UpClose theDoc 2023

Puzzle Solving for the Long Game

Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates was started in 2005 by CEO, Dr. Edward Hernandez, and his wife Tara.

What began as a small, oneprovider practice has grown to multiple providers with multiple locations.

Dr. Hernandez’s practice might be bigger than it once was, but he’s still as personable as ever, believing in a family approach and developing long term relationships with patients. “We don’t see patients for just a season of their life,” explains Dr. Hernandez. “Most of what we treat has no cure, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, ankylosing spondylitis, antiphospholipid syndrome, giant cell arteritis, Raynaud’s, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and more. By managing the disease, we help patients live longer, more productive lives. We’re in it for the long game. We want patients to be able to hold

their grandkids and take walks with their spouses in their golden years.”

Rheumatologists specialize in autoimmune diseases that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially cause joint deformities. “It’s interesting to me,” says Dr. Hernandez, “because it’s puzzle solving. We look at all of the symptoms you are experiencing as we work toward a diagnosis. For example, if your symptoms have multi-system involvement, it might be one unifying systemic disorder. Once we have a diagnosis, we can target the mechanisms and manage the disease by balancing medication toxicity and overall well-being. This mix is different for different people. A 20-year-old has different goals versus a 75-year-old, and can handle different levels of risk and toxicity. As your doctor, we know your case and the complexity of it. As a single-specialty practice, we pivot with the

by Amy Sharp

changes in rheumatology. We do not split time; we are in tune with what affects our patients. Rheumatology keeps us on our toes, for sure!”

In an effort to make life convenient, Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates offers many services inhouse, including physical therapy, labs, infusion therapy, hydration therapy, ultrasound, telehealth, and clinical trials. “We understand that getting referred out for services can be difficult,” says Dr. Hernandez. “We try to do as much as we can right here.” The practice always welcomes new patients and accepts most insurances.

For 18 years and counting, Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates thanks this community for your trust in their care. “You’re the reason we’re still here!”

Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates

281-980-1742

7616 Brandford Place, Suite 320

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

www.fortbendrheumatology.com

Fort Bend Rheumatology Associates L-R Marie Vo, PT, DPT, Deanna Elena Wallace, J. Edward Hernandez, MD, FACR, Ryan Valicek, MD, Nasha Nensey, MD, PAC Lauren Walker, PAC

A Shared Passion

For Treating

Like

by Amy Sharp

What do you do when you find a great doctor? You tell your friends and co-workers! That’s exactly how local PCP, Dr. Jeremy Szeto, came to take care of nearly everyone in the Classic Elite Chevy Sugar Land service department..

Dr. Szeto says, “It started with one person, and now I think I know every person in that department by their first name. It’s a great group of people; a tight knit family. When one person in the group needs something, the whole team rallies around them. The same goes for their customers..they’re treated like family. It really shows in their service and what this team provides to this community. These are great people that look out for each

other, and I look out for them as their doctor. I love taking care of all of them.”

Now maybe you’re thinking, “This service department sounds great, but I don’t own a Chevy.” No worries! Classic Elite Chevy Sugar Land and its sister locations, Classic Elite Chevy on Hwy 6 and Classic Elite Buick GMC on the Katy Freeway, are locally owned by Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian. The fabulous service department at each services all vehicle makes and models. Fixed Operations Director David Alexander says, “Our service department technicians are factory-trained and use state-of-the-art technology and equipment. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, we can take care of your regularly scheduled maintenance and your troubleshooting.”

Hey y’all! I’m Andrea Rhodes…

…and I am beyond thrilled to be joining forces with the UpClose Magazine team. I am a third generation Texan and am proud to call Sugar Land my home. I’m married with two darling daughters, Addison and Caroline.

In my spare time, I love heading to Cullinan Park for a walk with my family, going out for margaritas, and socializing with friends. My “gift” is people. I love meeting, talking to, and engaging with people from all walks of life. In the short time I have worked on the UpClose team, I have found that I align with all of the core values of this busi ness. Engaging with our community, partnering with first-class businesses, and fostering relationships while providing our clients with an unforgettable experi ence are just a few of the many reasons I am proud to call UpClose home. I look forward to partnering with you to build your business while uniting the Fort Bend community and beyond.

Personal Service and Care at Sugar Land Veterinary Clinic

by Amy Sharp

Amira Abdel-Malek (also known as Dr. A) a native Houstonian, laughs, “I was four years old when we visited a vet, and I told my mom that’s what I was going to do with my life too! I’ve always had a love of animals. I was known in my Southwest Houston neighborhood as the kid with the ‘zoo’. I had them all: dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, snakes, turtles, and birds!”

Dr.

A Texas A&M graduate, Dr. A earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery at University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in Scotland. She worked for five years as an associate, and then went to work for herself as a relief (“traveling”) veterinarian for another five years. “That time allowed me to be my own boss, but I missed the relationships with my clients and their pets. Pairing my experience with the knowledge of what aspects of vet medicine I liked and didn’t like dur ing my travels, I launched Sugar Land Veterinary Clinic.”

What’s different? Dr. A really believes in personal service, being thorough, and transparency. “With me, it’s never bing, bam, boom…in and out in a 10-minute appointment. I take the time to get to know you, examine your pet, give you space to ask questions, come up with a game-plan, and make sure I explain it so that we are on the same page. Vet medicine has really changed in the past decade. People want the best for their animals, often the level of care that they would want for themselves. I offer state-of-the-art care (in-house labs, digital x-ray, ultrasound). However, there are no surprises. If your pet requires care, you know the cost upfront. If you cannot do ‘Plan A,’ there’s always a ‘Plan B’ or ‘C,’ etc. I sometimes offer medical boarding for families whose pets may require hospitalization, but they cannot afford the necessary care at the emergency clinic.” Same-day drop-off appointments are also available: Your pet can be seen while you work or run errands.

When she’s not working, Dr. A enjoys reading and spending time with family, friends, and her rambunctious red golden retriever, Kenobi.

CHANGING SCHOOL SCHEDULES FAMILY LAW

by Amy Sharp

It’s that time of year again: back to school. And for parents, it’s time to plan their school-year schedules. Planning for the new school year can become quite complicated for divorced parents as they juggle work schedules, school schedules, and custody schedules.

Bastine Law Group founder Ronique Bastine Robinson has more than three decades of experience in helping separated and divorced parents navigate their children’s education. Ronique says, “As children get older, their schedules can change drastically from what they were when you and your co-parent first separated. If your child is moving to a new school, at school for longer periods, or has begun participating in sports or other extracurricular activities, the day-to-day routines of your family have likely changed. You may need to update your parenting plan to include how you and your co-parent will manage new activities, exchanges at school, and expenses.”

But as the non-custodial parent, how involved can you be in school activities and decisions?

Changing Your Carpet For

Ronique says, “Most court orders give both parents the right to attend school events, confer with school employees about the child, and see education records. If one co-parent restricts this access, it’s essential to understand how to approach and resolve the matter legally without infringing upon anyone’s rights.”

Need help? At Bastine Law Group, Ronique and her team of attorneys provide divorce consulting. Their expertise in child custody matters can provide guidance on navigating complex legal issues related to your parental rights while helping you make the right choices for your child’s education. “The key to success in co-parenting lies in communication, understanding your rights, and always putting their child’s best interests first,” explains Ronique. “My goal is to make the process less intimidating and daunting. I want to create a space where individuals feel they can move efficiently through an unfamiliar system with confidence, knowing they have an experienced lawyer as their guide. Let me know how we can help you!”

Ronique Bastine Robinson Managing Partner

Of

by Amy Sharp

Eventually, even the best-laid carpets must be replaced!

If your carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn’t been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely needs replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.

If you have had them professionally cleaned regularly, and you still find yourself covering up carpet stains with furniture and rugs because the cleanings fail to remove them, it’s also time to replace them. Most carpets come with a stainresistant finish, but over time, the treatment fades and eventually leaves the carpet unprotected.

Your flooring is an

important design element to consider, both for looks and for practicality, and carpet is very much in style for 2023. For more than 30 years, Fort Bend County residents have trusted Lone Star Floors for all of its carpeting needs. Lone Star Floors is locally owned by cousins Mohamed Naser, Ziad Mukhaimer, and Imad Mansour. Mohamed says, “We have more than 30 vendors at our fingertips. Visit one of our three showrooms today to see your new carpet possibilities.”

by Amy Sharp

The American Standard fixture company created a poster in 1924 that read, “The Plumber Protects the Health of The Nation.” This poster, and others like it, brought awareness to the job role that set and practiced hygiene standards and ensured drinking water was safe from contamination by sewage, back flowing water, and other potential contaminants.

This statement is still just as true today as it was 100 years ago. It seems hard to believe that there was a time in the not-so-distant past when plagues wound their way through whole countries, mysteriously wiping out populations…until it was discovered that tainted communal wells or water supplies were the source of the diseases. One could say the importance of the plumber is right up there with some of the greatest medical milestones and breakthroughs in history (like antibiotics and anesthesia) when it comes to protecting the public’s health.

Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter, founder of local Alan’s Plumbing, says, “When you open a faucet, you have no worries on whether the water is safe to drink. When you bathe, wash clothes, or use the bathroom, there are no second thoughts as to where the waste goes or what harm it may cause if left untreated. Your peace of mind comes from the strict codes we as licensed plumbers follow to ensure your water is safe. Many think we merely unclog drains and fix leaky pipes, but your safety is of the utmost importance in our profession.”

Alan’s Plumbing has served as Fort Bend’s honest and reliable family-owned plumbing company for more than 30 years. Back in the beginning, the Alan’s Plumbing team was only Alan and his brother, Master Plumber Chris. Today, Alan and his wife Jennifer’s boys are integral members of the Alan’s Plumbing crew. Luke is also a Master Plumber, Beau is journeyman-licensed and studying for his master plumber license, and Jake is an apprentice close to his journeyman license. This dynamic team includes journeyman-licensed plumber Jaime and tradesman-licensed Trevor and Christian. Longtime family friend Katie McFarland is the voice behind the Alan’s Plumbing phones.

Plumbers may not be “first responders,” but they are “first preventers.” You can do your part by helping to ensure codes are followed: Don’t attempt to fix or reroute water lines or drain pipes yourself, and when buying a house, ask an expert if the plumbing is to code. Your health depends on it.

Alan’s Plumbing

281-261-1064

License M-18995

WWW.ALANS.PLUMBING

Then Now

by Amy Sharp

Back in 2007, Dr. Shannon Orsak had an idea: Create a place in his hometown where his neighbors could seek quality, emergency, medical care. A comfortable place where patrons would feel loved and didn’t have to wait hours to see a doctor. He likely didn’t know it at the time, but Dr. Orsak was a pioneer of the now common free-standing ER. Then in 2019, Dr. Orsak’s ER expanded and rebranded as St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, adding inpatient hospital services.

“We are not owned by a big corporation or venture capitalists,” says Dr. Orsak. “My wife Sara and I live here and work here. When St. Michael’s opened, our twin girls, Sierra and Savannah, were six, and our son Shannon was five. Today, all three are thriving adults that we feel fortunate to have raised in this community that we care so much about.”

From seeing Dr. Orsak on “Health Matters” on KPRC Local Channel 2, to sponsoring community events, schools, and youth sports, the St. Michael’s Elite Hospital community presence is strong. “We are always out and about,” says Dr. Orsak. “When you run a business in your own community, you really have a vested interest in service and attention to detail.”

Speaking of details, St. Michael’s Elite Hospital has them all. Dr. Orsak graduated from the only emergency medicine school in Houston, and has worked at local hospitals, including Memorial Hermann SW, St. Luke’s, and West Houston Hospital where he was Assistant Medical Director. He knew exactly what was necessary when creating his own ER and hospital. “We have an on-site radiology department complete with x-ray and CT scan, ultrasound, and an onsite lab,” explains Dr. Orsak. “This way, you never have to wait for a diagnosis and a confirmation. We are staffed with board-certified physicians and specialty-trained nurses. We can treat everything from allergic reactions and broken bones to high fevers and chest pain. As a small, licensed hospital, we are truly able to tailor the care we are delivering to

Next Stop... St. Michael’s Elite Hospital 16000 SW Freeway (at Hwy 6), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-HELP (4357)

every individual. We see patients of all ages, including infants. I truly believe St. Michael’s offers the very best care, the kind I would want for my own family.”

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year, St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is ready to help. They care about the health of our community.

St. Michael’s

Elite Hospital is a participating provider for Medicare and 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.”

Smiles as Big As Texas

The Dental Expertise You Deserve

by Amy Sharp

ery few people (famous and non-famous alike) are born with perfect teeth. Celebrities have perfect smiles because they have undergone cosmetic dentistry. Maybe your dislike of your smile stems from something physical, like a gap, crooked teeth, stained teeth, or an awkward bite. Perhaps people are having a less than positive reaction to you because of yellowed, tilted, protruding, or missing teeth in your smile. You don’t have to live with this

When native Texan Dr. Thomas Lomonte opened his dental office in our area, his main goal was to not only provide world-class care for his patients, but also make the entire dental experience as pleasant as possible. Dr. Lomonte says, “I often have patients come to me who are afraid…because maybe they haven’t sat in a dental chair for twenty years. I love getting to know these patients, and showing them

how stress-free modern dental care can be. No matter the procedure—whether you’re getting a root canal, some fantastic new advances in straightening like Invisalign, or even a cosmetic service like porcelain veneers—it’s virtually painless. When there’s nothing to stress out about, you can actually relax and maybe even have fun!”

Dr. Lomonte grew up in Beaumont. He received his undergraduate degree from Lamar University and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. His life’s work is ensuring Fort Bend families get absolutely everything they need in the same location while benefiting from friendly, state-of-theart dentistry.

It takes 13 hours to drive the 805 miles from the northernmost point of Texas to its southernmost point, and 11 hours to drive the 773 miles from east to west across Texas. In other words, Texas is huge. And right here in Fort Bend County, Dr. Lomonte is creating smiles as big as Texas!

Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S.

“Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 281-530-1440

12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 www.drthomaslomonte.com

Not Just a Country Practice

by Amy Sharp

Heights Dermatology is owned by boardcertified dermatologist, Dr. Alpesh Desai. The practice has multiple locations, including one right here in Rosenberg. Dr. Desai says, “I grew up in nearby Bay City. As a kid, my parents and I drove into Rosenberg for different things, and I feel very close to this community. Everyone here has always been so kind and helpful. Ten years ago, I opened the Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg location. This is not ‘just a country practice.’ We offer state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with excellent care and an outstanding bedside manner.”

Seven years ago, Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg began offering superficial radiation, a non-surgical method for removing skin cancer. “We are the first dermatology group to offer superficial radiation to this community and the surrounding area,” explains Dr. Desai. “The traditional treatment for skin cancer is surgery. We have to make awful incisions, and there’s stitching and scarring. While it doesn’t work for all cancers, superficial radiation is a great option for many. We’ve done well with it, and our patients are happy. We’re very proud to provide superficial radiation here in Rosenberg.”

Coming soon, Heights Dermatology will be only the second dermatology provider in the State of Texas to acquire revolutionary medical equipment that assists in detecting cancerous lesions without a biopsy. One of these machines will be located at the Rosenberg location. “We are so excited for this,” says Dr. Desai. “It’s new-school technology. We will be able to decrease the number of invasive biopsies we do in diagnosing skin cancer.”

Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg also offers blue light therapy for cancer, laser therapy for psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema, and so much more. “We strive to provide good care and the newest in technology when it’s warranted.”

You’ll catch the Heights Dermatol ogy–Rosenberg team out and about, sup porting local sports teams and community events. “I can’t believe we’ve already been in Rosenberg for 10 years,” says Dr. Desai. “It seems like just yesterday we opened this location. I truly love this community.”

Local, Personalized Care For Your Child

by Amy Sharp

Pediatric urologists have special training in diagnosing and treating problems affecting the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract of children. Pediatric Urology of Houston founder Dr. Angela Mittal says, “We help our young patients and their parents deal with everything from bedwetting to kidney stones and urinary tract infections to inguinal hernias.”

“For parents, it can be stressful to learn your child needs to see a pediatric urologist,” says Dr. Mittal. “I get it, I’m a parent myself. This is why I place a very large emphasis on personalization of care…something I feel can get lost at the larger institutions. People should be able to call and talk to their doctor! It’s something I look for in my girls’ doctors, and I want the same for my patients. My goal is to provide the type of care that I would want for my own children, and to make patients and their families feel as comfortable as possible during the process. That includes being able to speak to me.”

“Care for your child should also be convenient,” continues Dr. Mittal. “And Houston is huge. While the large institutions have outreach clinics all over the Metroplex, most procedures are done in the Medical Center. It’s a prohibitive environment to drive to, and it can be difficult to navigate. I see patients in the community and operate at the local hospitals.”

Dr. Mittal attended medical school at the University of Mississippi. After completing a six-year residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she went on to earn a pediatric fellowship at The University of Miami. Dr. Mittal treats all aspects of pediatric urology at Pediatric Urology of Houston.

“I love kids, and I love everything about pediatrics,” says Dr. Mittal. “Everyone tells you the worst part of pediatrics is the parents. But as a parent I am able to understand their concern and address it appropriately. They do what is in the child’s best interest, and there’s just something wonderful about that. It’s a privilege to be entrusted by parents to take care of their children. I take that responsibility to heart!”

Pediatric Urology of Houston

713-701-9451

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 502

Missouri City, Texas 77459

www.houstonurology.net

If your doctor has told you they can’t help your situation, give us a call. We receive referrals from other specialties and manage the most complex cases.”

Flipping The Lid on Dry Eye Disease and Wellness

by Amy Sharp Dr. Faheem Inayatali

Dr.Faheem Inayatali, founder of Dry Eye & Wellness Center, has always been interested in providing long term holistic care to his patients. A graduate of local Clements High School, Dr. Faheem is board-certified and fellowship-trained in dry eye disease, and he’s earned an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Rice University and an MPH (Master of Public Health) from Harvard University.

“I first launched my practice to provide specialized care for dry eye, myopia care, and other difficultto-solve eye health problems,” explains Dr. Faheem. “What we started to see is: Our patients with dry eye disease often have other concurrent health conditions. So I made the decision to transition the practice to both eye disease management and wellness optimization.”

Dry eye is a chronic and progressive disease. Dr. Faheem says, “If you’re showing symptoms–burning, watering, having trouble wearing contacts–the earlier you image and treat the better. Many lean on artificial tears to mask the symptoms, but we really need to ‘flip the lid’ to see what’s going on with the glands. Our cutting-edge technology assesses disease progression. We offer a drug-free, systematic, and measurable approach that brings awareness and slows dry eye disease. Our goal is to make you forget about your eyes with success rates of over 95%! Many patients are also invited to participate in our clinical trials.

“You might say treating both the body and the eyes is our ‘secret sauce,’” continues Dr. Faheem. “By improving nutritional aspects, we can decrease the inflammation from within the body. Our goal is to treat the root of the disease. But our wellness center is not just for those with dry eye disease. All treatments, including IV hydration therapy, intramuscular shots, hydrafacials and IPL, body sculpting, and more are administered under medical supervision. We are your one-stop-shop for optimizing your health.”

Complimentary dry eye disease and wellness consultations can be scheduled by visiting www. dryeyeandwellness.com.

Dry Eye & Wellness Center

281-779-8818

13440 University Blvd #130 Sugar Land, Texas 77479

www.dryeyeandwellness.com

Back to School Health

by Amy Sharp

August is an exciting time of the year for both students and parents as it marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of the new school year. Community Health and Life Center has seen a steady flow of parents coming in with their children to make sure they have all the required vaccines and health screenings before school starts. For the convenience of the community, Dr. Daniel A. Nwachokor is once again hosting Back-to-School clinics every Saturday in August for wellness exams, sports/activity physicals, and vaccinations.

Dr. Nwachokor encourages all children to participate in sports or other regular physical activity. “Healthy children are more likely to become healthy adults. Sports motivate students to maintain good grades, work well with others, and have fun. We discuss sports safety tips during our comprehensive exams in order to minimize the risk of injuries.”

It seems like only a few years ago Dr. Nwachokor was walking the halls of Hightower High School (FBISD) as a student in the Medical Science Academy. He has

fond memories of participating in athletics and extracurricular clubs. “Balancing sports, HOSA, FBLA, Boy Scouts, and NAACP ACTO-SO taught me the importance of time management. Community Health and Life Center is a mentorship site for FBISD and LCISD seniors pursuing careers in medicine. I am most proud that all of our mentees have found value in our office experience and went on to college.”

Dr. Nwachokor is a family medicine and public health specialist and currently serves as the medical director at Community Health and Life Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Grambling State University, attended medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and did his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land, TX. The clinical staff also includes a Spanishspeaking family nurse practitioner (Carmen) and family dietitian (Alisa). Learn more by following Community Health and Life Center on Instagram, Facebook and Google.

Keeping It Light,

Honest,

by Amy Sharp

and In The Best Interest of Your Child

“It’s a blessing that parents trust me with their children,” says Dr. Larry Caldwell, founder of Caldwell & Steinbring–Dentistry For Children. “I’ve been doing this for more than 40 years. It’s the patients and their parents that are of the utmost importance to me and my partner, Dr. Derek Steinbring. We treat every patient as if we’re treating our own children. We always ask for parents’ input, and we maintain an open door policy…you can go back with your child. We want to lay our heads on our pillows every night knowing that we were honest, and that everything we did was in the best interest of your child.”

“We also keep things as light as we can,” continues Dr. Steinbring. “Starting with your phone call and check in, and continuing until you check out. We practice a successful team approach where the entire staff is focused on the kids’ and parents’ comfort. Many of our staff are cross-trained in multiple

Back-to-School Health Clinic

Every Saturday in August Wellness Exams, School Sport/Activity Physicals (UIL), and Vaccinations Call 346-616-0038 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Community

17510 W. Grand Parkway South, Suite #380, Sugar Land, TX 77479

www.communityhealthandlifecenter.com

aspects of the office. Some of the ladies have been here for decades. Patients see familiar faces, and they feel continuity of care. It’s important!”

Services available for kids at Caldwell & Steinbring–Dentistry For Children include nitrous oxide for certain procedures, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation with an anesthesiologist in the office. “Many kids are just nervous,” explains Dr. Caldwell. “And sometimes the younger ones can’t tolerate the work, or the amount of work makes them scared to come back. These options are a great service to some of our children, including the many special needs patients we see.”

Drs. Caldwell and Steinbring believe a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur around age one. They see kids who are one day old through college. New patients are always welcome. “We look forward to hearing from you and helping your child smile brighter!” says Dr. Steinbring.

Caldwell & SteinbringDentistry For Children

281-565-5437

15200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 320 Sugar Land, TX 77478

www.cskidsdds.com

Sylvie and Stuart Bonnington’s Story

by Amy Sharp

Sylvie and Stuart Bonnington met Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) agent Kitee Valentz back in 2016 at Sweetwater Country Club. The couple became good friends with Kitee, and they’ve used her services to both sell their previous home and buy their current home.

Stuart says, “Kitee has a very engaging personality. She knows what’s going on in the community, and she’s very aware of the real estate market ups and downs. She knows when it is a good time to buy, when it is a good time to sell, and she’s very honest about it. I say this from experience because we should have taken her advice when selling our previous home! Sylvie and I were about to go on vacation, and we wanted to delay putting our home on the market until we got back. Kitee thought we should put it on the market before our vacation…and she was right. The market changed. We still received a very competitive offer, but perhaps it took longer than it would have before our vacation.”

To sell the home, Kitee put together a campaign that included a YouTube video, professional photos, and open houses. Sylvie says, “Kitee put a lot of effort into it,

and she did an amazing job with staging our home. We found her very trustworthy and value her opinion. The YouTube video and photos really brought out the beauty of the home, and they were extremely effective. We sold the home to someone in a different country, without them ever seeing it in person!”

For their current home, the Bonningtons knew exactly the area they wanted to purchase in. Sylvie says, “Bless Kitee, she has so much patience. She’s possibly the most patient person I’ve ever met. She showed us at least 45 homes. Stuart and I had different ideas on what we wanted. Kitee was able to bring our ideas together, matching and merging them. She’s extremely diplomatic.”

“When Kitee found this home, it was so obviously the right one,” continues Stuart. “And because she knew the selling agent, we were able to look at it before it was officially on the market. We put in an offer that same day, and then Kitee was a star negotiator. She fought for the price we wanted, and we are very happy with the way it came out. We love our new home, and we absolutely recommend Kitee!”

KW Agent Kitee Valentz

One team One focus YOU

F CUS Customized Medicine for Adults, Children and Pets

Opened by Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph back in 2003, local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy custom mixes medication formulas for adults, children, and pets. “There are a myriad of reasons why one might want to have their medications custom made,” says Dr. Campbell. “Here are a few.”

• No longer available. A drug becomes unprofitable to continue mass-producing when not enough people are using it. But what about the few people benefiting from the drug? Compounding pharmacists can recreate it!

• No unwanted ingredients. Commercially manufactured medications commonly contain lactose, preservatives, dyes, gluten, sugar, and a variety of other non-active ingredients. A compounding pharmacist can create formulations without ingredients that may be problematic for some.

• Easier to use. A compounding pharmacist can flavor many medications, making them more palatable without losing their effectiveness. Medications can also be compounded in different dosage formats, including creams, lozenges, and suppositories.

• Correct dosage. Commercially available medicines come in standard dosages. With compounding, the medication can be made in the exact dosage the patient’s body requires.

• Cost. It is often thought that having something custom-made to meet

by Amy Sharp

your needs is very expensive. Many times, compounded medications can be cheaper than their commercially available alternative. Contact the Campbell’s Compounding staff to inquire about the cost of compounded products. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised!

“My team–including Dr. Omar Alkazzaz, Dr. Danny Thai, and Dr. Lisa Mathew–takes great pride in providing customer service with a family feel,” says Dr. Campbell. “We love getting to know our doctors and our families, and we’d love to get to know you. Stop by anytime!”

“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 77005 www.campbellscompounding.com

Beautiful Smiles at Any Age

by Amy Sharp

“One of the most often asked questions I get is, ‘Isn’t orthodontic treatment just for kids and teens?” says Dr. Srishti Mehta, founder of local Indigo Orthodontics. “The answer is, ‘No!’”

Whether you’re unhappy with your teeth for cosmetic or health reasons, it’s never too late to improve your smile. Orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult. Twenty-five to 30% of today’s orthodontic patients are adults.

Worried how you’ll look with braces? “Advances in adult orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than ever,” explains Dr. Mehta. “While traditional braces are certainly an option for adults, we also offer ceramic braces, Invisalign, and InBrace (braces on the inside). These are nearly invisible to the casual observer…no one will even realize you are receiving treatment!”

To make treatment even more convenient for your busy, adult schedule, Indigo Orthodontics offers state-of-the-art ‘Go With Indigo’ powered by Dental Monitoring...a convenient, weekly, at-home monitoring system. “It’s simple, doctor-monitored treatment while you live your life at home,” explains Dr. Mehta. “The artificial-intelligence-based software allows you to scan your smile yourself. You send us weekly updates, and we can keep your treatment on track. The result is fewer in-person appointments, faster treatment, and better results. It’s perfect for both adults and older teens with busy school schedules.”

Indigo Orthodontics offers in-office payment plans with no credit checks, no interest, and no fees involved. Most insurance plans are accepted. It’s never too late to experience the self-confidence that comes with a happy and beautiful smile. Contact Indigo Orthodontics today for your complimentary orthodontic consultation. The Indigo team will walk you through the process, ensuring you find a solution you’re comfortable with, as well as collaborate with your dental provider. Your smile is worth it! You are worth it!

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy

From Movies to Medicine

by Amy Sharp

Founded by Dr. John Vanderzyl and Dr. John Pozzi more than 20 years ago, Sugar Lakes Family Practice is the largest independent primary care group in our area. “We’re pretty proud of that,” says Dr. Vanderzyl. “It’s unusual these days not to be associated with a larger entity. Because of this, we’ve been able to maintain a small practice feel. While we’ve taken over the space next door and now occupy the entire first floor of Physicians Pavilion, we’ll never lose sight of the personal touch.”

Today, the Sugar Lakes Family Practice team includes eight doctors and four advanced-care providers. “Last September,” says Dr. Vanderzyl, “we were excited to welcome our newest addition, Dr. Patrick Coate.”

Medicine is actually career #2 for Dr. Coate. He got his start in movie design, radio, television, and film. Dr. Coate says, “I enjoyed it, but there was a lot of travel involved that was out of my control. My wife and I are both from families of five, and we knew we wanted a large family. We also knew that would be hard to do in the movie industry. My dad was a small-town doctor in Indiana. I knew I wanted something challenging, and healthcare was a good fit. So I went back to school.”

As a primary care physician, Dr. Coate believes in evidence-based medicine. What does that

mean? “It means I don’t do something just because it’s the way it’s always been done,” explains Dr. Coate. “I go for what I believe will be most effective, not necessarily what’s popular. It’s hard sometimes. For example, patients will come in requesting antibiotics for their symptoms. If I know the antibiotics will not work, I’m honest with them. My philosophy is that if we can achieve the same goal with less meds, I always reach for that. I’m also a big fan of continuity. We see a lot of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. If I’m familiar with your issues, I can apply a plan that has a logical approach to it, as opposed to you seeing different doctors, and the plan changes frequently. With one doctor, we can stick with the plan until we need to modify the plan.”

The team at Sugar Lakes Family Practice cares for patients of all ages–including kids, adults, and grandparents–with a focus on value-based, high-quality care and a push for cost effectiveness. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Sugar Lakes Family Practice

281-565-2800

16902 Southwest Frwy., Suite 100

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

www.sugarlakesfamilypractice.com

Top Recommendations For Back-To-School Oral Health

by Amy Sharp

Back to school is an exciting and stressful time for everyone. It’s a change in routine, sometimes it’s new schools, there’s new supplies, different friends, and more. Dr. Shilpa Chandiwal, founder of local Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, says, “During this time, it’s easy to lose track of key things such as dental appointments and healthy snack packing. I have two kids of my own. I understand the craziness. To relieve some of that stress, I put together this dental health checklist to ensure your child’s smile is picture-perfect this school year!”

• Schedule a dental examination before school starts. There’s less traffic in the summer, and you won’t have to deal with the stress of potentially missing school for an appointment.

• Include a morning brush and a bedtime brush in your child’s normal school routine.

• Help them floss regularly!

• Allow your child to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste. Giving kids even the least amount of power over their lives can mean the world to them.

• Encourage children to consume plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages.

• Instead of sugary foods, pack healthy snacks like milk, cheese, and fruit.

• Offer fun rewards for developing healthy oral habits!

The team of dentists at Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry includes Dr. Shilpa, Dr. Cindy Hurd, Dr. Chanica Veranunt, Dr. Gail Joiner and Dr. David Lee. Schedule your summer appointment today before the go, go, go of back to school!

Sugar Land

167 Citadel Way, Suite 100

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

713-955-2100

Katy

5300 Ranch Point Drive, Suite #B Katy, TX 77494

713-234-1002

www.healthyteethpediatricdentistry.com

Amy Sharp

Feel More Alive!

Are you feeling fatigued? Run down? “Most people are under hydrated in general and just don’t realize it,” says local Sinang Medical & Associates founder, Arlene Tinker, MD. “Our body is more than 60% water. For many of us, it means we need to take in more fluids than we feel comfortable drinking. IV infusion therapy is a great way to get the fluids your body requires. Fluids help the kidney and liver process by-products and detox the body. We need enough fluids to have a normal bowel movement, to make urine to rid our body of toxins. There are so many benefits, and most people say they feel more alive after a drip!”

How does it work? Dr. Tinker provides IV infusion therapy through an IV line directly into a vein. This bypasses the gastric system, so the body can take in more fluids quickly. What’s in it? “We custom mix a solution based on your symptoms and deficiencies,” explains Dr. Tinker. “Many taking medications for chronic conditions are depleted of some vitamins and minerals. These can be added. Others may have a low immune system, and we can boost it with a drip. In our current heat, drips are very beneficial for those suffering from heat exhaustion. We also offer the popular Myers’ cocktail (high doses of B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals including magnesium and calcium). We mix your solution according to your needs and adjust based on your symptoms and your bloodwork.”

At Sinang Medical & Associates, Dr. Tinker practices traditional medicine integrated with functional medicine; a hybrid model that ensures your health and wellness from the inside out. She offers annual physical exams, well-woman health, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, virtual urgent care visits, cosmetic medicine, and weight loss programs (including semaglutide programs). “IV infusion therapy is a great complement to weight loss,” continues Dr. Tinker. “In some individuals, some programs can potentially cause their sugar to drop. We can remedy this with IV therapy. If they’re feeling nauseous or experiencing a loss of energy in your program, we can add B12 or B6. Everything is custom mixed for the patient.”

Are you ready to feel more alive? Dr. Tinker is currently accepting new patients. Schedule your visit today by calling 281-247-5300 or visiting www. sinanghealth.com.

Sinang Medical & Associates

281-247-5300

1601 Main Street, Suite 210 Richmond, Texas 77469

www.sinanghealth.com

DENTAL Health: Pro Tips for Parents

Special Care for Special Teeth

by Amy Sharp

Children with developmental disabilities may require more attention than others. And often, they’re situation is more difficult than other children when it comes to routine parts of life like dental visits. As a result, many special needs parents put off taking their special needs child to the dentist for years. Dr. Faisal Khan, founder of local Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, says, “Many individuals with special needs are at higher risk for developing dental and oral diseases. We do not recommend delaying routine dental care.”

“We can accommodate most special needs kids in our office,” continues Dr. Khan. “My staff understands that some kids are sensitive to touch, new people, or a change of environment or routine. Tell us about your child’s limitations, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them. We can do simple things like ensure your child is seen by the same dental hygienist, who will wear the same outfit as their prior visit, while also treating the child in the same room and chair. Depending on the situation, we have mild sedation options available. For kids with needs that just can’t be met in a dental chair, we offer hospital dentistry. Sometimes it’s the most compassionate approach for children who struggle with medical or emotional challenges.”

Dr. Khan completed his general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Ctr/ Albert Einstein Medical School. He then pursued a fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical School in Special Care Dentistry, which allowed Dr. Khan to obtain extensive training in working with children with various complicated medical and physical disabilities. He has received extensive training in behavior management, sedation,

and a variety of other techniques to make sure your special needs child is comfortable throughout each visit, based on their health needs.

While all children yearn for gentle and caring dental care, caring for a special needs patient takes extraordinary amounts of compassion and understanding. Dr. Khan and his team, including Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik and Dr. Annie Zheng, are committed to making your child’s dental care as comfortable and easy as possible.

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-246-7255

7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com

Efficient and Responsive Turnkey Remodeling

Claudia and Arun purchased a 50-year-old home that was all original. “It needed a lot of work!” says Arun. “We first read about Teri Gilberg (better known as The ReModelista) in UpClose magazine and contacted her about replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower. We ended up going with a different contractor for that project whose bid was half of Teri’s. Guess what: In the end, that bathroom cost us exactly what Teri had told us up front. So when we were ready to remodel the kitchen, we called Teri for another bid.”

The original kitchen in the home was closed off. The beautiful courtyard was not visible from the kitchen, and it didn’t have a lot of counter or cabinet space. Arun and Claudia had worked with a designer to come up with ideas before contacting Teri. Arun says, “We ended up using some of what the designer suggested, and Teri’s ideas too. Teri helped us change the design for practicality and what works structurally. She recommended places to go for materials, including ProSource and Natural Stone Gallery. She made it easy. We picked the countertops, and she picked them up for us. Teri’s crew custom built the new kitchen cabinets. They are very good. We found everyone that works for Teri to be very detailed. We added drawers in the island for ease of access, and Teri recommended we paint the island blue for contrast. She had very good ideas.”

“We really like how positive, energetic, and responsive Teri is,” says Claudia. “She planned the work, and worked the plan. If she said some-

by Amy Sharp

thing would happen tomorrow, it happened. Teri stopped by every day to check on the work, and we had a group chat with Teri, her foreman, and the two of us where we could voice our concerns. One of them always responded or took care of it the next day.”

“We are very happy with our fin ished kitchen,” says Arun. “It’s important to note that Teri does her projects turnkey. She’s a one-stop-shop, and everyone works under her, including the electrician, plumber, appliance guy, everyone. You do not have to coordinate anything yourself. Teri knows what needs to be done, and gives a final price upfront. She is not flaky, saying, ‘It could be this’ or, ‘It could be that.’ We absolutely recommend Teri, and we will be using her again for the next project we tackle in this house.”

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

SCAN HERE

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

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