Magazine September 2022 Don’t shoulder pain by yourself !
T ravis High School’s Bryan Schuh was used to getting knocked around on the football field, where he once played defensive tackle. But during the Tigers’ baseball season when he hit the ground to beat out a throw, Bryan felt a pop in his shoulder and his arm went numb. The diagnosis was a rotator cuff strain, and he missed the last three weeks of the Tigers’ season while he rehabbed and rested his shoulder. Not long after his return, during a summer league game, he felt the same pop when he dove head-first into third base. This time, he knew it was serious.
After a physical examination and imaging, Rivers told Bryan he had suffered what is called a SLAP tear, for “superior labrum from anterior to posterior.” The labrum is a thick, soft, cup-shaped piece of cartilage that lines the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, providing stability. SLAP tears occur on the front of the upper arm where the biceps tendon connects to the shoulder. Bryan also had several superficial tears along the back of his labrum.
Backed by the latest and most sophisticated imaging capabilities –and supported by board-certified and fellowship-trained physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists –Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is the leading choice of athletes, everyday active adults, and people of all ages suffering from
Dr. Thomas Rivers and Travis High School student athlete, Bryan Schuh
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Fortunately for Bryan, he had an all-star medical team from Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land on his side, led by Thomas Rivers, M.D., boardcertified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders and knees.
Don’t shoulder
The specialists you need –close to home Bryan was in good hands with Rivers and the staff at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, which is conveniently located on the hospital’s campus and offers 14 boardcertified specialists across the full range of needs – including foot and ankle, knee and shoulder, hand and upper extremity, primary care sports medicine and orthopedic spine surgery.
“Dr. Rivers told me that I could heal without surgery, but I might not ever be able to play baseball again because I wouldn’t be able to throw properly,” said Bryan, now a senior at Travis. “But with surgery and physical therapy, I had a 90 percent chance of being fully healed and able to play.”
The all-star specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports
“You can tell he truly cares about his patients,” Sharilyn said. “Everyone who knows Dr. Rivers will tell you he’s the best.”
“Many of my patients simply have what I call a ‘wear-and-tear’ condition,” Rivers said. “Once you pass the age of 40, the shoulder and other joints can begin to break down just from use over the years. It’s not uncommon for people with hobbies or jobs that require them to use their arms and shoulders a lot to have SLAP tears and other injuries just from daily living.”
Personal, compassionate care
Travis High School athletic trainer, Meghan Shank and Travis High School student athlete, Bryan Schuh
During an hour-and-a-half outpatient surgery in late June, Rivers repaired Bryan’s labrum and reattached it to the bone socket for stability. But before surgery, Rivers did something that made a lasting impression on Bryan and his mother Sharilyn.
acute injury or just the wear and tear of daily Houstonlife. Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is also the official healthcare provider of the Houston Texans, Houston Astros and Sugar Land Space Cowboys, as well as Rice University athletics and Fort Bend ISD athletics.
A week after surgery, Bryan began physical therapy at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine’s state-of-the-art facility. After a couple of weeks, he could tell that he was healing well and on track to rejoin his team in time for the start of the baseball season thisBryan'sspring.care team also includes Scotty Wild, physical therapist at Houston Methodist, and Meghan Shank, Travis High School athletic trainer. “My physical therapist Scotty Wild is really into baseball, and he knows how to help players recover from injuries and return to the field,” he said. “He’s really helped me get stronger.”
Not just for athletes Of course, not every patient at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is an athlete. The specialists there treat patients of all ages and conditions.
“Dr. Rivers was straight up with me from the beginning, and I knew I could trust him,” Bryan recalled. “But right before surgery, he asked if he could pray with me, and we did. That made a big impression on me.”
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Medicine treat a wide range of common and complex conditions.
pain by yourself!
Injury Clinics: Ortho vs. Sports To schedule an appointment, call 281.805.7495 or visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl.SportsInjuryClinic
Student athletes of all ages are welcome. • No appointment needed • Sports medicine specialist on hand for evaluation • Imaging services available Saturdays:HOURS: 8
Saturday
The clinic provides treatment for injuries that occurred within the last three days,
Nov. 5 4 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 To advertise, 281-235-0600
Orthopedic Injury Clinic
“There’s no reason to put off seeing a specialist when you experience pain, discomfort or a reduced quality of life,” Rivers said. “Some patients are nervous about surgery, but in fact, we are fortunate to have an outstanding physical therapy team here that can help a lot of patients regain their shoulder strength and mobility without surgery. We’ll develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific injury or condition and situation. Don’t live with pain.”
The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land makes it easy and convenient to be seen by a specialist with expertise in treating orthopedic injuries. Walk-in visits welcome; office visit pricing and all major insurance plans are accepted.
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In addition, accidents such as falls can create shoulder issues.
including: • Acute orthopedic injuries • Fractures and broken bones • Sports injuries
Chronic
Between
This fall, Houston Methodist Orthopedics Injury Clinic at Sugar Land makes is once again offering its morning sports injury clinic. - 10:30 a.m. Aug. and
accidents, spine injuries, and
are
“The impact that Bryan experienced when he slid into third base can also occur when someone trips or loses their balance and falls on their arm or shoulder, creating a labrum tear,” Rivers said. “Sometimes the patient isn’t even aware of what has happened until they struggle when reaching for something or extending their arm in a certain way.”And just like an athlete, those patients can benefit from the expertise and skill of the Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team.
MondayHOURS: - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. conditions, concussions, hip injuries, motor vehicle workers’ compensaion not treated at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic.
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Campbell’s Compounding
“Dosage form is another reason to compound,” continues Dr. Mathew. “We can compound progesterone as an injectable, a vaginal suppository, or an oral medication. The beauty of this versatility is that if one dosage form doesn’t work for you, we can try another route.” “Finally, allergies. The oral form of manufactured progesterone contains peanut oil. It’s no secret that peanuts are near the top of the allergy list. We can create a progesterone supplement without peanut oil (or any other undesired ingredients!).Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy was founded in 2003 by Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph. For irregular cycles, missed periods, obtaining and maintaining pregnancy, and more, Campbell’s works with your doctor to create progesterone replacement therapy in the dosage and form that works for your body. Because it’s important!
F CUS by Amy Sharp
Dr. Lisa Mathew, compounding pharmacist at local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, says, “Here at Campbell’s, we partner with area OB/GYN offices and fertility specialty clinics to compound progesterone replacement therapy for patients that require it.”
Progesterone is released by the ovaries and is particularly important for a normal menstrual cycle, ovulation, and for a healthy pregnancy. It prepares the lining of the uterus for implantation and maintains the pregnancy.
“Since we are custom-making the medication, we can tailor the dose to the patient. For example, to maintain pregnancy, progesterone needs to be at an optimal level…and the required supplemental dose is not the same for everyone. We do not want to underdose or overdose. By compounding, we can get the progesterone dose just right.”
Progesterone is one of many hormones manufactured by the body that plays a pivotal role in a woman’s reproductive system.
Why compound? “Perhaps the number one reason to compound progesterone is dosage,” continues Dr. Mathew.
Pharmacy “If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!” Sugar Land • 281-980-2555 4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 Houston • 713-668-4833 6603 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX www.campbellscompounding.com77005 The Benefits of Compounded Progesterone 9720 Harlem Road #B3 Richmond, TX 77407 Call for your Termite Inspection Today! Trusted everywhere! by homeowners ® BUGCO Pest Control 281-240-2157 www.bugco.org A Benefit Honoring Our Sugar Land Fire Department SEPTEMBER 10, 2022, 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM Safari Texas- The Texas Ballroom Richmond, Texas TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE WWW.SLCFAA.ORG THE HOTTEST EVENT OF THE YEAR Honorary Chairs Doug & Susie Goff with Sugar Land Fire Chief Doug Boeker and Battalion Chief Cindy King 2022 SugarFirefightersLand Gala Black Tie Optional Fire Engine Red Dress 6 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 To advertise, 281-235-0600
by Amy Sharp
Booze for Boobs co-founder Star Hand has been involved in raising money for cancer for 22 years. “My family and my husband’s family have been impacted by cancer in many ways,” explains Star. “Last year, Chloe, Neera, and I came together to create an event where every dollar raised goes to charity. Booze for Boobs has no overhead. Every dollar raised goes to support The Rose. I’m excited to grow this event. This year it doubled in size, and next year it will be evenThisbigger!”year’s event will be held October 5th at Ouzo Bay. Tickets and sponsorships are sold out. For those that would like to help, please visit TheRose.org and donate in honor of Booze for Boobs. Booze for Boobs is also in need of auction items, and they’ll be out at the 20th Annual Fall Charity Open Car Show, Serious Wheels, hosted by Corvette Owners Club of Houston at Sugar Land Town Square on October 8th. All proceeds from Serious Wheels also benefit The Rose.
JOIN FORCES AGAINST BREAST CANCER H W Y 6
Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-9000 www.classicchevysugarland.com Classic Chevrolet HWY 6 8100 HWY 6 South, Houston, TX 77083 281-201-1040 www.classicchevyhwy6.com
T
iffany Sebastian, Star Hand, Mely Cruz, Neera Patidar, Chloe Di Leo and Amanda Abiassi have joined forces for a common good. Together, these dynamic ladies are hosting the 2nd annual Booze for Boobs: A ladies-only, all-pink-attire event to raise awareness and funds for The Rose. The Rose is a Houston-based, nonprofit breast care organization that provides mammograms, diagnostics, ultrasounds, biopsies, and more to women regardless of ability to pay. Mely, one of their own, is not only a pink sister, she’s also a breast cancer survivor and thriver. Mely is currently undergoing her final rounds of radiation. “Cancer steals so much from you,” says Mely. “During those difficult days of chemotherapy and surgery, close friendships changed everything for me. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the many people in my life, including Tiffany who has walked my cancer journey with me. Wanting my personal story to inspire others, Tiffany and I created Let’s Shine to provide other women who are going through their journey the same support I have received... because everyone deserves to feel included, loved, and seen.”
“As I went through chemotherapy, I was able to keep my hair thanks to cold capping,” continues Mely. “To look in the mirror and still see myself with my hair was so empowering, because I was able to tell my story on my own terms. Unfortunately, cold capping therapy is not covered by insurance. This year, Booze for Boobs together with Let’s Shine will be raising money for cold capping therapy that will be provided to women through The Rose in addition to all of the organization’s initiatives and services.”
Positive, Powerful Women
Special thanks to sponsors Ouzo Bay, Smile Texas/Dr. Rick Kline, Classic Chevrolet, Carbingo, Corvette Owners Club of Houston, Theresa Roemer, Hal Martin’s, Gina and Benny Gates, Gena and Paul Horak, Iconstrux, Amy West Becker, Imagen Venues, Holly and Darron Clay, and Kim and Gernott Gaulke. Ouzo Bay is graciously donating this year’s Booze for Boobs food, alcohol, service, and venue.
“From that first meeting, C.W. was responsible and responsive,” continues Rajiv. “We had to pare down 50–60 years worth of accumulated items from the home into a two bedroom apartment, have repairs done, and stage the home to prepare it for listing. C.W. brought in a general contractor that managed all of the different categories of repairs that needed to be done, including disposal of waste materials and cleanup, in a timely manner. This was very helpful. He staged the home for us. When it was time to price the home, C.W. patiently explained the market to grandpa and took our input. He hit the price point very well: Max value while remaining aware of the timeliness of the sale. We had a contract 10 days after listing the home. After the inspection, C.W. walked us through it, and adjusted the price to take care of everything. We closed 50 days after my first meeting with C.W.”
Jimmy says, “I found C.W. to be sensible and have practical knowledge and experience that would help us achieve our goals. As a senior, I felt that C.W. understood our needs and would make the process go smoothly. I was dealing with a lot of issues at the same time: moving my wife to memory care, undergoing cataract surgery (both eyes), securing an apartment at the independent living facility, and selling the house. At the same time, Rajiv and my daughter were going on a longplanned vacation. C.W. worked with Rajiv while he was on vacation to help keep the project going smoothly.”
Your local destination for your real estate needs. KWSW.com is home to more than 600 agents whose mission is serving their clients and charitable organizations “giving where we live.” KWSW.com provides comprehensive school, master planned communities, and neighborhood information on homes for sale in our hometown.
A KW Southwest Experience
KW Agents Ann and C.W. Ross
Jimmy Harp’s Story 281-265-0000 • 1650 Highway 6, Ste 350 • Sugar Land, TX 77478 by Amy Sharp
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Jimmy Harp’s wife recently moved into memory care. To be close to her, Jimmy decided to move into an apartment across the way at Eagle’s Trace Senior Living Community. Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) agent C.W. Ross was on the list of recommended real estate agents at Eagle’s Trace. Jimmy’s sonin-law, Rajiv Singh, met with C.W. first. Rajiv says, “Grandma and Grandpa had a home and 2.5 acres in Spring Branch. Grandpa needed the liquidity from the home to pay the ‘entry fee’ into Eagle’s Trace. I explained our goals and objectives to C.W. I then told him it was up to him to get grandpa comfortable with him. Selling the home was a major decision, and I knew grandpa would be more open and accepting of input if he was comfortable with the person giving advice.”
“I think C.W. did an exceptional job,” says Jimmy. “It was really beneficial to have a real estate agent that understood and responded to my needs. C.W. delivered on the project and allowed us to focus on our other personal matters.”
Every Hound CONTESTPETPUPPYADOPTION,VENDORS,RAFFLES,PAINTING,COSTUME&MORE! Location Parking lot of KW Southwest - 1650 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 kwsw.com/give NEEDS A HOME EVERY HOUND NEEDS A HOME AND IT IS OUR GOAL TO HELP THEM FIND ONE BY SUPPORTING LOCAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES WHO ARE OVER CAPACITY AND OVERWHELMED. SAT. OCTOBER 15TH 10AM - 1PM your Bringpet 10AM - 1PM OCTOBER 15 2022 SHREDDINGHUNGER PARKING LOT OF KW SOUTHWEST 1650 HWY 6, SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 INFORMATION DESTRUCTION AT YOUR DOOR PAPER SHREDDING BY BENEFITING KW SOUTHWEST WILL SHRED YOUR PAPERS FOR FREE WHEN YOU DONATE CASH OR A BAG FULL OF DRY GOODS TO HELP FEED HUNGRY FAMILIES IN FORT BEND COUNTY. JOIN OUR DRIVE-THRU FOOD DRIVE AND HAVE YOUR PAPERS SHREDDED.
Want to take your smart home to the next level? Mohamed says, “With the latest in lighting automation technology, we can brighten landscapes, outdoor and indoor living spaces with high-performance distributed AV, smart lighting, and LED lighting installations. Not only are they beautiful…energy-saving LED lighting installations can save you money.” No Texas outdoor living area would be complete without an outdoor grill from Lone Star Floors. “Here again, it’s all in the design,” explains Mohamed. “Gone are the days of a standalone pit on a concrete slab. We offer a wide range of outdoor grills and accessories to complete your outdoor cooking area. For ultimate convenience, we can add a sink and fridge. We’ll help you choose the perfect materials, creating a vacation destination in your own backyard.”
A Smooth Transition
Corporate Health Insurance To Medicare Clutch City Insurance Keren 281-236-1321Delaune kerendelaune@gmail.com
Begin
Sugar Land: 281-564-1345 10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX Katy: 281-398-2319 873 South Mason Rd. #300 Katy, TX Woodlands: 832-813-0813 24627 I-45 North Suite # A The Woodlands/Spring, Texas Lone Star Floors • 3 Locations • www.lonestarfloors.com Living Perfected LONE STAR FLOORS GET MORE FROM by Amy Sharp built are.asindividualasyou 10 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 www.upclosemagazine.com
N ancy Morong had corporate health insurance until she retired at age 68. “I have very little knowledge of Medicare,” explains Nancy. “I did not know which supplement plan to choose. I was totally lost…there are so many plans out there! My family doctor highly recommended I speak with Keren Delaune at Clutch City Insurance. He gave me her card, and I gave Keren a call.” “I met with Keren, and gave her a list of my medications and the doctors I see,” continues Nancy. “Keren customized my plan for me…keeping everything I had under my corporate health insurance plan on my Medicare Advantage plan. Everything was right on point. It was a very smooth transition. Keren takes her job very seriously. She’s knowledgeable and thorough, and she pays attention to everything. Keren also provides great customer service. When I call, she picks up the phone or calls me right back. When I text, she responds. That is hard to find these days!” Keren says, “Think of us here at Clutch City Insurance as your boots on the ground here in Fort Bend County. You could always call the 1-800 number for Medicare. The difference is we know the area hospitals and doctors, and we can help ensure that your doctors and your medications are covered by your plan. We become your ongoing resource. As Nancy said, we are always available to answer questions about plans, bills, medical cards…anything Medicare related. Open enrollment may be closed, but if you don’t like your plan or don’t like your options, let’s talk. We’ll also let you know if your current plan is really good and no change is necessary. And for those that are turning 65 soon, I do recommend that you understand your options at least six months before your birthday.” Medicare consultations with Clutch City Insurance are always free of Nancycharge.says,“I’ve already referred friends to Keren. She was such a blessing to find!” by Amy Sharp
I
From
n this day and age, a home remodel demands a great design. Should the floors be waterproof? What’s the color scheme? How should the lighting illuminate the surfaces? Should they turn on automatically when the room is occupied? Can they be dimmed or timed?
Founded more than 30 years ago by cousins Mohamed, Ziad Mukhaimer, and Imad Mansour, Lone Star Floors enjoys a long-standing reputation for “doing it right.” “Cutting corners during a remodel never pays off,” says Mohamed. “That’s why we’re by the book, every time.” your 2022 remodel today calling Lone Star Floors.
“It’s overwhelming,” says Mohamed Naser, co-owner of local Lone Star Floors. “That’s why when we do remodeling work, we always start with a design consultation. Our designers help guide you through the selection of products and materials. We’ll put together something you’ll love.” Full bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor area remodels are all in the scope of what Lone Star Floors does, including flooring, lighting, countertops, paint, shower glass, and plumbing.
by
Alan’s Plumbing has served as Fort Bend County’s go-to for honest plumbing ser vices since 1996. Alan and his wife Jennifer raised their three boys, Jake, Luke, and Beau, right here. All three are graduates of Elkins High School. “Our boys grew up here, and our name is on our business,” explains Alan. “Luke (Master Plumber), Beau (journeyman-licensed), and Jake (plumbing apprentice) are now all a part of the family business. My brother Chris is also a Master Plumber…he’s been with me since the beginning. Journeyman-licensed plumbers Jeff Johnson and Jaime, and tradesman-licensed Trevor have been with our family for a very long time as well. We strive to take the fear out of calling for plumbing service. It’s not just a repair call to us. People can trust our family to take care of Alan’stheirs.”grandfather was an ironworker who worked on the San Jacinto monument. When iron workers walk on the framework of a building under construction, it takes nerves of steel. They have to depend on each other every step of the way, and the work they do has to stand the test of time. That’s the blood that runs through the guys at Alan’s Plumbing. Grandpa worked on construction, and his grandsons and greatgrandsons work with pipes and plumbing. It’s all in the family!
Alan’s Plumbing
Twenty-Six Years of Dedicated Service to This Community www.upclosemagazine.com UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 ~ 11
“Our 25+ years of experience provide the background for understanding plumbing systems from beginning to end,” continues Alan. “Most of our business has come from referrals, neighbors that trust us and pass on our name. We have helped many grateful customers who have been told their plumbing fixes will be thou sands of dollars, often resolving the problem for a fraction of the cost. As a family-owned and operated busi ness, we can afford to keep our over head low so we can pass that savings on to you, our neighbors.”
281-261-1064 License M-18995
WWW.ALANS.PLUMBING WWW.ALANS.PLUMBING
To Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter, plumbing is not just about responding to the drip, drip, drip of your faucet. It’s about providing top-notch, profes sional, and caring service to his community.
Decades of experience and a genu ine care for customers are the rea sons people have continued to trust Alan’s Plumbing for more than a quar ter of a century. Call 281-261-1064 for all of your plumbing needs. by Amy Sharp
The Re-Modelista Your Home Renovation Specialist More Than 10 Years cell: 832-731-3191 Amy Sharp
Ever since Linda and Dave moved to Texas nearly 20 years ago, Linda has wanted to make the master bathroom specific to her wants and needs. Linda says, “The cabinets and countertop were too low. When I brushed my teeth, I had to lean over, and it put a strain on my back. I knew raising the cabinets and countertop would help me. The bathroom had a fake fireplace that I thought should have cabinets built around it to look built in. Instead of a bathtub, I wanted a soaker tub, and I wanted to move the chandelier from the dining room and put it over the soaker tub. Finally, I wanted to get rid of my laundry room and put a stackable washer and dryer in the master bathroom. That way, I wouldn’t have to carry the laundry across the house.”
“During construction, Teri’s crews were clean, neat, and considerate,” continues Linda. “I enjoyed the whole process. We started in mid April. I asked Teri if we’d be done before my birthday on June 12. She told me the master bathroom would be, and it was. I love it! I could not have gotten any more of what I wanted. It’s right on, and it’s perfect. The stacked washer and dryer is fabulous. I’ve never kept up with my laundry like this in my life. If anyone has something specific in mind for a remodel, do not be afraid to ask Teri. She will make your dreams come true!”
832-535-2501 •
www.theremodelista.com &KitchenYourBathSpecialist Dreams Come True Teri Makes by
12 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2022
Serving Fort Bend County For
Two families down the street from Linda had contracted Teri Gilberg (better known as The Re-Modelista) to do remodeling work. “They both loved Teri, so I gave her a call about my master bathroom. When Teri came over for my consultation, I liked her immediately. She’s just precious, and I’ve never seen so much energy in one person. Everything I wanted, Teri said, ‘No problem!’ To help me pull the design together, Teri referred me to Christine at ProSource. Christine was very helpful. She asked what colors I liked, and then started pulling tile, paint, and more for me. I didn’t like everything she brought out, but Christine quickly narrowed it down and put together a design I loved in one afternoon. Dave and I decided to do some remodeling work in our other full bath and half bath as well. These bathrooms followed the design of the master bathroom.”
Twenty-three percent of all emergency room visits are musculo-skeletal,” explains Dr. James Ferguson, Medical Director at local St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. “Fractures, sprains, and strains are the biggest part of that 23%.”
The Time and Willingnessto go Step by Amy Sharp
Next Stop... Broken Bones
Dr. Ferguson remembers the story of an MMA fighter who came into the emergency room with incredible foot pain. “I knew it was bad,” says Dr. Ferguson. “Every MMA fighter I’ve ever treated is tough…they take on a lot of pain before admitting they feel it. Nevertheless, the x-ray of his foot was negative. I had a radiologist take a look, and he read the x-ray the same: negative. I next ordered a CAT scan. The CAT scan revealed three broken bones in the fighter’s foot. I was able to splint the injury and get him on crutches, allowing the foot to start healing. If I had just looked at the negative x-ray, he would have continued to walk on the broken bones…causing more damage to the foot as the bones collapsed further.”
injured and can’t move,” explains Dr. Ferguson. “And we have an extremity MRI machine on-site. An MRI shows us an even bigger picture. We can look at bones, joints, and soft tissues such as cartilage, muscles, and tendons. Had the CAT scan not revealed the fighter’s broken bones, I would have ordered an extremity MRI on his foot.” After stabilizing fractures, sprains, and strains, St. Michael’s has a direct referral path for follow up with an orthopedic or rheumatologist. “You’re always welcome to call us back and ask questions too,” says St. Michael’s Elite Hospital founder, Dr. Shannon Orsak. “We want to know that you’re ok!”
Taking the time and having the willingness to go to the next step is the St. Michael’s way. X-rays, fully functional CAT scans, and extremity MRIs are available on-site. “We even have a portable x-ray machine that we can bring into the examination room for those that are severely St. Michael’s bills all insurances. Your insurance MUST pay in-network benefits at the ER of YOUR CHOICE whether the emergency room you choose is “in-network” or “out-of-network.”
“Most people don’t realize that treating a bone injury is not as simple as taking an x-ray to see if it’s fractured or not fractured,” continues Dr. Ferguson. “Certain bones are notorious for presenting a negative x-ray, but a hairline fracture is present. These include the ribs, one of the wrist bones, and vertebral bodies in the spine. The secret to diagnosing these fractures is knowing the mechanism of injury (MOI). What caused the injury? If a cat jumped on your wrist and it hurts, it’s almost certainly not fractured. If you took a fall and caught yourself with your hands, your wrist could be fractured. If you fell 20 feet and landed hard on the hands, it’s likely fractured. Knowing the MOI helps us predict which bones might be broken.”
to The Next
www.24hrer.comwww.24hrer.com St. Michael’s Elite Hospital 16000 SW Freeway (at Hwy 6), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-HELP (4357)
Evaluating, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Mental Health Support by
As an LSSP with eight years experience in the schools, Dr. Allen is also available to assist with navigating the school system, ARD meetings, and writing academicEvaluationsgoals. with Kinghaven Counseling Group can be set up online or over the phone. The practice accepts all insurances, as well as Medicaid. “Please mention your concerns when setting up an evaluation,” says Dr. Allen. “This way, we get a better idea of where to start in designing our testing. We want to be as efficient and timely as possible!”
Licensed psychologist, Dr. Brittany Allen, has always had an interest in helping people. “My mom was a teacher,” says Dr. Allen. “And I always thought I would go into medicine. Along the way, I realized I wanted to help in a more holistic approach. I considered psychology, and my time in graduate school at The University of Houston solidified my decision.” Dr. Allen has practiced clinical psychology all over Houston, in both the clinical setting and in schools as an LSSP (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology). Her focus is autism and other developmental disorders.
DON’T THROW IT AWAY! Use It. You’ve Already Paid For It! 14 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 www.upclosemagazine.com
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S. “Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 281-530-1440 www.drthomaslomonte.com
“Premiums, yearly maximums, deductibles and the certainty that dental problems will worsen are all extremely important reasons to maximize utilizing your dental benefits,” continues Dr. Lomonte. “Even if you don’t require any treatment, regular cleanings are proven to help prevent and detect early signs of and other dental problems.” When you do need treatment, nearly all plans have a yearly maximum, which is the abso lute most money your plan will pay in a calendar year. But unused money does not rollover. It will be lost on January 1st.
Kinghaven Counseling Group 3425713-457-4372Highway 6, Suite 103 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.kinghavencounseling.com Amy Sharp
“Delaying dental treatment today puts you at risk for more expensive and extensive (and painful!) dental work down the road,” explains Dr. Lomonte. “And if you’ve already had some dental work done this year, chances are you have met your deductible. So it pays to have the additional work done before year end. Just like the yearly maximum, the deductible also resets on January 1.” As an added bonus, health flexible savings account money can be used to pay for your portion of any dental work. Like dental plans, FSAs are also “use or lose it.”
From moms and dads to kids and grandparents, Dr. Lomonte has been everyone’s family dentist since 1982. Call Dr. Lomonte today and schedule an appointment. If you require treat ment, Dr. Lomonte and his team will walk you through the options and help you pick the treatment that works best for your mouth, your smile, your schedule, and your benefits plan. You can be confident that you’re not walk ing out of 2022 with money left on the table. by Marie Page
“My job is to help navigate,” explains Dr. Allen. “From diagnosis to next steps to intervention. For younger children, I use a play-based evaluation model. While we play, I ask the parents questions. When the child is older, I like to speak with the parents and child both together and separately. I also provide adult evaluations for autism. There is a huge population of adults young to mid life who’ve always had difficulties in certain areas. While a diagnosis may be difficult news to receive, most are relieved to understand why they are the way they are.” “When you request an evaluation at Kinghaven Counseling Group,” continues Dr. Allen, “we get you in… usually within a week of calling. Clients then receive reports back in two to three weeks, and we design a treatment plan. I love that here at Kinghaven we offer a breadth of services in-house, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). It’s convenient and beneficial for the patient. We can share information between providers, and patients do not need a separate insurance approval for each provider.”
Don’t you hate it when you pay for your groceries but forget to put them in the car? Wait a minute…you would NEVER do this! But maybe you’re doing the very same thing with your dental benefits. Dr. Thomas Lomonte, DDS says, “Each year, millions of people allow their dental benefits to go to waste. If you’re paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits.”
to receive the offer. by Amy Sharp HEALTH MATTERS WITH DRS. STEVE HARRIS AND ZACK BRAZZELL, DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC BACK TO RUNNING AND LIFTING Check out our newFollowlook!us! @sugarlandhealthcentersugarlandhealthcenterDrSteveHarrisDC www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com Dr.
167281-980-1050CitadelWay,
Brazzell www.upclosemagazine.com UPCLOSE ~ September 2022 ~ 15
“Dr. Brazzell impressed me right away. He did not just adjust me. He did a full exam with x-rays, and then he showed me the damage my back had endured through years of wear and tear. It was very enlightening. I had the back of a 70-year-old in certain spots. Dr. Brazzell cre ated a soft tissue therapy plan that stretched my back, relieving the pressure and pain. To my surprise, I was able to walk on my own after an hour of therapy. We did two months of soft tissue therapy before Dr. Brazzell felt my back was ready to be adjusted.”
Sugar Land Health Center Suite 500 (Across from the Sugar Land Airport, next to Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry) Sugar Land, TX 77479 in are here to not apply to Medicare or Personal Injury. X-rays at regular charge. Additional charges publication Steve Zack
pain, we
may apply. CODE: HERNANDEZ22UP Bring this
hirty-three-year-old Pedro Hernandez first saw a chiropractor at age 16 while training intensely for the military. Pedro was discharged when he was 19 after incurring an injury during military training.
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Today, Pedro is back to running and lifting. He sees Dr. Brazzell for maintenance visits. “I’m a stubborn guy, and I still do things that I probably shouldn’t do at my age. Dr. Brazzell helps me tremendously. He keeps me on my feet and keeps my pain level at or near zero. I’ve referred many individuals to him. I love that Dr. Brazzell first finds what’s actually wrong, and then sets up a treatment plan. He was the only chiropractor to ever sug gest x-rays for me!”
Pedro says, “After being discharged, I started intensive weight training six to seven days a week. I wanted to maintain my military endurance. I had back issues and muscle spasms here and there, and I saw chiropractors who adjusted me. It always seemed like a band aid that kept me going. After several years, I decided: No more chiropractors.”
Dr. Steve Harris opened Sugar Land Health Center in 1982. In the summer of 2019, he welcomed his son-in-law, Dr. Brazzell, to the practice. Together, they offer a wide variety of chiropractic care modalities and associated therapies to help people with pain find relief and improve their overall health.
WHERE PAIN RELIEF COMES NATURALLY .............................................. New Patient Special COMPLIMENTARY Exam & Consultation ( $125 VALUE ) If you live
Three years ago, Pedro was helping a colleague move some equipment when he felt a tweak he had not felt before. “It immediately put me on my back. I assumed since I was a big, tough guy, I could walk it off. But I was in pain. I knew I did something bad, and might need to try a chiropractor again. I was adjusted right after the injury. I limped through the rest of the day. By the time I got home that evening, the pain was so bad I could not support myself. It was excruciating, unlike anything I had ever felt before. I spent the next day in bed. A friend referred me to Dr. Zack Brazzell at Sugar Land Health Center. I decided to check it out…I was desperate.”
Harris and Dr.
help. 281-980-1050 Does
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