NSIDE Coastal Bend MD June/July 2013 by NSIDE Corpus Christi

COASTAL BEND

NSIDE

A LANDMARK FOR A LEGACY REMEMBERING DR. ARTHUR E. SPOHN

JUNE.JULY 2013

ALL-STAR NEUROSURGERY

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN & SPINE CENTER N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

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361.265.0509

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

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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!

NSIDE Coastal Bend MD

P U B LJune/July I C A2013 TIONS

CEO/NSIDE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS ELIOT GARZA South Texas’s Largest True No Kill

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA

We currently have HUNDREDS of wonderful pets awaiting loving, responsible homes. Adoption = more lives saved.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm Sundays noon-6pm 361-225-0845 318 Cabaniss Pkwy. CC, TX 78415 Add Us on Facebook!

Erin O’Brien

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Damaris Fike Cristina Villa Hazar

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Elena Flores

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jessica Salinas Amanda Villarreal

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steven Alford Mandy Ashcraft Ashley Ley Brent Norman Marcus Sorenson 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 JUNE/JULY 2013

12 COVER STORY

PROFILE

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN & SPINE CENTER

REMEMBERING DR. ARTHUR E. SPOHN

Drs. Mathew Alexander, P. Langham Gleason and Howard Smith comprise the all-star lineup of neurosurgeons at this cutting-edge practice, dedicated to providing top-of-theline neurosurgical care to South Texas.

On the 100th anniversary of Dr. Arthur E. Spohnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing, CHRISTUS Spohn associates gather to honor the life and legacy of the visionary healer who helped establish the first hospital facilities in Corpus Christi.

DEPARTMENTS 10 20 22 24 26

Feature Patient Fitness Health & Wellness Senior Care

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NSIDE FEATURE

A LAST WISH GRANTED

The Legacy Hospice philosophy of care promotes dignity and maximizes the quality of life for every patient. And as the wife of one patient can attest, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late for dreams to come true. By: [ASHLEY LEY]

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Over the short course of American history, the founding principles of the United States have often served as a beacon of light to the most remote corners of the world. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are freedoms that more than 316 million American citizens currently enjoy, according to the CIA World Factbook. The rights and privileges that come with being born an American citizen are often difficult to put into perspective for those of us who have never experienced life under a different governmental system. However, oppression and abuses are a reality for countless citizens of foreign countries. The choice between what is familiar and the desire to be part of the American dream drives thousands of people to cross seas, learn new languages and leave loved ones behind. In 2011, more than 694,000 persons were granted U.S. citizenship, according to the DHS Office of Immigration Services. The process of becoming an American citizen is not an easy one, and it can take as long as a year-and-a-half for a decision to be reached from the time the initial application is submitted. Despite the challenges of becoming a citizen, the dream to be an American can be found in the hearts of young and old persons alike in all areas of the world. Recently, Legacy Hospice received the following letter from the wife of a patient who passed away while on hospice services:

GOT A BOO BOO? We’ll make it better

PALLIATIVE AND SPIRITUAL CARE IS FUNDAMENTAL TO HOSPICE AND HOSPICE TEAM MEMBERS.

y husband recently passed on after struggling with the late stages of terminal cancer. Prior to his passing, my husband was speaking to the hospice social worker and expressed his regret of not having seen his lifelong wish of becoming a U.S. citizen come to fruition. Several days after this conversation, the social worker unexpectedly called our home to see how my husband was doing and asked if he might be feeling up to becoming a U.S. citizen that day. I honestly couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Later that day, a United States federal judge was in our home, along with members of the Legacy Hospice staff, to swear in my husband as a U.S. citizen. The judge was so gracious and caring to my husband, and the pride reflected on my husband’s face was something that had been missing over the past months. The judge informed my husband that it was a highlight of his career to be swearing him in that day. Two days after my husband officially became a citizen of the United States, he passed on. His passing was peaceful and comfortable with our family by his side. His final wish had been granted. The social worker did not have to do what he did for my husband and my family. He later told me that helping my husband was his duty as a fellow human being, and caring for my husband during his last days of life had been his pleasure. All I can say is thank you for helping to make my husband’s last wish a reality.

Hospice is a philosophy of care that is focused on supporting the patient in the final phases of a terminal illness. The goal is to enable patients to be comfortable and free of pain so they may live each day as fully as possible. Palliative and spiritual care is fundamental to hospice and hospice team members, including registered nurses, licensed medical social workers, chaplains, physicians and volunteers. Hospice programs should promote dignity and maximize the quality of life for every patient.

14254 SPID, Ste. 207 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

361-589-4068

www.sunsurfmedicalclinic.com MEDICAL CLINIC

FAMILY & MINOR EMERGENCY CARE

The story shared by the wife of a Legacy Hospice patient demonstrates everything a good hospice program should and could be. Essentially, each day is a gift and it is never too late for a wish to come true.

To learn more about Legacy Hospice, please call 361855-0848 or visit www.legacyhhc.com. You may also visit the Hospice Foundation of America online at www.hospicefoundation.org. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

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Triple THREAT

Led by all-star neurosurgeons Drs. Mathew Alexander, P. Langham Gleason and Howard Smith, the South Texas Brain & Spine Center provides top-of-the-line neurosurgical care to South Texas. By: [SARAH TINDALL] Photography: [DUSTIN ASHCRAFT]

he South Texas Brain & Spine Center has been providing top-of-the-line neurosurgical care to South Texas since 2008. Dr. Mathew Alexander started practicing in Corpus Christi in 2004, and he opened South Texas Brain & Spine in 2008. He has since added two more neurosurgeons, Drs. P. Langham Gleason and Howard Smith, to his all-star lineup. The center treats everything from low back pain and osteoporosis to Parkinson’s disease and brain tumors right here in Corpus Christi and South Texas using the most advanced technology, including Cyber Knife and minimally invasive spinal technology. These innovative procedures allow the neurosurgeons to perform surgeries that up until a few years ago were very invasive, requiring large incisions and long hospital stays, with a minimal amount of incision and very often on an outpatient basis. This is important to note, Alexander says, because it means patients in South Texas have options when considering where to go for treatment. “Our No. 1 emphasis is on using cuttingedge technology to maximize good results,” he says – and it

which is especially helpful if complications arise or additional treatment becomes necessary. Surgery is not the majority of the way patients are treated at South Texas Brain & Spine, however. According to Alexander, only 15 percent of their patients require surgical intervention. Most spinal patients are suffering from neck pain, low back pain, fractures, degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, stenosis, sacroiliac joint syndrome or scoliosis and are treated with a combination of physical therapy, medication and pain management techniques. Alexander was born and raised in Louisville, Ky., the son of a general surgeon. He found himself interested in his dad’s work, so after he graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., he attended Albany Medical College, and then completed an accelerated six-year medical program at the Medical College of Georgia. “I found myself fascinated by my research into neurons, and the fact that neurosurgery is a field that is constantly evolving and the most technologically advanced was appealing to me,” he says. So he followed the program with a neuro-

N USING O IS IS S A H P M E 1 . O “OUR N NOLOGY H C E T E G D -E G IN T T U C TS.” L U S E R D O O G E IZ IM TO MAX shows. Alexander performed the first disc replacement surgery in South Texas, and he was the first to use the Cyber Knife technology. Patients who think they need to travel to San Antonio or Houston to receive the most advanced treatment are missing out on the opportunity to do so right here – the advantage of which, Alexander says, is that post-operative follow-up and treatment are close to home instead of several hours away,

surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin, which he completed in 2004. The rest is history. Alexander’s brother, a cardiologist, was already living and working in the Coastal Bend, so relocating here to be near family after he finished his residency seemed an obvious choice. He opened South Texas Brain in 2008, and now he feels he’s assembled an all-star team with the addition of Gleason in N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

August 2012 and Smith earlier this year. Gleason was born in Great Falls, Mont., the son of an Air Force fighter pilot. The family traveled often, as required of military families, and Gleason eventually attended Columbia University and graduated magna cum laude in philosophy and English. Next came a stint at Balliol College at Oxford University studying medical ethics under the joint schools of philosophy and theology, after which came four years at Harvard Medical School. His epiphany moment came in medical school when he observed a surgery for a teenage girl with a pituitary tumor. The tumor was causing her to go blind, and Gleason says that as her vision was restored over the course of the next few days, he felt he had been part of a miraculous experience. “It was almost biblical watching her recovery, and I realized what kind of impact I could have

He says he is happy to work with such advanced technology and in hospital environments that have spiritual support available. “We try to help people through some of the worst human experiences,” he says, “and to have a father come in to sprinkle some holy water in the ICU or when we’re wrestling with a bad trauma patient, it is so good – for the patients and for us – to have access to that spiritual support. It makes a big difference.” Smith is also happy to be here on the coast. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with his medical degree, and then completed his internship and residency in neurosurgery at the University of Missouri. He says he picked neurosurgery because he had a cousin and an uncle die of brain tumors, “and I hated it.” After completing school, he set up a practice in Ocean Springs, Miss., because he enjoyed be-

“WE TRY TO HELPOME PEOPLE THROUGHHUSMAN OF THE WORST S.” EXPERIENCE as a neurosurgeon,” he says. He next completed his internship at the Beth Israel Hospital of Boston, Harvard Medical School and his junior residency at the Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University School of Medicine The rest of his training was at the Children’s Hospital of Boston and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School, where he was the senior and chief resident in neurosurgery and a clinical fellow in surgery. This was followed by several years of teaching at various universities and colleges, but so many years in academia took their toll on Gleason. After those years of teaching, he determined that he wanted to branch out into private practice. “In academia, it’s so much of an organized structure; everyone is very specialized,” he says, adding that he felt he wanted to branch out. So his next move was to Santa Fe, N.M., where he met his wife, a nurse anesthetist who was there for a conference, and the couple is now raising a blended family of six children. The move to Corpus Christi has been a blessing. Gleason says he went to Port Aransas for vacation several years ago and then wondered why he wasn’t practicing down here on the beautiful coast, and “when the opportunity came to work with Dr. Alexander, work at a children’s hospital and live on the coast came, I was happy to take it.” Gleason’s main interest is minimally invasive neurosurgery, using image guidance computers to plan out the surgery instead of making a big incision to be able to see inside the patient.

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ing on the coast, but a knee injury made it impossible for him to perform surgery for five years. He continued to practice medicine during the day, and upon the advice of his wife, he started attending law school at Loyola New Orleans at night. “I learned one thing about practicing law, though,” he says with a smile. “In the courtroom, only half of the people in the room are on your side. In the operating room, everyone is on your side.” So he went back to medicine and continued to practice in Mississippi until Hurricane Katrina destroyed Ocean Springs and his home and practice along with it. He and his wife honeymooned in Rockport and have come here every year to visit family, so after some time practicing in San Antonio, the recent move to the Coastal Bend was a natural one. And he says his three grown children are happy to have access to all the Coastal Bend has to offer when they come for a visit. “I’m very satisfied with the work here,” Smith says. “I enjoy my colleagues, I feel intellectually and physically challenged, it’s very fulfilling and I am very grateful to be able to do this every day.” It’s a great boon for the Coastal Bend and all of South Texas to have three such talented and hardworking doctors in our backyard.

For more information about the South Texas Brain & Spine Center, go to www.southtexasbrainandspine.net or call 361-883-4323.

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r a b t e i l n e C a g

LEGACY CHRISTUS Spohn associates honor hospital founder Dr. Arthur E. Spohn on the 100th anniversary of his passing. By: [STEVEN ALFORD] Photography: [STEVEN ALFORD]

Dr. Arthur E. Spohn came to Texas in 1876, treating patients at their homes for nearly two decades before raising more than $12,000 to build the first hospital in Corpus Christi on North Beach. Originally named the Spohn Sanitarium, the hospital opened in 1905. Spohn treated patients there until his death in 1913. The hospital was destroyed by a hurricane six years later, and was re-opened in 1923 off Shoreline Boulevard, where CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline now stands.

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More than a dozen CHRISTUS Spohn Health System associates and volunteers held a prayer service on May 6, 2013, at Rose Hill Memorial Park to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of Dr. Arthur Spohn, the Corpus Christi hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder.

r. Arthur E. Spohn would be proud of how far the humble hospital he founded in Corpus Christi has come. More than a century later, it has grown into a premier destination for high-quality health care in the Coastal Bend, and it is now part of CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, which encompasses five additional hospitals. Though there have been considerable technological advances in medicine since the first Spohn hospital opened in 1905, the commitment to providing compassionate care has remained the same through the years. On May 6, the 100th anniversary of Spohn’s death, CHRISTUS Spohn asso-

ciates gathered at his gravesite to pay tribute to their founding father. “We are truly standing on the shoulders of a giant today,” CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Charles Volk said at the prayer service at Rose Hill Memorial Park. “Dr. Spohn’s vision was instrumental in establishing the first hospital facilities in Corpus Christi.” While visiting her mother’s grave more than a year ago, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System associate Janette Johns noticed the neglected gravesites of Spohn and his wife, Sarah. The weeds had become overgrown, and their headstones were leaning off their base, she recalled. So she decided to do something about it. Johns and other associates managed to raise funds from the health system’s

“WE ARE TRULY STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF A GIANT TODAY.” N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Charles Volk speaks about the legacy of Dr. Arthur E. Spohn during a ceremony on May 6, 2013, honoring the 100th anniversary of the hospital founder’s death.

Giving From Within campaign, using employee donations to provide a makeover at the gravesite. Associates leveled out the head stones and planted fresh foliage, and Johns even spent hours with a lawn chair and a water hose soaking fresh-laid sod to make the grass thrive. Those at the service on May 6 honoring Spohn’s legacy said they felt a duty to look after their founder’s final resting place. “Spohn never had any children of his own,” said Marjorie Chavez, the health system’s director of mission services and community health and wellness. “So we kind of feel like that falls to us – that we are the ones to help carry on his memory.” Spohn came to Texas in 1876, treating patients at their homes for nearly two decades before raising more than $12,000 to build the first hospital in Corpus Christi on North Beach. Originally named the Spohn Sanitarium, the hospital opened in 1905. Spohn treated patients there until his death in 1913. The hospital was destroyed by a hurricane six years later, and was re-opened in 1923 off Shore-

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line Boulevard, where CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi-Shoreline now stands. As the CHRISTUS Spohn family came together on the anniversary of their founder’s death, many reflected on the past 100 years and how far Spohn’s dream has come. After the service, many gathered by his prominent granite headstone to take a picture with their hospital’s namesake. But those in attendance also look forward to the future and carrying on the mission established by their founder for another 100 years to come.

“Today, on the 100th anniversary of his death, we celebrate Dr. Spohn’s life, gifts of healing, vision and legacy to the South Texas community,” attendees read aloud during a closing prayer. “Dr. Spohn would be amazed.”

For more information, call Steven Alford, communications specialist, at 361-861-9512 (direct) or 361-5585935 (mobile), or email him at steven.alford@christushealth.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 PATIENT

A LOWER DEDUCTIBLE OFTEN COMES WITH A HIGHER MONTHLY INSURANCE PREMIUM.

IT’S COMPLICATED Understanding health insurance, the confusing and expensive side of health care By: [MARCUS SORENSON] If you have received any medical care over the past several years, you know there is a lot more involved than just seeing your doctor and taking a pill. You first must get prior authorization, be in-network with your insurance selected provider, pay a pre-determined deductible, pay a pre-determined co-pay and hope the procedure is deemed “medically necessary and appropriate” so your claim does not get denied. Whether you have a governmentissued insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid or a private insurance such as Humana or Blue Cross Blue Shield, you have probably experienced the confusing, and often frustrating, side of health care. I hope to explain some of these policies and define some of the terms to make this an easier process for everyone. One common frustration is with the deductible. A deductible is a pre-determined amount of money you will be expected to pay before your insurance pays for any medical expenses. Common deductible

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amounts range from $500 per year up to $5,000 per year depending on which plan you choose. A lower deductible often comes with a higher monthly insurance premium, so it is important to pick a deductible that meets your individual health needs. Most physician checkups do not require the deductible to be met for the insurance to pay on the claim. A deductible is generally required to be paid in full before any “extra” procedures can be provided such as diagnostics, surgeries, injections, chemotherapy and often even hospitalizations. In addition to a deductible being met, co-pays are often required to be paid for any services provided. Copays can be as small as $5 for some inexpensive medications and up to $100-plus for emergency room visits and days spent in the hospital. Most physician visits require a copay of $10 to $30 per visit. Specialists such as internal medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons often require larger co-pays. Also, providers

such as physical therapists, chiropractors, pharmacology and even diagnostics often also require co-pays for services depending on specific plan selected. One final common frustration with insurance is with in-network versus out-of-network providers. This is based on a selected group of providers the specific insurance plan has contracted with to provide specific services. Generally, the insurance company looks for a wide range of providers in disciplines such as family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, therapists, laboratories and even hospitals to provide different medical procedures to their clients. Any client with that specific insurance plan will be able to select from the pre-determined group of providers to provide that service, often at a discounted rate. That is what is defined as an in-network provider. A patient may choose to receive medical services from a medical provider not in that specific provider network, which would be considered an out-

of-network provider. These services will generally be more expensive to the patient, as the insurance often will not cover the entire cost of the service. Health insurance is a necessary evil in our health care system. It can be frustrating getting specific procedures approved, and the premiums often go up, while the coverage often goes down. The good news is that there are many different insurance providers and many different plans that can often be customized to fit the needs of the individual patients and their families. With the many different providers often competing for the same patients, it is important to frequently “shop” different insurance companies to ensure you are receiving the adequate amount of insurance coverage, but not paying for services you don’t really need.

Marcus Sorenson is a physical therapist and the owner of Kingsville Home Rehab Services, Inc. Please visit www. kingsvillehomerehab.com for more information.

Welcome to the SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER. Our surgeons provide neurosurgical care in many of the major hospitals in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our surgeons and staff provide individual and conservative treatment using the most effective and modern technologies available in the world.

SOUTH TEXAS BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER 1227 3rd Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78404

361.883.4323

www.southtexasbrainandspine.net N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

NSIDE FITNESS

You can find me at the Hardstyle Kettlebell Club with Hector Gutierrez Jr. and Lawrence Gonzalez on any given day teaching the skill of kettlebell lifting. We offer athletic training, primal/animal movement, workshops, H-E-B tours, food guides, mobile training, house calls and supplement counseling. Kettlebells are cannonballs with a handle. “It’s a gym in your pocket,” says Pavel Tsatsouline, chief Strong First instructor. “It enables you to replace every piece of equipment you have ever owned, reverse engineer the way you move and become a much better athlete.” Anyone can use it, and it involves the entire body with every movement. Kettlebells have an offset center of gravity, which brings a component of stability and mobility to each lift, when instructed properly. Men start to forge a fighter’s physique, and women go from flab to girl gone strong. If you don’t believe me, when I was at a recent certification, Tracy Rifkin – who is well-known in the kettlebell community as the “Swing Queen” – performed a snatch test with a 20-kilogram bell. That’s 44 pounds, overhead, 100 times in five minutes. Oh, and she’s 49 years old.

LAST AND STAY STRONG IN THE GAME

HONEY, BELLS AND PICKLE JUICE

Excel throughout your bouts of exercise and get fit for life with these routines and remedies, the AK-47s for training. By: [BRENT NORMAN] There is no doubt that all of the actions the fitness and wellness community contribute have a profound effect on our people, our mindsets and ultimately our future. The industry has a duty to actively push people to change; it’s what we’re paid for. Unfortunately, not everyone has the will, the self-confidence or even the self-esteem to take charge. There are people who need a shift in mindset. There are people who are drowning in the belief that all hope is gone. Since I have been in the fitness industry, I have had to adjust time and time again. When you stop growing, your value to your students becomes common and irrelevant. One thing I have seen is the obvious change the city has gone through since we were given the unattractive

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title of “fattest city.” On social media, it is apparent that the name had an impact. People are checking in at gyms more, health posts are seen more and people are out and active more than I noticed three years ago. Those who have made these changes deserve the stage for recognition. My outstanding friends – Web developer Dominic Olivares and life coach Sean D. Olivares – and I am generating a movement to give them the stage. We are the founders of One Fit Culture.

BEFORE YOU CAN ENDURE STRENGTH, YOU MUST HAVE STRENGTH TO ENDURE Now, One Fit Culture is my brand, but I am an SFGcertified kettlebell instructor and nutrition enthusiast.

I am sure you have been in the gym and gotten to a point where your blood sugar dropped and you felt dizzy. Normally people stop and go home. Well, I was watching a news program during the 2012 Olympics about gymnastics. Since gymnasts are known for being among the strongest athletes pound for pound, I was not too proud to listen up for a pointer from their training. As simple as it is, honey was what I picked up. U.S. gymnast Jonathan Horton said when he starts to feel weak, he used the honey uses for the uneven bars to boost his sugars to finish his training strong, so I adopted the method. It’s inexpensive, it works great and it is recommendable for use in your own local studio. I use it to simply boost blood sugar to finish my workout strong. “In comparison with sucrose, a honey-based diet would promote lower weight gain, adiposity and related biomarkers (leptin, insulin and adiponectin), as well as a better blood lipid profile,” according to a study by various researchers on Pubmed.com, a popular research forum for doctors. And when paired with cinnamon, honey has also been known to be beneficial for heart disease, arthritis, blad-

der infection, cholesterol, colds, upset stomach, immune system issues, gas, indigestion, the flu, longevity, sore throat, pimples, skin infection, cancer, fatigue, bad breath and hearing loss. The second remedy to keep close at the gym is pickle juice. This one is dear to me, for it has saved me many times during the worst of muscles cramps as I grew up playing soccer. Pickle juice is awesome for muscles that have been depleted of electrolytes and are fatigued to the point of a cramp. The following was concluded by a study from the University of South Alabama: “Both types of PJ (pickle juice) exceeded sodium concentration levels set by the current NATA guidelines for

fluid replacement … Ingestion of PJ or other hypertonic fluids should be followed by ingestion of hypotonic or isotonic fluids to ensure that ingested amounts of sodium fall within the current NATA guidelines.” Basically, make sure you follow with plenty of water. This is a cheap and effective method, and apart from that, it is a better choice than your everyday antacid for acid reflux. People normally go with an antacid such as TUMS when they have an episode, but that completely depletes your system of acid, so your body overproduces acid. A simple sip of pickle juice may solve the issue without putting your system through the hassle. Many people think there is a lot needed to get fit and excel through your bouts of exercise. What I have covered here can create an awesome experience and a way to always be ready. You will be unstoppable in just a 4-by-4-foot area. These are the AK-47s for training. Use them well and enjoy.

For more information, call 830-5220122, or visit www.hardstylekettlebell. com or www.onefitculture.com.

Sources ➊ http://www.nrjournal.com/article/S0271-5317%2810%2900254-X/ abstract ➋ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=pickle+juice+in+s ports

“Recover Close to Home…” You have a choice …

Choose Esplanade Rehab Hospital

Esplanade Rehab Hospital is a comprehensive medical rehabilitation facility. We provide an opportunity to rebuild the lives of those who have suffered a disabling illness or injury.

Our program provides the following services based on the patient’s goals and/or needs: • Occupational Therapy • Laboratory Services • Physical Therapy

• Pharmacy Services • Respiratory Therapy • Nutritional Counseling • Speech Therapy

• Orthotics/Prosthetics • Diagnostic Radiology • Area Pastors

361.906.3700 N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D M D

NSIDE HEALTH & WELLNESS

JUICING HAS BECOME AN EASY AND APPEALING WAY TO ENHANCE THE DIET AND FILL THE VOIDS OF LACKING NUTRIENTS.

JUICING: THE PROS AND CONS Is the popular dietary trend fresh-squeezed fact or fiction? By: [MANDY ASHCRAFT] The popularity of juicing is no question. With retail stores stocked with juicers and “juice bars” popping up around the country to meet the needs of those on the go, you see the word “juice” everywhere. It has all the key characteristics of a typical fad diet: rapid increase in media coverage, celebrity mentions, ease of finding juicing-specific appliances, new recipe books and so on. So is it a gimmick? First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what it is. Juicing entails a consumer blending large amounts of fruits and vegetables into a juicer to extract only the liquids to drink – in most cases, to replace a meal or meals. This allows people to ingest the nutrients from large amounts of fresh produce

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that they wouldn’t be physically able to consume whole. It would be a lot more difficult to consume 10 kale leaves, two whole apples, four celery stalks, a lemon and a cucumber than it would be to drink one glass of juice. That’s a given. Juicing, and using a wide variety of combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep it interesting and palatable, became an easy and appealing way to enhance a diet and fill the voids of lacking nutrients. As with anything, there are pros and cons. The arguments against juicing have suggested that it may be more psychological than physiological in terms of overall health improvement. The rebuttals to such claims are substantial; you’ll find ample

scientific evidence to back up the claims that juicing helps prevent LDL (“bad”) cholesterol plaque, reduces appetite and regulates metabolism (thus encouraging a healthy weight), improves electrolyte function, regulates blood pressure, neutralizes acids that weaken the circulatory system and more. If the person “feels healthier,” that usually encourages healthier lifestyle decisions as a whole, so a psychological effect would realistically only be a bonus. Those who are juicing are advised to consistently change up their juice contents to ensure well-rounded and balanced nutrition. A more understandable stab at juicing is one that raises flags against juicing being promoted as a permanent lifestyle rather than as a detox or an addition to a normal diet. Those who are juicing for every meal should limit it to a “juice fast” for only a day or a few days unless they are being monitored by a physician. For long-term benefits and minimal risk, a person can safely add juicing to the regular diet as a natural supplement to promote health. In either case, it’s important to be aware that some diseases (kidney, thyroid, autoimmune) and some conditions (pregnancy, anemia, terminal illness) do not respond the same way to juicing as in a healthy individual, so a physician should always be consulted. In popular documentaries such as “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead,” those featured have seen significant weight loss and health improvements while juicing for extended amounts of time, but while maintaining doctor supervision for safety. For the most part, juicing is a win-win. There are recipes for juices online, as well as books and magazines with ideas. Sites like rebootwithjoe.com have a colorful database of popular blends where you’ll find hundreds of flavors like orange ginger for breakfast, spinach lemonade, cinnamon sweet potato with almond milk and a “super green” one called The Hulk. The possibilities are endless, so this is a trend worth indulging in.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft. com.

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

NSIDE SENIOR CARE

“WE FELL IN LOVE RIGHT AWAY!” Mirador, Corpus Christi’s newest retirement destination, celebrates two years of creating new relationships and eliminating worry for area seniors. [SPECIAL TO NSIDE]

As soon as Mirador opened, Albert (LeRoy) Hoermann and his wife, Wanda, moved in. “I retired 27 years ago, and when my wife needed more health care after she was diagnosed with ALS, we thought living at Mirador in independent living would be a good move,” says Hoermann, one of the very first residents of Mirador. “My daughter lives in Corpus Christi, and her mother-in-law lives here at Mirador. So we had another family connection here, as well.” Mirador celebrates its two-year anniversary in June since opening in 2011 with delicious dining, arts and entertainment, a state-of-the art fitness center and resources for virtually every kind of pursuit. Mirador was founded on a belief in a better quality of life, as it is the area’s exclusive community offering Masterpiece Living, the nationally acclaimed initiative for fitness and personal growth at any age. Masterpiece Living puts all the activities of Mirador into a customized program to help all residents achieve their unique goals. “When we visited Mirador, we fell in love right away,” Hoermann says. “It is a very good family atmosphere here. We grew close with all the neighbors right from the start, and all the new residents and staff.” Wanda passed away in 2012, and when asked if he is going to move out, Hoermann is adamant. “No! I am in decent health, and this is my family now.” He is such an advocate of the happiness of all the Mirador residents that the community has organized a weekly recurring event around him called “Coffee with LeRoy,” where he meets with the

residents and listens to what they think about life at Mirador. “I really feel like I am part of the process at Mirador,” Hoermann says. “We can influence policy.” “We are grateful for the feedback,” says Aaron DeNovellis, executive director. “For example, some changes we made included offering gluten-free meals and more low-sodium options. Those suggestions came directly from our residents. And it’s this valuable involvement that keeps our care and service so superior.” In the two years since it opened, Mirador has received the coveted Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The rating system is based on health inspec-

residents an even more independent, worry-free lifestyle. “It’s a treat to be able to offer such excellent services, and the best part is that when people first visit, they are often surprised to realize just how much more contentment and convenience they can get for the same cost of living they’re currently paying in their houses,” DeNovellis notes. “With so many services and amenities included, from house-

“MIRADOR HAS A VERY GOOD FAMILY ATMOSPHERE. I WOULD DEFINITELY TELL OTHERS TO CONSIDER THIS LIFESTYLE.” tions, staffing and other crucial quality measures data, and it gives each community ratings between one and five stars. Recipients of five stars, such as Mirador, are considered well above the average for quality. Those ratings assess the full range of onsite health care (assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation), giving Mirador

keeping to home maintenance, they’re seeing their dollars go farther. And that’s so wonderful to think about in these challenging economic times.” 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 health care security allows residents to keep control of their major life decisions without putting the burden on their families. Surrounded by loving friends and attentive staff, residents find new freedom to enjoy life. Hoermann agrees: “I would definitely tell others to consider this lifestyle. I hope to live longer because I have so many terrific opportunities to participate in activities and socialize while I’m doing it.”

For more information about Mirador, please contact Cory Houdmann at 361-651-1103.

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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!

4500 sq.ft.Gym - Corpus Christi location

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.

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Humpal Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers

w w w. H u m p a l P h y s i c a l T h e r a p y. c o m w w w. F a c e b o o k . c o m / H u m pa l P T

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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2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Skilled Home Health Care Services

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

Coverage Area

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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CORPUS CHRISTI

6262 Weber Rd. Ste. 302 Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Ph: (361) 853-3971 Fax: (361) 853-4309

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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:

SKILLED NURSING / HOME HEALTH AIDE SPEECH THERPY / PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY / MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE

OTHER SERVICES:

LAB WORK / COLOSTOMY CARE / CATHETER CARE / WOUND CARE / INJECTIONS / PORTABLE X-RAYS INTRAVENOUS THERAPY / WOUND VAC THERAPY

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.

CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION PRESENTS: Customizable Business Workshops & Seminars For All YOUR Business Needs! TOPICS: • Proactive and Situational Leadership • Strategic Planning for Business Growth • Achieving Goals via Customer Relations • Sustainability In Your Business • Professional and Business Ethics

HIGHLIGHTS: • Review Actual Case Studies & Organizational Situations • Role Playing & Hands-on Exercises • Participant Evaluations of Individual Skills • Up-to-date Policies & Regulations Presented • Topics Personalized to Specific Business/Organizational Needs • Certificate of Completion to All Participants • CEU Certificates Available for $25

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Cousins Hall RM 113A 925 W. Santa Gertrudis Phone: (361) 593-2861 / Email: conted@tamuk.edu 36

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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 6801 Weber Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78413 (B) 361.334.2774 (C) 361.774.0112 /// AdvancedCheerAndAthletics@gmail.com

Twice As Nice Flowers

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“FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT CONTENT WITH ORDINARY” • • • • •

Fresh Flowers for all Occasions Distinctive Floral Designs Customized Silk & Dried Flowers Wedding & Reception Specialists Sympathy Tributes

• • • • •

Fruit & Gourmet Baskets Green & Blooming Plants Corporate Accounts Welcome Major Credit Cards Accepted Service to Most Zip Codes

OWNER SHELLY AMAYA

7102 Wooldridge • Corpus Christi, TX 78414 361.993.0097

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