Panhandle Magazine Winter 2020

FREE

pm

3 D E L I C I OU S LY H E ALT H Y R E C I P E S

panhandle magazine PAN H AN D L E . L I F E S T Y L E . C O O K I NG . H E ALT H . F I T N E S S . S U C C E S S . H I S T O RY

Spring 2020 Edition

Perspectives ON HEALTHCARE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

DAVE'S EXPERIENCE WITH CANCER

VAPING: THE FACTS

MAYOR NELSON ON KIDS INC

W W W . P A N H A N D L E M A G A Z I N E . C O M

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 1

2/21/2020 11:38:31 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 1

2/21/2020 11:38:32 AM

32 AM

pm

panhandle magazine WTAMU Moves to Serve the Panhandle

PAGE 23

70 percent of WT nursing graduates are likely to remain in the Panhandle for their careers.

Welcome to Panhandle Magazine. The Panhandle is unique, but we have many similarities when it comes to Healthcare.

The region is large, our determination is large and there are some large things developing in our area. Just because big things are happening does not mean we are meeting every need or can see into the future as our medical needs change.

This issue highlights a few companies and individuals that have great insight into our community and into the healthcare battle around all of us.

Vaping The Facts Behind the haze and the hype, the subject of vaping PAGE 5

Winning Health Battles First hand experience of Dave's story with Prostate Cancer PAGE 34

Panhandle Towns Update

We would love more positive stories of people, companies and groups that are making a difference. Please share those stories on our Facebook page, so others can learn and be uplifted.

PM Magazine is a division of Gray TV and KFDA-NewsChannel10 Media

@PANHANDLEMAGAZINE @PANHANDLEMAGAZINE

PUBLISHER / EDITOR NewsChannel 10 Staff

Tulia Hereford Perryton PAGE 39

Kids Inc Celebrates 75 Years

PAGE 11

WELCOME

Amarillo Mayor speaks about her history and the value of Kids Inc.

PROOF EDITOR: Carol Winn Contributors Include: Dave Oliver Jonathan Winn Lance Lahnert March of Dimes West Texas A&M University Heal the City Staff NewsChannel10 Staff

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 2

2 2/21/2020 11:38:35 AM

T-ANCHOR FLEA MARKET

OPEN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 9AM-5-PM FAMILY AND SAFE ATMOSPHERE THE BIGGEST FLEA MARKET IN THE PANHANDLE

3 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 3

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:38:35 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 4

2/21/2020 11:38:35 AM

VAPING: The Facts A Newschannel10 In-Depth Report

Not all the facts are clear, but behind the haze and the hype, the subject of vaping can be broken down into what we think we know now and what we may find out in the future.

T

he latest Center for Disease Control (CDC) numbers indicate that doctors have diagnosed about 2,600 probable cases of lung injuries from e-cigarettes and vaping, while 57 people have died from those injuries.

And those numbers are just for people who were hospitalized. Wichita Falls health officials reported a death on January 14, the closest known death to the Panhandle so far.

Statistics show that the injuries are hitting young males more than any other group, and medical professionals lean toward blaming additives, especially vitamin E acetate. Evidence now points toward many cases being caused by products containing THC - the chemical that creates marijuana highs - that are bought from friends or online rather than from local commercial operations.

The battlegrounds over what to do or not do stretch from schools, where staff struggle to keep especially vulnerable teens from experimenting, to the federal government, which is considering proposed regulations and issuing health alerts.

5 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 5

Here at home, students in the River Road school district report a large percentage of their classmates have tried or are using e-cigarettes and vaping devices. “I just feel like since they think it’s not cigarettes, that it’s like, okay,” said Morning Slaughter, a junior at River Road High.

They say getting what’s necessary isn’t hard. “They’ll have their friends or siblings buy one for them without their parents knowing, so they’re able to sneak it around their house even,” said senior Jordan Valdez.

A

ccording to administrators, the school has seen students go to surprising lengths to get their nicotine fix, climbing on restroom stalls to stuff paper into vents they think hide smoke detectors. To their dismay, those stalls collapsed.

“Teenagers just have the attitude and the mindset that they’re invincible,” said Assistant Principal Rachel Freeman. Regardless, the district will be installing detectors that can go off like an alarm or silently notify staff so they can go to the source of the warning.

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

Besides kids looking for chemical recreation, adults are also buying into industry claims that vaping devices will help them quit smoking or they’re at least safer. Researchers at Amarillo’s Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are doing research with a new $3 million grant to look at the impact of nicotine concentrations in cigarettes and vape products. Their early findings suggest the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain from vaping is similar to that caused by cigarettes.

“Vaping is not a safe alternative,” said Dr. Luca Cucullo, one of the researchers. “Maybe it could be considered a safe alternative for a chronic smoker who cannot quit at all. But I don’t think it’s a tool to help you quit smoking at all.”

Dallie Thomas of Amarillo turned to vaping to cut out cigarettes. “I thought it might have been a good alternative to quit smoking, because you know, this smell, the smoke was bugging me,” he said. “And the effects it has on my lungs also.”

Now, he’s back to going outside every once in a while to have a smoke.

ARTICLE BY: NEWSCHANNEL10 STAFF

2/21/2020 11:38:38 AM

“Maybe it could be considered a safe alternative for a chronic smoker who cannot quit at all. But I don’t think it’s a tool to help you quit smoking at all.”

“The vaping, I feel like I was getting even more nicotine than when I was smoking,” he said. “Vaping was always right there beside me.

It seemed like I was doing it every other minute.”

And research shows there’s more to worry about in addition to damage to the brain.

Harrington Cancer Center Tobacco Treatment Specialist Sharri Miller reports, “With my studies at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, they have revealed this year there are ten things in certain vaping products that do cause cancer. And so in this cancer world, we’re concerned for that.”

S

ome of those effects may take a while, even years, to become obvious, but right now the concern is with lung injuries from oily additives.

“When you inhale oil-based products into your lungs, they don’t go away,” said Dr. Carl Boethel, a

pulmonologist at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Waco.

“They stay there, and the body cannot get rid of them. So, some of these patients that we’re seeing who wind up on ventilators have what is termed lipoid pneumonia.”

CDC analysis of emergency room visits suggests the lung injury outbreak started in June after a gradual rise since 2017 and peaked in September. But the numbers of patients hospitalized for lung injuries haven’t returned to the levels before the outbreak.

With the tornado of information about everything from pop stars

to this week’s best diet whipping through people’s lives, the urgency to research and address e-cigarette and vaping use can surge but then fade.

There’s still more to learn given the decades of research done on the impact of cigarettes versus the relatively recent appearance of e-cigarettes and vaping. “I don’t think we’ll ever say it’s as bad as cigarette smoking, but who knows,” said Dr. Victor Test with the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. “Hopefully we won’t be 50 years down the road and hoping we’d acted sooner.”

Centers for Disease Control Latest Outbreak Information and Suggestions As of early December, 67% of hospitalized patients were male.

78% of hospitalized patients were younger than 35 years old.

There may be more than one substance that can cause lung injury.

Avoid e-cigarette, vaping devices and liquids containing THC particularly from informal sources like friends, family or in-person / online sellers.

People using e-cigarettes or vaping products should not go back to smoking.

People using an e-cigarette or vaping product should monitor themselves for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if they develop the following: Respiratory symptoms: cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea.

Nonspecific symptoms: fever, chills or weight loss.

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 6

6 2/21/2020 11:38:42 AM

Vaping Risks Your Child’s Health • The nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development • The solution and vapor from e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, some of which cause cancer • Youth are uniquely vulnerable to the nicotine in e-cigarettes because their brain is still developing • E-cigarettes come in flavors, which are appealing to children • E-cigarette liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact • A young child can be killed by very small amounts of nicotine: less than half a teaspoon

For a guide on what you need to know and how to talk to your kids about vaping, go to:

TobaccoFreeAmarillo.com

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 7

2/21/2020 11:38:42 AM

COME AND SPEND YOUR TAX REFUND WITH US INVIERTE TU REEMBOLSO DE IMPUESTOS CON NOSOTROS OVER 500 USED CARS IN STOCK MAS DE 500 AUTOS EN NUESTRO INVENTARIO

Sweets, Treats, Gluten Free & Keto Friendly

THE SEASON IS CHANGING. AND SO SHOULD YOUR TIRES. 806-374-2854 3001 S. Fillmore

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 8

8 2/21/2020 11:38:43 AM

HEAL the CITY The mission of Heal the City Free Clinic (HTC) is to provide free quality medical care and referral services with dignity and compassion to the uninsured of our community.

I

n October 2017, HTC launched a chronic care program called Shalom to meet the needs of the uninsured, chronically ill by providing access to healthcare, medications, education and support.

Shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness and completeness.

Shalom patients are required to complete a series of admittance steps. A participant must show financial documentation to HTC, including a denial letter for the indigent care program in their residing county. Participants must come to all scheduled appointments on time, be medically compliant and attend monthly wellness classes recommended by their medical team. Services are provided free of charge, including medications through our on-site Class A pharmacy.

A RTICLE BY : NE WSCH A NNEL 10 S TA FF

9 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 9

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

ARTICLE BY: HEAL THE CITY

2/21/2020 11:38:45 AM

Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine. All diabetic patients receive a glucometer along with education and logs on how to use these tools to track their blood sugar. According to the National Diabetes Report 2017 provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30.3 million people have diabetes (9.4% of the U.S. population). Of the 449 chronically ill patients currently enrolled in Shalom, 74 have a diabetes diagnosis and had an initial HbA1c of 9.0% or above.

By their three-month appointment, 50% achieved normal HbA1c (<9.0%) .

Heal the City has four nurse practitioners (two full-time and two part-time) providing care for our Shalom patients. HTC has four medical assistants that support our medical providers. In addition, volunteer medical specialists schedule time at the clinic to see patients in need of specialty care. These specialists include a podiatrist, an optometrist and a nutritionist.

Our robust wellness program offers education and fitness classes throughout the day, during the evenings and on the weekends. Nutrition assessments, cooking demonstrations and diabetic education are a few of the education classes offered for diabetic patients. Community volunteers teach classes, with a translator for our Spanish-speaking patients. Our wellness center is currently under construction with an anticipated completion date in summer 2020. Once construction is complete, providers will work with patients to have specific health tracks centered around their chronic illness.

Heal the City is focused on improving patient care outcomes. Together, with access to healthcare, education and fitness programming, we hope to have improved results for all of our chronically ill patients.

Heal the City Free Clinic is located at 609 S. Carolina Street. For more information visit www.healthecityamarillo.com

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 10

10 2/21/2020 11:38:47 AM

"SO YOU CAN LOOK AT THE VISION OF KIDS, INC. AND MEASURE IT AS AN EXERCISE THING, MAYBE IT’S A SPORT THING, BUT I WILL TELL YOU IT’S A COMMUNITY THING.”

W

hen current Amarillo mayor Ginger Nelson pounds her gavel to open a meeting or stands before a group to give a speech about what’s happening in Amarillo, few see her as a basketball coach.

But she is.

A Kids, Incorporated basketball coach.

“I had so much fun coaching and believe so much in Kids, Inc.,” Nelson said.

grown to include 15,517 girls and boys participating in 27 different sports.

Dugger, who passed away in 2016 at age 96, was the first volunteer director of the organization and a close friend of Jimmy Lackey, current president and CEO of Kids, Incorporated. The Kids, Inc. sports complex in Amarillo is named after Dugger and his wife Freda.

When Lackey arrived in 1995, there were only 12 sports programs. That number is now 27.

As Kids, Inc. turns 75 years old this year, Nelson’s story isn’t hard to find in the Amarillo area. Whether playing or coaching Lackey praises his staff for their day-to-day one of the current 27 sports programs, excellence and embraces the history of generations of Amarilloans in all walks of Kids, Inc., saying that grandparents who life have been touched through Kids, Inc. participated in Kids, Inc. in their youth are And, of course, Kids, Inc. has contributed to now watching their grandkids play Kids, the wardrobe of many a closest with that Inc. sports. iconic t-shirt seen on the streets of Amarillo every day.

“Kids, Inc. has truly become generational,” Lackey said. “And it hasn’t changed since It seems that everybody growing up in Mr. Dugger and his 11 players. It’s always Amarillo, including parents with children about the kids. And not kids from a certain in Amarillo, has a Kids, Inc. story. Much like area, but all over Amarillo.”

Mayor Nelson.

And although Kids, Inc. does have “Kids, Inc. has had such a tremendous impact professional athlete alumni like 2009 firstin our community and really embodies round NFL draft-pick Ziggy Hood of the that old proverb that says without a vision Pittsburgh Steelers, the purpose of the the people will perish,” Nelson said. “The program is simply for kids to have fun. reason why I say that is look at the impact Kids, Inc. has had over 75 years. Just take one “This book we are writing for the 75th kid - how it has changed their life and got anniversary I’m hoping is a really nice them up off the couch and possibly taught footprint for when Kids, Inc. turns 100,” them a lifelong exercise skill and work ethic. Lackey said. “I’m going to be dead and It changed their trajectory with exercise, gone by then. What I’m so happy about is I but more importantly with community. It know down deep in my heart that Kids, Inc. introduced them to an adult and engages will be helping kids the next 75 years.” parents and brings people together.

And just like Mayor Nelson, everybody in “So you can look at the vision of Kids, Inc. the Amarillo area will continue to have and measure it as an exercise thing, maybe their own Kids, Incorporated story – and it’s a sport thing, but I will tell you it’s a a t-shirt. community thing.”

As Kids, Incorporated celebrates 75 years of serving Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in 2020, one thing remains the same since the doors opened that first day. Kids, Inc. is simply for everybody. Now offering 27 sports programs for girls and boys, Kids, Inc. is able to give all kinds of wonderful experiences for kids ranging from cheerleading to soccer to tackle/flag football to basketball.

Number of kids turned away because of finances: 0 Average number of games played each day: 15.74 Number of sports programs: 27 Number of teams: 1,538 Number of volunteers: 4,000-plus Number of games played: 5,745 Number of kids participating: 15,517

From simple beginnings in 1945 when Cal Farley asked Bus Dugger to organize a basketball team of 11 boys from Glenwood Elementary until 2019, Kids, Inc. has

11 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 11

ARTICLE BY: LANCE LAHNERT

2/21/2020 11:38:48 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 12

2/21/2020 11:38:49 AM

Thank

YOU!

THE PANHANDLE FOR 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS 3503 NE 24th AVE

13 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 13

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:38:49 AM

What’s your favorite book?

What was your first car?

What city were you born in?

What was your first job?

What’s your mom’s maiden name?

Secure Your Data Today 806.418.8333 www.fiteit.com WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 14

14 2/21/2020 11:39:19 AM

Look Good.

Feel Good.

What Are Medical Spas?

You can refer to facilities that offer non-surgical cosmetic procedures by many names - often they are stand-alone facilities and/or these procedures may be integrated into a clinic or office with another medical specialty with a primary focus. Either way, in the state of Texas all non-surgical cosmetic procedures outside of laser hair removal fall under the regulations of the Texas Medical Board, (TMB). Whether they are owned by a physician or not all of the rules in TMB Rule 193.17 apply to those who are providing and performing these treatments and would fall under these guidelines.

What Are Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures?

Neurotoxins like - Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. Dermal Fillers - Juvederm, Restylane, Revanesse, Belotero, Radiesse, Bellafil. Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP Injections. Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF or PRF Injections. Microneedling or Dermarolling at any depth. Mesotherapy with any needle punctures. All Laser, Radio Frequency Devices, and Body Contouring treatments, besides Laser Hair Removal. Medical grade chemical peels.

Sclerotherapy injections for spider and small reticular veins less than 3mm.

What About Other Common Items Found in these Facilities and/or in Stand Alone Clinics?

IV Therapy, Vitamin Injections, Bio Identical Hormone Therapy, and Medical Weight Loss Programs with prescription drugs administered are all considered medical treatments where a typical prescription process is needed to get any basic antibiotics. Often the above mentioned need further testing before they are administered and/or a regimen of them is started. Some of them have even stricter rules on who can be a provider and who can mix and administer the medications as well.

What Should I Expect a Facility to Have When Providing These Kinds of Treatments?

Simply providing Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures and/or facilitating them is a costly investment. The public should know there are ways to do a little observation when checking out a facility to receive a treatment which will decrease their risk of being in the hands of those who cut corners when it comes to providing quality care.

Prospective patients should be able to see certain signs posted in the lobby. If the facility offers Laser Treatments - a DSHS Certificate of Registration for Lasers should be visible in the lobby. A facility receives this form once they have completed proper paperwork letting the state know that lasers are being used on humans and that a Physician has backed the facility. If the facility offers laser hair removal and it is not Physician owned - the state requires them to have a TDLR Laser Hair Removal Facility License that can only be received if they have the highest level technician(s) employed. If the facility offers facials, waxing, and/or similar services they need to have a TDLR Cosmetology Salon Beauty Salon License. If the facility offers any type of massage therapy they need to have a TDLR Licensed Massage Therapy Establishment License.

Recently, it has been mandated that all owners involved must provide fingerprints and a background check. The Texas Medical Board does not regulate items like non-medical facials, massage therapy, laser hair removal, and other TDLR mandated signs as well. That is why other forms of licenses from other Texas agencies are absolutely necessary.

Of course, those should all be visibly present, along with other TMB signs, in the lobby as well as any treatment room where a designated non-surgical cosmetic procedure is occurring. They should be in both English and Spanish with the TMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contact information and the Supervising Physician and/or the Independent Medical Directors license name and number available freely and easily to patients.

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 15

2/21/2020 11:39:20 AM

What Else Should I be Able to Look For? Often we find that the general public doesn’t think that treatments found in ‘Med Spas’ or similar treatments offered in many medical offices are in fact legitimate medical procedures. When we are administering FDA approved medications, using Class 3 & 4 lasers, and/or providing any treatment that involves the practice of medicine, there is an explicit set of guidelines all offices must follow in Texas. Once a Physician and/ or their directly designated to Nurse Practitioner (NP or APRN) and/or Physicians Assistant (PA) is no longer performing these treatments every single time, a specific evaluation process must be completed. Offices should still have intake forms and processes to protect patients even when delegating outside of a provider who has the authority to prescribe and diagnose. There are many contraindications as well as indications for these procedures that are becoming increasingly popular.

There are things quality providers and facilities will do to increase the likelihood of safe treatment plans and positive outcomes that are sought by the patient. We ensure every patient is safe and a legitimate healthy candidate for everything provided in our office. Checking medical histories, medications and doing an in-person exam that is free and updated annually ensures we are abiding by TMB Regulations and keeping our patient”s best interests at the focus of our process.

There are 4 Keys to a Positive Med Spa Procedure Patient’s health history has been vetted, their personal aesthetic goals have been heard and a Physician, Nurse Practitioner and/or Physicians Assistant has at least prescribed the procedure and/or series of them before they treat you and/or entrust your care to a designated RN, LVN, Licensed Esthetician or Cosmetologist, Licensed Laser Technician or other certified and trained staff member.

The Provider is trained and skilled in the non-surgical cosmetic procedures they are providing. They are aware of all information about the procedures they are providing, pre and post care, specific questions, are happy to help set patient expectations and be honest about prices and overall costs.

The selected FDA-approved drugs and/or mechanisms or tools are the appropriate items that are indicated to give the patient the best chance of the outcome they are seeking.

Before a treatment starts, a needle is poked or a laser pulsed, you have the chance to feel heard, and you feel comfortable with moving forward.

You truly have had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the treatment, the cost and expectations so that you understand as much as possible about what you can anticipate ahead. It is okay to stop before it is too late if you are not getting a good vibe.

Luckily, there are many facilities and providers in the Texas Panhandle who work diligently to take care of you. We are one of many who invest in improving processes that increase patient outcomes and satisfaction. There are new items constantly emerging in this niche field and staying up to date and relevant is an ongoing team effort. We do work hard at Progress MD to put your safety at the forefront by investing in the right team members we employ, paying for new and continuing education for our providers, covering ongoing maintenance for lasers and devices we have, purchasing Injectables only through the FDA approved manufacturers who make them and ensuring we are insured and properly set up to take care of you. The general public often does not see the large investment needed to maintain the integrity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and to provide them as the medical treatments they actually are. Find providers who are truly - day in and out - passionate about what they do and your likelihood of having a positive experience is high. These treatments often help people feel comfortable as they experience not just general body and aging concerns, but changes from physically traumatic situations like acne, surgeries, hormonal changes, childbirth, genetic expressions, and similar items that can change the appearance of the body. Our hope is to provide treatments to make improvements that abide by the individual’s unique characteristics and/or in a way that repairs damaged or aging skin concerns.

Who We Are!

Lydia Marsh Owner & Laser Technician

Dr. Meenakshi Diequez, MD, MPH

Kevin Fleming APRN, FNP-C

Get In Touch Phone: 806-410-2020

Website: www.progressmd.com

Address: 5461 McKenna Square Suite 201

PAID ADVERTISING

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 16

2/21/2020 11:39:20 AM

17 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 17

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:39:24 AM

5 Tips For a Healthy Mom and Baby in the New Year March of Dimes and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) partnered again with National Birth Defects Prevention Month (January 2020) and National Folic Acid Awareness Week (January 5-11). Their goal was to help women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the New Year by raising awareness of actions that can be taken to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a strong baby. Now is the time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

According to the CDC, birth defects affect about one in every 33 babies born in the U.S. each year. These structural changes present at birth can affect one or more parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot) and usually develop in the first three months when a baby’s organs are forming. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, an individual’s genetics, social and environmental factors, and behaviors can have a positive or negative impact on birth defects.

Here are five tips to improve your chance of having a smooth, problem-free pregnancy resulting in a strong, healthy baby: 1

Take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, even before you become pregnant. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is proven to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Also, eat foods that contain folate, the natural form of folic acid, including lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans and orange juice. Eat foods made from fortified grain products with added folic acid (such as bread, pasta, cereals) and foods made from fortified corn masa flour (such as cornbread, corn tortillas, tacos and tamales).

2

See your health care provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup. Discuss your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as any vitamins and supplements. Ask your doctor about managing health conditions before becoming pregnant.

3

Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Ask your health care provider about vaccinations you need during each pregnancy, including the flu shot and the pertussis (whooping cough) booster. Also, make sure vaccinations are current for everyone in your family to help prevent the spread of diseases.

4

Try to reach a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Being either overweight or underweight can affect your fertility; during pregnancy, either condition can cause problems for you and your baby. Talk to your health care provider about how to reach the right weight for you. Focus on a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.

5

Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use harmful substances during pregnancy. a. Smoking substances such as tobacco or marijuana during pregnancy can cause dangerous chemicals to damage the placenta and/or reach the baby’s bloodstream. Smoking cigarettes is a cause of certain birth defects, like cleft lip and palate. b. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe during pregnancy, and its use can cause major birth defects. c. Opioid use during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and premature birth in babies. d. If you need help to quit, talk to your health care provider or contact: i. Smokefree.gov (1-800-QUIT-NOW); ii. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or Findtreatment.gov.

To find out more about ensuring a healthy pregnancy, join the conversation about National Birth Defects Prevention Month by following hashtag #Best4YouBest4Baby on social media or visit March of Dimes at marchofdimes.org/birthdefects or nacersano.org and CDC at cdc.gov/birthdefects.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCH OF DIMES

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 18

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

18 2/21/2020 11:39:25 AM

Quality Medical Care in the Panhandle Northwest Texas Healthcare System provides quality medical treatment to the communities of the Panhandle. Let us provide you with the same level of care offered in many large cities, close to home.

Latest Hospital Updates Æ ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a life saving procedure that mimics the natural function of the heart and lungs. NWTHS is the only facility in the Panhandle offering this new technology. Æ Our Advanced Level III Trauma Facility is designated to treat critically injured trauma patients. Æ Freestanding emergency departments at Georgia and Town Square offer emergency care in your neighborhood. Æ The Heart Hospital, a leader in cardiac care for the Texas Panhandle recognized as an Accredited Chest Pain Center.

Visit NWTHS.com for more information about all the services Northwest offers our community.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 200802-0414 2/20

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 19

2/21/2020 11:39:27 AM

Dependable Behavioral Health Services in the Panhandle

The Pavilion at Northwest Texas Healthcare System has provided inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for more than 40 years.

We treat children, adolescents and adults, and have patients come to us from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas and Colorado.

To schedule a confidential, no-cost assessment for yourself or a loved one, call 806-354-1810. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 20

2/21/2020 11:39:30 AM

Mental Health As the increase in patients seeking mental health continues, the Texas Panhandle is seeing a shortage in mental healthcare providers.

T

exas A&M AgriLife Extension just released new data showing the High Plains is extremely underserved by providers compared to the rest of Texas.

Recent data shows that across the state there is an average of one mental health provider for every 957 individuals, but in the Texas Panhandle there is one mental health provider for every 4,400 individuals, making it much harder for those with behavioral issues to get the help they need.

“There’s not a lot of graduates coming out of school that stay in this area that can help us with our needs. So, we are looking at ways, instead of competing for those people in those positions, how do we introduce (patients) to all the opportunities they have in the Panhandle,” said Libby Moore, Chief Clinical Officer for the Texas Panhandle Centers Behavioral and Developmental Health.

group is the Amarillo Area Mental Health Consumers which is made up of people with mental health diagnoses helping others to advocate for themselves, to support each other in their recovery and to rejoin society.

“We’re a peer support service center, so anybody can come to Amarillo Area Mental Health Consumers as long as they have a legitimate diagnosis. They can come, and we will try and help them,” said Tony Foster, the group’s Executive Director.

As attitudes towards mental health treatment change, Foster believes the people in the Panhandle will have to come up with more solutions to help those in need.

Also, in an effort to recruit and retain more staff, the Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance is working with organizations to find ways to attract mental health providers to the area.

"We are currently working with a group of educators, employers and healthcare professionals to design a collaborative job shadowing and internship program that would improve the retention in our region," said the group’s Executive Director Sridevi Veeramachaneni.

According to the Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance, this is a big problem in the Panhandle and improving awareness can help.

"Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance is a proud partner of Okay to Say, an award-winning public awareness campaign launched by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, to increase public awareness that most mental illnesses are treatable, to offer messages of hope and recovery to Texans and their families and to encourage people to speak openly about mental health," said Veeramachaneni.

While the shortage of providers is pronounced, there are other resources for those who seek support for mental health issues. One

21 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 21

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

ARTICLE BY: NEWSCHANNEL10 STAFF

2/21/2020 11:39:33 AM

CALL FOR A

FREE ESTIMATE A Division of Shepherd Concrete

806-477-2229 WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 22

22 2/21/2020 11:39:35 AM

The Texas Panhandle and its Heart WTAMU Moves to Serve the Texas Panhandle

T

housands of studies show that simple lifestyle changes can maintain, slow down and may even reverse physical declines related to the aging process.

While there are no guarantees, heart disease, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression may be managed and/or even prevented via one’s lifestyle.

The reality is that anyone can improve his/ her well-being by adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Additionally, the “graying of America” will elicit profound opportunities and challenges.

With an aging population, there is a related increase in chronic diseases, disabilities, injuries, health care costs and concerns for caregivers. Approximately 80 percent of all seniors have at least one chronic condition and 50 percent have at least two (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Transferring the University’s resources north will better support area hospitals as well as facilitate their collaboration with WT nursing students. With a $6 million dollar investment from the Texas A&M University System under the leadership of Chancellor Sharp, the move will place 250 undergraduate students and approximately 20 nursing faculty and staff in Harrington Hall in fall 2021.

The total impact of the move is expected to exceed last year’s reported $122.3 million resulting from spending for operations, visitors and students. In addition, it will better promote wellness services such as the biannual WT Inner-City Health Fair, which focuses on chronic disease prevention.

Unfortunately however, life expectancy is not necessarily synonymous with living better.

Advocacy for healthier living is optimal when a region’s educational resources are closer to the population they serve. This belief prompted WT’s nursing program relocation to the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center located in downtown Amarillo, where one out of every 91 jobs is supported by this facility.

Currently, there are nearly 4,000 registered nurses (RN) in the Texas Panhandle, and about 12 percent are graduates of WT. Approximately 27 percent of RNs with a bachelor’s degree as well as 33 percent of the Advanced Practice RNs (APRNs) in the Panhandle are also WT alumni. Presently, there are 648 undergraduate nursing students, 442 of whom are employed in the Panhandle, which suggests that nearly 70 percent of WT nursing graduates are likely to remain in the Panhandle for their careers.

23 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 23

Dr J. Dirk Nelson Dean College of Nursing and Health Science

Dr Walter V. Wendler WTAMU President

The WTAMU Inner-City Health Fair A total of 18 counties in the Panhandle are identified as medically underserved. Not only is primary healthcare scarce, but access to primary and secondary prevention may be scarce as well. WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is moving into the future by providing citizens in the Panhandle the education, the opportunity and the motivation to take personal responsibility for their health to help reduce the burden of costly preventable diseases. Through the use of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team, the overall goal is to promote preventive healthcare at the local level, thus improving the well-being of Texans in the Panhandle for generations to come.

“Narrowing the divide on the I-27 corridor from Amarillo to Canyon, the nursing program’s relocation to Harrington Hall will pair WT’s and Amarillo’s resources for greater impact to underserved communities,” said Dr. Walter V. Wendler, President of WT. “The move aligns with the University’s generational plan WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World aimed to foster locally responsive research and infrastructure, and we are excited to witness the impact our students will have in closer proximity to the primary hospitals of the Texas Panhandle.”

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY: WTAMU

2/21/2020 11:39:36 AM

One part of this prevention initiative is the Inner-City Health Fair. The inaugural Inner-City Health Fair for the Homeless was held in the fall of 2012. It started with a very limited budget consisting of whatever students could get donated by area businesses and community individuals.

Students were able to provide basic health screenings as well as toiletry and personal items such as socks, shampoo and soap. The students were even able to secure a hot meal donated by an area restaurant. That initial Health Fair served 50 individuals, primarily homeless men,

and was held in the Guyon Sanders facility.

In 2016, the current facility could no longer handle the growth, so the event moved to the Generation Next church, and the clientele for the Health Fair has grown to include low income families.

Several providers lend their services to the Fair including Amarillo Public Health Department, which has given immunizations and HIV testing; Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, which offers pap smears for eligible women; and multiple others. And of course, WT’s Family Nurse

“Heal the City Free Clinic has had the opportunity to work with WT nursing students over the past several years during the Inner-City Health Fair. Individuals from all over the Panhandle attend the Health Fair and receive invaluable information regarding their health along with available community resources. It is refreshing to see a younger generation of medical professionals participating in their community in such an impactful way.” – Heal the City

Practitioner students and faculty assist with screening individuals, gaining both knowledge and experience.

Since that time, WT has continued the Health Fair each semester - spring and fall.

The Fair is planned and executed by the Populations Nursing class during the senior year of the nursing curriculum. There are so many wonderful stories of how WT nursing students have been able to reach out to the community, help individuals clothe their families, discover unknown health issues and address emergency situations. The lessons the nursing students are learning will go with them throughout their career, and the impact these students have on participants in the Inner-City Health Fair will last a lifetime.

To support or learn more about the WTAMU Inner-City Health Fair, contact the Department of Nursing at 806-651-2630 or nursing@wtamu.edu

Awards for Nursing Program in 2019 NursingProcess.org. Best RN to BSN Programs in Texas (#9)

Online Bachelor Degrees. Ten Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Nursing

NursingProcess.org. Best BSN Programs in Texas (#4)

Scholarshipsletterunitedstates.info Best RN to BSN Online Programs (#2)

Nursing School Hub. Top Online RN-BSN (#11)

RN Careers. Best RN Programs in Texas (#4)

Nursing School Hub. Best Online Nursing Informatics Programs (#14)

rntobsnprogram.com Best RN to BSN Programs (#2)

U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs Bachelor’s (#18)

Registered Nursing.org Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas (#3)

Online Schools Center. Twenty Most Affordable Online RN-BSN (#10)

Nonprofit Colleges Online. Best Online Master’s in Nursing (#19)

Great Value Colleges. Top RN-BSN Online (#1)

Nonprofit Colleges Online. Best Bachelor’s in Nursing (#10)

RegisteredNursing.org. Best RN Programs in Texas (#10)

Study.com. Top 10 Nursing Schools in Texas

Nurse Journal. Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas (#5)

Degreequery.com. Top 10 Most Affordable Online MSN (#2)

Awards for Nursing Program in 2020 Best Health Degrees. Most Affordable Online MSN Programs (#3)

NursingProcess.org. 10 Best Online RN-BSN Programs in the Texas

Niche. Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas (B)

U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs Bachelor’s (#16)

NursingProcess.org. 10 Best Online RN-BSN Programs in the Nation

Rncareers.org Texas’ Best Nursing Schools (#4)

About WTAMU College of Nursing and Health Sciences The mission of West Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is to develop professional and academic leaders in the health professions through technologyrich, rigorous educational programs that engage students effectively, provide high quality clinical services to patients and clients, and contribute meaning ful scholarship including evidence-based practice within a diverse and inclusive student-centered community. The faculty of the College is committed to teaching excellence and maintaining high standards for classroom performance by preparing highly qualified and ethical graduates for work in a variety of health professions, thus enhancing the quality of life for community.

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 24

24 2/21/2020 11:39:38 AM

MENTION THIS AD AND GET $500 OFF ON NEXT PURCHASE

354-3550

25 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 25

(806) 374-0459

2715 SW 6th Avenue Amarillo, TX www.amarillosroute66store.com / www.6thstreetantiquemall.com

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:39:39 AM

INNER-CITY HEALTH FAIR 5:30 - 8 P.M. MONDAY, APRIL 6 SAN JACINTO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 501 S. CAROLINA STREET IN AMARILLO More than 30 healthcare vendors and legal aids will provide information and services. Health screenings offered for certain cancers, STDs, HIV, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Giveaways include hygienic supplies, nutritious food items and bikes to be won.

Fair is free and open to the public. Contact Priscella Correa at 806-651-2660 for more information or to make a donation.

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 26

2/21/2020 11:39:39 AM

Diary of a New Dad: The Case for Paid Paternity Leave They say parenthood changes you. They are, of course, correct. When I became a father, the most common question I got was: “How does it feel?”

I

never really came up with an answer I liked. How do you fit the biggest shift in your life into a sentence? A paragraph? Words seemed inadequate to express everything I felt. It was as if the moment my son arrived and gave his first shaking cry, the axis of my world shifted.

The fatigue from 24 grueling hours in the hospital melted away. (I can’t even imagine how much worse it was for my wife -- my biggest complaint was the un-padded chair that had served as my bed.) The fear that had been growing for the last nine months mixed with relief as the question I had been asking myself changed from “What if I’m a terrible dad?” to “What can I do to live up to such an enormous responsibility?” Don’t get me wrong, I was still scared -- I had absolutely no idea how to change a diaper.

I’d held exactly one other baby in my life.

What if I dropped him? I’d heard babies are slippery… But somehow over the next few days, with a whole lot of patience from the hospital nurses and my wife, I did figure those things out.

I got to spend the first two weeks of our son’s life at home. The company I work for is one of a small but growing number of corporations that give dads paid time off to bond with a new family member -- through either birth or adoption. I was there to help my wife (read: offer moral support) during the around-the-clock breast-feedings. I became a pro at swaddling and changing diapers. I learned just the right rocking and shhh-ing technique to get my son to fall asleep. I was there for the first doctor’s visits and all that comes with the first trip out of the home for new parents with a new baby (if you have kids you know what I’m talking about). To be honest, I don’t really remember much of that time; it went by so quickly and I was so sleep-deprived. I barely felt human. Then, in a flash, it was back to work. My wife was left at home, with little help in her new 24-hour-a-day job as a mom. I helped when I could, but it wasn’t the same.

27 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 27

Most parents I’ve spoken to share the sentiment that our humanity is lost during the first few months of our babies’ lives.

We’re lucky to get two or three hours of uninterrupted sleep and often have to survive on much less. The humanity doesn’t start coming back until around two or three months later when our little ones are sleeping more at night. It’s amazing how much of a difference a four or five-hour stretch of pillow time can make for our wearied minds and bodies. At this point, we start to regain the ability to string a series of thoughts together, the micro-nap sessions become less frequent (and necessary) and we finally feel like we’re starting to get the hang of this parenting thing.

Diaper changes are no longer scary (we’ve already had to deal with blow-outs and pee fountains), we can (mostly) decipher our baby’s cries and we are capable of leaving the house in a somewhat presentable fashion.

In previous generations, it didn’t matter as much that dads weren’t around for the time between birth and the recovery of our senses. Fewer wives had careers, and extended families were closer. Parents often weren’t as isolated as they can be now. And the parenting roles are changing.

The Pew Research Center looked into this in 2019. Fewer dads are the sole breadwinner

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

with more families relying on both parents’ incomes. Dads are increasingly spending more time caring for their children and helping with household chores, even if they are the one working outside the home. Dads also view “being a dad” as central to their identity -- and in a change from previous generations -- it’s independent of “being the breadwinner.” None of this should be surprising. Millennials are a changed generation, raised on ideals of equality, told as children -- boys and girls-- that they can do anything. It’s no wonder that more women are following that advice, creating careers for themselves and looking to their husbands to play an equal role in the household. But how can men play an equal role if we can’t be there for our wives and children during one of the most demanding times of our lives?

T

he United States is the only one of 41 developed nations that doesn’t offer guaranteed paid paternity leave. Our northern neighbor, Canada, gives dads the option to take 35 weeks off at 55% of their pay. In Germany, they offer up to 28 months off with a stipend paid by the government. While the federal government here has been slow to act, some states are taking action. Next year, all new parents in Massachusetts will be able to take off three months to bond with their child. They will

ARTICLE BY: JONATHAN WINN

2/21/2020 11:39:42 AM

But how can men play an equal role if we can't be there for our wives and children during one of the most demanding times of our lives? receive around 70% of what they were making at work, up to a certain cap. The money comes from a payroll tax paid for both by companies operating in the state and by employees. Even though it’s taking money out of everyone’s paycheck, including people who either already have kids or never plan to become parents, the law passed with overwhelming support.

In Texas, dads have the option to take off three months, their job safeguarded by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Dads can’t be fired for taking the time off, but the company doesn’t have to provide a paycheck during paternity leave. With between 60 and 80 percent of people living paycheck to paycheck (depending on which study you want to cite), few families could afford to go two weeks, let alone three months, without pay -- no matter how strongly they felt about the importance of that bonding time.

When I went back to work the day my two weeks were up, I felt like I was abandoning my wife and my son. And I know I’m not alone. I wasn’t there to help during some of the most

exhausting moments of our son’s life. My wife was loathe to ask me to help in the middle of the night, even when she was on her fifth feeding and diaper change, because she knew I needed the sleep to perform at work and commute safely. I lost precious time as my son grew and explored his new world. I missed the first coo. I missed the first giggle. I missed the look on his face the first time he touched our very soft and very long-haired cat.

Go On A Trip

with “Doppler” Dave to London & Paris

It’s time that we join the rest of the world, acknowledge that our roles as parents are far more important than our roles at work. It’s time we offered support to mothers by making it easier for dads to share the work. My wife is due any day now with our second son -- a second shift in our world’s axis.

Once again I’ll get two weeks to spend with her and our newborn, this time learning to juggle the needs of a baby with the demands of a 19-month-old.

I’m thankful for that time, but I know just how hard it will be to go back, dreaming about what it would be like if the greatest country on Earth caught up with the rest of the world.

October 14-21, 2020 Call 800-541-7250

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 28

28 2/21/2020 11:39:43 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 29

2/21/2020 11:39:44 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 30

2/21/2020 11:39:44 AM

Trips in One Day Around The Panhandle There are many hidden gems in our area that make for fun vacation spots.

Whether you are looking for a family vacation destination or just a quick getaway, there is a place for you within easy driving distance.

If you are planning a spring break vacation, here are several places just a few hours away that you may want to add to your itinerary.

Explore the Grand Canyon of Texas

Pack Up and Head to the Lake

Try Your Luck at Golden Mesa Casino

Take a Trip to the Enchantment Vineyards

Palo Duro Canyon Clayton, NM

Lake Meredith

Guymon, OK

Portales, NM

Whether you’ve grown up next to Palo Duro Canyon or you live several hours away, spending time there will not disappoint.

Lake Meredith (near Fritch, TX) and Ute Lake State Park (near Logan, NM) are both on the Canadian River and right in our backyard.

For a getaway with your friends, you can check out the Golden Mesa Casino in Guymon, OK.

A trip to the Enchantment Vineyards may be just what you need for a spring break vacation. Enjoy wines inspired by the “Spirit of New Mexico,” craft beers, sweet and savory snacks and even a VIP experience.

If you love the outdoors, bring a tent and some gear and set up at one of the campsites.

If you would rather spend time inside while still enjoying the view, there are plenty of cabins and rentals in the area.

Stay on the Palo Duro State Park premises in a rustic cabin, rent a more spacious cabin or tiny home through Airbnb, or check into a hotel or bed & breakfast in the nearby town of Canyon, TX.

31 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 31

Visit the Most Haunted Town in New Mexico

Spend time in the most haunted town in the state of New Mexico.

If you’re an adventure seeker or history buff, Clayton, NM, would be right up your alley.

Attractions like Herzstein Museum Hotel Eklund will you back to the west.

The and take wild

Both lakes feature camping, fishing, hiking and water sports.

The newly opened casino is close enough for a day trip, but it can also make for a fun weekend getaway.

The lakes are great places to go for a day trip or to spend a few days enjoying the water.

If you’re not a gambler, you can enjoy shopping, dining and more at the casino.

Whichever lake you choose, don’t forget the sunscreen.

They have limited hours of operation, so be sure to check ahead of time.

This destination is perfect for a weekend with the girls or a romantic evening out.

Ute Lake Many other nearby attractions would be great places to visit without expensive airfare or days in the car. Look around and see what other hidden gems you could explore - without going too far from home!

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

ARTICLE BY: NEWSCHANNEL10 STAFF

2/21/2020 11:39:46 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 32

2/21/2020 11:39:46 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 33

2/21/2020 11:39:48 AM

If you are like me, you tend to fall into the usual routine of life where you plan your daily activities, enjoy companionship with family and friends and look ahead to things you want to do in the future. But I can now tell you firsthand that all of that can be instantaneously shaken by a sudden and unexpected issue with your health.

Winning Health Battles

With Early Detection and Treatment

J

ust a few months ago, you might have considered me to be one of the healthiest guys around. I am fit for my age and rarely ill. In my 37-year career I have taken only a handful of sick days. Even recently I was feeling fit as a fiddle, which made developments in my life even more startling. I found out that even with the lack of symptoms, something very serious may be occurring inside your body without your knowledge.

Overall I would say that I am healthconscious. I try to eat healthily, exercise and, being in my 50s, have an annual screening for prostate cancer. The past several years that screening, a quick blood draw, has come back to show levels in the normal range for my age.

My most recent screening this past fall, however, was flagged for a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) number that was slightly higher than normal levels.

I found out that PSA levels can be

elevated for several reasons, though, and I was concerned but not really alarmed.

I did schedule an appointment with a urologist for a more thorough examination, and that is when I began learning information that I didn’t know beforehand that is very valuable to the health of all men. I learned that for prostate cancer evaluation, the simple blood PSA test is insufficient. While it can be very helpful in cancer detection and indicate the presence of cancer in some men, it cannot be relied upon solely since PSA values can fluctuate for various reasons. My urologist informed me immediately that a digital rectal exam (DRE) is absolutely necessary every year to supplement the blood screening. In his experience, many men with normal PSA numbers do have cancer, sometimes even advanced cases.

During a digital exam the doctor rectally inserts a finger which allows him to actually feel the condition of the prostate gland. He determines whether the gland is enlarged and feels for nodules, or bumps, that may indicate the presence of tumors in the gland. That is what my doctor discovered. He found a nodule about a centimeter and a half in diameter and informed me that was abnormal.

Although still not a sure indication of cancer, this needed to be checked even further. He scheduled a biopsy which involves inserting a probe rectally that the doctor maneuvers to take “core samples” of the tissue in 12 sections of the prostate gland.

Once again because of my stellar health history and the fact that other nonserious factors can affect the PSA and cause nodules, I was still optimistic that (continued on page 36)

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 34

34 2/21/2020 11:39:50 AM

New New Look. Look.

SameSame Reliable Reputation.

Reliable

Reputation.

Thanks to our Corporate Partner

35 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 35

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:39:52 AM

Winning Health Battles

I was about to find out I had nothing to worry about. The phone call from the doctor shattered that illusion. Not only was cancer found to be present in four tumors within my prostate gland, but pathology also revealed that the cancer had medium to high grade aggressiveness and the likelihood to spread. I was now a cancer patient, and my life was no longer the same.

O

n a positive note, prostate cancer is very treatable if found in its early stages. Over time, however, the cancer can advance and leave the gland and spread, often to bones in the nearby pelvic region. When this is the case, it is much more difficult to cure. A bone scan scheduled after my diagnosis indicated that there had been no spread, and the cancer was apparently still contained in the prostate gland. It had been found early enough to give me some optimistic treatment options and a positive outlook for a cure.

“Men like you (Doppler Dave) are young and healthy, who have the disease that if we were to do nothing could progress and shorten their life and affect their overall quality of life over time,” said Dr. Willhelm. “You were found early and I think you can still be cured and go on and live a normal life.”

There are different treatment options for prostate cancer, and the situation varies with men due to many factors.

These options include surgery, radiation regimens and hormone therapy to name some. In my case, the prostate gland was surgically removed, thus eliminating the source of the cancer, and hopefully ending the threat of any spread or recurrence.

It is estimated that one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

When detected in early stages, like mine, the cancer can be eliminated.

That is the key: find it and fight it early.

Defeat the cancer before it slowly grows and spreads to other areas, which makes the battle much more difficult and burdensome, if it can be cured at all in later stages.

The theme of my story is that intentional action and early detection can intervene and transform what could be a very devastating life-ending event into a bright and hopeful future.

Undiscovered or left untreated, my doctor informed me, prostate cancer could have led to degeneration of life quality, some difficult times for me and my family and a tragic end. I share my story now to encourage men to be proactive in the area of early detection.

The battle plan is really very simple.

For men over 50, have a PSA blood screening and a routine digital exam every year. Many men tend to avoid doctors, especially when they are feeling well, but a quick and easy exam can simply save your life and possibly prevent an unnecessary burden on your loved ones.

Prostate Cancer Facts and Figures: 1 man in 9 will get prostate cancer during his lifetime Every 16 minutes another American man dies from prostate cancer. That’s a little more than 91 deaths per day and 33,330 this year. That’s enough to fill an entire baseball stadium.

191,930 men will be told they have prostate cancer in 2020. Currently there are nearly 3.1 million American men living with the disease – roughly equal to the population of Chicago.

Prostate cancer is treated fairly easily when it is discovered early and remains confined to the prostate gland.

Signs or symptoms, however, may not become noticeable until the more advanced stages.

ARTICLE BY: DAVE OLIVER

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 36

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

36 2/21/2020 11:39:52 AM

ACCESS ecurity Systems S & Fire

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 37

2/21/2020 11:39:55 AM

YOUR ONE PRICE DEALER

Stevens 5-Star Car & Truck Center has been serving the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas for nearly 40 years.

806-364-2160 | 545 N 25 Mile Ave Hereford TX

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 38

38 2/21/2020 11:39:56 AM

Panhandle Town Feature Panhandle Magazine reached out to a few of our smaller Panhandle towns for a 2020 update. Tulia, Hereford and Perryton responded and gave us these brief updates on what you can look forward to this year.

Tulia, TX Population: 4,728

Located 50 Miles South of Amarillo

City Manager: Dion Miller

What are the largest successes over the last 12 months?

Regarding city projects, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure for the municipal electric and water systems is Tulia’s first step with “smart technology,” enabling Tulia to become a more resilient community in the years to come. Customers will receive accurate billing of services consumed on a daily basis, and the city will be able to reduce labor costs and improve customer service providing water service and electric service to Tulia citizens.

Tulia is ahead of other cities, some much larger, in moving to smart technology for utility services.

The successful school bond issue approved by voters in 2017 to update and improve Tulia Independent School District facilities for current and future students is well underway. The expansion to Tulia Elementary School (formerly Highland Elementary) is almost complete with additional improvements to other buildings continuing this year.

If people were to travel to your town, what would you tell them to visit or is a must see?

Swisher County Museum is a must see for anyone interested in local and regional history of the Texas Panhandle. Tulia is home to the renowned artist, Kenneth Wyatt. His gallery is open to the public. His works are exhibited throughout the region and the entire country.

Tulia is the home of three Santa Fe depots. One served as the train depot for many years in Tulia and is located on Business 87. The second depot was originally the Happy, Texas, depot and is now located near the Memorial Foundation Building in downtown Tulia. The third deport was moved into Tulia and is used to house a local restaurant.

What else do you want people to know?

Tulia is a community that is changing along with other small cities of the Texas Panhandle. The area economy has changed, and Tulia is changing with it.

For this reason, the City of Tulia, the Tulia Economic Development Corporation and the Tulia Chamber of Commerce are working together to advocate for community improvements, to foster new and expanding small businesses and to provide work opportunities that will transform Tulia into a resilient community for the 21st Century.

Those interested in mural artwork in public places should also see murals by Alfonso Garcia, a local artist.

He has several murals in and around Tulia as well as neighboring communities.

39 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 39

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

ARTICLE BY: NEWSCHANNEL10 STAFF

2/21/2020 11:39:56 AM

Hereford, TX Population: 14,888

Located 51 miles Southwest of Amarillo

Mayor: Tom Simons

What are the largest successes over the last 12 months?

Hereford is currently working on a 12-month, 6.5 million dollar project for a new community center. The center features a banquet room that will accommodate 450 guests and a full kitchen as well as several rooms designed for meetings or other events.

Caviness Meat Packing is nearing completion of an expansion project that will add 700 new jobs for our community.

Work is currently underway for a subdivision that is projected to have 160 homes and 40 duplexes. This area will provide new homes to support the projected city growth.

Hereford schools currently have several ongoing projects as a result of the 22 million dollar bond issue, including security updates at all schools and a new field house.

What are the top 3 things on the next 6-12 month horizon that will impact your town?

If people were to travel to your town, what would you tell them to visit or is a must see?

Construction on a 190-bed jail facility is expected to begin early this summer. The jail will also house the sheriff’s administration offices.

Hereford’s 18-hole John Pitman Golf Course is recognized by Golf Digest as “one of the best places to play” in Texas.

The county will raze the current jail and restore the north side of the courthouse.

Deaf Smith County Historical Museum focuses on the theme of “How Our Pioneers Lived, Worked and Played” with exhibits including a General Store, a non-denominational chapel and a school room as well as outdoor exhibits featuring a Santa Fe caboose.

Educational trunk programs and tours are available for area schools.

TXDOT has begun work on Highway 60 inside the Hereford city limit. This will necessitate relocating utilities and pouring concrete for the roadway.

What is a unique feature of your town that people need to know?

Hereford is known as “The Beef Capital of the World” because we have the largest concentration of fed cattle in the world Hereford is #1 in Ag receipts in the State of Texas.

All this is made possible by a healthy agricultural community - Sid Shaw Chamber President

Hereford is home to numerous feedlot, dairy, pet food and farming operations.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Weldon Knabe Activities Center and the Caviness Sportsplex, both of which support the Kids, Inc. program in Hereford.

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 40

40 2/21/2020 11:39:57 AM

Visit Perryton

and Stay

Fun things to do

and Places to Visit in Perryton • • • • •

Quality of Life and Diverse Culture Oil and Gas Agriculuture 5 City Parks Waterpark

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 41

• • • • •

Close to Lake Golf Course Theatre Monthly Chamber Events Frank Phillips Community Collge

2/21/2020 11:39:57 AM

Panhandle Town Feature

Perryton, TX Population: 8,683

Located 115 miles Northeast of Amarillo

City Manager: David Londis

What are the largest successes over the last 12 months?

Perryton celebrated its Centennial birthday in August 2019. In order to take advantage of the construction of the new railroad in 1919, Old Ochiltree, TX, and Gray, OK, used steam powered tractors to move their buildings to the present town in Perryton, TX. At 100 years old, Perryton continues to look forward to the next 100 years as major new construction continues. Gebo’s, Bartlett’s Ace Hardware and Lumber and a new Ochiltree County Law Enforcement Center were either completed or under construction in 2019.

If people were to travel to your town, what would you tell them to visit or is a must see?

What is a unique feature of your town that people need to know?

Perryton’s vibrant and beautiful downtown Main Street is alive and thriving! We serve as the retail hub for a 50mile radius. The Museum of the Plains is a “must see” as building expansion and improvements continue, and new exhibits are routinely being presented. Wolf Creek Park and Lake Fryer, just 20 miles southeast of town, provide opportunities for fishing, bird watching and nature hikes. Improved camping facilities and an onsite restaurant cater to a more non-primitive camping style. The 18-hole Perryton Municipal Golf Course is a premier municipal course with the best greens in the tri-state area. Perryton’s Municipal Water Park is a major summer draw for youth of all ages.

Perryton is located on US Highway 83, which runs from Brownsville, TX, to Minot, ND, connecting Mexico and Canada. The Wheatheart of the Nation, as Perryton and Ochiltree County are called, was established many years ago when Ochiltree County produced more wheat than any other county in the nation. As agricultural crop opportunities have evolved, many other crops are grown in our region, such as corn, milo and cotton, but a large percentage of our cultivated acreage still grows our mainstay, wheat.

Perryton is home to many famous people, such as: Mike Hargrove, a baseball legend who went on to manage the Cleveland Indians, Jeremy Campbell – multi gold medalist in the Para Olympics, Janet Becerril – a world champion powerlifter, Trevor Hale – Professional Junior Rodeo Association roping champion, Hank the Cow Dog, possibly the most famous “person” from Perryton, whose creator John Erickson still resides in Perryton.

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 42

2/21/2020 11:39:58 AM

Between the contrast of the texture from the panko bread crumbs and the full-flavored Parmesan cheese, these will be hard to stay away from! But not to worry, these appetizers are a diabetes delight, so feel free to indulge!

If you love those barbecue ranch flavors then this healthy salad recipe is right up your alley.

Our Healthy BBQ Ranch Salad has so much southwestern flavor, it'll have you saying "Yeehaw!" with every bite!

Old-Fashioned Baked Apples are almost a right of passage in autumn. And our delicious, diabetic-friendly dessert recipe means you can indulge in this tasty tradition too!

Hot'n' Crispy Zucchini Bites

Healthy BBQ Ranch Salad

Old Fashioned Baked Apples

Serves: 6 | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 4 | Cook Time: 45 minutes

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

What You'll Need

• • • • • • • •

2 zucchini, cut on the diagonal into 3/4-inch thick slices 1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style) bread crumbs 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

What To Do 1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 1 inch water to boil. Add zucchini slices, reduce heat to low, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each zucchini slice. Coat that side with bread crumb mixture and arrange on prepared baking sheet.

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

43 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 43

• • • • • • • • • •

2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 tomato, diced 3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed 3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup diced red onion 1/4 cup reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese (optional) 1/4 cup fat-free Ranch dressing 1/4 cup tortilla strips (see note)

What To Do 1.

2.

3.

In a small bowl, combine chicken and barbecue sauce; toss until evenly coated.

In a large bowl, place lettuce; top with chicken, tomato, corn, beans, onion, and cheese, if desired. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.

Top with tortilla strips, if desired, and serve immediately.

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

• • • • •

2 tart apples, halved, cored 1/2 cup water 4 teaspoons granulated Splenda 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice 1/4 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided

What To Do 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange apple halves, cut side up, in 9-inch-square baking dish. Add water.

Combine Splenda and apple pie spice; spoon mixture into center of apple halves. Cover with foil.

Bake about 40 to 45 minutes, or until apples are fork tender. Remove apples and transfer liquid in baking dish to small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until most of liquid evaporates.

Pour liquid over baked apple halves and dollop each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping; serve immediately.

RECIPES AVAILABLE AT MRFOOD.COM

2/21/2020 11:39:58 AM

Bringing

�xpert

knowledge and

�esearch-�acked treatment options

to every appointment.

FIND YOUR DOCTOR OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT www.TexasTechPhysicians.com/Amarillo | 806.414.9608

THE MEDICAL PRACTICE OF T E X A S T E C H U N I V E R S I T Y H E A LT H S C I E N C E S C E N T E R P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 44

2/21/2020 11:39:58 AM

pm

panhandle magazine

Advertise with us 806-331-9827 We Buy & Sell Coins & Gold!

WE PAY MORE than out of town Gold & Silver Buyers!

WE PAY CASH!

www.yiomaras.com 15 % OFF Use code BOUNCER

AMARILLO GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE 1622 S. Wes tern

806-352 806-444-469-555C5u2rt is

HABLAMOS ESPAÃ&#x2018;OL

NEW Hours Monday - Friday 9am-4:30 pm Call for Appointme nt if Closed!

TRACK WITH US

LARGEST SAFE SHOWROOM IN THE TX PANHANDLE. SPECIALIZING IN ALL TYPES OF SAFES FROM LEADING BRANDS SUCH AS LIBERTY, RHINO, AMERICAN SECURITY, AND HOLLON. DISCRETE DELIVERY AND BOLT DOWN SERVICES AVAILABLE.

4515 S. Georgia #141 806-681-6190

MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY HAS THE APP INSTALLED

Visit Our Website For Current Specials

bombcitysafes.com 45 P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 45

WWW.PANHANDLEMAGAZINE.COM | SPRING 2020

2/21/2020 11:40:12 AM

2020

GREAT GIFT IDEAS

3701 Olsen Blvd Suite 1 | 806-351-2634 goodinsjewleryamarillo.com

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 46

2/21/2020 11:40:12 AM

P-Mag-Feb-2020.indd 47

2/21/2020 11:40:13 AM