Texoma Area Living Well Magazine September-October 2021

Q&A WITH KEVIN COUCH

SHERMAN

CITY COUNCIL

CANDIDATE

PROTECTING YOUR VISION FROM DIGITAL SCREENS

HELPING CONSTRUCT A PROSPEROUS FUTURE FOR SHERMAN

THERAPY SERVICES:

• 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

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, Brian T. Rose, MD and Raymond Delpak, DPM, believe in improving quality of life by providing their patients with education as well as topnotch 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.

Texoma Orthopedic and Spine has on-staff therapists to make sure your doctor is in close communication regarding your therapy during your rehabilitation process.

Dr. Raymond Delpak, DPM, AACFAS

FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY

Surgical Services:

• Foot and Ankle Trauma and Reconstruction

• Fracture repair

• Flat Foot Reconstruction

• Total Ankle Replacements

• Bunion Repair

• Hammertoe Repair

• Joint replacement in small joints

• Charcot reconstruction

• Foot and Ankle arthritic conditions

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles Tendon Repair

Brian T. Rose, MD, FAAOS

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY OF THE SPINE

Surgical Services:

• Spinal Fusion

• Kyphoplasty

• Cervical Disk Replacement

• Microdiskectomy

• Spinal Decompression

• Interlaminar Stabilization

Dr. Grant Craig

Pastor Terry Barnett

Natalie, Jeremy and Champ Roberts

Mayor David and Mignon Plyler

FROM THE PUBLISHER

COMMUNITY ISSUE

For the first speech he ever gave as mayor of Sherman, David Plyler looked out at a crowd during a Martin Luther King Jr. event at Austin College and referenced the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Since then, he’s gone about doing just that. In this issue, we catch up with Mayor Plyler to find out what he’s done to rise the tide in Sherman. Turn to page 8 to read about how he’s helped to construct a prosperous future for the city and lifted the flood gates of opportunity and growth for the city he’s called home since birth.

With that in mind, we suppose you could call this our community issue, as we also catch up with Kevin Couch. He’s running for Sherman City Council. You might not know that if he wins, this wouldn’t be the first time he’s held a council seat. The first time he served, Couch was 150 pounds heavier and only 26. Now, seven years later, he’s lighter and possesses far more real world experience than before.

Check out his Q&A on page 17 to read what Couch’s priorities are this time around. Hint: revitalization and repealing taxes are high on his list.

Switching gears from local politics, we do a 180 and jump into entertainment by shining the spotlight on entertainer Jennifer Lopez. She’s had quite a year, but doesn’t she always? We touch base with this superstar and find out what keeps her going and motivates her to be the best she can be on page 24.

As always, there’s more. Dive in and enjoy!

Be well!

Living Well

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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.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 All advertisements in this Magazine are placed by third parties. We do not control or endorse either the advertisements or their content. Further,

SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

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Dr. Richard Jelsma is double board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

HIGH QUALITY SURGERY DEMANDS EXPERIENCE

Dr. Jelsma is one of the most experienced surgeons in North Texas having performed:

•Over 3,000 minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder repairs. Including rotator cuff and labral tears.

•Over 3,000 arthroscopic knee surgeries. Including ACL tears, meniscus tears, and cartilage injuries.

•Over 1,000 minimally invasive knee replacements.

DR. JELSMA’S OFFICE PHILOSOPHY: PERSONAL CARE

He prides himself on seeing all of his patients personally. Each patient is examined, and additional tests may be ordered to determine an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Jelsma then reviews a list of treatment options with the patient in order to make a decision while taking into account their personal goals and lifestyle considerations.

ASSISTING ALL PATIENTS WITH THEIR GENERAL ORTHOPEDIC NEEDS

•Treats all types of musculoskeletal pain, whether you’re an athlete or spectator.

•Addresses both non-surgical and surgical options.

•Dr. Jelsma and his team are here to get you back in life’s game.

“ ”

I enjoy improving people’s lives and seeing people have opportunities they didn’t before.

By Sondra Barr Photography by EM Corporate

Built BETTER

Sherman Mayor David Plyler helps to construct a prosperous future for the city.

For the first speech he ever gave as mayor of his hometown, David Plyler looked out at a crowd during a Martin Luther King, Jr. event at Austin College and referenced the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

In the ensuing years, he’s gone about doing just that. During his first two terms as mayor, Plyler has worked diligently toward rising the tide in Sherman. Lifting the flood gates of opportunity and growth for the city is born out of Plyler’s love for an area he’s called home since birth.

Delivered at Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center, Plyler grew up immersed in the nuances of Sherman life. He experienced firsthand the gracious hospitality and strong sense of community displayed by residents. Sherman’s annual Christmas parade serves as a cherished memory that further instilled a sense of pride, place, and identity for the civic-mind youth.

Growing up, Plyler also saw the significant role business could have on a city’s evolution and growth. Plyler’s grandfather founded Plyler Construction in Sherman in 1962. The company would go on to build significant projects within the community and across the country.

“The company’s first project was a Sherman Post Office in 1962, which, interestingly, is now our city hall. I have an office there. That’s a neat tie in,” point out Plyler. “We built a lot of things in Sherman and then it grew from there.”

Plyler attended Sherman High School and spent his summers working for the family business before continuing his education at Texas Tech University. “I wanted to pursue architecture. Turns out, as I went through the courses, I leaned more toward the construction side, so I ended up in the College of Engineering going through the construction management program at Tech,” he says.

A fervent Red Raider to this day, Plyler came back to Sherman after graduation fortified with the skills necessary to take Plyler Construction to the next level. Now the president of the company, his construction experience includes a wide variety of projects, including largescale construction efforts at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Sherman Independent School District, Austin College, and Grayson College.

Plyler’s foray into Sherman government started in Planning and Zoning. “I had a friend of mine, Willie Steele, call me. Coincidentally, he’s one of my councilmen today. During the call, he mentioned they needed some help on P&Z. My father served on P&Z for a long time and I thought it might be something I know a bit about since I build in the city,” says Plyler.

During his time in Planning and Zoning, Plyler gained insight and experience on the inner workings of the city and within a term and a half was appointed to city council. “That’s why I’m able to run for another term because I didn’t finish two full terms as city council,” explains Plyler. “At the time, my friend, Cary Wacker, was mayor and I got to serve under her, which was a joy for part of that first term. Then, when it came time for her to run again, she had some other things she wanted to do and let me take it from there.”

One of the most exciting things I’ve been a part of is negotiating bringing a company called Finisar to our city.

”

He’s approached his role as mayor with the same logical business mind that’s fueled his success in the construction industry. “The city is essentially a nonprofit business,” says Plyler. “The things that I learned in the construction company such as financial management, negotiation, business planning, long-term planning, infrastructure planning, all of those things I do here translate directly to what I do at the city. So many of the skillsets are the same: we deal with people, we deal with developments, we deal with businesses, we deal with attorneys, we deal with customers— each citizen is a customer. Looking at it that way, the transition has been seamless.”

As mayor, Plyler has remained focused on doing what’s best for the citizens now and for the foreseeable future. Many of his accomplishments as mayor have a direct correlation to his business acumen: helping negotiate Highway 75 and Highway 1417 upgrades, library renovations, adding nearly $1 billion in new property tax value to tax rolls, providing the financial base to fund numerous infrastructure improvements, and others.

“One of the most exciting things I’ve been a part of is helping negotiate bringing a company called Finisar to our city,” says Plyler. The company, now called II-VI, is responsible for vertical laser scanning technology that provides iPhones face identification capability. A notable coup, a long-shuttered, 700,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Sherman was revitalized and more than 500 high-skill jobs were created as a direct result of his negotiations with the company.

Plyler also points to the upgraded and improved Hot Summer Nights Concert Series as something he’s proud of. “When I became mayor, we had local bands and low attendance,” he says. “With the help of generous sponsors we were able to increase the budget and we now have national bands like Blue Oyster Cult and 38 Special performing and attendance of 2,000 to 3,000 people per concert.”

Being mayor hasn’t been without its difficulties, especially in the past year. COVID-19 was but one of the challenges the city faced. “The goal of our efforts regarding COVID-19 were to keep the public safe and safeguard as best we could the livelihoods and businesses that have been built over the years in the city,” says Plyler.

This challenge was compounded by an unprecedented winter storm that left several neighborhoods without power for extended periods. “We had many residents without water and power so

we mobilized and with the help of 903 Brewers and other volunteers, we distributed hundreds of bottles of water and filled countless containers with water. We kept our municipal building open 24/7 during this time to use as a warming center and provide snacks and coffee and had council members and volunteers distribute water to those who couldn’t leave their homes,” he says. “It was a unique time of coming together to take care of one another.”

His goals for a third term include finishing Highway 75 and 1417 upgrades, getting a new police station built, and getting further infrastructure in place to serve the city for the years ahead, all the while working toward bringing in more primary employers to provide jobs for the expanding community.

“Throughout my terms as mayor, I’ve taken that to heart because when we do economic development activities or when we get companies to relocate to Sherman, or if we can get existing employers to add jobs, those are jobs for our citizens that impact our community dramatically,” he says. “I enjoy improving people’s lives and seeing people have opportunities they didn’t before.”

Married for 30 years to his high school sweetheart, Plyler and his wife, Mignon, have three children they raised in Sherman. Their son is following in his father’s footsteps and works at Plyler Construction as a project manager. The couple’s eldest daughter is working on her Ph.D. in history at her father’s alma mater, while their youngest daughter is going through the nurse practitioner program at Texas A&M University.

He hopes his efforts in the community stand as an example to his family and the city of Sherman of what can be accomplished serving the common good rather than pandering to political ideology.

“I try to do what’s best for the citizens and leave politics behind. At the end of the day, the scope of local government precludes any kind of political posturing that we see on the national level. It’s refreshing to be able to do what’s best for the citizens and not worry about one party or the other,” he says.

Choosing the Right Attorney

By CRAIG WATSON

Our story begins with Paul, a 78-year-old divorced man who passed away in late 2013. He had two children: a son named Rip and a daughter named Kelly. Paul told Kelly that he chose her to serve as Executrix in his Will because she was responsible as compared to his son Rip who had an abusive personality and was often unemployed. Rip was hard for everyone to get along with and seemed to reserve his most intense wrath for his sister. Paul’s Will left his estate to his two children in equal shares.

When Paul died, Kelly acted quickly to probate her father’s Will. She hired her father’s long-time general practice attorney, Max, to probate the Will. Max and Paul had been golfing buddies for a long time. Kelly figured that Max drafted the Will so he would be the best choice to probate it. Max had helped Paul with his divorce and had defended him when he was arrested for driving under the influence.

Max got Kelly appointed Independent Executrix before the end of the year. Several creditors unexpectedly filed claims in the estate. Unfortunately, Max didn’t specialize in probate law and so he didn’t know how to handle the creditor’s claims. In fact, there are many general practice attorneys that will accept a probate case, thinking that it’s easy. The progress of probating Paul’s estate slowed to a crawl because Max didn’t know what to do about the creditor’s claims. The problems cascaded because the slow progress angered Rip. He began calling and emailing Kelly and Max daily, sometimes multiple times per day. His communications were very abusive. Rip even filed a large creditor’s claim of his own. Rip’s claim was frivolous but Max didn’t know how to dispose of it. Max had to charge the estate for the time he spent responding to Rip’s emails and talking to Kelly and Rip on the phone so his legal fees began to add up.

Kelly was able to sell her father’s house and land, which brought in enough money to enable Kelly to pay Max’s legal fees and make a large preliminary distribution to herself and Rip. The money didn’t placate Rip one bit and he continued to badger everyone involved. After over two years of ineffective representation, Max withdrew as the

estate’s attorney. This forced Kelly to do what she should have done in the first place: research and find an elder law attorney who had expertise in probate.

Kelly made an appointment with her new elder law attorney and brought him the thick file of documents to review. After reviewing the thick file of documents, the elder law attorney realized that Max had failed to perform several procedures and give several notices required by the law. The requirements that Max had missed were only recently passed by the legislature. Since Max’s general law practice included mostly divorce, personal injury and criminal defense, he didn’t have enough volume in the probate area to justify the time it takes to keep current on all the new laws. The elder law attorney realized that in order to protect Kelly from potential personal liability, the case would have to be delayed even further to give the required notices and allow the required time periods to expire so that known and unknown potential and actual creditors, including Rip, would not be able to file claims against Kelly individually after the estate was closed. This delay infuriated Rip even more. However, the elder law attorney was experienced in dealing with difficult estate beneficiaries and was able to shut down Rip’s abusive communications to his sister.

The delays, frustration, extra expense, and exposure to liability that Kelly experienced could have been avoided if she had hired an elder law attorney instead of her father’s general practice attorney. Probate law is a complicated field. The legislature and the courts are constantly making new laws, adding to the complexity. The sheer volume of all this change is forcing more and more attorneys to choose to specialize or limit their practice.

When Kelly first called her father’s attorney, before telling him who she was or why she was calling, she should have asked him to tell her specifically which two or three areas of the law accounted for the majority of his practice. If his answer didn’t include probate or estate law, she would have been able to deduce that she should hire a different attorney who had expertise in the field of law that she needed.

Total

Partial

with KEVIN COUCH &Q A

By LISA WELLINGTON

Q:Goodmorning, so tell me Kevin, what made you want to run for Sherman City Council again?

KC: Simply put, I want to serve and I am thrilled to have the chance to go back to work for the citizens of Sherman and continue to help implement conservative reforms on the council as I did before. I think Sherman voters want results. I’m an experienced leader who knows the ins and outs of the job, and I won’t require onthe-job training to get right back to work.

Q: So update us, what about your life has changed the most since you last served on the council?

KC: Well, where do I start? I have lost 150 pounds since I last served. I was elected when I was 26 years old, so right out of the gate I would say seven years of maturing and growing up would be the first obvious choice. Not only that, but learning how to pick my battles and focus on producing the right results would be my main answer to that question.

As I’ve grown in my life and, most importantly, my faith in Christ, I’ve come to prioritize to the best of my human capacity, also known as my “sinner” capacity, focusing on issues that ultimately bring Him the glory and advance the agenda and values of our Sherman citizens. At the end of the day, these are my top priorities.

I also sold my company CBC Creative in 2018, but recently got the chance to take it back over.

I would also be remiss to say that getting engaged to the love of my life, Kathryn, or as I call her “Kat,” has also been a welcomed change. As of a few days ago, I’m thrilled to have her as my fiancé and soon to be wife. We’re excited to root our future in Sherman. She truly is my better half already. Just wait until you meet her; she’s way cooler than me.

Q: I can’t wait to meet her. She sounds lovely. So, what are your priorities for council this go round?

KC: My priorities are definitely going to be much like they were last time; be an advocate for our taxpayers, repeal taxes when we can— like I did with the job tax. And I want to see the downtown economic program I created come back. We had 13 businesses receive an incentive and over half of them are still in business today. That was an obvious success.

I also want to focus on finding a solution to better improve our downtown infrastructure. As a property owner/business owner there, it’s not a secret that Downtown Sherman has some issues to address if we want to see revitalization there.

I also just want to champion conservative values. Our country needs elected officials with common sense, a good values system, and the will to work hard and get stuff done.

Q: Switching gears to when you served before you had to resign your seat in September of 2017 to run for state representative, tell me about that and why you did it. Do you regret that?

KC: Ha, I knew you were going to ask this question.

If you want to run in a primary and serve, we should let elected officials do so with no resignation and may the best man win. As we know, most politicians are cowards and just want to protect their incumbency. So here we are…But, no, I don’t regret it. I was young. I was eager to serve and I’m not ashamed of this.

I do want to run for state representative again and plan to when the time is right. Until then I will support my friend Reggie Smith, as I have witnessed first hand during this session how good of a job he’s doing for us and the rest of Texas down there.

Q: That’s really cool that you can call a former opponent a friend and praise their efforts. Do you have anything else you want to add?

KC: Yes, it is pretty rare unfortunately, but I love Reggie and our leaders who are doing a great job for Sherman and Grayson County. No, I’m just excited to have the opportunity to earn the vote of our citizens, have my company CBC Creative back, and Kathryn moving here to start our family after our wedding. This is truly an exciting time for my life in Sherman. I hope to have your votes!

THOC doctors don’t want to learn on Monday that you had a problem on Friday. They want to know Friday. They are available to you 24/7.

DENNIS BIRENBAUM, MD

Dr. Birenbaum founded the Arlington Cancer Treatment Center in 1981. He founded the Texas Hematology/Oncology Center, PA in 1997. He is the founder, Medical Director, and CEO. 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 a facility professor. His private practice in Hematology/Oncology has been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since 1979. Dr. Birenbaum is available by cell phone 24/7 and participates in many support groups and radio programs.

AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST:

• Gastrointestinal Tumors

• Melanoma, Sarcoma

• Breast Cancer

• Lymphoma

• Kidney Cancer

EDUCATION AND TRAINING CREDENTIALS:

• Southern Methodist University

• Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara/University of Michigan

• Straight Medical Internship - Henry Ford Hospital/University of Michigan

• Straight Medicine Residency - Tulane University Medical Center/Ochsner Clinic

• Fellowship Hematology/Oncology - University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute

• Private Practice 1979 to Present

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

• Born and raised in Dallas, TX

• 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.

EUGENE J. WYSZYNSKI, DO

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

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Areli Medical Devices is committed to spotlighting information and education about resources in our local community. We’re interviewing organizations in Texoma that are utilizing unique approaches to impact lives. In this issue, we’re highlighting a little-known resource here in Texoma called The Room for Hope. This small room makes a big difference for those who are battling a cancer diagnosis.

If you’re local to Texoma, you probably already know that Reba’s Ranch House has been a source of comfort for out-of-town families who need a place to stay while a loved one is in admitted to an area hospital. From the hot meals that area churches donate to the quilts that cover each bed, the amount of love that is poured into families when they walk through the doors of Reba’s Ranch House is evident everywhere you look.

With 12 private rooms featuring two queen beds each, two rooms with one queen and prepared for NICU parents, a family size kitchen, laundry room, library, playground, patios and a walking path, every detail has been considered to help families rest and reenergize. Since opening its doors in 1992, over 35,000 families have found comfort at Reba’s Ranch House.

But there is a very special room tucked inside Reba’s Ranch House that you may not have heard of. It’s called The Room for Hope and it was created by former Girl Scout Maria Hayes.

The Room for Hope is an oasis of donated wigs, prosthetics, bras, hats, along with emotional support, educational material, and a connection to area resources. Guest Relations representative Jeri Carosella gave us a tour of the Room for Hope and she described how people across Texoma express their amazement at the large selection of beautiful wigs, blankets, and other items available at no cost.

There is also a Room for Hope Patient Assistance Fund that is managed through Texoma Giving Partners at the Texoma Health Foundation. The Fund helps with the cost of cancer treatments and surgeries for uninsured and underinsured residents in Grayson, Fannin, Bryan, and Marshall counties.

The ability for The Room for Hope Patient Assistance Fund to help cancer patients exists due to generous donors and an annual golf tournament fundraiser.

Reba’s Ranch House employee Mitch Gray organizes an annual golf tournament with the proceeds going to the Fund.

This year’s golf tournament held on July 31st raised over $5,000 through sponsorships and an auction. Areli was delighted to be able to donate a framed picture of Amen Corner Hole #13 to help with the auction. For more information on Reba’s Ranch House or the Room for Hope, contact Marilyn Bice at 903-463-7322, 5036 Reba Drive, Denison, Texas.

Radiofrequency ablation treatment now available for spinal tumors

Minimally invasive technology, close to home

Brian Rose, MD, FAAOS

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

cementlike substance, and patients can get relief

“Many patients who previously rated their pain as a ‘10’ tell us it dr

pped to a ‘2’. It’s exciting to be able to offer these solutions. We are trained to be as minimally invasive as possible, which equates to minimized pain and quicker recovery for the patient. These two procedures fall right in line with that ”

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

CROSSROADS MEDICAL

204 Me di ca l Drive , She rman , Texas 7509 2

Jelsma Orthopedics & Sports Medicine ................Suite 100

Richard D. Jelsma, MD

Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine .................Suite 110

➠ Duncan L. McKellar, Jr., MD

➠ Charles E. Toulson, MD, MBA

➠ Jon C. Thompson, MD

➠ Brian J. Snow, MD

Ask RX Pharmacy ...............................................Suite 120

Integrated Pain Management ..............................Suite 140

➠ Deborah Fisher, MD

Areli Medical Devices ..........................................Suite 150

Peak Physical Therapy ........................................Suite 160

➠ Jon Poe, PT, LAT

ENT Centers of North Texas .................................Suite 200

➠ Hunter Richmond, MD

➠ Peter Selz, MD

➠ McDonald Arnot, DO

Sherman Internal Medicine & Primary Care .........Suite 210

➠ Benarji Tegala, MD

Urbanczyk Ortho Suite 220

Helix Health Lab ................................................. ................................................. Suite 130

➠ Jeremy Urbanczyk, DO

Grayson Digestive Disease Consultants ...............Suite 240

➠ Jermaine G. Clarke, DO, MBA

Grayson Digestive Health ....................................Suite 240

➠ Joseph Kim, MD

Texoma Weight Loss ...........................................Suite 250

➠ Ikram Kureshi, MD

First Texas Home Health Corporate Office ............Suite 260

A TIMELESS STAR AT ANY AGE.

BY SONDRA BARR

Jennifer Lopez is many things, an actress, singer, dancer, style icon, mom, entrepreneur, and dreamer. The multi-hyphenate star has lived several lifetimes in her 52 years, yet you wouldn’t know it from looking at her flawless visage and taut frame.

She’s been working nonstop for decades and has eight albums, 33 films, 10 television shows, 26 producer credits, multiple fragrances, and a skincare line to show for her strong work ethic and tireless drive to be the best at whatever she sets her sights on doing.

The talented performer credits her success to working harder than everybody else. “There’s a lot of people with talent, but I don’t think there’s a lot of people who are willing to put in the work…I didn’t have much of an education. I didn’t go to college. I never dreamt of Harvard or any of these big schools. That wasn’t my route,” Lopez told Red Magazine

Following her own path has never been a problem for Lopez, who was raised in Castle Hill, in the South Central part of the Bronx. According to multiple sources, she shared a bed with her two sisters in the house she grew up in and commuted downtown to Manhattan to take dance lessons. The NYC borough will always hold a special place in her heart. She told W Magazine, “All the strength that I needed for life, I got from that neighborhood.”

Lopez’s portrayal of the late Latin recording artist Selena Quintanilla that served as her breakout movie.

Lopez in 2003 with then fiancé Ben Affleck arriving at the premiere of their movie Gigli

Costarring with Matthew McConaughey in The Wedding Planner.

Hustlers garnered Lopez a lot of Oscar buzz.

WARNER BROS.

COLUMBIA PICTURES

GLORIA SANCHEZ PRODUCTIONS

PAUL SMITH / FEATUREFLASH

All the strength that I needed for life, I got from that neighborhood.

Lopez’s first brush with Hollywood came when she worked as a backup dancer for New Kids on the Block in 1991. From there she landed on the show In Living Color as a Fly Girl. She moved from New York City to Los Angeles in 1993 to become a regular cast member on the show. Minor appearances in Mi Familia, Money Train, and Jack followed, but it was her portrayal of the late Latin recording artist Selena Quintanilla that served as Lopez’s breakout movie.

To prepare for the role, Lopez painstakingly researched Selena’s backstory and even slept in her bed to better capture the tragically short life of the Queen of Tejano Music. The hard work paid off and earned Lopez a 1998 Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a musical or comedy.

Lopez followed it up with starring roles in Anaconda and Out of Sight and became the first Latin actress to make over $1 million for a film. She went on to release her debut studio album On the 6, followed up by the simultaneous 2001 release of her second album J.Lo and the romantic comedy

The Wedding Planner, which garnered her the distinction of being the first woman to have a number one film and album in the same week.

“I always wanted to be great at what I did—that’s what drove me. My race has never been with anyone else, it’s been with myself,” she told Vanity Fair’s Julie Miller in 2018. “If I got rejected, I wouldn’t take it personally. I was like, make them a fan and they’ll bring you back in for something else. I never thought about money or fame, and I never really thought that would happen to me. All that was just a by-product.”

When asked by Vanity Fair writer Britt Hennemuth what a 10-year-old Jennifer might be surprised to know she’d ultimately achieved, Lopez said: “So many things. Wow. When I did my first movie, when I booked my first dance job and went to Europe and nobody in my family had ever been to Europe. The first time I heard my record on the radio. The first time I was in the studio recording a record. The first time I saw myself on screen and I was sitting in the movie theater, and I saw Mi Familia and I started crying.”

“Sometimes I didn’t believe my life. I don’t believe what happens to me and the things that I’m able to experience and

I definitely feel like I've grown up.

the opportunities that I’ve gotten. It’s every single moment, even till this moment, surprises me and touches my heart in a way that I could never really even begin to explain.”

Interspersed throughout her prolific career have been a string of romances that have come and gone and come around again. The most notable coupling was with actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck from mid-2002 to early 2004. Tabloids dubbed the duo Bennifer, when the pair starred together in the much ridiculed Gigli. After breaking off their engagement, Lopez married singer Marc Anthony in 2004 and gave birth to fraternal twins, Maximillian David and Emma Maribel in 2008. The couple divorced in 2011.

Lopez explained how being a mom changed her to Miller. “I can’t help but be a different person now that I’ve had kids. That really does change your whole perspective on life for the better. I definitely feel like I’ve grown up.”

After splitting from Anthony, Lopez retained primary physical custody of Emme and Max and went on to date former backup dancer Casper Smart before dating baseball player Alex Rodriguez. Engaged in 2019, the pair announced the end of their relationship in April of this year. Since then, Lopez has been seen with her former paramour, Affleck.

In an interview with Ebro Darden for Apple Music 1, Lopez subtly addressed the breakup with ex-fiancé Rodriguez. “Once you get to the point where you’re like, ‘This is not right for me, or this doesn’t feel good, or I need to make an adjustment here. This is not really about anybody else but me.’ Once you do that, stuff starts falling into place.”

And, things have certainly been falling into place for Lopez over the last couple of years. In addition to her turn in Hustlers, which garnered Lopez a lot of Oscar buzz in 2019, she has multiple movies in production including Marry Me with Owen Wilson and Shotgun Wedding with Josh Duhamel. And, of course, there’s her relationship with Affleck, who even before they got back together came down on the Academy for overlooking Lopez for an Oscar for Hustlers

“She should have been nominated. She’s the real thing… How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50?” said Affleck.

As for being a sex symbol in her 50s, Lopez considers aging all about attitude. “I find myself thinking about being youthful and timeless at every age. At some point aging is going to happen, but until then, you decide how strong you’re going to be. How much you’re going to move. How much you’re going to work. How active you’re are going to be in your mind, with your life, with your body,” she said to Darden. “You decide. And you can keep it strong. You can keep it good.”

Bringing Back Valued Traditions

Courtesy DANNEL FUNERAL HOME

Reuniting with family and friends brings such joy after having spent months apart. We all missed hugs.

The pandemic changed how we lived our lives, and how we dealt with death. Understandably, the experience of loss, grief and bereavement was altered.

“There’s no pause button for grief and, when unresolved, it can take a tremendous toll,” says Charles Dannel, owner of Dannel Funeral Home. “Many people missed the time-honored traditions that can be enormously comforting. There is great value in grieving together with friends and family, in having ceremonies and sharing stories.”

As we emerge from recent challenges, finding our way back to some semblance of normalcy, many people are prioritizing making pre-planning arrangements now, before the need arises.

“Without a pre-plan, it’s not unusual for families to struggle with what they see as this one chance to ‘get it right.’” Charles continues. “And some never really know. If we can help makes things a little bit easier, it can help create a more positive path to healing.”

Caught

Breath?

The pre-planning process isn’t difficult and can be done safely in person or online through Dannel Funeral Home, where knowledgeable professionals will assist you with arrangements that are meaningful, as well as affordable. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be making necessary plans now, while you can talk with family and make important decisions that will have lasting impact.

One of the most frequent questions about pre-planning is what happens if you move to another city? Your arrangements are transferable, so another funeral home will honor your plan. Additionally, you have payment options. Costs are frozen, even if the service is paid out in installments. (Funeral costs, like most other services, rise over time.) The document is amendable as well.

Pre-planning is a much-appreciated gift you leave behind for your family. Like all that you taught them. All the love that you shared. And all the laughter you generated. Charles invites you to give him a call at 903-893-1171. Or browse the website for more information. dannelfuneralhome.com. The Dannel family has been helping families like yours for over 100 years.

Dannel Funeral Home is owned by Charles Dannel, fifth generation exemplifying leadership

community service.

Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center Now Open

Texas Oncology opened a new comprehensive cancer center in Denison in June, combining both Sherman and Denison locations to offer medical oncology, radiation therapy, and hematology services—all at one location. Located at 5125 Texoma Medical Center Dr., Suite 100, Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center, provides patients with access to cancer prevention and screenings, genetic risk evaluation and testing, and research and clinical trials.

“For nearly three decades, Texas Oncology has provided leading-edge cancer care to patients in the Texoma region,” said Steven Paulson, M.D., president and chairman of the board of Texas Oncology. “The new Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center highlights our commitment to ensuring that cancer patients across North Texas not only receive high-quality, comprehensive cancer care, but that they have access to innovative therapies and groundbreaking research.”

We are proud to serve the patients of this region and look forward to strengthening our relationships with the community for decades to come.

In addition to providing cancer care, the new 26,000-square-foot facility includes an on-site pharmacy and in-house laboratory. Other support services offered at Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center include financial counseling and support groups.

“Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center provides patients in the Texoma community with enhanced access to care in a convenient, comfortable setting with the same team of trusted physicians who have always cared for the patients of Grayson County,” said Tammy Roque, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Denison Cancer Center. “We are proud to serve the patients of this region and look forward to strengthening our relationships with the community for decades to come.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit TexasOncology.com/Denison.

PROTECTING YOUR VISION FROM DIGITAL SCREENS

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

In today’s digital world, the amount of time many of us spend plugged in can be a real problem. We may recognize it’s sedentary, isolating, and even affects our attention spans. But digital screens also cause eye damage and vision problems.

One of these problems, computer vision syndrome, is also known as digital eye strain. Even more concerning, however, is the permanent damage blue light causes to the eyes. These conditions can affect people of all ages.

DIGITAL EYE STRAIN

Computer vision syndrome causes eye discomfort and vision problems. As the American Optometric Association (AOA) explains, it results from extended viewing of computer screens, e-readers, tablets, and cell phones. The more time spent on digital devices, the worse the discomfort becomes.

According to The Vision Council, computer vision syndrome symptoms include eyestrain, dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.  Fortunately, there are several solutions to prevent or cure computer vision syndrome. To start, limit your daily leisure media use.

Another way to protect against computer vision syndrome is to wear computer eyeglasses. If you experience digital eye strain symptoms, make an appointment with an optometrist for a vision check. Be sure to discuss screen use to determine if computer glasses might be the right choice.

Also, when using a computer, position the screen at an arm’s distance away. Increase the font size to reduce strain as well. You can also reduce overhead lighting to eliminate glare.

Finally, follow the easy-to-remember 20-20-20 rule that’s recommended by the AOA. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second screen break by looking at something 20 feet away.

BLUE LIGHT HAZARDS

In addition to computer vision syndrome, exposure to blue light is another digital screen hazard. Blue light comes from many sources. This includes and comes primarily from sunlight as well as LED and fluorescent lighting. But smartphones, flat-screen TVs, computers, and electronic notebooks also emit significant amounts of blue light.

The problem is that our eyes can’t block blue light. So it penetrates the eye lens and cornea, then it reaches the retina. Prolonged exposure to blue light is likely a contributor to macular degeneration and vision loss.

But our eyes aren’t the only thing impacted by blue light. Harvard researchers found that blue light affects our circadian rhythm and throws off the body’s biological clock. The Harvard Health Letter reported, “Blue light has a dark side,” literally. Night-time light exposure appears to be particularly unhealthy. Numerous studies have linked exposure to light at night (while working the night shift) with breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Harvard researchers also point out that even dim light affects our circadian rhythm and interferes with melatonin secretion. The lack of sleep that results from it then increases the risk of depression.

So there are multiple good reasons to try to reduce blue light exposure. Minimizing screen time is one of the most obvious ways to reduce exposure. Also, shut down devices with digital screens two to three hours before bed, if possible. If not, at least dim the screen light in the evenings. If you have a nightlight in your bedroom, use a dim red light instead. This has the least impact on the circadian rhythm and eyes. Finally, if you spend much time on digital devices, stay up late, or work the night shift, wear blue-blocking glasses. This will also reduce the likelihood of eye damage or throwing your circadian rhythm out of balance.

EVERY 20 MINUTES, TAKE A 20-SECOND SCREEN BREAK BY LOOKING AT SOMETHING 20 FEET AWAY.

PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO BLUE LIGHT IS LIKELY A CONTRIBUTOR TO MACULAR DEGENERATION AND VISION LOSS.

STAND OUT WITH THE EMINENT CHOICE IN HEALTHCARE

Pain Management • Sports Medicine • General Surgery

Spine Surgery • Orthopedic Surgery • Neurosurgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Total Joint Surgery

Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand Surgery

Gynecological Surgery • Plastic Surgery

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Orthopedic surgeons and the medical staff at Eminent Medical Center are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Knee System, which helps surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients.

We provide surgical services for pain management, orthopedic & sports medicine, gynecology, spine surgery and general surgery.

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 for the entire family, we at Premier Foot & Ankle focus on treating both the injured athlete and anyone with foot or ankle injuries.

Premier Foot & Ankle is the leading practice of foot and ankle specialists in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area as evidenced by multiple awards such as the Best of Dallas 2011-2012 and 2015-2020 and the Reader’s Choice Best of Living 2017. As a trusted and dedicated

provider, Premier Foot & Ankle is here to help patients alleviate their foot and ankle pain resulting from various foot disorders and injuries such as sports and diabetic foot care.

To move toward your pain-free lifestyle with an individualized comprehensive treatment plan, visit us today at www.premierfoot.com to schedule your appointment!

Going “Zero to Caregiver”–Advance Directives make a Difference

By TAMERA WHITLOW, LVN, USAF

Our second day was eventful at the hospital. Things started to move rapidly. The final straw was when they came to ask for consent for evasive procedures and informed it would be safer if they moved us to ICU so we could have a nurse one on one. His heart is frailer and tired. The lack of sleep, pain and the unknown are starting to show on his face. As I watch I know he is tired, and I will become his fight to live. In his eyes I can see fright, worry, regret and exhaustion. He is begging to just close his eyes and go to sleep until it is over, so he pulls the cover over his head. Today is our wedding anniversary of 24 years. As I reminisce about our marriage it was always this way, I took care of the battles and conflict and he was all jokes and pranks.

Our door reminds me of the doors you find at hotels that go around and around and around. Consent forms, doctors for each specialty, nurses, social workers, surgeon team, heart team, LVAD

team. His heart can no longer push fluids to his organs, so now we take the next door in keeping him alive. Feeling stunned, stressed and overwhelmed by it all, it is informed consent time once again––to hear the risk that each procedure brings and its saving qualities. I have insisted he be awake and hear about each procedure and sign his own consent forms. He is definitely not excited at being an informed patient and wants me to do all the paperwork. He just does not want to hear it. He now needs an Intra-Aortic Balloon device; it will be his heart in a machine. Our bridge to keep him alive until he is cleared to have heart surgery. And we sign and wait.

I had no idea how many decisions we would have to make. Knowing what is important makes such a difference on you emotionally and supporting the caregiver is just as critical as patient care.

Experienced DWI Defense THE LAWYER LAWYERS CALL

Deandra M. Grant

JD, GC, MS

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

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

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

–DEANDRA GRANT

Co-Author of the Texas DWI Manual

Teaching Grandkids About KINDNESS

Small Gestures That Make Others Smile

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

With our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a kinder, gentler place. As a result, kids miss out on golden opportunities to emulate kindness and experience its rewards. So, why not set a goal with your grandkids, and see how many acts of kindness your family can rack up in a single day or week? Here are some ideas to get started.

» VISIT AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOR. Many seniors are shut in because they can no longer drive. Often, even those who do drive don’t get the social interaction they need. Likely, someone in your neighborhood could use some company.

» OFFER A COMPLIMENT. It doesn’t get any easier than this. But don’t offer praise you don’t mean. Otherwise, it’ll come off as disingenuous. Notice what someone is wearing or doing, or think about the person’s personality or something they’ve done. Then offer a compliment that you really mean.

» MAKE A DONATION. It can be a small monetary donation to a good cause. Or you can donate items you no longer need to a homeless shelter, animal rescue, or toys for tots collection.

» HELP SOMEONE WITH THEIR HOMEWORK. Do you know a classmate who struggles in a particular subject? Offer to help them study for a test or to understand a concept for a homework assignment.

» TAKE AN EXTRA LUNCH TO SCHOOL FOR SOMEONE WHO FORGETS. When you get to school, ask your teacher to help you find a student who needs it.

» STAND UP FOR SOMEONE. Do you know a student who’s bullied or always left out? Look for an opportunity to tell those who are being judgmental to be a little kinder or that they’re being unfair.

» OFFER YOUR SUPPORT. Do you know someone going through a hard time, such as a serious illness or whose parents are going through a divorce? Lend them your shoulder, and offer to listen.

» MAKE FRIENDS WITH SOMEONE WHO’S LEFT OUT. there a classmate who’s always standing alone on the playground or who sits alone at lunch? Offer to join that person.

» OFFER TO HELP OUT A MOM. Do you know someone with young children? Offer to spend a couple of hours watching and entertaining them while the mom catches up on chores.

» BAKE COOKIES FOR YOUR TEACHER OR BOSS. Show your appreciation by baking their favorite goodies.

» BUY A HOMELESS PERSON A MEAL. If you see someone wandering who clearly looks homeless or is standing on a street corner with a sign, pick up a meal and take it over to them.

» CALL GRANDPARENTS OR GREATGRANDPARENTS. This is a big one because often, grandparents are the ones to initiate calls. So, make your grandparents’ day by giving them a call.

» HOLD THE DOOR FOR SOMEONE. This is another super easy gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by someone who’s elderly, disabled, or really anyone.

» WRITE AN APOLOGY TO SOMEONE YOU’VE HURT. We’ve all said and done things on occasion that hurts someone’s feelings. So, take ownership of it, and write a heartfelt apology.

» HELP SOMEONE CARRY SOMETHING. When you see someone struggling to carry multiple items or something heavy, offer your assistance.

» POST SOMETHING NICE ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE OF SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A FRIEND. Do you know someone who no one ever pays attention to? Make that person’s day with a positive comment on their page.

» TAKE A NEIGHBORS DOG FOR A WALK. Is there a dog in your neighborhood that never gets to go for walks? Be sure to ask about the dog’s energy level, so you’re able to handle it. Also, find out how far it can walk and run to ensure you don’t overexercise the dog, which can be dangerous to dogs’ health.

» DO A CHORE FOR YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER—WHAT A GREAT WAY TO GET BACK IN YOUR SIBLING’S GOOD GRACES. And although you shouldn’t expect it, who knows, maybe they’ll return the favor sometime.

» BUY A FRIEND A CANDY BAR. This is a simple way to show your friend you’re thinking of them.

» VOLUNTEER FOR A GOOD CAUSE. There are many opportunities right in your community. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, pick up trash at a park, or help with a canned food drive.

» HELP SOMEONE WITH YARD WORK. Do you know a handicapped or elderly person? Offer to mow, rake, pull weeds, or shovel their snow.

Effective Pain Management in Sherman

PROCEDURES

WE PERFORM

• Epidural/Transforaminal Steroid Injections

• Selective Nerve Root Blocks

• Cervical/Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

• Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)

• Intraarticular Joint Injections (Shoulder, Hip, Knee)

• Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

• Intrathecal Pain Pump

• Vertiflex/Superion for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

• Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

• Discography

• Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty

• Spinal Cord Stimulation

• Facial injections, including Gasserian Ganglion and Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

CONDITIONS

WE TREAT

• Sciatica/Radiculopathy

• Spinal Stenosis

• Facet Joint Pain

• Spondylosis

• Postlaminectomy Syndrome/Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

• Herniated Discs

• Degenerative Disc Disease

• Degenerative Joint Disease

• Spinal Compression Fractures

• Low Back Pain

• Neck Pain

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Shingles

• Pelvic Pain

• Abdominal Pain

• Chest Pain

• Headaches/Facial pain

• Spinal Cord Injury Pain

• Cancer Pain

We look forward to helping you regain function that chronic pain has taken away from you.

MD

Board Certified in Pain Management

Board Certified in Anesthesiology

SHERMAN OFFICE:

1001 Sara Swamy Dr., #220 Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 892-1999

Board Certified in Pain Management

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

ROWLETT OFFICE: 7700 Lakeview Pkwy. Rowlett, TX 75088 (469) 653-0222

ROBERT J. NOCERINI,

SREENADHA VATTAM, MD

Self-Employment Ideas for Seniors toTakeChargeofTheirDestiny

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

For a variety of reasons, many older Americans won’t retire. According to a May 29, 2019, report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30.2% of Americans ages 65 to 74 are projected to be in the workforce in 2026. While financial necessity is one big reason many people won’t retire, others are choosing to stay employed for as long as they can. According to Maurie Backman, in “3 Reasons to Work During Retirement,” generating extra income, saving on leisure costs, and warding off depression top the reasons many seniors choose to remain in the workforce.

Still, working after retirement age doesn’t necessarily mean seniors are punching time clocks. According to data from the Kauffman 2017 National Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship, 26% of new entrepreneurs are aged 55 to 64 years old.

So if you plan to remain in the workforce, but would like to work for yourself, there are plenty of business opportunities that don’t cost a bundle to get started. Here are 19 companies you can start from home, most of which require minimal to no investment.

WEDDING PLANNER. Does the idea of helping couples with one of the most important and romantic days of their lives make your heart skip a beat? Wedding planners help couples with every aspect of their wedding and reception, from invitations and the wedding party’s attire to the cake, reception hall, and entertainment.

EVENT PLANNER. If you have excellent organizational and time management skills as well as business acumen, this might be the perfect fit. Event planners coordinate every aspect of a meeting or convention, and sometimes social events as well. Planners arrange the location, catering, speakers, and printed materials for events, and more.

HOME STAGING CONSULTANT. According to the real estate industry, well-staged homes sell faster and for more money. Yet, when it comes down to it, most people’s homes are anything but show-ready. If you like home decorating and rearranging furniture, this might be up your alley. You can either offer consulting services or do the staging yourself.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER. Are you obsessed with keeping your cupboards, drawers, closets, and garage organized? If so, you might be surprised to learn that most people are not. Here’s where your organizational skills can earn you a living. Between those who lack organizational skills and others who don’t have the time, there’s a massive market for such services.

PET SITTING. For animal lovers, this has become a particularly popular form of self-employment. With the rising cost of pet boarding and pet owners’ desire to reduce the stress their pets experience during owners’ absences, many hire sitters and are willing to pay good money for the service.

Between those who lack organizational skills and others who don’t have the time, there’s a massive market for such services.

TOUR COMPANY. Do you live in a big city, historical town, or scenic area with state parks and national monuments? If so, there’s likely a need or demand for tour guides, which can be a lucrative business. You can provide either walking or driving tours to visitors and residents while sharing your knowledge of the area and sights with them. Just be sure to set up good safety measures before you meet alone with strangers.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT. If you’re savvy with social media, companies large and small require your service. Social media management includes setting up social media accounts and writing ongoing engaging and shareable posts. You’ll also respond to social media messages and comments to build and maintain the company’s relationship with its followers.

BLOGGING. If you love writing and have the skill to write ongoing, engaging posts, you’ll discover every type of business imaginable either has or needs a blog. Just look for companies related to your area of expertise. If you’re an expert researcher, that’s all the better, and the sky’s the limit.

CONTENT WRITING. This is another high-demand writing job. Businesses of all kinds need well-written website content that describes their products and services as well as related content to increase targeted traffic. For most companies, search engine optimized (SEO) content is a must. So, if you have this skill, you already have the edge over many writers.

CONSULTING. What’s your area of expertise? Whatever it is, there are likely plenty of people or businesses that could use your advice. To get your brain churning, here are a few examples of consultant services to consider: financial, business, social media, legal, career, technology, public relations, human resources, strategy, marketing, information technology, management, childbirth, interior decorating, and the list goes on.

TRAVEL AGENCY. Despite the ease and cost-effectiveness of buying and scheduling travel online, there’s still a good demand for travel agents. Many people prefer using an agent because of the travel advice agents offer as well as for arranging complicated travel plans. So if you love travel and helping people, this might be just the right business for you.

WEBSITE DESIGN. Have you built a website for yourself or someone in the past? If so and you have a knack for design along with excellent computer skills, this might be just the home-based career you’ve been waiting for. With Wordpress, in particular, website design is relatively simple yet offers designers unlimited options.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT.

If you’re an idea person with excellent management skills, this career is worth considering. Can you take a project and run with it and see it through to completion? As a project manager, your role is to put together and lead teams through projects. You’ll also be in charge of creating project budgets and managing their costs, and ultimately, making most of the projects’ decisions.

BOOKKEEPING. Small businesses often have only a few hours’ of accounting per week or month. So it isn’t feasible or necessary for them to hire an employee for the task. This is where you can step in and offer your services. Landing just a few business accounts could quickly provide you a full-time income working from home.

PERSONAL TRAINER. If you’re a fitness buff and enjoy motivating others, this might be just the career for you. Personal trainer certification programs run between $400 to $1,000. Upon completion, you can either work as a personal trainer for a fitness corporation or independently.

TEACH ONLINE COURSES. Here’s a wide-open opportunity because courses can be taught on just about anything. Do you have a passion for something? What are your areas of expertise, educational background, or special skills or talents? Chances are there’s something you’re great at and qualified to teach. Here are some ideas to consider: a hobby or craft, computer skills, photography, web design, writing, professional development, how to play an instrument, dog training, the list is endless.

RECRUITING AGENCY. Because of the challenges and time involved in finding qualified applicants to fill high-level positions, many companies now use recruiters to help fill the roles. With the current low unemployment rate, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to find qualified candidates on their own. So why not step in and help them?

CATERING. Do you live for making delicious and eye-appealing food? If you’ve got excellent culinary skills, then offer your catering services. Think wedding receptions, corporate events, graduation parties, bar mitzvahs, luncheons, anniversary parties, and a host of other occasions.

LIFE COACH. If you enjoy helping people better themselves, here’s the perfect opportunity to make the most of your skill. Depending on where you live, there may be educational requirements for this career. So do your research. But if you’re good at setting goals and developing personal plans, solving problems, understanding people and what motivates them, and offering sound advice, this career is worth considering.

Dear Olivia,

My husband is coming home from the hospital after a long battle with cancer and we are overwhelmed with the thought of how to care for him at home. I know the VNA will help us by providing hospice care at home, but we just don’t know what to say to him and if we should avoid talking about dying so that he does not give up hope. My grown children and I just don’t know how to help him be at peace or how to make the most of the time left. Can you help?

-Don’t Know What to Say

Dear Don’t Know What to Say,

Bringing a loved one home on hospice care can be a scary experience, and the hospice team is here to help with these difficult questions. While families are coping with their grief and that of their family members, it is normal to want to put on a “brave face” for the patient. One of the things that I have learned through working in hospice for so many years is that each person deals with his or her dying in their

OLIVIA ROGERS

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

unique way based on their own beliefs and culture. Some patients will talk openly about their prognosis and dying experience. Some do not wish to talk about this at all, and this applies to family members also. There is no “right way” to navigate this process, but our hospice team will be there to help you decide what feels the most comfortable and comforting for you and your loved one. Our social workers, bereavement counselors, and spiritual support staff are all trained in the unique art of hospice care and counseling to help you as you have meaningful conversations, love, and support your husband and other family members. We also have a child life specialist trained in helping younger family members work through this process. Our team will surround you with the support you need so that you can best support your family through this difficult time. Our goal is to help you bring the best quality of life possible to your loved one’s final days.

~Olivia

VNA Hospice Care

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.

VNA Care Choices

Following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, patients and their loved ones have many questions about the best course of action. VNA Care Choices provides supportive care services in the home while continuing treatment with your current physician.

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

Looking Older Than Your Years?

4 Ways to Regain a Youthful Appearance

By KEY-WHITMAN

While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, the key to beauty and a youthful appearance may be in the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon who specializes in treating the eyes and areas around the eyes.

Are fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, droopy eyelids, bags under the eyes or sagging brows getting you down? Then schedule a visit with Key-Whitman Eye Center’s oculoplastic surgeon, Leslie Pfeiffer, MD.

Why choose an oculoplastic surgeon to help you look younger?

When we look at someone’s face, our gaze gravitates toward the eyes first. When signs of aging appear on the face, people notice. One of the first places the signs of aging show up is around the eyes. This can involve the eyelids, forehead, cheeks, eye socket, or all of these.

According to Dr. Pfeiffer, “The eyelids are a delicate area, and the eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the body. When looking for improvement around the eyes, you need a surgeon who specializes ex-

No. 1 No. 2

Wrinkles. The solution? Neurotoxins like Botox. If wrinkles on your forehead, crow’s feet around the eyes or deep vertical lines between your brows are aging you beyond your years, you’re not alone. “Injecting Botox in those areas creates a smooth appearance and also gives a refreshing look around the eyes,” Dr. Pfeiffer says.

Sun-damaged skin and fine lines. The solution? Laser resurfacing.

According to Dr. Pfeiffer, “Here in Texas a lot of people experience sun damage. Unfortunately, sun damage can really age the skin. Depending on the patient, we may treat sun damage on the face with CO2 laser resurfacing or the Intense Pulsed Light laser.”

Want to explore your options for rejuvenating your look?

Dr. Pfeiffer is here to listen.

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and would like to learn more about anti-aging treatments and procedures, Dr. Pfeiffer invites you to have a conversation at one of her 4 locations: Dallas, Frisco, Rockwall, or Arlington.

According to Dr. Pfeiffer, “When patients walk through my door,

clusively in this area. Oculoplastic surgeons not only take into account the health of the eye as a top priority but also have intimate knowledge of the detailed anatomy here.”

Dr. Pfeiffer is a trained eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) who did additional training, studying the areas around the eyes. This included a full two years of surgical training at the largest oculoplastics-only private practice in Los Angeles, Eyesthetica, and the University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute.

Four ways to get a fresh, youthful look with cosmetic procedures:

Dr. Pfeiffer, who joined Key-Whitman in 2019, and is pleased to offer patients a variety of anti-aging treatments—from minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox and laser resurfacing to surgical procedures, including eyelid lifts, under-eye bag correction, and brow lifts. Ready for a younger-looking you? Dr. Pfeiffer breaks down the top facial aging culprits and how to address them below.

No. 3

Saggy lower eyelids. The solution? Surgery.

“Many of my patients don’t like the way their lower eyelid bags cause them to look tired and older than they feel. I can really improve their appearance by removing or repositioning the fat under their eyes. In addition, I can use CO2 laser resurfacing to smooth the lines and wrinkles below the eyes.”

No. 4

Droopy upper eyelids and brows. The solution? Surgery.

“Many patients feel young but think that the appearance of their eyes makes them look older than they feel. Often droopy eyelids are the culprit. This can be improved with surgery. These are by far the most common surgical procedures I perform. Surgery takes place at our state-of-the-art surgery center at Key-Whitman’s Dallas headquarters, where my main office is located,” says Dr. Pfeiffer.

I’m interested in hearing their story first. I want to understand their concerns. From there, I create a customized treatment plan for them, and then we work together to come up with a solution that addresses their needs.”

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pfeiffer, contact us. Simply call our office at 214-220-3937 or request an appointment at keywhitman.com.

About Dr. Pfeiffer:

Leslie Pfeiffer, MD is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Texas Ophthalmology Association and the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha.

Dr. Pfeiffer is not only experienced in all areas of General Ophthalmology, but also has advanced training in eyelid, orbit, tear duct system and facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, where she was honored as the most outstanding student in her specialty. She was also voted “Outstanding Resident” by her fellow residents at the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She then completed a full two years of surgical training at the largest oculoplastics-only private practice in Los Angeles, Eyesthetica, and the University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute.

A few of Dr. Pfeiffer’s many honors and awards include Outstanding Resident, and Champion of the Quarter for excellence in patient care and advocacy. She is an alumna of Duke University and speaks Spanish as a second language. When she isn’t treating patients, she enjoys skiing, cycling, rock climbing, and hiking.

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.

We work together to heal your wound

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.