Texoma Area Living Well Magazine November-December 2022

More Inside

TEXAS BACK INSTITUTE MAKES ONE OF THEIR OWN WHOLE AGAIN

HOLIDAY CHEER OR CHALLENGE

PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN’S FINANCIAL SECURITY

Michael B. Jordan MAN OF THE MOMENT MAKING HIS DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain

Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Total Joint Surgery • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Orthopedic

FROM THE PUBLISHER

TRANSFORMATION

Every decade has its stars—the anointed few who somehow capture the zeitgeist of a specificmoment in time and end up definig a generation. A star at his peak, actor Michael B. Jordan isn’t taking his moment in the spotlight for granted. From his start as a child model for Toys “R” Us to starring on the big screen, Jordan has parlayed each of his roles into something bigger and better.

While his fist big action hero turn in Fantastic Four was a bust, Jordan stayed the course and would go on to earn a role that would jumpstart his career. Playing Donnie Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed in the seventh Rocky film, Jordan transformed his body for the role. The movie was a career catalyst and led to starring parts in the Black Panther, No Remorse, and Creed II. Now Jordan is taking on his directorial debut with Creed III We check in with Jordan on page 8 to fid out what’s next and to get the details on a new project where he’ll be featured as the black version of Superman.

Switching gears slightly, in this issue we also sit down with someone else whose body has been transformed, albeit not for a movie role. Cheryl Zapata knew something was seriously wrong the weekend of her son’s wedding when her right hand, arm, and thigh simultaneously went numb. Although she’d been dealing with neck and back issues for years, along with suffering from debilitating headaches, she had previously shrugged it offand never considered the issues were related. But, as she was getting ready to celebrate her son’s momentous day, she recognized this time her symptoms required professional attention.

As it turns out, Zapata’s condition was much worse than she suspected. Without the quick acting doctors of Texas Back Institute, Zapata’s story would not have a happy ending. Check in to page 16 to hear her journey to a pain-free life.

As we move ahead into 2023, we hope you enjoy all the things medical and beyond in this winter issue of LIVING WELL Magazine. During the holiday season, we are reminded that the giftswe cherish the most don’t come wrapped in a box. Rather, it is the time we spend with loved ones that makes the greatest present of all. As you celebrate the holidays with friends and family, we encourage you to take some time for yourself and try not to get stressed out. We offer some suggestions on how to do just that on page 40.

Be well!

Living Well

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022

PRESIDENT & CEO SAM HOUSTON

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

SPRING HOUSTON

EDITOR, FEATURE WRITER & SOCIAL MEDIA SONDRA BARR

ART DIRECTOR

VANESSA FRYER

ACCOUNTS MANAGER JENNIFER BEAVERS

WEBSITE LYDIA ROGERS

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

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SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

SAM AND SPRING HOUSTON

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS

Brian Nwannunu, MD, MS, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He cares for patients at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s offices in Sherman and McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Nwannunu, a native of Dallas, graduated Valedictorian from the High School for Health Professions at Townview Magnet Center in DISD. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was part of the Morehouse College Honors Program. Upon graduation, he completed his master’s degree in Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Nwannunu then graduated with his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Dr. Nwannunu completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the John Peter Smith Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, before pursuing additional training with a fellowship in adult reconstruction at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys mission work abroad, providing medical care and health education to populations in need.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

When not working, Dr. Nwannunu enjoys basketball, weight training, outdoor activities, attending art and music festivals, traveling, world news, and reading.

THE GIFT OF HEARING WELL

Imagine being able to hear the holidays the way you remember.

The laughter. The carols. The conversations. Imagine being able to hear well effortlessly. Not turning up the sound on your favorite holiday movie. Not straining to hear the sermon at church. Not pretending you hear your granddaughter when she has something important to tell you. (Everything she says is important!)

This holiday, give yourself – or someone you love – the gift of a hearing assessment (it’s free at HearCare!). It’s a gift of hope – you’ll know your situation and learn about your options. You’ll understand the difference advanced technology can make. And then decide what’s best for you so you can live your life the way you want to. Hearing what you want to. Call Kenneth and Jill at 903-868-2650. They’re the best elves you’ll ever meet with offices to serve you in Sherman and Gainesville!

“There’s a new, advanced technology I want you to experience. It’s the PURESOUND, WIDEX MOMENT hearing aids that process sound with lightning speed, and the streaming benefits are amazing. Come in so you can experience it for yourself. We want you to hear well again.” - Jill Sheppard

2-Week Free In-Home Trial

$500 Off a set of premium digital hearing instruments. Some restrictions apply.

Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., LFDHI

;PhotocourtesyMarvelStudios

WithoutRemorse;PhotocourtesyParamount

MAN OF THE MOMENT

FROM MODEL TO ACTOR AND PRODUCER, MICHAEL B. JORDAN IS NOW MAKING HIS DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

By Shay Moser

Fruitvale Station,  Creed, and  Black Panther are some of Michael B. Jordan’s best movies. Imagine if these films hadn’t cast him. That could have happened had he not gotten his start as a child model for Toys “R” Us. However, he broke into the industry as a model, moved into the acting world, and he’s been thriving. Now, he’s a producer and making his directorial debut in Creed III, coming out in 2023.

Although Jordan didn’t think he was an attractive kid at age 11, a receptionist at the doctor’s officbelieved he was cute enough to try modeling. “I figued it was a cool way to make some extra dollars and get out of school early,” the 35-year-old told Backstage Magazine. Small modeling parts led to bigger ones, resulting in a notable effect.

Jordan’s fist offial acting roles in 1999 were in a single episode of Cosby and Th Sopranos. His fist signifiant film role followed in 2001 when he was featured in Hardball, starring Keanu Reeves.

Television roles between 2002 and 2011 included Wallace in the fist season of the HBO crime drama series The Wire, Reggie Montgomery on the ABC soap opera All My Children, and Vince Howard in the NBC sports drama series Friday Night Lights. He also landed guest starring appearances, independent film roles, and spots in music videos.

“I was everybody’s little brother, and I got to learn from Idris Elba, Dominic  West, Michael K. Williams, Wendell Pearce, Wood Harris … the list goes on,”  he told  The Guardian about his experience on The Wire. “There were so many phenomenal actors there, and I picked up tools from them that I still use daily on set.”

While these early television roles were the start of his success today, Jordan almost gave up on his acting career when he fist moved to Los Angeles because he had difficulty fiding someone to represent him.

“I remember when I fist came to L.A., and my mom and I went to all these agencies trying to get representation, and they passed on me,” he said in an interview with Vanity Fair

Jordan’s film performances between 2012 and 2019 include Red Tails, Chronicle, That Awkward Moment, Fantastic Four, Just Mercy, and Parenthood

But the role that catapulted Jordan into superstardom was in 2013 when he starred as shooting victim Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station. His performance garnered critical acclaim, including being named an “actor to watch” by  People and Variety. In addition,  Time magazine named him one of 30 people under 30 who are changing the world, and he was also named one of 2013’s breakout stars by Entertainment Weekly and GQ

“I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy role to play,” he told The New York Times. “But I saw a lot of similarities to myself.”

In 2015, Jordan starred in Fantastic Four, which was a bust at the box offi. However, his next big break at the box offi came in 2015 when he starred as Donnie Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed in the seventh Rocky film, Creed

Jordan prepared for his role as a boxer in Creed by undertaking a year of rigorous physical training and a stringent low-fat diet. “I felt muscles I never knew I had,” Jordan told Men’s Journal.

“I’VE PASSED ON A LOT BECAUSE I CAN’T PLAY EVERY BLACK HISTORICAL FIGURE. THERE ARE OTHER AMAZING, TALENTED ACTORS OUT THERE THAT SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE.”

Since the Creed role, a few of Jordan’s other starring parts, such as in the Black Panther, No Remorse, and Creed II, have required him to stay in excellent shape. As a result, he’s stuck to a workout and diet routine that helps him portray a boxer, an elite Navy SEAL, and a supervillain, respectively.

To prepare for Black Panther, Jordan’s trainer had him liftheavy weights twice daily, including bench presses, lat pulldowns, and deadlifts.Additionally, he did aquatic fitness routines for No Remorse. Workouts for Creed focused on cardio, such as boxing. Jordan drank a gallon of water daily and ate five to six small, clean, carb-heavy meals a day.

“It’s hard to go out to a club or a party when you’re like, ‘Oh, wait! Meal prep! We gotta go pop this thing in the microwave and eat food.’ It’s tough to socialize when you gotta get in shape like that,” the 35-year-old Jordan said on The Ellen Degeneres Show

Jordan may have even less time to socialize with his additional title as executive producer. After launching the production company Outlier Productions in 2019, he co-produced the animated series Gen:Lock and the legal drama Just Mercy. Also, his production company signed a deal with Amazon and is developing Val-Zod, an HBO Max series featuring a Black version of the DC Comics character Superman.

“I’ve passed on a lot because I can’t play every black historical figue. There are other amazing, talented actors out there that should have opportunities for those,” he told  Men’s Health. “One of the reasons [I started] the production company was I wanted to be able to open up the doors for other people that haven’t had those shots, that maybe couldn’t see the pathway or the move to carve out their piece.”

Jordan is ready to make his directorial debut with Creed III, which includes boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, in addition to producing and repeating his starring role as boxer Donnie Creed, set to release in March 2023.

“Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right,” Jordan said in an interview with Variety. “Creed III is that moment—a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally, and learning from the greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment.”

Jordan is producing and starring in the sequel of I Am Legend with Will Smith. There’s no offial release date yet.

In the meantime, Jordan has been settling into the $12.5 million brand-new mansion in L.A.’s Encino community that he bought in May.

“IT’S HARD TO GO OUT TO A CLUB OR A PARTY WHEN YOU’RE LIKE, ‘OH, WAIT! MEAL PREP!”

Protecting Your Children’s Financial Security

By CRAIG WATSON

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

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

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

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

In order to protect against these problems, the parent writing the Will can place very strong protection around the assets they wish to

leave the child. In other words, by leaving assets to a child in trust, the parent can make sure their assets remain protected from the child’s creditors. The parent has a rare and fleting “once in a lifetime” opportunity to set up a carefully drafted and irrevocable spendthrift trust in the Will to forever protect their assets.

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

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

Southwest Foot & Ankle Center is a respected group of board certified foot and ankle surgeons. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. The team at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center strive to make each patient’s experience personable. Our outcomes are of perfection and meticulous in surgery. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Invasive Surgery

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Stem Cell Therapy

Neuropathy Ingrown Toenails Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diabetic Foot Care

Feet Trauma Wound Care

Custom Orthotics & Braces

Laser Therapy for Pain, Swelling, Arthritis, and Wounds

Commitment. Community. Stability.

“The French writer and pioneering aviator, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, said ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish.’ A sound investment plan, tailored to fit your goals, can provide welcome confidence, charting your progress through life’s variables as well as fluctuations in the market. Helping our clients meet their financial goals is how we view our success. It’s been our pleasure to help people like you for over 20 years. If you’ve been meaning to talk with an experienced financial advisor, there’s never been a better time to give us a call.”

– Juston J. Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP®

& PRESENT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

• Sherman City Council

• Sherman Independent School District, Board of Directors

• Sherman Kiwanis Club

• Texoma Chapter Ducks Unlimited, former President

• First United Methodist Church of Sherman

• Wilson N. Jones Foundation, Board of Directors

• Sherman Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors

• Sherman Chamber of Commerce, former Board Chair

• Sherman Economic Development Corporation, former Board Chair

• Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), Board of Directors

PERSPECTIVE

After Neck and Back Surgery, Texas Back Institute Makes One of Their Own Whole Again

Cheryl Zapata knew something was seriously wrong the weekend of her son’s wedding when her right hand, arm, and thigh simultaneously went numb.

Although she’d been dealing with neck and back issues for years, along with suffering from debilitating headaches, she had previously shrugged it off and never considered those issues were related. But, as she was getting ready to celebrate her son’s momentous day on May 21, 2022, she recognized this time her symptoms required professional attention.

“When we were getting ready for the wedding at our ranch, my husband and I were doing a lot of physical labor and I must have pulled something or done something that led to losing functionality,” explains Cheryl.

As she headed to work the Monday following her son’s nuptials, Cheryl didn’t have far to go to see a specialist about the increasing numbness overtaking her limbs. As the Chief Development Officer for Texas Back Institute for the past 14 years and a vendor for the practice for 17 years prior, she immediately consulted with Dr. Rajesh Arakal, an orthopedic spine surgeon at TBI, to assess the situation.

After explaining to Dr. Arakal what was going on, he performed a myriad of tests, and immediately sent her for an MRI. After reviewing the results, Dr. Arakal recommended surgery. “I was hoping to have surgery later in the summer, but Dr. Arakal explained that once you start to have

neurologic symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness) you need to have surgery sooner than later,” explained Cheryl.

“I’ve had some neck pain and back pain that was manageable for years, although my right arm and hand had been getting weaker and weaker over time,” says Cheryl, who was also becoming increasingly prone to dropping things. She was getting Botox injections every eight weeks for migraine headaches, had balance issues and was known to fall. Hearing these details further cemented Dr. Arakal’s diagnosis for immediate neck surgery. In looking at the options available, Disc Replacement, which is a motion preservation surgery, was considered. However, it was determined she was not a candidate due to her physiology. Dr. Arakal then recommended a neck fusion surgery.

Cheryl had no qualms as she was wheeled in for her neck fusion surgery on June 9. “I’ve always had a lot of confidence in the TBI doctors, and I have known there is a great benefit to coming to Texas Back Institute for many reasons. These doctors stay on at the forefront of spine treatment through education and research by attending weekly Neuroscience meetings. There is a peer review process in place and they present their interesting cases to one another bi-weekly to learn from one another. TBI also has a research facility at the Plano location which enrolls patients in FDA studies. It is a diverse group consisting of pain management, neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. But, most importantly, the doctors here treat everything from degenerative spine

Cheryl with her orthopedic spine surgeons Dr. Peter Derman (left) and Rajesh Arakal (right).

One

of the things I was most impressed by was that the doctors were very thorough in explaining to me exactly what was going on with my body during this process. They make sure their patients know what’s happening, what they’re going to do, why they’re going to do it, and what the results should be.

conditions to scoliosis to trauma patients and specialize in specific areas of spine care which allows patients to get the treatment that is right for them,” she says.

Her confidence was well placed. “I remember laying in the hospital bed right after my neck surgery and I said to my husband, ‘I can feel the strength returning to my hand,’” she says. “A couple of days later, I went to get something out of the refrigerator and before I knew it, I had grabbed a drink and as I pulled it out, I was reaching over with my left hand to try and help my right hand to keep from dropping it. Suddenly, I realized, I’m not going to drop it. I can hold things now.”

Her neck fusion required a 24-hour hospital stay and a six-week recovery period, before her back surgery. While the neck fusion alleviated the numbness and lack of strength in her hand and arm, her back surgery was becoming increasingly more urgent as she was losing the ability to use her right leg and walk. “My right leg under my knee felt too heavy to pick up when I tried to walk,” explained Cheryl.

When it came time to address her back, Dr. Arakal re-evaluated her completely and determined that while he could do a fusion on her back that wasn’t what she needed. “‘What you need,’ he said, ‘is an ultra-minimally invasive discectomy which is done endoscopically so that it doesn’t disrupt your tissue but more importantly so that it doesn’t disrupt your bone,’” details Cheryl. In this ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery, relief is generally immediate and it requires a very small incision.

Armed with this information, Dr. Arakal referred Cheryl to Dr. Peter Derman a fellow orthopedic spine surgeon at Texas Back Institute who specializes in this specific procedure.

Sending her to Dr. Derman further bolstered Cheryl’s confidence in Texas Back Institute. “They will refer you to the proper doctor for your

specific needs and they will ensure the right surgery for you. I’ve always known that, but as I was going through the process, it struck home in a different way,” she says. “Why would you go anywhere else? You would want to go to a place where you know no matter what’s wrong with you, you’ll end up with the surgeon right for you.”

“One of the things I was most impressed by was that the doctors were very thorough in explaining to me exactly what was going on with my body during this process. They make sure their patients know what’s happening, what they’re going to do, why they’re going to do it, and what the results should be,” Cheryl explained. Six weeks after her neck fusion, Cheryl went in for back surgery at 1 p.m. and was home by 5:30 p.m. the same day. “I’m an insider and work for these doctors, I get it, but when it happens to you, it’s weird. I had just gotten back from recovery, and they said, ‘You’re going home.’ I thought, ‘I can’t walk, I just got back from recovery,’” says Cheryl, who was pleasantly surprised to find out she could walk without any issues.

Not only is she pain free, but she also has full mobility, and her headaches are a thing of the past. She’s also gained a fresh perspective on her job. Roughly three months post-surgery and Cheryl reflects on her positive experience as a patient of Texas Back Institute. “It may sound cliché but going through this situation motivates me more to help get patients who are suffering with neck or back pain or issues to our doctors who can help get them back to their lives.”

As Cheryl embarks on a pain-free life, she’s excited for a future that includes holding her grandchildren. “I have a one year old granddaughter that I had not been able to pick up. Especially over the last year, I was afraid I might drop her. I love being able to pick her up now without having to sit down first and have someone hand her to me!”

– Charles Dannel

Innovation. Ingenuity. Integrity.

With a clear focus on quality, reliability and timely completion, Plyler Construction works with owners of such diverse commercial, institutional and industrial projects as manufacturing, warehousing, educational, retail, support and religious facilities to provide the most appropriate delivery method. Plyler offers pre-construction services, experienced construction management, a variety of delivery methods, equipment setting and in-plant maintenance services.

We work with our clients, not just for them. That’s just one of the reasons architects, designers, and industrial and commercial project owners from across the nation have looked to Plyler Construction for more than a half-century for solutions to their building needs. At Plyler Construction, we build relationships.

General Construction

Pre-Construction

Design-Build Capabilities

Construction Management

MEP

Mechanical

Electrical

Plumbing

HVAC

Equipment Setting

Steel

Steel Fabrication

Steel Erection

Specialty Fabrication

DFW Wound Care Center is a group of wound care specialists in all of the DFW area. They are fellow trained surgeons, and board certified in wound care and reconstructive surgery. All physicians have also completed an intense residency and fellowship in the area of limb salvage, and foot and ankle surgery. When it comes to wound care and limb salvage, DFW Wound Care Center has the knowledge and experience to successfully treat your condition. As a result, patients from all over the country seek to be treated by DFW Wound Care Center.

Whether caused by diabetes, infection or disease, any wound that will not heal can be very serious. If you are experiencing a wound or ulcer that will not properly heal, our wound care center can provide a range of expert treatment options best in each case. We offer non-surgical and surgical treatments for:

Diabetic Wounds & Ulcers

Arterial Ulcers

Infected Wounds

Open Wounds

Pressure Ulcers

Vascular Wounds

Acute Wounds

Non-Healing Wounds

Chronic Wounds

Surgical Wounds

Traumatic Wounds

PLANO CLINIC 5804 Coit Road, Ste. 100 Plano, TX 75023

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

IRVING CLINIC

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

DESOTO CLINIC 714 N. Hampton Rd. De Soto, TX 75115

JOSHUA WORLEY, DPM | REZA MOBARAK, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, FAPWHC | MARK MASHNI, DPM, AACFAS | MITCH WILLIAMS, DPM

Pooyan Rohani, M.D., M.Engr.

MOHS MICROGRAPHIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates for skin cancer.

Dr. Pooyan Rohani is a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgeon and board-certified dermatologist specializing in the surgical and non-surgical management of skin cancers in addition to other dermatologic conditions.

As a Mohs surgeon and former engineer, Dr. Rohani relies on his extensive medical training in addition to a unique background in engineering to deliver outstanding results. These skills are particularly important when he performs complex removal and reconstruction surgery on cancerous growth affecting cosmetically sensitive areas on the head and neck where precise planning and meticulous operation are critical to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.

“I am deeply familiar with the angst that a new diagnosis of skin cancer may cause. If I have the privilege of taking care of your medical needs, I will draw upon years of training and experience to compassionately provide high-quality, individualized care to achieve the best outcome possible for you.”

~Dr. Pooyan Rohani

Not Just a Resale Store

By TAMERA WHITLOW, LVN, USAF

Sometimes, we forget the real purpose of a non-profit resale store. Our dream was for the store to help us provide hospice care to patients with no money. But after a year, our dream was far exceeded and we now serve the community in many more ways than hospice and palliative care.

At The Treehouse Resale Store is blessed with donations, receiving housewares, home goods, hardware, furniture, and everything in between. People want to help us with our hos pice care and their generosity has gone beyond in helping our community. We were able to assist several patients during a tornado disaster with furniture and supplies. Families that lost homes in a fie were able to come to our store and get necessities to start rebuilding their lives.

Our Veteran program helped several veterans get a new start with clothes and household furniture. We helped a school teacher start her kindergarten class with books and learning materials. We partner with Texas Workforce to help their clients with clothes for job interviews and the local women’s shelter to help single moms start over. We accumulate a lot of donated medical equipment and o beds, shower chairs, and other medical supplies free of charge. We have been blessed with the extra and give it back, asking only that it is returned to us when no longer needed.

Our volunteers are the best. The store is manned daily by these special individuals, who give of their time, talents, and wisdom in helping us achieve our mission. They often reunite families with lost family heirlooms, family bibles, and pictures. People come in the resale store to browse and end up meeting new friends. They sit on the furniture and gather like we did at grandma’s kitchen table, sharing what they found in the store like favorite recipes and dishes used by grandma to serve Sunday meatloaf. Memories are all over the store. Resale stores make a difference, from funding care to bringing people together with a warm smile. Come visit us At The Treehouse Resale Store, 1311 N. Grand Ave. in Gainesville, Texas, benefitting Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties. Smiles are free!

Don’t Lose Money on Unnecessary or Faulty Auto Repairs

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Sometimes, we forget the real purpose of a non-profit resale store. Our dream was for the store to help us provide hospice care to patients with no money. But after a year, our dream was far exceeded and we now serve the community in many more ways than hospice and palliative care.

If you’ve ever driven away from an auto repair shop with the gut feeling you got duped, you’re not alone. According to the National Highway TraffiSafety Administration, consumers lose tens of billions of dollars every year on unnecessary and faulty repairs. So beware of the ways consumers,  particularly women and seniors, are commonly ripped off so you’re not caught off gard.

OVERCHARGING

All mechanic shops mark up the price on parts but some markup more than others. Some shops base their markups on how easily they think they can get it past a particular customer

Overcharging for labor is another common practice. Most repair shops charge based on the standard repair time for the job. But some exaggerate the usual time required. Also, if a repair shop charges by the hour, be cautious. That’s an easy place for shops to overcharge.

If you’re getting multiple repairs done at the same time and the mechanic will save time doing the repairs together, you should even get a discount on labor.

THE SHOP DIDN’T REALLY DO THE REPAIR

Some shady shops are known to charge for repairs they didn’t do. When your car’s problem is a cheap fix,they can easily get away with it by claiming the problem requires a different more costly repair. The mechanic then does the cheap fix,and you’re none the wiser because they resolved the issue

EVIDENCE PLANTING

Unethical mechanics have been known to plant evidence to claim a part needs repair. Grease and fluids are some of the more common types of evidence planting. The mechanic wipes grease on your axle boots or spills fluids in the engine compartment or on your struts. When the mechanic shows you what’s wrong, you see the leak and don’t question it.

SABOTAGE

Most mechanics don’t go to this extreme. But it happens more often than you might think. An unscrupulous mechanic might sabotage a part then tell you it needs repair Another tactic is to sabotage something you won’t notice immediately. Then a few days or weeks later you have to return to the shop for the new problem.

REPAIRS WITHOUT YOUR AUTHORIZATION

Never give the go-ahead for repairs without getting a full estimate fist. Otherwise, you may be in for a costly shock.  If a repair shop does make repairs without your authorization and tries to charge you, take it up with management. If the shop doesn’t work with you, you’ll have to pay the bill to get your car back. Then you can take the shop to small claims court.

UNNECESSARY MAINTENANCE

A frequent ploy of service shops is to recommend unnecessary maintenance. Some shops exaggerate the required service frequency. Always check the intervals recommended by your car manufacturer before giving the go-ahead Another common trick is to claim your air filter or fuel filter is dirty, even when it isn’t that bad. Filters gradually get dirty. So a certain amount of filth is reasonable and doesn’t necessarily justify replacement.

UNNECESSARY REPAIRS

Both honest misdiagnosis and intentional are quite common. Mechanics do make honest mistakes. But if your mechanic makes a misdiagnosis, the shop should refund or credit you for the cost or apply the money you spent toward fixig the real problem. Another way mechanics rope consumers into unnecessary repairs is by pointing out a part is ‘going bad’ or will require replacement ‘soon.’ Often, the component shows normal wear for its age but still has plenty of life left.

BAIT AND SWITCH

Many shops offer special deals on oil changes and other routine services. But often, there’s a catch. When you take your car in for the service, the shop provides you a checklist of other items that supposedly require maintenance. Sometimes, they genuinely need to be serviced. But more often than not, they don’t.

CHEAP PARTS

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are often the safest bet. Unfortunately, they’re usually more expensive and not always readily available. Most repair shops, aside from dealer service centers, use aftermarket parts. In some cases, these parts are as good or even better than OEM.

But many aftermarket parts are inferior. So they don’t last as long. Some inferior aftermarket parts can even cause new problems that can only be resolved by replacing the parts with better ones. If this occurs, the repair shop should replace the parts at their expense In extreme cases, an inferior aftermarket part can cause damage to other parts of your car. Aftermarket axels are a good example. They’re often inferior and fit incorrectly, which can cause wobbling and put stress on other suspension components.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WALLET

Do your homework before you take your car to a mechanic. The following steps will reduce the risk of getting ripped off.

THE RIGHT MECHANIC

The fist step is to fid a trustworthy mechanic. Ths is easier said than done unless you already know one. Online reviews don’t always tell the whole story. Many businesses, including repair shops, offer incentives for customer reviews.  Family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers might be able to recommend a good mechanic. But often, consumers aren’t aware a repair shop has cheated them. So this isn’t foolproof either.

RESEARCH SYMPTOMS

Before you head to the shop, research your vehicle’s symptoms online. Typically, a particular symptom can be associated with multiple mechanical issues. So read about each of those potential issues to determine if you have any of the other symptoms. Also, learn how to distinguish your symptom. For example, if you hear noise when you brake, what do different sounds mean? One type of noise could indicate a brake problem. Another sound could be the result of brakes dragging on unevenly worn tires. Watch Youtube videos to hear the difference. You can also see how to test your car for a specificmechanical problem. Armed with this information, you’ll be better able to discern whether the shop’s diagnosis is legitimate

TALKING TO THE REPAIR SHOP

When you take your car to a shop, never disclose what you think is wrong (unless you know for sure). Otherwise, the mechanic might diagnose that even if it isn’t the problem. Instead, provide the shop as much detail as you can about your car’s symptoms.  Also, ask that the mechanic take your car for a ride, so he knows what you’re experiencing exactly. If the problem is intermittent or occurs only on certain types of roads, ask if you can ride along to make sure the mechanic experiences it. Ths will increase the odds of an accurate diagnosis.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Once you receive a diagnosis, ask the mechanic to show you and explain how he knows the part is bad. Also, although it may feel awkward, take photos of the part from every angle. Ths will be handy to research and verify the problem. It’s also evidence if something seems amiss after the work is done Next, go back to the waiting area or leave the shop and do some research. Look up all the symptoms of the diagnosis. Are your symptoms typical for the specificdiagnosis? Does your car have any of the other symptoms? How does a mechanic determine if that part is bad? Does everything the mechanic told and showed you jive?

GET A WRITTEN ESTIMATE

Request a total estimate for the repairs before you approve the work. Also, ask if the shop uses OEM parts. If not, what brand do they use? Research the brand and component to make sure it has a good reputation. Next, call a couple of other repair shops to compare prices. Dealer service centers are typically more expensive, so they aren’t a good comparison. If you do fid a better price, verify the brand of parts the shop will use.

GET A SECOND OPINION

When you take your car for another opinion, don’t mention you already took it elsewhere or the diagnosis. That way, if the second shop does offer the same diagnosis, you can be confidet the diagnosis is probably correct. If the diagnosis is different, take your car for a third opinion.

GO TO A LIFT

If there’s a do-it-yourself repair shop in your area, take your car and have it lifted. Be sure to do your research beforehand, so you know what to look at. Also, have your phone or laptop handy in case you need to do more research. It’s a good idea to take a few photos as well.

ASK FOR YOUR OLD PARTS.

No matter how trustworthy you think the repair shop is, always ask for your parts back. It could save you a lot of stress and money. Getting the old parts confims the shop did replace the part they charged you for (although mechanics have been known to return parts that came offanother vehicle). Also, it’s evidence if the part they replaced isn’t bad or wasn’t the cause of your car’s symptoms. If you drive away and the symptoms are still present or return within a short time, you can use the parts to leverage a refund or credit.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN RIPPED OFF

If you believe your car got sabotaged, evidence got planted, or you paid for a repair that wasn’t done, ask if the shop has video cameras. Most do. Then ask if you can watch the video. Video recorders typically record over old tape after a few days to a month. So you’ll need to ask about this as soon as you suspect something.

Take any other issues up with the manager as well. If you’re not satisfid, ask to speak to the owner. If the shop is a chain, you can call the corporate offi, which will put you in touch with a higher-level manager You can also post reviews online. Often customer service or management will reach out to you if you post a negative review. Finally, if you’re confidet you were ripped off, you can file small claims. The photos or video you took and the old parts can be used as evidence for your case

Dr. Grant Craig

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Stephen P. Courtney, MD

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“I believe in treating each of my patients with honesty, dignity, and respect. My patients come away from our shared interactions feeling confident, assured that they are truly in the best hands. Throughout my career, I have remained laser-focused on providing world-class care and innovation to the patients I treat on a daily basis. I look forward to getting to know you!”

Dear Olivia,

The doctor has told us that it is probably time to consider palliative care or hospice. We are not sure we really understand the difference. Can you shed some light on this for us?

-Seeking Help with Advanced Illness

Dear Seeking Help with Advanced Illness, Hospice can be a scary word, and palliative care is a confusing concept for many! At VNA, we try to help families to navigate the difficult world of health care options when health is beginning to fail. Simply stated, palliative medicine is aimed at symptom management and quality of life for those with serious or complex medical conditions. Hospice is a type of palliative care but is only one option. In palliative care, a person does not have to be terminal and can continue all treatment options and doctors’ visits as desired. Your doctor may refer you to a palliative clinic or supportive palliative care program if he or she feels that you may benefit from a specialist in symptom

management and coordination of care. Oftentimes, complex conditions require the input of a team of physicians, and to help you navigate this sometimes confusing and stressful journey, palliative care can offer the expertise of a physician certified in hospice and palliative medicine, medical social worker, RN case manager, Nurse Practitioner, spiritual counselor and more. Another option at the end of life is hospice care, which is a type of palliative care that is focused on quality of life and providing comfort in one’s own home. For patients who wish to stay at home with their families and no longer want to go to the hospital or emergency room, hospice care can provide the same type of interdisciplinary care as palliative care, but in the comfort of one’s own home. VNA hospice and palliative care are here to help you navigate these difficult decisions and is one phone call away should you need assistance at any time.

~Olivia

VNA Hospice Care focuses on living life to its fullest and treating you with the dignity and respect you deserve. As a nonprofit, our bottom line is patient support and care provided by our highly qualified staff.

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

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

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GEORGIA SMITH-LYLE

Georgia Smith-Lyle is a Mental Health Counselor in Dallas and surrounding areas. Her main office is in McKinney, and her ranch office is in Petty, Texas, where she utilizes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with her horses. She is also an author and is passionate about writing. She and her husband, Jeff, have begun a retreat venue which will host all different occasions (whiteroseranch.com). To reach Georgia, email her at gpsmith7@aol.com, or call 469-855-0256.

Holiday Cheer OR CHALLENGE

By GEORGIA SMITH-LYLE, MA, LPC-S

Most of us growing up looked forward to the holidays. Children’s idea of the holidays and the joy they bring is far different than an adult’s perspective. I believe we all would like to maintain a childlike attitude and naivety about the holidays. As we get older, we meet life with more responsibilities and somehow most of the “cheer” in a holiday season dwindles. The cheer is replaced with emotional, fiancial, and physical challenges. We may even start out the season with thanksgiving, hope and cheer in our attitudes only to meet with some reality. What about the emotional reality of trying your best to accommodate schedules? You search for the best possible way to make sure everyone gets visited or comes for a visit only to fid yourself challenged and a bit stressed at making sure everyone will feel important and included. Or the emotional reality of spending on giftsbeyond what your fiancial budget may really allow but wanting to make sure loved ones and friends know how important they are through your giving. Then there are the physical challenges we put upon others and ourselves attempting to travel short or long distances, driving for hours or flying just to make sure we fulfill our holiday commitment. But the reality many times is the holidays can bring more stress, depression, anxiety and conflit when met with stressful challenges than the holiday cheer the season is intended to be all about! The challenges of the holidays are also intensifid trying to accommodate blended family schedules and meet the needs of the children involved. We also want to make sure the elderly and physically challenged are not left out when in fact they are forgotten about much during the year until the holidays. The stress of trying to juggle fiances, your time and your emotional tank of giving can send you over the edge into anxiety, depression, fatigue and a lack of motivation. All of these negative emotions are counterproductive to “the holiday cheer” the season is mean to provide.

In spite of all the challenge, I believe most of us would agree we still look forward to the holiday but are not sure how to adjust our life, and emotional tank to meet the challenging needs these four months out of the year demands. First, we must admit a few things about what we can and cannot do during the holidays and be at peace with our decision. It may not be the decision others “expect of you,” or “require of you.” Ask yourself the pros and cons of your decisions. It is true the holidays are all about thinking of others, spending time with friends and family, and giving of yourself. But if you stretch yourself thin either emotionally, fiancially or trying to travel everywhere to make sure you see everyone you will defeat the purpose of the season… the holiday season is meant to bring cheer, joy and peace. You most likely will go into the new year needing a vacation from the holiday season.

I suggest you take an inventory and do a pros and cons of your decisions. Establish now what you believe is emotionally healthy for you to meet the needs of the holiday season. Remember, if you balance your own life with healthy expectations for yourself, you will be much happier and able to enjoy other’s company. You will have energy leftover to enjoy life and the joyful moments each day brings. I’m not suggesting the holiday should be or even can be made stress free. That is not reality. But I am suggesting a good look at what you can and cannot do this holiday season, looking at the pros and cons and then following through with your decision. Let loved ones and friends know ahead of time your ideas about how you need to spend the holidays so that no one is taken offguard. Maybe even scheduling a get together after the fist of the year or springtime for those you are not able to spend time with during the holidays. Most loved ones and friends would probably welcome and be relieved at your ideas making the holidays less of a challenge. Your ideas are mostly ones they have thought of but have not wanted to mention. I hope you fid these suggestions helpful. I also hope the holiday season of 2022 leaves you happy, healthy and refreshed in every area of your life!

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Effects of Hearing Loss on a Patient’s Life and How to Better Communicate!

Courtesy HEARING SERVICES OF McKINNEY

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 deficts 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 signifiant 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 signifiantly 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 family 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 a 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 officby 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

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

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

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

• Stand in good lighting.

• Reduce background noises.

• Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful cues.

• Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.

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

• Be patient; stay positive and relaxed.

• 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:

• Let people know that you have difficulty hearing.

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

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

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

• Ask people to reword a sentence and try again.

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

• Wear your hearing aids consistently!

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

JD, GC, MS

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

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

GRANT DEANDRA

“I have a masters degree in pharmaceutical science and a graduate certificate in forensic toxicology. I am able to take apart evidence in ways a lot of other attorneys are not able to do. The most important part of my job is being the barrier between the government and my client. Standing between them. Making sure their rights are protected.”

–DEANDRA GRANT

Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual

Feel like Youagain.

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

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

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

• Total Hip Replacement

• Direct Anterior Hip Replacement

• Knee Replacement

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• Total Knee Revision

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

–David P.

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How A Breakthrough Light Adjustable Lens Can Improve Your PostCataract Vision

Courtesy KEY-WHITMAN EYE CENTER

The Light Adjustable Lens by RXSight has a unique ability to allow post-operative cataract patients to test-drive and customize their vision to their individual lifestyles. You can fid this revolutionary new option at the officesnd surgery center of Key-Whitman Eye Center.

“I’m excited about the Light Adjustable Lens because it gives our cataract patients the power to choose their own fial vision,” says Key-Whitman’s Chief Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Whitman. That’s why he recommended it to his wife, Bonnie, when her cataracts were becoming an issue.

Bonnie knew it was time to take care of her cataracts when she started having trouble seeing to drive at night. Previously, she had enjoyed many years of great vision without glasses or contacts after she had Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery in the 1990s. The RK treated her distance vision, but like LASIK, does not prevent the need for reading glasses later in life. Nor can it overcome the problem of cataracts. Bonnie missed having great vision without the need for glasses, so she chose the new Light Adjustable Lens for her cataract surgery.

What Should Cataract Patients Know About the Light Adjustable Lens Experience?

Patients will not notice any difference in the procedure. As in any cataract surgery, once the cataract is removed, it is replaced with an intraocular lens implant (IOL). In Bonnie’s case, Dr. Whitman inserted the Light Adjustable Lens during her cataract procedure.

Dr. Whitman likes to refer to the Light Adjustable Lens as the “Magic Lens” because the focusing power of the lens can be modifid using a painless beam of specialized ultraviolet (UV) light. That’s where the post-cataract surgery experience is different for Light Adjustable Lens patients. Like Bonnie, these patients need to wear UV protection when outside until fial adjustments are made. When Bonnie’s vision was completely stable and she was fully healed after surgery, Key-Whitman was able to fie-tune changes to her lenses. Once she was happy with her vision, her fial adjustment was performed with the UV light—no need for more surgery. As a result, she can see without correction for all distances.

How Do You Know It Is Time For Cataract Surgery?

When you are young, the focusing lens inside the eye is flexble and

clear. It could automatically adjust to see things at every distance, much like the lens on a camera. In your mid-40s, you begin to lose your ability to focus up-close and, eventually, it progresses until it becomes a cataract. That clear and flexble lens is now dense and cloudy. As it advances, the cataract gets thicker and turns from clear to yellow, then all the way to brown. That’s why people with cataracts can no longer see true colors. Also, bright lights can cause blinding glare when you have cataracts, which makes it hard for people to see well enough to drive, especially at night.

While most cataracts develop gradually and over time, certain medications, diabetes, or trauma to the eye can cause earlier onset of cataracts. If you notice that even with glasses that you can no longer see well enough to do the things you love to do, it’s time to see your eye doctor.

How To Choose Your Cataract Surgeon?

When selecting a surgeon to perform your cataract surgery, it is important to choose a board-certifid eye surgeon, who is both highly experienced and can offer you a full range of lens options to enhance your vision.

The doctors at Key-Whitman offer you the best of both. They use only the most advanced equipment and techniques approved by the FDA, so you can feel confidet about your procedure, no matter which option you choose. Ths is one reason Key-Whitman can offer advanced options like Light Adjustable Lenses, as well as other high-tech lenses to decrease your dependency on glasses or contacts. In fact, Key-Whitman is one of the few centers in Texas to offer this exciting technology.

In addition, Key-Whitman participates in many research clinical studies with the FDA. Leading providers of new technologies specifically request Key-Whitman because of their expertise and experience. Ths allows the practice to offer the latest options to patients.

Join the thousands of patients, who have chosen Key-Whitman to improve their vision. Patient surveys show that the doctors and staffat Key-Whitman are caring and responsive to questions. If you are noticing changes in your vision, don’t let cataracts stop you from enjoying your daily activities.

Call Key-Whitman to treat your cataracts and take care of all your eye health needs.

BonnieandDr.Whitman

Key-Whitman Eye Center celebrates over 60 years of providing excellence in eye care to North Texas. The Plano clinic has provided services in Collin County for 20 years.

Dr. Kimberly Warren is board certifid in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifially board certifid in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. She has been an integral part of the Key-Whitman staff sice 2000. She resides in Plano with her husband and three children.

Dr. Faisal Haq is also board certifid in general ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specifially board certifid in LASIK and cataract surgery by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He joined Key-Whitman in 2006 and lives in Plano with his wife and two children.

Dr. Warren and Dr. Haq provide a full range of adult vision services, including comprehensive eye exams, management of glaucoma and corneal disease, and cataract surgery.

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Comprehensive Adult Eye Care

• Cataract Surgery

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

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

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

• Management of Glaucoma & Corneal Disease

• Eyelid Surgery & Botox®

• Eyelid Surgery & Botox®

• Laser Vision Correction

• Laser Vision Correction

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

Give us a call today 972-769-2020 or Toll-Free 800-442-5330 www.keywhitman.com Follow us on (username: keywhitman)

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

Seven locations to serve you Dallas, Plano, Mesquite, West McKinney, North Arlington, Rockwall and South Arlington.

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

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.

WE TREAT ALL WOUNDS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

•Diabetic foot ulcers

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MEET OUR PHYSICIAN PANEL

Dr. Minaxi Rathod

Infectious Disease/HBO/Wound Care

Dr. Jennifer Laing

Family Practitioner/HBO/Wound Care

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.