Texoma Area Living Well Magazine September-October 2020

& Alpha Orthopedics Sports

Dr. Grant Craig

Pastor Terry Barnett

Natalie, Jeremy and Champ Roberts

Mayor David and Mignon Plyler

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PROMINENT DOCTORS

You may recognize the two respected doctors featured in this issue. The fist one is Dr. Charles Toulson, the founder of Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Toulson’s practice provides care for a full range of mus culoskeletal disorders, diseases, and injuries to the human body.

SPRING AND SAM HOUSTON

Over the years, the community his practice serves has grown from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to include the McKinney area, Grayson County, and southern Oklahoma. Considered a leader in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement, Dr. Toulson has performed more robotic joint replacements than any other surgeon in the area. Check in on this dynamic doctor in the cover story inside.

We’re also honored to feature another doctor you may have been seeing a lot of lately. A multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta is arguably one of America’s most respected doctors. A celebrated neurologist, Dr. Gupta’s measured demeanor on television amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of calm to a panicked nation. We check in with Dr. Gupta to fid out what he thinks the long-term solution is for the virus that’s ravaging the world and to fid out what he thinks is tougher, brain surgery or the news business.

Sincerely,

Living Well

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

ADVERTISING & SALES

TEXAS: Denton County, Dallas County, Collin County

TEXAS & OKLAHOMA: Texoma Area

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

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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.

SAM AND SPRING HOUSTON

Alpha Orthopedics Sports Medicine 8

Celebrating 10 years of caring for the orthopedic needs of our community

Founded by Dr. Charles Toulson, Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is the premier destination for hip and knee replacement. Dr. Toulson’s practice provides care for a full range of musculoskeletal disorders, diseases, and injuries to the human body. Over the years, the community his practice serves has grown from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to include the McKinney area, Grayson County, and southern Oklahoma.

Considered a leader in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement, Dr. Toulson has performed more robotic joint replacements than any other surgeon in the area. He was the fist surgeon in the area to perform a direct anterior hip replacement with robotic assistance. Most recently, Dr. Toulson completed the fist ever, total knee replacement for both of a patient’s knees bilaterally (simultaneously) using the MAKO™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology.

Dr. Toulson and his team at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine share a passion for excellence in orthopedic care, and they work together to provide just that. Areas of specialty include, adult hip and knee reconstruction, adult hip and knee revisions, robotic-assisted joint resurfacing, knee arthroscopy, foot, ankle, and trauma.

Outpatient Joint Replacement Program

Dr. Toulson is also a forerunner in same-day or next-day joint replacement surgery. The reason for his success is his minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgical technique. His patients are returning to their active lifestyle quicker than ever before.

A Patient’s Experience

Rebecca went to see Dr. Toulson as a patient with severe arthritis in both her knees. She shares: “I was having severe pain in my knees. I had difficulty going up and down stairs, steps, even the curb. It hurt so bad to walk, even short distances.”

Dr. Toulson explains: “When patients come in with arthritis, we often try non-operative means of treatment before we talk about surgery.” Once patients exhaust non-operative options for knee arthritis, Dr. Toulson sits down with the patients and talks to them about the benefits and the risks of total knee replacements.

Rebecca needed knee replacement surgery in both knees. She explains: “ The surgery went wonderfully. I haven’t had any problems and everyday it gets better and better. I can walk up the steps now getting into my home.”

A total knee replacement is when the surgeon removes all the cartilage and lining of a knee joint and replaces it with metal and plastic. The total knee replacement often functions just like a normal knee does. Patients often have no pain, and most times patients forget that they actually have had a knee replacement. The MAKO™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology allows for superior accuracy and precision in the placement of the new hip or knee joint.

After knee replacement surgery, patients can go back to the same activities that they enjoyed before the surgery. Both hip and knee replacement surgeries are one of the most successful surgeries ever invented. “A year after their surgery, 96 to 98% of patients are either satisfid or very satisfid with their joint replacement,” affirms Dr. Toulson.

Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery

MAKO™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology assists Dr. Toulson in surgery by providing his patients with a personalized surgical experience, as was the case with Rebecca’s knee replacement. A 3D model of the patient’s hip or knee will be built using the 3D analysis obtained from the patient’s CAT scan. Ths 3D model is used to pre-plan the performing of the patient’s joint replacement surgery, which also allows Dr. Toulson to see the patient’s hip or knee in real-time during the surgery—creating a more predictable surgical experience.

Dr. Toulson explains: “Ths 3D technology allows me to see the orientation, alignment, rotation, and actual size of the implant that we will be using. So, I can actually see with 3D technology what the implant looks like, and I can make adjustments in surgery to balance the ligaments inside of the knee.”

The MAKO™ Robotic-Arm assists Dr. Toulson in performing precise surgeries. “What’s critical is the MAKO robot will not permit me to deviate outside of the plan that we have instituted in the very beginning of surgery. As the surgeon, I’m still doing the surgery, the robot is simply allowing me to do it in a more precise manner,” says Dr. Toulson. “ The MAKOplasty robot assists me in placing perfectly aligned implants. As a surgeon, it’s very exciting to see that we can do this reproducibly, consistently, and do it successfully.”

McKinney Office: 6850 TPC Drive, Suite 116 McKinney, TX 75070 (972) 838-1635

Sherman Office: 204 Medical Drive, Suite 110 Sherman, TX 75092 (972) 362-0253

Meet the Alpha Team

Dr. Charles Toulson MBA

Dr. Charles Toulson, MBA, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship trained in adult reconstruction. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His extensive experience began with his training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the highest ranked hospital in the United States. He then completed his sub-specialty training at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, which has the top orthopedic program in the country. Dr. Toulson has been voted among D Magazine’s Best Doctors for multiple years in a row. His areas of specialty include adult hip and knee reconstruction, adult hip and knee revisions and robotic-assisted hip and knee replacements.

Brian L. Hambrick MPAS, PA-C

Brian L. Hambrick, MPAS, PA-C, brings nearly a decade of experience as a physician’s assistant and a sports medicine specialist to the team. Brian is a Texas native of Sherman, Texas. Brian joined the staff at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in 2011, bringing experience in trauma care, orthopedic surgery, and emergency medicine. Brian loves working with patients and is a proud member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Texas Association of Physicians Assistants. On a personal level, Brian is a proud father of 2-year-old Aria and her new little sister Anna. A proud husband and father, Brian loves spending time with family and friends.

Trevor Fewins MPAS, PA-C

Trevor Fewins, MPAS, PA-C, joined Alpha in 2016 and has been an orthopedic physician assistant for over five years. Trevor is from the California Bay Area and earned his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Masters of Public Health at Touro University in California in 2015. Prior to starting his career as a physician assistant, Fewins was an EMT. He works primarily with Dr. Toulson in both the clinic and the operating room.

Sean C. Holt MPAS, PA-C

Sean C. Holt, MPAS, PA-C, is a physician assistant at Alpha Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in McKinney, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Colorado and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, he completed a Physician Assistant Surgical Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to increase his skills and knowledge in surgery. He worked in plastic/general surgery for 7 years before joining Alpha Orthopedic Sports Medicine in 2014.

No Will is Such a Bad Plan for Your Family…

By CRAIG WATSON

Jane Doe, age 54, was tired. “I’m going to bed early tonight,” she told her husband. They had been happily married for 14 years. John was sitting in his recliner watching television. It was not unusual for him to fall asleep watching TV. Jane got up the next morning and quietly got ready for work. As she was walking past John, she noticed something did not look right. She walked closer and tried to wake him. John had died in his sleep without warning. He had been the picture of health; he worked outside, was not overweight, never smoked, and never went to the doctor. “What a nightmare,” you say; and, it is. You will really think ‘nightmare’ when you hear about his estate.

John did not have a Will or any life insurance. John and Jane did not have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Self-employed, he had a lot of debt, including equipment loans, car loans and credit card balances. Jane knew virtually nothing about John’s business. John owned their house before they got married so the house was his separate property. Most of his net worth was tied up in the house, which was worth $350,000. The remaining mortgage balance was $150,000. He had a savings account of approximately $18,000. John’s fist wife remarried a wealthy man who adored John’s teenage daughter so she had everything she needed. They live on the West Coast, so John might have seen his daughter once per year for the last several years. John’s daughter decided to hire her own attorney to represent her interests in John’s estate.

Because John died without a Will, the Texas heirship statutes control who inherits his property. John’s personal property (cash, personal effects, brokerage accounts, equipment, cars, etc.) will be split equally by Jane and John’s daughter. However, there is no equity in his equipment because the loans are about equal to the value of the equipment securing the loans. The cash will quickly be eaten up by the funeral, appraisal fees, attorney fees, monthly debt payments, property taxes, insurance, and other expenses. Much to Jane’s surprise, she learned that because John died without a Will, his daughter’s attorney can ask for John’s estate to pay his attorney fees and the judge might allow the request.

Of course, the estate’s attorney will also be paid out of the estate. Legal fees are much higher for an estate without a well-drafted Will because the attorney must do a lot more work. Property taxes are due on the house. Within a month of John’s death, the equipment loans, car payments, house payment and credit cards are all one month overdue, meaning two payments are due. Probating an estate without a Will takes longer because more court hearings are required. So, all of the loans will soon be three payments behind, resulting in unpleasant calls from collection agencies. John still owes child support to his fist wife. Before any inheritance can be distributed to Jane or John’s daughter, the debts and expenses must be paid. Jane fids that after expenses, she will inherit nothing from John’s personal property.

Because the house was John’s separate property, John’s daughter will inherit two-thirds of the house. Jane will only inherit the right to live in the house but the daughter inherits the entire house as soon as Jane dies. However, in order to live in the house, someone has to pay the monthly mortgage of $1,200. Jane only earns $22,000 per year at her job. The property taxes and homeowner’s insurance are $8,000 per year. Living in the house is not an option for Jane because she simply cannot afford it. Jane is devastated to learn that she will inherit very little from John’s real property. So when all the dust settles, John’s pampered daughter inherits most of his estate.

In conclusion, if you do not plan for the disposition of your estate, Texas law provides an inflexble and often surprising “estate plan.” Ths is especially true in second marriage situations. Your very own well-drafted estate plan can protect your loved ones from extra expenses, avoidable delays, preventable disputes and devastating surprises—much like homeowner’s insurance protects you in case your house burns down. Hopefully, you will never need your homeowner’s insurance. Unfortunately, everyone will need an estate plan someday. Because John never got around to it, Jane was leftwith virtually nothing, a result that John probably never intended. Don’t let such a depressing experience happen to you or your loved ones. Make sure your family is prepared and secure.

Life After Loss

Finding Your New Groove When Dealing with Heartbreak or Grief

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Going through a breakup, divorce, or the death of a spouse isn’t easy. You’ve lost your lover and your confiant, cheerleader, activity partner, support system, and best friend. Such a loss can be devastating. As such, it’s only natural to grieve. In fact, allowing yourself to grieve is vital to your recovery. You’ll need time (and perhaps even professional help) to work through your denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—the five stages of grief.

But even as you work through this challenging period, you can begin building a happy, full life. Working toward moving on doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten the person you lost or your prior life. It merely means you recognize your emotional and physical well-being depends on getting back to a healthy, positive life. Yes, you’ll still experience some sadness and miss the person and life you’ve lost. Allow yourself to feel sad as often as you need to. But, also look for at least one, if not multiple ways to uplift ourself each and every day.

Taking time for personal growth is an excellent way to raise your spirits.  So focus some time and energy on self-discovery, becoming a more fabulous you, and fiding new ways to enjoy life to its fullest. There’s no need to forget the person and life you lost. To the contrary, cherish those great memories, but build on them by enjoying new experiences.

SELF DISCOVERY & THE PATH TO YOUR NEW HAPPY

There are so many avenues to self-discovery. The truth is you might never even reach your fial destination. That’s because self-discovery is really an ongoing process. As the seasons of your life come and go, you’ll continually grow and change. The good news is, we live in a big, beautiful world that’s full of possibilities, endless things to experience, and always new knowledge to be had. Let some of these ideas be a springboard to help you fid your new groove.

{ JOB OR CAREER } Do you like what you do for a living? Or do you wish you’d gone a different direction? Ths might be an excellent time to consider a job or career change. Explore what kinds of work would make you happy. Just bear in mind your emotional state, and take time to think through the pros and cons of your choices. Then, once you’re in a better frame of mind, you’ll be ready to put your plan into action.

{ LEARN A NEW SKILL } It doesn’t have to be for career growth or change, although it could be. Learning a new skill offers lots of other benefits. In fact, it’s good for your brain. It increases the speed at which you learn new skills, improves your performance on other tasks, and expands your knowledge. It also reduces your risk of dementia. There are other benefits, too. Learning a new skill makes you more adaptable to change (such as you’re going through now). It also provides an additional outlet to stave offboredom and makes you a more interesting person.

The great thing about learning a new skill is the multitude of choices to fit everyone’s interests. There are also numerous avenues for learning new skills today. Take an online class. You can also buy or borrow books to learn on your own, read instructional articles online, and watch YouTube videos, webinars, and more.

{ VOLUNTEER } Ths is another way to expand your skills while also making the world a better place. Volunteering is also beneficial to your emotional health. According to research, those who volunteer become happier, enjoy reduced stress and gain self-esteem. It also increases your social connections. In turn, all these factors contribute to a healthier, longer life.

PHOTOBYANDREAPIACQUADIO

You just might be surprised at the music you fall in love with and have been missing all your life.

{ NEW FRIENDS } After a loss, making new friends is often imperative. If you’re like most people in a relationship, you spent most of your free time with your partner. As a result, you may have only a small pool of friends. So get in touch with old friends and catch up. You might discover new things you have in common that rekindle your friendship. Also, as businesses in your area open up again, make new friends through work, classes, and volunteering.  Meetup.com  will be another option. You’ll discover a plethora of different types and age groups. There’s truly something for everyone.

{ MUSIC } If you’re a music lover, you know what a mood-booster music can be. Yet, if you’re like most people, you’ve listened to the same few genres of music throughout your life. So visit your library to explore different types of music, and check out a variety of CDs. Try multiple artists within each genre, since styles vary widely among any genre. You might be surprised at the music you fall in love with and have missed all your life. Beyond the more popular rock, rap, R&B, and country, there’s also folk, blues, jazz, and classical. Also, don’t skip over the world music section. You’ll fid Irish/Celtic, flamingo, reggae, Latin, Zydeco, Afrobeat, and so much more.

{ ART } Ths isn’t a world just for artists. Although you might discover you have a hidden talent you never realized. Thik painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, printmaking, and so much more. The other option is the pure enjoyment of looking at art. Check out some art museums and galleries. You might even want to pick up a book or take a class on art appreciation to understand art at a whole new level.

{ CRAFTS } Hobbies offer a host of benefits, not to mention the crafty things you can make, keep, and give. Crafting relieves stress and depression, provides challenges, prevents boredom, and can even generate additional income. Consider wood crafts,leatherwork, needlework, glassmaking, paper crafts,and countless other options.

{ FOOD } Learn new cooking or baking skills on your own or by taking cooking classes. You might also take up a new pastime of cooking your favorite cuisine. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the savory experience. Explore a wider variety of foods. Taste a broader range of fruits and vegetables, and support your local restaurants by getting take-out from cuisines you’ve never had before.

{ SPORTS & FITNESS } Make exercise a regular part of your routine. Ths is one of the most valuable things you can do for your physical and emotional health. Oh, but you don’t like the “E” word? Then consider a sport. There are so many to choose from, whether you like team sports or prefer going solo. Golf, volleyball, tennis, kickball, swimming, martial arts, and roller skating are just a few of your options.

Trying and experiencing new things can provide newfound appreciation for all life has to offer. As restrictions around COVID-19 ease, you’ll also be able to add traveling to new places and visiting movie theaters to your new exciting agenda.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

There are many books and workbooks available to help you along your journey to self-discovery. Check out some of these top-rated choices.

Start Where You Are: A Journal for SelfExploration

Meera Lee Patel

List Your Self: Listmaking as theWay to Self-Discovery

Ilene Segalove

The Good Goodbye: How to Navigate Change and Loss in Life, Love, and Work Gladys Ato

This Time Next Year: 365 Days of Exploration

Cynthia Scher Something Gained: 7 Shifts to Be Stronger, Smarter & Happier After Divorce

Deb Purdy

The Sun Still Rises: Surviving and Thriving after Grief and Loss

Shawn Doyle

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.

Board Certified in Pain Management Board Certified in Anesthesiology

SHERMAN OFFICE:

1001 Sara Swamy Dr., #220

Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 902-1999

Board Certified in Pain Management

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

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

ROBERT J. NOCERINI, MD

SREENADHA VATTAM, MD

is essential, especially during market volatility.

“Over the long run the markets have always gone up,” Juston says. “It can just sometimes be a bumpy ride getting there. My most successful clients are those who have a plan and stick to it through good times and bad. It’s much less stressful than trying to ‘figue it out’ on your own.”

Resilience

IN TOUGH TIMES

Courtesy DOBBS WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Unpredictability is challenging. There is reassurance in steadiness, optimism when we see positive results ahead. But in most things—including life—nothing stays the same forever. It helps when we’re prepared for bumps in the road.

“During a signifiant market drop, people may realize they aren’t sure what they have or

how an investment plan could help their assets work together more effectively,” says Juston J. Dobbs, MBA, CDFA®, CFP®, Managing Director–Investments, at Dobbs Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Sherman. “It’s never too late to begin.”

A professional fiancial advisor who knows your situation and communicates consistently

Of course, the value of working with a trusted fiancial advisor goes beyond helping you stay calmly focused on your goals. In addition to a sound investment plan, you’ll receive pertinent information on market changes, the benefits of diversifiation, why allocation is important, and how to best prepare for resilience during challenging times. Juston can also assist with ancillary services associated with planning, such as 401(K) reviews, insurance, social security, savings, and cash flw analysis.

Juston utilizes the Wells Fargo Advisors’ Envision® tool, helping you benefit from goalbased advice with sophisticated statistical modeling. “The process creates an effective, easy-to-understand method for prioritizing and achieving important life goals,” Juston says. “Ultimately, it helps you live the one life you have the best way you can, without undue fiancial sacrificeor overexposure to risk.”

The use of the CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.

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!

If the skin between your toes is raw, red, inflamed, and swollen, you may have an athlete’s foot infection. Athlete’s foot, which can affect anyone, even non-athletes, tends to begin as a red rash that flares up between your toes. As this fungal infection continues to worsen and spread, you may start experiencing:

DWEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM

HISTORY OF ATHLETE’S FOOT

OPEN FOOT SORES

You may also fid that your skin becomes raw and painful to the touch, so you fid it unbearably uncomfortable to slip on socks and shoes. An athlete’s foot infection can spread up the sides of your feet and can even affect your hands if you scratch or pick at your rash.

HOW DID I GET ATHLETE’S FOOT?

Because athlete’s foot is a viral infection, you can easily contract it from anywhere fungal organisms thrive. For instance, fungi develop rapidly in moist, warm, dark environments. So, if you walk barefoot across a pool deck, or skip shower shoes in the gym locker room, you risk coming into contact with athlete’s foot-causing fungal organisms.

Your chances of suffering from a painful athlete’s foot infection also increase due to:

DNo matter what’s causing your case of athlete’s foot or how mild your symptoms may seem, you have plenty of options for relief.

WHICH ATHLETE’S FOOT TREATMENT IS MOST EFFECTIVE?

Athlete’s foot can be stubborn to treat so, at Premier Foot & Ankle, your dedicated podiatrist performs a comprehensive clinical exam and may gather skin scrapings to have evaluated at the lab. Ths helps confim which type of fungal organism is causing your infection.

Depending on the outcome of your exam and any essential lab testing, your athlete’s foot treatment may include:

TOPICAL OR ORAL ANTI-FUNGAL MEDICATIONS

BACTERIAL OR STEROIDAL TOPICAL AGENTS SPECIALIZED FOOT POWDERS

DYour dedicated podiatrist at Premier Foot & Ankle even counsels you on how to care for your feet and specificmeasures you can take to minimize your future risk of athlete’s foot.

For example, keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shower shoes in communal areas, and allowing your shoes to air out overnight can all lower your chances of ongoing athlete’s foot issues, and help your current infection resolve quickly.

Before your athlete’s foot progresses any further, schedule an exam to get started on treatment.

With the help of the dedicated practitioners at Premier Foot & Ankle, you can get started on effective athlete’s foot treatments in Dallas, Plano, Allen, Mesquite, Celina, McKinney, Sherman and Frisco, Texas. Book your athlete’s foot examination today.

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Voted Top Doc in Dallas County and Collin County. Dr. Toulson is proud to serve local residents and surrounding communities.

Total

Partial

GUPTA

CNN’S RESIDENT DOC TALKS

AND WHY THERE’S NO SHORTCUT TO HEALTH.

By SONDRA BARR

Do doctors still make house calls? Well, if you’re Dr. Sanjay Gupta, arguably one of America’s most respected doctors, you make it your mission. As the multiple Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN, the celebrated neurologist makes virtual house calls to millions of homes, educating the nation on many of the most pressing health issues both at home and abroad.

Especially during the age of COVID-19, the 50-year-old’s measured demeanor on television amidst a cacophony of confliting voices spouting offagainst the virus has proven to be a reassuring balm. His calm approach when covering the pandemic has been something of an extinguisher, quelling the flames of the international dumpster fie the virus has wrought.

The ever-achieving Gupta is no stranger to chaos and uncertainty. Embedded in 2003 with the Devil Docs, a group of naval doctors, Gupta needed to remove a bone out of a soldier’s head who’d gotten shot by a sniper. No surgical tools at hand, Gupta spied a Black & Decker drill and without hesitation repurposed it to drill a hole in the man’s skull and extract the bone. It was not the fist time the quick-thinking doc operated out in the fild during his reporting from Iraq and Kuwait.

Gupta’s been equally collected while reporting on location from other scenes of devastation including the Sri Lanka tsunami, New Orleans’s Hurricane Katrina, earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged Japan, and Conakry, Guinea, during a deadly Ebola outbreak.

In addition to his CNN gig, Gupta is an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University Hospital and associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where he still sees patients and performs surgery during the week. He also serves as a diplomate of the American Board of Neurosurgery and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, considered one of the highest honors in the medical fild. If that weren’t enough, Gupta has also written four books: Chasing Life, Cheating Death, Monday Mornings: A Novel, and Keep Sharp.

Playboy’s David Hochman asked Gupta during a 2015 interview, “Which is tougher, brain surgery or the news business?” “It’s funny,” Gupta responded. “When I did my residency in neurosurgery, I couldn’t imagine anything more demanding or physically exhausting. But now I have weeks at CNN when I’ll go five days on three-and-a-half hours of sleep a night if there’s breaking health news. They’re both extremely busy, intense jobs.”

It’s no surprise that Gupta gravitates towards the complexity of juggling multiple exacting roles. Raised outside of Detroit by

The cure is not worse than the disease; the cure keeps the disease from becoming worse.

hardworking immigrant Indian parents who were both engineers for Ford Motor Company, Gupta chose to pursue medicine at 13 after his grandfather suffered a stroke. He approached the endeavor with his characteristic inquisitiveness and intensity.

“I watched as those doctors were able to return my grandfather to good health after opening up his carotid artery to restore the blood flw to his brain and prevent future strokes,” wrote Gupta in a 2020 article for AARP.

“I started reading everything I could about medicine and the human body. Before long, I was fixted on the brain and, specifially, memory…For me, those early explorations into the world of brain biology were at once demystifying and magical.”

Accepted into a medical school program at the age of 16, Gupta received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and by his early 20s was practicing neurosurgery. In 2001, he started at CNN, just weeks before reporting from New York following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Once again, Gupta is tasked with presenting the facts behind a natural disaster. If anyone is up to the task, it’s Gupta. “It’s why I got into the news business, actually—to help people make sense of the immense amount of information out there,” he said to Hochman. “News gets out and it’s not easy for people who aren’t scientist to parse the information in a meaningful way—that’s my main responsibility as a journalist.”

Gupta stresses that in the case of COVID-19, as with any health issue, you have to look at quality data to make informed decisions. For instance, Gupta and his wife decided not to send their three daughters back to school for the time being. “Ths was not an easy decision, but one that we believe best respects the science, decreases the risk of further spread and follows the task force criteria,” he said.

“ The cure is not worse than the disease; the cure keeps the disease from becoming worse,” he’s reiterated on air.

The best cure, of course, is to avoid catching the disease. Not only is Gupta a strong proponent of masks, he also believes it’s important to continue social distancing and other measures to stop the spread. “It seems to be primarily person-to-person contact. So it’s the distance, but it’s also duration. You’d be six feet away from somebody for two hours, that’s worse than being six feet away from someone for five minutes. There’s also the type of activity that’s going on. So there’s lots of different considerations,” he said.

While Gupta is optimistic there will be a return to normalcy at some point, he doesn’t know how long it will take.

Pandemic or not, there’s no shortcut to health, which is why Gupta cautions against false hope of a quick fix.Rather, he recommends taking this time to focus on your health for the long term—eat less sugar, avoid fried foods, exercise, get a good night’s sleep, etc., to make it more difficult for your immune system to be compromised.

CROSSROADS MEDICAL

204 Medical Drive, Sherman, Texas 75092

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

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

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

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

Dear Olivia, My questions are related to COVID-19, and I have so many! But my biggest questions are: should I be letting people in my home to help care for my mother, who is in her 80s, and if so, what should I expect them to wear, what questions do I ask, etc?

~Ready for all of this to be over!

Dear Ready for all of this to be over, I could not agree more that we are all ready for life to return to “normal”, however strange that may look! But for now, you are wise to ask these questions, as it is so important to protect the most vulnerable to the virus. Each family will have to decide their comfort level with having people outside the immediate family in their home. In many cases, it is not realistic for the family to provide the level of care needed by their loved one, and many in our community need more care such as hospice or home health. All healthcare personnel or personal care attendants who enter any home-like setting (assisted living, memory care, independent living, an actual home, etc) should be screened daily according to common symptoms of COVID-19 before

OLIVIA ROGERS

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

they go to work. (see the CDC link below). This is to ensure they do not spread the virus to clients and patients if they develop symptoms. Furthermore, before arrival to the home, they should call you or your loved one to screen the client/patient and family members to ensure there have been no new symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. This should be done daily before their arrival per the State of Texas regulations. Lastly, at a minimum, it is best practice for both your loved one and family who will be present and the healthcare provider or care attendant to wear a mask. That is the safest way to prevent transmission of germs. Should your loved one develop symptoms or actually test positive for COVID-19, then the caregiver will need to wear “full” personal protective equipment (PPE), which would include a mask, face shield or goggles, gown, and gloves. This is a challenging time, but with thorough screenings and the right PPE, we can get through this together!

~Olivia

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ downloads/COVID19-symptoms-11x17-en.pdf

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.

Meals on Wheels Hospice & Palliative Care

vnatexas.org

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

Staying Active While Working Remotely

By JULIE ALVIRA, MD, MBA

Many 9-to-5 officworkers have started working remotely during the pandemic. Remote work is not for everyone, but these workers have had to adapt to the new “normal.” Ths has created a number of issues to keep in mind, especially the amount of physical activity a remote worker is getting. Many remote workers are fiding they aren’t getting enough physical activity, which can be detrimental to their well being.

Increased physical activity has many health benefits and also helps with focus, which is why staying active while working remotely is important to overall health. It’s good to incorporate a self-care routine that can facilitate wellness and make it easier to embrace the changes the pandemic has caused.

Before you start any task, it’s a good idea to sit and write down your

LET’S SEE SOME IDEAS:

Plan blocks of time

Start the day with physical exercise, even if it’s only 30 minutes. If you’re regularly active, it’s easier to stick to it. If morning hours don’t work, try getting active after lunch or early evening

goals for that day in terms of actions. However, some experts suggest it’s better to do it before bed, while others suggest the morning is best. The purpose is to write down the goals in a special goal journal for the next day. That way you wake up with the mental energy you need to start and take action.

Working remotely allows you to create a routine that works for you. We’re all different and the well being of our minds depends on each of us as individuals. Some people embrace change faster than others. For example, there are people who have morning routines that include a cup of coffee, while others need a bottle of water when they get up.

While you have the leisure of being the boss of your time, discipline is required. You don’t have to tell someone if you go out or not, take free time or not, etc., but you need to know how to control your time.

If you have a pet, you can take it out for a while and come back

Listen to music while you work (if it doesn’t make you lose focus), while you take a break, when you exercise, when you pause for stretch, or when you walk or run in place

Occasionally get up from your workplace (example: desk or table) and walk inside your home or run in place

Incorporate free time (a break)

Stretch important muscles that are related to sitting to avoid stiffness (example: muscles in your thigh, back, and buttocks)

Meditate or relax using your breath or just follow relaxation on YouTube, Calm, or do yoga

Some people prefer to be standing while working rather than sitting

On all social networks, there are free videos you can watch for instruction and motivation, if you don’t know how to do a specifictype of exercise. Remember, after a long day of work, breathe and disconnect.

For more tips on lifestyle interventions, health and wellness, connect with me for coaching services at www.coachdrjulie.com.

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

Reinforce Your Sleep with Vitamin D

By CHRISTINA REITER, BSN, CCN

It is estimated that over half of the world’s population is vitamin D deficiet.

At the same time, it is well known that sleep disorders are fast becoming an epidemic. Many studies have shown a link between low vitamin D and decreased melatonin production, which affects sleep quality and other common conditions.

Most people are deficiet due to lifestyle: they work indoors, most under fluorescent lighting, with few (if any) windows and the A/C cranked; wear clothing, and when outdoors, use sunscreen to help prevent certain types of skin damage. These are the accepted

realities of modern life, yet they also take away from natural vitamin D production.

Why not simply go outside and get some sun to boost vitamin D levels? The notion that humans somehow “soak up” vitamin D from the sun is false; Rather, it is the interaction of ultraviolet (UVB) light with a cholesterol derivative found in the skin and other factors (such as time of year, sun angle, distance from the equator, latitudes and amount of cloud cover) which causes D to be formed. The additional variables make it challenging for humans to produce sufficit vitamin D levels to maintain healthy levels.

While many dream of quitting their jobs and relocating to a small island offof Florida, this is an unrealistic solution for most working Americans. Regardless of sun exposure, therapeutic levels of vitamin D can only be achieved and maintained through supplementation. Simply taking large doses of vitamin D is not the answer for preventing vitamin D deficiecy. Too much or too little can also have side effects, including reducing the quality of your sleep.

According to the Vitamin D Council, Americans need 1000i.u. for every 25 pounds of weight, although using a blood test is the best way to know your ideal dose. A healthy human body uses anywhere from about 3000 to 5000i.u. of vitamin D per day through various metabolic pathways.

Keep in mind that these amounts are adjusted according to your age, weight, absorption, skin color and normal sun exposure. Therefore, if you are outside with adequate sun exposure, such as at sporting events, summer camp and through landscaping, try not to use a heavy sunscreen; rather do wear a longsleeved, light-colored shirt and/or a hat and leave the vitamin D supplements at home: more is not always better. Too much vitamin D can cause headaches, hair loss and inflammation in the body. The United States government recommends no more than 4,000i.u. per day and other authorities argue that no more than 10,000i.u.be taken per day. (Note: 10,000i.u. is also the amount produced after a day’s worth of maximum sun exposure.)

When is the Best Time to take vitamin D? Vitamin D is inversely related to melatonin, your sleep hormone; therefore, if you take it with dinner or around bedtime, there is a good chance the quality of your sleep may be negatively affected. For this reason, take it early in the day with breakfast or lunch, as digestion with a small amount of fat. Even a trivial amount of fat in a meal (or in a softgel) allows vitamin D to combine with other fatty acids and, later, with enzymes to promote complete breakdown and absorption into the liver and kidney.

In one experiment researchers concluded that taking vitamin D in the morning is better than taking it at night. A morning dose of D correlated with increases in REM, deep sleep, and the number of hours asleep. When the dosing was reversed to where the D was taken at night, sleep quality plummeted with signifiance.

With busier and busier schedules becoming the norm, healthy sleep is worth its weight in gold. Most authorities stress the importance of no less than 7 hours nightly, on average, for each adult. Should your average sleep duration begin to lag as the workweek comes to a close, take extra vitamin D with breakfast and focus on turning in earlier. If you are not practicing good sleep hygiene and not taking adequate vitamin D at the right time, you are setting yourself up for a triple fail. Practice all three and these habits will reinforce and amplify the effect of the other.

If you are unsure of where to start, there are a few options.  Your fist stop may be to visit your doctor and fid out with a simple blood test where your vitamin D levels are right now (Ideal ranges anywhere from 30-110ng/mL). Remember: D levels are influenced by time of day, time of year and supplementation. If you have a vitamin D level that is more than six months old, it is time to do it again. If your insurance will not cover another test, there are cash-pay and discounted options through alternative laboratories (i.e. lab testing services) and other locally owned and operated lab service providers, as recommended by your pharmacist.

7 FoodsHealthyThat Are High in Vitamin D Fish

(Salmon, tuna, sardines)

Egg Yolks Shellfih (Oysters, shrimp)

Mushrooms Avocados

Fortifid Dairy (Milk, yogurt, Swiss cheese, margarine) Peas

Walks to End Alzheimer’s for 2020 Updated Due to COVID

Courtesy ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

The Alzheimer’s Association says the Sherman, Dallas, and Grandscape Walks to End Alzheimer’s will take place as scheduled this year on September 26, October 3, and October 17 but will look different due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.

“We are blending in-person and virtual parts in order to ensure the safety of our participants,” says Director of Development, Jennifer Bowring. Past walks have always been a gathering of a large group of participants who then traverse a set course. Due to COVID concerns, that’s not possible in 2020. “Many of our constituents fall into the high risk categories for COVID. Our primary goal is keeping everyone safe.”

The overall slogan for the 2020 Walks is “Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Everywhere.” “Ths year’s Walk participants can walk almost anywhere,” says Walk Manager for the Dallas Walk, Haley Rice. “In their neighborhoods, on walking trails, wherever they can keep safe social distancing and always wear a mask.”

Participants ranging from families to teams to individuals will all be able to connect through a new Walk to End Alzheimer’s phone app. Ths mobile app will let users not only access information and resources from the Association, but also participate in the Walk opening ceremony as well as follow a virtual walk path, track steps and distance, and manage Facebook fundraisers.

“We’re very excited about the Mainstage Walk phone app,” says Danielle Brown Tolson, Grandscape and Sherman Walk manager. “Besides linking everyone together, walkers can also take pictures of their part of the event using commemorative stickers and frames to post to social media.”

The new Walk to End Alzheimer’s app can be downloaded now, with new features to be updated to it by early August. You can get links to Apple or Google downloads here: www.tiny.cc/WalkApp

Because the 2020 Walk is tied together online, participants will see the opening ceremony with local speakers and emcees, as well as the Promise Flowers presentation. “ The Promise Flowers are a very emotional part of the opening, where people give their personal reasons for taking part in the Walk,” says Bowring. “ The only difference from the 2019 Walk is that this time the presentation will be available on people’s tablets, computers, and smartphones.”

Also in the mix is the Promise Garden, where participants in the past have written a loved one or friend’s name on a flwer and set it into a mass of flwers leftby other walkers. Ths year, the Garden will be set up by Alzheimer’s Association staff and volunteers and will be available in a view-only component.

“ The importance of the 2020 Walk can’t be understated,” says Bowring. “Without the crucial funds raised by the Walks, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing all of our free services and programs to constituents. Over 400,000 Texans are living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.” To sign up, visit www.act.alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline, (800) 272-3900.

1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia

Approximately 400,000 Texans have Alzheimer’s Texas ranks 4th in number of Alzheimer’s cases and 2nd in Alzheimer’s deaths Alzheimer’s disease is the 5th leading cause of death in the US

In the US, someone develops Alzheimer’s

every 65 seconds

Funerals During a Pandemic

Courtesy DANNEL FUNERAL HOME

The pandemic changed how we live. And, to an extent, how we honor those who die. Services have been postponed. Small groups gather at the graveside. Visitation plans are sometimes canceled. However, there are ways to continue the time-honored traditions that bring such comfort to family and friends.

You can still hold a funeral at a church. You can still observe a traditional burial. You can still host a visitation. If you’re a friend of the family, you can still attend services and express sympathy to the family. Adjustments align with CDC, federal and state guidelines. The professionals at Dannel Funeral Home take their responsibility for safety precautions seriously. They are helping families and visitors observe meaningful ceremonies and celebrations that honor and appreciate loved ones.

“ There is enormous value in coming together—even with social distancing—during times of loss,” says Charles Dannel, owner of Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. “Sympathy can be expressed while wearing a mask. Condolences can be shared without hugging. The important thing is not to let fear prevent us from reaching out.”

“ There’s no pause button for grief,” Charles continues. “You can’t postpone strong emotions. Grieving is something we do together. Closeness can be experienced, even in these challenging times.”

Utilizing appropriate precautions, like hand-washing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowding, can allow for well-planned gatherings. At Dannel Funeral Home, rooms are disinfected several times a day, the number of people in the building are monitored closely, and the staff rovide guidance to help ensure safe conditions.

Additionally, Dannel Funeral Home can record funerals or offer live streaming. Plans and pre-plans can largely be managed, if desired, via telephone conversations.

“For most of us, there is a tremendous need to memorialize and honor the life of a loved one,” Charles says. “That didn’t go away because of the pandemic. It’s one way we fid those anchors to cling to, realizing that people still care, that life has meaning, that there is love out there. Services are one way to let that love in. And begin to heal.”

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

Loss in a Time of Community Crisis

By NANCY JACKSON

How does it feel to be away from your loved ones? For many families, inconvenient. But, they learned to use social media and Zoom to stay connected. They celebrated holidays, birthdays and graduations in unique ways. But what if you couldn’t see your loved ones, what if they were ill and had to have treatment without you? What if they were restricted in their rooms at hospitals, nursing homes and senior living centers, where you could not see or touch them? And even worse, what if they died without you being there and you couldn’t have a funeral?

grief is an expression of your love and the best ways to cope include fiding a way to share it with ours.

For many it begins with some type of ceremony, whether that is now at home with close family or holding a funeral or graveside service when it is safe to have a larger gathering. You can participate in support groups, journal, share with trusted friends and even fid creative outlets to express your feelings. If guilt is an on-going issue, then consider seeking professional support.

Oh my, how do you cope now with the grief, the guilt, the shock and the lack of closure? For so many today, that is a pressing reality— their loved one is now gone and they didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye. Learning how to mourn and express your grief without closure moments such as being there at the death, a funeral or a family gathering can make you feel like you don’t know where to go. Your

Find an activity that was special that you shared with your loved one, like riding through the countryside on Sunday afternoon. One of the ways that I connect to my father is by playing a round of golf, he loved to play, and it liftsmy spirits to “play” with him. Each of us is unique, take the time to fid your closure as you begin mourning. Should you have any questions or are in need of support, call Home Hospice at 903-868-9315.

PHOTO BY KERRI SHAVER

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 cu 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.

EVOL VING

in a Time of Crisis

By JULIE ALVIRA, MD, MBA

Social adaptations are part of our daily lives and are central to making us the most successful species on the planet.

While it’s true that practicing solitude is important and beneficial, before COVID-19 many people didn’t fully grasp or understand the concept of solitude. The recent pandemic forced people to become familiar with it quite abruptly.

Solitude is the state of being alone without actually feeling alone, since we are our own company. In 2015, author Jane Porter described that when moments of solitude are chosen and appreciated, they result in great productivity and creative thinking.

Could it be that one of the positive messages of this whole crisis is that we may need to slow our pace and dedicate more time to ourselves? Or in the case of couples, to focus on our marital relationships? If we live with our children and/or relatives, maybe it means spending more quality time with them instead of the daily rush between jobs and schools.

Solitude is a positive state and feeling lonely is a negative state. What has happened during the pandemic is that in addition to forcing us to work alone, it’s also imposed social isolation. Ths isolation goes against human nature and our need for social connection. Social adaptations are part of our daily lives and are central to making us the most successful species on the planet.

What happens when all the “normal” interactions involved in the minutiae of regular day-to-day living suddenly disappears? It’s a shock. Thanks to the concept of neuroplasticity, our brains have the ability to activate new neural channels and learn new habits. For many, isolation and solitude have brought both positive and negative aspects.

Let’s see…

» Many people in early recovery from addictions such as alcohol and other substances have not been exposed to parties and other social stimulants. At the same time, they fid it difficult to be with themselves because they have to work on their mental health twice as much, without the daily connection of in-person meetings. At the same time they have been learning to connect virtually.

» For many, the virtual connection through Zoom, Blue Jeans, etc., online platforms intended for conferences and work situations have become an important form of connection, not only work but for personal use.

» Many people are leaving their houses to walk down the street and see their neighbors, even from a distance, which they didn’t do before due to lack of time.

» Many families are spending time playing board games, completing puzzles, and cooking with their children, or have created ways to cohabit under the same roof every day, all day.

» Working men and women, as well as school and university students, have been learning to work or study “online” or remotely in the wake of the crisis, while learning to organize their space and time in the best possible way and create daily routines to feel comfortable with the new norm.

» It had become popular to do exercises at home and follow virtual routines or create them to stay physically and mentally fit.

» Some people who wanted to lose weight have seen the benefit of focusing more on themselves and not forcing food restrictions but rather paying attention to the foods their bodies needs for fuel at that time. For others, it’s the opposite. Home isolation has resulted in panic and anxiety, with people using food as an escape by repeatedly consuming food high in sugars and flurs to feel better, which usually results in gain weight.

» Couples have learned to be together all day when they used to only spend time together in the morning and after work. For many this has been of great benefit and solidifid connection. Others have found it difficult to be with their partner every day, all day, resulting in many to feel they don’t have space to breathe.

» Many medical colleagues and nurses leave their families and expose themselves to face an unknown entity and perhaps get sick to save others. They don’t have the privilege of staying home and practicing new positive habits of solitude and isolation.

Before thinking about the negatives of staying at home, let’s look at everything from another angle. In what way will I evolve with this crisis? If you would like more tips on life management or weight loss coaching, reach out to me at www.coachdrjulie.com.

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Pain Management • Sports Medicine • General Surgery

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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.

GREGORY D. ROBERTS, M.D.

FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON

At Roberts Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Roberts specializes in facial cosmetic medical procedures, including the “scarless” face lift, endoscopic brow lift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, chin and lip implants. For over 20 years, Dr. Roberts has focused his surgical specialty on the face, but he also performs minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedures, such as BOTOX® and dermal filler procedures. Dr. Roberts is dual Board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology | Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Roberts personally performs all surgical procedures, BOTOX® and filler procedures. Laser and resurfacing procedures at Roberts Cosmetic Surgery are performed by a certified and licensed aesthetician, while his support staff endeavors to provide optimal patient care.

“There’s a tremendous amount of satisfaction that comes along with my work,” Roberts says. “Seeing patients get positive results from their procedure, as well as seeing their renewed confidence, and then hearing the reaction of others in their lives is very fulfilling.” Dr. Roberts’ procedures are performed at an AAAASF certified facility near George Bush Tollway and Preston Rd in Dallas suburb, Plano, Texas. Read more here about what his patients say about him. View more before-and-after photos and review additional information at RobertsCosmeticSurgery.com.

To schedule a consultation, call (972) 608-0000.

5144 Village Creek Dr. Plano, Texas 75093 (972) 608-0000 robertscosmeticsurgery.com

THE “SCARLESS” FACE LIFT

Nationally-known facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory D. Roberts has refined a face lift technique, known as the “scarless” face lift, which allows patients to recover from surgery with virtually no visible scarring. The “scarless” face lift involves a series of surgical methods and meticulous precision that can help restore more natural, youthful facial features with virtually imperceptible signs of surgical intervention.

“My one guiding principle is that your cosmetic surgery looks natural,” said Dr. Roberts. “You should look refreshed and well-rested, never pulled.” Dr. Roberts takes the time necessary to meticulously place and close incisions, ensuring that his patients’ incisions are virtually invisible, as well as helping to minimize bruising and quicken the healing process.

Many of Dr. Roberts’ patients also find pleasing results with a non surgical face lift alternative known as a Liquid Face Lift. Revolumizing the face with a Liquid Face Lift can be done alone or in conjunction with a face lift to restore natural, youthful volume and contours.

DR. ROBERTS’ PATIENTS LOVE THEIR RESULTS!

KM contacted Dr. Roberts after viewing some of his online images. During her consultation Dr. Roberts recommended upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts) as well as a mini face lift. “I inherited drooping eyes from my dad, sagging jowls from my mother. But Dr. Roberts has completely changed that for me. Now I get comments even from strangers about how good my skin looks. Only my close friends know what I’ve had done, but I feel dramatically different. It’s helped my confidenceand I’m definitely more comfortable when I’m face-to-face with people.

At 51, JT worked to stay in shape but couldn’t stop the natural signs of aging. The sagging in her neck and jowl area started to bother her so much she no longer wore her hair off her face. “I feel young and wanted to look more youthful,” she said. After a mini face lift, she’s thrilled with the results. “Not one person has said, ‘Did you have a face lift?’” she said. “But people do tell me how pretty my skin is. I didn’t want to overdo it, and what Dr. Roberts did is perfect. Everyone in his office was attentive, helpful and supportive. I’d definitely do it again.

At 53, JR, below, had a face lift, endoscopic brow lift and lower blepharoplasty performed in one procedure. “Before the surgery I looked tired and my jowl area and the skin around my mouth sagged,” she said. “Dr. Roberts spent a lot of time explaining everything and answering my questions. After surgery, I was wearing a ponytail two weeks later and attended a work conference a week after that. No one could tell I’d just had surgery! To me, it’s so natural. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Roberts and his staff.”

Hip or Knee Slow

J. TYLER NEWTON, DO

Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. J. Tyler Newton is a board-eligible, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon. Dr. Newton graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and completed medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center where he was inducted into the honors society. Dr. Newton completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at St. John Providence Health System in metro Detroit and spent an additional year completing an orthopaedic hip and knee replacement fellowship at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. During his fellowship, Dr. Newton gained invaluable experience utilizing the latest robotic technology to learn the most advanced practices in hip and knee replacements. Dr. Newton hopes to bring this state-of-the-art technology to his own practice soon.

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

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

5012 S. US Hwy. 75, Suite 285

Have a Crisis Plan in Place for your Pet

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Your pet’s stress level and other avoidable problems can be reduced if the caregiver knows your pet’s training commands, personality quirks, behaviors, and things to watch for.

If there’s one thing the spread of COVID-19 has taught us, it’s to expect and plan for the unexpected. Ths doesn’t just apply to preparing for yourself and the people in your life. In the event of an emergency, advance preparation for the care of your pet is vital to your pet’s wellness.

COVID-19 hospitalization is just one of the many situations that could require last-minute care for your pets. But many other crises could also require arrangements for your pet’s care. Examples include other illnesses requiring hospitalization, last-minute travel for emergencies or work, homelessness and eviction, fiancial hardship, rehab, natural disasters, deployment, death, and more. Your pet is an important part of your family. So make sure you have a sufficit plan in place for your pet before a potential crisis hits.

WHO WILL WATCH YOUR PET?

In times of crisis, especially community-wide or family situations that affect other people as well, such as COVID-19, your fist plan may not work out. So have a backup plan, so you aren’t leftscrambling. There are many options available depending on your fiancial situation, preferences for your pet, and the length or type of care you may need

• Trusted family or friends are an excellent option, if any can watch your pet. Since you know them, and likely so does your pet, family and friends may be more likely or able to provide care in your home or take your pet into their own home. Family and friends offer pets a familiar face and perhaps even a familiar place. Ths can be particularly helpful to ease your pet’s stress. So ask if any friends or family members are willing to watch or take-in your pet, even if only until suitable options can be arranged

• Some shelters offer temporary foster placement for a specific mount of time with the intent to reunite pets with their owners.

• Dog and cat boarding kennels, in-home boarding services, and pet hotels are available to host your pets when needed. Be sure to read reviews, tour the facilities, and ask questions in advance to ensure your pet will be well-cared for and according to your preferences.

• There are also pet sitting or walking services depending on the situation and needs of your pet. These are good options for shorter-term situations, and when your pet doesn’t need as much care or would just do better at home than in an unfamiliar place.

• Your veterinarian may also be able to offer recommendations, since vets often know many of the local services. Veterinarians also know your pet and are more likely to be invested in making sure your pet is taken care of

Whatever options you choose, get to know your emergency caregivers ahead of time, if possible. Also let them get to know your pet and vice versa, and make sure the caregiver understands your pet’s needs. In the event of a crisis, you’ll feel more at ease knowing your pet is in good hands.

MAINTAIN YOUR PET’S HEALTH

Emergency preparedness requires maintaining your pet’s health. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and medical checkups. You should also keep a sufficit supply of any prescriptions, special foods, or other needs on hand to ensure your pet’s health in unforeseen circumstances. Also, keep the documentation for proof of shots and spaying or neutering in an accessible place, since these may be required by kennels, shelters, or foster services.

PREPARE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR PET’S CARE

Create instructions for your pet’s care and keep both virtual and printed copies. Give one to anyone who may look after your pet. Also, post a copy on your fridge or in a conspicuous place in your home in the event you aren’t able to point it out. Every pet is different and keeping the same routine as much as possible will ease your pet’s stress during a crisis.

You’ll also want caregivers to know about any special needs, such as medications and when your pet needs to see the vet again. The caregiver should be aware of special foods your pet needs or can’t have. Your pet’s stress level and other avoidable problems can be reduced if the caregiver knows your pet’s training commands, personality

quirks, behaviors, and things to watch for. The instructions should also include contact numbers for you, your pet’s vet, and emergency contact if something should happen.

HAVE A BAG READY TO GO

Keep a bag packed for emergencies with the basic needs for your pet like food, toys, and a leash. Also, include a list of frequently used things you don’t want to keep packed, but want to make sure your pet has. Ths might consist of favorite toys or blankets to provide your pet some sense of normalcy and comfort when away from you. Also, include your list of instructions and routines in the bag. Then keep the bag easily accessible and near a crate or whatever you use to safely transport your pet.

HELP CAREGIVERS EASE YOUR PET’S STRESS

During a crisis, pets can experience anxiety or depression, just like people, especially if they’re separated from their family and don’t follow their regular routines. So make sure your pet will be in a safe, comfortable environment with people you trust. Hopefully, the caregiver has interacted with your pet in the past, so they are familiar with each other.

Although you may not be able to predict when a crisis might turn your life upside down, one thing is within your control. You can have a plan in place for emergencies that ensures your pet will be adequately taken care of, leaving you one less thing to worry about.

OTHER THINGS CAREGIVERS CAN DO TO RELIEVE SOME OF YOUR PET’S STRESS INCLUDE:

3 give gentle physical affection at your pet’s comfort level

3 stick to routines as much as possible

3 provide your pet the opportunity for regular exercise

3 stick to your pet’s usual diet

3 have a designated quiet space with comfort items from home

3 play classical music or turn on TV shows explicitly designed for animals

TOP DOCS 2020 Livingwell

PROVIDERS HEALTHCARE AND OTHER

Key-Whitman Eye Center has been serving the North Texas area for more than 50 years, and Dr. Jeffery Whitman is honored to be listed among Living Well Magazine’s Top Docs in Dallas in the category of ophthalmology and LASIK again this year. Under the direction of Dr. Whitman, the Key-Whitman team of highly experienced doctors performs a full range of progressive ophthalmic services in seven convenient locations. Each surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and each doctor performing LASIK and cataract surgery is additionally board certified by the American Board of Eye Surgeons. Dr. Whitman is a recipient of the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award. He is the president of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society and is a past president of the American College of Eye Surgeons and the Dallas Academy of Ophthalmology. He is one of the most experienced cataract and refractive surgeons in North Texas. His team is among the few in the area specializing in laser-assisted cataract surgery and the use of high-tech lens replacements, such as Symfony®, Crystalens®, Trulign®, ReSTOR®, and the TECNIS® Multifocal Lens. These intraocular implants are designed to give a wider range of vision, including far, intermediate, or close-up vision.

For patients wanting to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts, many solutions are available, including LASIK, PRK, The Visian ICL, and the high technology lens implants used in cataract surgery. Additional services include eye health exams; management of diabetes, glaucoma, and corneal disease; treatment of dry eye; and reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid surgery.

ANITA

RON BARKE, M.D., MARTIN FABER, O.D., AMANDA HOELSCHER, O.D., LARRY FISH, M.D., KATE LEE, M.D., JEFFREY WHITMAN, M.D., FAISAL HAQ, M.D., ALFRED HUMPHREY, M.D., EDWARD HURST, M.D., TARA HARDIN, O.D., AMY HONG, M.D. NOT PHOTOGRAPHED: LESLIE PFEIFFER, MD

FRONT ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TODD AGNEW, O.D.,

JACOB, O.D., KIM WARREN, 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.