Texoma Area Living Well Magazine May-June 2020

TEXOMA AREA

At Texoma Orthopedic and Spine, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality treatment of Orthopedic injuries and disorders for patients at all stages of life. Our physicians, Mark Young, MD; Brian T. Rose, MD; C. Craig Cranford, DPM; and Benjamin Wilson, MD, believe in improving quality 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 variety of orthopedic conditions, including 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:

• Hip to Total Joint replacement

• ACL Reconstruction

Spotlight on our Surgeons

Brian T. Rose, MD, FAAOS

Orthopedic Surgery of the Spine

Surgical Services:

• Spinal Fusion

• Kyphoplasty

• Total Joint Replacement including Knee and Shoulder

• Fracture Repair

• Carpal Tunnel Release

• Rotator Cuff Repair

• Arthroscopic wrist, knee and shoulder surgery

• Cervical Disk Replacement

• Microdiskectomy

• Spinal Decompression

• Interlaminar Stabilization

C. Craig Cranford, DPM, MPH, FACFAS Foot and Ankle Surgery

Surgical Services:

• Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstruction

• Fracture repair

• Flat Foot Reconstruction

• Total Ankle Replacements

• Bunion Repair

• Hammertoe Repair

Benjamin Wilson, MD, FAAOS Orthopedic Surgery

Surgical Services:

• Total Joint Replacement including Hip, Knee and Shoulder

• Fracture Care and Repair

• Hand Trauma and Soft Tissue conditions

• Arthroscopic Knee and Shoulder Surgery

• Joint replacement in small joints

• Charcot reconstruction

• Foot and Ankle arthritic conditions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles Tendon Repair

Therapy Services:

• Orthopedic Care

• Manual Physical Therapy

• Manipulation based therapy

• Dry needling

• Cupping

• Individualized exercise programs

• Sports and injury prevention programs

• Vestibular rehabilitation

• Balance and fall prevention programs

• Pre- and Post-Operative therapy

• ACL Reconstruction

Taylor Denney, PT, DPT

Julie Harbison, PTA

Jared Bourne, PT, DPT

“We Chose WNJ!”

Dr. Grant Craig Pastor Terry Barnett

Natalie, Jeremy and Champ Roberts

Mayor David and Mignon Plyler

“NNO MAN IS AN ISLAND

o man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main,” penned poet John Donne in 1624. This rings true even more so today, as our daily routines, lives, and businesses have been upended because of COVID-19. The pandemic has isolated us from family, friends, and collegues and has ripped bare the notion that it’s one versus the many. Each and every one of us needs community to thrive for the survival of one and of all.

With that in mind, in this issue, we introduce you to Brian L. Hambrick. An Orthopedic Physician Assistant and Sports Medicine Specialist at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, he personifies the idea of putting community first. Growing up in Sherman, Hambrick grew up with a deep love for family, community, and sports. This is why he came back to Sherman after his medical training, to care for the community he’s always called home. He considers it an honor to care for the residents of the area where he was born and raised.

We recently sat down with Hambrick to learn how his small-town upbringing in Sherman has influenced him and why being able to give back to the community that is so much a part of him and that helped raise him is so rewarding. As you’ll read, the concern and compassion Hambrick has for his patients is readily evident. He treats patients like family because he considers them family. Read how Hambrick’s hometown approach is making a difference in the lives of all those around him.

Farther from home is another person making an impact during these uncertain times. You may recognize Ryan Reynolds from his big screen roles, including that of superhero Deadpool. If you’ve been following him on Instagram along with his 35.8 million other fans recently, you know that he’s been making an impact in his home country of Canada and his adopted U.S. home while quarantined with his family. Along with his wife Blake Lively, the pair has donated $1 million to food bank charities and pledged $400,000 to New York City Hospitals, along with lending their celebrity to encourage their fans to help in their efforts. Turn to our celebrity feature on Reynold to read how he’s making a difference during these uncertain times.

On behalf of everyone at LIVING WELL Magazine, we are grateful for our healthcare partners’ selfless service during these unprecedented times and for our readers’ continued support.

Thank you, as always, for reading.

Sam & Spring Houston

PRESIDENT & CEO

Sam Houston

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

Spring Houston

FEATURE WRITER, COPY EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Sondra Barr

ART DIRECTOR, LAYOUT, PRODUCTION & WEBSITE DESIGN

Lewis Schucart

ADMINISTRATION AND 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 info@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

'FIND US' INSTAGRAM.COM/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

Total

Total

Partial

HOMETOWN APPROACH

Medical practitioner Brian L. Hambrick brings Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine home.

By Sondra Barr

As Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine continues its legacy caring for the orthopedic needs of our community with three convenient full-service locations, it’s the Sherman clinic that holds an extra special place in the heart of Brian L. Hambrick, MPAS, PA-C.

Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides care for a full range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, and injuries to the human body, with areas of specialty including adult hip and knee reconstruction, adult hip and knee revisions, robotic-assisted joint resurfacing, knee arthroscopy, foot, ankle, and trauma.

An orthopedic physician assistant and a sports medicine specialist at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s Sherman office, Hambrick is honored to care for the residents of the area where he was born and raised. Bringing the best orthopedic care to the place he calls home is a lifelong dream realized for Hambrick, who grew up with a deep love for family, community, and sports.

His dad was a coach, principal, and superintendent for Sherman Independent School District, where Brian and his younger brother played on the varsity basketball team. He didn’t stray far from home when embarking on his professional education at Austin College, also in Sherman. After years of playing basketball, Hambrick developed a keen interest in sports injuries, a field he approached vigorously and with the same laser focus that he applied on the basketball court.

“I pursued a dual Master’s Degree at Austin College in sports medicine and pre-med biology with a minor in chemistry. It forged the foundation of biomechanics, biology and chemistry and gave me a foundation for graduate school,” explains Hambrick.

After graduation, Hambrick began a paid medical internship at North Texas Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, where he worked with patients one-on-one and gained first-hand professional experience.

From there, he enrolled at the University of Texas Pan-American in Edinburgh, Texas, where he earned his Master’s of Physician Assistant Degree, graduating with honors and an impressive 3.76 GPA.

“We’re trained on a medical model like physicians. The good thing about physician assistant training is that you’re also trained in every facet of medicine. You get a more holistic training; you’re able to treat more and understand more than one problem,” says Hambrick, pointing out that the physician assistant profession was created to help decrease the stress of a rising sick population and a decreasing number of medical providers. “Where I trained, I trained under physicians and PAs that were the only source of medical providers within miles.”

It was a chance encounter that led to a meeting with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Charles Toulson, who’d go on to found Dallas’ premier destina-

Continued, page 10

Brian

L. Hambrick

Orthopedic Physician Assistant & Sports Medicine Specialist

Continued, page 9

tion for hip and knee replacement––Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. In addition to utilizing minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to perform the latest procedures, Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is one of the few practices in Texas to offer cartilage restoration. Patients can also take advantage of traditional and robotic-assisted joint replacement, sports medicine, ACL repair, complex shoulder conditions, PRP and stem cell therapies, fracture care, as well as treatment of ankle, elbow, wrist, knee, and hip conditions.

“I was doing an externship with an orthopedic surgeon and had a good rapport with the orthopedic representatives in the area. I overheard that there was a new surgeon coming to Collin County, and I was encouraged to go introduce myself to Dr. Toulson,” says Hambrick, who went on to spend two weeks shadowing the dynamic surgeon to see how he was going to establish his practice. “I liked the way he did things. He’s innovative. He’s young. He’s passionate.”

After two weeks, Hambrick informed Dr. Toulson he was leaving to go to south Texas to complete his physician assistant training. Dr. Toulson, impressed with Hambrick’s work ethic and knowledge, told him to call him after completing his training.

“During the three years of my medical training, Dr. Toulson called me every Christmas to see how I was doing and to make sure I was top of my class,” says Hambrick. “When I was done, he offered me a partnership to come work with him.”

“You meet a lot of people in passing and they say they will keep their word. How many people do? Dr. Toulson did,” exclaims Hambrick, whose experience in trauma care, orthopedic surgery, and emergency medicine made him a natural fit for Dr. Toulson’s innovative visions for Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

Hambrick’s days are split between clinic and surgery. In addition to being Dr. Toulson’s lead assistant in surgery, Hambrick sees patients independently on clinic days, diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions. “I also follow patients after surgery to make sure they’re healing well, reaching their milestones, and progressing appropriately,” says Hambrick, who’s been with Alpha for over 10 years.

When Hambrick helped open Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s Sherman location a year ago, it was a defining

moment in his career. “Being able to give back to the community that is so much a part of me and that helped raise me is not only rewarding, it makes you feel as though life has come full circle,” describes Hambrick. Along with his wife, Marcy, he’s continuing this cycle by raising his own family in the community that helped raise him.

“I’ve been changed by parenthood. I have a broader outlook now. It confirms that the way I decided to treat patients is the right way, like family. My patients know that I have a young daughter. They know that I have one on the way,” he says. “I’m an open book and believe in having a connection with my patients. Having that emotional connection with your practitioner is the part of healing that helps you feel safe.”

“At a point in your medical career, you have to decide what type of practitioner you’re going to be. My approach is to be a holistic practitioner; one who listens; one who truly has the wellbeing of the patient in mind; one who is concerned; one who is compassionate. I treat patients like family. I believe that has a lot to do with my small-town upbringing in Sherman,” he says.

As the senior physician assistant on staff, Hambrick is quick to point out some of his peers’ contributions. “Sean Holt is a seasoned PA with extensive training in plastic surgery and orthopedics,” says Hambrick. “He’s knowledgeable and very good at motivating patients to reach their post-operative potential as far as explaining what exercises to do and how to strengthen the body to help their joint replacements work better.”

As for Trevor Fewins, who relocated from California, “He brings that calm, comfortable demeanor to the practice. He’s competent and very likable. He offers a more laidback approach to orthopedic injuries that could seem somewhat intimidating,” details Hambrick.

In order to provide full-time orthopedic care at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s three full-service practices in McKinney, Sherman, and Prosper, the PAs assist four other top orthopedic surgeons that have joined Dr. Toulson in his mission to provide excellence in orthopedic medicine.

“When I started with Dr. Toulson, for a long time, it was just us. I’m very pleased with the growth,” says Hambrick. “We have a comprehensive team to treat every orthopedic concern. We have personalities for all, but we have one common goal––to treat patients to the best of our abilities.”

Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Walk-in Clinic

• Arthritis

• PRP Therapy

• Fracture Care

• Stem Cell Therapy

Charles Toulson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Brian L. Hambrick, MPAS, PA-C Physician Assistant

Dennis McKellar, Jr., MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Brian Snow, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

John Thompson, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Mark G. Hubert, MD Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon

PLANNING TO AVOID PROBATE AND GUARDIANSHIP WITHOUT USING A LIVING TRUST

By Craig Watson

Arvie is an 85 year old widow in good health. She delights in her two adult children who also enjoy a good relationship. Her Will was drafted over a decade ago. She owns a house (debt free) and about $150,000 in cash. She has a long term care insurance policy in case she needs nursing home care. She wonders if she needs a power of attorney and a medical directive, so she schedules an appointment with an Elder Law attorney.

At the appointment, her attorney reviews her Will and explains that it leaves her estate equally to her two children, appointing them as Executors. He explains the Probate process and agrees that she, along with virtually everyone else in Texas, needs a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, a Medical Power of Attorney and a Directive to Physicians.

Her attorney counsels that a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney is a document that simply authorizes her children, as her agents, to manage her property for her benefit in the event that she becomes incapacitated and unable to handle her affairs. Her children would be able to pay her bills and take care of her property if she were alive but mentally incapacitated. She asks why she needs a Power of Attorney when she has already appointed an Executor. He explains that the Executor is powerless until appointed by the Probate Court after her death in contrast to the Power of Attorney, which is applicable for the rest of her life. Without a Power of Attorney, her children would be required to initiate a much more expensive, court supervised Guardianship in order to manage her estate and pay her bills if she became mentally incapacitated.

The attorney says a Medical Power of Attorney is different because it applies only to health care decisions, allowing her children to make general health care decisions for her benefit if she is unable to make decisions. He explains that the last document is called a Directive to Physicians and is sometimes referred to as a Living Will because it allows her to express her wish not to be kept alive by artificial means if she ever becomes so ill that there is no hope of recovery.

Then the attorney starts to creatively add value to the meeting. He asks Arvie if she would like to plan her estate so that her children won’t have to go through the probate process. She tells him that she has heard about avoiding probate by using a Revocable Living Trust but that she thinks her estate is too small to justify a Trust. She is surprised to learn that she can avoid Probate without using a Trust.

Because Arvie has a relatively simple estate and, very importantly, because Arvie has two trustworthy children that enjoy a close relationship, her estate can be planned to avoid the expense, delay and public disclosure of probate without using a Living Trust.

Her attorney recommends that she deed her house to her children but reserve the right to live in the house for the rest of her life, known as a Life Estate Deed. For Federal Income Tax purposes, her children would receive a step up in cost basis in her house to fair market value in the event they choose to sell it after her death. Also, her property taxes would remain frozen because she is over the age of 65 and because the house would remain her homestead. Best of all, her house would instantly pass to her children upon her death with no need for a probate.

She added her children to her bank accounts and converted the accounts to be held as “joint tenants with right of survivorship”, meaning she retains ownership of the accounts but that they would instantly pass to her children upon her death without the need for a probate. Finally, her children could simply divide up her personal property, donate it to charity or sell it as they see fit. By taking these actions, Arvie’s children will be able to settle her estate without the expense of probating her Will.

Arvie was glad she went to see her lawyer about a power of attorney because she left his office with a whole lot more than she expected.

Craig Watson’s law practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship and Elder Law. Formerly a CPA, he has over 25 years of experience. Call 903-813-8500 or go online to www.craigwatsonlaw.com

Luis Machado/Unsplash

CHANGING ROLES OF VETERAN CARE

By Tamera Whitlow, LVN, USAF

Our veteran hospitals are overwhelmed, and our aging veteran population is increasing with wars closer together. Today we are caring for those from World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, Cambodia, Iran-Iraq War, and Afghanistan War. Veteran patients used to go to the VA for support, now taking care of the veteran patient at home is the new normal for home health and hospice programs. The need for expansion of home health and hospice programs outside of the VA is exploding.

Today home care clinicians are the new resources for the veteran and their family. The clinician not only provides health care, they must also be efficient with assistance in filing the appropri-

ate paperwork to help access veteran benefits. Home-Based Primary Care is the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Program to care for frail, medically complex, elderly veteran patients in their home setting. This program is unique to the VA but different than the Medicare/Medicaid home health and hospice programs.

The Home Hospice team provides professional medical services cultivating a plan of care that best meets the requests and needs of veterans and families. The plan focus is to keep the patient independent as long as possible and give the veteran and family access to multiple services: 24/7 on-call registered nurse, social workers, personal care aides, and other needed staff. We provide remarkable pain and symptom management and are equipped to give veterans

the best care. We offer spiritual support from our chaplain and bereavement programs that help the family as they grieve after loss.

When people see a veteran, they say “Thank You” for your service, often not realizing the veteran wants to tell their story as they NEED to share it at the end of life. At Home Hospice we recognize this need and offer a Vet to Vet Volunteer Program. We realize that fellow veterans form a camaraderie based on common life experiences, respect and trust with admiration for a Veterans’ Phenomenon life review. Veterans share a common language: code of conduct and honor. Home Hospice pays a very special tribute to veteran patients by placing our American Flag upon the veteran as he or she leaves their home for the final time to ensure that no veteran dies alone.

If you would like more information on veteran programs offered by Home Hospice, please contact Tamera Whitlow, LVN, USAF at 940-868-9315 or 903-868-9315.

Courtesy Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Planning for retirement goes beyond how you’ll spend your time. You’re also probably thinking about maximizing social security, whether you’ll downsize, ways to stay mentally and physically fit, when to update your will, and how to weather market fluctuations.

A sound investment plan may help you make important decisions in many areas of your life. The more you know, the better equipped you are to avoid common mistakes, prioritize spending and prepare for the unexpected.

how to maximize resources – now and in the future.

“Saving for retirement-to-come or deciding how best to access funds upon retirement requires thoughtful preparation,” Dobbs says. “Your situation is unique and your plan should be as well. That’s why we begin by listening to you! And why regular communications are so important, because life changes, as do markets. We want you to feel confident about the professional advice you receive, as well as the Wells Fargo Advisors tools and resources upon which your plan is created––tailored to your circumstances, your risk tolerance and your goals.”

With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Juston Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP®, Managing Director – Investments at Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Sherman, will talk with you about

No matter how close you are to retirement, you can begin retirement planning today. A purposeful approach can help ensure your retirements funds last as long as your retirement years do. Call Juston Dobbs at 903-893-6682 to get started.

Purposeful Retirement

• Identify your priorities & goals for the lifestyle you want.

• Develop an investment strategy to help outpace inflation.

• Incorporate a plan to help manage risk factors & unexpected events.

• Secure a trusted financial advisor who has your best interest at heart.

“I’m pleased to have developed strong relationships with our clients, where trust is paramount. With over 20 years as a financial advisor, I’m now helping the adult children of our clients plan for their retirements! We start by listening. It’s our privilege.”

Juston

J. Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP® Managing Director - Investments

Juston

Senior Vice President

The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or

Juston Dobbs

CROSSROADS MEDICAL

204 Medical Drive, Sherman, Texas 75092

Jelsma Orthopedics & Sports Medicine ..............

Richard D. Jelsma, MD

Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine ................

Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD

Charles E. Toulson, MD, MBA

Jon C. Thompson, MD

Brian J. Snow, MD

Ask RX Pharmacy ..............................................

Helix Health Lab ................................................

Integrated Pain Management ............................

Deborah Fisher, MD

Areli Medical Devices .........................................

Peak Physical Therapy .......................................

Jon Poe, PT, LAT

ENT Centers of North Texas ...............................

Hunter Richmond, MD

Peter Selz, MD

McDonald Arnot, DO

Sherman Internal Medicine & Primary Care .......

Benarji Tegala, MD

Grayson Digestive Disease Consultants .............

Jermaine G. Clarke, DO, MBA

Grayson Digestive Health ..................................

Joseph Kim, MD

Texoma

Ikram Kureshi, MD

First

It’s essential to take care of your feet !

Premier Foot & Ankle specializes in the treatment of all foot and ankle issues patients of all ages may experience. Our dedicated providers are committed to providing patients with quality care and pain relief using cuttingedge technology such as Pulse Activation Treatment to cure heel pain/plantar fasciitis as well as Padnet vascular and Smart Scan nerve testing for diabetics. By offering a wide range of medical and surgical services 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 injuries and plantar fasciitis and also offer pediatric 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!

INTUITIVE EATING

By Julie Alvira, MD, MBA

Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Can you do that? It’s hard. But, like everything, it’s a skill that can be learned. Of course, it’s easier to try another diet that will work for the short term. If you’re lucky, it may last for the long term. However, the best way to lose weight is to stop the diet mentality.

Breaking out of the diet mentality helped me feel good about my body, connect to it, develop better eating habits, and achieve freedom from food. During my pregnancy 18 years ago, I gained almost 70 pounds. I wanted to lose all the baby weight to once again fit into my little shorts and jeans.

Even though I lost everything in six months by restricting myself and counting calories, it’s been hard to maintain the weight. Losing weight is not as hard as keeping it off. Through the years, I’ve experienced episodes of stress, emotional eating, and cravings due to everyday situations and life events. Add hormone fluctuations during my period and being in the years of pre-menopause to the mix and it’s been challenging not to gain weight. Can you relate?

Several years ago, I learned how to calibrate my body by connecting with it by recognizing true hunger versus cravings, becoming aware of my thoughts at a particular moment, and by learning to manage those thoughts and the emotions that are created by them. I didn’t know I was practicing intuitive eating, but with these efforts, I finally achieved freedom from food.

That is why I don’t do any diets. I don’t believe you have to restrict yourself from food. It’s better to develop the skill of making a choice of having something or not. And it’s fun! Often, individuals tend to blame themselves if a diet goes wrong and feel awful after deviating from the plan. After eating something they weren’t “supposed to,” they’ll beat themselves up. Usually the thought of “I failed” follows with intense feelings of failure, which activates a cascade of events.

You can develop a good relationship with food. Of course, if you’re intolerant or allergic to different ingredients or can’t eat certain foods because of a medical condition, be mindful. But make sure it’s a choice you do for you. If you want to eat foods like ice cream, cakes, etc., you learn to have the choice and give yourself permission to consume those foods. Not because you “can’t”, or it says somewhere that today that’s not on the menu you’re supposed to follow. We live in a society where most individuals are disconnected from their bodies. It’s time to get back to yourself and accept your body. Intuitive eating helps with this concept.

Mindful Eating vs. Intuitive Eating

I’ve written before on mindful eating, which is, among other things, paying attention to what you’re eating and the experience of that moment without judgment. Also, it’s good practice if you’re a multitasker because you have to stop doing everything and enjoy your eating moment. It helps you develop better habits and opens your senses when choosing food. You will see now that it gets a bit confusing because it overlaps with intuitive eating. Let’s see.

While intuitive eating includes some of the characteristics of being mindful, it’s more complete. You learn how to stop having the diet mentality, manage your emotions with being kind to yourself, and accept and respect your body as is. You’ll also develop the habit of being more active in terms of adding some form of exercise such as walking, etc. It also helps you become aware of your body in terms of hunger versus satiety; become aware of your thoughts at that moment helping the emotional versus physical component (mindful), while helping you to develop freedom around food.

It’s not a tool to lose weight, but if you practice the concepts that are involved, you may lose weight. If you eat only when you’re hungry and not because of an emotion that was developed by a thought, you won’t overeat because you’ll be more attuned with yourself. I will talk a bit more about overeating in another article.

Remember to always consult your physician before trying anything new related to your health.

“Fall in love with taking care of your body.” ~Unknown

Julie Alvira, M.D., MBA

Healthcare Management, is the founder of Coach Dr. Julie, LLC

– Physician Life and Weight Loss Coaching Services. You can find her on Facebook as Coach Dr. Julie or via email at julie@coachdrjulie.com www.coachdrjulie.com

The wind reduction system offers hearing aid users, like you, important benefits:

• Reduced wind noise in windy conditions

• Improved speech understanding outdoors as well as inside

• Quick and automatic adaptation in all types of weather

• Streaming options with wireless connectivity for phone calls, music and podcasts

• Natural sound & a comfortable listening experience, without touching your hearing aid. New hearing aid technology is just that smart. And accommodating.

instruments. Some restrictions apply. Expires July 15, 2020 2019

HEAR WELL ON WINDY DAYS

Courtesy HearCare and Associates

Imagine the benefits of wearing hearing aids on the windiest days so you enjoy conversations and other sounds no matter what the weather.

Welcome the new technology! It enables your hearing aids to adjust to your environment, including windy conditions outside, taking wind protection to the next level. There’s a new component called SMARTWIND Manager™ that helps people outdoors––jogging, golfing, boating––wherever you find wind noise. It removes wind sounds based on calculations from two microphone inputs.

“The wind reduction system not only addresses wind noise, it improves your ability to understand speech,” says Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., Licensed Fitter and Dispenser of Hearing Instruments (LFDHI) and co-owner of HearCare and Associates in Sherman. “Obviously you can’t understand what you can’t hear!”

In the world of audiology, every sound has its own “recipe.” And the more lifelike the sound, the easier it is to hear. Additionally, you get a more natural sound and comfortable listening experience without ever having to touch your hearing aid. “WIDEX technology can automatically identify the type of sound situation you’re in, adjusting accordingly and delivering optimal sound, indoors and out,” Kenneth continues.

With custom preferences, you choose. You can select interactive options that help you intuitively shape your listening experience. Or let the astounding new technology automatically make hearing aid adjustments for you, setting the optimal sound for different environments.

The quality of your hearing experience evolves in real time and in real life. Because the sounds you’re exposed to are always changing, the latest technology is intuitive enough to filter in noisy environments and allow subtle details in quiet situations. Every sound, like the trickle of water or the crunch of leaves under your feet, has its own nuances. And the more lifelike the sound, the easier it is to hear.

While the technical WOW Factor is almost mind-boggling, Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, LFDHI, and co-owner of HearCare, reminds us that the patient experience depends on exceptional customer care and a lifetime of service. “Our patients tell us we make it easy and even fun,” says Jill. “When you can hear better, you’re more likely to enjoy life because you’re not having to work so hard to participate. You have

less listening fatigue and enjoy better speech understanding. Just being able to hear your granddaughter’s voice again is a remarkable achievement for those who have been missing out on the simple pleasures of life.”

By the way, hearing loss is sometimes considered a condition that affects only senior adults. But it can occur at any age and there are multiple causes besides aging, including prolonged exposure to noise, certain types of disease, some medications, and even hereditary factors. Untreated, hearing loss can get worse.

A hearing evaluation at HearCare is easy, painless, non-threatening, and informative. After an initial interview, your ears are checked, followed by a state-of-the-art hearing test in a booth with glass “windows” so you can see into the room. Afterward, you’ll be given the results immediately (Kenneth likes to draw pictures!) so you better understand your hearing loss––if any––and what will work for you.

“I’ll be the first to tell you if you don’t need a hearing aid,” says Kenneth. “You deserve to hear as well as you possibly can, and if you can benefit from a hearing aid, I’ll talk with you honestly about your situation and recommend options that would best fit your hearing loss, lifestyle, and your budget.”

What’s different about HearCare? Some would say the Sheppards themselves, who offer extraordinary customer care, as well as the highest level of products and services available anywhere. And they do so with integrity, knowledge, kindness, and a terrific sense of humor.

Additionally, HearCare can fit you with all major brands of hearing aid, unlike some clinics owned by specific hearing aid manufacturers. Patients appreciate the “gift of time” that HearCare provides, allowing them to learn, experience, and make good decisions about their hearing health.

“Nothing sounds as good as what God gave you,” says Kenneth, smiling. “We want to work with the ability you have to hear natural sounds and then leverage that with the finest technology available and the earnest desire to help you hear well again.”

Did you know May is Better Hearing Month? It’s the perfect time to learn about the opportunities available to you. It’s about your hearing, yes. It’s also about your life.

Intelligent hearing technology is here. And you’re ready.

For more information, call HearCare at 903-868-2650.

RYAN REYNOLDS

America’s Canadian superhero comes to the rescue.

Ryan Reynolds is about as American as they come, except for the fact he’s Canadian. The irony is not lost when you consider the actor’s most popular role to date is Deadpool , aka Wade Wilson, a Marvel superhero born in Canada, but who grew up to become the least Canadian person ever. Reynolds shares another thing in common with Deadpool , he’s one of the most relentlessly wisecracking heroes in the universe (aka Instagram). If you’ve been passing time during the Covid-19 quarantine following the 43-year-old Reynolds on Instagram, where he entertains his 35.8 million followers with frequent bon mots and hilarious swipes at equally “Insta” funny wife Blake Lively, it’s clear that he uses his wit for forces of good.

Continues, page 26

By Sondra Barr

Continued from page 24

“We live in really weird––really weird––times right now, he told Digital Spy and other media outlets. “You’re like watching the news and they’re like, ‘The top story today is the end of the world…Now to find out what’s really happening between Kylie Jenner and Tyga.’”

It’s this strange reality that compelled him to utilize his considerable celebrity and resources to make a real impact. And, because “I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an a-hole,” he said. So, interspersed among his hilarious Instagram posts carrying on a ‘rivalry’ with fellow actor Hugh Jackman and the ones trolling his glamorous wife, he’s used Instagram to announce the couple’s $400,000 pledge to New York City hospitals and a $1 million donation to food bank charities in the United States and Canada, while urging his sizable audience to also donate.

The owner of Aviation Gin, Reynolds additionally used the platform to announce that 30% of all sales would go to the Canadian Professional Bartender’s Association “Tip Your Bartenders” program through May 1. Aiming to help bartenders who’ve been laid off during the pandemic, his company donated $10,000 to get the initiative started.

Meanwhile, holed up at home alongside Lively, the pair’s three daughters, and his mother-inlaw, he’s adjusted to quarantine with his signature wry humor. “Men tend to be the architect of someone’s demise,” Reynolds explained during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at Home in April. “So it’s fine. I like just being here with the girls. I like doing the girl stuff. This morning I made dresses out of tissue paper for them.”

“Pneumonia is very serious,” said the actor, whose father died from pneumonia. “It can take out the toughest of us. It certainly got my dad. So coronavirus is a serious thing.”

On the subject of Reynolds’ dad, it was a relationship that he’s openly shared with multiple media outlets as being extremely complicated. Born in 1976 in Vancouver, Canada, the youngest of four brothers, Reynolds was raised in a volatile environment. He told Cara Buckley of the New York Times that to head off screaming matches or tumult, he would try to fix anything that might set his former police officer-turned-food wholesaler father off, be it by keeping the house immaculately clean or mowing the lawn.

“This is not meant to be some sob story––everyone carries their own bag of rocks around and I am no different in that regard––but growing up in my house, it was never relaxing or easy and I know that, throughout my life, I’ve dealt with anxiety in different ways,” explained the actor to the Independent’s Sabrina Barr.

Acting provided an outlet for Reynold’s talent for playing a character and diffusing tough situations. At 13, he landed his first part and instantly felt an affinity for stepping into someone else’s shoes. “I almost knew right then,” he described to Megan Conner at the Guardian. “It played to my strong point. They gave me a role.”

Reynolds eventually ended up in Hollywood in a sitcom before appearing in an assortment of films including National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Blade: Trinity, The Proposal, and Buried.

“We’re lucky enough to have a little, tiny garden, so we’re learning a little bit about gardening. We’re trying to make this an education experience, but I’m mostly drinking,” Reynolds also divulged to Colbert before getting serious.

It was his much mocked first outing as a superhero, in the film Green Lantern, that offered Reynolds the opportunity to meet his future wife Blake Lively. At the time, Reynolds was married to actress Scarlett Johansson and Lively was dating her Gossip Girl costar Penn Badgley. It

20th Century Fox

Reynolds stars in Deadpool (2016), Deadpool 2 (2018), and Deadpool 3 (sometime in the future) as a superhero based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name.

Walt Disney Pictures

BELOW: Reynolds starring with Sondra Bullock in The Proposal (2009). Bullock acts as an overbearing book editor who forces Reynolds’ character to marry her to avoid being deported.

AT RIGHT: Reynolds first met Blake Lively in early 2010 while filming Green Lantern together in 2011. They married in September 2012.

wasn’t long before both pairs had broken up.

“We were buddies then,” Reynolds explained to Entertainment Weekly’s SiriusXM show. “I remember it was funny because for about a year after Green Lantern had come and gone and we were both single. We went on a double date. She was on a date with another guy and I was on a date with another girl.”

It was that date where it became apparent Lively and Reynolds were meant for each other. “That was the most awkward date because we were just like fireworks coming across,” described Reynolds. “It was weird at first, but we were buddies for a long time. I think the best way to have a relationship is to start as friends.”

“They’re the loveliest people, Ryan and Blake,” says actor Stanley Tucci, a former neighbor of the couple. “When we first met, we went over and I think we saw them practically every other day; for a week my kids were staying over at their house. They love cooking and their home life. They’re just two of the most generous people I’ve ever met.”

Since marrying Lively, Reynolds invigorated his career and even took another crack at playing a superhero. In 2016, he approached the Marvel character Deadpool from a comedic perspective. The film went on to become a runaway success. Drawing upon his comedic chops, he reprised the role in Deadpool 2. That film and its predecessor catapulted Reynolds into the Hollywood stratosphere. The second film generated $784

million at the worldwide box office to become the highest-grossing X-Men movie, it also served as the ideal role to finally channel and express his struggles with the paralyzing anxiety he’s felt throughout his life.

It was during the press junket for Deadpool 2 that Reynolds shared with fans his struggle with mental illness. He’s said that he carried out many interviews in the character of Deadpool to alleviate his fears.

“I have anxiety, I’ve always had anxiety,” he told the New York Times in 2018. “Both in the lighthearted ‘I’m anxious about this’ kind of think, and I’ve been to the depths of the darker end of the spectrum, which is not fun.”

He says that humor has always been a way to handle the anxiety that grips him tightly. “I’ll look for the joke in things so that I don’t look for the sadness and the grief,” he’s said.

Reynolds also manages his feelings of anxiety and depression through lifting weights and running daily. “Exercise is a means of expelling those demons,” he told the Independent

With the future of movie release dates uncertain due to the pandemic, fans may have to wait awhile to see a new Ryan Reynolds film. It’ll be worth the delay. In the wings is the movie Free Guy, an action comedy in which Reynolds plays “a background character who realizes he’s living in a video game. With the help of an avatar, he tries to prevent the makers of the game from shutting down his world.” Sound familiar?

Until then, no doubt, Reynolds will keep us entertained on Instagram. Having been recently naturalized in the United States, now that Reynolds holds two passports and is a dual citizen, he can finally be officially recognized as the world’s most treasured Canadian/American hero.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Radiofrequency ablation treatment now available for spinal tumors

Minimally invasive technology, close to home

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 reli

,” 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 ”

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Remember to always talk to your doctor about the benefits, potential complications, and risks for any procedure. Damag e to surrounding tissue may occur from this procedure. Additionally, if you have a tumor in the cervical spine (neck) or have a heart pacemaker or other electro nic implant , this procedure may not be right for you. For more information, please visit Me dtr onic.com.

Physicans

Offering OsteoCool RF Ablation:

Texoma Orthopedic and Spine - Denison, TX

Brian Rose, MD - (903) 465-2190

Paris Regional Medical Center - Paris, TX

J. Keith Preston, MD - (903) 737-9999

THREE WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR KITCHEN STORAGE SPACE

By Amber Carfield

One of the hardest parts about integrating into a new kitchen is learning how to maximize the storage space. The litany of pots, pans, cutting boards and cooking utensils come in all shapes sizes and finding the right cabinet or drawer to put them in requires a lot of planning.

If you are undergoing a kitchen reorganization here are a few expert tips that will get you thinking differently about your kitchen storage.

Find the Right Cabinets and Storage Materials.

When it comes to kitchen storage, all cabinets are not created equal. If you have a say in the way your kitchen is designed, then you should do your homework on what types of storage space you need in your kitchen. There are a variety of kitchen cabinets and tools that are specifically designed to maximize your storage space.

For example, you could install a cabinet pull out in your

kitchen specifically designed to store your baking trays or cleaning supplies. If you are not designing your own kitchen, purchasing simple tools such as a pot and pan organizer or knife rack can save you valuable kitchen space without the expense of a remodel. I have seen a lot of homeowners get creative with kitchen storage, even creating a designated cabinet exclusively for K-Cup pods.

One recommendation I make to homeowners building a kitchen in a small space is to purchase materials that can do multiple jobs. Many companies make oven/microwave combos that can save a lot of space due to the fact you don’t have to buy two separate appliances.

Be Honest About What You Use

The reality of kitchen space is that most people just have more appliances in their kitchen than they really need.

Take a really close look at the things you have in your kitchen and write down the things you use consistently. Try to

avoid redundancies, if you have two pots that serve the same purpose think about getting rid of one.

Getting rid of things in your kitchen can be difficult, but it is important to be honest about what you use so you can have optimal storage space in your kitchen. Even things like food storage containers can go if it is keeping you from storing more important appliances.

Split your Kitchen into Zones

The best way to best utilize your kitchen space is to create zones for each kitchen task.

You should have a prepping zone, a cooking zone, and a cleaning zone. Kitchen items should be stored in closed proximity to the zone they will be most used in. This means pots in the cooking zone, food processors and knives in the prep zone, and dish towels and soaps near the cleaning zone.

I have worked with a number of clients who place their kitchen tools far away from the area they will be used in and it makes cooking in your kitchen very inefficient.

Kitchen storage space is a regular discussion I have with homeowners every day and properly utilizing your storage space can be a difficult task depending on the type of kitchen you have. However, thinking about these three steps will go along way in helping you maximize the storage space in your kitchen.

Carfield is the Design Director at Kitchens by Good Guys, a kitchen remodel company in Scottsdale Arizona. Carfield has worked in the kitchen remodeling industry since 2000 and is an expert on all aspects of a kitchen remodel. www.goodguysphx.com

Amber

CREATIVE STRUCTURE––THE NEW NORMAL

By Georgia Smith-Lyle, MA, LPC-Supervisor

The days of our children getting up in the mornings and getting off to school were cut short by the pandemic, COVID-19. There was no time to prepare for this life changing event. One day the routine was normal, and the next day you are told the schools are closed and there will be online teaching from your home.

Not only can they not go to school, all social activities children were involved in ceased. Staying at home and isolated from others “quickly” became the new norm. Yikes! Not only was there a pandemic, but there was panic in many households. School life in 2020 will go down in history!

COVID-19 is a history maker/changer. Many have found this transition time very chaotic and difficult. Many of you were forced to put some sort of structure to routines at home. So how do you have structure, but still be creative? Too much structure can inhibit creativity, but just enough structure in place provides security and encourages creativity. Parents, this is a time for you to “think outside the box” and become the teacher as best you know.

Before discussing creative structure––the new normal for the children––it’s important to discuss mom and dad’s relationship and some ideas to weather this storm. Mom and dad are the hub, the central stable piece of the family. How parents communicate with each other, how they show affection and interaction are vital to family security. Parents have an “opportunity” to demonstrate healthy interaction between two people, showing kindness, patience and respect.

Firstly, communicate respectfully and watch your tone with each other because you are being watched by your children. The ways you communicate are perfect teachable moments with lifelong effects. Secondly, parents, find 20 to 30 minutes a day of uninterrupted time to talk with each other and connect. It doesn’t have to be serious talk all the time, but the pandemic has forced unexpected changes to your life financially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically; so, talk about these changes and how to move forward. Thirdly, have a date night “in the home” at least one time a week. Make it fun…watch a movie, cook dinner together. Do whatever you want to connect and enjoy one another. Tell the children this is your time together and do not let them interrupt unless it’s an emergency.

By the time this article reaches you, the social restrictions may have lifted to a degree, but I still believe this is a good idea, especially if you are trying to be careful financially. The last idea I have to offer is to take a break from the kids 30 minutes to an hour each day. If one spouse needs a break, even for 15 mins, try to provide what they need. Be helpful and considerate of each other and carry the responsibility of the children together.

Children thrive in structure! Be creative but still have a structured time frame of choice activities throughout the day. Write down your plan with time frames. Remember, you can always change plan according to your own needs and the ages of your children. It’s a perfect opportunity for the older children to have responsibility for the younger ones

with rewards in place. For example, older children can make breakfast for the younger ones. Make sure you have time frames for chores. Some children are still doing online school, which is important to finish. The main thing is put together a “schedule” and options of activities for your children.

Here is a sample structure block with activity ideas for each period of the day:

— Breakfast

— Morning chores

— Activities: Paint, write a story, put on a play, read a book, draw, basketball in driveway, chalk on sidewalk, physical activity in the backyard

— Lunch

— Rest time after lunch (mandatory rest time). Everyone goes to their own space for at least an hour, even if they do not nap. This gives each parent their time too.

— Afternoon activities

— Dinner

— Family walk/bike ride… (something outside if possible)

**At least one night a week is family night where you watch a movie together, do board games, play cards or charades.

** At least one night a week is “family share night,” where everyone comes together and talks about things that have bothered them, good things they have en -

joyed, etc. This time will give children (and parents) the opportunity to express their feelings and be heard.

I hope you find this article helpful! Remember, parents you are the hub, you are the teachers, and this pandemic shall pass. Have each other’s back, be slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen––little eyes are watching.

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

When you need top quality parts and service, look to Plano Power Equipment. To keep your equipment in top shape, you can count on Plano Power Equipment’s retail parts sales and servicing of Toro-brand equipment using genuine Toro® parts. 1414 N. Central Expy. Plano, TX 75074 (972) 423-5220

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE

AND LIGHTWEIGHT AGILITY!

21” Personal Pace® Honda Engine Super Recycler® Mower (20382)

• Personal Pace® self-propel automatically adjusts to your walk speed.

• Powered with a Honda® GCV 160cc OHC engine.

• Covered by a 5-Year Guarantee-to-Start engine warranty plus a 5-Year Full Coverage Warranty.

• Quick Stow Storage Handle allows you to store your mower in tight spaces.

30” Personal Pace® TimeMaster® Mower (21199)

• Time Saver – Finish jobs faster with the 30” deck.

• No Restarts! Leave the mower without restarts with Spin-Stop™ Blade Stop. Pick Your Pace–You control the mowing speed with Personal Pace®.

• Big Power – You’ll enjoy great power and performance from 10.00 ft.-lb. Gross Torque Briggs & Stratton® 223cc OHV engine.

GET THE JOB DONE FASTER AND START YOUR WEEKEND!

MOW LIKE THE PROS! EXPERIENCE THE RESIDENTIAL ZERO-TURN RIDING MOWER WITH COMMERCIAL MOWER FEATURES.

50” TimeCutter® MX5000 (74773)

• Mow around obstacles easily with zero-turn radius steering and dependable dual hydrostatus transmissions.

• Enjoy a smoother ride with Toro’s long-lasting durable, heavy-duty 10-guage steel frame, commercial style front axle and heavy-duty front caster forks with wide front tires.

• Pro Performance 24 HP Kohler V-Twin 725cc engine with Pro-Series air cleaner.

• 50” heavy-duty fabricated deck featuring Toro’s tough IronForged™ cutting system that dominates challenging cutting conditions – 3-bladed mowing system and durable 6” commercial inspired spindles, driven by belts made of Kevlar®, the same material found in bullet proof vests.

Knee

J. TYLER NEWTON, DO

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. J. Tyler Newton is a board-eligible, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Newton graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and completed medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center where he was inducted into the honors society. Dr. Newton completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at St. John Providence Health System in metro Detroit and spent an additional year completing an orthopaedic hip and knee replacement fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

During his fellowship, Dr. Newton gained invaluable experience utilizing the latest robotic technology to learn the most advanced practices in hip and knee replacements. Dr. Newton hopes to bring this state-of-the-art technology to his own practice soon.

In 2019, Dr. Newton joined the staff at Texoma Medical Center in the Denison. He is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Dr. Newton’s clinical interests include treatment of fractures and injuries, hip replacements (including direct anterior hip replacements), knee replacements (including partial and total knee replacements), as well as hip and knee replacement revisions.

5012 S. US Hwy. 75, Suite 285 Denison, TX 75020

“You may find that your 2nd or 3rd opinion should have been your first.”

DENNIS BIRENBAUM, MD EUGENE J. WYSZYNSKI, DO

Dr. Birenbaum founded the Arlington Cancer Treatment Center in 1981. He founded the Texas Hematology Center, PA in 1997 He is the founder, Medical Director, and CEO of Patients Comprehensive Cancer Center (2001) & McKinney Regional Cancer Center (2007). Dr. Birenbaum trained at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute for 5 years, 3 years as a Hematology/Oncology fellow and 2 years as facility professor. His private practice in Hematology/ Oncology has been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1979.

AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST:

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Melanoma, Sarcoma

•Breast Cancer

•Lymphoma

CREDENTIALED AT SEVERAL LOCAL HOSPITALS:

• Centennial Medical Center

• Medical Center of McKinney

• Methodist Richardson Medical Center

• Dallas Medical Center

• Specialty Hospital

•Kindred Hospital

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

•Born and raised in Dallas, TX

• Attended SMU (Southern Methodist University)

•Father of 2 sons

• Owns six dogs

• Loves traveling and golf

• Avid collector of arts and antiques

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

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

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

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine: Hematology/ Oncology-Certified: 8/24/2007

• American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES:

• American Osteopathic Association

• ASCO

•Texas Medical Association

•Dallas County Medical Association

CLINICAL CANCER INVESTIGATIVE TRIALS:

•Central Pennsylvania Oncology Group Protocal

•Eastern Cooperative Group

• Southwest Oncology Group

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

•Married and father of 2 children

• Enjoys traveling and spending time with family

• Active in many hobbies

Do I really need to remove my wisdom teeth, they don’t hurt?

Through the studies of ancient tribes there was a time where one’s jaws were big enough to accommodate 32 teeth. Through environment and dietary changes we no longer have room for the third set of molars, also called wisdom teeth. When these teeth cannot erupt in to the mouth correctly they often become “impacted” or stuck in a crooked position. This impaction causes several problems which are not always painful including:

• Damage to other teeth: by crowding and pushing other teeth causing pain and bite problems

• Jaw damage: cysts can form around the third molars causing bone loss and damage to the nerve

• Sinus Issues: pain, pressure and congestion

• Inflamed gums: tissue can swell and may be hard to keep clean & lead to gum infection

• Cavities: swollen, infected gums can create pockets between teeth that help bacteria form and cavities will develop

• Alignment: the third molars can cause crowding and create the need for orthodontics to straighten teeth for a healthy smile

• Vertigo: commonly known as dizziness which is caused by the pressure of the wisdom teeth on the nerve which leads to the ear, which also controls one’s balance

The jaw bone has no feeling other than the nerve that runs through it and connects to teeth from under the roots; unless your problem affects the actual nerve you may have no pain but that does not mean there is no problem-not yet!

Please call our office at 903-868-9850 to have a complete exam and x-rays to assess your mouth.

Sam J. Nechamkin, DDS, MS

Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent molars to erupt in the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 to 25 but can grow any time after that. We don’t usually use those teeth for chewing because they are so far back in the mouth. Third molars are hard to keep clean and very prone to decay.

If you or a family member is in need of an evaluation for wisdom teeth, the summer is a great time to take care of that.

Please call Premier Dentistry to schedule an evaluation of your wisdom teeth with one of our expert dentists. Take advantage of our summer special of 50% off sedation if you schedule during the summer months, May through August.

Dr. Sam J. Nechamkin (Dr. Sam) earned his doctorate degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and completed his Periodontics and Dental Implants specialty training at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Sam practices all fields of general dentistry and is a boardcertified specialist in the field of periodontics,(foundation of teeth). He has received extensive training in dental implants and sedation dentistry.

Dr. Sam has been distinguished as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A Diplomate “is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty. “ Less than 35% of periodontists in the world hold the Diplomate status; Dr. Sam is the only Sherman dentist distinguished as a Diplomate in Periodontology.

Scott C. Schwalm, DDS

Dr Schwalm attended Illinois Wesleyan University for a BA in Biology and continued his education at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Prior to moving to North Texas, Dr. Schwalm had an extremely successful and state-of-theart private practice in Bellevue, WA for 14 years.

Dr. Schwalm brings experience and his consistent pursuit of excellence for a wide variety of procedures. He loves the ability to take care of his patients from start to finish in the comfort of one office. When needed, he is also a stellar quarterback coordinating specialists and follow-up care, all in the interest of his patients.

Recently Scott, and wife Dawna, collaborated with shark biologists at Guadalupe Island, Mexico studying mega great whites who frequent the island each year. They plan on travelling back this year to continue the work to understand these amazing creatures.

D. Shane Edwards, DDS

Dr. Edwards received his Bachelor of Science for Abilene Christian University. He continued his education at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas graduating in 1995. Dentistry is Dr. Edward’s passion. His philosophy on dentistry encompasses comprehensive restorative care, including conscious sedation, aesthetics, dental implants, Fast Braces and the treatment of bruxism. He whole heartedly believes in staying abreast of advances in dentistry and is continually advancing his skills.

Dr. Edwards is dedicated to healthy beautiful smiles. He believes that the practice of dentistry is relationship based and patient driven. This enables him to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary care to his patients. “I am committed to providing the highest quality of dental care available in an ethical and caring environment. I am dedicated to continual advancement of my knowledge and skills; I strive to deliver to each patient the type of care that I would accept for my own family.”

Misaligned wisdom tooth that caused patient to lose both teeth.

Impacted Wisdom teeth.

HABITS HURTING OUR MENTAL HEALTH

By Laura Walton

Abad habit can be an easy thing to catch and a hard thing to kick. A bad habit gone unchecked can have a negative effect on our wellbeing. Some of the most challenging bad habits we can create are the ones that negatively affect our mental health. Being able to identify the effects of the ways we treat our bodies and our minds are key to kicking a bad habit and maintaining a healthy mental state.

Here are a few common habits that can hurt our mental health:

It’s Nothing Personal

As social beings, we tend to give a lot of weight to the comments and perceptions of others. The things other people say about us can feel incredibly hurtful, even if we have no real relationship with that person. Most people don’t enjoy being disliked or disrespected by another human being. However, for our own mental wellbeing, it is important to consider that most everything that others say and do is coming from their own history of experience and is not a direct reflection of us as an individual. Everything that others say and do is simply a projection of their own reality and usually has nothing to do with you.

Lacking Sleep

According to a study by the CDC, one in three Americans don’t get the seven hours of sleep recommended to have a healthy sleep schedule. No one functions well off little to no sleep and poor sleep makes it difficult to solve problems and make decisions. Lack of sleep can also cause us to become emotionally distressed and irritable, making it harder to regulate behaviors.

Sleep is important, and sometimes special efforts need to be made in order to optimize sleep. This might mean making the room as dark as possible by turning off all lights (even lights on electronic devices), wearing a sleep mask, and leaving the light off if you get up to use the bathroom. It is also ideal to keep your phone out of bed and turn off the TV or other electronics before you fall asleep. Limiting the amount of liquids drank in the one to two hours approaching bedtime, adopting a regular bedtime and bedtime routine, and using a sound machine are also tips that might help to optimize sleep.

When you do have trouble falling or staying asleep, notice what’s on your mind. Sleep is often disturbed by either thoughts of the past, or worries about the future. See if you can shift your attention to your breath, counting each inhale and exhale in order to stay grounded in

the present intention of sleep.

Not Allowing Negative Feelings to Exist

In order to fully experience what it is to be a human being, we need to be able to fully experience the whole range of emotions, not just the emotions we label as good.

The emotions that we tend to label as “bad” or “negative” emotions, such as sadness, anger, jealousy, or hurt, all exist for a reason. They are there to tell us something. Our emotions deserve our attention, and need to be felt in order to be processed. Avoiding the pain only feeds the pain.

All emotions are valid. There are plenty of situations in which a “bad” emotion is a normal response to the situation, and trying to gloss over those emotions invalidates our human experience.

Mindless Escapes to Avoid the Present

Engaging in mindless activities to escape the present moment, such as mindlessly watching TV, scrolling through our phones, or excessively drinking or shopping are all ways we can harm our mental health by distracting ourselves. It is not that any of these activities are inherently bad, but instead that, if we are not paying attention, these things can become a crutch that we use to distract us from whatever emotion or issue in our life that might be asking for our attention. The problem is, is that it’s too easy to use these things as mindless distraction, which makes us lose our connection to the present moment.

Laura Walton is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in working with grief and trauma from a mind-body perspective. She is the owner of the Phoenix Center for Grief and Trauma. www.thephoenixcenterforgriefandtrauma.com

Dr. Ralston is Board Certified in Dermatology. He is an award-winning dermatologist with numerous accolades. Most recently he was honored in 2019 as Best Dermatologist, Best Place for Botox, and Best Laser Hair Removal by McKinney / Allen Living Magazine. In 2018 he won Best Physician - Dermatologist for the eighth year in a row by McKinney Magazine/Online's Best of McKinney.

Dr. Ralston practices cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology and provides the latest treatment options for a wide range of pediatric, adolescent and adult dermatological concerns such as skin cancer, eczema, acne and acne scars, wrinkles, age spots, rashes and psoriasis. He utilizes treatments, such as PDT, which combines laser or other light with topical medicine to treat skin cancer, acne, aging, and other conditions. He provides the latest in body contouring and other cosmetic treatments and techniques. Additionally, he is a national key opinion leader for multiple lasers. His professional interests include utilizing technology to enhance the art and science of medicine for optimal skin health through preventative and quality care.

Dr. Ralston received his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and completed his dermatology residency at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, New York where he was Chief Resident. He also fulfilled a fellowship in cutaneous oncology and photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the prestigious Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. There he explored leading edge technology to develop less invasive methods to treat skin cancer and pre-cancers in order to refine his skills as a surgeon further, Dr. Ralston participated as a fellow in Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Ralston has contributed textbook chapters and articles to the medical literature and was awarded Best Clinical Science Report from Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Dr. Ralston was raised in The Woodlands, Texas, and now lives in McKinney with his wife and three children. He enjoys snow skiing, computers, music, reading, theatre, and spending time with his family.

Reza Mobarak, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA

Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery and in Wound Care

Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Fellow, American Professional Wound Care Association

PLANO CLINIC: 5804 Coit Rd., Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

972.805.9985

LEWISVILLE CLINIC: 502 N. Valley Pkwy., #2 Lewisville, TX 75067

972.318.2738

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

972.318.2655

Let Your Feet Guide Your Way To Comfort...

The foot is a crucial part of the human body and comes with numerous complications that often need to be treated by qualified professionals. Our staff is filled with responsible specialists experienced in treating a variety of conditions.

SPECIALIZES IN:

Foot and Ankle • Wound Care • *Neuropathy

OFFERING:

Laser Therapy for

• Pain

• Swelling

• Arthritis

• Wounds

*Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning, pain)

• Foot and Ankle Surgery

• Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

• Bunions and Hammer Toe Procedure

• Ingrown Toenails

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Diabetic Foot Care

• Flat Feet

• Trauma

• Drop Foot

• Custom Orthotics & Braces

OCULOPLASTIC SURGERY

Courtesy Key-Whitman Eye Center

The first signs of aging usually take place around the eyes. With injectables such as Botox ® and dermal fillers, subtle changes can be corrected quickly. A patient may be considering the long-term benefits of oculoplastic surgery for concerns related to loose, sagging skin. We perform oculoplastic procedures for functional or cosmetic improvement at the Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center.

The term oculoplastic surgery describes the different procedures involving the eyelids and area around the eyes, the orbit of the eye, or the tear ducts. Eyelid surgery is popular and conducted more than 100,000 times a year. This surgery can not only rejuvenate a patient’s appearance but also improve the vision.

At Key-Whitman Cosmetic Center, Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer consults with her patients to discuss their goals and the way in which a particular oculoplastic procedure can enhance the structure of the eyelid. She has confidence in adopting a customized strategy to fit every patient’s individual needs while adhering to high quality, evidence-based standards of medical and surgical care.

Patients may be a good candidate for the oculoplastic surgery if they are in good general health and would like to enhance the looks of their eyes. During your consultation, Dr. Pfeiffer performs an intensive examination to verify that your objectives can be achieved with eyelid surgery.

Types of Oculoplastic Surgeries:

BLEPHAROPLASTY - Upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures are some of the most common oculoplastic procedures performed today. Upper blepharoplasty may be done for functional or cosmetic reasons. This procedure removes the extra or loose skin of the upper eyelid to restore the crease of the natural lid. Upper blepharoplasty may also be performed to remove tissue that has dropped into the field of vision. Lower blepharoplasty repositions fat and skin in a manner that decreases or eliminates the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles.

PTOSIS REPAIR - Ptosis repair is performed to correct a droopy eyelid. This surgery is different than upper blepharoplasty because it shortens or otherwise repairs a stretched

ECTROPION REPAIR - Ectropion is an eyelid condition that affects the lower eyelid, making it roll outward away from the eye. The affected eyelid might also sag, exposing the eye and resulting in dryness. Untreated ectropion can cause chronic redness, pain, irritation, and tearing. Prolonged exposure may also wear down the corneal surface.

ENTROPION REPAIR - Entropion is an eyelid condition that affects the upper or lower eyelid, making it roll inward. This condition may be related to the eyelid’s natural aging or breakdown in the strength of certain eyelid muscles. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes rub the surface of the eye, causing redness, discomfort, and sensitivity to wind and light. Untreated entropion could trigger excessive tearing or mucous discharge. The cornea might also be scratched and scarred over time.

EYELID GROWTHS AND SKIN CANCERS - The fragility of the skin around the eyes makes this area particularly susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV light through sunshine and tanning beds can degrade the looks of the eyelids and might also cause skin cancer. Growths on the eyelid, especially those that bleed or become inflamed, should be evaluated immediately. Skin cancer may be identified by taking a biopsy of tissue from the growth. Then, the lesion can then be removed using a precise surgical technique that attempts to restore as much as possible of the eyelids’ natural contours. In some instances, growth or skin cancer removal is followed by reconstruction of the eyelid.

TEARING DISORDERS – Tears are important for the eye’s function and health. The lacrimal gland and meibomian glands are involved in producing the necessary layers of fluid to keep a healthy tear film. Patients may experience tearing due to a variety of conditions, including blockage of the natural tear drain, eye irritation or dryness, or eyelid ectropion. An oculoplastic surgeon can investigate these causes, and some may require surgery to correct.

or elongated levator muscle, the muscle of eyelid opening.

Benefits of going to an Oculoplastic Surgeon

An oculoplastic surgeon, such as Dr. Pfeiffer, has obtained extensive training after completing medical school. This includes a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery. The clinical training that an oculoplastic surgeon undergoes leads to a thorough understanding of the intricate details of the eyelids, eye structure, and the area of the face that surrounds the eyes. The amount of training an oculoplastic surgeon undergoes enables Dr. Pfeiffer to perform delicate procedures with a great deal of precision.

Patients undergoing an oculoplastic procedure with Dr. Pfeiffer, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, personally appreciate the natural-looking results achieved with their eyelid procedure. In general, the eyes look more open, more vibrant, and all-around more youthful after surgery.

If you’re interested in Oculoplastic Surgery, consider visiting with Dr. Leslie Pfeiffer. She sees patients in Key Whitman’s Plano, Dallas, North Arlington and Rockwall locations.

From left to right are: Leslie Pfeiffer, M.D.; Anita Jacob, O.D.; Kimberly Warren, M.D.; Sadaf Razi ElHaffar, O.D.,; Faisal Haq, M.D.

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.