UpClose Sugar Land April 2023

EmptyBowls

A SOUPER SATISFYING EVENT,

FIGHTING HUNGER

ONE BOWL AT A TIME.

HELP US HELP

by Amy Sharp

Since its founding in 1990, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) has been serving the basic human needs of families in our community in a temporary financial crisis.

Development Director Stacey Williams says, “We see at least five new families a week, and it’s often not who you would expect. So many of our neighbors are affected by job loss, a change in family dynamics, and other unexpected situations that leave them in need of assistance.” In 2022, EFBHNM assisted 15,838 adults and 12,766 children experiencing food insecurity.

“Our ministry is unique,” continues Stacey. “In addition to the generous donations of individuals, churches and other groups, EFBHNM receives regular donations of meat, produce, bakery items, and milk from local grocery stores and gardens, including our own. Our food orders have two to four

14th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls

Friday, June 9, 2023

6:30pm - 10pm Safari Texas

Tickets are $50 and include appetizers, delicious soups, and bread. Hand-painted bowls and pottery will be available for purchase, including some donated by local artist, Albert Goldreich. Silent, live, and dessert auctions, a bid board, and a wine and whiskey pull are all part of this fun evening out!

days’ worth of groceries for three meals based on a household’s size. Families with children (ages 2-18) also received a ‘kid sack’ containing additional lunch and snack items for the weekends and after school.”

This year, EFBHNM food orders were up 17% and distribution of kid sacks increased 46% over the previous year. Fiftynine percent of the food distributed by EFBHNM is donated. The remaining 41% is purchased by funds raised through annual fundraisers and grants. Stacey says, “Inflation affects everyone. Grocery bills have gone up, including ours! We welcome any food donations to help offset this cost.”

For more information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.humanneeds.org or contact Stacey Williams: Stacey@humanneeds.org.

In addition to the food pantry, the EFBHNM Financial Assistance Program provides shortterm help with mortgage or rent and utilities. Programs like these are made possible by not only fundraisers, but the Tri-City Churches Resale Shop, located next door. One hundred percent of Tri-City Churches Resale Shop proceeds go directly to support the EFBHNM programs. This year also marks the sixth year for the annual Outrun Hunger 5K Fun Run on October 7th. In an effort to add fundraising initiatives, EFBHNM’s first annual chili cookoff was held in February.

Empty Bowls, EFBHNM’s largest fundraiser of the year, is coming up on June 9th. “Danny Ray & The Atlantic Street Band is returning for another fun evening out,” says Stacey. “Please join us to really see what EFBHNM is all about!”

281-261-1006

435 Stafford Run, Stafford, Texas 77477

www.humanneeds.org

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE:

Leading You Through Health From The Inside Out

rlene Tinker, MD wanted to become a doctor ever since she was a little girl. “There is no machine on earth like the human body,” says Dr. Tinker. “It cannot be duplicated. Learning how to heal the body is never boring… there’s always so much more to learn!”

After graduating from Syracuse Medical School, Dr. Tinker completed a year of OB/GYN training, and after that went on to complete her residency training in Family Practice at Capital Health System in New Jersey. Dr. Tinker then spent more than 20 years practicing traditional medicine.

“I first became interested in functional medicine through weight loss,” explains Dr. Tinker. “As a PCP, I noticed that every other person had a co-morbidity related to excess weight. I didn’t want to JUST give these patients a

by Amy Sharp

shot or pill for weight loss. I wanted to gear my program toward long-term, better health. I started to take classes in functional medicine. I soon realized that I could help these people feel better overall. Some patients no longer needed blood pressure medication. They had more energy. Further functional medicine study led me to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Most of us don’t realize how big a part our hormones play in our health.”

Two years ago, Dr. Tinker launched Sinang Medical & Associates: a practice where traditional medicine is integrated with functional medicine. “I believe there is a place for traditional medicine, but I also believe we should be open to other ways to treat our patients. I truly care about my patients, and I listen. For every patient, I create an individual plan just for you–based on your need, medical profile and budget–

Less than 45 Minutes to a Happier, Healthier Smile

by Amy Sharp

The only way you can guarantee that your teeth will stay with you your entire life is to schedule (and attend!) regular dental exams and professional cleanings.

Local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte, says, “Here at my office, my staff and I are ready to make sure your mouth, gums, and teeth stay healthy and happy. During your exam, we’ll do x-rays so we can see any damage or issues that are not visible with the naked eye. If no problems exist, we move forward with your regular cleaning, removing tartar and checking for any visual issues as well. Exams and cleanings usually only take about 30-45 minutes.”

If you have concerns about the minimal amounts of radiation you might be exposed to during your x-rays, do not let that deter you from getting an exam done. Dr. Lomonte explains, “For patients who are pregnant, currently battling cancer, or simply have fears about x-rays, we have a new, state-of-the-art solution: Digital X-Rays – DEXIS CariVu. It’s the latest technology advancement in x-rays without radiation.”

Maybe you’re afraid because you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time? Dr. Lomonte is the dentist for you! “What’s great about working with new patients–especially ones who haven’t seen a dentist in quite a while–is showing them how stress-free modern dental care really is. No matter the procedure, from root canals to cosmetic services 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 would like to extend a warm welcome to you. “A dental exam and pro-

incorporating both traditional and functional medicine. Through this hybrid model, I want to ensure your health and wellness from the inside out. It feels good when I can help someone. I love when a patient comes back and tells me how much better they feel!”

At Sinang Medical & Associates, Dr. Tinker offers annual physical exams, well-woman health, reproductive healthcare, weight loss programs, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, virtual urgent care visits, and cosmetic medicine. She 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

fessional cleaning is a mere 45 minutes to a happier, healthier smile…and 45 minutes for me to get to know you. I can’t wait!”

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

It’s spaghetti time! Just as they have for many, many years, Classic Chevy is once again the presenting sponsor for Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner. This is a fun evening for adults and kids alike. Local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other first responders will be on-site preparing a variety of spaghetti sauces, one of which will be awarded the coveted cook-off trophy. Beer, wine, and sangria will be available for sale.

The Spaghetti Dinner top raffle prize is once again Dinner for a Year. The winner receives a $50 gift card for every week of the year to a local restaurant ($2600 value). Your evening out at the Spaghetti Dinner includes a live auction, silent auction, and a kids’ area with fun and games.

As always, the proceeds of the raffle tickets and the Spaghetti Dinner go toward supporting local charities and Exchange Club programs, including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, Crimestoppers, YMCA, Literacy Council of Fort Bend, and many others. Our local club also supports Exchange Cooperative Community Service Projects like Santa’s Exchange, Back to School Bash, Give a Kid a Flag to Wave, Service to Seniors, Youth of the Month, and One Nation Under God breakfasts.

Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian, owners of Classic Chevy Sugar Land and HWY 6, say, “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the family, enjoy a fun night out, and support the many fantastic nonprofits we have here in our community.”

Join us for the fun. Remember…IT’S ALL FOR THE KIDS!

For more information, to volunteer, or to contribute, contact any Exchange Club member or Exchange Club of Sugar Land President Lori Bisewski at 281-799-7084.

Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-9000

www.classicchevysugarland.com

36th Annual

Exchange Club of Sugar Land

Spaghetti Dinner

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 5:30pm

Individual Dinner Tickets: Adult $15, Children 12 and under eat FREE

Dinner for a Year ($2600 value) Raffle Tickets: $100

Classic Chevrolet HWY 6 8100 HWY 6 South, Houston, TX 77083 281-201-1040

www.classicchevyhwy6.com

Lori Bisewski, Tiffany Sebastian, Camille Crow-Edwards, Thad Olive, Carlos Perez, Greg Oelfke; front row: Jeff Dodson, Paul Barnett, Bowie, Doug Earle, and representing our new sponsor, Corelli’s Italian Cafe, is Papa Corelli

by Amy Sharp

Taking Care of Kids

Most parents will tell you…there’s nothing worse than a sick child. It’s agonizing when you can’t make the pain go away for the little people you love most in the world. And it’s sheer torture when you have the magic potion in hand to make them feel bet ter (the medicine!), and you just can’t get them to take it. But did you know that local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy can take just about any medication and make it so delicious, your kids will be reminding you when it’s time for another dose?

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy founder, Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph., explains, “As a compounding pharmacy, we can customize medication to make it more palatable without losing its effectiveness.

My wife Rakel and I have four kids of our own. We know how hard it can be to hold down a squirming, screaming toddler while trying to squirt a liquid antibiotic into his mouth. At Campbell’s Compounding, we can turn that medicine into a lollipop or flavor it so that your child can’t taste or smell any of the medicine inside. Some medications can be transformed into a topical ointment that you just rub on the skin. And we frequently do this for adults too. If you are one of millions who find it difficult to swallow pills or hate the taste of medicine, we can make your medication from scratch using your flavor of choice. Even your pet’s medication can be completely and tastily disguised.”

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy carries all commercially available medications as well, making it the perfect one-stop-shop.

“Taking care of your family–including your kids–is my top priority,” says Dr. Campbell. “Not only can we make a medicine that’s easier to

Making Your Child’s Dental Experience

by Amy Sharp

administer to your child, we’ll get it done in a timely manner. It doesn’t matter that the world has mostly become a take-a-number-and-stand-in-line kind of place. At my pharmacy, true customer service will never be a thing of the past. We’ll get you what you need, when you need it…with a smile. You’re the reason we’re here.”

Are you done putting up a fight with your kids when it comes to taking medicine? Call Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy today. It’s your same reliable medications, only customized!

Local Caldwell & Steinbring - Dentistry

For Children is the home of the famous “Tillie the Tooth” program–the energetic, hands-on program that delivers oral hygiene education to elementary school students. Tillie educates with a fun and exciting dialogue that allows students to participate. The “Tillie the

by Amy Sharp

Tooth” program–performed and delivered by Caldwell and Steinbring’s very own hygienist, Ms. Debbie–has educated Fort Bend elementary students for more than 30 years. Dr. Larry Caldwell says, “We are so proud of ‘Tillie the Tooth.’ It’s an important part of our mission here at the office: To provide quality dental care

with a strong emphasis on education.”

“Our staff is dedicated to making your child’s dental experience positive and rewarding,” explains Dr. Derek Steinbring. “We are geared to the special needs and circumstances of all children. A positive dental experience is only accomplished with compassion and a gentle patient approach. We do everything possible to ensure all kids and parents feel at ease when visiting our practice.”

Drs. Caldwell and Steinbring see kids who are one day old through college. They believe a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur around age one. Dr. Steinbring says, “When children are that young, we are mostly establishing rapport. We are building a relationship so that your child wants to come back again and again.” A child’s first office visit at age one is complimentary.

For more information or to book your appointment, call today. Dr. Caldwell says, “We look forward to hearing from you and helping your child smile brighter!”

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy

How To Prevent Your Shower From Cracking

“Here in Fort Bend County, we are near the Brazos River,” says Teri Gilberg (better known as The Re-Modelista). “The soil is sand, and it’s not stable. Houses shift, and we need to do maintenance on shower tile and grout nearly every year. I’m excited to announce that I’m carrying a new product called The Onyx Collection. The Onyx Collection is a solid surface product with a lifetime warranty. It will not crack. You can say goodbye to shower tile and grout maintenance forever!”

The Onyx Collection includes shower bases, shower wall panels, shower trim, and accessories. Your shower is custom made-to-order to your size, shape, and color specifications. It takes about six weeks to make your product, and another week to install it. Teri provides wholesale pricing on Onyx products at 30% less than retail. Teri says, “This is a great deal.”

Are you planning to age in place? Onyx offers fabulous shower options for individuals in the sunset of their life. “Low profile shower curbs and ramped shower curbs are both standard options in The Onyx Collection,” explains Teri. “We can also add shower seats, foot rests, inset cubbies, corner cubbies, and more when we custom design your shower. The possible combinations are almost endless! It will truly be your shower built just for you.” All Onyx products include their famous “Yes, Guaranteed Forever” guarantee. “This is it,” says Teri. “One shower remodel, and you’re done.”

by Amy Sharp

Teri has coordinated remodeling projects in Fort Bend County for more than 10 years. The Onyx Collection is the newest of her many remodel ing options. Teri says, “If you’re remodeling a bathroom, we’ll explore together if The Onyx Collection makes sense for you. It’s an option that we’re very lucky to have access to! However, I still do tile work as well. If you love and want tile, we’ll go with tile. For every project, I provide a turnkey cost and budget, and I coordinate contractors for you. My goal is to make remodeling as easy and painless as possible.”

Ready for a solid surface Onyx shower that doesn’t crack? Give Teri a call. You can have a maintenance-free, gorgeous shower with a lifetime warranty installed before summer!

Summer Music Camp Is Back!

by Amy Sharp

Making music actually changes the way your brain is wired.

Those who study music develop areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. Even when using sheet music, musicians are constantly tasked to use their memory to recall notes and flourishes. With music, the muscle of memorization is flexed in a way that helps in academics too. Learning to play music also bestows a deep sense of achievement and satisfaction, far more so than simply telling a child he or she did well on something. Plus, it’s FUN!

So where do achievers go to have fun, improve their cognitive skills, and make beautiful music? Fort Bend Music Center! Shaina, Lessons Department Manager at Fort Bend Music Center, says, “Our summer music camps are perfect for all levels of musicians, including beginners. All you have to do is show up, and we’ll supply you with everything else.”

At summer music camp, kids (or adults!) ages 4+ receive the full, immersive musical experience

over five days. Each day offers fun, dynamic lessons in piano, strings, brass, and guitar. “Kids who are involved in music don’t just improve their skills, they improve themselves,” explains Shaina. “When you put in the discipline, effort, and hard work to master an instrument, that sense of achievement translates into other subjects as well. Many studies have also shown that the best way to keep an older brain from deteriorating is to teach it something new. We love students of all ages here at Fort Bend Music Center!”

Now is the time to make summer plans. Register your child at a Fort Bend Music Center Summer Music Camp today. It’s smart, and it’s fun!

Fort Bend Music Center

281-494-5885

12919 SW Freeway, Ste 160 Stafford, TX 77477

www.fortbendmusiccenter.com

Summer Music Camp

Fun lessons in piano, strings, brass, and guitar!

June 12 - 16 and July 10 - 14 10am - noon

Ages 4+

art, architecture, and history through our cuisine.”

Founders Chef Faisel Ahmad, Aziz Noorani

Potentially Money-Saving Gift-Giving Strategies For Your Estate

by Amy Sharp

Maximize charitable contributions, reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI), ensure you’ve taken the required minimum distribution (RMD)…the list goes on and on when it comes to managing your estate..

But did you know that HOW you perform these tasks could affect your tax bill and overall income? Andy Sharp, President and CEO of local Altere Financial, LLC, says, “If you have an IRA from which you must take a distribution, or you own appreciated stocks in a taxable investment account, sometimes it pays to not make yourself the ‘middle-man.’ Check out these examples.”

• Make a qualified charitable distribution directly from an IRA. a certain age, dollars can flow directly out of your IRA to a charity. The money is not taxed and not subject to AGI. Plus, it counts toward your RMD (required minimum distribution). In effect, you’re potentially lowering future taxation for both yourself and your heirs. On the flip side…it might be a mistake to take your RMD first, and then make your charitable contributions after the money settles in your bank or a taxable account. The money is then subject to AGI limitations.”

• Donate appreciated stock to a qualified charity. “If you don’t sell the shares,” explains Andy, “the charity can sell the appreciated stock taxfree, and you aren’t taxed on the sale either. Furthermore, you may be able to itemize the value of the stock on the day of transfer against your AGI. It’s a potential win-win.”

Andy has worked as a broker, financial planner, research analyst, product specialist, and financial consultant for a large financial services firm. Questions? Give Andy a call. He’s always happy to help!

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

by Amy Sharp

Two years ago, Gary Pearson was casually having lunch at Veritas with three other guys when he was approached by Dr. Shannon Orsak, founder of St. Michael’s Elite Hospital. “Dr. Orsak told me I was having a stroke, and that I needed to go to the ER,” says Gary. “Dr. Orsak proceeded to escort me to St. Michael’s. When we arrived there, three people got me on the table and hooked me up. Within 30 minutes, I was officially diagnosed with having a stroke. They stopped the stroke, stabilized me, and after about an hour transported me by ambulance to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Memorial Hermann.” But didn’t Gary know he was having a stroke? “Well,” says Gary, “I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what it was. That morning, I struggled to tie my tie and my shoes. Like a typical guy, I just figured I’d have lunch and deal with it later. When Dr. Orsak saw me, I was off balance, my left lip was starting to droop, and my speech was starting to slur. I had no idea I was having a stroke, and certainly did not realize that the sooner I received treatment, the better my recovery would be. Dr. Orsak saved my life. He and his team at St. Michael’s were efficient, effective, and quick. The Stroke Director at Memorial Hermann told me that if Dr. Orsak had not intervened, I would have likely died between Veritas and the hospital.”

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

As Gary learned, serious health conditions like stroke require emergency care immediately to stabilize the patient. St. Michael’s CEO/CNO Jessica Rivas says, “Here at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, we provide the emergency care you need without a wait. For every person that comes through our doors, we guarantee a wait time of five minutes or less before admission to a private examination room. With diagnostic testing onsite, our team gets results quickly. Your health is our top priority.”

“I’m eternally grateful to Dr. Orsak and the team at St. Michael’s Elite Hospital,” says Gary. “I’m 99.9% recovered. I can drive, work, play golf, workout, and attend social events. Three months after my stroke, I returned to St. Michael’s and personally thanked the people that helped me. Each time I see Dr. Orsak out at a social event, I hug his neck and thank him for saving my life. St. Michael’s Elite Hospital is my favorite emergency hospital. This hospital is the greatest thing to happen to our county. We are so lucky to have them!”

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.”

Highly Recommended on Nextdoor

After the plumber that lived down the street from Sally moved, she wasn’t sure who to call for plumbing help. “I was so used to my neighbor just stopping by and fixing what needed to be fixed on his way home,” says Sally. “Ultimately, I called a big, national company. It wasn’t a good experience. I felt like I was in a high pressure sales pitch and left with an inflated bill. Different guys were in and out of my house. I had no idea what they were doing, or if they were fixing anything!”

Sally read on Nextdoor that many of her neighbors were pleased with Alan’s Plumbing. Alan’s Plumbing is locally owned by Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter. His wife Jennifer and longtime family friend Katie answer the Alan’s Plumbing phones. Alan’s licensed team includes his brother Chris and his son Luke, both of whom are also Master Plumbers. Alan’s 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 plumber

by Amy Sharp

“My first call to Alan’s Plumbing was to replace all of the faucets in my home,” says Sally. “Jennifer answered the phone. She got me on the schedule, and told me to go ahead and pick up the faucets I liked before the appointment. But when I got to Home Depot, I had no idea what I needed. I called Jennifer back, texted her some pictures from the store, and she was able to walk me through the process. She saved me from buying something that wouldn’t fit in my sink when the plumber arrived.”

The plumber that visited Sally was Alan and Jennifer’s son Beau. “He was so kind,” says Sally. “He called me ma’am. He arrived at the quoted time, and when he left everything was clean. I didn’t feel like I was being upsold, and the price was fair. I also loved that it was the owner’s son…it didn’t feel like ‘just anyone’ was coming into my house. He had a vested

by Amy Sharp

interest in being polite and doing a good job. After all, I did have his mom and boss’s phone number!”

“I called Jennifer on another occasion when my dishwasher wasn’t working. I really had no idea if I had a plumbing issue or not when I called. Jennifer walked me through checking the dishwasher draining process, and was able to determine—over the phone—that it was not a plumbing issue, and I wouldn’t need Alan’s Plumbing that day. She also recommended a fabulous appliance repairman. I love that kind of honesty and integrity.”

When you need a plumber, there’s no need to be bombarded with salesmen, upselling, and inflated bills. Call the local plumber highly recommended by your Fort Bend neighbors on Nextdoor: Alan’s Plumbing!

Jaime and tradesman-licensed Trevor and Christian complete this local plumbing team.

The Now Available in Fort Bend County True Recovery Favored by Athletes and Celebrities

by Amy Sharp

True Recovery Lymphatic Massage, locally owned by Delmie DePuma-Aparicio, is excited to announce its recent acquisition of a Ballancer®Pro. Delmie says, “The Ballancer®Pro has been coined ‘The Rolls Royce of Lymphatic Massage.’”

What is lymphatic massage? It’s a gentle massage that helps get the body’s lymph fluid flowing, improving the body’s ability to fight injury, infection and disease. When the body is compromised–due to trauma, disease, stress, or surgery of any kind–the lymphatic system slows down and does not work smoothly and properly. A lymphatic massage jump starts that system, helping the healing lymphatic fluid flow properly throughout the body. By improving lymphatic flow, the body is better able to clear out waste products, toxins, and clean up the dysfunction that causes injury, imbalance, inflammation, and disease.

For more than 20 years, Delmie has offered manual lymphatic massage for plastic surgery after care, postpartum recovery, improving wellness and longevity, and more. That is not changing. Delmie says, “The Ballancer®Pro will complement my array of lymphatic massage services. I’ll continue to use my magic hands to manually release fluid locally. Then the Ballancer®Pro is optimal for a full body flush out. It treats circumferentially 360 degrees applying equal pressure on every square inch of skin, ensuring effective and total treatment from ankles to shoulders.”

The Ballancer®Pro is FDA-cleared technology backed by decades of medical research. It’s noninvasive and relaxing. Our own Houston Texans have multiple Ballancer®Pro systems onsite to aid in athletic recovery and recovery after injury. The treatment works so well, multiple athletes and celebrities have a

Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg, the satellite location of the highlyesteemed Houston-area Heights Dermatology & Aesthetic Center under the direction of boardcertified dermatologist Dr. Alpesh Desai, offers a full array of services to get your skin summer ready!

Worried about spider veins? Board-certified Physician Assistant Vy Ngo says, “IPL, or intense pulsed light, can be used to treat spider veins on the face, lower legs, or any part of the body. IPL treats spider veins by using a non-laser, high-intensity source of light to first heat and then damage the walls of the blood vessel. This process causes the veins to collapse and disappear over time. There is minimum downtime and almost zero pain. The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the spider veins.”

For unwanted hair, Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg offers laser hair removal. “Laser hair removal is safe for any part of the body,” explains Vy. “There is no downtime…you can come in during lunch and head back to work after. For full hair removal, a series of

treatments may be required.”

Ballancer®Pro system in their own home. “This is a high standard of care,” explains Delmie. “I’m thrilled to bring this technology to Fort Bend County!”

True Recovery Lymphatic Massage

Delmie DePuma-Aparicio, LMT

4502 Riverstone Blvd, Suite 1002

Missouri City, TX 77459

832-729-5323

www.atruerecovery.com

Chemical peels are a great option for brown spots on the skin. “These are one and done,” says Vy. “Chemical peels give the skin a new layer, and can be used on the face, legs, neck, anywhere. There is some downtime… you must stay out of the sun for three days after a chemical peel. If you have a special occasion coming up, I suggest getting your chemical peel done at least three months ahead of time.”

Botox, fillers, and microneedling are also available at Heights Dermatology. All are administered by Vy, a board-certified PA. Vy says, “As summer approaches, I want to remind everyone of the utmost importance of sunscreen. Here at the office, we sell mineral sunscreens. These are safer for both kids and adults than the chemical sunscreens sold in grocery and drug stores. Skin exams are also very important at any age. It’s never too early…we can start skin exams at one year of age.”

Appointments with Heights Dermatology–Rosenberg can be scheduled both over the phone and online. Get your skin summer ready today!

by Amy Sharp

by Amy Sharp

Lakshmi and Ram Nagamohan’s Story

by Amy Sharp

Last year, Lakshmi Nagamohan purchased a business in Bellaire. Lakshmi says, “My husband Ram and I were living in Atlanta. We needed to make the move to Bellaire, close to my new business (fortunately Ram can work from home!). We were out-of-state buyers. Searching for a home remotely was hard, and we did not know where to start. The first two real estate agents we worked with were not good communicators and not responsive. We weren’t sure if we should buy or rent, and the Bellaire market was new to us. A cousin recommended we call Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) agent, Karine D’Souza, to help us.”

Over the summer, Lakshmi and Ram spent two months going back and forth between Houston and Atlanta looking at houses. Lakshmi says, “I like to do a lot of the groundwork myself, and then reach out to the agent when I have questions. Karine was always quick to respond. I really like that about her. I could reach out to her as many times as I felt I needed to, and she was always ready to chat…which was really helpful since I had lots and lots of questions about the homes we were interested in. Two-way communication is so important.”

“The lack of inventory in the Bellaire area made our search really hard,” continues Lakshmi. “It was crazy! We would look at a house, put in a bid, and then lose it when someone outbid us. Karine was helpful in making our bids competitive. For this home, we actually put in a bid, but did not negotiate the first time around. We weren’t sure we wanted this house. But after looking at others, we came back to it. The selling agent was also the owner of the home. Karine was instrumental in gathering information and negotiating for a good price and terms. Thanks to Karine, our closing went smoothly.”

“I strongly recommend Karine,” says Lakshmi. “We’ve become really good friends after that! Since Ram and I were still in Atlanta after the closing, Karine helped me arrange cleaners to come in and do a deep cleaning of the house. She also helped us set up utilities. Karine and I continue to chat about different things in life. She has a list of people I can reach out to for all of my home needs. Ram and I are settled here in Bellaire now, and we really enjoy this home. Everything is good!”

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.

KW Agent Karine D’Souza

My name is Cindy Posas.

I was a teacher at FBISD’s Austin High School for 13 years. Since 2008, I’ve helped Medicare beneficiaries select Medicare coverage at Clutch City Insurance.

I wanted to talk a little bit about TRS (Teacher Retirement System of Texas) and Medicare. Most teachers in Texas are entitled to TRS. When you turn 65, TRS has its own Medicare Advantage plan. It’s a good option, and many take advantage of it.

However, if the teacher has a spouse covered by TRS, it can be very expensive for them to be covered by the TRS Medicare plan. There are options out there that are more cost effective. I encourage the spouse to reach out to a Medicare specialist like me. We can look at the different Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage options, and choose the one that best fits the spouse’s medical needs.

At Clutch City Insurance, I love what I do. I love to educate both new agents and clients on Medicare. I encourage all Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage every year, including those covered by TRS…because the rules change, and you’re always at the whim of the state legislature. For those turning 65 and still working (in any industry!), talk to me about your options. Not all employer insurance is the same, and Medicare handles COBRA differently. I’ve seen situations where people were penalized due to poor advice. I don’t want that to happen to you. Please give me a call with any and all Medicare questions. I’ll find the answer for you!

Contact Cindy now at 832.704.5112. cindycase3@gmail.com | www.ccihou.com

Safe Treatment

for

PTSD, Treatment-Resistant Anxiety and Depression, and Chronic Pain

by Amy Sharp

Dr. Julia Ward, founder of local Balanced Body Functional Medicine, says, “Psychedelic drugs were originally developed in the 1950s and 60s to treat mental health disorders. However, the War on Drugs in the 1970s and 80s shut down the availability of these drugs. Today there is a resurgence of interest in these drugs, and there are major clinical trials going on around the US looking at the benefits of psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy), and LSD (acid).”

The one psychedelic medicine that is legal right now is ketamine. Ketamine has also been around since the 50s and 60s. Dr. Ward says, “Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. It is a very safe drug that is still used in both human and veterinary medicine. It’s the drug anesthesiologists use if somebody has cardiovascular problems, and they’re very fragile. It doesn’t drop heart rate, depress respiration, or drop blood pressure. The quick onset and offset of ketamine makes it really nice for treating mental health disorders. Low-dose infusions have been used for quite awhile. Individuals get almost immediate relief from acute depression. Ketamine is used in the ER for people who are actively suicidal.”

At Balanced Body Functional Medicine, Dr. Ward offers a series of six ketamine IV infusions. Dr. Ward explains, “When ketamine IV therapy is paired with psychotherapy, it accelerates your results. The ketamine allows for neuroplasticity…the brain is actually growing new neuroconnections. You can see your problems from a different perspective. It also floods your brain with serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which gives a happy, light feeling that can last for three to four days after treatment. When you see a therapist within 24 hours of ketamine IV therapy, you get extra insight and extra benefit. For those that have had trauma, it takes away the fear factor. They can look at their problems without fear. The effects will last longer and longer the more sessions you do. If you don’t have a therapist, I can suggest some that would see you via telemedicine.”

With ketamine, you’re actively working through your problems, making breakthroughs mentally. “You’re figuring out problems you maybe didn’t understand before,” says Dr. Ward. “I observed one gentleman who, after his third IV infusion, said he completely changed his outlook. He said, ‘I used to be really angry, and I just realized how much wasted energy anger is.’ He’s much more patient now, a better husband and father.”

“This is not a treatment you stay on for the rest of your life,” says Dr. Ward. “The goal is to make more progress with therapy sessions.” To learn more about ketamine IV infusion therapy and if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ward at Balanced Body Functional Medicine today.

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