UpClose SL February 2023

Twelve Years. Hundreds of Five Stars. Thousands of Beautiful Smiles.

Dr. Rizwan Khan

by Amy Sharp

Dr. Rizwan Khan knew when he first started practicing in the Richmond area in 2010 that he wanted to set himself apart. “My parents were first generation immigrants from India,” explains Dr. Khan. “My mother was a beloved pediatrician who made it her life goal to always put her patients first.” With this same passion for patient care and a hyperfocus on detail, Dr. Khan has become a highly regarded orthodontist this community has loved for 12 years and counting. After graduating high school as salutatorian and undergraduate with honors, Dr. Khan completed dental school and a multi-year residency in dentofacial orthopedics and orthodontics at the Medical University of South Carolina. He was the sole winner of the 2007 Award of Excellence from the American Association of Orthodontists. In 2010, Dr. Khan began practicing in Fort Bend where he’s continued a legacy of excellence.

Smile Studio Orthodontics is owned, managed, and operated solely by Dr. Khan. “We are a medium-size boutique practice with an emphasis on high-quality care and excellent customer service. We are not a high-volume mill or a corporate chain, and I want to keep it that way,” says Dr. Khan. “The number one priority for me is always maintaining a patient-centric practice. It’s never, ‘get in, get out.’ I make myself super available, and I always oversee all patient care. High-quality care for both children and adults is of the utmost importance.”

And the people of Fort Bend have responded. Over the course of twelve years, Dr. Khan has crafted several thousand gorgeous smiles. He’s also beginning to see the children of previous patients. With more than 500 reviews, Smile Studio Orthodontics sustains a perfect 5-star rating on Google (extremely rare for anyone in business more than a decade). The practice is very modern, offering 3D digital scans, digital x-rays, Invisalign, and traditional and clear braces.

Like the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Khan recommends children do a first orthodontic evaluation at age 7. “It’s a common misconception that you need to wait

for all the baby teeth to come out,” explains Dr. Khan. “Some bite issues–including cross bites, underbites, severe crowding, and teeth that come in incorrectly–cannot wait. These growth issues can often only be fixed at an early age.” Smile Studio Orthodontics accepts all insurances. Referrals are not necessary, and 0% financing is available.

Dr. Khan and his wife Sophia, a native of Katy, are proud parents to three very active boys. Smile Studio Orthodontics recently celebrated donating more than $100,000 to local schools and organizations. Dr. Khan says, “I live in this amazing community, and it’s so important that we give back.”

Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Contact Smile Studio Orthodontics today for a free consultation.

A QuArter Century of Building trust

This year, local Tim’s Fences celebrates 25 years of custom fence building in Fort Bend County and The Greater Houston Area.

It all started when owner Tim Weyand was laid off for the third time in the oil business at 32 years old. Tim says, “I had just built my own fence, and a neighbor complimented it. Then I built a friend’s fence. I thought, ‘I can do this,’ so I started to advertise. Back then, my dad worked for me part-time for free. My priority was, and continues to be, building trust with my customers by doing the right thing.”

Behind this philosophy, Tim’s Fences grew quickly. The company progressed into ornamental iron, driveway gates, commercial fence building, and more. Today, Tim’s Fences employs 15 people.

“So much has changed in 25 years,” reminisces Tim. “Technology is amazing. People no longer find us in the telephone book, they use Google. Where we once depended on Keymap, we now use GPS. Carbon copy estimates are no longer drawn up at a client’s kitchen table. Today, we digitally build estimates, send, and sign documents. We offer new, better products specifically targeted for the Houston area–like metal posts for wood fences and galvanized, powder-coated ornamental iron. What hasn’t changed? Word-of-mouth marketing. Friends still tell friends about Tim’s Fences, and we are grateful for that!”

“If you’re looking to kick the tires on a new fence,” continues Tim, “visit our website and select ‘Build a Quote.’ You’ll be presented with a Google earth photo of your property where you can

by Amy Sharp

select your fence line, put in potential gates, and select materials. The end result is a ballpark estimate for your new fence. We’ll still visit to provide a hard estimate, but this technology gives you an idea of the cost without ever leaving the couch.”

Tim has lived in Fort Bend County for 55 years. He raised his two kids and two grandchildren here. Tim enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and helping the community. Together with his employees, Tim donated time to install the Texas Historical Markers at both Sugar Land United Methodist Church and Courts Hardware in Stafford. Tim’s Fences participates in national trade shows and is a member of the American Fence Association and the Texas Fence Association.

Residential customers, builders, HOA boards and Commercial business owners trust Tim’s Fences for fence building. Tim’s Fences team members participate in continued education to stay up-to-date on the latest options. Wood fences, ornamental iron, chain link, composites, driveway gates, access control, and much more are in the scope of what they can do. Online payments and financing are available. Tim says, “For every job we do, my hyper-focused team and I are committed to making sure our expectations and the customer’s expectations are the same. What can we do for you?”

Tim’s Fences • 281-980-2290 2719 5th Street, Suite E, Stafford, TX 77477 www.timsfences.com

This year, local Tim’s Fences celebrates 25 years of custom fence building in Fort Bend County and The Greater Houston Area.

Choosing The RIGHT Plumber For YOUR Job

Protecting the health and safety of Texans

Here in Texas, there are four professional licensing levels for a plumber: apprentice (NOT a license), tradesman, journeyman, and master plumber. New plumbers start out as an apprentice. Apprentices are only able to test for a tradesman license after 4,000 hours of on-the-job plumbing experience and completing 24 hours of educational requirements. By comparison, the journeyman license requires 8,000 hours of plumbing experience and 48 hours of education. Then to test to be a master plumber, an individual must have held a journeyman license for four years. If you’re keeping up with the math, that’s a minimum of EIGHT years before one can sit for the State Board of Texas master plumber examination.

Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter, owner of local Alan’s Plumbing, says, “It’s confusing. People look at this and think they need a master plumb -

er to work on every plumbing job. But there’s a big difference between a water main break and a leaky toilet tank. For one you should have a lot of experience before you touch it, the other’s a pretty easy job. Here at Alan’s Plumbing, we require attention to detail and integrity of every plumber at every level. And because we never hire outside help, we have the ability to look at each job and select the plumber(s) with the appropriate level of experience to do that job.”

Alan’s Plumbing has served as Fort Bend’s go-to plumbing company for more than three decades. Today, the family-owned company boasts Burkhalters at all levels of experience. Alan’s brother Chris and his son Luke are also master plumbers. His son Beau is journeyman-licensed and studying for his master plumber license. His son Jake is an apprentice close to his journeyman license. Journeyman-licensed plumbers Jeff Johnson and Jaime, and

by Amy Sharp

tradesman-licensed Trevor complete this local, plumbing team.

“First and foremost, anyone doing plumbing in your home should have a license they can produce when asked,” says Alan. “However, you should also be aware that a tradesman can run a truck and do residential plumbing with only two years of experience under his belt. Again, perfectly fine for a simple job. But some of these houses around town are 20+ years old…it takes experience to know what to do. We clean up a lot of messes caused by inexperience. We’re happy to help of course, but it’s better to get things done right the first time around. When you call Alan’s Plumbing, you can be confident that we’ll always send the right plumber with the experience required for your job!”

Houston radio super couple Theresa “RockFace” Moley on 94.5 The Buzz and Adam Clanton on SportsTalk 790 are in love with everything about Classic Chevy Sugar Land. “It’s a different, family-owned experience,” explains Theresa. “Everyone, from sales to service to collision, takes care of you. They treat both employees and customers like family.”

“I think I’ve known Jeff Sebastian (owner of Classic Chevy Sugar Land with his wife Tiffany) since 2018,” says Adam. “We text about sports all the time! When I bought my 2020 Trail Boss, Jeff set me up with Lloyd. Lloyd has been our salesperson ever since. I was very happy with the Trail Boss, until I saw a brochure for the 2022 Silverado ZR2. I asked Lloyd, ‘What’s that?’ He responded, “It’s your truck on steroids!’ Lloyd crunched the numbers

with me, and we made it happen. My Silverado ZR2 was one of the first built in 2022. It’s just amazing!”

“Tiffany is my sister from another mister,” laughs Theresa. “We text back and forth all the time. When my daughter recently turned 16, I wanted to buy her a used car. I did not believe in buying a new car for a teenager. I met with Lloyd, and he shot straight with me. He told me that leasing a new car was my best option. We chose an Equinox, and we got a phenomenal deal. All safety features are standard on the new Equinox. My daughter does a lot of highway driving to her school, and I love that her car is so safe. Lloyd could have just sold me a used car like I asked. Instead, he recommended an option that was a better deal and safer.”

“We’ve used the service department a million times at Classic Chevy Sugar Land and the collision department on occasion,” continues Theresa. “At both, the service is outstanding. The collision department made all the calls for us and took care of insurance. We barely had to do anything.”

“At Classic Chevy Sugar Land they invest in you,” say Adam and Theresa. “You’re not just investing in a vehicle. We are a Classic Chevy family. Our four-year-old son is already a Chevy fan whipping around in his little, red Corvette!”

by Amy Sharp

Jeff and Tiffany Sebastian Owners of Classic Chevrolet

Are Your Crooked Teeth Impacting Your Dating Life?

by Amy Sharp

When looking at pictures of people with straight teeth and people with crooked teeth, people with straight teeth were voted 57% more likely to attract a mate over people with crooked teeth. Two out every five individuals admitted they would not consider going on a second date with someone because of their crooked teeth.

But is it too late to straighten your smile? “No, it’s not!” says local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte, DDS in Stafford. “And you don’t have to wear traditional braces to do it. Millions of adults have successfully straightened their teeth with Invisalign clear aligners. Since there are no brackets or wires involved, you can still eat all your favorite foods, stay active in sports, and do the things you normally love to do. Not to mention, Invisalign is more kissable than braces! For best results, wear your aligners about 22 hours a day, taking them out to eat and brush your teeth, and then putting them back in again. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as six months.”

Better still, Invisalign is approximately the same cost as regular braces, and Dr. Lomonte is proud to offer 0% financing. “What my patients love about Invisalign is how easy it is to use. The aligners aren’t painful or inconvenient. And you never have to feel self-conscious about smiling because hardly anyone will know you’re using them… they’re virtually invisible. It may sound shallow as a cavity, but sadly your crooked teeth could be impacting your dating life. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to invest in

your smile, this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to act. No matter who you are, the most beautiful thing about you is your smile. Call to schedule your FREE Invisalign consultation today!”

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

by Mohamed Naser

There’s no better time than now to make changes to fall in love with your home. A great place to start is your floors! Flooring can be very versatile. Just like home décor, flooring can be chosen specifically to suit your style and personality. At Lone Star Floors, we make it our goal to match you with the perfect flooring options for your lifestyle.

There are many flooring options out there. Each type has qualities suitable for various personality types. Here are a few options to consider when choosing flooring to best reflect your personality.

The Pet Lover:

Every pet lover knows that messes happen. Having flooring that is easily cleaned is important. If you have pets in your home, tile or luxury vinyl are great options. Both are easy to clean and are affordable. They also offer a variety of colors and styles.

The Outdoor Enthusiast:

Hardwood is a great way to bring nature right into your home. While hardwood looks great, it also offers many benefits. Hardwood is versatile and can match almost any home décor style. It is also known to be easy to clean and maintain.

The Creative:

Every creative soul knows that incorporating your personality into your home is important. Flooring is a great way to get creative and have fun with the look of your home.

Vinyl or tile are the perfect choice for those who might be known to think outside of the box. Both options offer a variety of looks. Whether you are wanting something colorful and geometric, or something more natural and “wood-like,” each presents a range of styles.

In addition to flooring, Lone Star Floors does full kitchen and bathroom remodeling—including lighting, plumbing, shower glass, painting and granite.

We want you to fall in love with your floors! Stop by one of our three convenient locations, and we can make your flooring dreams come true.

A

by Amy Sharp

Sheryl and Sidney have lived in their home since 2015. “The different flooring and tile patterns in the dining room, kitchen, entryway, and family room drove Sheryl crazy!” says Sidney. “We wanted to replace it all with the same flooring. The kitchen and family room were separated by a partial wall. We wanted to knock that wall out, open up the room, and gut and remodel the kitchen.”

“We had read about Teri Gilberg (better known as The Re-Modelista) on NextDoor and in UpClose magazine,” continues Sheryl. “An acquaintance had also used her for a remodel. We received quotes from Teri and one other contractor. We really liked Teri. Her budget was good, and she was very patient with my wants and suggestions. She listened to my ideas. I was concerned we wouldn’t have enough storage with the loss of the cabinets in the partial wall. I suggested we remove the kitchen fur down and put cabinets to the ceiling. With the wall gone, I also wanted a bigger pantry. Teri suggested pantry cabinets with rollouts, which I love. When I suggested wine slots to the ceiling with space in each one for two wine bottles, Teri’s team asked if I was sure. I was. I wanted to utilize all of the space. We put a lazy susan in the corner cabinet, and a spice drawer next to the stove. The island was made bigger, and as a result the recessed space for can lights above it was extended to match the island. We put a dog cabinet and a ‘command center’ cabinet next to the fridge with a pegboard inside for keys. Teri’s not locked into her own style. She’s a good listener to your ideas.”

For materials, Sidney and Sheryl used resources on Teri’s website. “I can’t imagine trying to do this without a general contractor,” explains Sidney. “Teri called, texted, and stopped by daily during our

remodel. We trusted everyone Teri sent to us. She brought in quality people. When we couldn’t find a subway tile that matched for a backsplash, we decided to run the quartz up the wall. The quartz person did an amazing job matching the veining from the countertop up into the backsplash. It’s my favorite part of the kitchen!

Every member of Teri’s team was professional, prompt, and tidy. Teri also made small suggestions that made a huge difference. For example, in the family room she suggested we raise the doorways about a foot. That simple change opened up the space even more.”

The estimated timeline for the project was six weeks. Teri’s estimate was right on. “We lived in our master bedroom for six weeks with our two dogs and a toaster oven,” laughs Sheryl. “We do recommend Teri. She is awesome!”

Need a Love Potion?

“ ”

by Amy Sharp

Chocolate, oysters, candlelight, red roses…you’ve tried them all. Now it’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re running out of options to rev up your lackluster love life. Is it her? Is it him?

“It may be both!” says Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph. of local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy. “In both men and women, hormones are the force behind your sex drive. Aging results in a natural drop in progesterone and estrogen in women, and an often unwanted drop in a man’s testosterone levels. When everything else has been tried, perhaps it’s time to look at what is UNSEEN. Time to have your hormone levels checked by your doctor.”

As a woman enters menopause, insufficient levels of progesterone and estrogen can have a negative affect on her sex life. Dr. Campbell says, “Loss of sex drive is the obvious sign, but fatigue, night sweats, weight gain, headaches, osteoporosis, insomnia, diminished mental clarity, endometriosis, lack of energy or drive, fibrocystic breast disease, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness could all be signs that a woman’s hormones are unbalanced.”

For men, the hormone loss may be more gradual. “For most men, the decline in testosterone seems to ‘sneak up on them.’ One day, they realize they just don’t have the drive, self-confidence, assertiveness, or energy they had in their youth. Of course, the libido is affected, but other symptoms may include fatigue, depression, anger, anxiety, memory loss, decreased muscle mass, relationship problems, or erectile dysfunction.”

Dr. Campbell founded Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy 20 years ago. He and his wife Rakel are proud parents to Cole, Chloe, Caitlyn and Claire. Dr. Campbell says, “I love my life with Rakel and the kids, and I also realize that a successful marriage takes work. If you’ve unsuccessfully tried everything to rekindle the flame, hormone replacement therapy could be the answer you’ve both been looking for! My team and I would love to help put the romance back into your relationship this Valentine’s Day!”

I love my life with Rakel and the

and I also realize that a successful marriage takes work. If you’ve unsuccessfully tried everything to rekindle the flame, hormone replacement therapy could be the answer you’ve both been looking for!

by Amy Sharp

Brush, Floss, Smile

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Brought to you by the American Dental Association, this monthlong national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health.

Dr. Shilpa Chandiwal DDS, owner of local Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, says, “The NCDHM theme for 2023 is: ‘Brush, Floss, Smile.’ Three simple words that encourage a lifetime of great oral health for you and your kids!”

Brush

“Children’s teeth should be brushed at least twice a day using a soft bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste,” explains Dr. Shilpa. “Parents should help them until about age seven, or until your child is capable of reaching all areas of the mouth. For babies, remember to rub the gum area with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding.”

Floss

“Wherever two teeth are adjacent to each other, kids are at risk for betweenteeth cavities,” continues Dr. Shilpa. “Children often need help with floss -

ing until they are 8 to 10 years old. To be most effective, try to have your child floss at least once a day. Not sure how? We’re all moms here at the office…we can give you tips for making flossing fun!”

Smile

“Because a smile speaks a thousand words, in every language!” says Dr. Shilpa. “Smiles reduce stress levels, boost the immune system, and they’re contagious. I opened this practice back in 2012 to help children with their smiles. There’s nothing I love more than seeing the contagious, ear-to-ear smile of every patient that walks through my door.”

The team of “mom dentists” at Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry includes Dr. Cindy Hurd, Dr. Chanica Veranunt, and Dr. Gail Joiner. This team offers all types of sedation and hospital dentistry, tongue tie procedures, interceptive orthodontics, white crowns, and more. With two convenient locations, Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry is in-network with most insurances and offers convenient office hours, including Saturday appointments. Schedule your child’s appointment today by visiting www. healthyteethpediatricdentistry.com.

The City of Sugar Land is once again partnering with the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation to celebrate the second annual Sugar Land Arts Fest on an even bigger and better level: An exciting two days of music, wine, food, and THE ARTS!

Tim Stubenrouch, President of Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, says, “The inaugural Sugar Land Arts Fest of 2022 was a huge success! More than 3000 people enjoyed 100 artists, live music, a variety of food, and outstanding wines. Its success allowed us

to focus on many of our goals, including restoration of the iconic and historic Sugar Land Auditorium, installation of art-wrapped traffic boxes, summer art camp scholarships for area youth, and more. Our goal for 2023 is to support our community’s mission of promoting the cultural, visual, and performing arts.

The annual Arts Fest provides Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation the funds needed to be successful. Please join us April 1st and 2nd for two days of festival fun.”

Second Annual Sugar Land Arts Fest Saturday and Sunday April 1st & 2nd, 2023 Smart Financial Centre Plaza

Sugar Land Arts Fest is expected to be the top event on our region’s 2023 calendar. Co-chairs are Bridget Yeung and Stacy Borgfeldt. PrimeWay Federal Credit Union is this year’s presenting sponsor. Tickets are on sale now for $8, and sponsorships are also available. Bridget says, “The $8 ‘early bird’ tickets are limited in quantity, so get yours before they sell out! Don’t miss out on this fabulous event showcasing the cultural and artistic diversity of Sugar Land and beyond… something our entire community can be proud of!”

Co-chair Stacy Borgfeldt, Jonathan Ebizie - PrimeWay Sugar Land Branch Manager, Co-chair Bridget Yeung and Michelle Oshinski - PrimeWay Chief Marketing Officer

by Amy Sharp

by

Karie and Tim Roger’s Story

Karie and Tim Rogers moved into their Sienna home when their kids were small. “They spent their entire life on this street!” says Karie. “We had no plans to move. When a smaller house came up for sale on our street, I actually contacted Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) agent Pam Shockey to inquire about it for a friend. Pam also lives on our street.”

“As it turns out, God was opening a door of opportunity for my family,” continues Karie. “While the house was not a fit for my friend, I started to think about my family long term. Our oldest will be in college soon, we wouldn’t need so much space. Tim was trying to work his job of 20 years and help his dad on the family ranch. Downsizing to this home would finally put Tim in a position where he could help his dad full time…and we would have the same neighbors on the same street!”

“I told Pam I was only interested if she could talk the neighbor into a contingency offer,” continues Karie. “The best way I can describe Pam is: Pam is a professional. She’s passionate without getting emotional. A queen negotiator. Pam sees all sides, and

does a really good job of making it work for all. She kept negotiations business-like and gave good advice. Since Pam was the selling agent for our future home, her son and team member Blaine Kaplani represented us as the buying agent. Pam and Blaine are both great. They’re always on call. When I had questions and they couldn’t answer immediately, they always responded that they’d get right back with me. They held my hand throughout the process, and trust me, I needed hand-holding.”

“We moved 487 feet down the street,” laughs Karie. “And we were a spectacle. The kids tied wagons to their electric scooters to move their things. We were a garage sale parade! But I love this street. It’s super awesome. Like me, Pam also raised her kids here. Pam is a wealth of Sienna knowledge, a Sienna expert. She’s walked the walk. Pam knows the ins-and-outs and the pros-and-cons of this neighborhood. I absolutely recommend Pam. She has so many connections and knows who to call to fix the sprinklers, the foundation…whatever you need. She’s awesome. I consider Pam a great neighbor, friend, and real estate agent.”

Amy Sharp

KW Agent Pam Shockey

MD

Good Great

by Amy Sharp

“A

From

Elevating Plastic Surgery Results to

fter finishing my plastic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine, I was very confident in my surgery technique,” explains local plastic surgeon, Erica Bartlett MD. “However, I discovered there was little to no information on how to manage a patient’s recovery post procedure. A colleague recommended I talk to Delmie DePuma-Aparicio. Delmie opened my eyes to the world of lymphatic massage.”

Delmie is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy (LDT) certified therapist and owner of True Recovery Lymphatic Massage. Lymphatic massage opens up the lymph nodes, allowing healing lymph fluid to flow freely throughout the body. Dr. Bartlett says, “Before I knew of lymphatic massage, my post surgery liposuction patients were swollen and bruised for a long time. They experienced irregularities, including internal fibrosis or deep scarring under the skin. It would take up to a year for the swelling, bruising and irregularities to go away. Sometimes the irregularities were permanent… and I just assumed that happened to all good surgeons occasionally. With lymphatic massage, the swelling is better sooner and the bruises and fibrosis heals faster. It’s similar after a tummy tuck. Without lymphatic massage, some patients experienced considerable swelling for up to a year. In most cases, lymphatic massage cuts that time down to three months. Delmie has elevated my plastic surgery results from good to great!”

“True Recovery is a one-stop-shop for post plastic surgery patients,” continues Dr. Bartlett. “A patient home outside the surgical office. In addition to providing valuable lymphatic massage technique, Delmie has access to boards to control swelling, and she fits patients with the correct compression undergarments. It’s exactly what you need, and you didn’t even know you needed it! I’ve been referring patients to Delmie for more than two years. Delmie has a good touch, she treats people well, and my patients are happy because they’re achieving great results.”

As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bartlett’s focus is helping 30, 40, and 50-year-old females feel like real women. “I produce natural, realistic results to give a woman her confidence back,” explains Dr. Bartlett. “I’m not going to make someone something they’re not. I want every patient to be their best self.” For more information about Dr. Bartlett, visit www.yarishmd.com.

Erica Bartlett

Early symptoms of heart attack, stroke, and other time sensitive emergencies can put your health at risk. The longer you are waiting to receive care, the worse your outcomes can become. If you’re experiencing chest or severe abdominal pain, numbness or slurred speech, the emergency room at local St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is open and ready to treat you without the wait.

St. Michael’s CEO/CNO Jessica Rivas says, “Serious injuries or health conditions like heart attack and stroke require emergency care to stabilize the patient. By emergency care, I mean immediate care for these life threatening situations. Unfortunately, many traditional hospital emergency rooms involve long wait times. You may spend hours in the lobby waiting for an exam room to open up, and then spend more time waiting in the exam room before being seen by an ER physician. At St. Michael's Elite Hospital, we provide the emergency care you need without the wait. Our medical facility located right here in Fort Bend County is state of the art. Here you’ll find the same board-certified physicians, staffing, and equipment as any traditional emergency room hospital. We guarantee a wait time of five minutes or less in our comfortable, spa-like lobby before admission to a private examination room. With diagnostic testing onsite, our team gets results quickly

and discusses the findings with you. We then provide treatment recommendations to manage your emergency health situation, which may include admission to our inpatient unit. If you do require admittance to our hospital, you won’t wait longer than 30 minutes for an inpatient bed. Otherwise, our team sends you on your way and recommends you follow up with your primary care provider for additional care and treatment… and we'll also follow up in the following days with a call to make sure you’re getting the care you require. Your health is our top priority.”

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital was founded more than a decade ago by Dr. Shannon Orsak and his brother Brian. The hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome. Dr. Orsak says, “When emergency care begins quickly, a full recovery is more likely. Don’t delay care. We are the better, quicker alternative to traditional hospitals. Take care and stay healthy!”

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.”

by Amy Sharp

Sara and Dr. Shannon Orsak with St. Michael’s CEO/CNO Jessica Rivas

Oral Hygiene Techniques

by Amy Sharp

for Special Needs Children

in mind that you ultimately will need to follow up by brushing and flossing for your child.”

While flossing your special needs child’s teeth may sound daunting, using a flossing device will make this task much more effective and less challenging. Dr. Caldwell is the inventor of The Harp, a flossing device originally designed for children with braces. As it turns out, The Harp flosser is a game changer for parents of special needs children. Dr. Caldwell says, “With a 90 degree angled handle, The Harp is designed to easily reach all of the teeth, especially the back molars. This eliminates the need to have your fingers in the child’s mouth…lowering or eliminating a sense of over stimulation or choking. Flossing with The Harp is easier, faster, more effective, and less stressful for both you and your child!”

New patients are always welcome at Caldwell & Steinbring–Dentistry For Children. Schedule an appointment for your child today by calling 281-565-5437.

their

“Try to use an electric toothbrush or spin brush to aid in removing plaque and debris from hard to reach areas,” explains Dr. Steinbring. “If your child cannot tolerate the electric brush due to sensory issues, switch to a manual brush. When using a manual brush, pay special attention to angling the brush at a 45 degree angle…so the bristles of the brush will slide up next to the gum tissue and allow effective cleaning at the gum line. It helps to make a game out of counting their teeth and allowing them to hold the toothbrush. Attempting to brush on their own provides your child a sense of control. However, keep

Caldwell & SteinbringDentistry For Children 281-565-5437 15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.cskidsdds.com

SUGAR LAND’S FINEST

MEDICARE

THERE ARE OVER 24,000 AGENTS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. You won’t find too many that know more about the Medicare system than these three. Cindy, Keren, and Kaushi have been helping Sugar Land/ Fort Bend County seniors for many years.

Clutch City Insurance is proud to have them as founding members of our organization.

Did you know? Our agents speak: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Thai, Lao, Taglog, German, and Portuguese.

Communication, behavioral issues, and sensory issues all come into play when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene practices with a special needs child. At local Caldwell & Steinbring–Dentistry For Children, Drs. Caldwell and Steinbring have comprehensive training in special needs pediatric dentistry and have been treating patients with special needs since 1979. Here are some of

tried-and-true best practices for providing proper oral hygiene care to your special needs child at home.

Back by popular demand! Girlfriends Giggle is a grown-up PJ party for women, 21 and over, with an incredibly special purpose: To raise funds for needed Fort Bend Women’s Center (FBWC) programs to assist survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Michele Fisher has emceed this event since 2007. For 2023, Michele serves Girlfriends Giggle as co-chair together with Grace Dickson. Michele says, “We’re bringing back the pajama party that ladies love. It’s been a long time coming. The all-new Giggle is similar but different. We’ve added new ‘Experiences’ (think aerial silk yoga and self defense) and ‘Escapes’ centered around self-care including mini manis, massages, and Giggle Glow makeup…plus unlimited food, boutique shopping, a silent auction and the

dance party are all still part of Giggle.”

“This year’s event is very centered around empowering women to be the best version of themselves,” continues Grace. “So much is innovative and new. Our amazing board is made up of

by Amy Sharp

women of all ages, industries, and environments. This is an inclusive event that has something for everyone. The new experiences, like a 360 revolving photo booth, add the spark we needed

to keep Girlfriends Giggle evolving.”

Fort Bend Women’s Center is a nonprofit whose mission is to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children achieve safety and self-sufficiency. Since its inception in 1980, FBWC has provided over 54,000 women and children with lifesaving programs and services toward a violence-free future. Over the years, Giggle has raised more than $1 million to support FBWC.

This year’s Girlfriends Giggle is sponsored by PCCA. On February 23rd, over 600 ladies and their besties in their pjs will be taking over the Stafford Centre at this amazing event. Ticket price is the equivalent of one night’s safe stay at the FBWC Emergency Shelter: $125. Michele says, “Secure your ticket early. This event will sell out!”

For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Patty Holt at (281) 344-5761 or pholt@fbwc.org.

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Treated in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders

• Aneurysms

• Brain tumors

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuropathy

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.