NSIDE Coastal Bend MD April/May 2013 by NSIDE Corpus Christi

COASTAL BEND

NSIDE

MD APRIL.MAY 2013

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE A NEW EXTERNSHIP FOR ER NURSES REAL WORLD SUCCESS YWCA’S THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM MEDICAL MIRACLES ORGAN DONOR AWARENESS MONTH

ry a s r e v i n n A Issue

A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT

DR. JOHN GOUIN N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

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Plan for the Unexpected Protect Your Financial Freedom.

$25 Annually. HALO-Flight’s Guardian Membership provides comfort to families when the unexpected happens. With any medical emergency, expenses can multiply. HALO-Flight’s Guardian Subscription Plan guarantees its members NO out-of-pocket expenses for a flight deemed ‘medically necessary’.

Corpus Christi, TX

361.265.0509

www.haloflight.org

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Alice 361-664-4888 路 Corpus Christi 361-882-5900 www.rivercityhospice.com

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CORPUS CHRISTI PODIATRY -

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2601 HOSPITAL BOULEVARD - SUITE 211 - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78405

361.883.5955

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Kingsville

HOME REHAB Serving South Texas, San Antonio and Austin.

Focused on restoring function and regaining independence. Kingsville Home Rehab Services, Inc. was established in 2004 and is a leader in home health rehabilitation. We provide to our patients quaility and evidencebased rehabilitaiton services. Integrity, excellence, trust and compassion are the core values in which Kingsville Home Rehab therapist’ and staff follow day to day, and from one home to the next. Kingsville Home Rehab’s primary goal is to enhance a patient’s quality of life with subtle changes. Whether teaching a fall prevetion program or making small postural changes to relief lower back pain, our goal is to maximize our patient’s potential.

P.O. Box 1205 Kingsville, Texas 78364 Ph: (361) 221-9177 Fax: (361) 221-0178

www.kingsvillehomerehab.com N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

Come Visit Our House! Always in need Of volunteers! Visit gchscc.org For info!

Looking for a place to bring those old towels and newspapers? Bring em’ to us!

South Texas’s Largest True No Kill We currently have HUNDREDS of wonderful pets awaiting loving, responsible homes. Adoption = more lives saved. Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm Sundays noon-6pm 361-225-0845 318 Cabaniss Pkwy. CC, TX 78415 Add Us on Facebook!

NSIDE Coastal Bend MD

P U B LApril/May I C A2013 TIONS

ceo/nside media productions eliot garza publisher adrian garza executive editor Erin O’Brien

creative director Elisa Giordano

graphic designers Damaris Fike Cristina Villa Hazar

executive assistant Elena Flores

contributing writers Steven Alford Mandy Ashcraft Robin Bradshaw Aaron Denovellis Dr. Ridge Hammons Lenore Kaiser Ashley Ley Hillary Reyna Cody M. Rice Sarah Tindall

photography Steven Alford Dustin Ashcraft

editorial intern Katrina Torres

www.getnside.com

Every Moment. Every Detail. Capure it Forever.

361.739.2143 www.DPPhoto.biz 8

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For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@getnside.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@getnside.com.

PUBLIC ATIONS

18402 U.S. Highway 281 N, Ste. 201 San Antonio, Texas 78259 Phone: 210.298.1761

nsidethisissue april/may 2013 profiles

A New Externship for ER Nurses

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System introduces a new externship program dedicated to training nurses to thrive in the fast-paced emergency department, one of the most demanding areas of health care.

YWCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Therapeutic Recreation Program

cover story

Dr. John Gouin

From humble beginnings through a storied career in medicine, the military, literature and football, this Corpus Christi podiatrist has more accomplishments under his belt than most people accumulate in a lifetime.

The YWCA has worked for social justice and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment since 1946. And now, with the Therapeutic Recreation Program, it also provides physical, psychological and social benefits for seniors by helping them maintain healthy lifestyles.

departments 12 28 30 32 36

Nonprofit Feature Health & Wellness Patient Senior Care

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Saving eyesight...

Over 1,600 diabetic retina laser treatments

every year.

Charles H. Campbell, M.D.,F.A.C.S. and Walter E. Moscoso, M.D. Diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina.

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5540 Saratoga Blvd. #200 361-993-8510 1-800-779-3482 with satellite offices in Kingsville, Beeville, Aransas Pass

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NSIDE nonprofit

Like any breed of dog, a pit bull that is properly raised will remain loving and friendly.

Monster Myths Who’s afraid of the bag bad … pit bull? By: [Cody M. Rice] Lots of people are afraid of pit bulls no thanks, in part, to some very damaging myths, the deeds of irresponsible breeders and guardians and the hyped-up media coverage that has been plaguing this breed for years. So many untruths and halftruths have been repeated so many times that the public has begun to believe fairy tales instead of facts. “Aren’t pit bulls mean and vicious?” They are no more vicious than golden retrievers, beagles and other popular dogs! In a study of 122 dog breeds by the American Temperament Testing Society (ATTS), pit bulls achieved a passing rate of 83.9 percent. That’s as good as – or better than – beagles at 78.2 percent and golden retrievers at 83.2 percent. In the ATTS test, a dog is put through a series of confrontational situations. Any sign of panic or aggression leads to failure of the test. The achievement of pit bulls in this study disproves once and for all the old, tired belief that pit bulls are inher-

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ently aggressive to people is a myth. Like any breed of dog, a healthy pit bull that is properly raised will remain loving and friendly. In the past 20 years, we’ve seen some sad examples of poorly bred and badly treated dogs that are the byproducts of irresponsible “backyard breeders” and cruel and abusive homes. These improperly raised, un-socialized creatures can show temperaments far removed from the traditional authentic pit bull. Don’t confuse these unfortunate “misbreds” with the huge majority of well-loved dogs in this country that remain solid in temperament, affection, trustworthiness and friendliness to their dying day. Originating before the 16th century in England (England in theory, as others believe Greece), these loyal dogs were prized family companions. From Sergeant Stubby, the first American canine war hero in World War I, to Petey, the loyal furry friend on “The Little Rascals,” these dogs have been well-

socialized and adored throughout history. Aside from being family pets, they were used for guarding herds and “bull biting,” which is using the dog to subdue agitated bulls in a herd. Unfortunately, this led to the blood sport of “bull baiting,” where dogs were trained and unleashed to kill – and up until now, dog fighting. Pit bulls were the dog of choice for their strength and sheer determination. Prior to the ‘80s, there were virtually no reports of this dog being dangerous or even close to it. Due to irresponsible breeding and inbreeding, along with irresponsible handlers, this dog is highly discriminated against and deemed not only dangerous to other animals, but people, as well – and all because of human negligence. We’ve all heard this frightened quote: “He went after a dog (or cat), and our kids might be next!” This is one big monster of a myth that has generated a host of damaging anti-pit bull hysteria. It is perfectly “normal” for a pit bull to be wonderfully affectionate and friendly with people, while at the same time, not 100 percent trustworthy around other dogs. Many other breeds are the same way. Like any breed of dog we see in family homes today, a properly raised, well-socialized, responsibly handled pit bull (or dog of any other breed) should never be aggressive to humans. So all in all, it’s like this: If you raise a child to be abusive and teach him or her that bad behavior is good, the child will portray that, right? It’s the same thing with dogs. They only know what they are taught. Along with that, allowing this breed (or any “bully breed”) to be placed into the wrong hands, being inbred and over-bred, and then sold to the highest bidder only leads to dangerous situations – often deadly ones for the dogs. So how is it really the dogs’ fault? Paws for thought. Get educated, never assume everything you hear is true and don’t get sucked in by monster myths.

Cody M. Rice is the education, media and PR manager for the Gulf Coast Humane Society, which is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 361-225-0845 or email cody@gchscc.org.

Recovery Isn’t Simply a Goal, It’s Our Mission.

Kindred Healthcare understands that when people are discharged from a traditional hospital, they often need continued care in order to recover completely. That’s where we come in.

Doctors, case managers, social workers and family members don’t stop caring simply because their loved one or patient has changed location. Neither do we.

Kindred offers services including aggressive, medically complex care, intensive care and shortterm rehabilitation.

Come see how we care at www.continuethecare.com.

Dedicated to Hope, Healing and Recovery

CONTINUE THE CARE 6226 Saratoga Blvd · Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 · 361-986-1600 www.khcorpuschristi.com N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

NSIDE nonprofit

Medical Miracles

Maggie Rangel shares her story of saving lives and making a difference.

Transforming Death into Life When life ends, the opportunity to make a difference does not. [Special to NSIDE] Through organ and tissue donation, one individual can save and enhance up to 50 lives. And the act of donation can help grieving families find comfort even in the most harrowing of situations. Families of donors often say their grieving process was made less painful somehow because they knew something positive had come from their loss. Almost every day, donors and donor families make the medical miracle of organ transplants possible. Even with all of the medical specialists in the field and all of the research being done every day, these miracles cannot happen without organs and the people who donate them. Today, while you are reading this article, 18 of the more than 100,000 people in our country on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant will die before the organs they need become available. That is just a statistic until someone you know or love passes away while waiting for an organ. The good news is that organ donation has increased more than 50 percent in the last few years (up from 5,000 donors a year in the late ‘90s to more than 8,000 donors a year since 2006). With most deceased donors giving several organs and with more than 6,000 living donors giving an organ each year, about 30,000 transplants are

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Through organ and tissue donation, one individual can save and enhance up to

50 lives.

performed in the United States annually. Registering is easy and takes only a minute. Just visit www.donatelifetexas.org or sign up next time you renew your driver’s license or license plate tabs. You’ll be one step closer to saving someone’s life and giving your family peace of mind.

You can register as a donor at www.donatelifetexas.org or www.donevidatexas.org. For more information, contact the Southwest Transplant Alliance at www.organ.org or 800-788-8058.

I met my husband, David E. Rangel, on Memorial Day weekend in May 1991. We knew that day that we were soul mates. We got married in January 1995. In summer 1996, David was diagnosed with kidney failure. He did not want to discuss dialysis. The physicians explained that dialysis would be the best option and that it was going to make him feel better. So we began dialysis in October 1996, and the battle began. David was put on the organ transplant waiting list a year later. The doctors wanted to make sure he was going to cooperate with his health and diet to be a positive recipient. In January 1998, I began the test phase, and on Feb. 14, 1998, of all days, we were notified that I was his perfect match (talk about soul mates). On July 30, 1998, David received my kidney. David’s new kidney began to work independently on Aug. 11, 1998, which meant no more dialysis after almost two years. In 2005, David became very ill and suffered complications from an unrelated illness. On Nov. 14, 2005, he passed away. My husband was now in a position to save another person’s life, and I knew that as a caring and loving person, as well as a recipient of such a precious gift, David would also want to give life to another. David now was going to save another husband, father, son, grandson, child, grandmother, sister, brother and perfect stranger, and he did. I became a donor’s wife. I continue my husband’s legacy through my dedication to volunteering as often as I can, focusing not only on our story of perseverance, but also on educating the public about the need to register as an organ, tissue and eye donor in the Texas Donor Registry. To learn more, please visit www.donatelifetexas.org.

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NSIDE nonprofit

A HELPing Hand

Hammons Education Leadership Programs offers students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience and benefit from the expertise of the professionals in a number of jobs they may not have even known existed. By: [Dr. Ridge Hammons]

Students often graduate high school with no idea what to do with their lives. Even when they choose a career, they rarely have a chance to “try it out” before committing to it – they take out loans to prepare for a career they find they dislike. Trapped by the debt they incurred, they may be compelled to work in a job they hate to satisfy their financial obligations. Hammons Education Leadership Programs (HELP) exists to avoid that risk by giving students opportunities to visit numerous job settings all over the Coastal Bend. HELP takes youth to local worksites to give them hands-on experience in jobs that might spark their interest and give them the desire to stay in school, or return to receive the training to accomplish their dream. HELP’s motto is, “How can you find the job of your dreams if you don’t even know it exists?”

jobsite visits and installs them in local schools. These cutting-edge computers allow the students to experience the world-of-work trips HELP organizes, and to virtually examine careers they might never have otherwise known about. HELP has installed these “Windows on the World” in six CCISD schools. Students can view more than 50 “field trips” to local businesses, and if they see a job that intrigues them, they can use the touch-screen computer to “drill down” into the location/ description of the job. They can communicate with professionals via Skype or phone, and apply to be on a future trip we take there.

Students in HELP

HELP works with students from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) who have

HELP’s motto is, “How can you find the job of your dreams if you don’t even know it exists?” Besides Valero, more than four dozen companies in the business world have hosted HELP students. These include CITGO, the Port of Corpus Christi, Sherwin Alumina, Air Liquide, Baseline Data, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospitals and many others. We also take groups to Craft Training Center, Del Mar College and Texas A&M to explore nursing, firefighting, welding, aircraft mechanics and many other skills.

HELP goes places schools do not, due to the liability involved; we put kids where the action is! We have no lectures, no books and no classes – just the shared experience of a job done well by those who do it best, and who are willing to share their expertise. In our On Site Career Mentoring (OSCM) model, students get to see the job, try it out and ask the experts questions, all at no cost.

Career clubs

HELP also loads touch-screen computers with videos and photos of our

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physical or mental challenges, as well as court-referred students from the Juvenile Justice Center. Students may also be recommended by their counselors.

Businesses in HELP

Valero brings HELP to its refinery twice a year for special in-depth investigations in three half-day visits. Together, Valero and HELP won the Crystal Innovation Award for 2012 from the Texas Association of Partners in Education for this cutting-edge look at the refinery business.

OSCM

Who is a better teacher than a professional who is willing to share his or her experience with a young person? What can be more authentic than to see, feel and taste the job in operation as you talk to the experts in the field? It is that sense of immediacy that is so often missing in today’s training programs because the students are not where the job is. They have no sense of what it is like to actually do the job in question. OSCM shows students exactly what it’s like to pursue a given occupation and introduces them to any number

of career paths, be it welder, pipefitter, nurse, firefighter, police officer or auto mechanic. Students get to see exactly what each career entails because HELP takes students down into the middle of the refinery; into the police academy; into the fire station; into the mechanic shop to observe, interact with and shadow the professionals who work in the field. HELP has taken more than 500 students on scores of trips to dozens of local jobsites. Students generally complete at least one three-month rotation looking at different jobs every month. In a survey we conducted last year, 94 percent of our students either were still in school or had a job.

Ridge Hammons, Ph.D., is the executive director of Hammons Education Leadership Programs, located at 4833 Saratoga, No. 447, Corpus Christi, Texas 78413. For more information, visit www.helphelp.us, or contact Hammons at ridge@helphelp.us, 361-443-5895 or 361-334-2598 (fax).

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START A CHAIN REACTION. STOP DIABETES.

Corpus Christi, TX

April 20, 2013 Texas A&M - Corpus Christi

Join us for the 1st Annual Coastal Bend Tour de Cure!

F i nd yo ur l o c alto ur and re gi s te r at

di abe te s . o rg/ c o as tal be ndto ur

36 1 85 0 87 7 8

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A Salute to the Doctor From published author and 30-year military veteran to football player and Corpus Christi podiatrist, Dr. John Gouin has an exceptionally lengthy list of accomplishments. By: [Sarah Tindall] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

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Dr. John Gouin

has accomplished many things in his lifetime; it’s hard to keep track of what he did when. A college football star with a stint in the pros, a medical doctor with decades of experience, a 30-year career in the military that began in the U.S. Army Special Forces and ended with a Bronze Star Medal and an Order of the Military Medical Merit award and a published author – it’s difficult to believe that one man has done so much and is still young enough to have teenage children. But Gouin, who is humble about his storied career, says he didn’t start out believing in himself. Gouin grew up in a small French Canadian speaking town in Rhode Island. He excelled in athletics and went to college on a football scholarship, but was focused on the sport and says he didn’t bother with the academics. In 1975, the New England Patriots signed him on as a free agent, and his dream to play professionally was realized. But this dream was short-lived: Knee injuries ruined his chances just as he was beginning. The Cincinnati Bengals briefly considered him, but nothing materialized, so he was faced with an uncertain future. Back in Rhode Island, with no job and no discernible skills to fall back on, Gouin struggled to deal with his disappointment. “I fell in with a group of shady characters like these ‘good fellas,’” Gouin said, pointing to a poster of the Sopranos in his office, near CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital. His father, an abusive alcoholic who had beaten Gouin as a child, resorted to degrading and belittling his son, who was now too big to beat. “He told me I was a failure and would never amount to anything,” Gouin said. This was a pivotal moment for Gouin – he eventually was incarcerated overnight. Despair and a life of crime were very real possibilities, but Gouin decided it was time to take control of the situation. He knew the only way to extricate himself from his faux friends, with whom he was entangled without repercussions, was to join the military, so that is precisely what he did. He could have coasted along in the military, serving his time and getting his life back together for when he got out, but Gouin says that’s not his way. “I didn’t want to take the easy way out,” Gouin said. “I wanted adventure. I wanted to get something out of my experience. I wanted to do as much as I possibly could and learn as much as there was to learn.” And that’s precisely what he did. Gouin joined the Green Berets and put into his experience everything he had – taking on every task they dished out to him and eagerly learning everything he could. What he got out of it, he says with a touch of pride in his voice, was nothing short of a worldly education. “They gave me the discipline I needed – the confidence I lacked,” Gouin said. He became a light weapons expert and spent time as a sniper. But he found himself most interested in his training as a medic, specifically in identifying and treating foot ailments in soldiers. “We saw a lot of stress fractures from all the marching, and then paratroopers would get shattered ankles from a bad landing,” Gouin said. So after his three-year stint was up, he left and went back to school, attending the University of Rhode IsN S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

“I didn’t want to take the easy way out. I wanted adventure.” 20

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land for undergraduate school. While he was in school, he worked the summer at a bar on the beach. That’s where he met a professor from his university who ran its ROTC program. “He found out I had been in Special Forces, and he had been in Special Forces for 10 years,” Gouin said. “So he encouraged me to join the program, and the next thing I knew, I was a lieutenant.” Medical school in Chicago followed undergraduate school. Nearing completion of his three-year residency program, he took a road trip down to Corpus Christi in 1989. While here, he knew immediately that this was the place for him. After completing his residency, Gouin says he had to go to San Antonio for three months for military training. The first Gulf War had broken out, and Gouin signed up to be deployed, but the war ended before he was sent over. It was time for Gouin to decide where he was going to hang his shingle

as a podiatrist; he chose the Sparkling City by the Sea: Corpus Christi. “I didn’t want to shovel snow anymore, and I wanted a beach and warm weather,” he said. “I tried California, but it was too expensive, and I looked at Florida, but everything there was Mickey Mouse. “Here in Corpus Christi, the people were very friendly, kind and courteous. I was surrounded by good old-fashioned Texas hospitality and charm. The city was large enough to be interesting, but not so large that you had the traffic and sprawl of San Antonio or Houston.” Gouin has been living on the island ever since that fateful day when he first drove into town. He continued to serve in the military while pursuing his medical career, so when the war broke out in Iraq, he knew what he had to do. In 2004, he was working in the Reserves and saw troops deploying. “I heard a friend of mine was going, so I called

“If you want to do something, you do it all the way.” him up and asked if he needed another doc,” Gouin said. “And he said, ‘Yep, and we’re leaving in three weeks.’” Gouin spent those three weeks frantically getting the necessary certifications to be eligible to go and trying to prepare his medical practice for his time away. “It all went so fast, my head was spinning,” Gouin said. After three weeks of training, he went home for Christmas. It snowed on Christmas Eve at his Christmas dinner, and he got on the plane for Iraq that afternoon. While Gouin was there, he got the call that his father was dying. He was flown home to say his goodbyes – not an easy task for a son whose relationship with his father had never recovered from past hurts. But as he left his dad for the last time, he says an unforgettable thing happened. He told him goodbye on the deck of the family house, but as he was walking away, he could feel his father’s eyes on his back. Gouin turned around, to see his father standing and giving him a military salute. “That was the last time I saw him alive,” Gouin said. The experience was so moving he wrote a book about it: “An Unforgettable Salute.” The memoir chronicles his time in Iraq and his road to peace with his father. After his year in Iraq, Gouin returned to Corpus Christi and began building his practice back to a healthy state. He credits his good friend and medical assistant, Maira Soto, for keeping the practice alive during his absence. Gouin served as commander of the 228th Combat Support Hos-

pital in San Antonio. His personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal; Bronze Star Medal: Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device, Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device; Army Service Ribbon; Special Forces Tab; Combat Action Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Parachute Badge; and the Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Superior Unit Award and Order of Military Medical Merit Award. Gouin met the love of his life after he returned from duty. He and his wife, Michelle, now reside on the island with his two stepchildren, Ashlynn and Brennan. For Gouin, who at 22 years old could not conceive what the future could hold for him, much has been achieved. He credits the support of his mother, Theresa, who he said always encouraged him to work hard, to achieve his goals and to never give up. “She told me that if you want to do something, you do it all the way – and that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.” It seems that Gouin has done just that.

Corpus Christi Podiatry is located in Physician’s Plaza West at 2601 Hospital Blvd., Ste. 211, Corpus Christi, Texas 78405. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, call 361-883-5955. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

Trauma Care With

Compassion

Jody Dunne is one of a dozen fresh nursing school graduates who have signed up for a 12-week externship offered by CHRISTUS Spohn Health System to mold qualified nurses to work in the emergency department – one of the most demanding units in health care.

Fresh graduates from nursing school train for the fastpaced, unpredictable environment of the emergency department in a new externship program offered by CHRISTUS Spohn Health System. 22

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By: [Steven Alford] Photography: [Steven Alford]

unshot wounds, heart attacks, serious burns or terrible bouts of the flu – there’s no telling what a nurse will see during a 12-hour shift inside a hospital’s emergency department. About a dozen fresh graduates from nursing school are delving into what it takes to work in one of the most demanding areas of health care. It’s part of a new externship program offered by CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, which aims to shape the group into qualified emergency department nurses over 12 weeks. “It’s a very, very specialized entity within nursing,” said Celeste Gillies, R.N., who serves as the education program’s coordinator. “It’s demanding and difficult because the doors in the emergency department never close. We’re open 24/7.” Gillies should know – she’s been working in and around emergency rooms for the past 25 years. She said the hospital system is always looking for qualified nurses ready for the hard work, experience and variety that come with working in the emergency department. “There’s a need for nurses everywhere, especially ED nurses, because it is so fast-paced and unpredictable,” she said. The students in the nursing class include former paramedics, business professionals and even an elementary school teacher. Jody Dunne is one of the dozen students who signed up for the class after becoming a registered nurse. After a stint in sales following college, Dunne entered nursing school in San Antonio and was immediately drawn to working in the emergency department. “Right from the get-go, that grabbed my attention,” she said. It was when Dunne’s grandparents passed away at an early age that she began to take an interest in health care. She wanted to make sure everyone received the compassionate care she saw had been lacking in their final treatment. “I wanted a career where I could make a difference,” the 34-year-old nurse said. Once she earned her nursing certification, Dunne said she began to eye the emergency department. It’s where anything can happen, and usually does.

Eric Conrad, assistant nursing officer at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus ChristiMemorial, leads a presentation during a new externship class, which will teach nursing graduates how to work in the demanding units of the emergency department.

“It’s a high-stress environment, but we live off that adrenaline.” “It’s a high-stress environment, but we live off that adrenaline,” said Assistant Nursing Manager Laura Pulido of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-Beeville. Pulido is one of several instructors in the course, bringing firsthand knowledge and decades of experience from her time in trauma care. She told the students that it’s easy to get burned out in the high-stress environment, but the emergency department nurses who last stay focused on the patients. “Be nice to that young mother, that elderly patient or that man that you see every week,” she said. “Remember why we are here.” It takes thick skin, a good sense of humor and great organizational skills to make it in the emergency department, instructors told students. More than any other area of health care, it also takes the entire unit working together – sharing information, passing on patients and staying in touch as more patients arrive.

Nurses listen intently during the first class of a new externship offered by CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus ChristiMemorial that will teach new nurses how to work in the high-paced environment of the emergency department.

“For the first year, you’re going to feel lost – like you don’t know what you’re doing,” said Eric Conrad, assistant nursing officer at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Memorial. “But after about two years, you’re going to wake up one day and say, ‘I know how to be an ER nurse,’ and that’s the greatest feeling in the world.” It’s a difficult path to being placed in the demanding unit and the stakes are high, but those who have worked in trauma units say there’s nothing like it.

Dunne said she’s already excited about the challenge and looking forward to the pace. She’s finally found a calling that isn’t just a job, but a career. “I was just working before this, not really knowing what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go,” Dunne said. “And now here I am – and it’s great.”

For more information about the class, call CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Memorial’s education department at 361-881-3188. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

sti Corpus Chri er hamb Hispanic C e of Commerc

Member Spotlight

Helping Seniors Age Well Addressing racial justice and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment since 1946, the YWCA also helps the seniors in our community adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles with the Therapeautic Recreation Program. [Special to NSIDE]

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he Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the YWCA for being chosen for the April/May Hispanic chamber member spotlight. As part of a global organization strengthened by diversity, the YWCA is a stable presence, offering programs in direct response to community needs. Since 1946, the YWCA has assumed a unique role in the community as an organization addressing racial justice and women’s empowerment. The Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is honored to have had the YWCA as a partner for more than a decade. Our missions are similar: achieving full potential and developing positive changes through active participation. For years, the YWCA and the Corpus Christi Hispanic chamber have worked side-by-side toward similar goals. “This partnership makes so much sense. Broadening our reach and strengthening our impact … we are strong alone – fearless together,” said Nancy Wesson-Dodd, YWCA president/CEO, when asked about the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce partnership. Older Hispanic citizens are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions, particularly diabetes. The need for community health programs that help seniors in South Texas age well is critical. This is where the YWCA Therapeutic Recreation Program comes into play. The program provides seniors in our community with tools and support to adopt healthy lifestyles and achieve lasting independence. Members achieve physical, psychological and social benefits. Strong community collaborations are vital to the program’s continued success. Support from community partners expands services, broadens reach and ensures a more sustainable future for generations to come – all while creating program awareness and increasing the impact of services to better serve the community. Researchers believe hundreds of thousands of lives could be saved annually if people stopped smoking, lost weight, exercised regularly and consumed a healthy diet. Yet prevention accounts for only 2 to 3 percent of spending on health care. So the question becomes: Does prevention pay? Can an ounce of prevention avoid (at least) an ounce of cure? As an investor in our community, that’s a pretty significant question. But as with any business deal, you simply have to weigh the cost versus the benefit. Let’s look at numbers. According to the Urban Institute, Americans spend more than 182 billion public and private dollars on services and support for chronically disabled elders every year. And the United States spends more than $200 billion annually on long-term care, either at home or in nursing facilities.

Every day a senior spends at the YWCA is one day less spent in the hospital, a doctor’s office or a nursing home.

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A one-year fitness membership that will keep seniors mobile, independent and out of the doctor’s office costs only $360. The benefit of community-based health and wellness programs that help seniors “age well” improves the value of life for an ever-growing population. While the YWCA can’t tell you how many of the 6,500 seniors they served over the past three years have avoided diabetes as a direct result of their program, the YWCA can tell you that 85 percent of members report at least two physical/psychological improvements; 60 percent of members visit the YWCA to workout at least three times per week; and more than 50 percent of members report increased balance, endurance, flexibil-

ity and strength as a direct result of the program. What’s more: Every day a senior spends exercising and socializing at the YWCA is one day less spent in the hospital, a doctor’s office or a nursing home. Their members achieve “real world” success. They’re clearly changing the way their members think and function as they make behavioral changes that reduce their risk of injury, disease and disability. The therapeutic recreation program impacts a greater number of people through collaboration, and it is actively working to build capacity among the growing aging population. The YWCA will continue their outreach efforts and leave a larger footprint throughout the Coastal Bend.

If you would like more information about the YWCA and the Therapeutic Recreation Program, contact Nancy Wesson-Dodd, president/CEO, at 361-857-5661. Thank you to all of our Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members for your partnership through our 75 years. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Shannon Gabriel, director of membership services, at 361-887-7408 or sgabriel@ cchispanicchamber.org.

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Facts About YWCA Members: n

95% live in Nueces County

67% are female

33% are male

52% are Hispanic

59% are over

age 55

AngelBrightHomeHealthInc.com 361-986-1102 N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

NSIDE feature

Taking Flight

After serving the community for a quarter of a century, HALO-Flight continues not only to provide emergency medical care for South Texans, but also to protect their financial freedom. By: [Hillary Reyna]

It is said that around 1986, HALO-Flight was conceived on a cocktail napkin at a restaurant in Falfurrias, Texas. Helicopters were quickly becoming the preferred transport vehicle across the United States. An hour-and-a-half ground transport time was no longer acceptable. Visionaries felt strongly that the region needed an air medical helicopter service to transport the severely ill and injured from rural locations to trauma and cardiac centers that could provide a higher level of care. HALO-Flight opened its first base in 1987 within the town of Falfurrias. With a leased Bell 206 helicopter, volunteer pilots and paramedics worked long hours to provide air medical transports to rural South Texas. For a quarter of a century, HALO-Flight has been providing emergent transport to the citizens of South Texas. The service is so engrained into the community that it is unintentionally referred to as a verb. News reports often indicate that patients are “HALO-Flighted” from the scenes of accidents. With a fleet of three Bell 407 helicopters, HALOFlight has grown into the premier helicopter emergency medical service in South Texas. State-of-theart safety and medical equipment, stringent aircraft

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maintenance and a highly skilled staff all factor into the success of the organization. In the last 25 years, HALO-Flight has transported more than 15,000 patients – victims of motor vehicle accidents, pediatrics and life-threatening

tients from a nurse and a paramedic with shorter transport times and minimal out-of-hospital time for critical patients. Frequently, costs associated with air ambulance transport are not considered. Natural instinct plays

In the last 25 years, HALO-Flight has transported more than 15,000 patients. conditions such as strokes, heart attacks and head injuries. On the worst day of a person’s life, it is possible that person could require emergency air ambulance transport. Many times, emergency medical personnel or a physician determines that transport by helicopter is a patient’s only chance for survival. Transports by helicopter provide critical care for pa-

a factor in planning for such a traumatic event because it is safer to assume that “it is not going to happen to me” or “my medical insurance will cover those costs.” What many do not realize is that most air ambulance services have a membership available to the community they serve that helps eliminate the anxiety associated with the costs of emergency

STAY IN THE KNOW! medical transport. An air medical flight can easily exceed $10,000, and medical insurance alone does not always cover the entire cost. The portion not covered by medical insurance is the responsibility of the patient. HALOFlight has implemented a membership called the Guardian Subscription Plan, where members are charged no out-of-pocket expenses for a transport deemed medically necessary.

How does it work?

If a Guardian member has insurance, HALO-Flight will file a claim with the member’s insurance company and accept that as payment in full. Members without insurance do not receive a bill. Coverage extends to all family members who live in the same household (includes dependent, custodial and non-custodial children). HALO-Flight’s Guardian Subscription Plan is available for purchase for a low annual rate to households, businesses and ranches. As an added value to its Guardian Membership Program, HALO-Flight has formed reciprocal agreements with nonprofit air ambulance services in San Antonio (AirLIFE) and Dallas (CareFlite). If a Guardian

member is flown by one of these services, he or she will be covered under that organization’s membership plan. A vast majority of the 28,000 square miles HALOFlight services are occupied for farming and ranching purposes. In 2011, HALO-Flight’s membership department introduced a ranch plan that gives ranch owners the opportunity to cover not only their households and their employees, but also any guests visiting their property within the year. Citizens of South Texas can find peace in knowing not only that HALO-Flight will respond to their medical emergencies, but also that the organization is mindful of the financial burden an air ambulance transport can create. HALO-Flight is dedicated to providing emergency medical care to South Texans and helping protect their financial freedom.

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Hillary Reyna is the marketing and membership director for HALO-Flight. For more information about HALOFlight or the Guardian Subscription Plan, please visit www.haloflight.org. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

NSIDE health & wellness

Women with higher iron levels increase their fertility rates by up to

62%

Feeding Your Stork The right dietary modifications can increase both your own health and wellness and the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

By: [Mandy Ashcraft]

Your daily food choices affect many different aspects of your life, from whether or not you’re “skinny” in skinny jeans to whether or not you’ll be looking to buy your skinny jeans from the maternity section. Trying to get pregnant? Fertility and food are greatly intertwined; your body is dependent on you to make the right choices for your own life in order to increase your chances of creating a healthy new one. So how should you feed your stork? A stork needs plenty of iron, ideally acquired from both heme iron sources (animal proteins) and non-heme iron sources (plant proteins). Studies have shown that women with higher iron levels, whether from supplements or proper food choices, increase their fertility rates by up to 62 percent. Before you pick out nursery colors over an entire brisket, keep in mind that more than three servings of animal protein per day actually has negative effects on female reproduction. Load up on plants! As even this metaphorical bird would, storks love fatty fish. Omega 3 fatty acids regulate necessary hormones and keep your body functioning as it should by decreasing inflammation and helping restore optimum circulation in both women and men. Male reproduction abilities are enhanced by an increase in Omega 3 fatty acids, so don’t shy away from a his-and-hers plate of fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines, as well as other sources like flaxseed, spinach and soybeans. Even the word “trans-fat” sounds unhealthy, and it is. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet regardless of your hopes for a stork visit, but especially if that’s what you have in your plans. A diet high in trans-fats can reduce your likelihood of conception dramatically, as well as damage major organs. Dietary modifications to increase your own health and wellness generally have a similar effect on your chances for successful conception, a healthy pregnancy and a fat, happy baby with healthy parents. Now, does this mean junk food is an acceptable birth control method if you’re not looking to get pregnant? No. Your “Taco Bell and soda diet” will not function as an acceptable substitute for birth control. For most people, your stork will arrive as easily as a Domino’s delivery car, and sometimes at the same time. But for nearly 20 percent of others, it might take a little extra coaxing. Nutrition plays a big role in reproduction; its value is significant and should not be discounted. Feed your stork correctly, and it will deliver the greatest gift you could ever receive.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

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NSIDE patient

One Step at a Time

Legacy Adult Day Care Center takes a new approach to the adult day care concept by providing both licensed therapy and an environment of hope for stroke victims. By: [Robin Bradshaw and Ashley Ley]

Tony is a 49-year-old Corpus Christian whose life journey has been remarkably challenging. Tony suffered an unexpected stroke and brain hemorrhage in 2010. Prior to the stroke, Tony led a very active lifestyle. As a young man in his mid-40s, a stroke was not something Tony had remotely been concerned with. A stroke is sometimes referred to as a “brain attack” that occurs when blood flow to the brain stops. If a lack of blood to the brain occurs for longer than a few seconds, brain cells begin to die and there is often permanent irreparable damage or even death. In Tony’s case, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in which a blood vessel in part of the brain became weak and burst open, causing blood to leak into the brain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, about 50 percent of individuals who survive a stroke are unable to care for themselves after the stroke occurs. In Tony’s case, he was confined to a wheelchair due to the damage the stroke caused to his brain and body. The devastation of succumbing to a wheelchair and losing the ability to walk led Tony to begin the fight of his life. The loss of mobility and independence is something Tony says he wouldn’t wish upon his worst enemy. When a person has a stroke, it is emphasized how important it is to get to the hospital as soon as possible. The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that treatment of a stroke is most effective if it begins within the first three hours. Stroke victims

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like Tony also begin therapy in the months following the stroke. However, the long-term challenges and treatment plans people like Tony face are often not as clearly defined or prescribed as the treatments that occur in the initial weeks and months after a stroke. The inability to work and return to “the way life used to be” can lead to depression, stress and anxiety. For Tony, the decision to attend Legacy Adult Day Care and receive ongoing physical and occupational therapy from Legacy Therapy Center has led to remarkable progress. Six months ago, Jason, a Legacy

altered by a stroke may spend the majority of their day isolated at home with little hope and limited social interaction. Adult day care facilities such as Legacy strive to create an environment where nurses can monitor health needs and therapists can focus on physical concerns and activities that encourage socialization and foster a community of fellowship amongst members, which is paramount. Creating a new approach to the adult day care concept is what Legacy is doing in the Corpus Christi community. Located in a renovated church,

About 50 percent of individuals who survive a stroke are unable to care for themselves after the stroke occurs. Therapy Center technician, took an interest in Tony and a friendship began. Jason, who is also a Corpus Christi bodybuilder and personal trainer, spends 30 minutes every day assisting Tony in a simple walk through the Adult Day Care Center. Slowly, these walks started to last a little longer. Recently, Tony succeeded in walking independently without Jason’s assistance. Adult day care facilities are so important to Tony and countless other stroke victims like him. Too often, patients whose lives have been completely

the Legacy Adult Day Care has been able to create a therapeutic environment where skilled nursing and licensed therapy occurs – but perhaps most importantly, where an environment of hope is fostered.

For more information about adult day care services, please contact Legacy Adult Day Care at 361-8505660 or www.legacyhhc.com. You may also visit the National Stroke Association online at www.stroke.org.

When you think of physical therapy... you most likely think of our ability to

treat the standard musculoskeletal injuries or conditions such as strains, sprains, low back pain, neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain, etc.,

...but did you know Humpal P.T. also has programs for:

• Pregnancy (Pre/Post Natal Care) • Diabetes • Fall Prevention • Neuropathy

• Cardiovascular Therapy • Osteoarthritis • Vertigo (dizziness) • Osteoporosis

• Athletic Rehab (Sport Specific) • Thoracic-Outlet Syndrome • Orthotic Evaluation/Fabrication • Pre-Op/Post-Operative Therapy

We have a program for you if you are unable to perform your activities of daily living due to pain or limited range of motion.

We will put you back in the Game of Life!

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46’x 20’Indoor Pool - Corpus Christi location

All 6 locations offer carefully designed and supervised exercise programs in State of the Art gyms and Large Indoor Heated Pools.

Medicare, Medicaid, Workers Compensation, and most insurances accepted.

If you have a condition that is causing you pain or concern, ask your Doctor for a prescription to Humpal P.T., or stop by any of our locations to request a FREE physical therapy Screening to determine if your condition can benefit from physical therapy.

Humpal Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers

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Corpus Christi, 5026 Deepwood Cir., 361-854-2278 Calallen, 4040 Five Points Rd., 361-241-7399 Alice, 1302 E. 5th St., 361-664-9675 Portland, 114 Lang Rd. 361-643-8243 Aransas Pass, 2150 W. Wheeler Ave., 361-758-5199 Rockport, 1811 Broadway (aka Fulton Beach Rd.), 361-729-8777

6 Locations • 120 Employees • One Philosophy- Provide the Best care!

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NSIDE patient

There are tax programs in place to offset some of the costs of individual health insurance.

An Alternative Approach

Prepare for the 2014 health insurance coverage reform by knowing your options for family health insurance coverage. By: [Lenore Kaiser] With all of the changes going on with health insurance coverage, most Americans need to start thinking outside the box. Most of us depend on our employer to provide health insurance coverage, but with many Americans unemployed, between jobs or with outrageously high deductibles, it is easy to understand why some would feel compelled to search for alternatives for themselves and their family. In addition, many employers are now denying coverage to spouses to save on annual premiums due to the new fees that went into effect as part of the Affordable Care Act. In 2014, companies will have to pay $65 on average per life covered on its plan compared to this year’s $1 to $2 per life. That is a huge difference! Health law guidelines proposed recently man-

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date coverage of employees’ dependent children up to the age 26, but spouses are optional. The percentage trend in dropping spouse-covered insurance coverage plans has increased each year since 2010. Purchasing non-employer-based health insurance coverage can be expensive, especially in the case of independent policies. Insurance companies give greater savings to group type packages with companies because their potential profits are much smaller with individual insurance plans. This is true (more so) if an individual or someone in their immediate family has a history of preexisting conditions, which makes them a higher liability of future major health insurance claims. The good news is that there are tax programs in place to offset some of the costs of individual

health insurance, so make sure to look into these programs if you are considering that path. If choosing non-employer-based health insurance coverage, individuals should examine the scope of the coverage: n Benefit coverage and limitations n Visit limits and dollar limits n Premiums and cost sharing (including co-payments and deductibles) n Waiting periods for coverage Consider talking to a private health insurance agent, as this can be a great way to cut down on the cost of your policy while ensuring that you’re paying for a quality plan. Many physicians throughout the United States are looking into alternative health care options for their patients. You will start seeing more of a trend of “cash-based” or “VIP” doctor care. Doctors doing such a practice only accept so many patients on an annual basis to provide better one-on-one care to those who sign up with them. Those patients pay monthly dues directly to the physician for such VIP care, removing health insurance from the equation. Other alternatives to consider for basic health care needs are telehealth providers such as Healthcare On Call, CallMD and RingADoc, which provide physician and nurse consultations and basic health care. This is ideal for families who are relatively healthy with no major health concerns. The cost varies, but overall, it is extremely affordable to give you peace of mind.

Lenore Kaiser is the wellness director and owner of Kaiser Medical Management. For more information, call 1-800-764-0418 or visit www.kaisermedicalmanagement.com.

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NSIDE senior care

“I never imagined I would be so happy anywhere other than my home.”

Unique Advantages

Residents of Mirador, Corpus Christi’s newest retirement destination, share their views on happiness, security and the good life. By: [Aaron DeNovellis] “I never imagined I would be so happy anywhere other than my home,” says Joann Myster, one of the founding residents of Mirador, Corpus Christi’s brand-new retirement community. “It feels too much like a vacation to be true! I love the coastal lifestyle. I love the people. I can sit and talk with them for hours. I love the activities. There’s just so much to do.” Mirador opened its doors in 2011 with a 21stcentury fitness center, fine dining, arts and entertainment and resources for virtually every kind of pastime. Mirador is also the exclusive community offering Masterpiece Living, the nationally acclaimed initiative for fitness and personal growth at any age. Masterpiece Living puts the activities at Mirador into a personal program to help all of the

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residents achieve their unique goals. “I love the availability of excellent health care whenever I need it and however I want it,” Myster adds. A full range of onsite health care – assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation – gives Mirador residents a unique advantage: never having to worry about getting the right help at the right time. Health care concerns were one of the deciding factors for Mary and Ivan Pierce. They discovered the community when Ivan began to face health challenges. “The doctor told us, ‘Mirador has the best facilities in the region,’” Mary recalls. “When we moved in, my husband had to go into 24-hour health care.

But the therapists worked with him, his attitude was positive and in a month, he moved back into independent living with me. Today, he’s not even using a walker. Our friends are amazed.” Mirador is Corpus Christi’s first Life Care retirement community. The Life Care program gives independent living residents lifetime access to all Mirador health services at predictable rates that don’t change dramatically, even if their health does. Mirador also accepts residents directly into its health care neighborhood, The Plaza, on a monthly fee basis. The easygoing comforts and vivacious company are just as impressive as the security. “It’s been nothing but pluses,” Mary says. “If I want to see friends or go out to dinner, I just go down the hall. I don’t have to drive. And I don’t have to cook! My oldest daughter is very particular, and she said, ‘mom, I can’t wait ‘til I’m 62 and I can move in!’” First-time visitors are often surprised to discover how much more comfort and convenience they can enjoy for the same cost of living they’re currently paying in their houses. With so many services and amenities included, from housekeeping to home maintenance, and a wide variety of residence styles and sizes, they’re seeing their dollars go farther. Who chooses Mirador? People from all walks of life who’ve been careful planners – and who want a sound plan for the future they want. Pastor Sam Gottlich and his wife, Diane, are a good example: “We came to Mirador because we wanted choices,” Diane says. “We didn’t want our children worrying about us.” The health care security and the thriving friendships at Mirador allow residents to keep control of their major life decisions without putting the burden on their families. Surrounded by loving friends, both neighbors and staff, residents find new freedom to enjoy life. Diane agrees: “The community feeling here – we just love it. We used to say, ‘we’re going back to Mirador.’ Now we say, ‘we’re going home.’”

Mirador is located at 5857 Timbergate Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414. For more information, contact Jonina Fabian, marketing coordinator, at 361-6511103 (direct), 361-994-0906 (fax) or jbfabian@miradorretirement.com.

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2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

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Anodyne Therapy, Assessment & Evaluation, Blood Pressure Monitoring, Central Line and PICC Line Management, Certified Diabetes Educator, Certified Nurses Aide, Disease Process Teaching and Management, Enteral Nutrition, Foley Catheter Care, Insulin Administration, IV Therapy, Medical Social Services, Medication Management, Occupational Therapy, Parenteral Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Venipuncture/Lab Work, Wound Care Certified Nurses, Wound Care Management, Wound Vac

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Your Home. Your Health. Your Choice. BENAVIDES

119 W. Railroad Ave. Benavides, Texas 78341 Ph: (361) 256-3980 Fax: (361) 256-3981

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St. Peter’s Home Health, Inc. Certified by Medicare in 2005 and accredited by Community Health Accrediation Program in 2010 Registered Nurse and Referral Intake available 24/7

SERVICES PROVIDED:

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1801 East Main St., Ste. A Alice, Texas 78332 Office: 361.664.7001 | 1.877.279.7710 | Fax: 361.664.7727 COUNTIES SERVED: Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Bee, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Live Oak, Starr, Webb, Zapata, Cameron, Willacy, Aransas and San Patricio.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Cousins Hall RM 113A 925 W. Santa Gertrudis Phone: (361) 593-2861 / Email: conted@tamuk.edu 40

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Christina Kubala Velazquez Owner + Instructor

tumbling + cheer prep + adult tumbling + toddler tumbling + todder cheer prep Private tumbling/ cheer lessons + Hip hop dance class + Competitive cheer teams ages 4-18 + College competitive cheer teams + April 27, 2013 ACA cheer team try outs 6801 Weber Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (B) 361.334.2774 (C) 361.774.0112 /// AdvancedCheerAndAthletics@gmail.com

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