifid teachers for Texas through the Austin Teacher Program that allows students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in only five years.

Steven P. O’Day President

“ ”

We recognize that the community needs better access to healthcare...we value being a part of the solution.

Like the original founders setting out to educate Texans on the prairie, O’Day’s plan to launch a program of this magnitude required a measure of faith. He and Dr. Elizabeth Gill, Vice President for Academic Affirs, along with others began building key relationships in the medical community and collecting data to support the need. Once the idea was supported by data, the proposal went to the Austin College Board of Trustees. In May 2021, the Board unanimously endorsed the plan to proceed.

Recalling that pivotal vote, O’Day said, “A moment before the confimation, one of our physicians on the Board raised his hand and said, ‘Ths is not something Austin College should do.’ Then he paused...and added, ‘Ths is something Austin College has to do.’ That was an important moment because it required an initial investment by the institution to build it. And, to some extent it was an ‘if you build it, they will come’ moment.”

A new PA program must be poised for operation before even applying for provisional accreditation. In other words, the institution must be all in with no guarantee of approval: facilities secured, director hired, curriculum developed, clinical sites confimed, and fiancial support in place. After Board approval in May 2021, the work began to fid the people who would say ‘yes’ to this dream.

Noller attributes the commitment of the faculty and staffto their hearts to serve others. “We recognize that the community needs better access to healthcare...we value being a part of the solution.”

To house this new PA program, Austin College took possession of 13,000 square feet in the former Cigna building adjacent to Texoma Medical Center in Denison. Signifiant giftstotaling more than $1.25 million are behind the renovation of the satellite space known as the Austin College Health Campus. Generous benefactors with longstanding ties to the College granted the funds: the Hillcrest Foundation, Texoma Health Foundation, Clara Blackford Smith and W. Aubrey Smith Charitable Foundation, and M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation, and individual donors whose generosity has supported start-up costs for the new program.

The former officepace has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility that includes classrooms, faculty officesand practicum spaces with exam tables. To foster collaboration and camaraderie, there are lounge spaces with natural light, a full kitchen, and a break area.

The program is open to 34 students in each cohort who complete 13 months of classroom training and 11 months of clinical training. Each student has 10 rotations through outpatient, inpatient, emergency department, and operating room settings. Students learn to care for patients across the lifespan from infants to elderly in various medical specialties. There are seven core rotations and three elective rotations.

The Austin College PA team has over one hundred medical partners for these rotations including preceptors and clinical sites—with Texoma Medical Center being an early and enthusiastic partner. Other affiliations include Medical City, Baylor Scott & White, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The preceptors, who are approved medical professionals willing to host and train students, come from a variety of medical settings from private practice, clinics and hospitals and must meet certain requirements to contract with the College.

“ The culture of medicine instills that we give back and train the next generation,” Noller said. “However, it has become more and more difficult to fid clinical preceptors in recent years due to professional demands. I am a strong advocate for PAs training their own, however nationwide currently 70 percent of PA student preceptors are physicians. We appreciate those physicians tremendously, but the PA profession needs to mature into one that takes primary responsibility for training the next generation of PAs.”

She says that based on the numbers from the National Commission on the Certifiation of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) there are fewer than 10 certifid PAs in Grayson County. Austin College is hoping to change that. “We’re really looking to draw our own cadre of graduate certifid PAs who will practice for a few years and then serve as preceptors for future Austin College PA students,” she said.

The two-tier accreditation from Accreditation Review Commission on the Education of Physician Assistants (ARC-PA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges was completed in October. The program achieved Accreditation-Provisional from the ARC-PA and will welcome its fist cohort of students in June 2024.

The application portal opened in April 2023, months before the offial accreditation, and to no one’s surprise more than 1,100 have applied for the 34 spots. Gaining a seat in any PA program is highly competitive as so few are available, and the training is rigorous.

“We’re getting applications from all over the country, as far away as Washington State and the East coast, and of course from all over Texas and other southern states,” Noller said. “We will be bringing students to the area who will need housing, food, and other resources. Once there are two cohorts enrolled, we will have 68 PA students each year, which will certainly have an impact on the local economy.”

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Of the 306 programs nationwide, the characteristics that make the undergraduate experience at Austin College special will help set apart the Austin College PA program as well. The low student-to-faculty ratio with faculty officedown the hall from the classrooms will create a close-knit community. “Our values of excellence, introspection, accountability, and engagement are very important to us,” she said. “And the way we live those out in everyday practice is unique. We also have thought about how to be inclusive of others and incorporate universal design into our curriculum which means we are building it to be accessible to the greatest number of people to the greatest extent possible. That is not commonly found in PA education.”

One way the program has been thoughtful about inclusion and universal design is to provide a variety of ways to interact with anatomy including virtual dissection tables and mixed reality lenses for holographic study of the human body.

“Every single person at Austin College, every professor, every coach, every mentor, advisor, and administrator, every single one of us wants students to succeed,” says O’Day. “ That’s what sets us apart— every single one of us cares and that’s the difference. So, it is the exact same thing here with the PA program. Each year, we will welcome 34 new PA students to a world-class facility and faculty that cares. We are committed to their success.”

“I would love for historians to look back on this and recognize this was a moment of renaissance for Austin College,” O’Day says. “Because this was a period where we were bold, we dug in and took some chances. I think they will say we were confidet and wise in our approach. We went for it, and we were right.”

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Austin College Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Austin College. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. The Austin College PA program is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

MProtecting Your Children’s Financial Security

By CRAIG WATSON

ost people who have worked hard all their lives to accumulate assets generally desire those assets to be leftto their children in the most benefical way. However, for some adult children, a large inheritance of assets could be dangerous, both to the children and for the assets. Ths article summarizes some of the estate planning strategies you can use to protect the assets from the children themselves, their creditors, their spouses, scam artists, and any number of other threats.

We all know families in which adult children encountered problems after they lefthome. These problems could include addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, fiscal irresponsibility, inability to retain a job, or wages inadequate for long-term saving and moving beyond a handto-mouth existence. Additionally, unexpected and catastrophic health problems may arise. You probably know someone who experienced fiancial stress due to divorce or overspending, and subsequently getting behind on monthly credit card or car loan payments. And there are some adult children with no current fiancial problems, but through accident or bad choices fid themselves in resultant crisis.

These are just a few examples of life’s little hand grenades that can ruin the fiancial future of your children. In reality, every child, no matter how wealthy, is vulnerable to some degree of fiancial problems. Therefore, in the best interest of children, it is wise for parents to consider asset protection for the assets their children will inherit.

Traditionally, most parents have a Last Will and Testament bequeathing their assets to their children. Once a child inherits these assets, there is very little that can be done to protect the assets from existing or future creditors. The child cannot defeat the interests of an existing creditor by giving the assets away, putting the assets in trust, or any other strategy. In addition, the executor cannot keep the assets in the estate in-defintely if the Will says the assets are to go to the children.

In order to protect against these problems, the parent writing the Will can place very strong protection around the assets they wish to leave the child. In other words, by leaving assets to a child in trust, the parent can make sure their assets remain protected from the child’s creditors. The parent has a rare and fleting “once in a lifetime” opportunity to set up a carefully drafted and irrevocable spendthrift trust in the Will to forever protect their assets.

A trust is basically a contract in which you appoint a trustee to manage the trust’s assets for the greatest benefit of the trust’s beneficiary. The terms of the trust can provide for how much and how often income and/or principal is distributed to the child and for what purposes. For example, the trust can be drafted to supplement the child’s income with a specificor variable amount of money every month, or on an as-needed basis. The trust can provide distributions for health care, education, support, or general welfare. When the child dies, the trust terms can dictate how the remaining assets are to be distributed to the child’s children, a charity, or another entity chosen by you.

Consequently, assets leftto your child in trust are protected from your child’s past, current, and future creditors. A well-drafted trust can prevent the trust assets from becoming community property and thereby becoming vulnerable to the trust beneficary’s spouse in a divorce. It is even possible to allow the child to be trustee of their trust and therefore have control over the assets you leave him or her. On the other hand, it may be in the best interest of the child for you to appoint someone else to serve as trustee to manage the assets and distribute income or principal to the child as needed. In general a trust can be established in your Will for your child and customized to your child’s particular situation so that the trust provides the level of asset protection, income protection, asset management, and fiancial assistance that is in your child’s best interest.

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There is

hope

By SARAH SAWYER

When you lose a loved one to suicide, people often don’t know what to say, which leads to unconscious and hurtful questions spilling out:

• Were there indications they were going to do it?

• Did you know they were suicidal?

You fid yourself reconstructing that fial week over and over, asking the same questions:

• What did I miss?

• What could I have done to prevent it?

• Why did they do it?

These are questions you may not be able to answer. But guilt adds a burden to your grief that only those who have gone through it can begin to understand.

That is why Home Hospice hosts suicide support groups. Facilitated by Kelly Lamkin, LBSW, these groups are a place where you can release your grief without the judgment of others. “Coming to the support group is not a scary thing; it is a safe place,” Kelly says. “In the group, you will fid people who know what it feels like to not say goodbye, to not fid a note with answers, to relentlessly recon-

struct that fial week, to tell the story over and over, hoping the answers will fially emerge.”

You may just want to hear others tell their story and know how they are journeying through the grief. You can sit and listen. Cry and laugh. As a story is shared, someone across the table might comment, “Oh, I never thought of it like that,” or “That’s the feeling I have but I’ve never said it out loud to anyone.”

Kelly adds, “We are leftwith a big, big question of ‘why?’ And it’s not the question of, ‘God, why did You take my person?’ The why is directed at the person who died. ‘Why did you do this?’ And unfortunately, it leads to, ‘What did I do wrong?’” In reality, they did not do anything wrong, and they likely didn’t miss anything. A person planning suicide does not want people to know and may hide their feelings.

Kelly concludes, “Suicide leaves behind a lot of heartache and questions. In a group, it gives you the chance to connect with others. Just come and receive support. And hope.”

For upcoming group schedules, please call: 903-868-9315 (Sherman) or 940-665-9891 (Gainesville).

Caring for patients. Supporting their families.

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We are your neighborhood hospice helping patients and families find loving care with unparalleled skill. Surprisingly, perhaps, there are still opportunities to experience joy. Governed by community leaders, funded by grants and gifts, we are an award-winning hospice, providing end-of-life care for you and support for those you love. Let us be of assistance during this time when every moment is more precious than ever.

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Before, During, and After Cataract Surgery

Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER

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

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

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Cataracts?

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

How Do I Prepare For Cataract Surgery?

Before your procedure, our patients undergo a preoperative exam to gather measurements to determine the level of correction needed and review the types of intraocular lens options available. We will also schedule a visit to listen to your heart and lungs as well as review prior anesthesia and surgeries, medical history and medications to ensure they’re physically healthy enough to have cataract surgery.

Key-Whitman also has counselors who will walk our patients through the process, review insurance coverage and make sure the

lens option the patient selects best meets their goals. If there is an eye drop protocol associate with their surgery, the counselor will also go through the drop sequence involved—antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories—well in advance of the procedure.

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

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

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

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

What Misconceptions Do People Have About Cataract Surgery?

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

What Can I Expect Following Cataract Surgery?

Following your surgery, your surgeon will review the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have at that time. Typically, patients leave with a protective eye patch, which will be removed at their follow-up visit the next day. Subsequent follow-up examinations will be scheduled approximately every two weeks until the eye is healed.

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

You should also be aware that the surgeon won’t operate on both eyes during the same visit. Surgeries are typically scheduled one to two weeks apart. Ths allows plenty of time for the fist eye to heal and the patient to realize the full extent of correction in that eye.

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Cataract Surgery

• Light Adjustable Lens, Synergy™, Symfony®, PanOptix, Vivity® and the Toric IOL

• Symfony®,Crystalens®, Tecnis® PanOptix & the Toric IOL

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

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• Laser Vision Correction, EVO ICL™

• Laser Vision Correction

Give us a call today 972-769-2020 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com

Give us a call today 972-769-2020 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com

Convenient locations to serve you in Dallas, Plano, Richardon, Mesquite, Frisco, Arlington, Rockwall and North Fort Worth. Follow us on (username: keywhitman)

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

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

Dear Olivia,

What is the benefit of choosing hospice care for my loved one? How does someone determine that it is the right time for hospice? We don’t want to give up hope. That is the hard part about making this decision.

~Not Ready to Give Up

Dear Not Ready to Give Up, I understand how difficult and emotional it can be to make decisions about end-of-life care for a loved one. It is completely understandable to feel conflicted and unsure about what the best choice is. You want to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible while keeping hope alive. It is a challenging balancing act.

Fortunately, hospice care is designed to promote quality of life and control any symptoms that may present themselves. It is not the absence of care, but rather, it is intense care provided wherever the patient calls home. It focuses on ensuring the patient and family can enjoy their time together

and have the support system they need to make that possible. Please know that you are not alone in this. Many families face similar struggles, and it’s okay to ask for help.

I recently met a former patient’s daughter at a restaurant where she was our server, and she expressed how grateful she was to have that support at the end of her father’s life journey. She said, “Taking him home from the hospital would not have been possible without hospice. We just did not know what we did not know!” That is what the hospice team can do— help you and your family with questions, fears, and concerns and help to make your goals possible while offering hope and peace that is so needed at that time.

I hope this helps you as you navigate this challenging time. You can find more resources on our website at vnatexas.org. Remember, you are doing your best, and your loved one is lucky to have such a caring and compassionate family.

~Olivia

VNA Hospice & Supportive Palliative Care

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

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

HOLLYWOOD’S

RENAISSANCE MAN AND DEVOTED FAMILY GUY

BY SONDRA BARR

YAN

YAN

Ryan Gosling’s life is a captivating story, one that could easily be the plot of a movie you can’t stop watching. Starting out as a young, hopeful artist in the world of Disney to becoming a Hollywood heartthrob, his journey has been nothing short of cinematic. His latest role transforming into Ken for the Barbie movie, has not only gone viral but also positioned him as a potential Oscar nominee. Ths unexpected and bold role choice highlights his ability to reinvent himself and take risks. Yet, while it’s been quite the ride for Gosling, surprisingly, his story isn’t just about climbing the ladder of fame; it’s a journey filled with genuine passion, a quest for artistic expression, and those precious, down-to-earth times he cherishes with his loved ones.

Gosling’s entry into the world of showbiz was not a tale of instant stardom. At the age of 12, after a series of auditions, Gosling found himself amidst the talented ensemble of Disney’s The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, joining the ranks of future stars like Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears. However, unlike his prodigiously talented peers, Gosling’s presence in the show was more understated. He told GQ magazine’s Zach Baron, “Everybody was at, like, prodigy level. I certainly wasn’t a child prodigy. I didn’t know why I was there. And I think that was the consensus.”

His experience in the show was less about shining in the limelight and more about figuing out his place in the world of entertainment. Gosling has often recounted how he often felt out of place, sometimes being dressed up as a hamster or relegated to the background. Yet, he recognized the value in these experiences, noting, “It was all a great experience in a way because it helped me figue out what I wasn’t going to be good at. Which is important to learn too.”

The ascent to stardom can be signifiantly attributed to his role in The Notebook. It was a pivotal moment in his career, marking his transition from a relatively unknown actor to a leading man in Hollywood. The path to landing this role was as unique as Gosling’s talent. During the audition process in 2002, director Nick Cassavetes made a remark that would become a definig moment for Gosling. Cassavetes said to him, “The fact that you have no natural leading man qualities is why I want you to be my leading man.” Ths unconventional perspective on Gosling’s appeal was a gamble that paid off imensely.

Casting Gosling in The Notebook was also influenced by a somewhat surprising reason. According to Nicholas Sparks, the author of the novel on which the film is based, Gosling was chosen for the role partly because nobody else was particularly keen on it. Sparks humorously noted that Gosling’s selection might have been because he “looks a bit nuts.”

Gosling’s performance won the hearts of audiences worldwide but also elevated his career. Prior to this, he was recognized for roles like the young Hercules, but The Notebook changed his public image dramatically, catapulting him to the status of a heartthrob and a respected actor in romantic dramas. Ths role laid the foundation for a career characterized by versatility and depth, allowing Gosling to showcase his ability to embody complex and emotionally rich characters.

His journey in the arts extends beyond Gosling’s accolades as an actor; he has also made signifiant strides in the world of music. His involvement in the indie rock band Dead Man’s Bones showcased a different side of his creative persona. The band, known for its hauntingly beautiful and evocative melodies, allowed Gosling to explore a musical landscape.

It was his part in Damien Chazelle’s La La Land that brought Gosling’s musical talent to a wider audience. Ths modern musical is both a grand musical spectacle and an intimate love story. Gosling’s character, Sebastian, a passionate jazz pianist, intertwines his life with Mia (played by Emma Stone), an aspiring actress. Their love story unfolds in a series of beautifully crafted musical and dance sequences that capture the essence of classic Hollywood musicals.

Drawn to the project by Chazelle’s “infectious love of movies” and the communal experience of film-watching, for Gosling, it was not only a foray into screen musicals but also an intensive dive into both music and dance. He took jazz piano lessons to

The Notebook

Photo courtesy New Line Cinema

Crazy Stupid Love

Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Gangster Squad

Photo courtesy Sony Pictures

authentically portray his character’s skills (it’s actually him playing the piano in the film) and engaged in rigorous dance rehearsals with Stone.

Gosling went on to showcase his range with a variety of roles. In 2017, he appeared in Song to Song and Blade Runner 2049, delving into both romantic drama and science fition. Then, in 2018, he portrayed Neil Armstrong in the biographical drama First Man, before appearing in The Gray Man

The decision to take on the role of Ken in the Barbie movie has been perhaps the most intriguing shiftin Gosling’s career trajectory. He’s said he was drawn to the role of Ken due to its resonance with his experiences as a father. He mentioned how his daughters play with Barbies and Ken, and seeing the doll, once face down in the mud next to a squished lemon, sparked his interest in bringing Ken’s story to life.

“There’s something about this Ken that really, I think, relates to that version of myself. Just, like, the guy that was putting on Hammer pants and dancing at the mall and smelling like Drakkar Noir and Aqua Neting bangs. I owe that kid a lot. I feel like I was very quick to distance myself from him when I started making more serious films. But the reality is that, like, he’s the reason I have everything I have,” Gosling told GQ.

Following his unique take on Ken, Gosling is set to continue his trend of diverse roles with The Fall Guy, scheduled for release this year. Directed by David Leitch, this action-comedy film, inspired by the 1980s TV series, will see Gosling portraying Colt Seavers, an experienced stuntman. The film delves into an intriguing scenario where Colt investigates the disappearance of a movie star from a film directed by his ex-girlfriend. Ths role represents another facet of Gosling’s versatile career, seamlessly moving from a whimsical character like Ken to the more action-oriented character of Colt Seavers.

Gosling’s dynamic acting career is balanced with his family life. Residing in a quiet Californian town, he brings his family to his film locations, aiming to work on just one movie per year. At home, Gosling and Eva Mendes, whom he met on Th Place Beyond the Pines, embrace a hands-on approach to parenting their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, without a nanny. Ths harmonious blend of a professional life and a deeply fulfilling personal life reflcts Gosling’s commitment to living well, cherishing the simple, loving moments with his family.

There’s something about this Ken that really, I think, relates to that version of myself. Just, like, the guy that was putting on Hammer pants and dancing at the mall and smelling like Drakkar Noir and Aqua Net-ing bangs. I owe that kid a lot.

Barbie

Photo courtesy Warner Bros.

Blue Valentine

Photo courtesy Silverwood Films

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How Your Heart Health Affects Your Hearing

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

Do you remember the song called “Dem Bones” from childhood? The one that goes, “ The Ear Bone’s Connected to the…?” We often think of the ear as being unrelated to the rest of the body. However, the Better Hearing Institute says that your heart and hearing may have more in common than you realize. They raised awareness of the link between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, a study from Harvard University, which cross-referenced health data, also identifid a strong link between heart disease and hearing loss. It discovered that hearing loss was 54% higher in people with cardiovascular disease. Studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system positively affects hearing. The many intricate components that make up our hearing are sensitive to variations in blood flw. Tiny hair cells in the cochlea, an organ in our inner ear, convert noise-induced vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to our brains to be processed by auditory organs. Poor circulation can starve these tiny hair cells and nerves of oxygen, permanently damaging them and leading to hearing loss. Our hearing systems depend on blood and oxygen flwing through a healthy heart.

Heart-Healthy Reasons to Get a Hearing Test

• Over six decades of research point to a heart-hearing health link. A comparative review of more than 60 years of research found a correlation between cardiovascular and hearing health.

• The ear may be a window to the heart. Some experts fid the evidence so compelling that they suggest the ear may be a window to the heart. They encourage collaboration between hearing care providers and cardiologists.

• A study revealed that smokers and passive smokers are more likely to suffer from hearing loss. Another study found that regular fish consumption and higher intake of omega-3 are associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women. These same lifestyle behaviors that affect hearing also impact the heart. Increased physical activity is associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women.

• Individuals with diabetes face an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and hearing loss. The elevated

blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage blood vessels, affecting both the cardiovascular system and the delicate vasculature of the inner ear. Diabetesrelated inflammation may also contribute to hearing impairment.

• If you have hypertension, it’s important to know that high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is closely tied to hearing loss. The elevated pressure within blood vessels can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and disrupt its intricate blood supply. Controlling hypertension through lifestyle modifiations and medication may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and help preserve hearing health.

• Early detection means early intervention. Given the shared risk factors, individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors should undergo regular hearing screenings, and vice versa. Early detection of either condition allows for timely intervention, potentially mitigating the impact on both cardiovascular health and hearing function.

• Addressing hearing loss improves quality of life. Eight out of 10 hearing aid users say they’re satisfid with the changes in their lives due to their hearing aids. Many report improvements in overall life, interpersonal relationships, and experience reduced anger and frustration, along with enhanced emotional stability.

• Today’s hearing aids are better than ever and virtually invisible. State-of-the-art, sleek, and virtually invisible, today’s hearing aids combine technology and style with durability and ease-of-use. They’re a high-tech tool to help people stay socially, physically, and cognitively active. The options are so varied that there’s an attractive solution for just about anyone.

Beyond the biological connection, hearing loss and cardiovascular disease share several risk factors. Recognizing and addressing these common elements can be crucial in preventing both conditions and managing their impact on your overall health. Take care of your ears, your heart, and your future.

Unusual Symptoms of anxiety

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Imagine, out of the blue, you feel your brain spin 180 degrees at lightning speed as if fueled by an electrical current. Ths bizarre feeling isn’t lightheadedness, dizziness, or anything you’ve ever experienced. You panic and wonder, ‘Am I going crazy?’ Or worse, ‘Am I going to die?’ You try to brush it offwhen suddenly, it happens again.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five Americans will experience an anxiety disorder in a given year. What’s more, there are over 100 possible symptoms, many of which you’d never expect to be caused by anxiety. For that reason, when they occur, they often exacerbate anxiety because of the worry caused by the symptoms.

Distressing Anxiety Symptoms

The following are some of the more bizarre symptoms of anxiety, though most are not uncommon. If you experience symptoms that persist, seek medical attention to rule out a medical cause since all the symptoms of anxiety can also be associated with various medical conditions.

Indigestion. Anxiety can cause temporary or even chronic indigestion. Burping, passing gas, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be symptoms.

Phantom ringing. Tinnitus, which is a ringing in the ears, can be a sign of stress or anxiety and can be experienced in several ways. According to anxietycentre.com, you may hear buzzing, ringing, humming, whizzing, chirping, roaring, swooshing, or any number of other sounds.

Burning sensation. This unusual anxiety symptom can be felt on your skin, lips, tongue, and even in your eyes. It can feel like a sunburn despite no sunburn being present, a prickling sensation, or even shooting sparks.

You may feel disconnected from the world and people around you, sort of like being in a dream state.

Heart irregularities. Skipped heartbeats, palpitations, or a racing heart can all be symptoms of anxiety. What’s so troublesome is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between heart irregularities caused by anxiety versus a heart attack. When in doubt, seek medical treatment right away.

Physical numbness or tingling. These feelings can occur in your hands, feet, arms, legs, or face. It may also feel like physical weakness.

Excessive yawning. During anxiety attacks, hyperventilation is a common response leading your body to feel it isn’t getting enough oxygen. As a result, you might experience frequent yawning.

Phantom smell. Phantosmia, an olfactory hallucination, sometimes occurs with anxiety. It can cause you to smell something that isn’t there, or rather, a neutral smell becomes unpleasant.

Brain shivers or zaps. Most often, this bizarre sensation is caused by antidepressants or withdrawal from them. However, sometimes it’s associated with anxiety. Brain shivers can range from mild to severe and feel different from person-to-person, though they usually last only a brief time. Brain shivers or zaps, explains anxietycentre.com, can feel like an electrical jolt or a shaking, vibration, or tremor in the brain,

Phantom vibrations. If you’ve ever felt your phone vibrate, only to discover it didn’t, attachment anxiety may be the cause. Ths is a genuine phenomenon, according to a study reported by the University of Michigan in 2016.

Tremors. Anxiety can cause numerous types of tremors. In addition to shaking or trembling, other typical forms, according to calmclinic.com, include arm or leg spasms, cramping, or longer or slower shaking than usual.

Derealization. This experience feels like not being in reality. Anxietybc.com says it can be experienced in several ways. You may feel disconnected from the world and people around you, sort of like being in a dream state. You may have a distorted perception of space, time, and the size of things. Everything might feel foggy or fuzzy or that you’re very ill or going crazy.

Globus hystericus. With this anxiety symptom, it feels like a lump in your throat, or you might have difficulty swallowing. Some people also feel a tightness in their throat.

Eye problems. Blurred vision, dilated pupils, watery eyes, and shapes that flat in front of the eyes can all be a result of anxiety.

Skin rashes. Stress can cause hives, itching, and rashes. If you already have rosacea or psoriasis, anxiety and stress can exaggerate it.

Shooting pains. You may experience these in several areas of your body, including your face, abdomen, arms, and chest during episodes of anxiety.

Freezing hands and feet. Stress and anxiety can decrease circulation. As a result, your hands and feet may feel icy.

How to Alleviate Anxiety

Depending on whether you have an actual anxiety disorder or the severity of the symptoms, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication may be the solution. But there are other things you can do as well to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms.

During periods of high stress, get plenty of rest. Ths will help keep anxiety under control and result in fewer or less severe symptoms.

Also, practice slow breathing. Alice Boyes Ph.D., in her article, “Breathing Techniques for Anxiety,” says the key is to focus only on breathing out. While concentrating on slowly, steadily, and gently breathing out, allow the tension to flw out of your body and relaxation to flw in.

Mindfulness meditation is another useful technique for reducing anxiety according to a growing body of research. You can start by meditating for just a few minutes each day and gradually increase it to more extended periods. For complete instructions, visit https:// www.mindful.org/mindfulness-how-to-do-it/

Get some exercise. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy, hardcore workout. Even a 10-minute brisk walk can provide several hours of anxiety relief, according to psychologists, says the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Finally, if your doctor has told you your symptoms are anxiety-related, remind yourself of this when symptoms strike. Try not to worry about the symptoms, which only serves to exacerbate anxiety and cause the symptoms to persist.

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

JD, GC, MS

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

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

“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

Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual

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:

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By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Whether you’re considering welcoming a new furry friend into your home or have a dog or cat already, the decision to spay or neuter can be a difficult choice. You may feel uncomfortable deciding this or worry that it’s unnatural or harmful to your pet. In reality, spaying or neutering your pet is a giftof love, both to your own pet and to other cats or dogs.

What are spaying and neutering?

Spaying is the removal of a female pet’s reproductive organs, and neutering is the removal of a male pet’s testicles to prevent them from reproducing. These surgical procedures have a short recovery time. But they should be done only by a professional, licensed veterinarian under general anesthesia.

How does spaying or neutering help my pet?

Spayed and neutered pets reap many benefits, both physically and behaviorally. These procedures can signifiantly increase pets’ life spans and the quality of their lives. Here’s how

• Reduces cancer risk: Animals can be stricken with cancer, just like humans, which is devastating to their health and very costly to treat (when treatable). Spaying or neutering lowers a pet’s risk of developing breast, uterine, prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer

• Reduces the chance of uterine infections: These infections are particularly dangerous for pets. But spaying or neutering decreases the risk of contracting one of these infections for both males and females.

• Females won’t go into heat: During the breeding season, female cats as young as four or five months old spend four to five days in heat every three weeks. Female dogs generally go into heat twice a year, lasting two to four weeks each time, depending on their breed. Dogs in heat may yowl or wail. They also urinate more often, and all over, in their search for a mate. Then they feel frustrated when they don’t fid one. Females may even bleed and have a swollen vulva during this period. Also, males are likely to be attracted to females in heat and may show unwanted attention or aggression.

• Males won’t have negative mating behaviors: Unneutered male pets are more likely to be distracted and aggressive. They also feel frustrated at not being able to fid a female to mate with. They’re more likely to try to escape and roam in search of a female in heat. Ths puts them at risk of getting lost, stolen, injured, or killed. Frustrated males may also mark their territory or make inappropriate sexual advances on people or objects they encounter

How does spaying or neutering help the community?

There are currently millions of unwanted, homeless pets living on the streets. Dogs and cats are not wild animals with the ability to survive and thrive in the wilderness (or on city streets). Some of these animals are captured and taken to shelters. Unfortunately, shelters are often overrun because there are so many stray dogs and cats. So when they don’t get adopted, they’re either euthanized or live out tragic lives in small cages with little exercise, affection, and interaction.

Stray animals can also injure people, destroy property, cause car accidents, kill wildlife, and disrupt the ecosystem. They also continue to mate, leading to even more homeless animals. Trying to manage this problem costs local governments large amounts of tax-payer money

SO WHEN THEY DON’T GET ADOPTED, THEY’RE EITHER EUTHANIZED OR LIVE OUT TRAGIC LIVES IN SMALL CAGES WITH LITTLE EXERCISE, AFFECTION, AND INTERACTION.

So spaying or neutering your pet reduces your pet’s potential to produce more unwanted litters that would otherwise increase the homeless animal problem. If you’re holding back on spaying or neutering because you may want to breed your pet to sell its offpring, realize this takes away a shelter pet’s chance of being adopted by a potential pet parent.

What if I can’t afford to spay or neuter my pet?

If you don’t already have a pet, keep in mind that part of deciding to adopt a pet is making sure you’re fiancially able to care for it. Pets require at least food and medical expenses, including regular checkups, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering. So you should be in a fiancial position to manage your pet’s expenses before adopting one.

If you decide to get a pet but choose not to spay or neuter for financial reasons, you risk incurring much higher costs down the road. Ths can result from having an unwanted litter or if your pet develops medical problems or behavioral issues that spaying or neutering would have protected against.

If you already have a pet or you’re considering getting one, many resources are available to help low-income individuals and families get their pets spayed or neutered. Check with your local veterinarian or shelters for affordable services or aid near you. The  ASPCA  and  Humane Society both have resources on where to fid services for lowcost procedures. Just make sure if you do fid an inexpensive option, the procedure is done by a reputable, licensed veterinarian to ensure your pet’s safety and health.

So remember, when you make the decision to spay or neuter your pet, you’re helping both your pet and the entire community of dogs or cats to live happier and healthier lives.

Should I Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

Courtesy TEXAS ONCOLOGY

Although  lung cancer  is often preventable, this cancer type has the highest rate of cancer-related deaths nationwide. In fact, it claims almost as many lives annually as colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In 2023, an estimated 14,510 Texans are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer, with 80 to 90% of all lung cancer deaths attributed to smoking.

Like with all cancer types, knowing your risk of developing lung cancer is crucial in early detection. Understanding what preventable measures you should take, such as lung cancer screenings, can reduce your risk and protect your body against lung cancer.

The Importance of Getting Screened

Men and women who smoke are approximately 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings (LCS) are key for early detection and lowering the risk of mortality, especially in those who smoke. People ages 50 to 80 who have smoked, on average, one pack of cigarettes daily for 20 or more years and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years are at a higher risk of lung cancer and qualify for screening with annual low-dose non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the chest.

A  recent study  found despite 70% of at-risk women being diligent in getting their annual mammogram, the screening rate for lung cancer among eligible women was low by comparison. Researchers discovered a 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths among at-risk women who received a low-dose screening CT of the chest.

By encouraging women to become educated on their risk factors, as well as consider getting an annual LCS in addition to their  mammogram, the hope is to  reduce deaths from both common types of cancer.

If I Do Not Smoke, Am I Still at Risk?

If you are a non-smoker, there are still other genetic and environmental factors that may play a role in your risk of lung cancer.

• Age: Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older.

• Family and/or Personal History: People with a parent or sibling who had lung cancer may have a higherthan-average risk, even if they do not smoke. People who have already had one episode of lung cancer are at an increased risk of developing a second lung cancer.

• Carcinogen Exposure: People who live or work in certain conditions with exposure to radioactive gas, asbestos, arsenic, radon, diesel exhaust, air pollution, and other substances have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

Preventive Measures to Lower Your Risk of Lung Cancer

Do not smoke or quit as soon as possible. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Other steps you can take to lower your risk of lung cancer include:

• Take precautions at work: Exposure to certain types of fumes, dust, and chemicals can cause lung cancer. Make sure to wear appropriate safety gear.

• Test your home for radon: Radon, a radioactive gas, can increase your risk of lung cancer with long-term exposure. Most of Texas has low levels; however, some homes that are built on soil with natural occurring deposits like uranium can have high levels of radon that may seep into the home. To test your home, you can buy a radon detection kit or seek an EPA-suggested professional.

• Avoid secondhand smoke: More than 7,300 people in the U.S. die annually from lung cancer as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Men and women are encouraged to consult with their physician to learn about the impact of lung cancer, including what they can do to lower their risk and protect their body, as well as consider getting screened.

VUDHI SLABISAK, MD OrthopaedicSpineSurgeon

BRUCE MARKMAN, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon&Sports MedicineSpecialist

JAMES STANLEY, MD OrthopaedicSpineSurgeon

STEVE HONG, MD Interventional Pain ManagementSpecialist

RAHUL BANERJEE, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon

GEOFFREY G. GLADDEN, MD OrthopaedicSurgeon

AMIR MALIK, MD Neurosurgeon

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KELLVAN CHENG, DPM Podiatrist,Foot&AnkleSurgeon

AMIR AHMED, MD Gastroenterologist

BRIANA HODGSON, PA-C OrthopaedicSurgery PhysicianAssistant

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!

Expert Orthopedic Surgeons Close to Home

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Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD

Brian Nwannunu, MD

Florian F. Dibra, MD

Charles E. Toulson, MD

Cyrus Abbaschian, MD

Donald W. Hohman, MD J. Stephen Appleton, MD

Alexander S. Greenstein, MD

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