Texoma Area Living Well Magazine July-August 2019

TEXOMA AREA

JULY/AUGUST 2019 Plus:

Wiser and better than ever

Effects of Hearing Loss Cognitive Decline Summer Wellness for Women

At Texoma Orthopedic and S pine, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest qualit y treatment of Orthopedic injuries and disorders for patients at all stages of life. O ur physicians, Mark Young, MD; Brian T. Rose, MD; C. Craig Cranford, DPM; and Benjamin W ilson, MD, believe in improving qualit y of life by providing their patients with education as well as top-notch surgical, non-surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic treatment options.

We provide a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for a variet y of orthopedic conditions, inc luding osteoarthritis of the joints, sports injuries and fractures of the upper and lower extremities, as well as neck and back pain.

Mark Young, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Surgical Services:

• Total Joint Replacement including Knee and Shoulder

• Fracture Repair

• Carpal Tunnel Release

• Rotator Cuff Repair

• Arthroscopic wrist, knee and shoulder surgery

Spotlight on our Surgeons

Brian T. Rose, MD Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine

Surgical Services:

• Spinal Fusion

• Kyphoplasty

• Cervical Disk Replacement

• Microdiskectomy

• Spinal Decompression

• Interlaminar Stabilization

C. Craig Cranford, DPM Foot and Ankle Surgery

Surgical Services:

• Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstruction

• Fracture repair

• Total Ankle Replacements

• Bunion Repair

• Hammertoe Repair

• Joint replacement in small joints

• Charcot reconstruction

• Foot and Ankle arthritic conditions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles Tendon Repair

Benjamin Wilson, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Surgical Services:

• Total Joint Replacement including Hip, Knee and Shoulder

• Fracture Care and Repair

• Hand Trauma and Soft Tissue conditions

• Rotator Cuff Repair

• Arthroscopic Wrist, Knee and Shoulder Surgery

• ACL Repair

• Pre- and Post-surgical rehabilitation

• Arthritis treatment

• Sports Injuries

• Muscle dysfunction

• Sprains and strains

• Back & neck pain

physical therapy using Pilates and Yoga methods. Visit www.strongstable.com for more information.

Pain in your knee or hip joints can be debilitating, but you don’t have to let it keep you down. The highly skilled team of orthopedic surgeons on our medical staff uses advanced approaches to joint replacement and are dedicated to speedy recovery and maximum mobility for patients.

Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital at Sherman was recognized by Women’s Choice, a trusted referral source for women, as one of America’s top hospitals for Orthopedics.

For partial and total knee replacement, we raise the bar in industry standards, offering precision and innovation with robotic assisted surgery for partial and total knee replacement. The robot system preserves as much of your natural joint as possible and can provide an accurate implant fit.

PAIN

FREE

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Sam & Spring Houston

PRESIDENT & CEO

Sam Houston

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

Spring Houston

FEATURE WRITER, COPY EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Sondra Barr

ART DIRECTOR, LAYOUT, PRODUCTION & WEBSITE DESIGN

Lewis Schucart

ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT

Jennifer Beavers

ADVERTISING/SALES

Texas | Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County

Texas & Oklahoma | Texoma

WRITE TO US. Tell us who you would like to see featured on the cover, or what subjects you would like covered in upcoming editions of LIVING WELL Magazine at spring@livingwellmag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER INQUIRIES Houstons of Dallas Publishing, Inc. 102 E. Broadway, #901 Prosper, TX 75078

www.LivingWellmag.com

Phone: 214-507-1000 Fax: 855-248-2132

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

‘LIKE US' FACEBOOK.COM/LIVINGWELLMAG 'FOLLOW US' @LIVINGWELLMAGS

All advertisements in this Magazine are placed by third parties. We do not control or endorse either the advertisements or their content. Further, we do not manufacture, sell, distribute or provide any of the goods or services advertised herein. We hereby expressly disclaim any liability with respect to the information or goods and services contained herein. We further disclaim any and all warranties or representations, express or implied, with respect to such information, goods or services, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose (it being understood that we do not acknowledge that any such warranty exists). We are not liable or responsible for any loss, injury, damage, or harm that you may suffer as a result of the information contained in any advertisement or goods or services contained herein. “We” refers to the name of this Magazine, and all versions of Living Well Magazine, Senior Magazine, as well as Houstons of Dallas Publishing, Inc.

TEXOMA AREA

COMING OF AGE

Brad Pitt is older, wiser, and better

than ever.

By Sondra Barr

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continued, page 10

Continued from page 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pitt and Leonardo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AT LEFT:

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

Sony Pictures

Columbia Pictures

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU…

By Craig Watson

Paula was an 80-year-old woman in average health. Paula had a daughter named Jackie who was divorced, unemployed, and needed a place to live while she sorted out her life. At her mother’s invitation, Jackie moved back home. Paula’s health gradually declined as she aged. As she needed more and more care, Jackie lovingly cared for Paula’s every need. Paula’s many health problems eventually left her unable to walk, drive, bathe, or cook without assistance. She became completely dependent on Jackie for all of her care. Paula was able to stay in her home and avoid moving to a nursing home solely because of the presence of Jackie.

Jackie never got a break: no vacations, no holidays, and was always on call. Paula’s needs were unending. Elder care/sitter companies are required by state regulations to limit their caregivers to shifts of no more than 12 hours. Although Jackie had several siblings, they never helped care for their mother. Jackie’s siblings disliked her. They believed she lived off her mother and took advantage of her. One time Jackie asked her sister to come keep her mother for a few days so she could get a break, but her sister refused. Jackie provided this level of 24 hour care for her mother for several years.

Paula appreciated how hard Jackie worked and decided to give her house to Jackie. According to the appraisal district, the market value of her house was $300,000. Instead of consulting with an elder law attorney, Jackie decided to save money and printed off a deed form she found on the internet. She took her mother to a bank and had a notary sign the deed.

A few years later, Jackie suffered health problems and had to be hospitalized. This forced Paula’s other children to take turns staying with her to provide care. While they were living in the house, they discovered that Paula had given the house to Jackie. They became very angry at Jackie. With age, Paula had become weaker and was susceptible to the influence of her strong-willed children.

They quickly tired of providing the daily high level of care that she required, so they convinced her to move into an assisted living facility. Even though Paula had enough money to pay for the assisted living fees for three years, her other children convinced Paula to sue Jackie to take the house back, ostensibly to raise money to pay for the assisted living center charges. They also convinced her to change her will to exclude Jackie. They found a “no fee unless successful” personal injury attorney who was more than willing to sue Jackie to get the house back for a 40% contingent fee. Paula was very feeble and simply wanted to be left alone, so she agreed to sue Jackie. Not long after suit was filed, Paula died. Jackie had no money so she couldn’t find an attorney to defend her. Despite caring diligently for her mother for the past several years, she faced the prospect of losing the house. She was devastated.

Under Texas law, Jackie was considered an informal fiduciary for Paula. A fiduciary relationship is one where the beneficiary of the relationship has placed trust and confidence in the fiduciary. Normally, one must be formally appointed as Executor, Power of Attorney, or Trustee to be considered a fiduciary. However, even though Paula didn’t have a Power of Attorney, the fact that Paula depended on Jackie for her care was enough to qualify Jackie as an informal fiduciary. The law prohibits formal fiduciaries from using the Principal’s funds to benefit themselves. With respect to Paula’s gift of her house to Jackie, as an informal fiduciary, Jackie was required to prove that the transaction was fair. Local elder care companies charge $19 per hour for round the clock care. They provide a sitter to assist with cooking, bathing, toileting, etc. That adds up to $456 per day, $12,768 per month and $166,440 per year. Luckily, Jackie was able to find an elder law attorney to defend her in court. He was able to prove that the transaction was fair.

What could Jackie have done to prevent the expensive, terrifying, stressful court battle? She should have taken her mother to consult with an elder law attorney to advise her and document the transaction. This could have greatly decreased the likelihood of an expensiv lawsuit. It is always cheaper to stay out of court as opposed to winning in court.

Occasionally, life throws a surprise at us. A job lay-off. A divorce. An illness or injury. These occurrences can impact you financially. But you don’t have to navigate these situations alone.

It’s important to plan for what you see ahead, but also for what you can’t anticipate. You want a financial strategy that encompasses unexpected events, as well as helping you achieve specific objectives. Knowing more about your ability to handle life’s challenges can help you feel more confident and in control.

Juston J. Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP®, Senior Vice President – Investments at Dobbs Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors, offers a comprehensive array of tools, resources and solutions that help cushion unforeseen occurrences and keep you progressing toward your goals.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Dobbs chose his association with Wells Fargo Advisors because of the pro-

To learn more about Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, visit www.justondobbs.com

What’s on your financial horizon?

You want a financial strategy that encompasses unexpected events, as well as helping you achieve specific objectives. Juston Dobbs offers a comprehensive array of tools, resources and solutions that help cushion unforeseen occurrences and keep you progressing toward your goals.

Juston J. Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP® Senior Vice President - Investments

Courtesy of Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

fessional team at the national level, as well as the products and services available to local clients. “I not only learned from a great mentor, but I’ve invested in my expertise by acquiring my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ certifications to better assist clients with planned––and unplanned––life events,” Dobbs says.

“I enjoy living in Texoma, where my wife, Amber, and I see clients at local football games, at the grocery store and at church. We are active in the community, participating with our friends and neighbors on local boards, committees and projects.”

Dobbs considers it a privilege to help people establish a sound investment plan that helps families meet life’s challenges and personal goals.

The first step is a conversation. The Dobbs Wealth Management team will work closely with you to see where you are and where you want to be. Let’s get started.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL

It’s daunting to realize we have only one chance to plan a funeral that honors our loved one and brings comfort to family members. There is an overwhelming sense of needing to “get it right.” Faced with numerous decisions, it can be hard to decide between a traditional service and a uniquely creative one.

Charles Dannel, fifth generation owner of Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman, says you don’t have to choose between the two, as there are many ways to blend traditional and creative elements.

“A traditional funeral for my grandparents consisted of a service with a casket and flowers and pallbearers in attendance, where clergy provided words of comfort, followed by the burial,” Charles says. “Today there are wonderful ways to recognize your loved one’s life, and you can do so within a traditional framework.” Below are a few examples:

• Planning around a theme––the ’50s, education, sports, or the military

• Selecting a unique casket (choose from many styles and colors) and “decorating” it with photos and loving sentiments

• Setting out notecards for guests to write their special memories

• Inviting people to plant a memorial tree, or send flowers to someone they love

• Displaying personal items such as a childhood scrapbook, a framed degree, a fishing pole

• Providing guests with a bookmark customized with a cherished poem or quotation

• Hosting a “Celebration of Life” at a community theater or event center, providing refreshments, and staying a while to talk, laugh, and love.

“There is tremendous value in simply coming together to remember and honor a life well lived,” Charles says. “During the planning conference, we will listen first and then offer options based on what is most meaningful and affordable.”

“Every family is unique in how they choose to celebrate their loved one. Every thoughtful decision allows for the journey towards acceptance and peace. Services remind us all of our mortality and of the love we give to the people in our lives, whether it’s the families we are born into or those who have bonded together through friendship and relationship.”

Responding to expressions of sympathy

“People

Dannel Funeral Home is now owned by Charles Dannel, fifth generation exemplifying leadership and community service.

Charles Dannel

Stephen P. Courtney, M.D.

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Dr. Stephen Courtney is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and the founder of the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX. Dr. Courtney has been practicing medicine and providing exceptional patient care in Plano since 1995 and has worked tirelessly to develop superior operative techniques to treat neck and back disorders.

Dr. Courtney is a respected orthopedic spine surgeon who focuses on disorders of the neck and back. His work ethic, outstanding outcomes, and personable approach to patient care have earned him a reputation as one of the best spine surgeons in Texas. He has expanded his reach and has improved the quality of life for patients across the country. Dr. Courtney has developed 9 product lines, and has obtained 9 patents and 14 trademarks on its spine related products. He has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions.

Dr. Courtney is dedicated to educating not just himself and his colleagues but his patients as well. He is known for his straight-forward, honest approach which puts his patients at ease, trusting him to perform highly technical operations that will help them restore their quality of life. He knows the single most important person in the treatment process is the patient.

When Dr. Courtney is not with his patients you can find him enjoying time with his wife and five children, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, or perfecting his Cajun cooking.

BALANCING WORK AND BEING A CAREGIVER

According to a Metlife Mature Market Institute report, an increasing percentage of the workforce is actively involved in caring for a relative or friend age 50 or over. Both women and men are equally likely to report themselves as the primary caregiver.

It is estimated that 15 percent of the workforce may be actively involved in providing care for an older family member or friend. This percentage is only anticipated to increase as the population ages. For most caregivers, time is a precious resource. Taking time off, coming in late to work or leaving early are common accommodations to care for a family member.

Some 60% of caregivers say they experience depression, according to an earlier survey by the National Family Caregivers Association. The rate is even higher -- up to 76% -- among those caring for loved ones with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The price of such depression and burnout is high both for the caregivers and their aging parents or loved ones. Caregivers suffer more stress-related illness than others their age, according to the association. And, ironically, burnout is the leading reason caregivers say they eventually put their loved ones in nursing homes.

The study showed that both women and men, when faced with eldercare responsibilities could benefit from

assistance with assessment of family needs. Most people did not know what services or benefits are available to them.

Caregivers may find some relief by using the services of a home health care agency. Agencies provide certified and experienced caregivers that go to the client’s home and provide care. These agencies can offer hourly or live-in care, depending on the family’s need. By choosing the right home health care service, family members can guarantee compassionate care for their aging parents, while allowing the parents or loved-ones to remain in the comfort of their home. Home health care is the ideal, cost-effective alternative to nursing homes.

SUCCESS FOR FIRST TAVR PATIENT AT TMC

For those with aortic stenosis, this minimally invasive procedure may be right for you

Mary Gentry, 78, loves to be active and includes walking as part of her daily regimen. But last fall, she started noticing shortness of breath just from making her bed and walking to her mailbox. She made an appointment to see her doctor, TexomaCare Cardiologist Scott Turner, DO, FACC. Little did she know, she would become the first patient at Texoma Medical Center (TMC) to have a valve replacement done using a minimally invasive procedure known as (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) TAVR. It can be recommended for patients who need aortic valve repair, but are not strong enough to undergo open-heart surgery.

Minimally invasive TAVR

over an hour to get here because their families live here, they have a good support network, and they know they will receive quality care here. Having family close by has also been proven to contribute to a better recovery.”

A noticeable difference

Aortic stenosis – symptoms and treatment

Aortic stenosis is commonly an age-related condition, when the aortic valve starts to show wear and tear and narrows from calcium buildup. The narrowing reduces blood flow through the heart, resulting in symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath

• lack of energy

• fatigue

• chest pain

• fainting

Gentry had a TAVR instead of open-heart surgery. During this procedure, which is very similar to a heart catheterization, a surgeon replaces the damaged valve with a TAVR. It is about the size of a quarter and inserted using a catheter, where it is implanted into the heart to take over the function of the damaged aortic valve, restoring blood flow. Patients often only require a two-day hospital stay with this procedure.

“This is the direction that cardiac care is moving – doing bigger things less invasively, and with a quicker recovery,” says Dr. Turner. “Right now, we are the only facility doing TAVR in the Texoma area, and we are excited to be able to provide this minimally invasive option to patients who meet the criteria for it. There are many patients who drive well

Gentry, who was only in the hospital for two days, says she noticed a big difference after the procedure. “I felt much better and I was no longer short of breath, tired or exhausted,” she says. “The one thing that stands out are the doctors and nurses - they all took great care of me. I just love this hospital and I recommend it to everyone! It’s a nice place to be if you are sick.”

• heart murmur

• and more

The traditional way of correcting this is by open-heart surgery, but it’s a much bigger risk for older patients and for patients with several complicated health issues. Now that TAVR is an option at TMC, patients may be able to qualify for the minimally invasive procedure, especially those who are not candidates for open-heart surgery.

It didn’t take Gentry long to get back to her normal routines. She likes to cook, collect recipes, travel, and she walks at least a half-mile every day. “My daughter and I are putting a stationary bike in her shop, so I can ride the bike with her. I am so grateful to be active again, and want to thank TMC for everything they have done for me. I hope my success story can help someone else who has this condition. They were great!”

To learn more, visit texomamedicalcenter.net/tavr1.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Texoma Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Texoma Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.

For more information about TAVR or to make an appointment, please contact Valve Coordinator Michaela Prater, RN, at 903-416-4233.

Sta ed by 3 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology

Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs

Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions

• Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings

Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids

Hearing Evaluations For All Ages

Battery Purchase Programs

Custom Ear Protection

Assistive Devices

29 Years of Experience

“Hearing Services of Mckinney is my #1 place to go for my hearing loss needs. Caring and dedicated professionals with many years of experience working daily to meet your needs” . – Terry G. Box, Retired Collin County Sheri

Other times available by appointment

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

By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.

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

Memory and Hearing Loss:

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

Dementia and Hearing Loss:

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

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

Mental Health and Hearing Loss:

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

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

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss:

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

Income and Hearing Loss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Stand in good lighting.

5. Reduce background noises.

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

7. Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.

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

9. Be patient; stay positive and relaxed.

10. Ask how you can help!

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

1. Let people know that you have difficulty hearing.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Wear your hearing aids consistently!

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

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

Elizabeth

Acute & Chronic Pain Relief and Pain Management

RETURN TO YOUR WAY OF LIVING PAIN-FREE

BOARD-CERTIFIED ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

ACUTE & CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minimally Invasive Procedures

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

Therapy & Wellness

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

Migraine Treatment

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

Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Adjustments, Biofeedback

Allergy Testing

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

Continued next page

Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez

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

Dr. Rodriguez received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. Following this, he completed his anesthesia residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL (ranked among the very best pain management programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report) and continued his training in the pain relief fellowship. He is now a Diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine, as well as a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Rodriguez approaches pain management from an individualized perspective and diligently prepares a comprehensive pain treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Dr. Flavio Calderon

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

Debby Thomas PA-C

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

Michelle Ulanowski, CRNA

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

Dr. Robert Chen

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

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

COGNITIVE DECLINE MAY BE LINKED TO INADEQUATE VITAMIN B12

By Dr. Donna Barsky, D.Ph., R.Ph.

There are so many new findings on how important our nutritional foundation is in relation to our longevity and quality of life that it is very difficult to keep up with the current trends.

If you haven’t noticed by now, when you go to your physician for a yearly checkup we are now seeing, for the first time, routine levels being drawn for both Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 has many important functions in the body. It works with the B vitamin folate to make our body’s genetic material. It helps keep levels of the amino acid homocysteine in check, which may help decrease heart disease risk, and it is essential to the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the blood to the body’s tissues. However, many people are deficient in B12.

There are many reasons or causes of deficiency. Some individuals have digestive systems that do not adequately absorb the vitamin from the foods they eat. This problem can increase as we age as well. Other causes could be Pernicious anemia, which is the absence of a protein in the stomach called intrinsic factor, that must be present for absorption, atrophic gastritis, a thinning of the stomach lining that affects up to 30% of people aged 50 and older, surgery in which part of the stomach and/or small intestine is removed, excessive alcohol consumption or conditions such as Chrohn’s disease, Celiac disease, bacterial growth, Graves’ disease, Lupus erythematosus or even long-term use of acid-reducing drugs such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid.

and toes, difficulty walking, mood changes or depression, memory loss, disorientation and dementia. Even infants who are deficient in B12 can have permanent damage to the nervous system.

A study by researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University released information regarding the potential effect of mild vitamin B-12 deficiency on some older adults and the link for greater risk for accelerated cognitive decline. The study involved 549 women and men enrolled in a cohort of

The best sources of B12 are meat, eggs and milk so stick vegetarians can also suffer deficiencies.

So what are the symptoms? Weakness, or light-headedness, rapid heartbeat and labored breathing, pale skin, sore tongue, easy bruising including bleeding gums, stomach upset and weight loss, diarrhea or constipation. If the deficiency isn’t corrected, it can damage the nerve cells. These effects can include tingling or numbness in fingers

the Framington Heart Study with a focus on an established mini-test commonly used as a screening for dementia. The subjects were divided into five groups based on their vitamin B-12 blood levels and the two lowest groups were associated with significantly accelerated cognitive decline using the test scores over an eight year time period. An interesting area to note is that those in the second lowest group did not appear to do any better in regards to cognitive decline than those that had the lowest vitamin B-12 levels. Lead Researcher, Martha Savaria Morris of the Nutrition Epidemiology Program at HNRCA stated “rapid neuropsychiatric decline is a well-known consequence of severe vitamin B-12 deficiency, but our findings suggest that adverse cognitive effects of low vitamin B-12 status may affect a much larger portion of seniors than previously thought.” While the study did not show causations, it is raising concern that inadequate vitamin B-12 may be contributing to cognitive decline in older adults.

Radiofrequency ablation treatment now available for spin al tumor s

Minimally invasive technology, close to home

Brian Rose, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon

A treatment system specifically used for treating painful tumors that have spread to the spine from cancer in other parts of the body is now available at TMC. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Texoma Medical Center, Brian Rose, MD, FAAOS, says he has been treating patients for about two years.

The treatment serves a dual purpose. Dr. Rose states, “Radiofrequency ablation enables us to treat tumors using a small incision. Once the tumor is destroyed, we strengthen and stabilize the spine by filling in the affected areas with a cement-like material. The procedure usually takes less than one hour and following a short time in recovery, patients can go home.”

Dr Rose says that the person ’ s pain level is greatly reduced. For older patients with other health conditions, the minimal side effects are a plus. This often allows the patient to proceed with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy without severe pain

Enhancing treatment options for patients

The new treatment is an extension of kyphoplasty, a procedure already performed at Texoma Medical Center for patients with spinal pain due to compression fractures that result from osteoporosis “Kyphoplasty is a very similar procedure. The difference is that no ablation is needed The patient’s vertebrae need support, so we fill any fractures or pockets with the cementlike substance, and patients can get relief fairly quickly,” says Dr Rose “Many patients who previously rated their pain as a ‘10’ tell us it dropped to a ‘2’. It’s exciting to be able to offer these solutions. We are trained to be as minimally invasive as possible, which equates to minimized pain and quicker recovery for the patient. These two procedures fall right in line with that ”

Individual results may vary There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you

The neurosurgeons and orthopedic and spine surgeons at TMC specialize in the nerves, brain and spine. For more information, visit www.texomamedicalcenter.net/neurology. To find a doctor, call Direct Doctors Plus ® at 903.416.DOCS (3627).

Brian Rose, MD Texoma Orthopedic and Spine 903.465.2190

COOKING CLASSY IN A CINCH....

Harold and Miriam Moore

Miriam and Harold Moore, from Rockwall, Texas, have been married for 30 years, and have four children and four grandchildren. Harold, a plumber by trade, enjoys making fabulous dinners for Miriam, playing guitar, wearing kilts, fly fishing and craft beer. Miriam enjoys singing with Harold and quilt making. After Miriam was diagnosed with diabetes in 2011, she and Harold have strived to avoid eating processed foods, and have discovered a real love for fresh vegetables, natural and whole foods.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Ingredients

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

• 2 carrots sliced and cut like match sticks

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 green bell pepper

• 2 mushrooms sliced

• 1 green onion sliced

• 2 C shredded cabbage or slaw mix

• 2 cloves garlic sliced thin

• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 C Ginger dressing or satay sauce

• 1/8 C Rice wine vinegar

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

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

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

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

Grilled Asian Wings

Ingredients

• 16 small wings

• 1/4 cup sesame oil

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp honey

• 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 inch ginger peeled & grated

• 3 garlic cloves minced

• 2 tbsp Sriracha (optional for heat)

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

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

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

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

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

A YOUTHFUL BRAIN AT ANY AGE

By Brittany Hartman

When people think about staying fit they generally think about their physical appearance. But our brain health plays a significant role in everything we do. More research is showing that there is a lot that can be done to maintain brain health and prevent cognitive decline. There is even some research that shows a lifestyle that supports a healthy brain can prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Why is this important?

Upholding a standard of living that will keep one’s brain in tip-top shape is important for many reasons. Maintaining cognitive health will help one live a longer and more pleasant life. It will ensure that one is able to perform daily activities, prevent diseases, and enjoy life to its fullest. So what steps should we take to preserve a healthy brain?

First, it is important to eat a brain-healthy diet. A diet that reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, while maintaining a healthy weight is good for our brain. This means reducing foods high in fat and cholesterol and including more protective foods. These are things like dark skinned fruits and vegetables, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Staying physically active is also very important. Physical activity helps maintain essential blood flow to the brain. In addition

to this it can help prevent heart attack, stroke, and diabetes therefore reducing the risk of dementia. Taking part in physical activity that also involves a mental activity is even more beneficial. And aerobic activity has been shown to reduce brain cell loss in the elderly.

Lastly it is imperative to stay socially active. Research shows that mental decline as we age appears to be much in part to changes in brain cell connections. Staying socially active reduces stress levels which help maintain healthy connections between brain cells.

To keep your brain active daily:

• Stay curious and involved

• Read, write, do crossword and other puzzles

• Attend lectures and plays

• Enroll in courses at your local adult education center or other community group

• Garden

• Try memory exercises

These are all positive steps that can be taken towards a lifestyle that supports a healthy brain. And be sure and ask your doctor what else you can do. If you have questions—ASK!

SPECIALIZED WOUND CARE

Our team of specialists uses an advanced clinical approach, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to reduce your healing time.

Working together with your healthcare provider, our trained staff will get you back to living your daily life.

MEET OUR PHYSICIAN PANEL

Dr. Edward Tomoye

Infectious Disease/HBO/Wound Care

Dr. Minaxi Rathod

Infectious Disease/HBO/Wound Care

Dr. Jennifer Laing

Family Practitioner/HBO/Wound Care

Dr. Dustin Lloyd

Podiatry/HBO/Wound Care

WE TREAT ALL WOUNDS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Diabetic foot ulcers

• Venous ulcers

• Pressure ulcers

• Surgical wounds

• Traumatic wounds

• Arterial ulcers

• Late effects of radiation treatments

• Compromised skin grafts and flaps

• Crush injuries

CHOOSE WILSON N. JONES

If you have a wound or an ulcer that is not healing, or any wound that is of concern, ask your physician for a referral to the wound center or contact us directly for an appointment.

CTL Medical is a forward thinking medical device design, development and manufacturing company that creates exemplary surgical products and services specifially for spinal disorders. CTL Medical’s in-house Research and Development team works closely with surgeons to imagine and construct multifaceted implants and instruments that become works of art. Join us as we share our story and products like our PICASSO II™

and our

COMMUNICATING WITH A GRIEVING PERSON

By Kelly Lamkin, LBSW

hen you ask someone, “How are you?” do you really want them to tell you the honest truth or are you waiting for the standard answer of “I’m fine”? What if they were honest and told you that they were having a bad day? What if they started to cry? What would you do?

I would stop what I am doing, sit them down so we are eye to eye, look them in the eye and give them permission to get it out. Depending on the situation I may hold their hand but no matter what I make sure I am present with them in that moment. In order to be present with a person you give your undivided attention to them, look them in the eyes, pay attention, listen, acknowledge what is being said verbally

and nonverbally and don’t put up any physical barriers between you and the other person.

When a grieving person is asked that question most times they want to bust out and talk but don’t because of the

Grief Support Groups and Individual Support are available now.

Programs are offered weekly and monthly by Home Hospice – call 903868-9315 for more information.

thought, “No one has time to listen to me or they don’t care, they don’t want to listen to my problems.” It only takes a few minutes of your time to listen to a hurting, grieving heart. Wouldn’t you want someone to listen to you if the roles were reversed? Those moments spent with a grieving person can potentially be the most important moments of their lives. You may not even have to say many words because your presence will be all the person needs. Sitting in silence and listening to another person can be the best gift you can give to them and even to yourself. The look in a caring person’s eye can also warm a grieving person’s soul.

So remember, the next time you start to ask someone how they are, it could change their day and your day too!

Grow old WITHOUT GETTING “OLDER”

By Guy A. Francis, D.O.

How would you like to be playing tennis in your 60’s, dancing up a storm every Friday night in your 70’s, or having a libido and active sex life in your 80’s?

What we generally regard as the inevitable changes that come with aging is really more myth than reality. Getting “old” is a disease. Coronary artery plaque, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes are just some of the ways it manifests itself. It may come as a surprise to you to know that they for the most part are preventable and often somewhat reversible.

The problems of degenerative diseases don’t just come out of the blue and attack us. They are present and smoldering for many years before they present themselves. By the time most of these problems become apparent, and can be diagnosed by your doctor, they are 80% established.

“Well,” you say, “my grandfather had arthritis as did my father, so I’ll probably get it too.” Genetics play a role; however, pathological aging has more to do with the environmental and behavioral choices we make in life than do our genes. What you “wash” your genes in makes the difference! Through unenlightened, unhealthy choices we can effectively age more rapidly.

Even though we may be aging more rapidly than necessary, it is not always apparent. Since we are capable of continuing our activities of daily living, medical testing might continue to fall in the “normal” range for our age. As you will learn, the variance in the rate

of decline of our body’s reserve capacity has more to do with the choices we make in life than fate, genetics, or natural aging. Modern conventional medicine uses drugs and

technology to help us carry on, albeit at a much lower level of capacity. This is the much dreaded disability span of life.

Our present health care system is in reality a disease management system and has not been successful in disease prevention. What is possible, however, is the goal of maintaining a high degree of functional capacity

throughout life. We all like to do and are interested in the things we did in our 20’s and 30’s and look forward to new adventures. We can still enjoy these pursuits if we have the physical and mental capacity to do so.

In natural aging, you don’t or seldom get the degenerative diseases previously mentioned. It is not to say we don’t slow down and lose some functionality in the normal aging process, rather functionality declines slowly. When we die a natural death it is usually because everything gives out about the same time. In other words, while you are alive, you are healthy and vibrant, and then die quickly, not after living in a nursing home for ten or twenty years. That to me sounds pretty good.

The process of pathological aging is to a great degree controllable through lifestyle choices and existing technologies. Fortunately, that implies they are also amenable to personal intervention. Here are some of the underlying manageable culprits involved in pathological aging:

OXIDATIVE STRESS

– This is caused by oxygen molecules becoming free radicals in our cells doing damage. This occurs in a number of ways, some of which are: smoking, high prolonged stress, toxins, food types and additives, etc. We can address excess free radicals by reducing their formation. Also, we can mop them up by ingesting adequate amounts of antioxidants in our diet and with antioxidant nutritional supplementation.

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION – Inflammation is helpful in helping you heal that fracture or fight off a cold, but continual inflammation throughout your body is a major cause of degenerative disease of all kinds. Excess inflammation causes or contributes to arthritis, Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, cancer, and others. Contributing factors are obesity – especially mid-section, stress, inactivity, excess insulin, and declining hormone levels-especially thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormones.

Preventative aging medicine is the new paradigm in the medical field. Under the guidance of a practitioner of anti-aging or functional medicine, you can experience the process of personal transformation and improvement in health, to whatever degree is possible for you. You just might discover considerable years filled with vitality added to your life as well. Longevity could be thought of as the icing on the cake of a longer “health span”.

SUMMER AND DEHYDRATION

By Chasity Abrams

Summer is upon us and pretty much everyone knows that you should drink lots of water when you exercise or sweat a lot. However, thirst is a poor indicator of when it’s time to drink water. By the time you experience thirst in these conditions, a significant amount of body fluid has already been lost. Sip water throughout your day and activities.

When you sweat, especially during moderate exercise or heavy yard work, vomit or have diarrhea you lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for the metabolism of all the cells in your body. Electrolytes include potassium and sodium. It is very important that you maintain the balance of these electrolytes in your body because they affect your function of your muscles,

blood acidity (pH), the water in your body and other vital processes. Luckily, replenishing lost electrolytes isn’t difficult. Below are ways you can effectively replenish lost electrolytes in these situations:

• Add half a teaspoon of sea salt to an 8 oz. glass of water, stir and drink slowly to replace lost sodium. This is especially helpful if you have exercised for more than an hour, this is a quick way to get sodium to absorb into your system.

• Replace lost potassium electrolytes by eating about half a cup dried apricots, raisons or by eating a banana. Drink 1 cup of water to help digest them.

• Drink a sports drink such as Gatorade to replenish lost electrolytes after a workout. These drinks contain carbohydrates to give you energy and are high in sodium and potassium.

• Consume a prepared electrolyte replacement solution such as Pedialyte when suffering vomiting or diarrhea. These drinks are formulated to replace electrolytes and fluids quickly in kids and adults. Never consume sports drinks when experiencing diarrhea, since they are high in sugar and can make diarrhea worse.

If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, seek medical attention to prevent a medical emergency. Be safe, and have fun with your summer activities!

Act Now to take advantage of this amazing offer! It’s an incredible opportunity to begin an exceptional new lifestyle of new friends, fun social events, luxurious amenities and unsurpassed hospitality.

Richardson

Top 3 Summer 2019 Wellness Trends for Women

By Julie Alvira, MD, MBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ok, so circling back to the subject of

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

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

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

Be alive. Be Present.

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

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

THOC P.A. DBA

We do all types of infusion and accept ALL INSURANCE as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Secure Horizon, Molina and Superior Texas Hematology Oncology Centers

NOW ACCEPTING ALL MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

Dr. Dennis Birenbaum | Dr. Eugene Wyszynski

COMPLETE INFUSION CENTER

DALLAS 10 Medical Parkway Plaza III, Ste. 106

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center

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

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

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Cataracts?

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

How Do I Prepare For Cataract Surgery?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Misconceptions Do People Have About Cataract Surgery?

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

What Can I Expect Following Cataract Surgery?

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

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

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

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

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

TAVR GAVE HER HEART HOPE

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure for patients with severe aortic stenosis, who are not candidates for traditional open-heart surgery. texomamedicalcenter.net/TAVR

“I was no longer short of breath, tired or exhausted,“ says Mary, on having the TAVR procedure. “Everyone took great care of me.”

TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure. Mary spent only two days in the hospital

Read Mary’s story at texomamedicalcenter.net/TAVRtestimonial