Optimal Outcomes
RokaMD Celebrates 25 Years of Helping Patients Look and Feel their Best
By Amy Morgan
Optimizing health and wellness has been a growing trend. We all want to look and feel our very best – maximizing not just longevity, but quality of life. Dr. Alexander Roka provides personalized medical care and aesthetic solutions through his internal medicine and family practice office, RokaMD, and the adjacent Revify med spa, for which he serves as medical director.
Board Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Roka has been treating people in Stone Oak for the past 25 years and is “adored” by his patients, his wife, Linda, enthused. Dr. Roka obtained a medical degree from the Semmelweis University in Budapest Hungary in 1989 and chose to pursue family medicine when he emigrated to the states. Linda estimates he’s cared for at least 85,000 patients over his career and saved countless lives. She noted he’s found cancers others have overlooked and empathizes when someone worries about a loved one. She remembers a young patient who complained of chest pain. Dr. Roka ordered an immediate EKG, which revealed a 95% blockage. The patient could have died of a stroke at any moment! An excellent diagnostician and compassionate caregiver, Dr. Roka spends time with each patient and knows their name, face and story. Often, patients thank him with homemade goodies and treats.
RokaMD has offices at 20658 Stone Oak Parkway and also in South San Antonio at 7333 Barlite Blvd. The practice includes three additional medical providers as well as a professional staff of more than 30, and they accept most insurances and Medicare.
ago to offer patients an approach to transformational medicine without surgical intervention. The trend in aesthetics has moved toward new, surgery-free technologies without the risks of pain, downtime or anesthesia, and with even better results.
Far more than just a typical spa, Revify bridges the gap where beauty meets science. Revify is on the forefront of using a patient’s own stem cells and plasma rich platelets to stimulate the body’s ability to repair. Known as PRP, plasma rich platelets can be separated from a person’s blood and then put back into
the body to rejuvenate tissue in a strategic manner. Linda calls filler created from PRP “liquid gold.” This technique allows Revify to provide an “ultimate facelift” without cutting.
“We are literally growing tissue back underneath your dermis,” Linda said. A procedure using PRP can cause cells to regrow hair, reversing thinning or loss. Discreet medical staff can inject O or P shots to reinvigorate sexual fulfilment. That same stem cell can be used in knees or shoulders to repair tissue that’s been damaged, Linda explained, reducing pain from injuries or arthritis.
Because of Dr. Roka’s medical expertise and oversight, technology used in aesthetics also can be incorporated to treat medical conditions. Elderly patients with diminished muscle
tone can benefit from a treatment to enhance strength that also is used in body contouring. Another non-surgical, drugfree treatment for incontinence was developed by NASA to combat muscle atrophy for astronauts in space. Patients simply sit in Revify’s Serenity Chair while the Emsella device delivers electromagnetic energy deep into the pelvic floor muscles. In 30 minutes, their muscles have experienced the equivalent of 11,000 Kegel exercises.
“You can literally feel it working the first time,” Linda said. “It’s a game changer.” Shockwave therapy can remove blockage to increase blood flow and non-surgically reverse ED. Dr. Roka treats hormone imbalances with products and medication customized to each patient’s individual body chemistry. Revify’s professionals monitor safe weight management tools, so a patient doesn’t sacrifice their health in their quest to lose weight.
Linda’s researched innovations that keep Hollywood stars looking ageless and brought the newest technology to San Antonio. Revify is the first in town to offer Attiva, which allows Dr. Roka to tighten a patient’s facial muscles and skin through a tiny needlestick – with instant results and no downtime, Linda noted.
Revify’s master injectors are hired from companies where they’ve taught the procedures. They’re “the elite in the field,” Linda said, and are held to expectations of “highest excellence.”
Never ones to rest on their laurels, the Rokas are dreaming big. In addition to the Stone Oak and South San Antonio locations, they are set to open new RokaMD offices in both New Braunfels and Westover Hills that include a Revify component. They plan to develop an in-house lab to offer patients more convenient options for bloodwork and testing. Revify already offers a line of nutraceuticals, and Linda hopes to launch their own skin care products in the future.
Celebrating 25 years in Stone Oak, RokaMD will continue to be a trailblazer in providing compassionate patient care and the latest technology to keep patients looking and feeling their best.
Watch a Platelet Rich Plasma injection into the knee of a patient.
Five Tips to Keep Your Sanity While Traveling this Holiday Season
By Dionne Roberts
The holidays are full of joy, twinkling lights, and airport lines that test the limits of human patience. Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving or chasing a little winter sunshine, a few smart moves can make holiday travel far less stressful and maybe even enjoyable.
1. Plan Early (and Then Stop Obsessing).
Book your flights, hotels, and rental cars as soon as possible since prices and availability only get wilder as the season approaches. Once it’s booked, resist the urge to check prices every other day. You’ve secured your plans; now focus on packing snacks, not regrets.
2. Give Yourself the Gift of Time. During the holidays, security lines and traffic are inevitable. Add at least an hour to your usual airport routine. Worst case? You’ll have time for a pre-flight coffee instead of a sprint to the gate.
3. Keep the Essentials Handy.
If it’s something you can’t live without for 24 hours—such as medications, chargers, travel documents, or a change of clothes—it belongs in your carry-on. Bags sometimes take their own vacations, and you don’t want to join them empty-handed. If you decide the presents are a carry-on must, remember that wrapping them is tempting fate – TSA can (and will) unwrap them if they decide they are interested.
4. Prep for the “What Ifs.”
Weather delays, missed connections, overbooked hotels—these things happen. Download your airline’s app, keep your confirmation numbers accessible, and know who to call (your travel advisor, for example) when things go sideways. Also anticipate what delays might mean in terms of your littlest humans and their patience, and plan/pack extra toys, snacks, etc.
5. Make It Merry.
The journey is part of the season, too. Load up a festive playlist, bring a treat to share with your flight crew, or strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler. A little kindness and humor can turn travel chaos into a surprisingly good story.
With a bit of planning and a sense of humor, your holiday travels can feel less like a chore and more like an adventure wrapped in tinsel. Safe travels, and may your flights be on time and your seats fully recline.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA Foster Perry Travel 888-878-5863 (888-TRVLTME) www.fosterperrytravel.com
nuary 9 & 10, 2026 Club at Sonterra a smooth jazz experience featuring Gerald Albright Doors open at 6pm Dinner at 6:30pm Show at 8pm
Community Calendar
Presented
by Frost
Tony Danza Standards and Stories – Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, Tony performs a selection from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and connection to music. Jazz TX, 313 Pearl Parkway 78215; info@jazztx.com.
Celebrate Community at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Bring the family to learn about organizations that make a big impact on our city, enjoy live music and hands-on activities. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org.
Zoo Lights – Saturday, Nov. 15 - Wednesday, Dec. 31. Lights illuminate at dusk. Zoo grounds awaken with magical lights at dark. Bigger, brighter and wilder attractions! San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St. 78212; www.sazoo.org
Battle of Leon Creek – Saturday, Nov. 15, staggered starts 7-9 a.m. 20mile, 10-mile, 5K. Fourth of the Alamo Beer Series Challenge. 6222 UTSA Blvd, 78249; www.scallywompus.com
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – the Musical – Wednesday, Nov. 19 - Sunday, Nov. 30, dates and times vary. Enchanting and timeless tale filled with the romance and grandeur brought to life with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 78205; www.majesticempire.com/events.
Garden Rhythms: Cocktails and Culture – Friday, Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. Explore traditions from all over the world through music, dance, cuisine and crafts in the peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese Tea Garden. Food and drinks available. Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 N. St. Mary’s St. 78212; www.saparks.org.
Illuminate at the Botanical Gardens – Friday, Nov. 21 - Monday, Jan. 11, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Entry times available every 30 minutes. All-new handcrafted lanterns, glowing trails that wind through the Garden’s natural beauty, and larger-than-life sculptures delight. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place 78209; www.sabot.org/illuminate.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – starts Saturday, Nov. 22, times vary. Magik Theatre presents a fast and funny live theater retelling of the classic tale. The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. 78205; www.magiktheatre.org
5th Annual Bulverde Turkey Trot – Thursday, Nov. 27. Kid’s race, 8 a.m.; 5K, 8:15 a.m. Thanksgiving-themed medals, pie slices, t-shirts, prizes and costume contest. Bulverde Community Park, 29815 Bulverde Lane 78163; www.runbulverde.com
44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony – Friday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. A festive celebration of holly jolly floats, entertainment, and music kicks off the Christmas season. San Antonio Riverwalk 78205; www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
Old West Christmas Light Fest — Fridays - Sundays, Nov. 28 - Dec. 14; daily Dec. 19-23. 5 - 10 p.m. Synchronized light and music show, lighted maze, live music, line dancing, Christmas carols, shopping and Santa’s Holly Jolly Herd of Texas Longhorns. Old West Christmas Light Fest, 242 State Highway 46 West, Boerne 78006; www.christmaslightfest.com
A Dickens Celebration in Boerne – Dickens on Main, Friday, Nov. 28, Saturday, Nov. 29. A Hill Country Christmas event of epic proportions, Boerne’s Main Street transforms into a vintage Christmas experience complete with shopping, visits with Santa, children’s craft activities, unique vendors, food trucks, snow on Main Street, ice sculpting, music, theatrical performances and an amazing 60-foot snow slide. Main Street, Boerne 78006; www.dickensonmain.com
The Long Christmas Dinner – Saturday, Nov. 29, Sunday, Nov. 30, 8 p.m. Unique theatrical experience includes meal, live chamber orchestra, live presentation of Thorton Wilder's play. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater, 100 Auditorium Circle 78205; www.tobincenter.org.
San Antonio Races: marathon, half marathon, 5K – Health and Fitness Expo and nighttime 5K, Friday, Dec. 5; Expo, Saturday, Dec. 6; ½ and full marathon races Sunday, Dec. 7. Inaugural races take the place of the Rock ‘n’ Roll, sponsored by San Antonio Sports. Start at Main Plaza and finish at Hemisfair 78205; www.sanantoniomarathon.com
15th Annual Holiday Hunger Run – Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. ‘Tis the season to help others. Run a 5K to benefit Provisions Outreach. Prizes awarded for best holiday costume. Bulverde City Park, 29815 Bulverde Lane, Bulverde 78163; www.provisionsoutreach.org.
WinterFest San Antonio – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stone Oak festival with Santa, elves, rocking Christmas music, carnival, food, and 50,000 pounds of snow will benefit Brighton Center. North Central Baptist Hospital, 502 Madison Oak 78258; www.winterfestivalsa.com.
Potential Politician
JHS Senior Elected to Gubernatorial Position at 2025
Texas Boys State
By Amy Morgan
You might have watched the 2020 documentary, Boys State, which follows the week-long summer program where high school boys learn how to build a state government from the ground up. At Boys State, students run mock governments and engage in civic leadership, providing a unique, hands-on experience in how government works. Since 1935, only the best and brightest students are selected to represent their schools at Boys or Girls State conventions. “Boys State and Boys Nation are designed for students who show leadership, character, academic excellence, and a commitment to their school and community,” according to program sponsor the American Legion.
While local NEISD high schools have been sending delegates for years, this was the first time a Johnson High School student, Troy Balogun, parlayed participation in the Texas program into election to its highest office – Governor. Troy learned how to master the campaign process, gave speeches and won enough followers to be chosen over the more than 1300 participants.
“I learned you can always reach for more and push yourself to be better,” Troy said. “I’ve always reached for big things, but being around great minds, you realize everybody wants to grow and get better. It was a good life lesson to learn.”
After his experience as Governor, Troy also represented Texas at Boys Nation held in Washington D.C. There he was able to draft a bill to increase availability of lowincome housing that passed through committee and made it onto the Senate floor. Unfortunately, the session ended before it officially could be ratified.
“I was hopeful it might have passed,” Troy said. “We were looking at mixed-use housing for urban areas. I feel like housing and poverty on the whole are issues in America.”
Troy also was afforded the opportunity to visit national landmarks and meet dignitaries. When he met then Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, he asked how he kept his self-confidence despite backlash from those who disagree with him. The cabinet member reminded him that you can’t please everybody and pointed to the example of Jesus. He also told Troy to always remember why he was doing what he was doing and the why behind his beliefs. “He was interesting to talk to,” Troy added. He also spent time with Senator Ted Cruz.
One of Troy’s biggest takeaways was that although public servants are famous, they are still regular people.
“They are just humans like we are.” His Boys State/Nation experience has inspired him to major in political science and go study law with an eye on politics.
He wouldn’t be alone. Many Boys Nation alumni go on to careers in public service or politics. Although he’s a die-hard University of Texas fan, Troy’s also considering Columbia or Howard, in part because of the potential to be part of their soccer team. The striker began playing the game at the age of three, with his dad as his coach. Troy has played on JHS’s varsity team since his freshman year. He works with Coach Carlton at the Green Gym. He’s helped players at Tex Hill and makes a point to encourage younger JHS teammates, feeling a duty to give back to others.
“I like being able to help them along the journey,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without sports. I’ve learned life lessons and confidence. Very few people can say they are the best at their sport, an undisputed GOAT. You have to be confident in yourself and happy saying, ‘I’m not where I need to be, but I can get there,’ and persevere.”
Troy also volunteers with National Honor Society and Community Bible Church and has participated in JHS’s DECA marketing and business club. He’s looking forward to the DECA state competition this year. He credits his faith as being life changing. “Without the church I would not be the person I am,” he said.
One of these years we might recognize Troy Balogun’s name on a political poster asking for our vote as he pursues the path of public service.
By Amy Morgan
DidSimply Sparkling
Brighter Teeth Boost Confidence
you know that a whiter, brighter smile can contribute to a more youthful appearance? As we age, tooth enamel naturally wears down and reveals the yellowish layer underneath. And years of drinking coffee, tea, dark cola or red wine can cause teeth to appear dingy and make you look older. White teeth and a gleaming smile draw positive attention, create an attractive appearance and may make your entire face look more vibrant and healthy.
So, why not whiten your teeth and boost your confidence before your holiday activities this year?
Registered Dental Hygienist Mandy Dennis advises her patients at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics to start simple with an over-the-counter whitening product. Mandy, who directs Hygiene Operations for the practice’s 10 offices, recommends brushing twice a day with Colgate Optic White Professional Series toothpaste, which contains hydrogen peroxide and purports to remove 15 years of stains. Mandy herself has used the product for years and says, “It’s amazing!” Colgate also offers an overnight pen that can be used to touch up a discolored spot. Just dry the localized area, prime the pen, and apply the solution to the tooth’s surface before going to bed. In the morning, brush as usual. “It takes a few nights, but you will definitely notice a difference,” Mandy enthused.
“I would rather build trust with a patient and see if they can get their teeth whiter trying these things,” she added. “If they are not as bright as they want to be, we can offer other options.”
Another at-home tip Mandy offers – rinse after consuming something that might stain your teeth. “If it will stain a white shirt, it has potential to stain your teeth,” she cautioned.
Whitening products do not modify the color of crowns, so if your dental work shows prominently when you smile, you’ll want to whiten other teeth only enough to match that color. Any whitening program should start with a dental exam and thorough cleaning to begin at baseline. You also can note the shade of your teeth, so you’ll be able to register the change.
An additional benefit, 7to7 Dental’s patients can take advantage of 7to7 Dental’s Whitening for Life program. The dental professionals will make customized trays, then provide a free syringe of 22% carbamide peroxide whitening gel after a patient’s twice-annual cleaning. The composition is stronger than what’s available over the counter, but less powerful than an in-office whitening visit, Mandy said.
If you are limited in time or want to whiten further, 7to7 Dental offers in-office whitening with the Colgate Optic
White system. In just one hour, you’ll leave with teeth an average of seven shades whiter. The dental professional will apply a 35% peroxide solution directly to the teeth, then place a small instrument in the mouth. The device’s blue light activates the product. Three 10-minute sessions over a 60-minute appointment are all that’s needed to see great results. “Patients love it!” Mandy says. Best of all, patients report no sensitivity with this inoffice whitening system, which must be administered by a trained dental professional. 7to7 Dental is designated one of Colgate’s preferred providers.
Whether you whiten at home or in office, it’s important to continue regular maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t put oil in your car once and expect it to run forever, you must also be consistent with your oral health care. For your convenience, 7to7 Dental’s offices are open from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m., weekends. Ensure your smile sparkles so you can be proud of your holiday posts.
Mandy Dennis RDH, Director of Hygiene at 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics
Teething Terrors
How to Keep Your New Pup from Chewing
By Camp Bow Wow Staff
You fell in love. That cute puppy or rescue dog melted your heart, and you brought him home. Adding a new furry family member to your pack, no matter how adorable, involves a little adjustment for everybody.
You may find your pillows, couch, chairs or shoes in peril of destruction, as your new pup has boundless energy and a mouth erupting with 42 new permanent teeth. When pups are teething, which can last past six months of age, they’ll feel compelled to chew on almost anything they can put in their mouths. Puppies also are naturally curious about new things. Since they don’t have opposable thumbs, the best way for them to investigate is with their mouth. It’s only natural next to take a little chomp – and before you know it, there goes your table leg. One little monster even flipped up a rug to chew the lining from the backside!
You may want to remove precious items or create a puppy-safe zone for when you can’t supervise your tiny terror, and especially if he is still potty training. You also can try an aversive to keep your pup away from something you can’t remove (like furniture). Suggestions include spraying with bitter apple, covering the item with plastic or applying sticky tape.
If you catch your pup in the act, don’t yell or swat him, that only causes him to distrust you, and especially if you’ve brought home a rescue that might have been treated badly. Command your pup to “leave it” and redirect him to one of his toys. If it’s a shoe or something portable that he’s reluctant to drop, start playing with a favorite toy in a happy way to draw your pup’s attention. Squeaky toys are a good choice. Soon, the little chewer will come to you to see what you are having so much fun with. The goal is for him to be happy to trade the contraband for the approved item. Rotate toys,
having only a few available at a time, to keep them interesting.
Don’t let your pup chew on you, either. Have a toy ready to shove in his mouth as an alternative when he goes to nip. The moment a pup’s teeth touch your skin, say “ouch!” in a high pitched voice and immediately stop playing – this is how a mother dog or littermate would respond and lets him know his play hurts. Turn away and ignore him for a few seconds to reinforce that this behavior is not fun.
And be aware of how you are engaging in play. Use toys rather than your hands to keep from initiating any nibbling. Make sure you are consistent. Every pup parent and sibling needs to respond the same way.
Even older dogs may resort to a bad habit if they are bored or haven’t had enough exercise. You can play games like fetch, hide and seek and gentle tug of war inside, or go outside and throw a ball or take a walk. A tired pooch is less likely to be destructive. Consider stuffing hollow toys with treats or peanut butter or load a “snuffle mat” to give Fido an approved activity when you are away.
Cheer up, just like a newborn baby eventually sleeps through the night, most pups outgrow destructive chewing once they mature. Soon, your new pup will settle in, learn the rules and be a delight to his furever family.
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