A PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTOR

WHAT’S YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN YOU WAKE UP EACH DAY? For one in three Americans, their first-morning thought is how much pain they’re in and how much they’re likely to endure that day. If this sounds all too familiar, it may be due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer treatments, injury, or any number of other conditions. Finding the right pain management team can be a game changer. A pain management center or professional specializes in the diagnosis and management of chronic (ongoing) pain. Some practices specialize, focusing their efforts on specific diagnoses or pain of a particular region of the body. Others offer comprehensive pain management.

“Your pain doctor should take time to hear your story, evaluate you completely, review with you all the available imaging, and explain your diagnosis and the plan in words that you understand. They should work with you to develop a multi-disciplinary treatment plan that is customized to you, to achieve your individual goal.”

Dr. Jason Butler REGENCY PAIN & THERAPY INSTITUTE

A great place to start your search is with your primary care physician. Ask them to recommend a pain management team or clinic. You may also ask family, friends, and other healthcare workers you trust. You want to fi nd someone who practices a multidisciplinary approach, not someone who considers pharmaceuticals the end-allbe-all, but who treats the entire person, not just their pain. You want someone who will spend time educating you, so you can take an active role in managing your own pain. There are also websites that can recommend facilities and practitioners in your area, including the National Pain Foundation at NationalPainFoundation.org, The American Academy of Pain Management at AAPainManage.org, and the American Board of Pain Medicine at ABPM.org. Once

Ask them how involved they want you to be in your treatment. Will they work cooperatively with your spouse, caregiver, or family members? These healthcare professionals will become a part of your life and your family’s life.

Do they place emphasis on patient empowerment and education? Do they respect your opinions and ask for your input on your treatment plan? Do they advocate natural remedies or just pharmaceuticals? Consider the short-term and long-term effects of working with each type of medical approach and choose the one that makes you most comfortable.

If pain has eroded your quality of life, it may well be time to partner with a pain management practice or professional. The one you ultimately choose can become an invaluable asset to you, your teacher, your advocate, and your cheerleader. Look for someone who respects you and shares your goal of regaining function and improving your quality of life.

What Could You Be Doing if Pain Wasn’t Holding You Back?

We provide a full range of treatment options and services for patients suffering from chronic and acute pain. From conservative treatments to the most advanced minimally invasive procedures our caring providers can get you back to everyday life as quickly as possible and without long term reliance on medications.

“Every staff member is professional, knowledgeable, informative, welcoming and friendly. I would recommend this pain and therapy team to everyone!!”

-Karen 11/16/ 22

Regency is pleased to welcome Dr. Cindy Ng to the practice as a Sports Medicine and Pain Management Specialist. 817-419-6111 74

Dr. Ng is now accepting new patients.

Parkway Mansfield, TX 76063

MORE THAN A THIRD OF ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES SUFFER FROM OBESITY, ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL. Another 32% per the National Institutes of Health, are overweight. With statistics like these, it’s clear that our country has tipped the scales to a national health crisis. It puts people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, among other things. As the obesity rate has increased, so has the multi-billion-dollar diet industry, yet millions of Americans struggle to lose weight and keep it off. Fortunately, bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, offers another option.

“Once you’ve decided bariatric surgery is the next step in our weight loss journey, finding the right bariatric surgeon is essential in helping you reach your goal. As with any surgery, you want to find a professional with a record of good outcomes and positive patient experiences. But bariatric surgery is different from most surgeries because patients follow up with their bariatric surgeon for 18 to 24 months after their procedure – and sometimes for life. Look for a surgeon who listens to you and takes time to understand your goals.”

Jeremy Parcells, MD SURGICAL ASSOCIATES OF MANSFIELD

If you’ve tried dieting time and again without reaching or maintaining your goal, don’t give up. Instead, fi nd out if weight loss surgery may be right for you. Start by researching weight loss surgery programs in your area. Check out websites and social media groups. Attend free informational seminars in person (often led by a weight loss surgeon) where you can listen, ask questions, and gather detailed information on a specific program.

Since there are several types of weight loss surgery options, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and duodenal switch, consider bariatric surgeons who offer more than one procedure. Once you meet with a surgeon, they can help you select the surgery that best fits your weight loss goals versus trying to force a solution that may not be optimal for you. Easy-to-use online tools may help you learn more about each procedure while also assisting you in gathering information about local weight loss surgeons.

Other things to consider when selecting a potential surgeon include their experience and credentials. These days, bariatric surgeons are often fellowship-trained, although many excellent surgeons with a proven track record and extensive experience began their practice before these fellowships were generally available. Also, evaluate their staff because you will likely interface more with the team than with the surgeon for ongoing support, questions, and general follow-up. Facility accreditation further helps ensure the quality of care. The Metabolic Bariatric Surgery and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), the gold standard in accreditation, recognizes facilities that implement defined standards of care, document their outcomes, and participate in regular rigorous reviews to evaluate their bariatric surgical programs.

Finally, don’t overlook the ancillary and follow-up services provided by the program a bariatric surgeon is associated with. Weight loss surgery is only a tool — one piece of an intricate puzzle. During your weight loss journey, you will likely benefi t from emotional support and encouragement, exercise and healthful living guidance, nutrition information, and making the right food choices. A comprehensive surgical weight loss program will offer these things and possibly more.

Ultimately, your success depends on your commitment to making permanent lifestyle changes that support weight loss and maintenance. Choosing a surgeon and program that’s a good fit for you will help you achieve this, and your weight loss goals.

Surgical Associates of Mansfield is committed to helping you achieve your goals. Led by a team of board-certified bariatric surgeons, we specialize in weight-loss surgeries, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch and revision surgery, and are trained in using minimally invasive robotic techniques that can reduce pain and recovery time.

“THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING, AND THAT’S JUST WHAT THEY’LL DO,” UNLESS THE FEET INSIDE ARE SUFFERING — THEN THE BOOTS EITHER STAY IN THE CLOSET OR MOVE SLOWLY IN SHORT STRIDES. Painful, uncomfortable, irritated feet are problematic and require immediate attention. In some cases, minor foot pain can be addressed by a primary care physician. Other times, a foot specialist, known as a podiatrist, is required. While selecting a podiatrist may initially seem straightforward, many specialties and sub-specialties exist. In most cases, your primary care physician will assess your need and steer you in the right direction, but it doesn’t hurt to be well-informed during the process.

“Our feet can directly affect our overall health and lead to serious problems. If you are experiencing foot and ankle, contact a podiatrist who is dedicated to treating the root cause of your problemsnot just the symptoms.”

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, “Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being.” Since feet require the care of specialists specifically trained to treat them, you should make sure you look for a highly qualified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). DPMs have completed years of study and foot and ankle training through podiatric medical school and training via residency. In choosing a podiatrist, understand there are those who focus on sports injuries, age-related degeneration, conditions affected by diabetes, work injuries, and others. Is your issue something minor in need of a short-term solution, or will your situation require repeat visits or perhaps even physical therapy?

Foot and ankle problems can stem from a variety of root causes, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and vein disease. Make sure to understand what’s actually happening with your feet and ankles and find a specialist who understands the cause and doesn’t just treat the symptom. Other issues include arthritis, injuries, skin disorders, nerve damage, muscle and tendon issues, toe or toenail problems, and joint conditions. Ask questions and do your best to get a complete picture of your particular affl iction. Don’t hesitate to do your own research.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options for a podiatrist that fits your needs, look at online reviews and check the American Podiatric Medical Association website (APMA.org) for more information. Your feet need to last a lifetime, so preventative care is important as well. Choose properly fi tting shoes and avoid those that don’t offer stability and comfort. If pedicures are among your must-haves, select a place that is known for its cleanliness, one that uses disposable liners in the foot wash. If you have children, be aware their feet can grow a half size in just a few short months, so frequently check their shoe fit.

Don’t wear closed-toe, tight-fitting shoes without socks, and make sure to keep shoes clean and adequately aired out.

Your feet are your foundation, and while it may be easy to overlook them, make it a priority to include routine care and maintenance before they demand it. And if you fi nd yourself in need of a podiatrist, many excellent resources are available to help in your selection. Use the tips above to get started, and you’ll be on your way to successful treatment.

OUR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS KNEW THE BENEFIT OF SLIPPING AWAY TO THE DAY SPA TO DESTRESS AND REJUVENATE. Today, we have medical spas (med spas) that blend traditional relaxation services with medical technology to rejuvenate skin, hair, nails, and other areas while easing the mind, body, and spirit. Typically operated under the supervision of a medical doctor, med spas offer a range of services such as acupuncture, hair and tattoo removal, facials, injections, fillers, chemical peels, weight loss, skin tightening, and skin rejuvenation. But it’s important to thoroughly vet potential medical spas to ensure they’re safe and able to deliver the results you want.

“We love helping you to look and feel your best with innovative aesthetic treatments tailored to each patient’s needs and wishes.”

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Begin by considering your goals. Then do some research to see who in your area offers the specific treatments you want and need. Gather names of potential spas from friends, the Internet, and local advertising. Once you have some candidates, read a few online reviews while looking for an overall pattern of satisfaction from their clients, especially those who’ve had the same procedures you’re considering.

Book an initial consultation at a few locations to get a fi rsthand impression. Inquire about who’ll be performing your procedure and how much experience they have with that treatment. How long have they been doing it, and how many do they perform each month? What are their credentials? You want your procedure performed by someone with the proper training, licensing, background, and experience. Ask for a few referrals and to see some before and after photos. Do staff members seem knowledgeable? Professional? You want to feel comfortable with the entire practice, not just the person performing your procedure. The spa should outline the procedure for you and let you know what you can expect. They should ask about your goals for the treatment. While there, assess the cleanliness of the facility. Ask about any technology used for your procedure.

Look for a med spa that keeps up with advancing technology and one that’s passionate about continuing education. Take notes on the technology they use, especially any that will be implemented in your procedure, then do some research to see if this is the most up-to-date and least-invasive technology available.

Ask how many treatments it should take to see the results you want, keeping in mind that individuals differ. Some clients may see results after one treatment, while others need several to achieve the results they desire. But they should be able to give you an average. You should not feel pressured into purchasing additional services.

To recap, begin by identifying your problem or concern and considering the results you hope to achieve. Investigate which med spas in your area offer those services. Then use the above criteria to determine who stacks up and where you feel most comfortable and welcome. Once you fi nd the med spa that’s perfect for you, you’re on the road to a better, less stressful life.

GETTING THE RIGHT INSURANCE COVERAGE THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS INVOLVES MORE THAN PURCHASING THE RIGHT POLICY. It’s also a matter of choosing the right insurance agent, one who is knowledgeable about various forms of insurance coverage and has a genuine interest in providing you with the right amount of coverage rather than someone wanting to collect a large commission by selling you more coverage than you may need. Hopefully, our five suggestions will help you make the choice that’s best for you.

“Careful consideration needs to be applied when selecting your insurance. What coverage do you need for your protection? Understand what is covered in the policy contract so you don’t have a huge unexpected out of pocket expense on a claim. Is there a professional who will educate and review ooptions and be there in your time of need? The consequences can be huge.”

Al Clark STATE FARM INSURANCE

First, know the difference between an independent agent and a company agent (sometimes called a captive agent). An independent agent sells policies from several different companies, while a company agent is employed by a large national company and sells only that company’s insurance products.

With an independent agent, you’ll have a choice of several different insurance companies, and if a company is competitive with its rates one year but not the next, the agent can quote other carriers. On the other hand, you may prefer a company agent as they can bundle all your policies — such as home, auto, and life — with their company and give you a substantial rate discount.

Second, in your search, ask someone you trust for referrals, and it shouldn’t be a referral based on superfi cial issues such as who sends the nicest birthday cards.

In getting referrals, if you’re a person who prefers face-to-face appointments, you might give your most serious consideration to local agents who are active members of your community.

Third, interview at least two or three prospective agents. Though it may be a little time-consuming, talk to each candidate about your insurance needs and see which ones seem to give you the best advice on your prospective coverage. You don’t want to be paying for an excessive amount of coverage, but on the other hand, there are few things worse than having a claim and fi nding out that it’s not covered by your policy. And if your intuition tells you the agent is mainly interested in making the sale and collecting a commission, it might be better to look elsewhere.

In the process of interviewing, consider asking for references, which most agents should be happy to provide. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, go online and read reviews written by the agent’s current or past clients.

Fourth, don’t overlook the benefits of experience and expertise. An experienced agent will keep a watchful eye on your changing insurance needs over the years, and they’ll also be able to make a strong case to the claims department if there’s a dispute about the payment of a claim. Indicators of experience and expertise are professional credentials such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), or Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI). Designations like these indicate an agent’s dedication to education and current knowledge.

Fifth, check an agent’s background to see if there are any serious complaints or violations on their record. In Texas, the appropriate website is TDI.Texas.gov. Remember that the ultimate goal is to fi nd an agent who is knowledgeable and experienced, has a good track record, and puts your interests fi rst — so you can rest easy knowing that in the case of an incident, you won’t be left in a bad situation.