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IF YOU’VE EVER SAT FOR HOURS IN A HOSPITAL’S EMERGENCY ROOM SURROUNDED BY FAR SICKER OR MORE BADLY INJURED PEOPLE, YOU PROBABLY FELT EQUAL PARTS THANKFUL THAT YOUR “EMERGENCY” WASN’T DIRE ENOUGH TO MOVE YOU TO THE TOP OF THE LIST AND FRUSTRATED WHEN YOU REALIZE YOU’D BE THERE FOR A WHILE. That scenario led to the creation of urgent care facilities. Urgent cares are same-day clinics that can handle a variety of conditions that aren’t life-threatening but require immediate attention. Urgent care is a great option for times when your doctor’s office is closed or can’t accommodate you with a timely appointment.

MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT

“When choosing an urgent care facility, find out how long it’s been in operation and how long the providers have been practicing there. Longevity means they are familiar with you and your family. Also, a facility that has two providers per shift allows them to spend more time with you and offers the patients more choices, such as a male or female provider.”

Jeffery Fisher, MD MANSFIELD URGENT CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE

The fi rst thing to decide is whether your emergency is a candidate for urgent care or whether it warrants a trip to the emergency room. Most urgent care clinics are well equipped to handle conditions such as fever without a rash, minor trauma, a common sprain, certain types of broken bones (usually on the limbs), painful urination, persistent diarrhea, severe sore throat, or vomiting. If you’re unsure whether your condition is life-threatening or not, it’s always a good idea to opt for an emergency facility and let the experts be the judge. The moment you need care isn’t necessarily the best time to shop for an urgent care facility. It’s far better to evaluate the options in your area now and decide which one you’ll visit when the time comes. Begin with facilities that are reasonably close to your home. While an earache, rash, muscle sprain, or minor abrasion isn’t life-threatening, someone suffering from them won’t feel like traveling all over the city looking for treatment.

Look online for facilities in your area and visit their websites to see what level of care they provide, their hours of operation, and what insurance plans they accept. Some facilities offer 24/7 care. Some don’t. If you don’t have insurance or they, don’t take yours, but you decide to go there anyway, most facilities will accept your credit card or check and may even allow you to arrange a payment plan over time. But that’s another decision it’s best to make ahead of time.

If you live in an urban or suburban area, you probably have several options close to you. And if your medical condition isn’t something they treat, any of them should be able to stabilize you and then help you get transported to an emergency facility. If you have kids, look for a facility with a doctor qualified to offer pediatric care and a kid-friendly bedside manner. Ask other parents about their experiences.

Also, see what services they offer in addition to traditional urgent care. Many centers provide preventive care such as sports physicals and immunizations or can assist you in managing chronic problems such as diabetes, saving you all that time waiting in the doctor or hospital waiting rooms. Do remember that if you have a life-threatening emergency, it’s always a good idea to head to an emergency room or call an ambulance to get you there as quickly as possible.

SOONER OR LATER, MOST OF US WILL NEED THE ASSISTANCE OF A GOOD ATTORNEY TO HELP WITH AN ISSUE. It might be to draw up a will, create a trust, purchase property, or renegotiate a loan. Perhaps you’re going through a divorce, being sued, or thinking of bringing a legal suit. In a worst-case scenario, you might need a defense attorney. With about 1.3 million practicing attorneys in the United States, you have no shortage of choices. Here are a few suggestions for choosing an attorney that best meets your legal needs.

“When selecting a family law attorney it is important to select a firm that is committed to obtaining the best collaborative, “families first” solution, but has the experience to aggressively advocate on your behalf if all other alternate dispute resolution forms fail.”

Donna J. Smiedt, Board Certified Family Law Attorney/Mediator DONNA SMIEDT LAW

You can start with your employer, as some companies have an employee assistance program (EAP). This could be a way of getting a basic legal document, such as a will or power of attorney, done at a reasonable cost. Through an EAP, you might also get a free initial consultation to help you determine whether declaring bankruptcy might make sense or if you have a valid legal claim to fi le a lawsuit before looking for a more specialized attorney to help you handle such matters.

Whether or not your employer has an EAP, you should consider asking family members, friends, and work associates for recommendations. Lawyers that they know can be helpful in your search, even if they specialize in another area of legal practice. Lawyers tend to know other lawyers, most importantly those who are reputable.

Consider doing some personal research. Several online resources offer listings of attorneys by state and specialty, and many are used by attorneys themselves when looking for legal talent. You can also find lawyer and law firm ratings based on peer reviews, and these may be helpful in choosing between two equally qualified candidates.

Once a consultation is arranged, prepare a list of questions in advance. These could include the following.

“Who will I be working with?” You don’t want to settle on an attorney only to fi nd they’re passing your case off to a junior associate or a paralegal.

“How will you be paid?” Are they charging a fl at fee, an hourly rate, or working on a contingency basis? It’s essential to know how payment and costs will work upfront.

“How much experience do you have dealing with situations like mine?” And don’t be shy about asking about credentials. If you’re creating a trust, for example, you might want an attorney who has earned the designation of AEP (Accredited Estate Planner).

“Do you have questions for me?” A good attorney should be focused on you and your needs and should have some questions of their own to ask you.

It’s also a good idea to check the Texas Bar website to see if any of your prospects have been subject to any disciplinary action. If you notice something, allow your attorney a chance to explain.

Finally, consider the personal chemistry you have with the lawyer. Whatever their experience or credentials, you want to work with someone you like and trust, so don’t overlook the importance of personality and personal chemistry.

Donna J. Smiedt and Desaray Muma have been collaboratively trained to provide our clients with a private and less stressful way to resolve their family law disputes than in a courtroom. We are proud to work with a team of highly specialized professionals to address the entire family’s needs as we assist our clients in developing a new family dynamic, post-divorce, which includes providing tools to problem solve and co-parent for the best interest of their children.

POOR POSTURE, STRENUOUS EXERCISE, AND UNNATURAL MOVEMENTS MAY STRESS THE SPINE AND RESULT IN DETERIORATION. You may experience injuries or wear-and-tear that must be addressed by spine surgery. If your spine becomes damaged, it can be excruciatingly painful and restrict your movement, preventing you from being able to participate in your favorite activities and severely impacting your quality of life. Beyond pain relief and mobility, benefits of spine surgery include a reduction in prescription drugs, the ability to return to work, improved productivity, better fitness, stronger movement, and heightened mood.

“My goal as your orthopedic surgeon is to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life. I take great pride in watching my patients return to their favorite activities and/or sports. It is extremely gratifying to be able to relieve people’s pain. That’s why I chose this profession and love what I do.”

Nicholas E. Martin, MD THE ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE INSTITUTE

A strong outcome from a spinal operation relies on selecting the right doctor. You can follow a few simple steps to fi nd a surgeon you can trust with your back.

Clarify if the doctor is an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon. Both types of surgeons have the expertise to perform most spinal operations (although the former typically addresses tumors, the latter usually treats deformity).

Verify how much of the practice is spine operations. Doctors who center their work on the spine will tend to use more innovative methods and have greater expertise. One way to check how much surgery a doctor performs is to see if they belong to the North American Spine Society since anyone joining that association must confi rm that half or more of their practice is committed to the spine. Another important number to know is how many spinal surgeries the doctor performs annually.

Confirm the credibility and education of the surgeon by checking that they are boardcertified. You can check certification with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) by calling (866) ASK-ABMS. Make sure that the surgeon has neurological or orthopedic surgery certifi cation or is at least board eligible in those fields. It is also a good idea to verify how much training the surgeon has received.

When you meet with the surgeon, think about whether they make you feel comfortable and are helpful in addressing your concerns. The doctor should be clear in their responses. Select a doctor who is focused on informing you and helping you determine if the operation is the right choice. The surgeon should explain the challenges involved, along with a balanced view of benefits and risks.

Speak with other patients. Ask if they thought the surgeon was highly skilled and if they would seek additional treatment from them. Verify that the doctor didn’t rush through explanations and treatment and that it was not difficult to reach them, particularly following the operation. Check that the surgeon’s staff was friendly and helpful.

Speak with other doctors too. It can be helpful to ask other physicians for their perspectives.

Spinal surgery can improve your mobility, alleviate pain, and allow you to return to work. While picking out the right doctor is fundamental, you can meet with a happy outcome by putting suffi cient care into the selection process.

Dr. Moore - Board certified and fellowship trained in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. He specializes in all aspects of orthopedics with special interests in ACL injuries and shoulder instability, fracture care and pediatric orthopedics

Dr. Martin - Fellowship trained in hip and knee joint replacement surgery including Mako Robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, minimally invasive anterior hip approach and complex repair of periprosthetic fractures of the hip and knee.

Monday - Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

817-529-1900

HORMONES CONTROL THE MAJORITY OF YOUR BODY’S BASIC FUNCTIONS. They work as your cell-to-cell communication system, coordinating things like mood, appetite, desire, growth, immune function, and energy levels. If your hormones become even slightly imbalanced, it can have a huge negative impact on your physical and mental health. When we age, hormone levels decline, which results in an array of unsettling symptoms. Unexplained weight gain? Low energy? No sex drive? Brain fog? Increasingly, people are turning to hormone replacement therapies (HRT) to greatly reduce or eliminate symptoms. Choosing a qualified hormone therapy center can help you reclaim your youthful self.

“Not all providers are equally knowledgeable about hormone therapy. It is important to find the experts in the field to help provide you with the most individualized plan of care possible. Hormones are not “one-size-fits-all”- providers must focus on unique treatment plans for YOU, to make sure your personal needs are met.”

You don’t have to live with mood swings, weight gain, decreased libido, and loss of vitality caused by declining hormone levels. In recent years, hormone therapies and their overall availability have advanced significantly. These treatments have become very popular due to their success in helping men and women enjoy a more youthful level of health and vitality. Maybe you’ve seen one or more hormone therapy centers open up in your neighborhood or near your work. How do you choose a center that’s right for you?

The fi rst step involves a little investigative work. Search for hormone therapy centers in your area and take a look at two or three of them. If you go to the staff pages of local therapy center websites, you can see the names of the physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and

BY SAMANTHA GLUCK

other professional staff. A reputable center will be headed up by either a medical doctor (MD) or nurse practitioner (FNPC) and may or may not have several other healthcare staff members to assist.

Look at the services offered and make sure they include a variety of hormone replacement therapies. Most will provide HRT for women and for men, but some stick to one or the other. So, it’s important to check that out before showing up at the front desk. You should also fi nd out what type of therapy is offered — there are many different vehicles for therapy, from tablets to patches to creams to subcutaneous pellets.

Next, it’s time to do a little leg work. Reach out to the practice you are considering to ask questions. Even though you haven’t made an appointment, the staff should welcome you and take time to answer your questions. Some questions you might ask include: What are the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy for men and women? Do you offer prescriptive vitamin supplements to support wellness and nutrition? What types of tests will you require to determine what therapies I need? What does hormone replacement therapy typically cost? If the staff members answer your questions professionally and to your satisfaction, that’s a great sign.

Also, glance around the facility itself. Take home some brochures or any other materials they’re able to provide. One consideration still worth mentioning is location. Choose a treatment center that meets the other criteria but is also convenient for you. Certain hormone replacement therapies may require more frequent visits. You don’t want to have to drive more than necessary to get the help you need to live your best life.

We listen to you, even when you have found that no one else will We can help you work through your symptoms and figure out the root cause, not just cover it up with medications You know when you don’t feel like yourself & we can help

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HORMONE IMBALANCE

Reduced mental focus & memory

Difficulty sleeping

Irritable, anxious or depressed

Decreased muscle strength, joint pain

Reduced sexual desire and performance

MANY OF THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE AS A PARENT IMPACT YOUR CHILDREN’S OVERALL SUCCESS IN LIFE. The schools they attend are very important considerations. Because of this, a growing number of parents are considering private schools. Studies indicate that better discipline, a better learning environment, smaller class sizes, and improved student safety are some of the top reasons parents send their children to private schools, as well as higher standardized test scores. Other factors include special needs, religious curriculums, programs that further develop a child’s natural talents, and environments that support the development of emotional and interpersonal social skills.

“Once you have a list of schools you are interested in for your child, take the time to visit the schools on the top of your list. A visit during school hours is invaluable to see the learning environment and community. In many cases, you will know what school is right for your family by what you see, what you hear, and how the school makes you feel. Can you see your child belonging to this school?”

Dr. Sarah Schecter HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL AT THE OAKRIDGE SCHOOL

Start by considering your child’s needs along with your own desires as you begin your quest to fi nd the right private school. Make two lists of questions — ones to ask yourself and ones for the schools you tour. Ask yourself what type of student your child is and answer honestly. Then think about the general characteristics of a school where you believe they will be most successful. Ask what some of the challenges are that your child struggles with — socially, academically, or from a learning ability perspective. How will your child benefit from small class sizes? How important are athletics or a robust fi ne arts program for your child? What kind of school-sponsored extracurricular activities is your child interested in? Other important criteria include the tuition you can afford and if fi nancial aid programs are available if the tuition is out of reach.

If you have more than one child who will be attending a private school and want to keep them in the same school, then you need to consider the traits, skills, and abilities of all of your children. Since they may vary, be prepared to look for a school that can generally benefit all of them.

Once you’ve done this, start doing some research and create a list of the best prospects. As you search, prepare a list of questions for each school you will be touring. For example, what are the school’s philosophy and vision, and how do they apply it in the classroom and on the campus? What is the current student-toteacher ratio in each specific grade level, and what are the school’s accreditations? Ask about the teachers’ qualifications, the school’s co-curricular activities, and how technology is integrated into the classroom and curriculum. Inquire about college matriculation, available AP classes, and even travel-abroad and community service programs. Ask what type of student the school is looking for in general because you want your child to thrive and feel comfortable as opposed to leaving them feeling out of place or unwanted.

When visiting schools, take your time and observe the students, teachers, and parents. If it helps, take notes. Do the students and teachers appear engaged? Do students seem attentive? Can you envision your child being successful at this school?

Lastly, get your child’s input on the schools they’ve visited. Listen with an open mind. If your child is staunchly opposed to a particular school, get to the bottom of these feelings before making a fi nal decision.

The best way to experience the Oakridge Family and to learn about all that we have to offer is to visit our beautiful campus.

THEOAKRIDGESCHOOL.ORG

JESSICA TOMES

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING CHRONIC MUSCLE PAIN? Have you noticed that you are wearing out your shoes differently? Maybe you suffer from regular headaches, or you’ve recently been in an accident. There are many reasons to visit a chiropractor for an adjustment — these are just a few of the more common complaints chiropractors tend to hear from their patients daily. Whatever the reason for scheduling an appointment, you want to make sure you are selecting the right chiropractor for your specific needs and symptoms. So how do you do that?

“If you have been suffering from back pain, don’t wait another second to begin your road to recovery. Chiropractic techniques can assist patients with the rediscovery of health and wellness that had been previously known but long lost. For others, the chiropractic journey may offer a new sense of balance and wellness that one has never before experienced.”

Michael C. Bank, DC BACK 2 WELLNESS CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic treatment is a physical procedure — experts say consideration should be given to doctor-patient rapport and joint manipulation style. You’ll want to ask your current healthcare providers for recommendations. You want to select someone competent and trustworthy. You can also ask friends and co-workers for advice but remember that one person’s defi nition of the “best chiropractor” may look entirely different than the next. The goal is to find the best fit for your individual chiropractic needs. Multiple referrals for the same chiropractor are usually a good sign and probably something worth checking out. You’ll probably want to fi nd out who takes your insurance.

Before selecting a chiropractor and beginning treatment, either “interview” the potential chiropractic candidates over the phone or (ideally) schedule an in-office consultation. This will allow you to learn more about the chiropractor, the practice, and the techniques or treatment methods used, which can vary widely. You may also want to consider office waiting times, ease of scheduling, and location, as these may affect your overall experience. Because of the nature of chiropractic treatment, you will want to feel very comfortable with the chiropractic clinic you select.

Is the chiropractor friendly and courteous? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they fully answer all your questions? How many years do they have in practice? Do they have a specific undergraduate or postgraduate specialty? (Not a requirement, but some chiropractors decide to pursue postgraduate programs in related specialties that could be useful in treating your issue.) Have they treated many patients with conditions like yours? You’ll want to ask about treatment plans and costs. Some chiropractors perform joint manipulation with their hands only, while others use instruments. Some treat using quick and fi rm manipulation, while others employ a lighter touch. Treatment is largely derived from the individual preferences of both the healthcare provider and the patient, so make sure to choose someone who listens to your concerns and considers your wishes. You may need to do additional research on any techniques the chiropractor says will be used before making up your mind.

Check with your state’s Chiropractic Regulation and Licensing Board — to verify potential chiropractic candidates are in good standing and without disciplinary action. Selecting any healthcare professional is a big deal. Don’t feel like you must choose the very first chiropractor you meet with. Feel free to interview many candidates before making your decision. The chiropractor’s role is to make treatment recommendations. Ultimately, you choose whether to accept.